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Savills

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FY2021 Annual Report · Savills
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Savills plc
Annual report  
and accounts  
2021

Our vision
To be the property partner of choice for 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.

Culture and values
Savills has a strong and well embedded culture, 
founded on an entrepreneurial approach and 
underpinned by our values and operational 
standards. We recognise our responsibility as a 
global corporate citizen and we are committed 
to doing the right thing in the right way.

See more online at 
https://ir.savills.com

Our global size  
and strength

p05

Our people and  
our knowledge

Pride in 
everything 
we do

Take an 
entrepreneurial 
approach to 
business

p10

Our expertise  
and technology

p04

Help our people 
fulfil their true 
potential

Always act  
with integrity

Overview
02  Group highlights
04  Savills at a glance

Strategic report
06  Chairman’s statement
10  Our business explained
12  Market insights
18  Key Performance Indicators
20  Chief Executive’s review
28  Chief Financial Officer’s review
31 
39  Viability statement
40  Stakeholder engagement with s.172
45  Responsible business
65  Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD)
69  Non-financial information statement 2021

 Principal and emerging risks and uncertainties facing the business

Governance
70  Governance Overview

70   Applying the Principles of the 2018 UK Corporate 

Governance Code

71  Leadership and Company Purpose

 Chairman’s introduction

71 
74   Board of Directors
78   Group Executive Board
82   Board Attendance in 2021
83   Purpose, Culture and Value
84   Board Activities in 2021
86   Engagement with stakeholders

87  Division of Responsibilities

87   Corporate Governance Structure
88   Division of the Responsibilities of the Directors

92  Composition, Succession and Evaluation
92   Board composition and diversity
93   Nomination & Governance Committee Report
95   Board and Committee Evaluation

97  Audit, Risks and Internal Controls

97   Review of the effectiveness of the risk management 

and internal control systems

98   Audit Committee Report

106  Remuneration

106  Directors’ Remuneration Report

137  Directors’ Report
141 

 Statement of Directors’ responsibilities in respect 
of the financial statements

Financial statements
142  Independent Auditors’ Report
152  Consolidated income statement
153  Consolidated statement of comprehensive income
154  Consolidated and Company statements of financial position
155  Consolidated statement of changes in equity
156  Company statement of changes in equity
157  Consolidated and Company statements of cash flows
158  Notes to the financial statements
248  Shareholder information

01

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsOverviewAnnual report & accounts 2021 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Group highlights

Record revenue and 
profits resulting from 
extraordinarily strong 
trading recovery

Revenue 

Breadth of service 
(non-transactional)*

Reported profit 
after tax

£2,147.0m

(2020: £1,740.5m)

58% 

(2020: 62%)

£146.7m 

(2020: £68m)

£2,147.0m

£1,740.5m

58%

62%

£146.7m

2021

2020

2021

2020

2021

£68m

2020

Reported earnings 
per share

104.9p

(2020: 49.0p)

Underlying profit** 

Operating cash 
generation

£200.3m 

(2020: £96.6m)

£302.7m 

(2020 restated: £241.4m)***

104.9p

£200.3m

£302.7m

£241.4m

49.0p

2020

2021

£96.6m

2021

2020

2021

2020

Underlying profit 
margin**

9.3%

(2020: 5.6%)

9.3%

5.6%

Property under 
management (sq. ft.)

2.5bn 

(2020: 2.3bn)

Underlying earnings 
per share*

116.5p 

(2020: 56.8p)

2.5bn

2.3bn

116.5p

56.8p

2021

2020

2021

2020

2021

2020

02

Savills delivered a record performance 
in 2021 reflecting the significant recovery 
in both residential and commercial 
transactional markets supported by growth 
in our less transactional Investment 
Management, Property Management and 
Consultancy businesses.”

Mark Ridley 
CEO

 See pages 20 to 27

*  Defined as the % of Group revenue 
derived from non-transactional 
revenue streams. See Non-Financial 
Key Performance Indicators on page 
19 for further information.

**  Underlying profit is calculated 
by adjusting reported pre-tax 
profit for profit/loss on disposals, 
share-based payment adjustments, 
amortisation and impairment of 
intangible assets arising from 
business combinations, impairment 
of goodwill, significant restructuring 
costs, transaction-related costs 
and other items that are considered 
significant in size or non-operational 
in nature. Refer to Note 2.3 and Note 
8 to the financial statements for 
further explanation of underlying 
profit measures.

*** See Note 2.29 for details on the prior 

year restatement.

Assets under 
management

€25.8bn 

(2020: €21.1bn)

€25.8bn

€21.1bn

2021

2020

Reported pre-tax 
profit margin

8.5% 

(2020: 4.8%)

8.5%

4.8%

2021

2020

Geographical spread 
(% non-UK)

57% 

(2020: 59%)

57%

59%

2021

2020

03

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsOverviewAnnual report & accounts 2021Savills at a glance

Demonstrating  
geographic and  
business diversity

Where our 
expertise lies

Established in 1855, Savills plc is one of the leading real 
estate advisors in the world. Our range of expertise covers 
all the key segments of residential, office, industrial, retail, 
leisure, healthcare, rural and hotel property, and mixed-use 
development schemes.

Transaction Advisory

Investment Management

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

 See pages 23 and 24

Property and Facilities Management

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 25

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

 See page 27

Consultancy

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

 See page 26

Our vision is to be the real estate 
adviser of choice in the markets 
we serve. We do not wish to be 
the biggest, just the best.

Staff

c.40,000

04

Locations

United Kingdom

Asia Pacific

43%

of revenue

29%

of revenue

Revenue

£925.6m

(2020: £710.7m)

Revenue

£626.5m

(2020: £575.7m)

Offices

128

(2020: 129)

Employees

8,840

(2020: 6,939)

Offices

59

(2020: 58)

Employees

27,813

(2020: 29,160)

Continental Europe 
and the Middle East

North America

14%

of revenue

14%

of revenue

Revenue

£301.2m

(2020: £240.7m)

Revenue

£293.7m

(2020: £213.4m)

Offices

50

(2020: 48)

Employees

2,525

(2020: 2,135)

Offices

41

(2020: 36)

Employees

912

(2020: 833)

Our global size  
and strength

We have an international 
network of circa 700 offices 
and associates and circa 40,000 
staff throughout the UK, Asia 
Pacific, the Americas, Continental 
Europe, Africa and the Middle East, 
offering a broad range of specialist 
advisory, management and 
transactional services to clients 
all over the world.

Staff

c.40,000

Offices and associates

c.700

05

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsOverviewAnnual report & accounts 2021Chairman’s statement

Chairman’s 
statement

Results
The Group’s revenue increased by 23% 
to £2.15bn (2020: £1.74bn), with strong 
trading in the last quarter of the year 
led by the UK and Asia Pacific regions. 
Both Continental Europe and the Middle 
East (‘CEME’) and North American 
regions recovered to reverse 2020’s 
losses delivering better than expected 
profits for 2021. With more than half of 
the revenue growth from the Transaction 
Advisory business and reduced levels 
of discretionary expenditure, underlying 
profit for the year substantially 
increased by 107% to £200.3m (2020: 
£96.6m), reflecting a margin of 9.3% 
(2020: 5.6%). The Group’s reported 
profit before tax increased by 120% 
to £183.1m (2020: £83.2m).

Overview
Savills delivered a record revenue and 
profit performance in 2021, reflecting 
both the robustness and geographic 
diversity of our business and the 
strategy of maintaining staffing levels 
throughout the course of the pandemic. 
Overall, our Transaction Advisory 
revenue increased 34%, our less 
transactional businesses of Consultancy 
and Property Management grew revenue 
by 24% and 9% respectively. The UK 
Residential Transaction Advisory business 
delivered a record performance with a 
revenue increase of 38%.

Despite the backdrop of pandemic-
related uncertainty in 2021, the UK 
performed exceptionally well across all 
business lines. There were notably strong 
performances from the Transactional 

Business lines, albeit Commercial office 
leasing volumes remained below historic 
averages in the majority of markets. 
Savills strengths in both logistics and 
retail warehousing, both of which 
enjoyed significant volume increases 
year-on-year, also contributed to our 
overall outperformance. The UK prime 
residential market continued to perform 
extremely strongly and volumes in the 
Prime Central London market clearly 
began to improve through the last 
quarter of the year.

In Asia Pacific, the business as a whole 
had a good finish to the year. Hong 
Kong sales activity and market share 
were strong and Australia, Singapore 
and Japan also enjoyed strong trading 
activity in the final quarter. In both 
CEME and North America the increase 
in transaction volumes resulted in profits 
in both regions for the year. Commercial 
Transaction revenues increased 27% and 
28% year-on-year in CEME and North 
America respectively. 

Savills Investment Management 
outperformed expectations, as a result of 
new fund launches and strong investment 
performance from the majority of our 
products, together with the benefit of the 
acquisition of DRC Capital LLC (‘DRC’) 
from the end of May in attractive markets 
for real estate debt investment. Capital 
raising and deployment were robust 
following the cautious approach adopted 
across the markets during the pandemic. 
A number of new funds successfully 
launched during the year and Assets 
Under Management (‘AUM’) increased 
22% to €25.8bn (2020: €21.1bn).

Underlying profit

£200.3m

(2020: £96.6m)

Underlying profit margin

9.3%

(2020: 5.6%)

Nicholas 
Ferguson CBE
Chairman

9 March 2022

06

The Group experienced 
an extraordinarily strong 
trading recovery in 
2021, resulting in record 
revenue and profits.”

The increase in transaction volumes, 
alongside substantially lower levels of 
discretionary expenditure (travel, 
entertainment and marketing events all 
remained severely curtailed), resulted in an 
increase to the Group underlying profit 
margin to 9.3% (2020: 5.6%). 

The impact of the above factors on the 
Group underlying profit margin delivered an 
increase in reported profit before tax of 120% 
to £183.1m, representing an 8.5% reported 
pre-tax profit margin (2020: 4.8%). 

Currency movements in the year decreased 
revenue by £49.8m, underlying profit by 
£4.1m and reported profit before taxation 
by £3.2m.

Impact of COVID-19 and war in Ukraine
The real estate sector has shown resilience in 
the face of the pandemic. Global real estate 
investment volumes substantially recovered 
during the year, with volumes 59% higher 
than 2020. Office investment remains below 
pre-pandemic levels, however volumes in the 
highly sought-after industrial sector were up 
61% on 2019 levels. Residential became the 
largest sector for investment globally during 
2021, with investors attracted to its secure, 
income generating qualities.

Globally, office leasing volumes have been the 
slowest transactional segment to recover as 
Corporate Occupiers assess both return to 
work strategies for their staff and, increasingly, 
the Environmental, Social and Governance 
(‘ESG’) impact of their leasehold estates.

The UK housing market performed strongly 
in 2021, delivering double digit house price 
growth and the highest level of transactional 
activity since 2007. The prime housing 
markets performed particularly strongly 
with activity levels remaining buoyant even 
after the end of an extended stamp duty 
holiday, despite reduced levels of publicly 
marketed stock during the second half of the 
year. Prime transactions were more heavily 
weighted to the markets beyond London, as 
buyers continued to reassess their housing 
needs in the search for space.

07

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsOverviewAnnual report & accounts 2021Chairman’s statement continued

In the Asia-Pacific region, investors were resilient in 
the face of varied pandemic-related restrictions and 
geopolitical concerns in 2021 with an estimated 30% 
rise in volumes compared with 2020. In many countries 
which experienced significant lockdowns, real estate 
markets appear to have learned how to manage on a 
“business as usual” basis.

In Europe, there was also a strong rebound in 
European commercial and residential investment 
volumes in 2021 despite the ongoing pandemic-related 
disruptions. European investment volumes reached an 
apex during the final quarter of 2021, marking a 25% 
jump in volumes on the past 5-year average. 

In North America, corporate office leasing markets 
improved somewhat during the period, which became 
increasingly apparent in the last quarter of 2021. The 
tech and life science sector continues to lead demand 
as the five prominent American tech giants expanded 
in key talent hubs with buildings that will incentivise in-
office employee collaboration and satisfaction, even as 
hybrid work policies remained largely in force. Demand 
for industrial space also continued at a record pace and 
average vacancy has reduced to 4.5% across the US.

It is too early to predict the impact of the crisis in 
Ukraine on the world’s real estate markets. Savills derives 
immaterial revenues (<0.1%) from clients of Russian 
origin and we have suspended our long-standing 
franchise relationship with an agency in Moscow. 
The Group does not have operations in Ukraine.

Sustainability in real estate
Decarbonising the real estate sector is an urgent and 
pressing need; a challenge that COP26 highlighted. 
Consequently, ESG considerations are increasingly 
defining both investor and occupier decisions. In 
Europe, ESG is already actively shaping the assets 
and geographies in demand, a trend set to spread 
globally over coming periods. Throughout the period, 
Savills engaged our in-house sustainability expertise 
to audit the Group’s footprint and recommend the 
strategy for progressing to net Zero. The 2021 Annual 
Report contains the Group’s first report under the 
Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures 
(‘TCFD’) framework. In summary, we have achieved 
significant reductions in Scope 1 and 2 CO2 emissions 
since 2016, which represented 6,738 tonnes CO2e in 
2021. We are committing to Science-Based Targets to 
deliver our goals, consistent with a no greater than 1.5°C 
temperature increase, of achieving Scope 1 and 2 net 
zero by 2030 and net zero in our value chain (i.e. Scope 
3, including assets under the Group’s control) by 2040.

Business development 
Savills strategy is to be a leading multi-sector property 
advisor in the key markets in which we operate. Our 
global strategy is delivered locally by our experts 
on the ground with flexibility to adapt quickly to 
changes in circumstances and opportunities. They 
are supported by our global cross-border investment, 
residential and occupier services specialists. Over 
the last few years we have acquired a number of 
complementary businesses and added teams and 
individual hires to our strong core business. 

During the pandemic, the Group has continued to 
focus on strategic development of the business, which 
has been enabled by the Group’s strong balance 
sheet. In the first half of the year, Savills Investment 
Management completed the accelerated acquisition 
of the outstanding 75% of DRC Capital (a related 
party), the specialist European Real Estate Debt 
Investment Manager.

In December 2021, the Group entered a significant 
strategic partnership between Savills Investment 
Management and Samsung Life Insurance (‘SLI’) to 
accelerate the future growth of the Savills Investment 
Management business. The Group sold an initial 25% 
stake in the Savills Investment Management business 
to SLI for consideration of £71.7m, of which £63.7m 
was received on completion. SLI, in turn, is committed 
to investing in excess of US$1bn into Savills Investment 
Management products over the initial five year term of 
the relationship. 

Earlier in the year, the Group acquired T3 Advisors, 
a leading Real Estate advisor in the Life Science 
and Technology sectors in North America. In Q4 we 
enhanced our Asia Pacific project management and real 
estate consulting capabilities through the acquisition of 
60% of the Merx Group of companies headquartered 
in Singapore. The Group also further strengthened our 
market leading position in Spain by acquiring a largely 
retail property management business.

Since the end of the year, the Group has also entered 
into a business venture with leading Berlin-based real 
estate agent Thomas Zabel as part of our expansion 
strategy in the European residential market.

In addition to the acquisitive growth in our business, 
we continue to undertake organic growth initiatives 
across the platform, with significant recruitment across 
all our regions, with particular focus on North America, 
Greater China and CEME.

Revenue

£2,147.0m

(2020: £1,740.5m)

Reported profit after tax

£146.7m

(2020: £68.0m)

08

Focus on technology
Technology continues to be an important focus for the 
Group, and we benefit from the investments we have 
made both internally and externally, through Grosvenor 
Hill Ventures (our technology investment subsidiary).

Across the Group data-led insight continues to help 
us solve many of the most complex real estate 
challenges our clients face. While markets around the 
world are at different phases of data transparency, our 
regional centres of excellence closely aligned to client 
facing teams help match real estate understanding 
with data expertise.

In the summer our award-winning Knowledge Cubed 
platform underwent a significant upgrade with the 
launch of a host of new “apps” to help corporate 
occupiers manage their real estate interests. In the 
UK auction market, we have continued to take market 
share by utilising our bespoke live-stream auctioning 
platform, and off this success have further expanded 
our commercial auction offering. 

As employees return to offices across the world, 
there is an increasing focus on tenant experience 
with landlord clients and their customers increasingly 
looking to deploy technology that reduces day-to-
day points of friction. We’ve observed an evolution 
from the pre-pandemic objective of “community 
building” particularly within the multi-tenant office 
environment to platforms that genuinely improve the 
occupational experience. Post year-end we completed 
the acquisition of one such platform “Cureoscity” 
which is currently being rolled out to our UK Property 
Management clients to enhance tenant security 
and experience.

Our technology-enabled flexible office brokerage 
Work there capitalised on the increased demand for 
flexible workspace across the globe. It delivered a very 
strong end to the year and has a good pipeline for 
2022, with particularly strong performances from the 
UK, US, Netherlands and France.

During the year we led a funding round into Income 
Analytics through Grosvenor Hill Ventures, alongside 
MSCI. This exciting business is a data technology 
firm which provides investors with proprietary global 
rental default risk measures on commercial real estate 
income at tenant, asset, fund and portfolio levels. 

Board
As previously announced, in January 2021 Philip 
Lee and Richard Orders joined the Board as Non- 
Executive Directors. Rupert Robson retired from the 
Board at the Annual General Meeting in May 2021 
and Tim Freshwater retired from the Board on 
31 December 2021. I thank them both for their 
enormous contribution to the Board over the years 
and Tim in particular for his valuable counsel latterly 
as Senior Independent Director. 

Dividends
A final ordinary dividend of 12.75p is recommended 
by the Board (2020: 17.0p), alongside a supplemental 
interim dividend of 15.6p (2020: nil). In addition, in 
view of the Group’s very strong recovery and cash 
generation since the lockdowns of 2020, the Board 
is also proposing a one-time special dividend of 
27.05p being similar to the 2019 final ordinary and 
supplementary dividends which were cancelled as 
COVID-19 took hold in March 2020.

The aggregate dividend of 55.4p will, subject to 
Shareholder approval for the recommended final 
dividend at the AGM on 11 May 2022, be paid on 
17 May 2022 to Shareholders on the register at 8 April 
2022. The total paid and recommended ordinary, 
supplemental and special dividend for the 2021 
financial year comprises an aggregate distribution 
of 61.4p (2020: 17.0p).

People
The strength of our recovery is an absolute testament 
to the commitment of our entire global workforce 
and I would like to express my thanks to all our staff 
worldwide for their hard work, their flexible approach 
during challenging times and relentless commitment to 
client service.

Summary and outlook
Savills delivered a record performance in 2021 despite 
the backdrop of pandemic-related uncertainty in the 
year. This was a result of our strategy to maintain 
full operating strength and high levels of client 
service through the pandemic, enabling the Group to 
successfully service clients into the progressive recovery 
of many markets in which we operate. Our balance 
sheet remains strong and we continue to focus on 
developing our global businesses through the coming 
periods through acquisitions and organic growth.

The war in Ukraine has shocked the world and, in 
response, Savills is providing support both through 
international charities and via our Polish operation, 
focussing particularly on Ukrainian refugees. Our 
thoughts are with everyone affected in the region and 
we can only hope for a peaceful resolution as quickly 
as possible.

At this stage it is too early to predict the economic, 
including longer term inflationary, impact of the 
Ukrainian crisis on the world’s real estate markets. 
Subject to this key uncertainty, we would anticipate 
real estate transaction volumes to normalise in the year 
ahead, alongside the continued recovery of global 
markets as they emerge from pandemic-related 
disruptions. 

The Group has started the new year in line with our 
expectations.

Nicholas Ferguson CBE
Chairman

09

Reported profit after tax

£146.7m

(2020: £68.0m)

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsOverviewAnnual report & accounts 2021Our business explained

Our business model illustrates in 
simple terms how we create 
Shareholder value through improving 
the strength of our premium brand, 
and 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 have built our brand and reputation on the quality 
of our people, relationships, resources and processes. 
Savills has a strong and well embedded culture, 
founded on an entrepreneurial approach and founded 
on our values and operational standards. All that we 
do is underpinned by strong governance, a disciplined 
approach to risk management 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 70 
to 141.

1

Our resources & relationships

Outstanding people
Local knowledge 
Entrepreneurial approach

Intellectual property
Market intelligence 
Brand and reputation

Long-term client relationships
Client care programmes 
High quality service

Financial
Prudent capital structure 
Strong cash generation

2

Our business model

Defensive, scale business

Cyclical high-margin businesses

Revenue by business

Property and facilities 
management

35%

10

Consultancy

18%

Investment  
management

5%

Commercial  
transactions

31%

Residential  
transactions

11%

Intellectual property

Market intelligence 

Brand and reputation

Financial

Prudent capital structure 

Strong cash generation

We are committed to delivering the highest 
levels of client service and creating long-term 
relationships with our clients. Because of our 
personal approach to business, our people are 
fundamental to our business and we encourage 
an inclusive, open and supportive culture in which 
every individual is respected. We 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.

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. To be the real estate adviser of 
choice in our markets, and deliver superior financial 
performance, we aim to employ people of the highest 
quality supporting the delivery of the highest 
standards of client service.

By choosing Savills, our clients have access to over 
39,000 staff with a broad range of experience, skills 
and local knowledge, based in offices in key real estate 
locations across the globe, and benefit from our 
extensive market research material.

3 Underpinned by

4 Our value creation

Our values

 ƒ Pride in everything we do

 ƒ Take an entrepreneurial  
approach to business

 ƒ Help our people fulfil their  

true potential

 ƒ Always act with integrity

Governance

 ƒ Board oversight 

 ƒ High standards of governance

Disciplined  
approach to risk

 ƒ Risk mitigation to limit exposure  
to any one market or economy

 ƒ Business and geographic 

diversification

Shareholders

Dividends

34.35p

27.05p

Ordinary and supplemental

Special

61.4p

Aggregate

Reported profit after tax

Underlying profit

£146.7m

£200.3m

Reported earnings 
per share

Underlying earnings 
per share

104.9p

116.5p

People
 ƒ Developing talent 

Employee 
engagement
 ƒ Diversity and 

Inclusion

Clients
 ƒ High quality service – 
Client relationship

 ƒ Client care – 

Client relationship 
management team

Community
 ƒ Reducing environmental impact –  

Carbon emission reduction

 ƒ Community investment – Community 

engagement programmes

11

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsOverviewAnnual report & accounts 2021Market insights

UK 
Commercial

2021 saw a steady recovery 
in most areas of the UK 
commercial property market, 
with some parts of the 
market seeing more robust 
transactional volumes that  
in 2019.

The total volume of commercial investment 
transactions last year was £65 billion, 38% up 
on 2020 and the highest level since 2017. The 
largest year-on-year percentage increases in 
transactional volumes were in shopping centres 
and leisure, though the highest volumes remained 
in offices and industrials.

The proportion of investment that came from 
non-domestic investors in 2021 was exactly in 
line with the long-run average of 46%, though 
European and North American investors were 
more active than those from Asia-Pacific due to 
travel restrictions.

Leasing volumes were up year-on-year in all asset 
classes, with logistics achieving another record 
leasing volume (7% up year-on year, 46% up on 
the long-term average), and regional office take-
up growing by 29%.

The central London office leasing market saw 
a strong recovery in the second half of 2021, 
leading to a 91% year-on-year increase in 
take-up. However, leasing activity in central 
London remained five percent below its long-
run average due to a slow return to the office 
by staff in some locations.

Canada Water
British Land instructed Savills as 
residential sales and commercial leasing 
agents on their 53-acre Canada Water 
project. This will be the UK’s most 
sustainable regeneration scheme and 
London’s first net zero neighbourhood, 
and is expected to deliver up to 
3,000 new homes, two million sq ft of 
workspace and one million sq ft of retail, 
leisure, entertainment and community 
space including proposed health and 
social infrastructure, and educational 
uses for all ages.

Case Study

Increase in investment 
transactions from 2020

+38%

12

Case Study

Barrington Hall – guide price £15m
A beautifully refurbished large Grade II* Listed 
country house set in around 42 acres on the 
Essex and Hertfordshire borders, Savills sold 
Barrington Hall in 2021, breaking the price record 
for the area. Savills previously sold the house 
to the developer who undertook an extensive 
renovation over three years and reunited the 
estate with its former coach house to create the 
world-class property it is today.

Increase in transactions 
levels on 2020

+45%

Urban rental markets showed a strong 
recovery in the second half of the year, as 
social distancing measures were relaxed and 
demand from key tenant groups – such as 
young professionals, students and corporates 
– returned.

The strong housing market underpinned 
sales of new homes which, in turn, fed 
strong demand for consented and strategic 
development land., despite changes to the 
Help to Buy scheme that is due to come to 
an end by April 2023.

UK 
Residential

The UK housing market 
performed strongly in 
2021 delivering double 
digit house price growth 
and the highest level of 
transactional activity 
since 2007. 

The prime housing markets performed 
particularly strongly with activity levels 
remaining buoyant even after the end of 
an extended stamp duty holiday, despite 
reduced levels of publically marketed stock.

Prime transactions were more heavily 
weighted to the market beyond London, as 
buyers continued to reassess their housing 
needs. However activity levels in the capital 
were still higher than the pre-pandemic norm.

While the prime central London market 
continued to be primarily driven by UK 
resident buyers activity levels held up well, 
with levels of spend in the £5m+ market over 
£5.5bn for the first time since 2014.

13

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsOverviewAnnual report & accounts 2021Market insights continued

North America

2021 brought increased 
stabilisation across the U.S. 
commercial real estate and 
economic markets, even in the 
face of the surging COVID-19 
Omicron variant.

With signs of recovery taking hold across 
many sectors, 2022 brings hope that positive 
momentum will continue into the new year. 
After peaking at 14.7% in April 2020, U.S. 
unemployment has been improving steadily and 
was at 3.9% in December 2021, the first time it 
has fallen under 4.0% since the pandemic’s onset. 
Real GDP increased 5.7% in 2021 on an annual 
level, in contrast to a decrease of 3.4% in 2020. 

Office demand picked up substantially starting 
in the third and fourth quarters, resulting in a 
20% increase in annual leasing volume compared 
to 2020. Many companies continued to delay 
return-to-office plans over the winter to keep 
employees safe, however organisations seem 
far more confident in making longer-term office 
real estate decisions now than at any prior point 
during the pandemic thus far. Tech continues to 
lead demand as the FAANG giants expand in key 
talent hubs and invest in office spaces that will 
incentivise in-office employee collaboration and 
satisfaction, even as hybrid work policies evolve.

Demand for industrial space continues at a 
record pace and vacancy ended the year at 4.4% 
on average across the U.S. and is as low as 1.0% 
– 3.0% in key markets like Southern California 
and Northern New Jersey. Given current supply 
chain issues, occupiers are expanding into new 
industrial markets across the country to reduce 
reliance on specific ports and transportation 
networks. A total of 68 metro areas across 
the U.S. and Canada are forecasted to see at 
least 10 million square feet of new warehouse 
construction over the next five years.

The U.S. capital markets recovery is fully 
underway with commercial sales volumes surging 
in the second half of the year. The relatively stable 
yield provided by some sectors combined with 
optimism around income growth generated a 
frenzy of activity resulting in more than $140 
billion in transactions in major metros. Multifamily 
and industrial product (including life sciences 
R&D space) account for more than 60% of this 
volume and will continue to be key areas of focus 
in the coming year. Pent-up demand and market 
stabilization will fuel higher levels of investment 
volume throughout 2022 though interest rates 
will be closely watched as the Fed is expected to 
raise interest rates in the coming year to address 
inflationary concerns.

Case Study

Kirkland & Ellis – Chicago, Illinois
Savills was part of a team that represented 
international law firm Kirkland & Ellis in one of the 
largest downtown Chicago office leases of the 
past decade when it secured an approximately 
600,000 square foot lease at 333 W. Wolf Point 
Plaza Drive, the 60-story, 1.2 million square foot 
building also known as Salesforce Tower Chicago. 
Savills, in conjunction with Newmark, oversaw and 
executed the real estate strategy including lease 
negotiations and site selection for Kirkland & Ellis. 

With 1,700 Chicago-based employees, Kirkland 
& Ellis is the largest law firm in the city and the 
highest-grossing law firm in the world. 

This transaction is the largest downtown office lease 
since Kirkland’s prior move to a 650,000 square 
foot office at 300 North LaSalle Street in 2009.

14

Case Study

Pan European Logistics 
Portfolio
Savills, together with Eastdil Secured, has 
advised Macquarie Capital Principal Finance 
and Elite Partners Capital on the sale of a pan-
European logistics portfolio, Elite Logistics 
Fund I to Blackstone European Property 
Income Fund (BEPIF) for EUR 520 million.

Total European 
investment volumes

€351bn

Europe

The total European 
investment volumes 
reached approximately 
€351bn in 2021, a record 
high, 26% up on the past 
five-year average.

This very high volume was fuelled by large 
portfolio deals, notably mergers & acquisitions 
within the living sectors.

In the context of improved travelling 
conditions, cross border capital invested 
in Europe increased by 28% year on year 
and represented nearly half of the total 
amount invested in the region, notably 
driven by increased activity from northern 
American funds.

European multifamily investment volumes 
reached approximately €92.3bn in 2021, 
a 79% increase year on year and a 120% 
increase on the past five-year average. 
Hence, multifamily has joined offices as the 
largest two real estate sectors in Europe, 
accounting for 25.2% and 28.1%, respectively, 
of total investment. Investment activity within 
the logistics sector also increased sharply 
by 58% year on year, and reached €64.8bn 
in 2021.

European office take-up reached 8.2m sq 
m during 2021, down 11% on the previous 
five-year average, but a 25% increase 
against 2020, as the office market recovery 
continues to take shape. Among the most 
resilient performers were Oslo (+13% vs five 
year average), La Defense (+8%), London 
West End (+4%) and Paris (+1%) marking 
a reversal of the trend observed in 2020. 
European office vacancy rates rose from 7.1% 
to 7.2% between Q2 and Q4 2021, although 
on a quarterly basis, average vacancy rates 
fell by 0.1%, marking the first decrease since 
the outbreak of the pandemic. A shortage 
of prime office stock has increased prime 
rents by an average of 3% over the past 12 
months as Munich (+17%), London City (+12%) 
and Amsterdam (+11%) reported the largest 
annual increases.

European logistics take-up reached a record 
38m sq m in 2021, 28% ahead of the previous 
five-year average. Germany (8.6m sq m), the 
Netherlands (6.9m sq m) and the UK (5.1m 
sq m) drove leasing activity. European 
logistics vacancy rates fell from 5.1% to 3.5% 
over the course of 2021, marking a record 
average low as Dublin (1.1%), the Netherlands 
(3.3%), the UK (2.9%) and Denmark (1.9%) 
remain among the most undersupplied 
markets. A shortage of prime logistics space 
has ultimately led to prime rents rising by 5% 
year on year as London (+25%), Dublin (+17%) 
and Prague (+12%) were among the fastest-
growing markets.

15

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsOverviewAnnual report & accounts 2021Market insights continued

Investment 
Management

Globally, 404 private equity 
real estate funds raised total 
capital of $194bn in 2021, 
according to Preqin data. 

While the number of funds has fallen again, the 
aggregate capital raised has risen, highlighting 
the trend for increasingly large funds dominating 
the market. According to INREV’s global 
investment intentions survey 2022 a continued 
appetite for real estate is evident as the current 
8.9% global allocation to the asset class is 120 
basis points below the 10.1% average target 
allocation. It is therefore no surprise that global 
property markets had a stellar 2021, RCA report. 
More than $1.3 trillion was spent on income-
producing property in 2021, 59% higher than the 
2020 total and 22% ahead of the prior peak in 
2019. These extraordinary figures were driven 
by global demand for apartment and industrial 
property, and a rebound in the U.S. market, in 
particular. The availability of capital remained 
high. At the end of 2021, that USD 285 billion in 
dry powder behind core, core+, value-add and 
opportunistic strategies wanted to be spent on 
global real estate markets, Preqin report.

More than

$1.3t

was spent globally on  
income-producing 
property in 2021

16

Case Study

241 O’Riordan Street and 
Clifford Gardens Shopping 
Centre, Australia 
Savills Investment Management completed 
the first Australian transactions, totalling 
US$230m, for the newly launched Asia-
Pacific Income and Growth Fund. The 
core-plus fund, with a targeted investment 
volume of US$1.2bn, completed the 
purchases of 241 O’Riordan Street, an 
11-storey US$117.4m office building, in 
Mascot, Sydney and Clifford Gardens 
Shopping Centre, a US$112.4m shopping 
centre in Toowoomba, Australia’s second-
largest inland city. In 2022 The Fund will 
continue to target opportunities in Asia 
Pacific’s key markets.

Case Study

Asia Pacific

2021 saw a strong rebound 
for most of the markets 
in the region, with China 
(8.1%), India (8.3%), and 
Singapore (7.4%) topping 
the list of best performing 
economies in terms of 
GDP growth rates. 

Export growth and a recovery in domestic 
consumption have been the key drivers 
behind economic progress.

By virtue of the positive economic landscape, 
commercial real estate transaction volumes 
have gone from strength to strength, even 
exceeding pre-COVID levels and passing 
the US$200bn mark for the first time, 
representing a 22% and 9.8% growth YOY 
over 2020 and 2019 respectively. China 
(US$55.1bn), Australia (US$40.4bn), Japan 
(US$38.6bn), South Korea (US$37.3bn), and 
Hong Kong (US$11.3bn) headed the list of the 
most active countries in the region. These 
top-performing markets saw a pronounced 
bounce back in 2021 especially Australia 
(105%) and Singapore (177%) while Japan 
lagged (-14%).

Louis Vuitton, Hanoi, Vietnam
Client:  
Services:  Dior and LV flagship stores in Ha Noi 
Location: International Centre, Ngo Quyen, Ha Noi, 

LVMH 

Size:  

Vietnam 
1,300 sqm  

Year: 2021

Challenge

 ƒ This transaction was quite complex as the moving 

parts included planning the refurbishment with the 
owner; liaising with both sets of design teams from the 
retailers and the owners; and completing both sets of 
commercial leases, relocations and fitting-out within 
the parameters of the project’s completion dates.

 ƒ Leases were completed as the pandemic was 

gaining momentum so there was some apprehension 
from all parties. 

 ƒ There were not many large floorplates in Ha Noi’s 
CBD that met all the requirements of the world’s 
leading brands like LV and Dior. 

Solution

 ƒ Assisted International Centre throughout with 

support for design planning, refurbishment, and 
fitting-out. 

 ƒ Gave advice on the timeline and commercial terms. 

 ƒ Engaged and supported all parties to find suitable 
and satisfying solutions. This meant working with 
the tenant, the landlord, and the design teams.

Result

 ƒ Successfully closed the largest luxury retail lease 

transaction in Ha Noi in recent years.

Major property types such as office and 
retail have again captured investor interest, 
given the upside potential alongside reviving 
commercial activity and after the significant 
declines in transaction volumes seen in 2020. 
The significance of logistics assets as a key 
supply chain component and data centres 
remains a feature of regional real estate 
demand as these ‘alternative’ asset classes 
are more widely accepted. 

Despite the optimistic outlook for the region, 
however, a developing divergence has been 
observed between governmental approaches 
to the evolving pandemic. Singapore has been 
implementing “Living with COVID” since late 
2021, and it is very likely that more markets 
will follow suit with more relaxed border 
restrictions and vaccinated travel lanes to 
align with Europe and the US. Meanwhile, 
China and Hong Kong have been reaffirming 
a “Zero-COVID” strategy with on-going 
travel restrictions and strict social distancing 
measures alongside lockdowns on the 
mainland. The impact of this disparity between 
markets on the regional economy and real 
estate markets will be a focus of 2022.

17

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsOverviewAnnual report & accounts 2021Key Performance Indicators

Financial KPIs

Revenue

Cash generation

Underlying profit

£2,147.0m

£302.7m

£200.3m

£2,147.0m

£1,740.5m

£1,913.4m

£302.7m

£241.4m

2021

2020

2019

2021

2020 
restated*

2019

£95.4m

£200.3m

£143.4m

£96.6m

2021

2020

2019

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

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

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 maintain strong cash 
generation to fund working 
capital requirements, 
Shareholder dividends and 
strategic initiatives of 
the Group.

The target
To deliver sustainable growth 
in underlying profit.

Underlying profit margin

Underlying earnings per share

Reported profit after tax

9.3%

9.3%

7.5%

5.6%

116.5p

£146.7m

116.5p

£146.7m

2021

2020

2019

2021

56.8p

2020

78.0p

2019

£68m

£83.6m

2021

2020

2019

The measure
Profitability after all operating 
costs but before the impact of 
exceptional costs and taxation.

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

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

The target
To deliver growth in 
underlying EPS to enhance 
Shareholder value.

The measure
Reported profit after tax growth 
is the increase/decrease in 
reported profit after tax year-
on-year and over a longer term.

The target
To deliver sustainable 
long-term growth in reported 
profit after tax.

*  See Note 2.29 for details on the prior year restatement.

18

Non-Financial KPIs

Reported earnings per share

Breadth of service offering

Geographical spread

104.9p

104.9p

49.0p

60.6p

2021

2020

2019

The measure
Reported EPS is the measure 
of reported profit generation 
and is calculated by dividing 
reported profit after tax by the 
weighted average number of 
shares in issue.

The target
To deliver long-term growth 
in reported EPS to enhance 
Shareholder value.

58.4%

(% non-transactional income)

56.9% 

(% non-UK)

58.4%

61.7%

57.1%

56.9%

59.2%

62.3%

2021

2020

2019

2021

2020

2019

The measure
Revenue by type of business.

The target
To maintain a healthy balance of 
transactional and less or non-
transactional business revenues.

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.

Property under management

Assets under management

2,450.9

(million sq. ft.)

€25.8bn

2,450.9m

2,347.5m

2,301.5m

€25.8bn

€21.1bn

€20.8bn

2021

2020

2019

2021

2020

2019

The measure
Total square footage property 
under management.

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

The measure
Growth in assets under 
management of our investment 
management business, Savills 
Investment Management.

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

19

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsOverviewAnnual report & accounts 2021Chief Executive’s review

Chief 
Executive’s 
review

The key 
components of 
our business 
strategy are 
as follows:

Business 
diversification

Geographical 
diversification

Commitment 
to clients by 
delivering the 
highest standards 
of client service

Strength in all real 
estate sectors

Maintenance 
of our financial 
strength

20

Mark Ridley
Group Chief 
Executive

Our strategy is to deliver value 
as a leading real estate advisor 
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.”

Key operating highlights
Significant upturn in both Residential and Commercial transactional markets, supported by 
growth in our Investment Management, Property Management and Consultancy businesses 
have all contributed to record profits in 2021.

2020’s strategy of 
maintaining full operating 
strength and high 
levels of client service 
positioned the Group 
well for the progressive 
recovery in 2021.

Overall the Group’s 
underlying profit  
increased to 

£200.3m

(2020: £96.6m)

Transactional Advisory 
revenues up 34% in 
recovering markets; 
Commercial Transaction 
revenue increased 35% 
overall with strong 
growth in the UK and 
Asia Pacific. Residential 
Transaction revenue 
up 31%. 

Property and Facilities 
Management revenue up 
9%, Consultancy revenue 
up 24%.

Less transactional 
businesses, in aggregate 
58% of Group revenue, 
continue to perform well 
with revenue up 17%.

Savills Investment 
Management revenue 
up, driven by base 
management fees 
growth of 30%. Assets 
under Management 
(‘AUM’) up 22% at 
€25.8bn.

The Group entered a 
significant strategic 
partnership between 
Savills Investment 
Management and 
Samsung Life Insurance 
(‘SLI’) to accelerate 
the future growth of 
the Savills Investment 
Management business. 

Continued investment 
in people, technology 
leadership and innovation 
in sustainability including 
the launch of Savills Earth 
consultancy services.

On a reported basis, profit 
before tax increased by 
120% to

£183.1m

(2020: £83.2m)

21

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsOverviewAnnual report & accounts 2021Chief Executive’s review continued

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

UK

Asia Pacific

CEME

North America

Unallocated

Total

Revenue £m

Underlying profit/(loss) £m

2021

2020

% growth

2021

2020

% growth

925.6

626.5

301.2

293.7

–

710.7

575.7

240.7

213.4

–

2,147.0

1,740.5

30

9

25

38

n/a

23

129.5

59.2

15.4

15.1

(18.9)

200.3

78.8

42.3

(2.2)

(8.4)

(13.9)

96.6

64

40

n/a

n/a

n/a

107

On a constant currency basis Group revenue increased by 26% to £2,196.8m, underlying profit increased 112% to 
£204.4m and reported profit before tax increased by 124% to £186.3m. Our Asia Pacific business represented 
29% of Group revenue (2020: 33%) and our overseas businesses as a whole represented 57% of Group revenue 
(2020: 59%). Our performance by service line is set out below:

Transaction Advisory

Property and Facilities Management

Consultancy

Investment Management

Unallocated 

Total

Revenue £m

Underlying profit/(loss) £m

2021

2020

% growth

892.9

745.6

396.7

111.8

–

667.2

681.9

320.6

70.8

–

2,147.0

1,740.5

34

9

24

58

n/a

23

2021

97.6

49.1

47.0

25.5

(18.9)

200.3

2020

% growth

19.4

44.8

31.5

14.8

(13.9)

96.6

403

10

49

72

n/a

107

Overall, our Commercial and Residential Transaction 
Advisory business revenues together represented 
42% of Group revenue (2020: 38%). Of this, the 
Residential Transaction Advisory business represented 
11% of Group revenue (2020: 10%). Our Property 
and Facilities Management businesses continued to 
perform well, growing year-on-year and representing 
35% of Group revenue (2020: 39%). Our Consultancy 
businesses represented 18% of revenue (2019: 19%). 
The Investment Management business had a strong 
performance, with revenue increasing by 58%. It 
represented 5% of Group revenue (2020: 4%).

People
The UK businesses have won many awards during 
2021 including Property Advisor of the Year’ at the 
2021 Education Investor Global awards, Sales and 
Letting Agency of the Year at the 2021 RESI Awards, 
the ‘Best Property Agency / Consultancy’ for London 
and UK in the International Property Awards 2021-22, 
and The Times Property Graduate Employer of Choice 
for the 15th consecutive year.

In our European business, Savills Aguirre Newman 
was awarded Best Real Estate Consultant in Spain 
at the Euromoney Real Estate awards for the tenth 
consecutive year.

In our Asian Pacific business, Savills China received 
awards from RICS for its excellent performance in the 
real estate industry, including Facility Management 
Team of the Year and Research Team of the Year.

In the US, these awards are a testament to the strength 
of our people, their use of technology and approach 
to client service and I thank them for their continued 
commitment, loyalty and hard work, particularly in 
such challenging times.

22

The Savills Group advises on commercial, residential, rural 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

Underlying profit

£892.9m

£97.6m

£892.9m

£828.2m

£97.6m

£667.2m

2021

2020

2019

2021

£69.8m

£19.4m

2020

2019

Contribution to 
Group revenue (%)

42%

58%

+34%

+8% change on 2019

YOY 
change

+403%

+40% change on 2019

YOY 
change

Transaction Advisory

Rest of Group

Overall the Asia Pacific Commercial Transactional 
business resulted in an underlying profit of £20.6m, 
more than six times higher than the previous year 
(2020: £3.3m) with a margin of 13.5% (2020: 3.2%).

UK Commercial
UK Commercial Transactional revenue grew by 44% 
to £115.2m (2020: £79.8m), reflecting improvement in 
both the investment and leasing sectors. 

Our capital markets revenues increased by 53%, 
representing a combination of market share gains 
and overall market recovery; UK commercial property 
investment volumes in 2021 were approximately £65bn, 
being 38% higher than the same period in 2020. Retail 
warehousing and industrial sectors experienced the 
strongest recovery, sectors in which Savills enjoys 
strong market positions. Our leasing revenues grew 
by 36% on 2020 (13% growth on 2019), with growth 
across our sector specialisms including Retail.

Improved revenue allied to significantly reduced 
discretionary costs in comparison with normal 
market conditions, combined to improve Underlying 
profit by 126% to £21.5m (2020: £9.5m 2019: £12.3m) 
representing a significant increase in margin to 18.7% 
(2020: 11.9%).

Transaction Advisory
Overall, our Transaction Advisory revenues increased 
by 34% (38% on constant currency basis) to £892.9m 
(2020: £667.2m). Globally our Commercial Capital 
Transaction business revenue increased by 44% and 
our Leasing and Occupier focused transactional 
revenues grew by 30%. Our Global Residential business 
revenue increased by 31%.

Underlying profits grew 403% to £97.6m (2020: 
£19.4m), with an increased underlying profit margin of 
10.9% (2020: 2.9%), as a result of the upturn in activity 
across most of our key markets.

Asia Pacific Commercial
Revenue from the Asia Pacific Commercial 
Transactional business increased by 47% to £153.0m 
(2020: £103.9m), an increase of 51% in constant 
currency, and exceeding 2019 revenues by 10%.

Investment markets recovered in the majority of 
our key markets, notably Hong Kong, Australia, 
Singapore and Japan as investors started to deploy 
capital after the slow-down in 2020. The exceptions 
were in Mainland China and South Korea where 
demand remained somewhat subdued. In China, both 
continued pandemic-related restrictions and the 
impact of recoverability of the bonds issued by certain 
major developers, affected investor sentiment. In South 
Korea by contrast, 2021 represented a reversion to 
more normal levels of activity after an unusually strong 
performance in 2020.

Leasing activity in the region also improved, notably 
in Australia and Singapore, as corporates which had 
delayed making longer term lease decisions during 
2020, began to commit to new leases.

23

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsOverviewAnnual report & accounts 2021Chief Executive’s review continued

North America
Revenue from the North America Transactional business 
increased by 28% to £263.6m (2020: £205.2m), an 
improvement of 36% in constant currency. 

Being mainly a transactional business focused primarily 
on occupiers, the business recovered as anticipated 
from the impact of Covid in 2020. The overwhelming 
majority of North American revenue relates to occupier 
leasing transactions and improved by 27% to £240.6m 
(2020: £190.1m). This compares favourably with 
the overall leasing volume in the US market, which 
increased 20% over 2020.

Capital markets revenues improved by 52% to £23.0m 
(2020: £15.1m). 

In addition, during the period discretionary 
expenditures such as travel and entertainment were 
suppressed, helping to deliver a recovery to underlying 
profit of £10.3m (2020: loss of £7.5m).

Continental Europe and the Middle East
In CEME, transaction fee income increased by 27% 
to £124.4m (2020: £98.2m); an improvement of 30% 
in constant currency. Our Investment revenues grew 
year-on-year by 25%, with significant recovery across 
the region, most notably in Ireland and Spain, whilst 
investment volumes in EMEA (excluding UK) reached 
€261bn in 2021, 4% above the previous five year 
average. Leasing revenues also recovered in 2021, with 
all three of our principal sectors up year-on-year 
(office by 18%, industrial by 41% and retail by 14%).

Our three largest contributors in this segment are 
Ireland, Germany and Spain. Ireland recovered 
significantly, having fallen by 65% in 2020, reaching 
88% of the 2019 pre-pandemic level. The majority of 
this improvement derived from capital transactions 
where Savills is clear market leader. Revenues in 
Germany were down 2%, but up 1% on a constant 
currency basis, with reductions in Investment 
and Office leasing offset by growth in Industrial 
transactions. On a constant currency basis, revenues 
in Germany were 3% higher than in 2019, having been 
one of the few global locations to have achieved 
revenue growth in 2020. The 12% increase in revenues 
in Spain was also principally due to improved 
investment markets. In general transactional activity, 
particularly in respect of investment, progressively 
recovered across the rest of CEME region which 
collectively delivered revenues of approximately 98% 
of 2019 pre-pandemic levels. 

As a result underlying profit increased to £1.4m 
(2020: £12.3m loss, 2019: £5.4m profit).

UK Residential
UK Residential Transactional revenue grew by 38% 
to £210.7m (£153.2m), with significant improvement 
in second hand agency revenues (up 48% year-on-
year), supported by robust performances in both new 
homes and our Private Rented Sector (PRS) capital 
markets teams. 

The UK housing market performed strongly in 2021 
delivering double digit house price growth and the 
highest level of transactional activity since 2007. The 
prime housing markets performed particularly strongly 
with activity levels remaining buoyant despite the 
end of the extended stamp duty holiday, although 
there were reduced levels of available stock by the 
end of the year. Prime transactions were more heavily 
weighted to the regional markets outside London, as 
buyers continued to reassess their housing needs in 
the search for space. The prime central London market 
continued to be predominantly driven by UK resident 
buyers and activity was resilient; indeed sales in the 
£5m+ market exceeded £5.5bn for the first time since 
2014. Overall Savills saw transaction levels increase by 
45% on 2020, with exchanges of 7,412 in 2021 (2020: 
5,128). The strong housing market underpinned sales 
of new homes which, in turn, fed strong demand for 
consented and strategic development land.

Revenue in the New Homes business increased by 
13% in 2021. The Regional business outperformed 2020 
with revenue increasing by 27% and London revenues 
remained stable. The Regional teams recorded 3,208 
(70%) of the total reservations; a 24% improvement on 
2020. In the London new homes market sales activity 
outside the central zone enjoyed similarly robust market 
conditions as the UK generally. However, in the more 
central prime locations, which are more dependent 
upon international buyers, activity continued to be 
relatively subdued as a result of international travel 
restrictions during much of the year.

Underlying profit increased by 69% to £38.9m 
(2020: £23.0m) reflecting a pre-tax margin of 18.5% 
(2020: 15.0%).

Asia Pacific Residential
Revenue from the Asia Pacific Residential Transaction 
business decreased by 3% to £26.0m (2020: £26.9m), 
a fall of 1% in constant currency. Whilst there was 
revenue growth in many of our markets including 
Mainland China and Australia, and an increased 
contribution from our joint venture in Singapore 
(Huttons), this was more than offset by reductions in 
activity in Hong Kong, where fewer prime transactions 
with mainland buyers took place during the period. 

Underlying profits grew by £1.5m to £4.9m (2020: 
£3.4m) supported by the higher profit contribution 
from Huttons, our residential joint venture agency in 
Singapore, and the benefit of cost reductions across 
the region.

24

Property and Facilities Management

Revenue

Underlying profit

£745.6m

£49.1m

£745.6m

£681.9m

£667.9m

£49.1m

£44.8m

£35.2m

Contribution to 
Group revenue (%)

65%

2021

2020

2019

2021

2020

2019

35%

+9%

YOY 
change

+12% change on 2019

+10%

+39% change on 2019

YOY 
change

Property and Facilities 
Management

Rest of Group

Property and Facilities Management
Our Property and Facilities Management businesses 
continued to perform well, with revenues growing 
by 9% to £745.6m (2020: £689.1m); 12% in constant 
currency. Savills total area under management 
increased by 4% to 2.45bn sq. ft. (2020: 2.35bn sq. ft.). 
Underlying profit increased by 10% to £49.1m (2020: 
£44.8m), 13% in constant currency.

Asia Pacific
In our Asia Pacific Property Management segment, 
revenues were £356.7m, a decline of 3% year-on-year 
(2020: £368.3m); a 1% increase in constant currency. 
There was 10% revenue reduction in facilities 
management (40% of the total revenue in this 
segment) as a result of certain contracts not being 
renewed in Hong Kong and South Korea, which was 
partially offset by a 2% increase in property 
management (which accounts for the other 60% of 
revenue in this segment). In Singapore, our investment 
in 2020 resulted in trading ahead of our expectations 
in 2021.

Underlying profits in 2021 were affected by the 
removal of 2020’s COVID-19 employment subsidies 
comprising a net year-on-year reduction of 
approximately £5m. The trail effect of 2020 subsidies 
meant that the underlying profit margin for the region 
continued to be the top end of the normalised margin 
range of 7.2% (2020: 7.5%) for this service line. In 
absolute terms, profit declined by only £1.9m (£0.7m 
on a constant currency basis) to £25.8m.

UK
The UK Property Management business grew revenues 
by 23% to £300.6m (2020: £245.0m) reflecting 
significant contracts won in 2021 and the full year 
effect of contracts won in 2020. The Residential 
Property Management Lettings team, which is also 
included in this segment, had a successful year, with 
revenues increasing by 10%, primarily as a result of 
the number of managed and tenanted properties 
increasing by 11% and 9% respectively. 

The higher revenues, along with a continued drive to 
improve efficiencies, increased underlying profit by 
28% to £22.0m (2020: £17.2m). 

Continental Europe and the Middle East
In the CEME Property Management business revenues 
were up by £19.7m (29%) to £88.3m (2020: £68.6m); 
33% on a constant currency basis. During August 
2020 we acquired a German property management 
business, OMEGA Immobilien Management GmbH 
and OMEGA Immobilien Service GmbH (‘Omega’), 
which contributed £11.5m of revenue to this segment 
in 2021 (2020: £3.6m). There was also revenue growth 
in the Middle East, following expansion in Egypt and 
an increase in ownership of the business in Saudi 
Arabia (previously a joint venture interest). Elsewhere, 
contract wins in Ireland, Spain and the Netherlands, 
and the full year effect of 2020 wins in France all 
contributed to the growth in this segment.

The Building and Project Consultancy platform, which 
is included in this segment at this early stage of its 
development, continued to expand with recently 
created teams in Italy, France, Poland and Sweden 
supplementing the significant growth in the Middle East.

As a result of the above factors underlying profit 
increased to £1.3m (2020: underlying loss of £0.1m).

25

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsOverviewAnnual report & accounts 2021Chief Executive’s review continued

Consultancy

Revenue

Underlying profit

£396.7m

£47.0m

£396.7m

£47.0m

£320.6m

£338.1m

£31.5m

£34.5m

2021

2020

2019

2021

2020

2019

+24%

+17% change on 2019

YOY 
change

+49%

+36% change on 2019

YOY 
change

Contribution to 
Group revenue (%)

18%

82%

Consultancy

Rest of Group

Cost increases and the impact of an internal re-
organisation between segments in China, restricted 
profitability overall with underlying profit increasing 
by 2% (6% on a constant currency basis) to £6.6m 
(2020: £6.5m).

Continental Europe and the Middle East
Revenues increased by 10% to £41.3m (2020: £37.5m), 
14% on a constant currency basis.

In Spain, which represents approximately 25% of 
CEME Consultancy, revenue increased by 14%, whilst 
in Germany, lower volumes of transactional related 
valuation work led to a 21% decline in revenue year-on-
year. All other countries collectively registered good 
growth in revenue.

Underlying profits grew by 4% on a reported basis to 
£2.5m (2020: £2.4m); 13% in constant currency. 

North America
As part of our strategy to diversify our income 
streams by building up our Consultancy practices, in 
March 2020 we announced the acquisition of Macro 
Consultants LLC, a national project management 
consultancy business, and in June 2021 we acquired 
T3 Advisors, a workplace solutions advisory firm 
specialising in the life science and technology sectors. 

As a result of a strong performance of these two 
acquisitions, the North America Consultancy revenues 
were £30.1m (2020: £8.2m) with an underlying profit 
of £4.8m (2020: underlying loss of £0.9m).

Consultancy
As clients across the Globe sought advice through 
the pandemic and in preparation for recovery, global 
Consultancy revenue increased by 24% to £396.7 
(2020: £320.6m); 25% on a constant currency basis. 
Underlying profit increased by 49% to £47.0m (2020: 
£31.5m); 52% on a constant currency basis. 

UK
The UK Consultancy businesses, comprising a broad 
range of advisory activities, increased revenue by 
19% to £244.0m (2020: £205.8m). Our Housing teams 
saw significant revenue growth through the impact of 
Government legislation on the sector and increased 
post lockdown access to housing stock for survey 
work, which had been delayed from 2020. The 
remaining principal Consultancy services (Building 
Consultancy, Planning, Development and Valuations) 
all registered increased revenue through the 
progressive recovery in general activity and increased 
focus on ESG in all aspects of Real Estate. This element 
of our advisory service, which is addressed by a suite of 
services branded “Savills Earth” now comprises c. 120 
professionals and is becoming a significant driver of 
Real Estate decisions across all sectors. 

Underlying profit increased by 41% to £33.1m 
(2020: £23.5m).

Asia Pacific
In the Asia Pacific Consultancy segment, revenues 
increased by 18% to £81.3m (2020: £69.1m); 19% 
on a constant currency basis. Three of our largest 
businesses in the region (China, Hong Kong and 
Singapore) experienced increased market demand, 
whilst in Australia where we currently offer the 
broadest suite of services in the region, pandemic 
restrictions were significant throughout the period and 
revenues increased by 2%, with growth in Valuations 
being offset by reductions in Project Management 
due to COVID-19-related contract delay and/or 
cancellations. 

26

Investment Management

Revenue

Underlying profit

£111.8m

£25.5m

£111.8m

£25.5m

£70.8m

£79.2m

£18.1m

£14.8m

2021

2020

2019

2021

2020

2019

+58%

+41% change on 2019

YOY 
change

+72%

+41% change on 2019

YOY 
change

Contribution to 
Group revenue (%)

5%

95%

Investment 
Management

Rest of Group

Assets under management at 31 December 2021 
increased by 14% to £21.7bn (2020: £19.0bn) and 
£2.5bn of capital was raised during the year 
(2020: £1.7bn).

Underlying profit, which was enhanced by the 
supernormal level of performance fee income 
increasing profit margin to 22.8%, grew 72% to 
£25.5m (2020: £14.8m); 75% in constant currency.

Mark Ridley
Group Chief Executive

Investment Management
Our Investment Management business achieved 
revenue growth of 58% to £111.8m (2020: £70.8m); 
60% in constant currency. Base Management fees 
(representing 70% of revenue) increased by 30% 
year on year including the benefit of the acquisition 
of the remaining partnership interests in Real Estate 
Debt investor, DRC Capital LLP (May 2021). These 
were supplemented by a 12% increase in transaction 
fees and a supernormal increase of over 90% in 
performance fees. 

During the year we announced the strategic 
relationship with Samsung Life Insurance of South 
Korea (‘SLI’), The transaction completed on 
31 December 2021 involving the sale of 25% of Savills 
Investment Management to SLI and the latter’s 
commitment to invest at least $1bn, predominantly 
seed capital, into funds managed by Savills Investment 
Management through the initial 5 year term of 
the agreement. 

27

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsOverviewAnnual report & accounts 2021Chief Financial Officer’s review

Chief Financial 
Officer’s review

Profit margin
Underlying profit margin increased 
to 9.3% (2020: 5.6%), reflecting the 
significantly higher levels of transactional 
activity and the abnormally low levels of 
discretionary expenditure in respect of 
travel, entertaining and marketing 
events in particular.

Reported pre-tax profit margin 
increased to 8.5% (2020: 4.8%). 

Taxation
The tax charge for the year increased 
to £36.4m (2020: £15.2m), representing 
an effective tax rate on reported profit 
before tax of 19.9% (2020: 18.3%). The 
Group’s effective reported tax rate is 
marginally higher than the UK effective 
rate of tax of 19% as a result of profits 
in higher tax jurisdictions and non-
deductible transaction-related costs.

The underlying effective tax rate 
increased to 18.7% (2020: 18.5%).

Transaction-related costs
During the year the Group recognised 
a total of £17.0m in transaction-related 
costs (2020: £5.0m). This increase 
reflects a higher volume of business 
development activity year-on-year. 
These costs primarily relate to future 
consideration payments, associated 
with acquisitions, which are subject to a 
future service condition (2021: £13.9m, 
2020: £4.0m). The largest individual 
components of this charge in 2021 relate 
to the acquisition of DRC Capital LLP 
and the acquisition of Macro Consultants 
LLC in 2020.

These charges have been excluded from 
the calculation of underlying profit in line 
with Group policy. 

Earnings per share
Basic earnings per share increased 114% 
to 104.9p (2020: 49.0p), reflecting a 
116% increase in reported profit after 
tax. Adjusted on a consistent basis for 
significant restructuring, transaction-
related costs, profits and losses 
on disposals, certain share-based 
payment adjustments, amortisation 
and impairment of intangible assets 
arising from business combinations, 
impairments of goodwill and significant 
fair value gains and losses, underlying 
basic earnings per share increased 105% 
to 116.5p (2020: 56.8p).

Fully diluted earnings per share 
increased by 108% to 99.8p (2020: 
47.9p). The underlying fully diluted 
earnings per share increased 100% to 
110.9p (2020: 55.5p).

Cash resources, borrowings 
and liquidity
Cash and cash equivalents, net 
of overdrafts in notional pooling 
arrangements, at year end increased 
45% to £491.2m (2020: £338.3m). This 
increase reflected: strong trading results, 
the higher cash outflows associated 
with corporate acquisition activity 
and the reinstatement of dividend 
payments in the year, together with the 
cash proceeds received from the sale 
of the Group’s 25% interest in Savills 
Investment Management.

Underlying profit  
margin increased to

9.3%

(2020: 5.6%)

28

Simon Shaw
Group Chief 
Financial Officer

A strong trading performance 
coupled with the benefit of 
substantially lower levels of 
discretionary expenditure 
has considerably enhanced 
the Group’s financial position 
during the year.”

Gross borrowings at year end decreased to £150.5m 
(2020: £160.6m). These principally comprise £150.0m 
(2020: £150.0m) of 7, 10 and 12 year fixed rate notes 
which were issued in June 2018, in 2020 borrowings 
also included £11.4m drawn under a revolving credit 
facility in North America. The Group’s UK revolving 
credit facility (‘RCF’) was undrawn at the end of the 
year (2020: undrawn), with a total of £422.2m (2020: 
£397.2m) of undrawn borrowing facilities available to 
the Group. At the year end, cash and cash equivalents 
net of borrowings was £340.7m (2020: £177.7m), refer 
to Note 33.

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.

The Group’s net inflow of cash is typically greater 
in 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 £302.7m (2020: £241.4m).

29

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsOverviewAnnual report & accounts 2021Chief Financial Officer’s review continued

With a large proportion of the Group’s revenue 
typically being 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. 

Capital and Shareholders’ interests
During the year 1.1m (2020: 8,504) new ordinary shares 
were issued on the exercise of options by participants 
of the Group’s SAYE schemes. The total number of 
ordinary shares in issue (before the impact of shares 
held by the Savills plc 1992 Employee Benefit Trust 
and the Savills Rabbi Trust) at 31 December 2021 
was 144.2m (2020: 143.1m).

Savills Pension Scheme
The funding level of the defined benefit Savills 
Pension Scheme in the UK, which is closed to future 
service-based accrual, improved substantially during 
the year primarily as a result of the increase in the 
yield on AA-rated corporate bonds. The plan was in 
a surplus position of £17.4m at the year-end (2020: 
£2.6m liability).

Net assets
Net assets as at 31 December 2021 were £753.4m 
(2020: £581.6m). This movement reflects the Group’s 
trading performance alongside the actuarial gain 
on the defined benefit pension plans and proceeds 
from the sale of the Group’s 25% interest in the Savills 
Investment Management group to Samsung Life in 
December 2021.

Key performance indicators (‘KPIs’)
The Group uses a number of KPIs to measure its 
performance and review the impact of management 
strategies. These KPIs are detailed under the Key 
Performance Indicators section on pages 18 and 
19. The Group continues to review the mix of KPIs 
to ensure that these best measure its performance 
against its 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. Refer to Note 3 to the financial statements for 
further information on financial risk management.

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 
or better.

Interest rate risk
The Group finances its operations through a mixture 
of retained profits and 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. 

The net impact of foreign exchange rate movements 
during the year represented a £49.8m decrease in 
revenue and a £4.1m decrease in underlying profit. 
Refer to Note 3.2 to the financial statements for 
further information on foreign exchange risk.

Simon Shaw
Group Chief Financial Officer

30

Principal and emerging risks and uncertainties 
facing the business

A clear framework 
for identifying and 
managing risk

Identifying and managing our risks
The Board determines 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. Savills businesses worldwide 
are responsible for executing their activities 
in accordance with the risk appetite set 
by the Board, complemented by the Code 
of Conduct, Group policies and delegated 
authority limits.

Risk is assessed across the Group using 
a systematic risk management model 
covering both external and internal factors 
and the potential impact and likelihood of 
those risks occurring. Risk assessments are 
incorporated into risk registers at Group and 
business level, which evolve to reflect the 
reduction/increase in identified principal 
risks and the emergence of new principal 
risks. Where it is considered that a risk 
can be mitigated further to the benefit of 
the business, responsibilities are assigned 
and action plans are agreed. Principal risks 
are those to which the Board and senior 
management pay particular attention 
and which could cause the delivery of the 
Group’s strategy, results, financial condition 
or prospects to differ materially from 
expectations. Emerging risks are those 
which have unknown components, the 
impact of which could crystallise over a 
longer period of time. 

The Group Director of Risk & Assurance 
facilitates the risk assessment and evaluation 
process with Group and regional /business 
unit management on behalf of the Board 
and challenges risk findings and the internal 
control framework to ensure that these 
are effective. 

The Board is responsible for 
the Group’s system of risk 
management and internal 
control. Risk management is 
recognised as an integral part 
of the Group’s activities.”

Group policies and delegated authority levels set by 
the Board provide the basis against which potential 
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 a financial, operational and 
strategic level. Our risk identification and mitigation 
processes have been designed to be appropriate to the 
ever-changing environments in which we operate.

31

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsOverviewAnnual report & accounts 2021Principal and emerging risks and uncertainties 
facing the business continued

Plc Board

Plc Audit Committee

Group Executive Board

Group Risk Committee

Principal Business Executive Committees

Group Risk

Heads of Group 
Functions

Heads of Operating 
Companies

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

Key risks: 
Heads of operating 
companies create 
a register of their 
principal risks and 
mitigation actions

Roles and responsibilities
The Board continuously reviews the Group’s key risks 
and is supported in the discharge of this responsibility 
by various committees, and in particular the 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, and all of these responsibilities have 
been discharged during the year.

Review and confirmation
Review and confirmation by the Board.

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

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

Review and assessment
Group Director of Risk & Assurance 
consolidates the Principal Business’, 
functional and Group risks to compile 
the Group’s key risks. Any significant 
programme/project risks are also 
considered.

The Savills Investment Management business has its own 
comprehensive and regulatory-compliant framework for 
identifying and managing risk, reporting to the PLC Audit 
Committee and Board.

1. Board

Responsibilities 

 ƒ Approves the Group’s strategy

 ƒ Determines Group appetite for risk in achieving its 

strategic objectives

 ƒ Establishes the Group’s systems of risk management 

and internal control.

The Audit Committee supports the Board by 
monitoring risk and reviewing the effectiveness of 
internal controls, including systems to identify, assess, 
manage and monitor risks.

Actions 

 ƒ Receives regular reports on Internal and External 

Audit and other assurance activities

 ƒ Receives regular risk updates from the businesses

 ƒ Determines the nature and extent of the principal 

Group risks and assess the effectiveness of 
mitigating actions

 ƒ Annually reviews the effectiveness of risk 
management and internal control systems

 ƒ Approves the Group risk management policy.

32

2. Group Executive Board

Responsibilities 

 ƒ Strategic leadership of the Group’s operations

 ƒ Ensures that the Group’s risk management and other 

policies are implemented and embedded

 ƒ Monitors that appropriate actions are taken to 

manage material strategic risks and key risks arising 
within the risk appetite of the Board

 ƒ Considers emerging risks in the context of the 

Group’s strategic objectives

 ƒ Approves Group Policies

3.  Regional Business Executive Committees’ 

Responsibilities 

Responsibilities

 ƒ Responsible for risk management and internal 
control systems within the relevant regions/
businesses

 ƒ Monitors the discharge of responsibilities by 

operating companies within the relevant regions/
businesses.

Actions 

 ƒ Reviews key risks and mitigation plans

 ƒ Monthly/quarterly finance and performance reviews

 ƒ Reviews results of assurance activities

 ƒ Receives updates from Group Risk Committee

 ƒ Escalates key risks to Group Management and Group 

 ƒ Monitors the application of risk appetite and the 

Executive and Plc Boards.

effectiveness of risk management processes. The 
Group Risk Committee and Board also consider the 
Group’s overall risk appetite in the context of the 
negative impact that the Group can sustain before 
it threatens the Group’s business model, future 
performance, solvency or liquidity.

4.  Heads of the Group functions and 

operating companies

Responsibilities 

 ƒ Maintains an effective system of risk management 
and internal control within their function/operating 
company.

Actions 

 ƒ Review of risk management and assurance activities 

Actions

 ƒ Regularly reviews operational, project, functional and 

strategic risks as well as emerging risks

 ƒ Reviews mitigating controls, whether financial, 

operational or compliance and mitigation plans to 
address control gaps

 ƒ Plans, executes and reports on assurance activities 

as required by region or Group.

The Group’s overall risk management framework is 
further enhanced by the contributions of specialist 
committees, for example, he Group Information 
Security Committee. Where appropriate, certain 
businesses also have their own risk committees.

Savills continuously reviews and enhances its 
risk management process and seeks advice from 
independent advisors where applicable. 

and processes.

Principal and emerging risks
The Directors have carried out a robust 
assessment of the principal risks facing the 
Company – including those that would threaten 
its business model, future performance, solvency 
or liquidity. Our consideration of the key risks and 
uncertainties relating to the Group’s operations, 
along with their potential impact and the 
mitigations in place, is set out below. There may 
be risks and uncertainties other than 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 98 to 105.

We also conduct a formal exercise twice yearly 
to identify and assess emerging risks. While 
assessing potential emerging risks we have 
considered our risk exposure across a number of 
themes e.g. finance and economics, geopolitical 
and security, social, technological, climate and 
sustainability. Emerging risk and horizon scanning 
are integrated as part of regular risk discussions 
and reported at both regional and Group level.

33

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsOverviewAnnual report & accounts 2021Principal and emerging risks and uncertainties 
facing the business continued

In summary, the Group‘s material existing and emerging risks (not in order of priority) are:

1.   Business conditions, general economy and 

7.  Operational resilience/Business continuity.

geopolitical issues.

2.   Achieving the right market positioning in 
response to the needs of our clients.

3.  Recruitment and retention of high-calibre staff.

4.  Reputational and brand risk. 

5.  Legal risk. 

6.   Failure or significant interruption to IT systems 

causing disruption to client service. 

8.  Business conduct.

9.   Changes in the regulatory environment/ 

regulatory breaches.

10. Acquisition/integration risk.

11.  Environment and sustainability.

Risk

Description

Mitigations

1 Business conditions, general economy and geopolitical issues

Change 
from 2020

Strategic 
objective: 
Geographic 
diversification/ 
Financial strength

Global market conditions remain 
volatile, with political and economic 
uncertainty in many sectors and 
markets.

The time that it will take several 
major economies within which we 
operate to recover from the economic 
recessions caused by the COVID-19 
pandemic remains unknown, 
particularly while the risk of new and 
serious variants is ongoing. Continuing 
restrictions on international travel may 
also cause some disruption to more 
transactional business.

Further, the rapidly evolving Russia/
Ukraine conflict brings heightened 
geo-political uncertainty, in particular 
as inflationary pressures increase due 
to higher energy costs and, potentially, 
interest rates. The overall impact on 
the real estate sector will take some 
time to become clear.

Group earnings and our financial 
condition could be adversely affected 
by these and other macro-economic 
uncertainties. Savills operates in 
a number of countries where the 
transactional business is the largest 
component and thereby increases the 
level of economic risk.

There is a currency risk from operating 
in a large number of countries.

The strength of Savills business and brand and 
the focus on client service.

Unchanged

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

Contingency plans are in place to enable us 
to respond quickly to market information, 
economic trends and adverse events. Continual 
monitoring of market conditions, market 
changes and other events against our Group 
strategy, supported by the reforecasting and 
reporting in all of our businesses, are key to 
our ability to respond rapidly to changes in our 
operating environment.

Our exposure to countries with economies 
which are currently weak is balanced by our 
business in stronger markets. When considering 
new market entry we undertake due diligence 
including the impact assessment of political and 
economic issues in that particular country.

We manage currency risk in local operations 
through natural hedging and matching revenue 
and costs in the same currency.

2 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

The markets in which we operate are 
highly competitive. Competition could 
lead to a reduction in market share 
and/or a decline in revenue. Our focus 
is on retaining existing clients as well 
as engaging with new clients. Our 
service offering continuously evolves 
and improves to meet the changing 
needs of our clients and this will 
continue as any changes to our clients’ 
utilisation of real estate emerge as a 
result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Unchanged

To remain competitive in all markets, we 
continue to promote and differentiate our 
strengths whilst focusing on providing the 
quality of service that our clients require.

We continue to invest in the development of 
client relationships globally and associated 
systems/digital technology to support, enhance 
and extend our client service offering. 

34

Risk

Description

Mitigations

3 Recruitment and retention of high-calibre staff

Change 
from 2020

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

Up

Our partnership style culture and profit-sharing 
approach to remuneration is combined with 
selective use of share-based and other rewards 
to incentivise and retain our best people for the 
long-term benefit of the Group. We continuously 
review our markets to ensure that reward 
packages remain competitive.

We aim to develop talent and promote from 
within. Our diversity and Inclusion strategy, 
health and wellbeing programme and 
encouragement of charitable and community-
based work all combine to ensure that employee 
retention remains high.

Unchanged

Unchanged

We recognise that our brand strength is vital to 
maintaining market share in established and new 
markets. A brand management programme is 
in place to ensure the brand’s positioning and 
identity is clearly and consistently promoted.

Our social media policy is supported by 
guidance and training as well as ongoing 
monitoring. All external statements have to be 
appropriately approved.

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

The Group has well established ESG 
programmes as set out in Responsible Business 
on pages 45 to 64.

The Group has a range of policies in place 
including client acceptance, legal and regulatory 
compliance, data protection, procurement, 
contractor management and valuation.

We have Best Practice groups, policies, 
procedures and training which are designed to 
deliver the relevant contractual obligations and 
thereby 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.

The Group maintains professional indemnity 
insurance to respond to and mitigate the 
Group’s financial exposure to such claims. 
As described below, our strong emphasis 
on appropriate business conduct by all our 
employees, contractors and associates further 
mitigates this risk.

Strategic 
objective: 
Financial strength/ 
Commitment 
to clients

We recognise that the future success 
of our business is dependent on 
attracting, developing, motivating and 
retaining people of the highest quality. 
Further, the motivation of our people 
and retaining our collaborative culture 
is essential to the delivery of our 
strategic objectives. These needs are 
emphasised by the current extremely 
active recruitment markets which have 
increased the pressure to attract and 
retain the best people.

4 Reputational and brand risk

Strategic 
objective: 
Strength in 
Residential and 
Commercial 
markets/ 
Commitment 
to clients

‘Savills’ is a strong, well-recognised 
and valued brand with an excellent 
reputation in the markets in which we 
operate. The Group’s reputation could 
be damaged due to an action or event 
that results in negative media / social 
media coverage.

We recognise the need to maintain this 
reputation by ensuring the quality of 
the service we provide and as described 
below, requiring our people to operate 
to the highest ethical standards.

5 Legal risk

Strategic 
objective: 
Financial strength/ 
Commitment 
to clients

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:

 ƒ 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. 

 ƒ In our Property and Project 

Management businesses, we may 
be responsible for appointing or 
overseeing third party contractors 
that provide construction and 
engineering services. Failure to 
discharge these responsibilities in 
accordance with our obligations 
could result in claims being made 
against the operating companies.

 ƒ In our valuation consultancy 

businesses, we can be subject to 
claims alleging the over-valuation 
of properties.

35

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsOverviewAnnual report & accounts 2021Principal and emerging risks and uncertainties 
facing the business continued

Risk

Description

Mitigations

6 Failure or significant interruption to our IT systems causing disruption to client service

Change 
from 2020

Strategic 
objective: 
Financial strength/ 
Commitment 
to clients

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

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.

Specific back-up and resilience requirements are 
built into our systems.

Unchanged

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.

Our data centres are accredited to international 
information security standards. Our IT strategy 
is to diversify our services utilising cloud and 
hosting in order to avoid a single point of failure.

Penetration testing and vulnerability testing is 
carried out regularly.

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

We are continuously reviewing our resilience 
to cyber security attacks due to the constant 
threat. For example, we have implemented anti-
ransomware software across our business in 
order to address the risk of ransomware attacks.

Cyber insurance cover is in place.

7 Operational resilience/ Business Continuity (including pandemics)

Strategic 
objective: 
Financial strength/ 
commitment 
to clients 

Significant non-IT events may affect 
continuity of service to clients, 
consequential revenue loss and 
reputational damage.

Business continuity plans are in place across our 
businesses worldwide to enable us to respond to 
external incidents which threaten the continuity 
of our operations.

Unchanged

COVID-19 variants may continue 
to have an impact on transactional 
activity globally in 2022, but it 
is difficult to predict this impact 
accurately in a dynamic environment.

Continuity plans encompass a range of events 
that could impact on our people or buildings 
such as pandemics, terrorist events and 
natural disasters.

Appropriate plans/measures continue to be 
maintained for the COVID-19 pandemic, and 
we monitor the on-going impacts closely. 
The welfare of our staff and clients continues 
to be paramount and we have implemented 
risk management measures consistent with 
government guidances in all locations.

8 Business conduct

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

We operate in 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, 
regulatory sanction, debarring and/or 
reputational damage.

We have programmes to promote compliance 
with our Code of Conduct, particularly in areas 
of higher risk such as procurement.

We have a zero tolerance approach to breaches 
of our Code of Conduct.

Unchanged

36

Risk

Description

Mitigations

9 Changes in the regulatory environment/regulatory breaches

Strategic 
objective: 
Commitment 
to clients

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

Our Group Policy Framework, which sets out 
our standards for professional, regulatory, 
statutory compliance and business conduct, 
is reviewed regularly.

Change 
from 2020

Unchanged

To support this Framework each business has 
its own regulatory 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. 

For example:

Some of our operations have 
regulatory licences:

 ƒ In the UK, Savills Capital Advisors 
Limited and Savills Investment 
Management LLP are authorised 
and regulated by the Financial 
Conduct Authority (‘FCA’) in 
respect of activities conducted 
pursuant to the Markets in Financial 
Instruments Directive (‘MIFID’) 
and Alternative Investment Fund 
Managers Directive (‘AIFMD’).

 ƒ Some Savills Investment 

Management entities are variously 
authorised by the Bank of Italy, 
MAS in Singapore, BaFin in 
Germany, JFSC in Jersey, CSSF 
in Luxembourg, ASIC in Australia. 
Savills Group companies also hold 
financial services advisory licences 
in Japan and the USA. Our entities 
across the Group employ resources 
and maintain a framework of 
controls aimed at preventing our 
business being used to facilitate 
financial crime, and to comply with 
complex financial sanctions regimes 
which are continually changing in 
response to global events.

 ƒ Some of our service businesses are 
regulated by The Royal Institution 
of Chartered Surveyors (‘RICS’), for 
example Savills (UK) Ltd.

Failure to satisfy regulatory 
compliance requirements may result 
in fines being imposed, adverse 
publicity, brand/reputation 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. 

37

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsOverviewAnnual report & accounts 2021Principal and emerging risks and uncertainties 
facing the business continued

Risk

Description

Mitigations

10 Acquisition/integration risk

The structuring and integration of 
acquisitions is critical to realising the 
benefits sought. People, systems and 
processes are key components.

We apply the Group Acquisitions Policy and 
procedures and use professional advisors 
in the due diligence process, and allocate 
responsibility and accountability to individuals 
for integration. Post-acquisition reporting keeps 
the Board aware of progress against plan.

Strategic 
objective: 
Business 
diversification/ 
Geographical 
diversification/ 
Strength in 
Residential and 
Commercial 
markets/Financial 
strength

11 Environment and sustainability 

Strategic 
objective: 
Commitment to 
clients/Financial 
strength

Savills offers its clients expert advice 
on a growing range of environmental 
and sustainability matters, particularly 
in key markets such as the UK, 
Australia and some European markets. 
Looking forward more widely, it seeks 
to expand and develop these services. 
In doing so the Group considers that 
it must uphold similar standards in 
support of its credentials in this area. 

Environment and sustainability 
matters are a significant consideration 
for investors and employees. 

Savills, like all listed companies, has 
commitments and targets to meet in 
accordance with the legislation of the 
relevant jurisdictions.

We apply the Group’s Sustainability Policy 
and employ appropriately qualified and skilled 
teams. We are continuously enhancing our 
services in this area to ensure that we can 
provide clients, investors and employees with 
top quality advice and information. 

We collect data and report in accordance 
with the relevant legislation and regulatory 
framework, including TCFD (Responsible 
Business pages 65 to 68).

Change 
from 2020

Down

Unchanged

38

Viability statement

In addition to the going concern statement, the 
Directors have considered the viability of the business. 
In accordance with Provision 31 of the UK Corporate 
Governance Code, the Directors have assessed the 
viability of the Company over a three year period to 
31 December 2024, taking account of the Group’s 
current position and prospects, the Group’s strategic 
plan, and the Group’s principal risks and the 
management of those risks, as detailed in the Strategic 
Report on pages 6 to 69. The Group’s emerging risks 
are also disclosed in the Strategic Report. This longer-
term assessment supports the Board’s statements on 
both viability, as set out below, and going concern as 
set out on page 137. 

Period for Assessment
The Directors have determined that a three year 
period would be an appropriate time frame for this 
assessment being consistent with the period covered 
by the Group’s strategic plan and the cyclical nature of 
property markets. In assessing viability the Directors 
considered a number of factors including the resilience 
of the Group, taking account of its current position 
and prospects, the Group’s strategic plan, the principal 
risks and uncertainties facing the business and the 
Board’s risk appetite as detailed in the Strategic 
Report on pages 6 to 69. The strategy and associated 
principal risks which underpin the Group’s three year 
plan, are reviewed by the Directors at least annually. 
The Directors also satisfied themselves that they have 
the evidence necessary to support the statement 
in terms of the effectiveness of the internal control 
environment in place to mitigate risk. 

Viability Assessment
Sensitivity analysis was undertaken on the three 
year plan, including financing projections, to flex 
the financial forecasts under a variety of severe 
downside scenarios, which involved applying 
different assumptions to the underlying forecast both 
individually and in aggregate. These scenarios assess 
the potential impact from several macro-economic 
risks, including a severe global economic downturn 
analogous to that experienced during the Global 
Financial Crisis in 2008/09 (the impact of which on 
the Group’s results has so far not been replicated 
since) and a recurrence of the suppression of activity 
experienced in 2020 as a result of COVID-19 measures 
and restrictions. The results of this sensitivity analysis 
showed that the Group would maintain significant 
facility covenant headroom to be able to withstand 
the impact of such scenarios over the period of 
the financial forecast, as a result of the resilience 
and diversity of our business across the Group, 
underpinned by a strong balance sheet. Performance 
against the three year plan is monitored on an ongoing 
basis, including regular Board briefings provided by 
the Heads of the Principal Businesses on the progress 
made by those businesses. These reviews consider 
both the market opportunity and the associated risks. 
These risks are considered within the Board’s risk 
appetite framework. 

Viability Statement
The Audit Committee reviews the output of the 
viability assessment in advance of final evaluation 
by the Board. Based on the Group’s strong net cash 
position and undrawn £360m Revolving Credit Facility 
at the year end, as described in the Chief Financial 
Officer’s review, combined with the assessment 
explained above and in accordance with the UK 
Corporate Governance Code, the Directors confirm 
that they have a reasonable expectation that the 
Group will be able to continue to operate and meet 
its liabilities as they fall due, over the three-year 
period ending 31 December 2024. The Directors also 
considered it appropriate to prepare the financial 
statements on the going concern basis as explained 
in Note 2.2 to the accounts.

39

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsOverviewAnnual report & accounts 2021Stakeholder engagement

Engaging with our stakeholders 
The following disclosure is made in line with the 
Companies (Miscellaneous Reporting) Regulations 
2018 which requires companies to report on employee 
and stakeholder engagement. 

We aim to an maintain open and positive dialogue 
with all our stakeholders, considering their key 
interests and communicating with them on a regular 
basis. The strength of our stakeholder relationships 
has never been more important than during COVID-19. 
The Board remains committed to strengthening further 
its dialogue with employees and the Company’s 
wider stakeholder group., considers the views of key 
stakeholders in its decision-making, recognising that 
they are central to the long-term prospects of 
the Company. 

The Group has adapted to a change of working 
practices since the start of the pandemic and keeps 
engagement channels under review. The Board uses 
a range of engagement mechanisms in order to 
understand and consider our stakeholders’ views in the 
oversight and decision-making of the Board. We do 
this through various methods. 

In some cases, the Board engages directly with 
stakeholders (receiving presentations and reports 
from the Executive Directors and in relation to business 
for which they have responsibility, senior management 
from across the group), but there is also significant 
engagement at an operational level particularly in 
relation to employees, clients and suppliers, with the 
Board receiving regular updates on stakeholder views. 
The Board maintains oversight of this engagement 
and the Board receives reports and updates on such 
engagement from the Executive Directors and senior 
management and is given the opportunity to challenge 
these findings at Board and Committee meetings. 
This information is used to inform discussion and 
decision-making.

As a Board, the collective role of the Directors is to act 
as effective and responsible stewards of the Company. 
In so doing, the Board ensures that the Company is well 
positioned to achieve long term sustainable success and 
deliver value for its stakeholders as a whole.

Our Suppliers 

Our Environment 

Our businesses have regular engagement 
with their key suppliers, who are required 
to operate with high service levels and the 
ethical standards that are set out in our 
Code of Conduct. We regularly monitor 
the relationship and engagement approach 
with our third-party suppliers.

We are committed to improving the 
impacts our operations have on the 
environment, managing climate related 
risks and working together with our clients, 
suppliers and local communities towards 
delivering a more sustainable future.

Our Clients

Our clients are key to the 
success of our business.

Our People

Our people are our most 
valuable asset.

We firmly believe that 
our people are key to 
delivering excellent service 
to our clients and achieving 
our objectives.

Our Community

Our Shareholders

We believe that the community 
engagement programmes that we have 
developed have a positive impact on the 
areas where our people live and ensure 
that Savills is firmly engaged with the 
communities we serve.

We believe that engaging with our 
Shareholders and encouraging an open, 
meaningful dialogue between Shareholders 
and the Company is vital to ensuring 
mutual understanding.

40

Stakeholder Group

How we engaged them in 2021

Our Clients

Our People

Our Community

Our businesses are in continuous contact with our clients, to understand their requirements, 
to listen to their feedback on our service levels and to understand their expectations in terms 
of the development of our service offering.

We invest in our people and systems to ensure they have the right skills, competencies and 
tools to effectively nurture and grow client relationships. In 2021 we introduced a tailored 
training and coaching programme aimed specifically at supporting our Client Advocates, as 
well as sharing of best practice client advocacy across our senior management community. 

As part of our Client Relationship Management (CRM) Programme our dedicated Client 
Advocates have maintained continuous dialogue with our clients and share updates relating 
to their strategy and needs with the wider client relationship teams. Our investment in this 
programme, our internal collaboration and the introduction of technology has supported our 
client relationship management approach, resulting in being able to better meet our clients’ 
expectations and adapt more quickly to evolving market conditions.

The quality of our service performance continues to be regularly assessed by independent 
reviewers. This helps us better understand how we are managing the relationship and what we 
need to change to deliver the service and added value our clients expect.

Our client relationship leads also act as a focal point for client servicing enquiries and it is their 
responsibility to quickly identify and resolve any service issues.

This feedback helps us maintain the highest levels of client service and develop and extend 
our client offering. 

Our people bring a diverse range of experience, expertise and perspectives that contribute to 
our values and culture, and are essential for the delivery of our strategic objectives. It is vital 
for our continued success that we maintain an environment where our people feel valued, 
motivated, and able to thrive.

Our long-standing focus and business philosophy is founded on the premise that staff in our 
sector are motivated through highly incentive and performance 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.

We continue to be a responsible employer in our approach to our people, ensuring 
we communicate and engage regularly in a variety of ways. We are always looking for 
opportunities to improve. During 2021, we used a number of channels to communicate and 
engage, including regular town-hall and other meetings, all-employee e-mails, our intranet and 
pulse surveys, with particular focus on initiatives relating to staff mental health and well-being.

Although this year, the Board was unable to travel due to the restrictions related to the 
pandemic, it would otherwise hold one meeting a year one of our overseas locations. In recent 
years, the Board has visited the Group’s offices Madrid and Paris. These visits enable the Board 
to engage directly with local management and other employees during presentations, as well 
as at social events. 

As part of our commitment to helping of all our people to understand the Group’s growth 
strategy and to raise other questions they have about the Group, our digital platform allows 
direct employee communication (in local languages) with Non-Executive Directors (including 
the Chairman) to allow staff feedback to flow to the Board direct. 

Our Speak Up whistleblowing hotline allows employees to confidentially raise any concerns 
or issues.

Our community engagement programmes across the Group have been developed to have a 
positive impact on the areas where our people live and ensure that Savills is firmly engaged 
with the communities in which we operate.

We are mindful that as a Company we do not work in isolation. To successfully engage with 
local communities, we know that we need to adopt a range of approaches e.g. charitable 
giving, volunteering events, pro bono work, work experience opportunities to facilitate and 
participate in community interaction and cohesion. This approach means we can establish and 
maintain effective connections, deliver real impact and remain proactive to the current issues 
that communities may be facing. We have aligned our Group’s ESG strategy with 9 of the 17 
UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to help us achieve our goals.

Examples of our community initiatives during 2021 are on pages 54 and 57.

41

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsOverviewAnnual report & accounts 2021Stakeholder engagement continued

Stakeholder Group

How we engaged them in 2021

Our Environment

Making a meaningful contribution to the wider society enables us to create stronger 
communities and have a positive environmental and social impact. 

We achieved our previous carbon emissions reduction target ahead of schedule, securing a 
30% reduction in emissions from our business (i.e. scope 1 and 2 emissions) over 2016-18, and 
were as a result recognised in the inaugural FT European Climate Leaders 2021. We also further 
strengthened our risk management process by embedding climate risk and scenario analysis 
complemented by full disclosure to TCFD in relation to 2021.

Read more about our ESG strategy including carbon efficiency improvements, GHG Emissions 
and TCFD reporting on pages 65 to 68.

Our Shareholders

Regular discussions with, and briefings for, investors and analysts including investor roadshows. 

The Group Chief Executive and Group Chief Financial Officer have primary responsibility for 
investor relations and lead a regular programme of meetings and presentations with analysts and 
investors. This programme included one-to-one investor meetings and roadshows and formal 
communication of financial results, and requisite regulatory announcements. This programme 
maintains a continuous two-way dialogue between the Company and Shareholders. By actively 
engaging with Shareholders we can respond to views expressed in relation to a number of topics 
such as company performance, and future growth plans.

The AGM provides the Board with an opportunity to engage with our Shareholders. In common 
with the practice adopted by the majority of UK quoted companies, the 2021 AGM was held as 
a ‘closed’ meeting, with a minimum quorum present, in line with government rules relating to 
COVID-19 safeguards at the time. Shareholders were invited to submit questions to the Board 
before the meeting. As at the date of this Report, it is proposed that the 2022 AGM will be 
held in person.

The Chairman and Stacey Cartwright as the Senior Independent Director are also available to 
meet Shareholders at all times as required.

Our Suppliers

The procurement choices we make can have a significant impact on people, organisations and 
the wider environment. We have an obligation to ensure that our supply chain and procurement 
practices follow proper standards.

We are committed to engaging suppliers who share our standards. To this end, we continue to 
conduct due diligence on all third party suppliers at the commencement of their engagement 
and at regular intervals thereafter.

Our property management businesses work with a broad and diverse range of supply 
partners to ensure that we can deliver the best services for our clients. The close relationships 
we foster with supply partners across a variety of property management clients ensures we 
have good access to quality partners. During the pandemic regular engagement with their key 
suppliers has been essential in ensuring continuity of service and responding to the impacts 
of the pandemic. 

All suppliers are required to operate with high service levels and the ethical standards that are 
set out in Savills Code of Conduct. 

We regularly monitor the relationship and engagement approach with our third-party suppliers 
including communications relating to the Company’s whistleblowing policy.

We strive for continual improvement. We are committed to advancing our policies and 
systems across the Company to ensure we address and monitor performance in all aspects of 
sustainability that are relevant to the business.

42

Section 172(1) Statement
The Board of Directors of Savills Plc consider, both individually and together, that they have acted in the way 
they consider, in good faith, would be most likely to promote the success of the Company for the benefit of its 
members as a whole. In doing this, the Directors have had regard to the stakeholders and amongst other matters 
to those set out in s172(1) (a-f) of the Act in the decisions taken during the year ended 31 December 2021.

In the context of the Board’s activities during 2021, the table below sets out some examples of how the Directors 
have had regard to the matters set out in Section 172(1)(a) to (f) when discharging their Section 172 duties and 
decision making in 2021. 

Section 172 matters

How the Board had regard to these matters during the year

(a)  likely 

consequences 
of any decisions 
in the long term

The Board remains mindful that its strategic decisions can have both short and long term implications 
for the Group and its stakeholders and these implications are considered carefully.

We consider our stakeholders when developing and executing our strategy which is reviewed on an 
annual basis. During the year the Board:

 ƒ Reviewed and set the Group’s strategy and medium-term plan, including updates on strategic 

initiatives from across the business and discussion of priorities in the short and long term

 ƒ Held a strategy session in October 2021 in order to consider the Group’s strategy in depth

 ƒ Considered regular updates on the impact of COVID-19 on the business, and oversaw the continued 

response to the pandemic

 ƒ Considered regular reports from Senior Management on business performance, financing and the 

implementation of strategy throughout the year

 ƒ Approved the strategic alliance between Savills IM and Samsung Life and the acquisition of the 

outstanding 75% in DRC

More on longer-term context 

 ƒ Our purpose and Strategy – pages 10 and 11

 ƒ Board focus in 2021 – pages 84 and 85

 ƒ Risk informed decision making – pages 84 and 85

(b)  interests of 

employees

We recognise our people are fundamental to the long-term success of our business. Their health, 
safety and wellbeing is one of our primary considerations in the way we operate and the support we 
provide to them.

Notwithstanding the challenges of the pandemic, constructive two-way dialogue continues to allow 
the Board to maintain an understanding of the issues material to our people. 

Employee engagement and wellbeing have never been more important and throughout 2021 we 
have worked hard to listen to and support the needs of our people through a variety of initiatives 
across the Group. We have also continued to use digital learning content to help employees and 
have provided regular guidance and blogs posted on our intranet relating to health, and safety and 
wellbeing, and made available facilities such as ‘Myndup’ to support mental health wellbeing. We also 
celebrated events such as Time to Talk Day and World Mental Health Day.

During the year we also held a number of events focusing wellbeing and mental health issues 
supported by webinars provided by external providers. 

More on Engagement

 ƒ Working for and with stakeholders: information on engagement with employees, clients, 
shareholders, communities – pages 45 to 64 (Responsible Business) ; pages 85 and 86 
(Corporate Governance)

 ƒ Focus on Culture – How the Board promotes high standards of culture and KPIs – page 83 

(Corporate Governance)

(c)  fostering the 
Company’s 
business 
relationships 
with suppliers, 
clients and 
others;

During the year the Board reviewed the 2022-2024 Business Plan which included the importance 
of focusing on:

continuing to deliver the highest standards of client service by having motivated and engaged staff 
by providing an environment in which our people can succeed so sustaining the inclusive, diverse 
and supportive culture that is encapsulated in our business philosophy and our values; and

continuing to innovate and extend our client offering to ensure that we can meet the evolving 
requirements of our clients in particular in areas such as sustainability

More on fostering business relationships

 ƒ Board Principal Decisions – pages 84 and 85 (Corporate Governance)

 ƒ Our clients – page 47 (Responsible Business)

43

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsOverviewAnnual report & accounts 2021Stakeholder engagement continued

Section 172 matters

How the Board had regard to these matters during the year

(d)  impact of the 
Company’s 
operations on 
the community 
and the 
environment

(e)  maintaining a 
reputation for 
high standards 
of business 
conduct

(f)  acting fairly 
as between 
members of 
the Company

TCFD allows us to better understand climate related risk in our own operations. The Board supports 
management’s approach to Environmental, Social and Governance matters and we are committed to 
strengthening our understanding of climate-related risks to our own operations as well as helping our 
clients to improve the resilience of their portfolios.

We recognise the need for action in addressing the climate crisis and transitioning to a greener, safer 
and more resilient economy. We are committed to improving the impacts that our operations have on 
the environment, managing the climate-related risks and working together with our clients, suppliers 
and local communities towards delivering a more sustainable future.

Through 2021 we have continued to target improvements based on delivering against our ESG 
objectives, as we progress towards our 9 Sustainable Development Goals globally. These SDGs are 
those where we feel we can make the largest impact and which are most relevant to our business.

During 2021 we started the work to assess our emissions in our value chain (scope 3 emissions), and 
have included an initial partial disclosure of this Report & Accounts. We continue to work towards 
carbon net zero, and reflecting this we are committed to agreeing Science Based Targets and joining 
the Race To Zero Campaign to help us achieve our carbon net zero goals. This will see the Group as a 
whole commit to carbon net zero for our own operations (scopes 1 and 2 emissions) by 2030 and for our 
value chain (scope 3 emissions) by 2040. This commitment will see us continuing to work collaboratively 
with clients, industry and our supply chain to ensure that we meet our targets and ambitions.

More on environmental performance

 ƒ Environment – Our Strategy in Action – pages 58 to 61 (Responsible Business)

Savills Code of Conduct sets out our commitment to operate responsibly wherever we work in the 
world, to work professionally, fairly and with integrity.

We are committed to ensuring that we take all appropriate steps to prevent Modern Slavery from 
occurring in our business or supply chain and continue to publish our annual Modern Slavery 
Statement on our website, which sets out Savills zero tolerance approach to Modern Slavery in our 
organisation and supply chain. We continued to provide training on modern slavery and have taken 
steps to make sure our staff and supply chain partners are aware of the Act and its requirements.

The Board is committed to maintaining the highest standards of corporate governance, which are 
fundamental to discharging our responsibilities. 

Our Governance Report explains how robust and effective corporate governance practices enable 
the Group to deliver its strategy and create long-term Shareholder value. 

The Board is committed to ensuring that its composition provides the necessary balance of diversity, 
skills experience, independence and knowledge to ensure we continue to run the business effectively 
and deliver sustainable growth. The Committee regularly the Board’s blend of skills and experience 
and ongoing commitment to ensure the Group has a balanced Board.

During the year the Board:

 ƒ Considered the composition and effectiveness of the Board;

 ƒ Reviewed and approved corporate statements;

 ƒ Undertook annual review of the principal and emerging risks of the Group;

 ƒ Reviewed and validated the effectiveness of the Group’s systems of internal controls and risk 

management framework;

 ƒ Considered reports on specific risk areas across the business; and 

 ƒ Reviewed and approved the Group’s full-year 2021 and half-year 2021 results, as well as the 
regulatory announcements and the Group’s Viability Statement and Going Concern status.

More on high standards of business conduct

 ƒ Our Culture – page 53 (Responsible Business)

 ƒ Culture and Values – page 83 (Corporate Governance) 

The Directors understand their duty to act fairly between different shareholders as required by UK 
company law and the Company’s regulatory obligations pursuant to its UK listing.

We are in regular contact with our major Shareholders and potential Shareholders.

Our active engagement programme with our Shareholders involves a regular, scheduled programme 
of meetings as part of our continuing commitment to open and transparent dialogue, including the 
Group’s approach to remuneration.

During the year the Group Chief Executive and Group Chief Financial Officer undertook their regular 
programme of engagement which included: the financial reporting cycle comprising full-year and 
half-year financial results; one-to-one investor meetings (virtual) and calls.

During the year the Board reviewed and approved the following activities and documents and in 
doing so considered that they were acting fairly between members:

 ƒ AGM Trading Update

 ƒ Half year financial results

 ƒ Notice including resolutions for the Annual General Meeting 2021

 ƒ Full Year results for the year ending 31 December 2020

 ƒ Annual Report and Accounts 2020

 ƒ 2020 Final and 2021 Interim Dividend approval

More on acting fairly

 ƒ Engaging with stakeholders – page 86 (Corporate Governance)

44

Responsible business

Savills is committed to being a good corporate citizen in all 
aspects of its operations and activities.

Our Environmental Social and Governance (ESG) Structure
The Company, therefore, holds itself accountable for its social, environmental and economic impacts on the 
people and places where it does business. All of our businesses are required to comply with local legal standards 
as an absolute minimum, while our localised approach provides the flexibility required to have meaning and 
impact at a local level. 

We focus on those key areas where we believe we can make a difference and endeavour to manage our 
impact in a responsible and sustainable manner. To fulfil this aim the Group actively embraces a range of policies 
and practices that foster a positive approach towards corporate responsibility as an integral part of our day-to-
day activities.

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.

Group Chief Executive 
and the Board
Responsibility for Our 
Corporate Responsibility 
programme sits with the Group 
Chief Executive and the Board

Our ESG Committee
Our ESG Committee, 
comprising senior 
representatives from our 
businesses and central teams, 
co-ordinates our ESG strategy

ESG Strategy
The ESG strategy is set at 
the Group level and is then 
implemented at the regional 
and country level. The ESG 
strategy aligns to the nine 
UN Sustainable development 
Goals, where we believe we 
can make the most difference

Value

Pride in 
everything 
we do

Take an 
entrepreneurial 
approach to 
business

Help our people 
fulfil their true 
potential

Always act  
with integrity

Our Clients

Reinforcing Culture

Social Matters

We always aim to build long-term 
client relationships. And aim to be a 
leader in every market we enter.

 See page 47

Developing Our People

It is our vision to be the real estate 
advisor 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.

 See pages 48 and 49

We are committed to doing the 
right thing in the right way and 
this is reflected in the Savills Code 
of Conduct.

 See page 53

Sustainability and Environment

Across our global business, Savills is 
committed to reducing the impact 
that our operations have on the 
natural environment. By actively 
seeking to reduce our environmental 
impact, we are able to achieve 
increased operational efficiencies 
and savings, both internally and 
for our clients.

 See pages 58 to 61

We believe that the community 
engagement programmes that we 
have developed have a positive 
impact on the areas where our people 
live and ensure that Savills is firmly 
engaged with the communities 
we serve.

 See pages 54 to 57

45

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsOverviewAnnual report & accounts 2021Responsible business continued

The Group’s ESG strategy aims to achieve a positive impact on the environment and society, whilst maintaining 
robust governance measures and is aligned with 9 of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

Our chosen SDGs
We adopted these nine SDGs in our UK pilot in 2020 and are now agreeing underlying objectives to support 
our delivery against these in our regional businesses.

SDG Goal

Savills Objective

Good Health & 
Well-Being

Our goal is to provide healthy workplaces, encourage healthy lifestyles and raise awareness of 
mental health & wellbeing

Quality Education

We aim to create opportunities for growth and development for our people and within the 
communities that we impact

Gender Equality

We actively promote gender equality and aim to create a diverse and inclusive environment for all

Affordable & 
Clean Energy

Decent Work and 
Economic Growth

Sustainable Cities 
And Communities

Responsible 
Consumption and 
Production

Climate Action

We aim to maximise energy efficiency, and switch to using renewable energy across our workspaces

We are committed to operating responsibly and providing fair, safe and diverse workplaces

We work with government, national and local communities to create sustainable places

We seek to reduce our environmental impacts through active operational management and 
responsible procurement

We aim to minimise carbon emissions and work continuously towards net zero carbon 
targets globally

Life on Land

We expect our suppliers to operate responsibly and seek to protect biodiversity and ecosystems

ESG Key Performance Highlights
Environment 
We continue to target improvements based 
on delivering against our Sustainability 
objectives. We aim to maximise energy 
efficiency, minimise carbon emissions and 
work continuously towards net zero carbon 
targets globally. We recognise the urgency 
of the climate crisis and, as part of this, we 
are committed to agreeing SBTi (Science 
based Targets) within the next 24 months 
and to joining the Race To Zero Campaign. 

Environmental highlights during 
2021 include:

 ƒ In 2021, our global scope 1 & 2 GHG 

emissions fell further to 6,738 tonnes 
CO2e, a 6.2% year on year reduction, 
delivering a 20.4% reduction since our 
2018 baseline

 ƒ Undertook an initial partial assessment 
of our scope 3 GHG emissions footprint 

 ƒ Continuing to move further towards 

our 9 Sustainable Development Goals 
globally

 ƒ Being recognised on Financial Times’s 

inaugural list of European Climate 
Leaders 2021.

Social 
We are committed to fostering 
a responsible work culture 
and to helping our people 
reach their full potential. Our 
diverse Board meets the 
recommendations of Hampton-
Alexander review on gender 
diversity and Parker Review 
on ethnic diversity. 

We have six active diversity 
and inclusion focus areas: 
Ethnicity, Gender, LGBTQ+, 
Age, Disability and Socio 
Economic. For details of all our 
social matters see pages 54 
to 57.

Social highlights during  
2021 include:

 ƒ Savills UK was The Times 

Graduate Employer of Choice 
in Property winner for the 
15th consecutive year 

 ƒ Savills Asia Pacific launched 
its new employee welfare 
scheme.

Governance
Savills has a zero tolerance 
approach to bribery and other 
forms of corruption. We have 
continued to deliver mandatory 
annual training for employees 
covering: AML, Code of 
Conduct, Security and Data 
Protection, Anti-Corruption. 

2021 key performance  
highlights include:

 ƒ High standards of 

governance maintained

 ƒ Mandatory annual staff 

training in place

 ƒ Group policies 

communicated and 
applied globally 

 ƒ Alignment to Task Force on 
Climate-Related Financial 
Disclosures (TCFD) see 
pages 65 to 68.

46

Our clients

Taking an Entrepreneurial approach 
to Business, we:
 ƒ Seek out new markets and opportunities 

for clients.

 ƒ Take a creative and entrepreneurial approach 

to delivering value.

 ƒ Are forward thinking, and always aim to build 

long-term client relationships. 

 ƒ Aim to be a leader in every market we enter.

We are committed to creating value that impacts 
the success of our clients’ businesses. We prioritise 
creating and nurturing strong, long-term client 
relationships and gaining a deep understanding of our 
clients’ needs, challenges and priorities. This enables 
us to deliver the best quality advice and the innovative 
solutions that our clients expect.

As part of our Client Relationship Management (CRM) 
Programme our dedicated Client Advocates maintain 
continuous dialogue with our clients and share updates 
relating to their strategy and needs with the wider 
client relationship teams. 

We regularly commission independent client reviews 
to ensure that we gather feedback on how we are 
managing client relationships, areas for improvement 
and added-value we can provide. This approach 
provides deeper insight into our clients’ priorities so we 
can refine the Savills client experience and make the 
appropriate skills, expertise and resources available to 
them. This service offering includes the provision of 
ESG advice and consultancy services, as advice in this 
area is a key strategic priority for many of our clients. 
This investment into understanding our clients and 
our relationships puts us in a stronger position to both 
retain mandates and win new projects. 

Our CRM Programme plays a vital role in ensuring we 
implement a proactive approach to client relationship 
management and our clients receive the joined-up 
and consistent service they expect. We encourage 
a collaborative culture which embeds a good 
understanding across all our teams of the breadth 
of Savills expertise. 

Our ability to provide research into changing consumer 
attitudes as well as insights across the large number 
of markets and sectors in which we operate is hugely 
valued by our clients. We have included dedicated 
research leads as part of our CRM approach. 

We invest in our people to ensure they have the right 
skills, competencies and we invest in systems to ensure 
that our people have the tools to effectively nurture 
and grow client relationships. In 2021 we introduced 
a tailored training and coaching programme aimed 
specifically at supporting our Client Advocates, as well 
as sharing of best practice client advocacy across our 
senior management community. 

To create enhanced visibility of our vast network 
of clients and prospects, we introduced a new AI 
relationship platform across the UK & EMEA. This 
has encouraged better sharing of client information 
between teams and across borders, and further 
supports the delivery of a seamless client experience. 

We also continued the implementation of our 
CRM platform across EMEA. Our goal is to ensure 
greater visibility of client intelligence and increased 
collaboration between client relationship teams across 
the UK and EMEA regions.

Our investment into developing a client-centric 
culture, driving internal collaboration and introducing 
technology that supports our client relationship 
management approach means we have been able to 
better meet our clients’ expectations and adapt more 
quickly to evolving market conditions.

47

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsOverviewAnnual report & accounts 2021Responsible business continued

Engaging and developing our people

Our people strategy remains focused on supporting delivery of the highest 
standards of client service through motivated and engaged people. 

Helping our people fulfil their true potential, we:

 ƒ Encourage an open and supportive culture in 

 ƒ Believe that a rewarding workplace inspires 

which every individual is respected.

and motivates.

 ƒ Help our people to excel through appropriate 

 ƒ Strive to provide an environment in which our 

training and development.

 ƒ Share success and reward achievement.

 ƒ Recognise that our people’s diverse strengths 
combined with good teamwork produce the 
best results.

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.

 ƒ Engage with our people to communicate our 
vision and strategy through well-established 
internal channels.

Employee engagement 
We believe that in order to deliver our strategy, it 
is important that our people are fully engaged and 
motivated. Our employees’ wellbeing is fundamental 
to this and, over the last few years, we have continued 
to build on our wellbeing programme and activities. 
Employee engagement and wellbeing have never 
been more important and throughout the COVID-19 
pandemic, we have worked hard to listen to and 
support the needs of our people.

We communicate honestly and openly with our 
people to keep them informed and involved with 
business activities. We use a number of channels to 
communicate and engage, including regular town-hall 
and other meetings, all-employee e-mails, our intranet, 
and our digital platform which allows direct employee 
communication (in local languages) with Non-
Executive Directors (including the Chairman) to allow 
staff feedback to flow to the Board direct. We have 
moved away from a more formal engagement survey 
to more regular and succinct pulse surveys as a 
means of seeking feedback more frequently from 
employees, thereby allowing management to be more 
responsive, and in particular focus the initiatives 
developed in response to the pandemic, especially 
those relating to staff mental health and well-being. 
We have continued to focus on employee engagement 
through a number of areas of focus. For example, in 
the UK have improved the clarity of our reward and 
benefits through the use of, a new Total Reward 
Statement, so that all our employees clearly see the 
full reward package.

Developing talent for the future
We firmly believe in the value of developing future 
talent from within the Group and we want people to 
grow their careers at Savills. We work hard to help 
nurture the entrepreneurs and leaders of the future.

We invest heavily in our people’s development and 
encourage everyone to pursue opportunities for 
growth. We recognise that career development 
and progression is very important and our training 
programmes are designed to respond to the specific 
training needs of employees identified through their 
annual performance reviews and we encourage 
all our staff to attend conferences, internal events, 
and participate in projects to supplement their 
Continuous Professional Development (‘CPD’). We also 
deliver training courses to reinforce and support the 
development of our values and behaviours for example 
in relation to Anti-Corruption and Bribery, Our Code 
of Conduct and security and data management. We 
continue to deliver training and development in all 
areas including management and leadership, client and 
business skills and professional and technical skills.

In order to manage individual development and 
ongoing learning, we use a Learning Management 
System (‘LMS’)across the Group. This has continued 
to be indispensable during the pandemic to deliver 
training and wellbeing support, including mental 
health, across the regions. The LMS is mobile 
compatible, allows individuals to track and manage 
their development, watch video podcasts and 
download course materials.

48

Examples of our commitment to developing talent for the future:

UK
‘The Times’ Graduate 
Employer of Choice in 
Property for the 15th 
Consecutive Year

Asia Pacific
Launched Savills Asia 
Pacific academies

North America: The Savills Junior 
Broker Development Programme
This programme recruits young 
professionals while focussing on diversity. 
The programme provides exposure to many 
areas of the real estate industry with 100% 
of candidates completing the programme 
receiving full time positions.

UK: Empower, 
Engage and Inspire 
Programme
Focusing on 
improving the 
capability of our 
leaders and managers 

UK 
Named No.1 UK Real 
Estate Super brand for 
the 15th consecutive 
year

UK: Graduate Scheme
Our graduates are surrounded by experienced 
professionals and team members from whom they 
can seek advice and learn. With responsibility from 
the day they join the business, in teams which highly 
value their contribution, our graduates are involved 
in some of the world’s most high-profile transactions 
and developments. We look for graduates with 
entrepreneurial flair and diverse skills.

Diversity and inclusion
Diversity and inclusion remains a key priority for the 
Board. Inclusion is at the heart of our culture, which 
is grounded in mutual respect and non-discrimination 
in respect of age, disability, gender, race, religion, 
sexual orientation or educational background. 
With oversight from the Board and Nomination & 
Governance Committee, we have continued to 
implement our Diversity & Inclusion strategy. We have 
worked to evolve our activities to educate our people, 
take decisive action, generate engagement with our 
people and help implement our inclusion and diversity 
initiatives, supported by the appointment of for 
example in the UK with a Head of Diversity & Inclusion. 
We have made good progress against our inclusion 
and diversity priorities over the last year, as set out in 
the table on page 50 and 51. 

We look to create an inclusive culture in which 
difference is accepted and valued. We believe that 
diversity of thought, experience and background at 
every level gives us a competitive advantage and 

underpins the success of our business by giving us the 
ability to select our people from the highest quality 
individuals in the widest available pool of talent. makes 
us a better business. We are committed to hiring, 
developing and retaining diverse talent which reflects 
the communities in which we live and work. 

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. 
There are many ways in which we are working to 
support becoming a more diverse organisation: 
leadership, training and awareness raising, employee 
listening, recruitment and our approach to talent 
management, 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.

49

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsOverviewAnnual report & accounts 2021Responsible business continued

Engaging and developing 
our people continued

Implementation of our Inclusion and 
Diversity strategy: 6 areas of focus

Area of Focus

Objectives 

Gender balance
In accordance with Companies Act 2006, as at 
31 December 2021 our total global workforce of 39,118 
colleagues comprised 21,027 males and 18,091 females. 
Of these, 235 were senior executives (197 males, 38 
females) comprising members of the Group Executive 
Board and Board members of the corporate entities 
whose financial information is incorporated in the 
Group’s 2021 consolidated accounts in this Annual 
Report. During the year, the Company’s Board of 
Directors comprised nine members – six males and 
three female (10 members – 7 males, 3 females until 
the date of 12 May 2021).

Age

Disability

In accordance with the Equality Act 2010, Savills UK, 
as an employer with 250 or more UK employees 
publishes an annual gender pay report (calculated in 
accordance with the published requirements) on the 
Savills UK’s website. 

Ethnicity

Encourage a wider age profile within 
the property industry by focusing on 
ensuring that appropriate support is 
available and offered at all stages of 
an individual’s career

Ensure all staff feel included and 
supported regardless of any disability 
(discernible or hidden). We want 
to highlight the benefits of having 
a business that is aware of and 
understands the needs of employees, 
clients, tenants, visitors and all those 
that interface with Savills that have 
any form of disability

Increase the ethnic diversity of people 
working within Savills and the wider 
property industry by embracing a rich, 
diverse cultural mix to promote inclusion 
and engagement between all staff 
and clients

Our Strategic Approach
Our commitment is to promote on merit 
regardless of any other factors, creating equal 
opportunities for career progression and 
ensuring that every single person within the 
Savills Group has a sense of belonging.

Savills policy is to embrace diversity and provide 
a platform and a supportive environment for 
everyone to be the best they can be.

We are committed to developing a culture of inclusivity 
and diversity within the property profession. We have 
an established programme in the UK, and continue to 
develop this programme across the Group with 
clear objectives.

50

Gender

To create a strategy that provides an 
equal and fair platform for everyone 
to be the best they can be

LGBTQ+

Socio 
Economic

Embrace diversity and provide a 
platform and a supportive environment 
for everyone to be the best they can be

Improve LGBTQ+ inclusion in the 
work place

Create a strategy that provides an equal 
and fair platform for everyone to be 
the best they can be regardless of their 
socio economic background

of existing and new policies

 ƒ In the UK, ‘Making your Mentoring programme relevant for the modern 

Implementation

 ƒ Flexible Working

 ƒ Improving Internal Communication 

 ƒ Promoting Mentoring and 

Rewarding Loyalty

 ƒ Ensuring that policies and support 

are offered for Working Carers

Examples of progress on achieving objectives 

 ƒ We support a significant number of people flexibly for different reasons to 

accommodate personal and professional requirements

workplace’, Savills has had a flat mentoring scheme in place for many years, 

allowing both mentor and mentee to benefit from their involvement

 ƒ Working with Carers UK to provide support to those with caring responsibilities

 ƒ Raising awareness through supporting 

 ƒ We are committed to being a “Valuable 500” business, which is a pledge to 

internal and external events

encourage 500 companies across the globe to sign up and agree to be more 

 ƒ Implement compulsory diversity and 

inclusive in terms of disability

equality awareness training across 

 ƒ Savills achieved certification as a Disability Confident Committed Employer 

the business

(Level 2) in the UK

 ƒ Engaging with a number of 

 ƒ For UN International Day of Persons with Disabilities we created a video using 

professional bodies and diversity 

stories from Savills colleagues across the world

groups and will ask for their assistance 

and expertise

 ƒ Removing the stigma – promote 

awareness of mental health issues

 ƒ Ensuring zero tolerance of 

harassment and bullying 

 ƒ Savills UK has signed up to the Race at Work Charter, a UK initiative designed to 

improve outcomes for Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) employees in the UK

 ƒ Making equality in the workplace 

 ƒ Savills globally supports Black History Month with educational programmes 

the responsibility of all leaders 

highlighting key black role models

and managers

 ƒ Our US Building Inclusivity and Diversity Group regularly hosts speaker and 

 ƒ Taking action that supports ethnic 

panel-discussion events for our employees and clients to encourage awareness 

minority career progression

and constructive dialogue regarding diversity and inclusion

 ƒ In the US our Employee Resource Group ‘Black Excellence United’ focuses on 

recruiting, retention, collaboration & advancement of diverse communities

 ƒ We have recruited a D&I Director

in the workplace

 ƒ We have launched an independent helpline for employees to report wrongdoing 

 ƒ Savills US Junior Development Program – 90% diverse class for each of the last 

two years & 100% of candidates completing the program have taken full time 

positions in NY, Houston, Washington DC and Los Angeles

 ƒ Continue to ensure that our training 

 ƒ We are working hard to redress our balance of men and women in more 

fully supports our approach to 

senior roles through a number of initiatives

diversity and inclusion

 ƒ Our ‘Women in Leadership positions’, determined in accordance with the 

 ƒ Relaunched our gender equality and 

Hampton-Alexander Review criteria, was 33% as at 31 October 2021. Whilst 

unconscious bias training, to further 

this progress reflects our commitment to improve diversity, in a sector 

raise awareness of diversity

where historically there has been a shortage of women leaders, we fully 

 ƒ Launched a Communication Skills 

programme for women focused on 

further improving diversity

acknowledge that we need to remain focused into the medium term on 

public speaking and participating in 

 ƒ We will continue to evolve our approach to meet the needs of our clients 

panel events

and people

 ƒ In the US we our Employee Resource Group Women’s Initiative Network (WIN) 

is in its second year with 90% participation by Savills US female brokers. WIN 

has partnered with organisations such as the CREW (Commercial Real Estate 

Women) Network to enhance programming and industry association activities 

that will create more educational opportunities for Savills female professionals

 ƒ We have appointed a D&I Director

 ƒ Raising Awareness

 ƒ Hosted virtual Pride Celebrations

 ƒ Recruit and Retain best people

 ƒ As part of LGBTQ+ History Month Savills highlighted one inspirational LGBTQ+ 

figure each week

 ƒ In the UK Improved our ranking in the Stonewall diversity survey by 149 places

 ƒ Creating a workplace that provides an 

 ƒ In the UK, Savills with Schools initiative now in place across 26 regional offices, to 

equal and fair platform for everyone to 

date the business has engaged with over 5,000 pupils

be the best they can be regardless of 

their socio economic background 

 ƒ Increasing diversity of talent pool

 ƒ Founding sponsor of Rethink Food, providing vertical farming towers in primary 

schools in the UK

 ƒ Inspiring the next generation to 

who are at a high risk of social exclusion by providing a platform to participate in 

 ƒ Supporting London based charity, The Big House, which works with care leavers 

consider property for their career

the making of theatre

 ƒ Achieved our target of 100 apprentices in the business one year early

 ƒ Working with Career Ready, a social mobility charity, to offer 15 work placements 

a year for 3 years

Area of Focus

Objectives 

Age

Encourage a wider age profile within 

the property industry by focusing on 

ensuring that appropriate support is 

available and offered at all stages of 

an individual’s career

Disability

Ensure all staff feel included and 

supported regardless of any disability 

(discernible or hidden). We want 

to highlight the benefits of having 

a business that is aware of and 

understands the needs of employees, 

clients, tenants, visitors and all those 

that interface with Savills that have 

any form of disability

Ethnicity

Increase the ethnic diversity of people 

working within Savills and the wider 

property industry by embracing a rich, 

diverse cultural mix to promote inclusion 

and engagement between all staff 

and clients

Gender

To create a strategy that provides an 

equal and fair platform for everyone 

to be the best they can be

LGBTQ+

Socio 

Economic

Embrace diversity and provide a 

platform and a supportive environment 

for everyone to be the best they can be

Improve LGBTQ+ inclusion in the 

work place

Create a strategy that provides an equal 

and fair platform for everyone to be 

the best they can be regardless of their 

socio economic background

Implementation

 ƒ Flexible Working

 ƒ Improving Internal Communication 

Examples of progress on achieving objectives 

 ƒ We support a significant number of people flexibly for different reasons to 

accommodate personal and professional requirements

of existing and new policies

 ƒ In the UK, ‘Making your Mentoring programme relevant for the modern 

 ƒ Promoting Mentoring and 

Rewarding Loyalty

 ƒ Ensuring that policies and support 
are offered for Working Carers

workplace’, Savills has had a flat mentoring scheme in place for many years, 
allowing both mentor and mentee to benefit from their involvement

 ƒ Working with Carers UK to provide support to those with caring responsibilities

 ƒ Raising awareness through supporting 

 ƒ We are committed to being a “Valuable 500” business, which is a pledge to 

internal and external events

 ƒ Implement compulsory diversity and 
equality awareness training across 
the business

encourage 500 companies across the globe to sign up and agree to be more 
inclusive in terms of disability

 ƒ Savills achieved certification as a Disability Confident Committed Employer 

(Level 2) in the UK

 ƒ Engaging with a number of 

 ƒ For UN International Day of Persons with Disabilities we created a video using 

professional bodies and diversity 
groups and will ask for their assistance 
and expertise

 ƒ Removing the stigma – promote 

awareness of mental health issues

stories from Savills colleagues across the world

 ƒ Ensuring zero tolerance of 
harassment and bullying 

 ƒ Savills UK has signed up to the Race at Work Charter, a UK initiative designed to 

improve outcomes for Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) employees in the UK

 ƒ Making equality in the workplace 
the responsibility of all leaders 
and managers

 ƒ Taking action that supports ethnic 

minority career progression

 ƒ Savills globally supports Black History Month with educational programmes 

highlighting key black role models

 ƒ Our US Building Inclusivity and Diversity Group regularly hosts speaker and 

panel-discussion events for our employees and clients to encourage awareness 
and constructive dialogue regarding diversity and inclusion

 ƒ In the US our Employee Resource Group ‘Black Excellence United’ focuses on 
recruiting, retention, collaboration & advancement of diverse communities

 ƒ We have recruited a D&I Director

 ƒ We have launched an independent helpline for employees to report wrongdoing 

in the workplace

 ƒ Savills US Junior Development Program – 90% diverse class for each of the last 
two years & 100% of candidates completing the program have taken full time 
positions in NY, Houston, Washington DC and Los Angeles

 ƒ Continue to ensure that our training 

 ƒ We are working hard to redress our balance of men and women in more 

fully supports our approach to 
diversity and inclusion

 ƒ Relaunched our gender equality and 
unconscious bias training, to further 
raise awareness of diversity

 ƒ Launched a Communication Skills 

programme for women focused on 
public speaking and participating in 
panel events

senior roles through a number of initiatives

 ƒ Our ‘Women in Leadership positions’, determined in accordance with the 

Hampton-Alexander Review criteria, was 33% as at 31 October 2021. Whilst 
this progress reflects our commitment to improve diversity, in a sector 
where historically there has been a shortage of women leaders, we fully 
acknowledge that we need to remain focused into the medium term on 
further improving diversity

 ƒ We will continue to evolve our approach to meet the needs of our clients 

and people

 ƒ In the US we our Employee Resource Group Women’s Initiative Network (WIN) 
is in its second year with 90% participation by Savills US female brokers. WIN 
has partnered with organisations such as the CREW (Commercial Real Estate 
Women) Network to enhance programming and industry association activities 
that will create more educational opportunities for Savills female professionals

 ƒ We have appointed a D&I Director

 ƒ Raising Awareness

 ƒ Hosted virtual Pride Celebrations

 ƒ Recruit and Retain best people

 ƒ As part of LGBTQ+ History Month Savills highlighted one inspirational LGBTQ+ 

figure each week

 ƒ In the UK Improved our ranking in the Stonewall diversity survey by 149 places

 ƒ Creating a workplace that provides an 
equal and fair platform for everyone to 
be the best they can be regardless of 
their socio economic background 

 ƒ Increasing diversity of talent pool

 ƒ Inspiring the next generation to 

consider property for their career

 ƒ In the UK, Savills with Schools initiative now in place across 26 regional offices, to 

date the business has engaged with over 5,000 pupils

 ƒ Founding sponsor of Rethink Food, providing vertical farming towers in primary 

schools in the UK

 ƒ Supporting London based charity, The Big House, which works with care leavers 
who are at a high risk of social exclusion by providing a platform to participate in 
the making of theatre

 ƒ Achieved our target of 100 apprentices in the business one year early

 ƒ Working with Career Ready, a social mobility charity, to offer 15 work placements 

a year for 3 years

51

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsOverviewAnnual report & accounts 2021Responsible business continued

Engaging and developing our people continued

Inclusive culture
We believe that we have created a culture in which our 
people can thrive, and be valued for who they are, their 
knowledge, skills and experience as individuals and 
what they bring to Savills. We work hard to ensure those 
skills, experience and perspectives are nurtured and 
encouraged. We are focused on increasing the diversity 
of our business and for example in the UK we are fully 
engaged in a diversity programme ‘Changing the Face 
of Property’ which focuses on improving diversity 
across social and economic background, disability, 
LGBT, age and gender. We have also improved.

We believe that creating an inclusive and diverse 
culture supports the attraction and retention of 
talented people and supports effective performance. 
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. 

Continuing to focus on wellbeing
Our employees’ wellbeing is fundamental to our high 
performing and supportive culture. 

We take employee wellbeing seriously and have 
an established wellbeing programme, and we are 
committed to the Time to Change pledge. We 
continued to focus on mental health during the year 
and resources were provided to managers to support 
employees working from home as well as those 
returning to office working. Our continued response 
to the COVID-19 pandemic prioritised the safety and 
wellbeing our people through a variety of initiatives 
deployed across the business. 

We want our workplaces to have a culture of openness 
and help eradicate the stigma of mental health through 
educational events, skill building and awareness raising. 
Initiatives across the globe focus on these important 
issues, and during the year we held a number of town 
hall meetings across the Group and events focusing 
on wellbeing and mental health issues. For example, 
In Malaysia to mark Mental Health Day, a Nature Walk 
for all employees was held, looking to reboot and 
clear their minds with nature at Batu Asah Waterfall, 
Gombak on October 23rd, 2021. The focus of Nature 
Walk was to provide a safe environment for staff to 
exercise and spend time with nature, while recognising 
the importance of our natural world. This is also in 
line with our ESG objective of encouraging healthy 
lifestyles and raising awareness on mental health 
among our people. Similarly, the UK supported mental 
health awareness week with a focus on nature, running 
LionHeart webinars and seminars focusing on mental 
health, stress relief, Myndup webinars with a focus on 
managing anxiety about “returning to normal. In the US 
we improved our mental health support for employees 
with the introduction of a dedicated employee 
assistance programme and an external health and 
wellness service provided by external consultants. We 
also celebrated events such as Time to Talk Day and 
World Mental Health Day. For example, in the UK we 
have set up a dedicated Wellbeing intranet page for 
employee wellbeing with resources and guidance for 
coping with stress, anxiety and uncertainty. 

We will continue to develop and make available to 
all employees a number of wellbeing initiatives and 
benefits to raise awareness of health and lifestyle 
issues affecting mental health and wellbeing.

52

Our culture

Always acting with integrity, we:

 ƒ Behave responsibly.

 ƒ Act with honesty and respect 

for other people.

 ƒ Adhere to the highest standards  

of professional ethics.

We believe that a positive culture is essential to the 
delivery of the highest standards of client service. 
This positive culture is encapsulated in our business 
philosophy and our values. 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.

Our approach to human rights
Savills is committed to conducting its business ethically 
and in line with all relevant legislation including human 
rights laws. We fully support the principles of UN 
Global Compact, the UN Declaration of Human Rights 
and the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) Core 
Conventions. Any breaches of our Code of Conduct 
may be reported in accordance with the Company’s 
Speak up procedure.

Savills has a strong and well embedded culture, 
founded on an entrepreneurial approach and 
underpinned by our values and operational standards. 
All that we do is underpinned by strong governance, 
a disciplined approach to risk management and 
high standards of responsibility, which supports the 
sustainable development of our business.

Savills has a zero tolerance approach to bribery and 
other forms of corruption. Our Code of Conduct sets 
out our commitment to operate responsibly wherever 
we work in the world, to work professionally, fairly and 
with integrity and to engage with our stakeholders to 
manage the social, environmental and ethical impact 
of our activities in the different markets in which we 
operate. We empower and support our employees 
to always make the right decisions consistent with 
this policy. Our corporate conduct is based on our 
commitment to act responsibly at all times. We 
will uphold laws relevant to countering bribery and 
corruption in all the jurisdictions in which we operate.

To facilitate the Savills Board’s assessment and 
monitoring of culture, the Board has in place a number 
of KPIs, set out on page 83 of the Governance Report.

Modern slavery
We believe the risk of slavery or human trafficking in 
the recruitment and engagement of our employees 
is low. To ensure it remains low, we have provided 
training on modern slavery and taken steps to make 
sure our staff and supply chain partners are aware of 
the Act and its requirements. We published our latest 
Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement 
which can be found at https://www.savills.co.uk/
footer/slavery-and-human-trafficking-statement.aspx 
setting out the steps we have taken in the past year 
to ensure our suppliers and their supply chains adopt 
similar standards to Savills to prevent slavery and 
human trafficking taking place in our supply chain.

Speak Up
Savills Group is committed to maintaining high 
ethical standards and a culture of openness, integrity 
and accountability in all its business dealings and 
practices. Savills takes any malpractice (i.e. fraud, 
bribery, illegal or unethical conduct or wrongdoing) 
very seriously. We recognise that employees are often 
the first to know when someone connected with the 
Group is doing something wrong and they should 
be encouraged to raise any concerns they may have 
about the conduct of others in the business or the 
way the business is run at an early stage and in an 
appropriate way, including if they so choose through a 
3rd party managed facility. Savills has a Group Speak 
Up policy which applies to all employees and supply 
chain partners of the Group’s businesses worldwide.

53

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Social matters

Our offices and our people are actively involved in their communities through 
our support of charitable causes and other social and business organisations, 
including making financial, in kind and time contributions.

To successfully engage with local communities, we know that we need to adopt 
a range of approaches e.g. charitable giving, volunteering events, pro bono 
work, work experience opportunities to facilitate and participate in community 
interaction and cohesion. This approach means we can establish and maintain 
effective connections, deliver real impact and remain proactive to the current 
issues that communities may be facing.

Savills Investment 
Management global  
‘March On’ step challenge

In March 2021, employees at Savills Investment 
Management were challenged to walk 100 miles 
throughout March, with the business matching  
miles with pounds to go towards charities of local 
offices choosing. 

Not only was March On! a great way to improve and maintain 
physical health, walking can support mental health too, and 
helped many employees throughout the COVID-19 lockdowns 
experienced at the time. Over 100 colleagues across 13 
of Savills Investment’s offices took part in a monthly step 
challenge, covering 5001 miles in total, with EUR 6,005 was 
raised for charity.

Australia – 
Ocean Heroes

Ocean Heroes who help people on the 
Autism spectrum take part in organised 
sport within a supportive, safe and inclusive 
environment. Savills Western Australia 
partnered with this local charity and raised 
over $3,000.

Amount raised for  
Ocean Heroes 

$3,000

54

Czech Republic – 
Team Building

Two-day all hands team building during which we 
spent a day in the forest and joined project which 
introduced us to the sustainable management of 
foresters in the Czech forests. 

The interactive program was designed so that we 
understood and experienced that the forest requires 
professional year-round care, which is provided by 
experts – foresters. Thanks to this knowledge and 
personal experience, we gained a deeper relationship 
and respect not only for the forest itself, but also for the 
work of the people who take care of it. During the whole 
day we were divided in to three working groups, first 
part of the day was dedicated to the learning experience 
– we got acquainted with the development of the forest 
from seed to mature tree and at learned about wood 
as a renewable raw material. Took an active part in tree 
planting, measured trees with forestry equipment, etc. 
Second block was dedicated to team building activities, 
such as bungee-running or archery.

UK –
The Chrysalis Project 
women’s hostel 

Earlier this month a group of volunteers from 
the London Residential Development Sales 
and London development teams spent a day 
making over the garden of The Chrysalis 
Project women’s hostel, as part of the Stanhope 
Foundation’s volunteering day.

Having become severely overgrown, the outdoor space 
required a full overhaul for residents to be able to enjoy 
it once again. It was a full on day of manual garden 
labour for the team who all quickly adopted a new 
found specialism.

The Chrysalis Project is a joint enterprise between 
Commonweal Housing, St Mungo’s and Lambeth 
Council, providing high-quality accommodation and 
support for vulnerable homeless women in South 
London. The Stanhope Foundation grant is funding 
one of their three London Employment Specialists 
within St. Mungo’s Recovery College. The Employment 
Specialists supports St. Mungo’s clients, referred from 
other services or within the Recovery College, 
into work.

55

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Responsible business continued

Social matters continued

China – 
Enter the world of ‘Star’ 
Painting Exhibition

Chengdu Children’s 
Child Care Center, 
established in June 
2010, provides 
educational training 
and counselling 
services for children. 

Savills helped to organize  
a painting exhibition at  
Ruidong Center to raise  
more awareness about  
their lives.

US – 
Creative Art Works 

Supporting under-resourced New York 
City Youth through the arts, a program 
that teaches valuable technical and 
developmental skills while creating  
profound connections between our  
young constituents, their art, and  
their communities.

56

Hong Kong – 
Run for 02

Savills hosted #Run4O2 to support 
India’s combats against the oxygen 
shortage during the second  
COVID-19 wave. 

A total of 52 participants based in Hong 
Kong did up to six running and walking 
routes in a 55-km run around Hong Kong 
Island, under the scorching heat of late May. 
Our efforts helped raise the funds that went 
directly towards the purchase of 25 Philips 
Oxygen concentrators which were donated 
to a NGO in India for use in communities 
that need them most.

UK – 
YoungMinds South 
Downs Ultra Challenge

An eleven-strong team from the Petworth Office has 
raised over £7,500 for charity after completing the 
South Downs Ultra Challenge. 

Raising funds for @YoungMinds, a mental health charity for 
children, young people and their parents, the team walked 
the 45km challenge in around 10 hours. Philip Kirk, Director, 
says: “While there were many aching legs and sore feet by 
the end, we are thrilled with the amount we have been able 
to raise for such a worthwhile cause. Thankfully the weather 
was kind to us and, as well enjoying some spectacular views 
during the walk, we crossed several Estates managed by 
the team, including the Brighton & Hove City Council Farms 
Portfolio, The Angmering Estate & The Arundel Estate, and 
The Bridger Trust.

57

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Sustainability and environment

“Savills plc is focused on climate-related risks and working together with its 
clients, suppliers and the local communities on which its operations impact to 
deliver a more sustainable future.”

Environment – Our Strategy in Action 
Our Group ESG Committee, is led by the Group 
Legal Director & Company Secretary and reports 
into the Group Executive Board bi-annually on 
our environmental performance. The Group ESG 
Committee also co-ordinates the implementation of 
the Group’s ESG strategy worldwide and supports 
the ESG risk management processes. Environmental 
risks, including climate-related risks, form part of the 
Group’s risk register, covering the potential impact and 
likelihood of those risks occurring.

Across the Group we continue to implement practical 
initiatives to improve the environmental performance 
of the workspaces that we occupy, including in the 
design of new offices, retrofitting of existing ones, and 
the ongoing active management of both.

Initiatives underway across many of our locations 
globally include:

 ƒ driving improvements in energy efficiency by 

introducing LED light replacements and installing 
motion sensors;

 ƒ reducing unnecessary electricity usage in line with 

reduced building occupancy;

 ƒ reducing print / paper wastage by promoting use 
of electronic documents instead of hard copies, as 
well as encouraging to go paperless;

 ƒ improving waste management and encouraging 
recycling; e.g. by introduction of new recycling 
streams;

 ƒ using sustainable materials in the fit-out of our 

premises wherever possible;

 ƒ transitioning our energy supplies to green 

energy contracts; and

 ƒ choosing zero or low emission vehicles; and 

encouraging use of virtual meetings to reduce 
the need to travel. 

286

items donated to the 
Singapore community

Savills Beijing and 
Singapore Offices

Our Beijing office relocated to China 
Central Place in late October 2021. The 
new fit-out was designed to meet LEED 
Gold and WELL Platinum. 

From a wellness perspective an air monitoring 
system has been installed and life solution 
water filtration system was adopted which 
reduces the need for bottled water. Likewise, 
our Singapore office undertook a refurbishment 
in 2021, incorporating the following 
sustainability features:

 ƒ carpet and vinyl flooring made from 

sustainable materials. The 878 sq.m. of 
carbon neutral flooring helped save 9 metric 
tonnes of carbon dioxide. 

 ƒ use of Smart Ocean Task Chair made from 

materials from the ocean.

 ƒ recycling old furniture, such as the redesign 
of the table tops and donating other used 
furniture to charity/ employees. Working 
with suppliers to recover 2,900 kg of CO² by 
recovering 83% of all materials from the 15 
tons of furniture. 

 ƒ in addition, 286 items were donated to the 

community and an estimated 425 local man-
hours were generated in relation to the take-
back and refurbishment of the furniture.

58

Germany – 
Frankfurt  
and Munich

Green wall (moss) in the entrance  
area, the specification reads: “100%  
real moss, 100% handmade, 100% 
sustainable, Made in Germany.”

Our green wall is

100%

sustainable

In Asia Pacific, during the year we established a 
regional ESG Committee to support the Group’s 
Global objectives and further integrate the regional 
ESG targets. The Group ESG Committee continued 
to implement objectives via local representatives for 
each country and territory, who have created their 
own local committees and set additional local targets 
linked to the regional objectives. This year the Asia 
Pacific Regional ESG Committee also appointed a new 
Regional Head of Sustainability and ESG to co-ordinate 
internal reporting compliance, regional ESG initiatives 
and to manage the sustainability consulting business 
to support our clients further. 

Our Asia Pacific offices are targeting energy audits at 
all offices with over 30 staff, to be completed during 
the first half of 2022. The data from these audits 
will enable our Asia Pacific businesses to set energy 
efficiency plans and reduce energy intensity.

Our Savills IM business has had a very active 
year with regards to its environmental 
performance and completed the following 
key projects: 

 ƒ Baselining the climate-change related risk 
of the assets held within investment funds 
managed by Savills IM on behalf of investors.

 ƒ Increased focus on installing solar PV 

on assets held within investment funds 
managed by Savills IM, so far capturing data 
for 3MWh of solar, a 100% increase on 2020.

 ƒ Development of new ESG Frameworks, 

including Net Zero Strategies for assets held 
within investment funds managed by Savills 
IM, with these strategies to be published in 
Q1 2022.

 ƒ 50% of AUM reporting to GRESB, 14 funds 

with a Green Star. 

59

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Sustainability and environment continued

The UK supported several national environmental days 
in 2021 including Earth hour, where we undertook a 
national office switch off on Saturday 27th March.

A focus on consumables this year, along with a boost 
from COVID-19, led to further reductions in paper. For 
example in the UK this reduced by 71% compared with 
the 2019 baseline figure. We also undertook trails of 
more sustainable gift giving, with the UK development 
division gifting 30 plants for Christmas to clients as 
an alternative to standard gifts. In addition, the UK 
IT team rolled out a power saving initiative during 
autumn 2021, with a total of 9,485 devices benefiting 
from power saving policies. This year 108 of our 123 
UK offices were ISO14001 certified. Some of the above 
work was recognised when Savills UK was Shortlisted 
for EG Sustainability awards 2021.

In CEME there has been a focus on greener transport, 
energy efficiency in the office and thought leadership 
relating to ESG. For example, our Madrid offices are 
Gold LEED certificated. 

This year we have continued undertaking thought 
leadership on ESG via a number of events and blogs. 
For example, in the Netherlands they have covered 
topics such as: biophilic design, cross laminated timber 
constructions, green fintech; biodiversity and valuation 
of sustainability measures in real estate. Similarly, in the 
UK 24,713 people were educated via our sustainability 
related blogs in 2021. 

Savills New York Headquarters
Our US business now have 18 LEED or Energy 
Star certified office spaces. During 2021, 
Savills New York headquarters, 399 Park 
Avenue, completed a series of renovations 
which promoted environmental sustainability. 

Improvements made to reduce the office’s carbon 
footprint and energy consumption:

 ƒ fluorescent light bulbs switched out to 

LED lights

 ƒ standing desks installed and indoor air quality 

improved via enhanced outdoor air flows

 ƒ introduction of Biophilia via installation of plants 

throughout the space

Case Study

Case Study

Savills UK
To further our commitment to environmental 
stewardship, in 2021 the UK business became 
Jubilee Partners with the Tree Council in 
support of the “Queen’s Green Canopy” 
initiative. The scheme aims to protect and 
increase native tree species in honour of Her 
Majesty’s 70 years of service. In December, 
our people worked as part of a team that 
planted 3,000 trees in Oxfordshire. 

60

Savills Earth
Savills Earth consolidates our established lines of business and expertise to deliver sustainability strategies on 
behalf of our clients. Through practical advice we support clients to develop strategies and working practices 
that turn sustainability targets and commitments into reality and embrace the change needed to improve the 
world we live in for future generations. A few highlights from UK client work in 2021 include:

#1 

Launched the first 
sustainability dedicated 
graduate scheme in the 
UK real estate

Measured a total of 

£10.8m 

of Social Value on behalf 
of our clients

23 

BREEAM In Use 
assessments completed

95% 

of electricity purchased 
by Savills Energy on 
behalf of our clients was 
on green tariffs

83 

properties certified 
under ISO14001 and 
additional 3 standalone 
ISO 14001 systems 
underway at large prime 
regional sites

Our forestry teams 
completed woodland 
creation feasibility 
studies for 450ha 
of client land and 
undertook 7 forest 
renewal plans. 444 
hectares of woodland 
creation was also 
approved

Over 20 GRESB Real 
Estate submissions 
supported

Advised on over 

23GW 

of proposed and 
operational renewable 
energy capacity and 
1.1GW of demand 
capacity

61

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsOverviewAnnual report & accounts 2021 
Responsible business continued

Sustainability and environment continued

Greenhouse gas emissions
Our Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions Statement 
includes all emission sources required under the 
Companies Act 2006 (Strategic Report and Directors’ 
Reports) Regulations 2013 and the Companies 
(Directors’ Report) Regulations 2018 for the financial 
year to 31 December 2021.

Scope 1 and 2 ‘market-based’ emissions intensity, 
expressed per Group revenue. In the second, we report 
on Scope 1 and 2 ‘location-based’ emissions intensity 
per square metre across our offices globally. The GHG 
intensity ratio of our offices excludes business travel 
and is focused on driving improvements in operational 
energy efficiency in buildings. 

Reporting methodology 
We report our GHG Emissions using the revised 
edition of the GHG Protocol Corporate Accounting 
and Reporting Standard, the GHG Protocol Scope 2 
Guidance, the GHG Protocol Corporate Value Chain 
(Scope 3) Standard and the UK Government Guidance 
on Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting (SECR). 
Our GHG emissions reporting boundary is based on an 
operational control approach and includes emissions 
from Savills PLC and Group subsidiaries. 

Scope 1 and 2 emissions
Reported Scope 1 emissions include emissions from 
business travel by the Group owned or leased vehicles 
and the combustion of fuels within our occupied 
offices. Scope 2 emissions are reported using both 
‘market-based’ and ‘location-based’ methodologies 
and relate to electricity use in our occupied offices. 
Scope 1 and Scope 2 ‘location-based’ emissions have 
been calculated using regional/ national emission 
factors published by the United Nations Statistics 
Division, the UK Government GHG Conversion 
Factors for Company Reporting, US Environmental 
Protection Agency, Australian Department of the 
Environment and Energy and other national agencies 
and internationally recognised guidelines for each 
reporting period. Under the Scope 2 ‘market-based’ 
method, no emissions have been accounted for 
electricity supplies backed with the Renewable Energy 
Guarantees of Origin, and residual mixes or grid 
average emission factors were used to account for 
the remaining consumption.

To coordinate the global collection of GHG emissions 
data, a network of Environmental Reporting Nominees 
(ERN) has been established within Savills, reporting 
datasets into the Group Sustainability Director. 
Specialist third party verified environmental reporting 
software has been adopted to manage the data quality 
review and verification process. Through the ERN 
network, reported greenhouse gas emissions have 
been collated using actual activity data wherever 
possible. In some instances, where activity data was 
not found to be wholly reliable or readily available, we 
have estimated the relevant emissions by using a range 
of standard carbon accounting methods, including 
data extrapolation, regional benchmarks and use of 
comparator indicator based estimation.

In addition to the absolute GHG emissions measures, 
we use two standardised intensity ratios to provide 
insights on our regional performance and year on year 
results. The first of these ratios calculates our global 

Where we have received more accurate energy data 
we have made restatements to the 2020 absolute 
performance measures. We have restated GHG 
emissions accordingly, to reflect these changes. This 
restatement has resulted to a 2% adjustment to the 
total energy use and a 0.2% adjustment to the total 
Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions reported last year.

Scope 3 emissions
In 2021, we undertook an initial assessment of 
the Group’s Scope 3 emissions. Following careful 
consideration of the project scale and the amount of 
data and assumptions involved, we have adopted a 
staged approach to the assessment. During the first 
stage, we analysed the upstream emissions associated 
with our operations in the United Kingdom and North 
America. In order to provide an estimate of the Scope 
3 emissions for all regions in which we operate, we 
then scaled-up this data using relevant factors. Scaling 
metrics used were revenue for procurement and 
capital expenditure, and staff numbers for business 
travel and commuting. 

Reported Scope 3 emissions include purchased 
goods and services, capital goods, waste generated 
in operations, business travel in vehicles not owned or 
controlled by the Group, employee commuting, and 
fuel and energy related emission that are not captured 
in Scope 1 and 2. Purchased goods and services 
includes all expenditure on services (e.g. cleaning, 
insurance, IT etc) and consumable products/goods 
(e.g. food and stationery). Capital expenditure includes 
all expenditure on durable products/goods that arising 
within the 2020 financial year (e.g. dish washer, office 
furniture etc). The methodology used to estimate the 
supply chain emissions from purchased goods and 
services and capital goods is based on the Exiobase 
environmentally extended input-output (EEIO) dataset. 
EEIO combines economic information about the 
trade between industrial sectors with environmental 
information about the emissions arising directly from 
those sectors.

For the UK, we have financial data for all relevant 
Scope 3 categories except for commuting. Our 
commuting figures have been estimated based upon 
extrapolation of Office for National Statistics national 
average datasets. For North America, business travel 
and commuting data was not available and has been 
calculated by extrapolating from staff numbers and 
expenditure. Waste, water, fuel and energy-related 
emissions are collected using the same system as 
for Scopes 1 and 2, described above.

62

Going forward, we plan to expand on this work by calculating the emissions of each region directly and we are 
developing a strategy to implement suitable data collection processes. In addition, we are working to capture 
emissions from Savills IM Assets Under Management. 

Performance and trends
During 2021, the imposition and easing of COVID-19 restrictions continued to impact the use of our workplaces, 
which, in turn, have had a considerable impact on the changes in our operational emissions for the second year. 
With more staff increasingly returning to our offices, the Group’s overall energy use increased marginally to 
24,933 MWh (an increase of 1.5%), resulting to an overall increase in the associated Scope 1 emissions and, for 
some regions, Scope 2 emissions. However, our absolute total Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions have reduced by an 
additional 442 tonnes CO2e to 6,738 tonnes CO2e, which represents a 6.2% year on year decrease. This resulted 
from a combination of several factors, including grid decarbonization, better data quality and energy efficiency 
improvements across a number of our locations. 

Whilst some of the reported emissions reductions are still attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic, our overall 
performance trend continues to reflect the Group’s strategy and efforts made in managing environmental 
impacts. Since 2018, an improvement has been seen across all GHG emissions metrics, including a 34.7% 
reduction in the GHG financial intensity expressed as tonnes CO2e / £ million revenue. During this time, our total 
Scope 1 and 2 emissions have reduced by 20.4%, whereas our data coverage has increased by 3% and includes 
additional 15 offices. Amongst the energy measures implemented in the last two years, examples of the most 
impactful initiatives include LED light replacements, review of energy management measures to eliminate energy 
waste, and shifting to zero or low emission vehicles. Furthermore, we are continuing to transition our energy 
supplies to renewable energy contracts, with good progress across a number of our offices in the United 
Kingdom and Europe. Further details on the environmental initiatives are provided in the ‘Environment – 
Our Strategy in Action’ section. 

In 2021 as in 2020, actual or estimated Scope 1 and 2 emissions data was reported for all offices where we have 
operational control for managing environmental performance. The reported energy and GHG emissions data 
includes estimates where actual data was unavailable. However, our continuous focus on improving quality and 
accuracy of the underlying data resulted in a 6% year on year reduction in data estimates.

Corporate GHG Emissions, tonnes CO2e

Scope 1 (Direct)

Scope 2 (Indirect, market-based)

Total Scope 1 and 21

Scope 2 (Indirect, location-based)

GHG financial intensity ratio 
(tonnes CO2e / £ million revenue)
GHG intensity ratio of our offices  
(tonnes CO2e / m2)2
Scope 3 upstream, estimate3,4

Total

2021

1,808

4,929

6,738

5,630

3.14

2020

1,794

2019

1,775

2018

change vs 2018

2,162

-16.3%

5,386

6,358

6,299

-21.7%

7,180

5,847

4.13

8,133

6,719

4.25

8,460

-20.4%

6,697

-15.9%

4.80

-34.7%

0.042

0.042

0.048

55,223

61,961

nr

nr

nr

nr

nr

nr

nr

nr

nr

nr

–

–

Corporate Energy Use MWh

Total energy use

2021

2020

2019

2018

change vs 2018

24,933

24,568

25,938

27,079

-7.9%

Data coverage (offices reporting data)

277 (100%) 285 (100%) 282 (92%) 262 (97%)

+3.0%

Notes:

1.  Total Scope 1 and 2 emissions and GHG financial intensity ratio are calculated using the market-based Scope 2 emissions.

2.  GHG intensity ratio of our offices is calculated using the location-based Scope 2 emissions.

3.  Scope 3 upstream emissions have been estimated based upon the regional emissions for our operations in the United Kingdom and North America. 

We will work to provide a more accurate result in 2022.

4.  This disclosure is partial, as we continue to work to improve our understanding of our Scope 3, which does not currently include downstream emissions, 

our final figures are expected to be materially higher.

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Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsOverviewAnnual report & accounts 2021Responsible business continued

Sustainability and environment continued

Scope 3 Performance by category*

GHG Emissions Category

Purchased goods and services

Capital goods

Fuel and energy related activities (not included in scope 1 + 2), 
and waste generated in operations

Business travel

Employee commuting

Total

tonnes CO2e

31,260

3,561

5,153

8,541

6,709

%

57%

6%

9%

16%

12%

55,223

100%

*  This disclosure is partial, as we continue to work to improve our understanding of our Scope 3, which does not currently include downstream 

emissions, our final figures are expected to be materially higher.

Corporate Emissions, tonnes C02e

Scope 2

8%

Scope 1

3%

Scope 3 – Purchased 
goods and services

50%

Performance by region

Scope 3 
Capital goods

6%

Scope 3 
Business 
travel

14%

Scope 3 
Employee 
commuting

11%

Scope 3 
Energy related activities, Waste 
generated in operations

8%

Region

Asia Pacific

Europe & the Middle East

North America

United Kingdom

Total 

Energy Use

GHG emissions Scope 1 and 2

GHG emissions Scope 3

MWh

4,612

8,682

3,317

8,323

%

18%

35%

13%

33%

Intensity 
ratio, tonnes 
CO2e / m2
0.056

0.042

0.033

0.036

tonnes 
CO2e
2,468

2,121

1,020

1,128

%

37%

31%

15%

17%

tonnes 
CO2e
22,412

7,187

8,256

17,368

%

41%

13%

15%

31%

24,933

100%

0.042

6,738

100%

55,223

100%

Scope 1 & 2 Emissions by Region tonnes C02e

Asia Pacific

37%

Europe & Middle East

North America

United Kingdom

31%

15%

17%

64

Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) 

Savills plc is focused on climate-related risks and 
working together with its clients, suppliers and the 
local communities on which its operations impact 
to deliver a more sustainable future. We are pleased 
to confirm that we have included below and in our 
TCFD Report on-line (https://www.savills.com/why-
savills/environmental-social-and-governance.aspx), 
climate-related disclosures consistent with the four 
recommendations and the eleven recommended 
disclosures set out in Figure 4 of Section C of the June 
2017 report entitled Recommendations of the Task 
Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures, and 
strongly aligned with the 2021 supplemental guidance 
entitled Implementing the Recommendations of the 
Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures. 

Governance 
The Board is responsible overall for managing climate 
related risks and realising opportunities, as detailed 
in the Governance section (pages 70 to 105). The 
Board is supported with this by the Group Executive 
Board, which is responsible for implementing climate 
related risk management plans, and the Risk and ESG 
Committees, which are responsible for overseeing 
climate risk assessment and other aspects of Savills 
sustainability agenda. The Group’s TCFD Working 
Group, which is supported by WTW, assists each 
region to effectively assess climate related risk and 
to develop the action plans required to address 
climate risks and realise opportunities specific to their 
business. Regional ESG Groups (in UK, CEME, Asia 
Pacific and North America) and Savills Investment 
Management (“Savills IM”)) have been established to 
develop and manage programmes in those businesses 
within the Group’s overall TCFD framework.

Go to https://www.savills.com/why-savills/
environmental-social-and-governance.aspx for our 
detailed TCFD 
report, covering:

 ƒ Identifying and Assessing Climate Related Risks.

 ƒ Processes for Managing Climate Related Risks 
and integration into overall risk management.

 ƒ Climate-related risks and opportunities identified 

over the short, medium, and long term and 
related impacts.

 ƒ Scenario analysis detail. 

 ƒ Group TCFD risks and opportunities table. 

Strategy and Risk Management 
In order to identify potential climate-related risks 
and opportunities and assess the impact on Savills 
businesses, strategy and financial planning, scenario 
analysis was used. Savills applied two scenarios to 
stress test the resilience of its business. Transition risks 
were identified, and stress tested against a well below 
+2°C scenario and physical risks were tested against 
a High Emissions Pathway associated with +4°C 
temperature rise by the end of the century.

Our climate-related risk management process is 
fully integrated with the global risk management 
framework. “Environment and sustainability” is one 
of our principal risks (see page 38). We applied low, 
medium and high probability and likelihood rankings:

 ƒ Low – The consequences of the risk materializing 

are considered relatively unimportant.

 ƒ Moderate – The consequences of the risk 

materializing are less severe and can be managed 
to a large extent.

 ƒ High – The consequences of the risk materializing 
are severe but could be managed to some extent.

Our chosen short and medium term time horizons are 
2025, 2030 and 2050.

2 Degrees – Transition Risks and Opportunities 
Under the well below 2°C scenario, Savills strategy 
is assessed as being resilient to the impacts of the 
transition to a low carbon economy, with most risks 
assessed as “low”. In particular, Savills assessed that 
the opportunities presented in terms of new revenue 
streams derived for example from the expansion of 
sustainability consultancy services and efficiency gains 
from technologies, outweighed the transition risks 
that it is exposed to. The most material transition risks 
and opportunities under this scenario are assessed as 
being “moderate” in 2025 with exposure reducing to 
“low” by 2030 and are as follows:- 

1. Reputation: Increased stakeholder concern or 

negative stakeholder feedback; 

2. Market: Shifts in client preferences for real estate 
services incorporating climate considerations and 
requiring service providers to have the necessary 
expertise; 

3. Technology: Substitution of existing products or 

services with lower emissions options;

Savills has identified that it will further reduce 
its exposure to these risks and exploit potential 
opportunities through in particular the following 
actions: –

 ƒ in 2020 the UK, Savills largest Regional Business, 
was the first region to set a net zero target on 
its scope 1 & 2 emissions, targeting net zero by 
2030. Savills IM set equivalent targets in 2021, and 
extended these to target net zero scope 3 emissions 
by 2040. Building on this, the Asia Pacific, CEME 
and North American businesses have baselined their 
scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions during 2021, to enable 
Savills as a Group to start the process of setting 
Science Based Targets (SBTs) and join Race to 
Zero in March 2022. 

 ƒ Savills will continue to invest further in the 

development of its sustainability offering across its 
Regional Businesses by building out the Savills Earth 
offering, complemented by appropriate training 
programmes to ensure that knowledge of climate 
related risks is embedded in all relevant teams to 
allow these teams to meet client requirements.

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Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsOverviewAnnual report & accounts 2021Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) continued

 ƒ the Group‘s TCFD Working Group, consolidating 

the estimates provided by the Regional and Savills 
IM ESG Groups, has estimated incremental annual 
expenditure (excluding costs in relation to Assets 
Under Savills IM Management) this was found to be 
de minimis in relative terms. This was estimated to 
assist implementation of the above mitigations over 
the medium term, which has a “low” financial impact 
in relative terms. 

 ƒ Savills will also continue to invest in technology 
solutions and strategic partnerships with, or 
acquisitions of firms offering climate-change related 
services and solutions both to better serve its 
clients changing demands and to reduce its own 
carbon footprint.

4 Degrees – Physical Risks 
Under the High Emissions Pathway (>4°C) scenario, 
whilst extreme weather events are forecast to increase, 
the physical risk impact to Savills is expected to 
be relatively low, due to the nature of the advisory 
business activities. Savills also assessed the potential 
for additional revenue opportunities under this 
scenario. The higher physical risk will likely lead to 
climate-change related migration in the long-term and 
increased volume of movement provides opportunities 
to increase revenue in Savills consultancy and 
transaction advisory businesses. 

In relation to Savills IM, assets held on behalf of 
investors in its managed funds do have some exposure 
to high flood risk and moderate storm risk, and these 
risks are projected to increase in the long-term. 

To ensure strategy resilience, Savills IM intends to 
invest in detailed assessments of higher-risk assets 
currently held within its managed funds, and to engage 
as appropriate with flood and coastal risk management 
agencies to plan future protection and consider 
divestment if adaptation measures are deemed 
inadequate.

Metrics and Targets
Metrics used by Savills to assess climate related 
risks and opportunities in line with strategy and risk 
management process are summarised within our 
mandatory greenhouse gas reporting section (see 
page 63). Within this section we disclose energy 
consumption and scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas (GHG) 
emissions, and make an initial partial disclosure of our 
scope 3 GHG emissions, which have also been taken 
into account as metrics within our TCFD analysis. 
Savills has undertaken regional business specific net 
zero pathways and costing exercises, as part of its 
TCFD review, with changes in carbon price regulation 
monitored globally to assist predicting future 
cost implications.

Savills intends to set a Group intensity based target to 
meet Science Based Targets for scopes 1 & 2 by 2030, 
and scope 3 by 2050, with an aspirational target of 
2040. Detail around the baseline year to be used and 
other details will be defined over the next two years, 
working with Science Based Target initiative (SBTi). 
Performance against our greenhouse gas targets to 
date is summarised in our mandatory greenhouse gas 
reporting section (see page 63).

Risk Type

Risk Description

Time frame 
of impact

Potential Financial Impact – shortened text 

Materiality 
Assessment

Physical – Assessed under the High Emissions Scenario (> 4°C)

Acute 
catastrophic 
events

Long 
Term

Increased 
frequency and 
severity of extreme 
weather events, 
such as cyclones, 
hurricanes, heat 
waves, wildfires 
and floods 

Risk Impact:

Low

Low

Potential for increased property damage from 
catastrophic events deemed minimal, as damage 
itself to properties is likely to increase, but properties 
are leased rather than owned; Climate modelling 
which considers RCP8.5, conducted by WTW shows 
minimal exposure across short, medium and long 
terms. In relation to assets under the management 
of Savills IM, some exposure, however, Savills IM is 
developing strategies to mitigate the impact of 
these risks in relation to assets in funds under 
its management. 

Opportunity Impact:

As cities become increasingly concerned about 
the impacts of severe physical risk events, there is 
potential for Savills to support resilient city strategic 
planning, which could generate additional revenue 
for the business.

Chronic 
– Gradual 
changes 
in weather 
patterns

Long 
Term

Longer-term 
shifts in weather 
patterns; which 
may cause 
increasing 
frequency of 
heavy rain and 
wind, rising sea 
levels and average 
temperatures

Risk Impact:

Low

Low

Potential for increased operational and maintenance 
costs, which are passed on from landlords to Savills 
as tenant, relevant cost deemed minimal. Some of 
the assets in funds managed by Savills IM have some 
exposure, however, Savills IM is developing strategies 
to mitigate the impact of these risks in relation to 
assets in funds under its management.

66

Risk Type

Risk Description

Time frame 
of impact

Potential Financial Impact – shortened text 

Materiality 
Assessment

Transition – Assessed under the Well Below 2°C Scenario (< 2°C)

Policy & 
Regulation

Enhanced climate 
risk disclosures

Short 
Term

Introduction of 
emissions caps, 
carbon pricing 
and offsets

Long 
Term

Short to 
Medium-
term

Changes in 
building standards; 
new requirements 
for property 
transactions, 
development 
and operations

Reputation

Increased 
stakeholder 
concern or 
negative 
stakeholder 
feedback

Short 
Term

Risk Impact:

Low

Low

The financial cost of compliance and disclosures is 
considered to be limited. 

Risk Impact:

Low

Low

Savills is predominantly a service provider, its overall 
level of Scope 1 & 2 emissions is relatively low, and 
it intends to further reduce its overall emissions 
through regional targets. 

Opportunity Impact:

Given higher carbon taxes, there will likely be 
increased demand for sustainable design and 
performance advice, providing revenue opportunity.

Risk Impact: 

Low

Low

Because Savills is already implementing actions to 
track, and monitor changing regulatory standards, 
conduct retrofits to increase efficiency of properties 
and increase ESG knowledge across the business, 
the risk is assessed as “low”. In relation to assets held 
in funds managed by Savills IM, ensuring that fund 
assets meet future minimum standards may result 
in additional asset management costs at fund level , 
however overall risks deemed low.

Opportunity Impact:

Significant opportunity for Savills Regional 
Businesses to increase revenue by becoming a 
leading provider of ESG consultancy services to 
clients which will increasingly demand it.

Risk Impact:

Moderate Low

Risk is assessed as low, when reflecting the mitigation 
plans in place, a moderate opportunity exists.

Opportunity Impact:

A proactive approach to sustainability and 
commitment to responsible business, such as Savills 
UK’s Net Zero target and the formation of Savills 
Earth, could help to attract the next generation 
of talent who are increasingly concerned with 
sustainability issues. There is significant opportunity 
to become a leading provider of ESG services to 
clients, as Savills continues to develop employee 
skill sets and knowledge to build its client facing 
service offering. 

67

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsOverviewAnnual report & accounts 2021Task Force for Climate Related Financial Disclosure (TCFD) continued

Time frame 
of impact

Short 
Term

Risk Type

Risk Description

Market 
Changes

Shifts in customer 
preferences for 
real estate services 
incorporating 
climate 
considerations

Markets vulnerable 
to climate change 
becoming less 
desirable over time

Long 
Term

Specialist skills 
shortages

Short 
Term

Materiality 
Assessment

Moderate Low

Potential Financial Impact – shortened text 

Risk Impact:

Greater level of focus on climate related risks. 
If Savills fails to respond to these shifts in client 
focus it could see reduced income and market share, 
arising from lower relevance in the market. However 
mitigation in place for this.

Opportunity Impact:

Savills could increase its market share and revenues 
if it becomes a leading provider of sustainability 
consultancy services. Likely increase in demand for 
consultancy advice.

Risk Impact:

Low

Low

Due to the inherent diversification of Savills business 
this was assessed as being likely to have minimal 
impact. Savills is not exposed to markets that are 
expected to be impacted by the transition.

Opportunity Impact:

Potential to share expertise across Savills Regional 
Businesses to meet new client requirements. 
Consequently, this could generate additional revenue.

Risk Impact:

Low

Low

As Savills is proactively investing in expanding 
sustainability recruitment and training across its 
business, this risk is assessed as being low.

Opportunity Impact:

If Savills can attract the next generation of talent to 
build on its existing resource base, it could generate 
a competitive advantage and lead to increased 
revenue generation.

Technology 
Development

Substitution of 
existing products 
or services with 
lower emissions 
options

Short to 
Medium-
term

Risk Impact:

Moderate Low

Savills will continue to incur development and capital 
investment costs in relation to client facing real-estate 
technology. However, relative costs deemed low.

Opportunity Impact:

Developments in data collection technology could 
present Savills a moderate opportunity to increase 
revenue by further strengthening the Group’s client 
advisory service offering on emissions reporting 
and benchmarking. There is also an opportunity 
for Savills to occupy more efficient buildings, with 
smarter more efficient technology, which could lead 
to cost reductions on Savills own electricity spend.

68

Non-financial information statement 2021

The Non-Financial Reporting requirements are contained in sections 414CA and 414CB of the Companies Act 
2006. The non-financial information provided in our Strategic Report summarises the material issues Savills has 
identified in line with the requirements.

The table below, and the information it refers to, is intended to help stakeholders understand our position on 
key non-financial matters.

Reporting 
Requirement

Policies and standards 
which govern our approach

Where to read about 
our impact in this report

Environmental 
matters

 ƒ Environmental Policy

 ƒ ‘Environment’ section of 
Responsible Business

Employees

 ƒ H&S Policy

 ƒ CEO Review

 ƒ Equality & Diversity Policy

 ƒ Business Model

Page

58 to 61

18 to 25

8 and 9

 ƒ Code of Conduct

 ƒ ‘People’ section of Responsible Business

48 to 52

 ƒ Speak up Policy

 ƒ ‘Culture’ section of Responsible Business

53

 ƒ S172 (1) Companies Act statement – 

43 

People

 ƒ Corporate Governance Report

 ƒ Remuneration Report

70 to 105

106 to 136

Human rights

 ƒ Code of Conduct

 ƒ ‘Culture’ section of Responsible Business

53

 ƒ Modern Slavery Statement

Social matters

 ƒ Code of Conduct

 ƒ Modern Slavery Statement

 ƒ Tax Strategy

 ƒ ‘Social Matters’ section of 

Responsible Business

54 to 57

Financial crime 
(anti money 
laundering and 
anti bribery and 
corruption)

Outcome of non-
financial policies 
and standards

Business model

Due diligence 
processes in place 
in pursuance of 
promoting non-
financial policies 
and standards

 ƒ Code of Conduct

 ƒ ‘Culture’ section of Responsible Business

53

 ƒ Speak Up Policy

 ƒ Corporate Governance Report

70 to 105

 ƒ Anti-Bribery and 
Corruption Policy

 ƒ Carbon emissions reporting

 ƒ Gender Diversity reporting in 

accordance with the Corporate 
Governance Code 2018

 ƒ All employees required to 

read and adhere to the Code 
of Conduct

 ƒ Speak Up reports reviewed by 

the Board

 ƒ Anti-corruption and anti-

bribery training and monitoring

 ƒ ‘Environment’ section of 
Responsible Business

58 to 61 

 ƒ Corporate Governance Report

70 to 105

 ƒ Our business model section of the 

10 and 11

Strategic Report

53

69

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsOverviewAnnual report & accounts 2021Governance Overview

Applying the Principles of the 2018 UK Corporate 
Governance Code

Compliance Statement
The Company reported against the 2018 UK Corporate Governance Code (the ‘Code’) and the Companies 
(Miscellaneous Reporting) Regulations 2018. Our Governance Report reflects these requirements as they apply 
to Savills and includes cross references to relevant sections of the Strategic Report, the Directors Remuneration 
Report and other related disclosures. As part of this reporting, a Section 172(1) statement can be found on pages 
43 and 44 of the Strategic Report. A copy of the Code is available from the Financial Reporting Council’s website 
at www.frc.org.uk. It is the Board’s view that for the financial year ended 31 December 2021 Savills was fully 
compliant with all of the Principles and Provisions set out in the Code.

1  Leadership and 

Company Purpose

This provides an overview of the 
Board activities during the year

2  Division of 

Responsibilities

Explains the roles of the Board 
and its Directors

3  Composition, 

Succession and 
Evaluation

This includes the Nomination & 
Governance Committee Report

4  Audit, Risks and 
Internal Controls

This includes the Audit 
Committee Report

Chairman’s introduction

Board of Directors 

Group Executive Board

Board Attendance in 2021

Purpose, Culture and Values

Page

71 to 73

74 to 77

78 to 81

82

83

Board Activities in 2021

84 and 85

Engagement with stakeholders

Corporate Governance Structure

86

87

Division of the Responsibilities of 
the Directors

88 to 91

Board composition and diversity

92

Nomination & Governance 
Committee Report

93 to 96

Board and Committee Evaluation

95 and 96

Review of the effectiveness of 
the risk management and internal 
control systems

97

Audit Committee Report

98 to 105

5 Remuneration 

Directors’ Remuneration Report

106 to 136

70

Leadership and Company Purpose

Chairman’s introduction

Nicholas 
Ferguson CBE
Chairman

Ensuring that we do the right 
thing in the right way requires 
the right leadership and it is a 
fundamental part of my role as 
Chairman to ensure that the 
Board has the right blend of 
skills and experience.”

Responsibility for good governance lies 
with the Board. The Board is committed to 
maintaining the highest standards of corporate 
governance, which are fundamental to 
discharging our responsibilities. We set out 
our governance framework in this report and 
explain how robust and effective corporate 
governance practices enable the Group to 
deliver its strategy and create long-term 
Shareholder value. Further information on our 
strategy and business model can be found on 
pages 6 to 69. 

Ensuring that we do the right thing in the 
right way requires the right leadership 
and it is a fundamental part of my role as 
Chairman to ensure that the Board has the 
right blend of skills and experience. As an 
international business, we benefit from our 
Non-Executive Directors’ knowledge of and 
involvement with other businesses across Asia, 
Europe and the US. All of the Non-Executive 
Directors are considered by the Board to 
be independent, meaning that at least half 
of the Board members throughout the year 
were independent Non-Executive Directors 
(excluding me, as Chairman). The details of 
their skills and experience are, along with those 
of the other Board members, set out on pages 
74 to 77. The governance framework and 
the roles of the various Board Committees, 
principal management committee and other 
key committees are set out on pages 87 to 91.

In accordance with the 2018 UK Corporate 
Governance Code (the ‘Code’), all of the 
Directors, will stand for re-election at the 2022 
AGM on 11 May 2022. The Board reviews Non-
Executive Director independence on an annual 
basis and takes into account the individual’s 
experience, their behaviour at Board meetings 
and their contribution to unbiased and 
independent debate. The Board considers 
that all of the Non-Executive Directors bring 
considerable management expertise and 
strong independent oversight. 

71

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsOverviewAnnual report & accounts 2021Leadership and Company Purpose continued

Chairman’s introduction continued

During the year, COVID-19 continued to have a 
significant impact on how we conducted our business. 
Our primary concerns throughout the pandemic have 
been the continuation of client service at the highest 
levels and the well-being of our staff. A key priority 
was to ensure that employees were protected through 
appropriate COVID-19 secure working protocols, with 
a focus on wellbeing and mental health. The Board, 
as well as our employees across the Group continued 
to work in manner consistent with the revised way of 
working we implemented in response to the pandemic, 
in particular, where travel restrictions applied, in 
making use of technology to attend and participate 
in meetings. 

We are focused on climate-related risks and working 
together with our clients, suppliers and the local 
communities on which its operations impact to deliver 
a more sustainable future. The Group’s sustainability 
strategy aims to achieve a positive impact on the 
environment and society, whilst maintaining robust 
governance measures. Reflecting its ownership of 
the Group’s environmental, social and governance 
strategy, which aims to achieve a positive impact on 
the environment and society, whilst maintaining robust 
governance measures and we have aligned our Group 
business strategy with 9 of the 17 UN Sustainable 
Development Goals (SDGs).

In this context the Board has approved the Group’s 
commitment to:

(a)  Reducing scope 1 and 2 emissions to net zero 

by 2030; and

(b)  scope 3 emissions to net zero by 2040.

Reflecting these targets, and subsequent to the year 
end, the Group has formally engaged with the Science 
Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) and has started the 
process of agreeing science based targets to deliver 
its net zero targets consistent with a no greater than 
1.5°C temperature increase. The Group will also join the 
“Race to Zero” and the “Business Ambition for 1.5°C”. 

The Board is responsible overall for climate related 
risks and opportunities and is supported by the Group 
Executive Board, which is responsible for implementing 
climate related risk management plans, and the Group 
Risk and ESG Committees, which are responsible for 
overseeing climate risk assessment and other aspects 
of Savills’ sustainability agenda. During the year, a 
TCFD Working Group was formed to assist each 
Regional Business to assess climate related risk and 
opportunities and to develop the action plans required 
to address climate risks and realise opportunities 
specific to each Regional Business. 

We recognise fully that at the heart of every successful 
organisation is a strong and healthy culture supported 
by a robust governance structure. 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. Our Speak Up policy, in relation to which we 
are progressively rolling out a third party managed 
confidential reporting facility, enables employees 
to raise any matters of concern anonymously and is 
embedded into our business.

Our people remain our greatest asset and our 
highest priority. The Board is committed to a culture 
that attracts and retains talented people to deliver 
outstanding performance and further enhance the 
success of the Group. A good board is formed of 
a diverse group of individuals, each contributing 
different experiences, skills and backgrounds and 
which enables independent and effective leadership. 
In 2021, we welcomed Philip Lee and Richard Orders 
to the Board, both of whom bring considerable skill, 
knowledge and experience. Diversity and inclusion 
remain a priority for the Board and across the Group 
and we continue to make good progress. From a 
gender perspective, we are pleased to have seen 
the positive benefits of this approach, with women 
representing 33% of the Board’s membership in 
2021, and now representing 37.5% of the Board’s 
membership. We aim to be truly representative of 
all sections of society and for each employee to feel 
respected and able to give their best. The Company’s 
policy on inclusion and diversity applies across all 
levels of the Group and further details of the policy 
can be found in the Strategic Report on pages 
6 to 69.

72

Rupert Robson, who served on the Board since 2015, 
retired at the conclusion of the 2021 AGM and Tim 
Freshwater, who served on the Board since 2012 retired 
effective 31 December 2021. I would like to thank 
Rupert and Tim for their contributions to the Board 
and its Committees during their terms.

We test Board effectiveness and performance annually 
through a formal evaluation. Alice Perkins of AP 
Consulting externally facilitated the review in 2019, 
so this year’s evaluation was conducted in-house, led 
by the Senior Independent Director and facilitated by 
the Group Legal Director & Company Secretary. The 
process, key conclusions and areas of focus for 2022 
are set out on pages 95 and 96. Following this review, 
I am satisfied that the Board continues to perform 
effectively and in particular I am confident that the 
Board has the right balance of skills, experience and 
diversity of personality to continue to encourage open, 
transparent debate and challenge.

Risk management remains 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 98 to 105 sets out 
in more detail the systems of risk management and 
internal control. Details of our principal existing and 
emerging risks and uncertainties can be found on 
pages 31 to 38.

We believe that engaging with our Shareholders and 
encouraging an open, meaningful dialogue between 
Shareholders and the Company is vital to ensuring 
mutual understanding. We are in regular contact with 
our major Shareholders and potential Shareholders 
and in 2021 continued our regular, scheduled 
programme of meetings by way of video conference as 
part of our continuing commitment to this open and 
transparent dialogue. You can read more about 
Shareholder engagement on page 86. Our annual 
general meeting was, due to the COVID-19 restrictions 
in place at that time, held as a closed meeting on 12 
May 2021. It was disappointing for the Board not to be 
able to engage with shareholders in person. As at the 
date of this report, it is proposed that the 2022 AGM 
will be in person and my fellow Directors and I look 
forward to continued dialogue and meeting with 
shareholders at our AGM in May when I will be happy 
to answer any further questions.

Included within this Report is our Annual Report 
on Directors’ Remuneration, will be presented to 
Shareholders for approval at the 2022 AGM and 
proposed new Directors’ Remuneration Policy which 
shareholders will also be asked to approve at the AGM.

Overall 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.

Nicholas Ferguson CBE
Chairman

9 March 2022

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Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsOverviewAnnual report & accounts 2021Leadership and Company Purpose continued

Board of Directors

Nicholas Ferguson CBE
Chairman of Savills plc and 
Chairman of the Nomination 
& Governance Committee

Mark Ridley
Group Chief Executive Officer

Appointment to the Board

Appointment to the Board

Mark joined Savills in 1996 and was 
appointed to the Board on 1 May 2018.

Background and relevant experience

Mark is a Fellow of the Royal Institution of 
Chartered Surveyors. He was Chairman of 
Savills Commercial from May 2008, then 
Chief Executive Officer of Savills UK from 
2013 and additionally of Savills Europe from 
2014 until he was appointed as Deputy 
Group Chief Executive on 1 May 2018. As of 
1 January 2019, Mark was appointed as 
Group Chief Executive Officer.

Other appointments

Trustee of Reading Real Estate Foundation. 
Policy Committee Member, British 
Property Federation.

Committee Membership

Nomination & Governance Committee.

Nicholas was appointed to the Board as a 
Non-Executive Director on 26 January 2016 
and became Chairman in May 2016.

Background and relevant experience

Nicholas has held a number of leadership 
roles in the private equity and investment 
sectors. He was co-founder of Schroder 
Ventures (the private equity group which 
later became Permira) of which he served as 
Chairman from 1984 to 2001. He later served 
as Chairman of SVG Capital plc, a publicly 
quoted private equity group, from April 
2005 to November 2012.

Other appointments

Nicholas was Chairman of Sky Plc from April 
2012 to May 2016, having been appointed 
to the board as a Non-Executive Director in 
June 2004 and having previously served as 
Deputy Chairman and Senior Independent 
Non-Executive Director. Chairman of 
African Logistical Properties; and Chairman 
and founder of The Kilfinan Group, which 
provides mentoring by Chairmen and CEOs 
to heads of charities.

Committee Membership

Remuneration, Nomination & Governance 
Committees.

74

Simon Shaw
Group Chief Financial Officer

Stacey Cartwright
Independent Non-Executive Director; 
Senior Independent Director and 
Chair of the Audit Committee

Appointment to the Board

Simon joined Savills as Group Chief 
Financial Officer in March 2009.

Appointment to the Board

Stacey was appointed to the Board as a 
Non-Executive Director on 1 October 2018.

Background and relevant experience

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. 
Prior to that, 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.

Committee Membership

None.

Stacey most recently served as Chief 
Executive and then Deputy Chair of Harvey 
Nichols Group until 2018, and prior to that 
was EVP and CFO of Burberry Group plc. 
She previously served as CFO of Egg plc and 
spent her early career in a number of finance 
roles at Granada Group PLC. She was a 
Non-Executive director at GlaxoSmithKline 
PLC from 2011 to 2016 and the Senior 
Independent Non-Executive Director of 
the English Football Association from 
2018 to 2020. She qualified as a Chartered 
Accountant with Price Waterhouse.

Other appointments

Non-Executive Director of AerCap Holdings 
N.V, Genpact Ltd and Majid al Futtaim (MAF) 
LEC. She is also the Chair of MAF Lifestyle 
Advisory Committee.

Committee Membership

Audit, Remuneration and Nomination & 
Governance Committees.

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Board of Directors continued

Florence Tondu-Mélique
Independent Non-Executive Director

Dana Roffman
Independent Non-Executive Director

Appointment to the Board

Appointment to the Board

Florence was appointed to the Board as a 
Non-Executive Director on 1 October 2018.

Dana was appointed to the Board as a Non-
Executive Director on 1 November 2019.

Background and relevant experience

Background and relevant experience

Florence is currently Chief Executive Officer 
of Zurich France, and a member of Zurich’s 
Group Leadership Team.

She was previously Chief Operating Officer 
of Hiscox Europe, prior to which she held 
senior executive roles at AXA Real Estate 
and AXA Investment Managers. She spent 
her early career at McKinsey & Company.

Other appointments

Non-Executive Director of the French-
American Foundation and of Auchan Retail 
International. Appointed “Chevalier de l’Ordre 
National du Mérite” of the French Republic.

Committee Membership

Audit and Nomination & Governance 
Committees.

Dana was most recently a partner of the Real 
Estate Private Equity group, of which she 
was a founding member at Angelo Gordon, 
a privately held alternative investment 
firm. During her 25 year tenure, ending in 
December 2019, she served as a manager 
and leader of investment teams across all 
major US markets, and served as a Member 
of the Investment Committees for the firm’s 
US Opportunistic, Core Plus and Value Real 
Estate Funds. She spent her early career in 
real estate valuation and advisory at Arthur 
Andersen LLP in Washington, DC.

Other appointments

Non Executive Director of Silverspac Inc. 
Advisory Board of NYU Schack Institute of 
Real Estate.

Committee Membership

Remuneration and Nomination & 
Governance Committees.

76

Philip Lee
Independent Non-Executive Director

Richard Orders
Independent Non-Executive Director 
and Chair of the Remuneration 
Committee

Appointment to the Board

Appointment to the Board

Philip was appointed to the Board as a Non-
Executive Director on 1 January 2021.

Richard was appointed to the Board as a 
Non-Executive Director on 1 January 2021.

Background and relevant experience

Background and relevant experience

Philip Lee is currently Vice Chairman of 
Global Banking, South East Asia, HSBC Bank 
and is a member of the Global Banking Vice 
Chairman and Banking Leadership Forums. 
Philip was previously with Deutsche Bank 
(2013-2018) as Vice Chairman of South East 
Asia and Chief Country Officer for the Bank 
in Singapore. Prior to 2013, Philip was with 
JP Morgan (1995-2013), where he was CEO 
South East Asia Investment Banking and 
Senior Country Officer, Singapore, after 
having worked in senior positions for various 
other banks in the region before then. Since 
2006, he has also held roles on various 
advisory bodies and Statutory Boards 
established by the Singapore government.

Other appointments

Non-Executive Director of Heliconia Capital 
Management, an investment firm owned 
by Temasek focused on growth-oriented 
Singapore companies, and SPH Media 
Holdings. He is also Chairman of the Singapore 
Government’s Health Promotion Board.

Committee Membership

Audit and Nomination & Governance 
Committees.

Richard Orders is currently a managing 
director at Moelis & Company a leading 
global independent investment bank, 
heading the Firm’s Hong Kong office having 
founded its predecessor firm, Asia Pacific 
Advisors, in 2009. Prior to this, Richard 
was with ABN AMRO (1996-2008), latterly 
from 2004-8 as Vice Chairman and Head of 
Global Clients Asia, having previously been 
Executive Chairman and CEO of ABN AMRO 
Asia Corporate Finance. Previously, Richard 
held various roles in Barings Bank, which he 
joined in 1976, latterly as Head of Barings 
Investment Banking business in Asia, ex 
Australia and Japan (1994-96) and Director 
of Barings Corporate Finance London (1996).

Other appointments

None.

Committee Membership

Remuneration and Nomination & 
Governance Committees.

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Group Executive Board

James Sparrow
Chief Executive Officer, UK & EMEA

Appointment to the 
Group Executive Board:

James was appointed to the Group 
Executive Board on 1 May 2018.

Background and relevant experience

He became Chief Executive of Savills UK & 
EMEA in September 2018, having previously 
been Chief Executive of Savills UK since 
1 May 2018. Prior to this James held the 
position of Head of Professional Services, 
Savills UK and was a member of the Savills 
UK Executive Board from 2013 when it 
was established. Before that James was a 
member of the Executive Board of Savills 
Commercial, having joined Savills in 1988.

Mark Ridley
Group Chief Executive Officer

(effective 1 January 2019)

(see Board of Directors on pages 74  
to 77 for full biography)

Simon Shaw
Group Chief Financial Officer

(see Board of Directors on pages 74 
to 77 for full biography)

78

Chris Lee
Group Legal Director 
& Company Secretary

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

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, 
regulatory and compliance issues and for 
corporate ESG 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.

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 2003, Raymond 
became the Managing Director of Savills 
Hong Kong and Savills Macau and in 2010 
was appointed CEO of Savills Greater China. 
Raymond is a Fellow of the Hong Kong 
Institute of Directors and holds an honorary 
fellowship at the Quangxi Academy of Social 
Science. Raymond is also an Honorary 
Doctor of Management at Lincoln University 
and holds a Fellowship at the Asian College 
of Knowledge Management (ACKM). He 
became a Fellow of the Royal Institute of 
Chartered Surveyors (RICS) in 2016.

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Group Executive Board continued

Mitchell E. Rudin
Chairman & CEO – Savills Inc

Christian Mancini
Chief Executive Officer – 
Asia Pacific (ex Greater China)

Appointment to the 
Group Executive Board:

Appointment to the 
Group Executive Board:

Mitch was appointed to the Group Executive 
Board in January 2019.

Christian was appointed to the Group 
Executive Board on 1 July 2016.

Background and relevant experience

Background and relevant experience

Christian was made CEO of Savills Japan 
in 2007 and appointed CEO of Savills 
Northeast Asia in 2012.

Other appointments

None.

Mitch joined Savills North America as 
President in 2019, bringing more than 30 
years of leadership in the commercial real 
estate industry. Prior to joining Savills North 
America he has served as CEO of Mack-
Cali Realty Corporation, Brookfield Office 
Properties U.S. Commercial Operations, and 
CBRE’s (formerly ESG and Insignia) New 
York Tri-State Region.

Other appointments

Mitch is on the boards of the NYC Police 
Foundation, NYU Schack Institute, Police 
Athletic League, St. Francis Friends of the 
Poor and New York City Partnership. He is 
also a Governor of the Urban Land Institute.

80

Alex Jeffrey
Chief Executive Officer – Savills 
Investment Management

David Lipson
President – Savills Inc

Appointment to the 
Group Executive Board:

Alex was appointed to the Group Executive 
Board on 1 November 2019.

Background and relevant experience

Alex became Global CEO of Savills 
Investment Management on 1 November 
2019 and was appointed to Savills Group 
Executive Board at that time. Alex was 
previously Head of Asia Pacific for M&G 
Investments based in Singapore, with 
responsibility for the development and 
leadership of that company’s business 
across all investment sectors in Asia Pacific. 
Prior to this, he was Chief Executive of M&G 
Real Estate, based in London. Before that 
he was Chief Investment Officer and CEO 
Europe of MGPA Limited.

Alternates with Mitchell Rudin.

Background and relevant experience

David Lipson is president of Savills North 
America, a role he assumed in March of 
2021. His responsibilities include oversight of 
Savills consultancy practices, Mid-Atlantic, 
Southeast, and Southwest brokerage regions, 
platform development, strategic expansion of 
industrial and capital markets teams, as well 
as mergers and acquisitions and strategic 
business development pursuits.

Other appointments

David currently serves as chairman of the 
board for the British Schools and Universities 
Foundation. He is a member of the Board of 
Benefactors at Christ Church, Oxford and the 
Parents Committee at Dartmouth College.

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Board Attendance in 2021

Attendance at all Board and Committee meetings by Directors is as shown in the table below:

Board
10 scheduled meetings
100% attendance

Audit Committee
5 scheduled meetings
100% attendance

Nomination & 
Governance Committee
1 scheduled meeting
100% attendance

Remuneration 
Committee
4 scheduled meetings
100% attendance

Non-Executive Directors

Nicholas Ferguson1

Stacey Cartwright

Rupert Robson3

Tim Freshwater4

Florence Tondu-Mélique

Dana Roffman

Philip Lee

Richard Orders

Executive Directors

Mark Ridley5

Simon Shaw5

10

10

4 

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

1

5

1

–

5

–

5

–

6

7

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

–

–

2

4

1

–

–

4

–

4

–

–

1.  The Chairman attended two Audit Committee meetings by invitation. 

2.  The Chairman attended four Remuneration Committee meetings by invitation. 

3.  Rupert Robson retired from the Board at the conclusion of the AGM on 12 May 2021.

4.  Tim Freshwater retired from the Board on 31 December 2021.

5.  Members of the Group Executive Board.

6.  The Group Chief Executive attended two Audit Committee meetings by invitation.

7.  The Group Chief Financial Officer attended five Audit Committee meetings by invitation.

Board Activities
Board and Committee meetings are structured to allow open discussion. To enable the Board to discharge its 
duties, each Director receives appropriate and timely information. Board papers are circulated electronically 
via a secure portal, giving Directors sufficient time to consider and digest their contents. 

Regular attendance at Board meetings by the Heads of Regional Businesses on matters of significance 
ensure that the Board has the opportunity to discuss business risks and opportunities with leaders from across 
the Group. The Chairman, together with the Group Legal Director & Company Secretary, ensures that the 
Directors receive management information, including financial, operating and strategic reports, in advance of 
Board meetings. 

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

82

Purpose, Culture and Values

We have built our brand and reputation on the 
quality of our people, relationships, resources and 
processes. Savills has a strong and well embedded 
culture, founded on an entrepreneurial approach and 
underpinned by our values and operational and ethical 
standards. Everything that we do is underpinned by 
strong governance, a disciplined approach to risk 
management and high standards of responsibility, 
which supports the sustainable development of our 
business. Our Code of Conduct underpins our social, 
ethical and environmental commitments and sets out 
the standards of behaviour we expect our employees 
to demonstrate and adhere to. Our Speak Up policy 
supports the culture within the Group where genuine 
concerns may be reported and investigated without 
reprisal for “whistleblowers”, enabling employees 
to raise any matters of concern anonymously. All 
disclosures are investigated promptly by the Group 
Legal Director & Company Secretary and escalated to 
the Board as appropriate, with follow up action being 
taken as soon as practicable thereafter. The Board 
as part of its overall review of the Group’s system of 
internal control, reviews the procedures in place during 
the year and is satisfied that they are appropriate to 
the size and scale of the Group. 

The KPIs we have adopted for each Regional Business 
and Savills Investment Management are as follows:

Staff turnover, 
retention and 
absenteeism rates

Training & 
Development 
(programme  
overview and 
outputs)

Whistleblowing, 
grievance and  
‘speak-up’ data

Exit interviews

Recruitment, 
reward and 
promotion 
decisions 
(overview)

Employee surveys, 
including pulse 
surveys

Promptness of 
payments to 
suppliers

Staff  
wellbeing

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Board Activities in 2021

The Board has formally adopted a schedule of matters reserved to it for decision. A copy of the 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 http://ir.savills.com.

Each year, one of the Board’s meetings conducts a strategy review to identify key strategic issues facing Savills 
to be presented to the Board.

The agreed strategy is then used as a basis for developing the upcoming budget and three year operating plans. 
The Board met 10 times during the year to consider the items noted below. 

Our learning and understanding from our global business leaders continued during 2021, principally through 
virtual channels. The Board considered the growth plans across the Group, and approved material transactions, 
specifically the acquisitions of RealPlus (Vietnam); LCA Core (Malaysia); Merx (S E Asia); and in relation to 
Savills Investment Management, the acquisition of the outstanding 75% of DRC Capital LLP and the subsequent 
Strategic Alliance with Samsung Life Insurance and significant recruitment proposals as we continued to 
strengthen of our teams across all various markets. One of the Board’s meetings during the year was specifically 
devoted to the review of the Group’s strategy. The key areas of Board activity during the year are set out 
as follows:

What the Board did in 2021

Leadership and people

 ƒ Reviewed the composition and performance of the Board and its Committees

Strategy

 ƒ Reviewed the performance and growth of the Group’s Regional Businesses and 

Savills Investment Management

 ƒ Held the annual strategy review to consider the Group’s strategy in depth

 ƒ Considered and approved the following growth initiatives consistent with the 

Group’s strategic plan:

 – the further growth of the Group’s Asia Pacific platform;

 – the continued build-out of the Group’s CEME business, with a particular 

focus on extending the consultancy and project and property management 
service offerings;

 – the further broadening of the Group’s US platform; 

 – the strategic alliance between Savills Investment Management and Samsung 

Life; and

 – the accelerated acquisition of the outstanding 75% of DRC.

Internal Control and 
Risk Management

 ƒ Reviewed and confirmed the principal existing and emerging risks and 

uncertainties facing the Group which are described in detail on pages 31 to 38

 ƒ Reviewed the Group’s risk register and the effectiveness of the systems of internal 

control and risk management

 ƒ Received updates on the risk and internal control environments within the Group’s 

Asia Pacific, North America, CEME and UK businesses and Savills Investment 
Management

Governance 

 ƒ Received updates on regulatory and governance developments

 ƒ Received regular reports in relation to the operational response to the emergence 

and impact of COVID-19 

 ƒ Received regular reports in relation to material legal matters

 ƒ Reviewed and discussed the evaluation of the performance of the Board, its 

Committees and individual Directors to ensure that they continued to be effective 
in support of Group strategy, policy and practice

 ƒ Considered and approved situational and if they arose actual conflicts of interest

 ƒ Considered issues raised through the Group’s Confidential Reporting 

(‘Speak Up’) channels

84

Financial 
Management

 ƒ Reviewed the 2023-2024 Group Business Strategy and approved the 2022 Plan

 ƒ Reviewed business, profit and cash management performance, and in each case, 
assessed performance in these areas against the Group’s strategy, objectives 
and business plans to ensure that the financial returns generated by the Group’s 
businesses were applied to the creation of additional value, costs were controlled 
and that resources could be made available at the appropriate time to realise 
business opportunities

 ƒ Considered and approved the 2021 Going Concern and Viability Statements

 ƒ Reviewed and approved the Company’s 2022 Tax Strategy

 ƒ Approved the 2021 annual and half year results and trading updates, and 
accounting policies so as to ensure that communication with the Group’s 
shareholders was fair, balanced and understandable; and, subject to shareholder 
approval, the appointment and the remuneration of the External Auditor

Stakeholder 
Engagement

 ƒ Received and considered investor feedback collated by the Company’s corporate 
brokers from road-shows, presentations and meetings between investors and the 
Group Chief Executive and/or Group Chief Financial Officer

 ƒ Received updates on workforce engagement during the year

 ƒ Received regular client feedback from the Group Chief Executive

Listening to our employees
Our employees are at the heart of the culture of our business. In accordance with the Code, the Board has 
reviewed the mechanisms that it uses to engage with its workforce. In 2020 the Board considered the three 
mechanisms set out in the Code and determined that in particular reflecting the Group’s geographic spread, 
that it would be beneficial for all of the Non-Executive Directors to engage in the workforce engagement 
programme, with each Non-Executive Director to focus on specific regions reflecting their own domiciles, and 
should therefore to be “designated” for workforce engagement purposes, (rather than nominating a single 
Non-Executive Director). The Board believes this enhances each of the Director’s engagement with, and 
understanding of, workforce views, leverages cultural awareness and is more efficient (in that it does not require 
a single designated Non-Executive Director to engage across all of the Group’s diverse geographic markets).

As part of our commitment to helping all of our people to understand the Group’s growth strategy and to raise 
other questions they have about the Group, the Board has established communication channels to further 
encourage the two way flow of information between the Group’s businesses and workforce, and in particular to 
allow feedback from the Group’s Principal Businesses to flow to the Board direct. These include:

(a)   the promotion of our digital platform which allows direct employee communication (in local languages) with 
Non-Executive Directors (including the Chairman) in areas of focus (such as strategy, training & development 
opportunities; measurement of staff performance and promotion criteria; diversity; and flexible working); and

(b)   as social distancing rules and travel restrictions allow, Board members attending staff ‘Town Hall’ / Employee 

Briefing sessions by region. 

During the year, the Board discussed whether its current approach to employee engagement continued to be 
the most effective mechanism to inform its discussions and the decisions that it takes. The Board concluded that 
the existing approach and mechanisms described above were effective. and as such, was satisfied that these 
were appropriate alternatives to the employee engagement methods set out in Provision 5 of the Code. Looking 
beyond 2021 the Board will continue to assess the effectiveness of its engagement with the workforce and how 
ultimately this informs the decisions that it takes, including the options provided for in the Code.

More detail about our commitment to our people is set out in the Responsible Business section of this Annual 
Report and Accounts in the Strategic Report on pages 6 to 69. 

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Engagement with stakeholders

In accordance with the Code, the Board recognises the 
importance of engagement with all stakeholder groups 
and more information on this is set out in the Strategic 
Report on pages 6 to 69. We regularly engage with our 
institutional shareholders through an active investor 
relations programme. COVID-19 has meant that this 
engagement remained online for the majority of 2021. 
The Group Chief Executive and Group Chief Financial 
Officer have primary responsibility for investor 
relations and lead a regular programme of meetings 
and presentations with analysts and investors. This 
includes presentations following the publication of the 
Company’s full and half year results. This programme 
maintains a continuous two-way dialogue between 
the Company and Shareholders, and helps to ensure 
that the Board is aware of Shareholders’ views on a 
timely basis. These engagements generated insightful 
feedback which was shared with other Board members 
and committees with due regard being given to these 
views. In addition, the Board also normally receives 
feedback twice each year from its corporate brokers 
on investors’ and the market’s perceptions of the 
Company. The Chairman and Stacey Cartwright as the 
Senior Independent Director are also available to meet 
Shareholders at all times as required. 

AGM

The Annual General Meeting (‘AGM’) provides the 
Board with an opportunity to communicate with, 
and answer questions from, private and institutional 
shareholders. In previous years, the whole Board would 
have been available before and after the meeting in 
person, in particular, for shareholders to meet new 
Directors and the Chairmen of each of the Committees 
would have been available in person at the AGM 
to answer questions. In common with the practice 
adopted by the majority of UK quoted companies, 
the 2021 AGM was held as a ‘closed’ meeting, with a 
minimum quorum present, in line with government 
rules relating to COVID-19 safeguards at the time. 
Shareholders were invited to submit questions 
to the Board before the meeting. All resolutions 
were passed at the meeting in line with the Board’s 
recommendations. 

As at the date of this Report, it is proposed that the 
2022 AGM will be held in person. 

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 notice 
of the AGM is sent out at least 20 working days before 
the meeting and at least 15 working days’ notice would 
be given before other general meetings.

In accordance with the Company’s Articles of 
Association, electronic and paper proxy appointments 
and voting instructions must be received not later 
than 48 hours before a general meeting. Details of 
the resolutions to be proposed at the Annual General 
Meeting on 11 May 2022 can be found in the Notice of 
Meeting which accompanies this Report and Accounts. 
The Group’s website includes a specific investor 
relations section containing all announcements made 
via the RNS, share price information and annual reports 
available for download. The Company has taken 
advantage of the provisions within the Companies Act 
2006 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 248.

Conflicts of Interest Procedure
The Companies Act 2006 places a duty on each 
Director to avoid a situation in which he or she has or 
can have a direct or indirect interest which conflicts 
or 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 Company’s Articles of 
Association. Procedures are in place for the disclosure 
by Directors of any interest that conflicts, or possibly 
may conflict, with the Company’s interests and for the 
appropriate authorisation to be sought if a conflict 
arises. The Board, or the Nomination & Governance 
Committee on its behalf, reviews actual and situational 
conflicts of interest at least annually and as necessary 
if and when a new potential situational conflict is 
identified or a potential conflict situation materialises. 
During 2021, the actual and situational conflicts of 
interest that were identified by each Director were 
reviewed and authorised by the Board, subject to 
appropriate conditions in accordance with the guiding 
principles. The procedures adopted to deal with 
conflicts of interest continue to operate effectively 
and the Board’s authorisation powers continue to be 
exercised properly in accordance with the Company’s 
Articles of Association.

86

Division of Responsibilities

Corporate Governance Structure

The Board leads the Group’s Governance Structure.

Board Leadership and Company Purpose

Overview of the Board’s responsibilities

 ƒ Has primary responsibility for providing 
entrepreneurial leadership for the Group

 ƒ Oversees the overall strategic development of 

the Group and approves the strategy to achieve 
the Group’s strategic aims

 ƒ Sets the Group’s values and standards

 ƒ Ensures effective governance and risk 

management and that the Group’s businesses 
act ethically and that obligations to 
Shareholders are understood and met

 ƒ Delegates the management of the day-to-day 
operation of the business to the Group Chief 
Executive, supported by the Group Executive 
Board subject to appropriate risk parameters

  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 http://ir.savills.com

Board Committees
The Board has established three principal Committees 
to which it has delegated certain of its responsibilities, 
as set out below. The roles, membership and activities 
of these Committees can be found in the pages 
which follow. 

Group Executive Board (‘GEB’)
The Group Chief Executive is supported by the GEB. 
The GEB is the key management committee of the 
Group. It is chaired by the Group Chief Executive 
and comprises 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 the ongoing 
review and control of the Group’s principal existing and 
emerging risks and uncertainties as detailed on pages 
31 to 38 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. The Group Chief Executive is also supported 
by Regional Service Line Strategy Groups which are 
tasked with the continuous development of service 
line offerings, client relationship management and 
the development and sharing of best practice in each 
region, in particular to ensure that the Group’s offering 
across its key service lines continues to evolve to meet 
new client requirements and to ensure consistent 
approach across the Group. An explanation of how the 
Group creates and preserves value, and the strategy 
for delivering its objectives is included in the Strategic 
Report on pages 6 to 69.

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Division of the Responsibilities of the Directors

Board (Chairman, two Executive Directors and five Non-Executive Directors).
(during the year the Board consisted of Chairman, two Executive Directors and seven Non-Executive Directors)

Audit Committee

Remuneration Committee

Nomination & Governance Committee

 ƒ Responsible for assisting the Board 
in fulfilling its financial and risk 
responsibilities, and in particular 
for ensuring that the financial 
statements are fair, balanced and 
understandable

 ƒ Oversees external financial 

reporting, internal control, risk 
management and reviews the work 
of the Internal and External auditors

 ƒ Advises the Board on the 

appointment of the External 
auditors

Chair: Stacey Cartwright 

Number of meetings 
in the year: 5

For more information 
see pages 98 to 105

 ƒ Responsible for the broad policy 
governing senior staff pay and 
remuneration

 ƒ Sets the actual levels of all elements 
of the remuneration of the Executive 
Directors, and Group Executive 
Board members

Chair: Richard Orders 
(who has succeeded 
Rupert Robson as chair)

Number of meetings 
in the year: 4

For more information 
see pages 106 to 136

 ƒ Responsible for size, structure and 

composition of the Board

 ƒ Reviewing and progressing 
appointments to the Board

 ƒ Responsible for succession planning 
to ensure that the Board is refreshed 
progressively such that the balance 
of skills and experience available to 
the Board remains appropriate to 
the needs of the business

 ƒ Makes recommendations to the 

Board on the membership of the 
principal Committees of the Board

 ƒ Monitoring of the Company’s 
compliance with applicable 
codes and other requirements of 
Corporate Governance

Chair: Nicholas Ferguson

Number of meetings 
in the year: 1 

For more information 
see pages 93 to 96

Principal Business Executive Committees

 ƒ Lead each Principal Business

 ƒ Responsible for the day-to-day management of the relevant Principal Business

 ƒ Oversee the development and implementation of strategy, capital expenditure, 
and investment budgets for the ongoing review and control of Group risks, 
reporting on these areas to the Group Executive Board and, as necessary, the 
Board for approval

 ƒ Implements Group policy

 ƒ Monitor financial and operational performance of the relevant Principal Business 

and other specific matters delegated to them by the Group Executive Board

88

Plc Board

Group Chief Executive

Group Executive Board

 ƒ Responsible for the day-to-day 

 ƒ Key executive management committee of the Group

management of the Group

 ƒ Responsible for the day-to-day management of the Group

 ƒ Oversees the development and implementation of strategy, capital expenditure, 

and investment budgets, for the ongoing review and control of Group risks, 
reporting on these areas to the Board for approval

 ƒ Implements Group policy

 ƒ Monitors financial and operational performance of the Group and other specific 

matters delegated to it by the Board

Chair: Group Chief Executive

Composition: Group Chief Financial Officer, the Heads of the Principal Businesses, 
and the Group Legal Director & Company Secretary

Regional ESG Committees

Group ESG Committee 

Group Risk Committee 

 ƒ Responsible (with the Group Risk 

 ƒ Identifies and evaluates Group level risks

Committee) for overseeing climate 
risk assessment and other aspects 
of the Group’s ESG agenda

 ƒ Tracks and monitors the delivery of 
the Group wide ESG targets which 
are aligned to the 9 UN Sustainable 
Development Goals 

Chair: Group Legal Director & 
Company Secretary

 ƒ Reviews and challenges risks reported by subsidiaries

 ƒ Champions the ongoing Group-wide development of risk management and the 

internal controls framework

 ƒ Monitors Internal Audit and other sources of assurance on the effectiveness of 

internal controls

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Division of the Responsibilities of the Directors continued

Roles on the Board
The Board comprises executive and non-executive directors, such that no one individual or small group 
of individuals dominates the Board’s decision making. The non-executive directors are all deemed to be 
independent. To help ensure a proper dialogue with all Directors, the Chairman meets periodically with the 
Directors individually and the Non-Executive Directors as a group (and without the Executive Directors). The 
division of responsibilities between the various roles of the Board members is detailed below, demonstrating a 
clear division between the role of the Board and executive management. The role descriptions of the Chairman, 
Group CEO and Senior Independent Director are reviewed annually by the Board and are updated as necessary 
to reflect changes in legislation or best practice. 

Roles and Responsibilities of the Directors:

Non-Executive 
Chairman

Nicholas Ferguson

The roles of Chairman and Group Chief Executive are 
distinct and separate and their roles and responsibilities 
are clearly established.

The Chairman is responsible for:

 ƒ leading the Board and its overall effectiveness;

 ƒ demonstrating objective judgement;

 ƒ promoting a culture of openness and constructive 

challenge and debate between all Directors;

 ƒ facilitating constructive Board relations and the 

effective contribution of all Non-Executive 
Directors; and

 ƒ ensuring Directors receive accurate, clear and 

timely information.

To help ensure a proper dialogue with all Directors, the 
Chairman meets periodically with the Directors individually 
and the Non-Executive Directors as a group (and without 
the 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. 

The Group Chief Financial Officer supports the Chief 
Executive in developing and implementing the 
Group’s strategy.

 ƒ Leads the global finance function and develops key 

finance talent;

 ƒ Ensures effective financial reporting, processes and 

controls are in place; 

 ƒ Recommends the annual budget and long-term 

strategic and financial plan; and

 ƒ Chairs the Group’s Proptech investment “fund”, 

Grosvenor Hill Ventures.

Group Chief 
Executive Officer

Mark Ridley

Group Chief 
Financial Officer

Simon Shaw

90

Independent 
Non-Executive 
Directors

Philip Lee

 ƒ Monitor and challenge the performance of management;

Richard Orders

Dana Roffman

Florence Tondu-Mélique

 ƒ Assist in approval and review of strategy;

 ƒ Review Group financial information and provide advice 

to management;

 ƒ Engage with stakeholders and provide insight as to their 
views , including in relation to employees and the culture 
of the Group; and

 ƒ As part of the Nomination & Governance Committee, 
review the succession plans for the Board and key 
members of senior management.

Senior Independent 
Non Executive Director

Stacey Cartwright

Provides a sounding board for the Chairman and acts as 
a trusted intermediary for the Directors as required; and 

Group Legal Director 
and Company Secretary

Chris Lee

is available to respond to Shareholder concerns when 
contact through the normal channels is inappropriate.

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. 

The Group Legal Director & Company Secretary is further 
responsible for ensuring that the Directors receive regular 
updates on developments in legal and regulatory matters. 
All the Directors have access to the advice and services 
of the Group Legal Director & Company Secretary and 
through him have access, if required, to independent 
professional advice in respect of their duties at the 
Company’s expense.

Time commitment and conflicts 
The following section sets out the Company’s compliance with Code Provisions 7 and 15. All potential new 
Directors are asked to disclose their other significant commitments. The Nomination & Governance Committee 
takes this into account when considering proposed appointments to ensure that Directors can discharge their 
responsibilities to the Group effectively. This means not only attending and preparing for formal Board and 
Committee meetings, but also making time to understand the business, and to undertake training. The time 
commitment is agreed with each Non-Executive Director on an individual basis. In addition, all Directors must 
seek approval before accepting any significant new commitment. The Board is satisfied that the Chairman and 
each of the Non-Executive Directors committed sufficient time during the year to enable them to meet their 
Board responsibilities and fulfil their duties as Directors of the Company. 

For the year ended 31 December 2021 and as at the date of publication of this Annual Report, the Board is 
satisfied that none of the Directors is over-committed and that each of the Directors allocates sufficient time 
to his or her role in order to discharge their responsibilities effectively.

Indemnification of Directors
In accordance with the Company’s Articles of Association, and to the extent permitted by law, the Directors and 
the Group Legal Director & Company Secretary are granted an indemnity, 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 2021 and 
up to the date of this Report. The Company also maintains appropriate insurance cover in respect of legal action 
against its Directors and Officers.

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Board composition and diversity

Board composition 
In line with the requirements of the Code, the Board comprises a majority of independent Non-Executive Directors. 
(7 Non-Executive Directors (to 12 May 2021 when Rupert Robson retired from the Board); 6 Non-Executive Directors 
(until 31 December 2021 when Tim Freshwater retired from the Board). We consider the independence of our Non-
Executive Directors annually, having regard to the independence criteria set out in the Code. As part of this process, 
the Board keeps under review the length of tenure of all Directors, which can affect independence. The Committee 
has sought to maintain a balance of skills and experience on the Board and its Committees. We believe the Board’s 
composition gives us the necessary balance of diversity, skills experience, independence and knowledge to ensure 
we continue to run the business effectively and deliver sustainable growth.

The diagrams below show the Board’s composition, tenure and diversity characteristics. The biographical details 
of the Directors can be found on pages 74 to 77 which show the breadth of their skills and experience, why their 
contribution is important to the Company’s long-term sustainable success, and their membership of the Board’s 
various Committees. Further details regarding diversity at page 49 and our Inclusion and Diversity strategy can 
be found on pages 50 and 51.

Board Composition as at 31 December 2021

Balance of Non-Executive 
Directors – Executive Directors

Gender Balance

Tenure of Non-Executive 
Directors including Chair

2

1

6

Executive 
Directors

Non-Executive 
Chairman

Non-Executive 
Directors

3

Male

Female

6

1

3

2

0-3 years

3-5 years

5-9 years

Diversity & Inclusion
The Committee has sought to maintain a balance of skills and experience on the Board and its Committees. 
The Company adopts a formal, rigorous and transparent procedure for the appointment of new Directors and key 
senior executives and we continue to recruit based on merit with consideration given to 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. In making a recommendation to the Board 
on a Non-Executive Director appointment, the Committee specifically considers the expected time commitment of 
the proposed Non-Executive Director and other commitments they may already have. Recruitment consultants are 
engaged to assist the Committee in delivering its objectives and responsibilities. No Director is involved in decisions 
regarding his or her own succession.

While the Committee continues not to set specific representation targets, our policy on recruitment is that we 
expect our search consultants to ensure, where possible, a diverse and gender-balanced list of potential candidates, 
in line with our overall intention to strive for improved diversity on the Board. This approach to recruitment is 
mirrored across the business. The benefits diversity, in terms of age, ethnicity, skills, experience and socio-economic 
background are an active consideration in all recruitment, as well as in our talent development programme.

The Committee is responsible for overseeing the development of a diverse pipeline for succession to senior 
management. We continue to make good progress in terms of diversity and inclusion. From a gender perspective, 
we are pleased to have seen the positive benefits of this approach, with women representing 33% of the Board’s 
membership for the majority of 2021, and now representing 37.5% of its membership. With the appointment of Philip 
Lee on 1 January 2021, the Board also includes one BAME member, meeting the minimum recommendation of the 
Parker Review in relation to diversity of board membership.

All appointments to the Board are made on merit and within this context, the Board continues to view diversity in 
the widest sense, with a view to appointing the best-placed individual for the role. Appointing the best people to 
the Board is critical to the success of the Company and our focus remains on attracting the right talent and skills 
irrespective of gender or diversity. 

Diversity across the Group remains a key area of focus. For the purposes of complying with the requirements of the 
Code Provision 23, Senior Management is defined as the Group Executive Board (‘GEB’). As at 31 December 2021 the 
GEB members and their direct reports totalled 107 of which 38 were female, 69 were male. Accordingly, our Group 
Women in Leadership percentage (determined in accordance with the Hampton-Alexander Review criteria) was 
33% as at 31 October 2021. Our previous year Group Women in Leadership percentage as reported by the Hampton-
Alexander Review was 30% (as at 30 June 20).

Further details regarding progress against our diversity and inclusion strategy, and related initiatives, can be found 
on pages 6 to 69 of the Strategic Report. 

92

Nomination & Governance Committee Report

The Nomination & Governance Committee 
(“Committee”) has a key 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. The Committee keeps 
under review and evaluates the composition of the 
Board and its Committees to maintain the appropriate 
balance of skills, knowledge and independence to be 
able to function effectively.

Dear Shareholder

On behalf of the Board, I am pleased to present the 
Nomination & Governance Committee’s Report for 
the financial year ended 31 December 2021. The 
Committee’s principal role is to lead a formal, rigorous 
and transparent process for Board appointments and 
ensure that plans are in place for orderly succession 
at Board and senior management level. It keeps the 
leadership needs of the organisation, under review, 
with a view to ensuring the continued ability of the 
organisation to compete effectively in the marketplace. 
The Committee’s principal primary focus on succession 
planning, and within this seeking to facilitate greater 

Membership and meetings

diversity and inclusion at Board and senior levels. In 
this regard Board membership is compliant with the 
Hampton Alexander and Parker guidelines, and the 
proportion of women in senior leadership positions 
(as defined by Hampton Alexander) as at October 
2021 was 33% (2020: 30%).

Succession planning, and further improving diversity 
and inclusion at senior management level, building on 
the progress made below this level, will continue to be 
the primary focus in the coming year. 

As we move forward, the Nomination & Governance 
Committee will continue to ensure the Board has in 
place an effective leadership with the skills, experience 
and diversity to match our strategic aims and ambition. 
In the pages that follow, we provide an overview of the 
Committee’s activities in during 2021.

Nicholas Ferguson 
Chair of the Nomination & Governance Committee

9 March 2022

Committee Members

Key Objectives

Main responsibilities

Nicholas Ferguson 
(Chair*)

Stacey Cartwright

Florence Tondu-Mélique

Dana Roffman

Philip Lee

Richard Orders

Mark Ridley 
(Executive Director)

The primary objectives of 
the Committee are:

 ƒ Responsible for size, structure and composition 

of the Board

 ƒ to review the size and 

 ƒ Reviewing and progressing appointments to 

composition of the Board 
and its key Committees 
and to plan for the Board’s 
progressive refreshing, 
with regard to balance 
and structure

 ƒ to monitor the Company’s 

compliance with applicable 
codes and other requirements 
of corporate governance 
including the Code

the Board

 ƒ Responsible for succession planning to ensure 

that the Board is refreshed progressively 
such that the balance of skills and experience 
available to the Board remains appropriate to 
the needs of the business

 ƒ Makes recommendations to the Board on the 
membership of the principal Committees of 
the Board

 ƒ Monitoring of the Company’s compliance with 
applicable codes and other requirements of 
corporate governance

* Save in circumstances where the Chairman’s succession is considered.

Former members:

Rupert Robson (retired 12 May 2021).

Tim Freshwater (retired 31 December 2021). 

The Committee met once during 2021. Individual attendance by Directors at this meeting is shown in the table 
on page 82. Members of the Committee also normally attend the Company’s AGM at which there is an 
opportunity to meet with Shareholders. Any other Director, the Group Legal Director & Company Secretary or 
an external advisor may be invited by the Committee to attend the meetings from time to time, as appropriate. 

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Nomination & Governance Committee Report continued

Changes to the Board and Committees
During the year to 31 December 2021, there were the following changes to the Board:

 ƒ Richard Orders was appointed as Chair of the Remuneration Committee in March 2021 

 ƒ Rupert Robson retired at the close of the 2021 AGM

 ƒ Tim Freshwater retired on 31 December 2021

Key Responsibilities

Principal Activity during 2021

 ƒ Responsible for size, structure and composition 

of the Board

 ƒ Reviewing and progressing appointments to 

the Board

 ƒ Responsible for succession planning to ensure 

that the Board is refreshed progressively such that 
the balance of skills and experience available to the 
Board remains appropriate to the needs of 
the business

 ƒ Responsible for overseeing the development 
of a diverse pipeline for succession to senior 
management 

 ƒ Makes recommendations to the Board on the 
membership of the principal Committees of 
the Board

 ƒ To keep under review the Company’s compliance 
with applicable Codes and other requirements of 
corporate governance

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 
http://ir.savills.com.

Independence of Non-Executive Directors
The Chairman is committed to ensuring the Board 
comprises a majority of independent Non-Executive 
Directors who objectively challenge management, 
balanced against the need to ensure continuity on 
the Board. On an annual basis, the Board reviews 
the independence of its Non-Executive Directors. 
Non-executive directors (NEDs) are expected to 
exercise independent judgement and to be free 
from any business or other relationship that could 
materially interfere with it. This independence is 
crucial in bringing constructive challenge to the 
Group CEO and management at Board meetings, 
while providing support and guidance to promote 
meaningful discussion and, ultimately, informed and 
effective decision making. Directors are required to 
provide sufficient information to allow the Board to 
evaluate their independence prior to and following 
their appointment. The Board considers that all of the 
Non-Executive Directors bring considerable expertise, 
strong independent oversight and are Independent 
Non-Executive Directors, being independent of 
management and having no business or other 
relationship which could interfere materially with 
the exercise of their judgement.

The Committee has standing items that it considers 
regularly under its Terms of Reference; for example, 
the Committee considered and approved 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 
Code or as a result of changes in regulations or best 
practice). Specifically during the year, the Committee:

 ƒ Considered Board succession planning including the 
tenure, mix and diversity of skills and experience of 
the existing Board Members in the context of the 
Group’s strategy

 ƒ Considered and authorised the situational and, to 
the extent such arose, actual conflicts of interests 
of Directors

 ƒ Considered the proposed reappointment of 

the Non-Executive Directors, before making a 
recommendation to the Board that each Non-
Executive Director be proposed to Shareholders 
for re-election at the 2022 AGM 

Succession planning
The Board and Committee remain focused on 
talent planning and the development of a diverse 
succession pipeline and Board succession is a key 
topic at Committee meetings. We e recognise the 
importance of planning for the future and of having 
succession plans in place which introduce new skills 
and perspectives to the Board and which complement 
the experience of the existing Board members. The 
Committee continues to keep the Board’s composition 
under review and considers how that composition 
might be enhanced to ensure that the Board continues 
to best meet the needs of the Company and its 
Shareholders. The Committee will continue to monitor 
the needs of the Board and its Committees in the 
context of the delivery of the Group’s 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.

No Director is involved in decisions regarding his or 
her own succession. The Committee also monitors 
the development of the executive team below the 
Board to ensure that there is a diverse supply of senior 
executives and potential future Board members with 
appropriate skills and experience. The biographies of 
the Board members appear on pages 74 to 77. 

94

Board and Committee Evaluation

The Board undertakes a rigorous and formal evaluation of its performance and that of its Committees and its 
Directors annually. In accordance with the Code requirements, the Board believes that an external independent 
evaluation of Board effectiveness and performance and that of its principal Committees at least every three 
years brings further insight into its performance. As well as looking to continually improve the Board’s processes, 
the evaluation process is used to reflect on areas that the Board would like to see more focus on. 

Board and Committee Evaluation

This year’s process

The Board recognises that it continually needs to 
monitor and improve its performance. In line with the 
effective governance requirements of the Code, the 
Board reviews its own performance and that of the 
Directors and of its Committees annually.

An externally facilitated Board evaluation was 
carried out in 2019 facilitated by Alice Perkins of AP 
Consulting. This year’s evaluation was conducted 
in-house, led by the Senior Independent Director 
and facilitated by the Group Legal Director & 
Company Secretary.

The evaluation carried out this year involved each 
Board member completing a questionnaire which was 
then used as the basis of a confidential interview. The 
matters covered by the evaluation included Board 
structure, Board effectiveness, working practices, 
relationships with shareholders and interaction 
between Board members and management.

The output of the evaluation was presented to the 
Board in March 2022 and the Directors discussed the 
points raised by the review. 

Conclusions from the 2021 evaluation

Areas of focus for 2022

The conclusion from this year’s evaluation was that 
the Board and its Committees continued to operate 
to a high standard and continued to provide effective 
leadership and exert the required levels of governance 
and control.

In particular, the Board has continued to function well 
in virtual world. 

Reflecting the output from the 2021 Board Evaluation, 
the additional areas for Board focus, which would be 
added to the Board’s 2022 workplan, were agreed 
as follows:

 ƒ a major 2022 focus for the Nominations & 

Governance Committee and Board would be 
reconfirming Board and Senior Management 
succession planning;

The Board had good diversity (gender, experience 
and geographic experience) and contributed strongly 
to the development and implementation of the 
Group’s strategy.

 ƒ the appointment of a further, UK based, independent 

non-executive director would be progressed to 
further strengthen the Board Committees, as they 
managed an ever increasing scope of work.; and

The Board’s Committees also continued to work well 
and were thought to be well-chaired and supported.

 ƒ consideration would be given to spreading the 

annual Strategy Review over 2 days.

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Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsOverviewAnnual report & accounts 2021Composition, Succession and Evaluation continued

Board and Committee Evaluation continued

As a result of the evaluation, the Board considers the 
performance of each Director to be effective and 
concluded that both the Board and its Committees 
continue to provide effective leadership and exert 
the required levels of governance and control. 
shareholders would therefore be recommended to 
re-elect Board Members at the AGM in May.

Following this review, we are satisfied that the Board 
continues to perform effectively and in particular are 
confident that the Board has the right balance of skills, 
experience and diversity of personality to continue to 
encourage open, transparent debate and challenge.

Board Induction, training and development 
To ensure a full understanding of Savills and its 
businesses, following their appointment to the Board, 
each Director undergoes a comprehensive and tailored 
induction programme which introduces the Director 
to the Group’s businesses, its operations, strategic 
plans and key risks. New Directors are also provided 
with information on relevant share dealing policies, 
Directors’ duties, Company policies and governance.

All new directors receive a comprehensive induction 
programme which is facilitated by the Chairman and 
the Group Legal Director & Company Secretary and 
tailored to the director’s individual roles and needs. 
The induction process is designed to develop the 
director’s knowledge and understanding of the Group 
covering key areas including the Group’s purpose, 
values, culture and strategy, its corporate governance, 
risks and internal controls and the markets in which 
it operates. The induction also includes one to one 
briefings from the Heads of the Principal Businesses 
and an introduction to each Group business’s 
development strategy. 

Our induction programme for new directors is 
delivered through:

 ƒ meetings with the Chairman, wider Board, Group 
Legal Director & Company Secretary and relevant 
Committee Chairs;

 ƒ a structured programme of meetings with the Group 
Executive Board members and senior management 
to provide a deeper understanding of risks and 
opportunities and stakeholder interests;

 ƒ meetings with advisers, including the external 

auditors, to provide a valuable external 
perspective; and

 ƒ training as appropriate on key policies, statutory 
duties and legal and governance requirements.

To enable the Board to discharge its duties, all 
directors receive appropriate and timely information, 
including briefing papers distributed in advance of 
Board meetings. The Board strongly supports the 
ongoing development of its members. 

Governance
The Committee reviewed the Company’s compliance 
with the Code and was satisfied that the Company 
complied with the Code. The Committee will continue 
to receive updates on corporate governance 
developments and will consider the impact of those 
developments on the Company.

Nicholas Ferguson CBE
Chairman of the Nomination & Governance Committee

9 March 2022

96

Audit, Risks and Internal Controls

Review of the effectiveness 
of the risk management and 
internal control systems

The principal existing and emerging risks and 
uncertainties faced by the Group and the associated 
mitigating actions for these are set out on pages 
31 to 38. 

The Board, assisted by the Audit Committee, 
is responsible for reviewing the operation and 
effectiveness of the Group’s internal controls. The 
internal control 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 is also responsible for ensuring that 
appropriate systems are in place to enable it 
to identify, assess and manage key risks. This 
responsibility includes the determination of the nature 
and extent of the principal risks the Board is willing to 
take to achieve its strategic objectives and for ensuring 
that an appropriate culture has been embedded 
throughout the organisation. The Board’s attitude 
and appetite to risk is communicated to the Group’s 
businesses through the strategy planning processes. 

The Board is supported by the Audit Committee in 
discharging its oversight duties with regard to internal 
control and risk management. During the year, the 
Audit Committee on behalf of the Board, reviewed 
the effectiveness of the risk management systems 
and internal control systems, including financial, 
operational and compliance controls. The Board did 
not identify any significant failings or weaknesses in 
the year. Taking into account the principal existing and 
emerging risks and uncertainties set out on pages 31 
to 38, the ongoing work of the Audit Committee in 
monitoring the risk management and internal control 
systems on behalf of the Board, the Board remains 
satisfied that the review of internal controls did not 
reveal any significant weaknesses and they continue 
to operate effectively.

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Audit Committee Report

The aim of this report is to explain the work 
undertaken by the Audit Committee (the 
‘Committee’) during the year and how it has 
met the disclosure requirements as set out in 
the Code. The key matters considered in the 
year are set out on pages 101 and 102.

This report provides an overview of the 
significant issues that the Audit Committee 
assessed and details the Committee’s major 
considerations and activities during the 2021 
financial year in ensuring that the Company’s 
governance processes remain appropriate, 
robust, of a high standard and are 
rigorously applied.

The Committee has a key role in ensuring the 
integrity of the Group’s Financial Statements, 
internal controls and the effectiveness of its 
risk management processes. The Committee 
also has a role in representing the interests of 
Shareholders by monitoring the activities and 
conduct of management and the External and 
Internal Auditors.

As outlined on page 82, the Committee meets 
five times during the year to:

 ƒ plan the external audit;

 ƒ agree the internal audit plan;

 ƒ identify key accounting matters and areas 

of judgement as early as possible;

 ƒ review reports from the external and internal 
auditors – consider how risks and internal 
controls have operated in the preceding six 
months in respect of the half-year and year-
end results;

 ƒ monitor the integrity of the Group’s financial 

reporting and consider any significant 
judgements by management; and

 ƒ review the independence and effectiveness 

of the External and Internal Auditors.

In 2021, the Committee focused on the 
effectiveness of the Group’s internal controls 
and reviewed the Group’s principal risks and 
uncertainties, to ensure the alignment of these 
with the Company’s strategic objectives. It 
monitored the effectiveness of the control 
environment through the review of reports 
from Internal Audit, management and the 
External Auditor and ensured the quality of the 
Company’s financial reporting by reviewing the 
2021 Half Year Financial Statements and this 
year’s Annual Report and Accounts.

Stacey Cartwright
Chair of the Audit 
Committee

As Chair of the Audit 
Committee (the ‘Committee’), 
I am pleased to present the 
Audit Committee’s report for 
the financial year ended 
31 December 2021.”

98

The Committee considered the viability and going 
concern statements and their underlying assumptions. 
Following this review, the Committee was satisfied that 
management had conducted robust viability and going 
concern assessments and recommended the approval 
of the viability and going concern statements to the 
Board. Looking ahead, the Committee will continue to 
monitor changes in regulation and continue to focus 
on the audit, assurance and risk processes within the 
Principal Businesses. The Committee considered its 
compliance with the Code and the FRC Guidance on 
Audit Committees. The Committee believes that it 
has addressed both the spirit and the requirements 
of both.

In accordance with our three year Board and 
Board Committee performance evaluation cycle, 
during the year, the Board carried out an internally 
facilitated evaluation of its performance and that 
of its Committees. The Board is satisfied that the 
Committee members possess relevant experience 
and appropriate levels of independence and that its 
members have the depth of financial and commercial 
experience across various industries which is essential 
for the effective working of the Committee. In order 
to ensure that the Committee remains effective, 
every three years the Board appoints an external 
organisation to perform an independent review of 
the Committee to evaluate its performance. The last 
independent review was performed in March 2019 
and concluded that the Board members considered 
the Committee to be thorough and fully effective in 
meeting its objectives and the next external review 
will be December 2022. In 2021 a review of the Board 
and Committee effectiveness was undertaken. The 
review concluded that the Committee continued to 
function well, that it was well chaired and that it had the 
appropriate access to senior management, the External 
and Internal Auditors and it had the necessary company 
secretarial support. Further details on the process and 
its broader findings can be found on pages 95 and 96.

At the request of the Board, the Committee has 
reviewed the content of this year’s Annual Report 
and Accounts and has advised the Board that, in its 
opinion, the Report taken as a whole is fair, balanced 
and understandable and it provides the information 
necessary for Shareholders to assess the Group’s 
position, performance, business model and strategy. 
The Committee noted the unqualified opinion from 
the External Auditor on the 2021 Annual Report.

Stacey Cartwright
Chair of the Audit Committee

Main responsibilities
 ƒ Responsible for assisting the Board in fulfilling 

its financial and risk responsibilities 

 ƒ Advises the Board on various statements 

made in the Annual Report including those 
on Viability, Going concern, risks and controls 
and in particular for ensuring that the 
Financial Statements are fair, balanced and 
understandable

 ƒ Oversees external financial reporting, internal 

control, risk management and reviews the work 
of the Internal and External Auditors

 ƒ Advises the Board on the appointment of the 

External Auditor

 ƒ Consider significant judgements, assumptions 
and estimates made by management in the 
financial statements

Role of the Committee
The Committee is authorised to investigate any 
matter within its Terms of Reference (a copy of 
which can be found in the governance section 
of the Company’s website at http://ir.savills.com 
(which are reviewed at least annually or as 
required). 

The Committee 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 to 
fulfil its duties. 

The Committee’s key role is to assist the Board 
in discharging its duties and responsibilities 
for financial reporting, internal control, the 
effectiveness of the risk management process 
and in making recommendations to the Board on 
the appointment of the External auditor. 

The Committee is responsible for the scope 
and results of the External Audit work, its cost 
effectiveness and for ensuring the independence 
and objectivity of the External Auditor including 
the level of provision of non-audit services.

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Audit Committee Report continued

Composition
The Committee is a fundamental element of the Company’s governance framework. The Committee is chaired 
by Stacey Cartwright. Stacey Cartwright, Florence Tondu-Mélique and Philip Lee (and Rupert Robson until 
12 May 2021), all Independent Non-Executive Directors, were members of the Committee during the year. 
Three Independent Non-Executive Directors, Stacey Cartwright, Florence Tondu-Mélique and Philip Lee were 
members of the Committee during the year. Members of the Committee are appointed by the Board following 
recommendations by the Nomination & Governance Committee and membership is reviewed annually by the 
Nomination & Governance Committee as part of the annual Board performance evaluation. As at 31 December 
2021 and up to the date of this report, the Committee comprised entirely independent Non-Executive Directors. 
The members of the Audit Committee have been chosen to provide the wide range of financial and commercial 
experience needed to undertake its duties and each member of the Audit Committee brings an appropriate 
balance of financial and commercial experience, combined with a sound understanding of the Company’s 
business, and is therefore considered by the Board to be competent in the Company’s sector. The expertise 
and experience of the members of the Audit Committee are summarised on pages 74 to 77.

The Board considers that each member of the Committee is independent within the definition set out in the 
Code and is capable of assessing the work of management and the assurances provided by the Internal and 
External Audit functions. The Board also considers that Stacey Cartwright, as Chair of the Committee, possesses 
significant, recent and relevant financial experience and that all Committee members have relevant financial 
experience as required by the Code.

All members of the Committee receive an appropriate induction, which includes an overview of the business, its 
financial dynamics and risks, and meetings with senior management. Committee members are expected to have 
an understanding of the principles of, and recent developments in, financial reporting, including the applicable 
accounting standards and statements of recommended practice, key aspects of the Company’s policies, 
financing, internal control mechanisms, and matters that require the use of judgement in the presentation of 
accounts and key figures as well as the role of Internal Audit and the External Auditor.

Engagement
The Chair of the Committee meets informally and is in regular contact with key individuals involved with the 
Company’s governance, including the Group Chief Financial Officer, Group Director of Risk & Assurance, the 
Head of Internal Audit of Savills Investment Management (‘SIM’) and the Group Legal Director & Company 
Secretary and prior to each Committee meeting, meets with each of them and the External Auditor individually. 

In addition to its members, a standing invitation has been extended by the Committee to the Chairman and Group 
Chief Executive Officer to attend the Committee’s meetings. The Group Chief Financial Officer, Group Financial 
Controller, the Group Director of Risk & Assurance, the Head of Internal Audit of SIM, Group Legal Director & 
Company Secretary and the External Auditor attend each of the Committee’s meetings. Other senior executives 
from across the Group are invited to present reports to assist the Committee in discharging its duties.

At least once a year, the Committee meets with the External Auditor and the Group Director of Risk & Assurance 
without management being present. The Chair of the Committee also normally attends the AGM to respond to 
Shareholder questions on its activities.

In common with the practice adopted by the majority of UK quoted companies, the 2020 and 2021 AGM were 
held as ‘closed’ meetings, with a minimum quorum present, in line with government rules relating to COVID-19 
safeguards at the time but as at the date of this report it is proposed that the 2022 AGM will be held in person 
and the Chair of the Committee will attend the meeting.

The remuneration of the members of the Committee and the policy with regard to the remuneration of the 
Non-Executive Directors are set out on pages 106 to 136.

The Committee met five times during the year and reports to the Board after each Committee meeting. 

Attendance at meetings during 2021 is shown in the table below:

Committee member
Stacey Cartwright

Rupert Robson (to 12 May 2021)
Florence Tondu-Mélique
Philip Lee

Member since
October 2018

June 2015
October 2018
January 2021

Meetings attended
5

Meetings eligible 
to attend
5

1
5
5

1
5
5

Activities of the Committee during the year
To enable the Committee to carry out its duties and responsibilities effectively it works to a structured 
programme of activities and meetings aligned with the annual financial reporting cycle. This includes items that 
the Committee considers regularly in accordance with its Terms of Reference. In addition to its core work, the 
Committee undertakes additional work in response to the evolving audit and external reporting landscape. 

The Committee relies on information and support from management across the business, receiving reports and 
presentations from business management, the Heads of Key Group functions, Internal Audit and the External 

100

Auditor, which it challenges as appropriate. Following each meeting, the Chair of the Committee reports on the 
main discussion points and any actions arising from these to the Board.

The Committee provides advice to the Board on the form and basis of conclusions underlying the Viability 
Statement as set out on page 39 and the going concern assessment. In response to COVID-19, the Committee 
challenged management on its financial risk assessment as part of its consideration of the long-term Viability 
Statement and the forecasts over the going concern period. Certain elements of this exercise supplemented the 
normal annual process and assessment of the Group’s prospects made by management.

What we did during the financial year ended 31 December 2021:

Responsibilities

How the Committee discharged its responsibilities

Mar

June

Aug

Oct

Dec

Financial 
Reporting

Reviewed and discussed the key accounting considerations 
and estimates and judgements reflected in the Group’s results 
for the half year

External 
Audit

Reviewed and discussed the key accounting considerations 
and judgements reflected in the Group’s results

Reviewed the assessment supporting the going concern basis 
of accounting

Reviewed the Viability Statement and considered the 
processes supporting the assessment of the longer-term 
solvency and liquidity

Agreed the External Audit strategy and scope

Considered and, where appropriate, approved the instruction of 
the Group’s External Auditor’s provision of non-audit services

Reviewed and considered the External Auditor’s Report, 
including the External Auditor’s observations on the Group’s 
internal control environment

Discussed the performance of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP 
(‘PwC’) who were the relevant External Auditor for the 2020 
year-end audit, assessed according to the Code

Met with the External Auditor without management present to 
discuss their remit and any concerns

Discussed and agreed the External Auditor remuneration in 
respect of audit services provided

Assessed the External Auditor’s independence, including non 
audit services

Internal 
Audit

Considered and approved the remit of the Internal Audit function 
and the Internal Audit plan

Internal 
Controls 
and Risk 
Management 
Systems

Received and considered reports from the Group’s Internal Audit 
team covering various aspects of the Group’s operations, controls 
and processes and monitored the progress made by management 
in addressing recommendations arising out of these reports

Monitored and reviewed the effectiveness of the Group’s 
Internal Audit function in the context of the Group’s overall risk 
management arrangements

Met with the Group Director of Risk & Assurance privately to 
discuss his remit and any concerns

Reviewed the effectiveness of the Group’s risk management 
system and internal controls in place to manage the Group’s 
material existing and emerging risks

Reviewed and considered the Group’s risk register

Reviewed the risk management environment for each of the 
Group’s regional businesses by receiving presentations from the 
Chief Operating/Financial Officers of the Principal Businesses

Reviewed the Committee’s own performance, composition 
and Terms of Reference, and recommended any changes the 
Committee considers necessary for Board approval

Reviewed the reports provided by the Group’s Legal Director 
& Company Secretary on significant legal matters

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Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsOverviewAnnual report & accounts 2021Audit, Risks and Internal Controls continued

Audit Committee Report continued

During the year, in addition to its established review processes, the Committee considered and reviewed a 
number of other areas. These included updates on the risk and internal control environments within the Group’s 
UK, US, Asia Pacific, Investment Management and EMEA businesses. In addition, the Committee examined the IT 
systems strategy including the Group’s global approach to cyber security. The Committee specifically considered 
the processes and assessment of the Group’s prospects and viability made by management to support the 
Viability Statement which can be found at page 39. The Committee’s review included consideration of the time 
period adopted, the processes supporting the assessment of the Group’s longer-term solvency and liquidity 
which support the Viability Statement disclosure.

The Committee considered and provided input into the determination of which of the Group’s principal risks might 
have an impact on the Group’s longer-term solvency and liquidity. It also reviewed the results of management’s 
scenario modelling, including severe downside modelling, and the stress testing of those financial models 
supporting the viability analysis and challenged management as to the appropriateness of the assumptions made.

Following discussions with management and the External Auditor, the Committee approved the disclosures of 
these accounting policies and practices which are set out in Note 2 to the Financial Statements on pages 
158 to 174.

Significant financial reporting estimates and judgements 
As part of its monitoring of the integrity of the Financial Statements, the Committee considers the 
appropriateness of the accounting policies proposed for adoption and whether management has made 
appropriate estimates and judgements. To support its decision-making, the Committee seeks support from 
the External Auditor in these areas. 

This section outlines the main areas of judgement that have been considered by the Committee and ensure that 
appropriate rigour has been applied. The key reporting estimates and judgements considered by the Committee 
and discussed with the External Auditor during the year were: 

Matter considered

Action 

Risk of Fraud in revenue 
recognition

The Committee considered the presumed risk of fraud as defined by the International 
Accounting Standards.

The Committee discussed and actively challenged management’s conclusions in respect of 
revenue recognition policies, satisfying itself that the approach applied to determine revenue 
recognised in FY21 was appropriate, consistent across the Group and in line with the Group’s 
accounting policies.

The Committee also received and discussed the External Auditor reports setting out its 
work, testing and conclusions on this area. The Committee, having actively challenged and 
considered both management’s judgements and the External auditor’s conclusions, agreed 
that there were no material issues in this area and that the approach taken was appropriate.

The Committee considered management’s approach in relation to the carrying value of the 
Group’s businesses, including goodwill. The Committee reviewed and considered the detailed 
analysis of the key inputs to forecast future cash flows and the process by which they were 
drawn up. The Committee considered the appropriateness of the assumptions used and 
reviewed the impact of sensitivity analysis. 

The Committee also considered if there were any reasonably possible changes in assumptions 
that would result in a material impairment and therefore require further disclosure in the 
financial statements. 

The Committee also considered a report from the External auditor setting out its analysis and 
conclusions in this area.

The Committee was satisfied with the assumptions and judgements applied by Management.

The Committee received regular updates on new and existing claims being made against the 
Group and the extent to which these had been provided for. The Committee focused its review 
on the provisions held in relation to significant legal matters and assessed the appropriateness 
of those provisions as at 31 December 2021. As part of this review the Committee took into 
account the Group’s insurance cover and the advice received from external counsel to ensure 
that the appropriate provisions had been made.

The Committee also discussed the matter with the External auditor and determined that 
management had made reasonable judgements in their assessment process for determining 
the level of provisions held.

Goodwill impairment 
assessment

Provision for litigation 
and claims

102

Standard and the Group’s policy in place to 
31 December 2021, the Committee approved only those 
non-audit services which were permissible in the FRC’s 
Ethical Standard.

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

Audit Fees

Non audit 
fees

2021 
£000

2020 
£000

2019 
£000

3,044

2,500

2,200

306

100

200

Details of the fees paid to the External Auditor can 
be found in Note 7.2 to the Financial Statements 
on page 186. During the financial year ended 
31 December 2021 contracts for non-audit services 
in excess of £0.1m require Committee approval and 
the Chair of the Audit Committee is notified of new 
instructions for the delivery of non-audit services 
below this level.

The Committee was satisfied that in view of their 
knowledge and experience of the Company, that 
when EY was used, it was best placed to provide 
such non-audit services and that their objectivity and 
independence had not been impaired by reason of 
this further work. In line with the Company’s policy 
for the financial year ended 31 December 2021 on 
the provision of non-audit work, the Committee 
reviewed the provision of non-audit work provided 
by the External Auditor on a case-by-case basis. The 
Committee was satisfied that the overall levels of audit 
related and non-audit fees were not material relative to 
the income of the External Auditor firm as a whole. 

The Directors confirm that, insofar as they are each 
aware, there is no relevant audit information of 
which EY 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 EY is aware of that information.

External audit
Following a formal tender process in the previous 
financial year and the Committee’s recommendation 
to the Board, the Board approved the appointment of 
Ernst & Young (‘EY’) as the External Auditor (subject to 
Shareholder approval) for financial years commencing 
on or after 1 January 2021 , which was approved by 
Shareholders at the 2021 AGM. Going forward, the 
Committee anticipates that the audit will be put out 
to tender at least every 10 years.

The Committee has primary responsibility for 
overseeing the relationship with the External Auditor, 
including assessing the External Auditor’s performance, 
independence and effectiveness, recommending the 
appointment, re-appointment or removal of the External 
Auditor, and negotiating and agreeing the External 
Audit fees. The Committee holds private meetings 
with the External Auditor at the March and August 
Committee meetings to provide additional opportunity 
for open dialogue and feedback to/from the Committee 
and the External Auditor without management being 
present. The Chair of the Committee also meets with 
the external lead audit partner outside the formal 
Committee process throughout the year. 

The Committee monitored the performance of the 
External Auditor during the year and carried out 
a review of the effectiveness of the External Audit 
process and the appropriateness of its fees. The review 
covered a broad range of matters including amongst 
other matters, the quality of staff, its expertise, 
resources and the independence of the audit. The 
Committee considered the External Audit plan for 
the year and assessed how the External Auditor had 
performed including consideration of the robustness 
of the External Auditor’s challenge and findings on 
areas which required judgement, the strength and 
depth of the lead partners and feedback from the 
Group’s management. 

The Committee formally concluded the assessment of 
the performance of the predecessor External Auditor , 
PwC, at the March Committee meeting. 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. The Committee will 
assess the effectiveness of EY following the completion 
of the first year end audit being the 31 December 
2021 audit.

An important aspect of managing the External Auditor 
relationship, and of the annual effectiveness review, is 
ensuring that there are adequate safeguards to protect 
auditor objectivity and independence. In conducting its 
annual assessment, the Committee reviews the External 
Auditor’s own policies and procedures for safeguarding 
its objectivity and independence. As one of the ways 
in which it seeks to protect the independence and 
objectivity of the External Auditor, the Committee 
has a policy governing the engagement of the 
External Auditor to provide non-audit services and its 
assessment of EY’s independence is underpinned by 
this policy. In accordance with the FRC’s Ethical 

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Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsOverviewAnnual report & accounts 2021Audit, Risk and Internal Controls continued

Audit Committee Report continued

Financial reporting
The Committee’s primary responsibility in relation 
to the Group’s financial reporting is to review, 
with management and the External Auditor, the 
appropriateness of the half-year and annual 
Financial Statements. 

The Committee focuses on: 

 ƒ  the quality and acceptability of accounting policies 

and practices; 

 ƒ  material areas in which significant judgements have 
been applied or where significant issues have been 
discussed with the External Auditor; 

 ƒ an assessment of whether the Annual Report, taken 
as a whole, is fair, balanced and understandable; 

 ƒ the clarity of the disclosures and compliance with 

financial reporting standards and relevant financial 
and governance reporting requirements; 

 ƒ  providing advice to the Board on the form and basis 
underlying the long-term Viability Statement; and

 ƒ any correspondence from regulators in relation to 

our financial reporting.

Engagement with the Financial Reporting 
Council (FRC)
In September 2021, the Company received a letter 
from the Financial Reporting Council (‘FRC’) 
requesting further information in two principal areas 
following a review of the Group’s 2020 Annual Report 
and Accounts. The FRC requested further information 
in relation to contingent payments linked to continuing 
employment and provisions for professional 
indemnity claims. 

Following provision of the information requested, the 
FRC closed its enquiry in December 2021. Disclosure 
observations made by the FRC were given full 
consideration and additional disclosures are included 
in this Annual Report and Accounts where material or 
relevant to do so. 

During the review process it was noted that certain 
cash flows relating to employment linked deferred 
consideration payments were incorrectly classified at 
31 December 2020 as an investing activity as opposed 
to an operating activity in the Group’s consolidated 
Statement of Cash Flows. This has been corrected 
in this Annual Report and Accounts, with prior year 
comparatives for the period ended 31 December 2020 
represented accordingly. Further detail on this is given 
in Note 2.29 to the consolidated financial statements. 
The FRC’s enquiry did not result in any change to 
reported profit, earnings per share, assets, liabilities or 
the overall net cash flows reported in respect of the 
2020 financial year. 

The scope of the review performed by the FRC was to 
consider the Group’s compliance with UK reporting 
requirements. Due to their inherent limitations these 
reviews are not intended to provide assurance that 
corporate accounts are correct in all material aspects. 
The FRC’s review does not benefit from a detailed 
knowledge of the business or an understanding of 
the underlying transactions entered into. The FRC’s 
letters are written on the basis that the FRC accepts 
no liability for reliance on them by the Company or 
any third party.

Fair, balanced and understandable 
The Committee assessed whether the Annual Report, 
taken as a whole, is fair, balanced and understandable 
and provides the information necessary for 
Shareholders to assess the Company’s position and 
performance, business model and strategy. The 
Committee reviewed the processes and controls that 
underpin its preparation. This included the financial 
reporting responsibilities of the Directors under 
Section 172 of the Companies Act 2006 to promote the 
success of the Company for the benefit of its members 
as a whole as well as considering the interests of 
other stakeholders which will have an impact on the 
Company’s long-term success of the entity. 

Regulators and our financial reporting 
The FRC publishes thematic reviews to help companies 
improve the quality of corporate reporting around new 
accounting standards. The FRC also issued a range of 
guidance and performed a number of detailed reviews 
related to the year-end reporting process across 
public companies. The Group has reviewed the output 
of these reviews and their impacts on the Group’s 
reporting. The Group also follows the FRC’s Lab 
projects, notably preparations for the European Single 
Electronic Format (‘ESEF’) regulations that came into 
effect for the 2021 financial year. 

Internal control and risk management
Internal audit
The internal audit function provides independent 
assurance as to the adequacy and effectiveness of 
the Company’s internal controls and risk management 
systems. During 2021, Internal Audit services were 
delivered by the Group’s Director of Internal Audit with 
support in delivery by RSM LLP and Grant Thornton 
LLP. SIM has its own Head of Internal Audit who has 
responsibility for Internal Audit planning and delivery 
within SIM with support from RSM. 

The Board’s responsibility for internal control and risk 
is detailed on page 84 and is incorporated into this 
report by reference.

104

The Committee approved the annual Group Internal 
Audit plan and the SIM Internal Audit plan, and received 
progress against those plans during the year. Principal 
areas of focus in the year included IT controls and the 
effectiveness of cyber security measures. The 
Committee ensured that Internal Audit was 
appropriately resourced with the skills and experience 
relevant to the operations of the Group and that 
information was made available to it to enable it to fulfil 
its mandate to the appropriate professional standards. 

The Committee reviewed Internal Audit reports from 
both Group and SIM on a regular basis and the Group 
Director of Risk & Assurance, the Group Director of 
Internal Audit and the SIM Head of Internal Audit 
attended meetings and presented to the Committee 
where appropriate. The Committee monitors the 
status of all Internal Audit recommendations and 
management’s responsiveness to their implementation 
and challenges both Internal Audit and management 
where appropriate to provide assurance that the 
control environment is robust and effective. 

In assessing the performance of Internal Audit, the 
Committee considered and monitored its 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.

Assessment of Group’s system of internal 
control, including the risk management 
framework 
The Committee, on behalf of the Board, undertook a 
robust review of the effectiveness of the system of risk 
management and internal control.

In performing its review of effectiveness, the 
Committee reviewed and assessed the following 
reports and activities:

 ƒ internal Audit reports on the review of the controls 

across the Group and its monitoring of management 
actions arising from these reviews; 

 ƒ management’s own assessment of risk and the 

performance of the system of risk management and 
internal control during 2021;

 ƒ reports from the Group Director of Risk & Assurance 
including reports on Group-wide risk assessment 
activity and annual self-assessment findings;

 ƒ reports from the SIM Head of Risk & Compliance and 

the SIM Head of Internal Audit; and 

 ƒ reports from the External Auditor on any issues 

identified during the course of their work.

The Committee and the Board considered that the 
information received was sufficient to enable a review 
of the effectiveness of the Group’s internal controls 
in accordance with the FRC’s Guidance on Risk 
Management, Internal Control and Related Financial 
and Business Reporting.

105

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsOverviewAnnual report & accounts 2021Remuneration

Directors’ Remuneration Report

Annual Statement
Governance
This Report has been prepared on behalf of 
the Board by the Remuneration Committee 
(the ‘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 2008 (as amended) (‘Regulations’) 
and the auditable disclosures referred to in the 
External Auditor’s Report on pages 142 to 151 
as specified by the UK Listing Authority and 
the Regulations. 

Dear Shareholder

On behalf of the Board, I am pleased to 
introduce our 2021 Directors’ Remuneration 
Report (the ‘Report’). Included within this 
Report are details on how we implemented our 
existing Directors’ Remuneration Policy in 2021 
and the new Directors’ Remuneration Policy 
(the ‘Policy’) which we will be presenting to 
Shareholders for approval at the 2022 AGM 
on 11 May 2022.

Our remuneration philosophy 
As set out in previous reports, our long-
standing focus and business philosophy is 
founded on the premise that staff in our sector 
are motivated through performance-based 
incentives (variable remuneration) consistent 
with our partnership 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.

Richard Orders
Chairman of the 
Remuneration  
Committee

On behalf of the Board, I am 
pleased to introduce our 2021 
Directors’ Remuneration 
Report (the ‘Report’). Included 
within this Report are details 
on how we implemented 
our existing Directors’ 
Remuneration Policy in 
2021 and the new Directors’ 
Remuneration Policy (the 
‘Policy’) which we will be 
presenting to Shareholders 
for approval at the 2022 AGM 
on 11 May 2022.”

106

The 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, 
Group Executive Board members and senior fee-
earners are set significantly below market medians 
for similar businesses, with a greater emphasis on the 
performance-related elements of profit share and/
or, outside the UK, commission in the total reward 
package. There is no material change to the Policy 
we are proposing to operate from 2022, and this 
is described below. The changes we are making 
adjust the current policy to better reflect the scale 
and complexity of our business at the same time as 
updating for ‘best practice’ developments.

The Committee is mindful of its responsibility to 
reward appropriately, but not excessively. As such, it 
places great emphasis on the calibration of Executive 
Director remuneration and structure against internal 
relativities, whilst also rigorously assessing external 
competitive positioning in setting remuneration. Finally, 
it determines 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 continue to target staff employment costs over the 
cycle to be in the range of 65%–70% of revenues which 
the Committee regards as the key metric from 
a Shareholder’s perspective. 

2021 performance and remuneration
Annual performance-related profit share
Savills delivered a record revenue and profit 
performance in 2021, reflecting both the robustness 
and geographic diversity of our business and the 
strategy of maintaining staffing levels throughout the 
course of the pandemic. Group revenue increased 
by 23% to £2.15bn (2020: £1.74bn), with strong 
trading in the last quarter of the year led by the UK 
and Asia Pacific regions. Both Continental Europe 
and the Middle East (“CEME”) and North American 
regions recovered to reverse 2020’s losses delivering 
better than expected profits for 2021. With more 
than half of the revenue growth from the Transaction 
Advisory business and reduced levels of discretionary 
expenditure, underlying profit for the year substantially 
increased by 107% to £200.3m (2020: £96.6m).

2017–2021 Overview*

Underlying Profit

+43%

Dividend Payments  
to Shareholders**

+114%

Executive Director 
Remuneration***

+15%

Total Shareholder 
Return

+50%

*  The KPSs are calculated as the change in the KPI for 2021 versus the 

KPI for 2017.

**  The dividend cost for 2021 comprises the cost of the final dividend 

recommended by the Board (amounting to £18.4m), payment of which 
is subject to Shareholder approval at the Company’s Annual General 
Meeting (‘AGM’) scheduled to be held on 11 May 2022, the cost of the 
supplemental interim dividend (£22.5m) and a one-time special interim 
dividend (£39.0m) declared by the Board on 10 March 2022 (payable 
to Shareholders on the Register of Members as at 8 April 2022) and the 
interim dividend (£8.4m) paid on 6 October 2021.

*** Executive Director remuneration comprises the remuneration paid to 

the Group Chief Executive Officer and Group Chief Financial Officer job 
holders between 1 January 2017 and 31 December 2021.

Key financial highlights for the year included: 

 ƒ Revenue of £2.15bn, representing an increase of 

23% on 2020

 ƒ Underlying profit before tax of £200.3m, 107% up 

on 2020 (2020: £96.6m)

 ƒ Transaction Advisory revenues up 34%, Consultancy 

revenues up 24% and Property Management 
revenues increased 9% 

 ƒ Operating cash generation: £302.7m (2020 restated: 

£241.4m)

 ƒ Underlying profit margin 9.3% (2020: 5.6%)

 ƒ Underlying earnings per share 116.5p (2020: 56.8p)

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Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsOverviewAnnual report & accounts 2021Remuneration continued

Annual Statement continued

Management also maintained the focus on the 
strategic development of the business through 2021 
and made strong progress. During the year, Savills 
Investment Management completed the accelerated 
acquisition of the outstanding 75% of DRC Capital, 
the specialist European Real Estate Debt Investment 
Manager. Then in December 2021, the Group entered 
a significant strategic partnership between Savills 
Investment Management and Samsung Life Insurance 
(‘SLI’) to accelerate the future growth of the Savills 
Investment Management business. The Group sold an 
initial 25% stake in the Savills Investment Management 
business to SLI for consideration of c. £70m (£63.7m 
was received on completion); SLI, in turn, committed 
to investing in excess of US$1bn into Savills Investment 
Management products over the initial five-year term of 
the relationship. 

Earlier in the year, the Group also acquired T3 Advisors, 
a leading Real Estate advisor in the Life Science 
and Technology sectors in North America. In Q4 we 
enhanced our Asia Pacific project management and real 
estate consulting capabilities through the acquisition of 
60% of the Merx Group of companies headquartered 
in Singapore. The Group also further strengthened its 
market leading position in Spain by acquiring a largely 
retail property management business.

In addition to the acquisitive growth in our business, we 
continued to undertake organic growth initiatives across 
the platform, with significant recruitment across all our 
regions, with particular focus on North America, Greater 
China and Continental Europe and the Middle East.

In light of the exceptional financial performance 
and strong delivery against our strategic priorities 
during FY 2021, a final ordinary dividend of 12.75p is 
recommended by the Board (2020: 17.0p), alongside a 
supplemental interim dividend of 15.6p (2020: nil). In 
addition, in view of the Group’s very strong recovery 
and cash generation since the pandemic-related 
lockdowns of 2020, the Board has declared a one-time 
special interim dividend of 27.05p being similar to the 
2019 final ordinary and supplementary dividends which 
were cancelled as COVID-19 took hold in March 2020. 

Reflecting this exceptional financial performance 
and the progress made against strategic objectives, 
which exceeded the maximum targets set for the 
2021 annual performance-related profit share plan, 
bonuses have been earned at the maximum for both 
Executive Directors. 

Based on performance achieved against the bonus 
targets, the wider performance of the business and 
the Shareholder experience through the year, the 
Committee was comfortable that the bonus outcome 
was reflective of overall performance and that there 
was no need to use discretion to adjust the formulaic 
outcome. In taking this decision, the Committee also 
noted no government support was taken in the year 
in relation to COVID-19.

Full details of the annual performance-related profit 
share awards approved by the Committee for the 
Executive Directors are included along with the other 
elements of remuneration in the total remuneration 
table on page 125 of this Report.

Performance Share Plan
The end of the 2021 financial year was also the 
end of the three-year performance period for our 
Performance Share Plan (‘PSP’) awards made in April 
2019. In this regard:

 ƒ the 50% of PSP award shares subject to TSR 
performance measured against the FTSE Mid 
250 Index (excluding investment trusts) will vest 
at the conclusion of the further two-year holding 
period at 100% for this part, reflecting relative TSR 
performance significantly outperforming the Index 
and thus exceeding the maximum performance 
target; and 

 ƒ the 50% of PSP award shares subject to EPS 

performance will also vest at the conclusion of the 
further two-year holding period at 100%, reflecting 
a three-year growth in EPS of 9.3% which also 
exceeded the maximum target set in 2019.

As with the annual performance-related profit share 
plan, the Committee considered the performance 
linked outcome of the 2019 PSP awards in the context 
of the Company’s performance over the past three 
years and Shareholder experience and concluded that 
they vest in full at the conclusion of the further 2-year 
holding period and the Committee was therefore 
comfortable that there was no need to use discretion 
to adjust the formulaic outcome. 

Remuneration Policy review
Our current Remuneration Policy, which as noted 
above is founded on the Group’s philosophy of low 
fixed and relatively high performance-based variable 
remuneration, worked effectively during the earlier 
years from its inception in 2008, albeit the limitations 
were apparent by 2016. In that year we consulted 
with our major Shareholders about potential changes 
to the Policy, including increasing the cap on the 
performance-related profit share applying to Executive 
Directors, which had been unchanged since 2008, to 
reflect the significant growth and increase in scale of 
the Group. Following consultation however, it was clear 
that we would be unable to increase the cap other than 
introducing RPI indexation from 2017.

Since 2008, the Group has continued to grow 
significantly, with profit in 2021 having grown by  
c.500% and over the same period market capitalisation 
has increased by c.360% delivering exceptional 
shareholder value. As a result, we now have an 
unsustainable disconnect between the size and 
complexity of the Group and the remuneration for 
the Executive Directors largely as a consequence of 
the performance-based profit share cap which has 
increased by a very modest 13.4% since 2008.

108

The Policy in its current form has created a number 
of challenges, and has resulted firstly in compression 
and then the distortion of pay relativities occurring 
between our Executive Directors and our Regional 
Business Heads, and our ability to attract, retain and 
incentivise talent in what is a very competitive real 
estate recruitment market.

The conclusion of the Policy review was that the 
current incentive structure remains fit for purpose 
and aligns to our ongoing remuneration philosophy. 
However, the Committee requires additional 
headroom in the performance-related profit share 
cap to appropriately address the challenges outlined 
above. In addition, the Committee are keen to take 
this opportunity to make a number of other changes 
to better align our Policy to the UK Corporate 
Governance Code and market best practice. 

Proposed changes to the Directors’ 
Remuneration Policy
The key changes to the Policy that we are proposing 
to make are: 

i.   Increase the cap included in our annual 

performance-based profit share – we are proposing 
to increase the caps on our annual performance-
based profit share for both Executive Directors. 
Under the new Policy the caps will be set at £3.25m 
and £2.5m for the CEO and CFO respectively, 
which represents an increase of approximately 3% 
p.a. compound since the bonus caps were put in 
place in 2008. To ensure there remains a strong link 
between short-term performance and the long term, 
50% of any bonus earned above 100% of salary will 
continue to be deferred into the Company’s shares 
for three years. In resetting the caps, the Committee 
considered market data, looking to specific real 
estate comparator companies (e.g. JLL, CBRE, 
Colliers and Cushman & Wakefield) and generic 
FTSE 250 data. When using the data the Committee 
did not compare the Executives Directors to the 
leadership teams of our larger real estate peers but 
did consider the executives within the peer group 
regional businesses of comparable size to Savills. The 
pay levels in these roles were consistently between 
25% and 70% above those at Savills. However, 
recognising that Savills is a UK listed company, the 
increase to the caps was set between the real estate 
benchmarks and FTSE 250 data with a view to taking 
a responsible approach to managing the issue of 
quantum. The Committee is comfortable that the new 
caps are pitched at the right levels to manage the 
current internal compression and future succession 
challenges that in part prompted the review. Overall, 
noting the new caps are the equivalent of a 3% p.a. 
indexing over the period since 2008, during which 
time Savills has been transformed in both scale and 
complexity, the Committee was comfortable that the 
increases were appropriate. 

 With regards to the bonus targets to apply for 
2022, the higher bonus opportunity will be taken into 
account when setting the range of financial targets 
which will reflect the higher bonus opportunity, with 
these operating alongside structured non-financial 
targets that align with delivering the foundations 
from which future long-term shareholder value will 
be created in line with our strategy. 

ii.   Alignment of Executive Directors’ pension 

contributions to the wider UK workforce rate 
of 8% of salary from 1 January 2023 – this re-
alignment will be effected notwithstanding that 
the CEO’s established pension provision (at 14% of 
salary) is the same as that for staff with equivalent 
long service who were also former members, like 
him, of the Savills Defined Benefit Plan.

iii.   Increase in share ownership guideline to 700% 
of salary – this takes account of the decision to 
increase the cap under the annual performance-
based profit share.

In addition to the formal changes to the Policy outlined 
above, the assessment of non-financial performance 
under the performance-based profit share plan in 
FY22 will be based on structured targets addressing 
different elements of the business strategy. The 
Committee has also reflected on the discussions 
regarding the incorporation of ESG measures into 
the assessment of performance for the variable 
remuneration arrangements and will introduce these 
during this Policy cycle. These will be included once 
the Committee is comfortable with both the base 
lines and internal targets which we are setting in 
conjunction with the Science Based Targets initiative, 
which will build on the Board’s current work to date 
and therefore that specific measurable targets can 
be set with confidence. 

The above increase to the cap was discussed with 
leading Shareholders and the leading advisory bodies, 
who were generally supportive of the rationale for the 
increase. Some investors requested that the targets 
be set taking into account the higher bonus quantum 
which the Committee has resolved to do, along 
with ensuring that the non-financial targets are well 
defined. In addition, the Committee also considered 
the replacement of the Performance Share Plan with 
a Restricted Share Plan which was discussed during 
our investor consultation on the new Policy. The 
Committee’s rationale for this change of approach was 
to counterbalance the cyclical nature of the real estate 
industry and to address concerns that Performance 
Shares can often over or under reward executives 
depending on where we are in the business cycle. 
Whilst investors were supportive of the principle, some 
of the feedback questioned whether Restricted Shares 
would be sufficiently aligned with our performance-
focused culture. Reflecting on the feedback, the 
Committee concluded that retaining the Performance 
Share Plan would continue to align executives with our 
long-term financial goals at the same time as reflecting 
the preference of a number of our major Shareholders. 

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Remuneration continued

Annual Statement continued

The Committee believes that the proposed changes 
to the Remuneration Policy will allow Savills to 
appropriately incentivise and reward our current 
executives, who are key to the continued success 
of the business, while also better positioning the 
business, particularly in the context of succession 
planning, to attract talent as necessary internally 
and from its key competitor companies.

In line with the current and proposed Remuneration 
Policy, no more than 25% of the maximum award 
will be payable for threshold performance. As the 
UPBT outturn moves above this threshold, payouts 
will increase on a straight-line basis. The UPBT 
performance targets are commercially sensitive and 
will therefore be disclosed retrospectively in next 
year’s report.

The first element of any award (equal to up to 
100% of base salary) will be paid as cash. Above 
the level of this first element, 50% of any award will 
be deferred in the form of shares for three years, 
receipt of which will be contingent on continued 
employment (subject to normal good leaver 
protections). The minimum cash threshold reflects 
Savills highly unusual approach of a low base 
salary which with regard to bonus deferral unfairly 
penalises Executive Directors relative both to internal 
and external comparators. 

Performance Share Plan: for 2022 the annual grant will 
be made at the same level as in 2021 at a level of 200% 
of base salary for the Group Chief Executive Officer 
and the Group Chief Financial Officer. For the 2022 
awards, the performance targets will be the same 
metrics as per the 2021 award being EPS growth, 
relative total shareholder return and ROCE targets 
(revised from ROE for the 2021 award as detailed on 
page 134) with an equal weighting applying to each 
metric. Awards that have satisfied the performance 
conditions attaching to them (measured over a 
three-year performance period) will vest once a 
further two-year holding period has passed, that is, 
on the fifth anniversary of grant.

The Committee would like to thank Shareholders 
involved in the consultation process for their 
engagement and feedback on our proposals. 

2022 Remuneration
We have an established approach of offering low base 
salaries relative to market medians (which approach 
applies to the Executive Directors, Group Executive 
Board Members and other senior fee earners). Salaries 
continue to be reviewed each year (although not 
necessarily increased). For 2022, Executive Directors 
base salaries will be increased by c.5.%, slightly below 
the level of salary increase for the wider UK workforce 
and consistent with the annualised rate of RPI as at 
31 December 2021.

Subject to approval of the new Policy at the 2022 
Annual General Meeting:

 ƒ Pension: will be unchanged for existing Executive 
Directors (14% and 18% of salary for the CEO and 
CFO respectively) until 31 December 2022 after 
which time it will align to the wider workforce 
rate of 8% of salary. For all new appointments the 
pension contribution will be aligned to the wider 
UK workforce contribution rate from appointment. 

 ƒ Benefits: no changes are proposed.

 ƒ Annual performance-related profit share: maximum 
opportunity to be increased to £3.25m and £2.5m 
for the Group Chief Executive Officer and the Group 
Chief Financial Officer respectively. Annual awards 
will continue to be determined as follows:

 – 75% based on Group UPBT performance 

 – 25% on the achievement of pre-set personal 

strategic and operational objectives 

110

Governance developments
As announced in December 2020, Rupert Robson 
retired from the Board at the conclusion of the 2021 
AGM and from March 2021, I have taken over as Chair 
of the Committee. During the year Nicholas Ferguson 
was appointed as an additional Committee member. 

During the year the Company continued to be subject 
to the 2018 UK Corporate Governance Code and the 
Committee was responsible for setting all elements 
of the remuneration of the Group Executive Board 
members in addition to the Executive Directors. 
The Committee also received a report on workforce 
remuneration during the year. With regard to 
engagement with employees on pay, this is currently 
facilitated through our Non-Executives participating 
in the Savills workforce engagement programme with 
different Non-Executives allocated different business 
regions in which to take feedback across a wide 
spectrum of topics that includes the subject of how 
executive remuneration aligns with wider employee 
remuneration and supports the Group’s strategy. 
Other engagement mechanisms exist, for example, we 
run an internal ‘Ask the Board’ process that can cover 
any aspect of working for Savills. In terms of the 
impact of employee feedback, this was considered by 
the Committee and wider Board and during 2021 we 
resolved to adjust aspects of our remuneration 
practices for certain members of the Savills team to 
address issues raised during policy discussions. Whilst 
this process was managed through the HR team, both 
the Board and Remuneration Committee had oversight 
and input to the changes that became effective in 
2022 and resulted in a moderation of our current pay 
model at more junior levels which was considered 
a better fit with employee lifestyles among this 
employee group. 

As a Committee, we continue to monitor best 
practice developments in executive remuneration 
and consider whether any amendments to the Policy 
are appropriate. 

The Committee is appreciative of the Shareholder 
support that it has received and welcomed 
Shareholders’ endorsement of the 2021 Annual 
Remuneration Report.

I hope you will support the proposed Remuneration 
Policy and Report at our AGM on 11 May 2022, I 
welcome any comments or feedback you may have 
on the Committee’s activities in 2021, or our proposals 
for 2022.

Richard Orders 
Chairman of the Remuneration Committee

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Annual Report on Remuneration

Role of the Committee 
The principal role of the Committee is to support the Group to achieve its strategic objectives by designing 
a Remuneration Policy consistent with the Group’s business model and values, such that we have the ability 
to attract, recruit, retain and motivate the high-calibre individuals needed to deliver the Group’s strategy and 
promote the long-term interests of the Company. The Committee also considers the broader implications of the 
Policy in the context of environmental, social or governance considerations and how the Policy best supports 
the Group’s delivery of its objectives in these areas. The Committee is responsible for the broad policy governing 
senior staff remuneration. It sets the actual levels of all elements of the remuneration of the Executive Directors, 
the Chairman of the Company and the Group Executive Board members. The Committee also considers 
workplace remuneration and related policies and the alignment of incentives and rewards with culture; and when 
setting the policy for Executive Director remuneration takes those matters into account. The Policy remains 
under periodic review to ensure that it remains consistent with the Company’s scale and scope of operations, 
supports business strategy, its environmental, social and governance strategy and its growth plans and helps 
drive the creation of Shareholder value. The Committee also oversees the operation of Savills employee 
share schemes. 

Committee members and attendees
As shown in the table below, during the year the Committee comprised the following independent 
Non-Executive Directors, with the following attendees:

Committee member

Position

Status

Richard Orders

Chair of the Committee from March 2021

Independent

Stacey Cartwright

Member of the Committee

Nicholas Ferguson

Member of the Committee

Dana Roffman

Member of the Committee

Former Members

Position

Rupert Robson

Chair of the Committee prior to 
Richard Orders*

* Retired as Committee Chairman in January 2021.

Independent

Independent

Independent

Status

Independent

Committee attendee

Position

Status

Mark Ridley

Group Chief Executive Officer

Chris Lee

Group Legal Director &  
Company Secretary 

Attended by invitation (except when his own 
remuneration is discussed)

Provided advice and support (except when 
his own remuneration is discussed) as well as 
acting as Secretary to the Committee

Simon Shaw, Group Chief Financial Officer, was invited to attend meetings to provide an overview of market 
conditions and the Group’s prospective financial performance.

Rupert Robson retired from the Board at the conclusion of the 2021 AGM and from March 2021 Richard Orders 
took over as Chair of the Committee. During the year Nicholas Ferguson was appointed as an additional 
Committee member.

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Meetings
2021 Attendance table 

Committee member

Richard Orders

Stacey Cartwright

Nicholas Ferguson

Rupert Robson

Dana Roffman

Meetings 
Attended

Meetings 
eligible to 
attend

4

4

4

1

4

4

4

4

1

4

As at 31 December 2021 and up to the date of 
this Report, the Committee wholly comprised of 
independent Non-Executive Directors. Biographies 
of each of the Committee members can be found on 
pages 74 to 77.

The Committee met four times during 2021. The 
principal agenda items considered by the Committee 
during the year were as follows:

 ƒ reviewing and developing the proposed Directors’ 

Remuneration Policy in the context of best practice 
and corporate governance developments and 
taking account of workforce remuneration across 
the Group;

 ƒ preparation for Shareholder consultation meetings 

where the proposed Directors’ Remuneration Policy 
was presented to a number of major Shareholders 
and proxy voting agencies;

 ƒ reflecting on the voting outcome from the 2021 AGM;

 ƒ agreeing performance targets for both the annual 
performance-related profit share and Performance 
Share Plan awards;

 ƒ preparing an Annual Remuneration Report 
consistent with the legislation relating to 
executive remuneration;

 ƒ agreeing the remuneration packages of the 
Executive Directors and Group Executive 
Board members; 

 ƒ approving the grant of Performance Share Plan 

awards; and 

 ƒ appointment of a new adviser to the Committee.

Advisors to the Committee
Following a competitive tender process, the 
Committee appointed Korn Ferry as its independent 
advisors. Korn Ferry is a member of the Remuneration 
Consultants Group and adheres to the voluntary 
code of conduct in relation to executive remuneration 
consulting in the UK. Korn Ferry’s fees are based on 
a time and material basis, within the parameters of an 
overall annual budget. In 2021, Korn Ferry received 
fees of £17,988 plus VAT in relation to advice provided 
to the Committee. Korn Ferry provided no other 
services to the Group during the year.

The former advisers to the Committee, FIT 
Remuneration Consultants, received fees of £36,956 
plus VAT in relation to advice provided to the 
Committee in 2021.

The Committee is satisfied that the advice received 
from Korn Ferry 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.

The Committee is also advised by the Group Legal 
Director & Company Secretary (save in relation to 
matters concerning his own remuneration).

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 Officer attends meetings 
by invitation and is consulted on the remuneration 
package of the Group Chief Financial Officer and other 
Group Executive Board members.

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).

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Remuneration Policy

This part of the Report sets out the policy which will be put forward for Shareholder approval at the 2022 AGM 
in accordance with section 439A of the Companies Act 2006 (the ‘Policy’). The Policy will apply from the 2022 
AGM, subject to Shareholder approval. 

The Group’s remuneration arrangements for the Executive Directors, Group Executive Board members and 
senior fee-earners are structured to provide a competitive mix of variable performance-related (i.e. annual 
performance 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 provide an appropriate balance 
between being achievable and stretching. 

In determining the remuneration of the Executive Directors and reviewing that of the Group Executive 
Board members, the Committee reviews the role and responsibility of the individual, their performance, the 
arrangements applying across the wider employee group and internal pay relativities. 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.

Overview of the Policy
A summary of the proposed policy for Executive Directors, the proposed amendments to the current Policy and 
how it will be applied for 2022 is set out below.

Element 

Summary of approach

Base salary

Base salaries are set significantly below 
market median levels, in line with the 
Group’s philosophy to place greater 
emphasis on variable, performance-
related remuneration.

Change from 
previous Policy

No change.

Pension

Pension benefits are provided through 
a Group personal pension plan, as a 
non-pensionable salary supplement or 
as a contribution to a personal pension 
arrangement. 

The Group Chief Executive Officer will 
be entitled to a pension from the legacy 
defined benefit pension plan but no 
longer accrues benefits under the plan.

Pension 
contributions 
to be reduced 
for incumbent 
Executive 
Directors from 
1 January 2023 to 
the UK workforce 
standard 
contribution rate 
of 8% of salary.

Application of Policy for 2022

The Committee has determined that there 
will be a 5.4% increase in base salaries in 
line with RPI and below the general level 
of increase across the Savills UK business 
at 7% effective 1 March 2022.

Salaries from 1 March 2022 will therefore 
be as follows:

 ƒ Group Chief Executive Officer: 

£311,000

 ƒ Group Chief Financial Officer: 

£238,000

Pension contributions/salary 
supplements for 2022 are:

 ƒ Group Chief Executive Officer: 

14% of salary

 ƒ Group Chief Financial Officer: 

18% of salary

Pension contributions/salary 
supplements from 1 January 2023 are 
to be aligned with the UK workforce 
contribution rate of 8% of salary:

 ƒ Group Chief Executive Officer: 

8% of salary

 ƒ Group Chief Financial Officer: 

8% of salary

For any new appointments, the pension 
contribution will be aligned to the wider UK 
workforce contribution rate of 8% of salary.

Benefits

Benefits include:

No change.

Benefits in line with Policy.

 ƒ Medical insurance benefits; 

 ƒ Annual car/car allowance (up 

to £9,000);

 ƒ Permanent health insurance; 

 ƒ Life insurance; and

 ƒ Relocation expenses.

114

Change from 
previous Policy

The cap is to 
be increased 
to £3.25m and 
£2.5m for the 
CEO and CFO 
respectively.

No future RPI 
linked increase  
to the cap.

No change.

Element 

Summary of approach

Annual 
performance- 
related profit 
share

Reflects the Group’s annual profit 
performance and personal performance 
against pre-set objectives and overall 
contribution.

Performance 
Share Plan

In line with the Group’s philosophy that 
there is greater emphasis (than is the 
norm for listed companies) on variable 
performance-related pay. Consequently, 
50% of any award payable above an 
amount equal to base salary is deferred 
into shares for three years.

Malus and clawback provisions apply. 

Awards of shares are made subject to 
a three-year performance period. Any 
awards which satisfy the three-year 
performance conditions attaching to 
them will then be subject to an additional 
two-year holding period before vesting.

The maximum award potential remains at 
200% of base salary, subject to an overall 
annual maximum of shares with a value of 
£1m on award per participant. 

Malus and clawback provisions apply.

Share 
Ownership 
Guidelines

Achieved through share purchase and/
or retention of any after-tax shares which 
vest pursuant to the Group’s share plans 
until the guideline is met.

In-employment 
rate increased 
from 500% to 
700% of salary.

Application of Policy for 2022

The maximum potential annual profit 
share awards for 2022 are:

 ƒ Group Chief Executive Officer: £3.25m.

 ƒ Group Chief Financial Officer: £2.5m.

For 2022 profit share awards, 75% will 
be based on the Group’s annual profit 
performance and 25% will be based on 
the delivery of strategic and operational 
performance goals. The Committee 
reserves its ability to vary these 
proportions or apply different/additional 
measures in future years. 

The awards for 2022 will be up to 200% 
of base salary.

For 2022 Performance Share Plan awards, 
one-third of the award will vest subject 
to Earnings Per Share performance, 
one-third will vest subject to relative 
TSR performance against the FTSE Mid 
250 Index (excluding investment trusts) 
and one-third will vest subject to ROCE 
performance, measured over the three-
year period starting on 1 January 2022.

700% of base salary for the Group Chief 
Executive Officer and Group Chief 
Financial Officer while in post.

250% of salary applying for two years 
post-cessation.

Non-Executive Director fees, which are set consistent with the median for the FTSE 250 and which are subject to 
annual review, with any increase capped at RPI. Fees will be increased in July 2022 in line with RPI then. Additional 
fees, again set consistent with the median for the FTSE 250, which are payable to the Senior Independent Director 
and Committee Chairs to recognise their additional responsibilities; these fees will also be increased in July 2022 in 
line with RPI then. The Chairman’s fee, which again is set at levels consistent with the median for the FTSE 250 and 
is subject to annual review, capped at RPI. The Chairman’s fee will increase in July 2022 in line with RPI then.

The Committee has ensured that the Directors’ Remuneration Policy and practices are consistent with the 
six factors set out in Provision 40 of the Corporate Governance Code: 

Factor 

Clarity 

Simplicity

Risk

Predictability

Proportionality

Alignment to 
culture

How this has been addressed

Our Directors’ Remuneration Policy is well understood by our senior executive team and has been 
clearly articulated to our Shareholders and representative bodies (both on an ongoing basis and during 
consultation when changes are being made).

The Committee is mindful of the need to avoid overly complex remuneration structures which can be 
misunderstood and deliver unintended outcomes. Therefore, a key objective of the Committee is to ensure 
that our Directors’ Remuneration Policy and practices are straightforward to communicate and operate. 

Our Directors’ Remuneration Policy has been designed to ensure that inappropriate risk-taking 
is discouraged and will not be rewarded via (i) the balanced use of both annual incentives and 
long-term incentives which employ a blend of financial, non-financial and shareholder return targets, 
(ii) the significant role played by shares in our incentive plans including the deferral under the annual 
performance-related profit share (together with in-employment and post-cessation shareholding 
guidelines) and (iii) malus/clawback provisions within all our incentive plans.

Our incentive plans are subject to individual caps, with our share plans also subject to market standard 
dilution limits. The use of shares within our incentive plans means that actual pay outcomes are highly 
aligned to the experience of our shareholders.

There is a clear link between individual awards, delivery of strategy and our long-term performance. 
In addition, the significant role played by incentive/‘at-risk’ pay, together with the structure of the 
Executive Directors’ service contracts, ensures that poor performance is not rewarded.

Our executive pay policies are fully aligned to the Company’s culture through the use of metrics in both 
the annual performance-related profit share and PSP that measure how we perform against key aspects 
of our strategy, which has the objective of delivering sustainable growth in profit and ROE. A similar 
structure operates across the Group.

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Remuneration Policy continued

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

Purpose and 
link to strategy

Base salary

Operation

Potential

Performance 
measures

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

The Committee considers base salary 
levels annually taking into consideration:

 ƒ the Group’s philosophy to place 
greater emphasis on variable 
performance-related remuneration

 ƒ the individual’s experience (i.e. salaries 

may be set at a discount to Savills 
normal practice on appointment and 
increased over two to three years) 

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

n/a

The Committee has determined that base salaries 
will be increased by 5.4% effective 1 March 2022, 
below the general rate of increase in Savills UK 
at 7%. Salaries from March 2022 will therefore be 
as follows:

 ƒ Group Chief Executive Officer: £311,000

 ƒ the size and scope of the role

 ƒ Group Chief Financial Officer: £238,000

Pension

 ƒ Provides 

appropriate 
retirement 
benefits.

 ƒ Rewards sustained 

contribution.

 ƒ the general level of salary reviews 

across the Group

 ƒ appropriate external market 

competitive data

 ƒ The Committee retains the flexibility to award 
base salary increases taking into consideration 
the factors considered as part of the 
annual review.

 ƒ The annual base salary for any existing 

Executive Director shall not exceed £500,000.

Defined contribution pension 
arrangements are provided.

For 2022 the pension contributions/
supplements are:

n/a

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.

 ƒ Group Chief Executive Officer: 14% of annual 

base salary.

 ƒ Group Chief Financial Officer: 18% of annual 

base salary. 

As part of the funding arrangements agreed 
when Savills Defined Benefit Pension Plan (‘the 
Plan’) was closed to future accrual in 2010, 
the Group Chief Executive Officer receives a 
minimum contribution of 14%. The maximum 
contribution will be no more than the general rate 
available for other former members of the Plan. 
The maximum annual pension 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. 

Pension contributions/salary supplements 
from 1 January 2023 for incumbent Executive 
Directors will be aligned with the UK workforce 
contribution rate of 8% of salary.

The level of contribution would be determined at 
the time of appointment and the maximum level 
will be aligned to the wider employer workforce 
contribution rate, which is currently 8% of salary 
in Savills UK. 

For international appointments, the Committee 
may determine that alternative pension provisions 
will operate, and when determining arrangements, 
the Committee will have regard to the cost 
of the arrangements, market practice in the 
relevant international jurisdiction and the pension 
arrangements received elsewhere in the Group.

116

Purpose and 
link to strategy

Benefits

Operation

Potential

Performance measures

To provide market 
competitive benefits.

Benefits currently comprise: 

 ƒ Medical insurance benefits

Car allowance (currently 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, but the 
provision of taxable benefits 
will normally operate within 
an annual limit of 30% of an 
Executive Director’s annual 
base salary. 

The Committee will monitor 
the costs in practice and 
ensure that the overall costs 
do not increase by more than 
the Committee considers 
to be reasonable in all the 
circumstances. 

Relocation expenses may be 
provided for a limited period 
and are subject to a maximum 
limit of £200,000 (£300,000 
in the case of an international 
relocation) plus, if relevant, the 
cost of tax equalisation.

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. 

The maximum potential 
annual profit share awards 
for 2022 are:

 ƒ £3.25m for the Group Chief 

Executive Officer

 ƒ £2.5m for the Group Chief 

Financial Officer

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 £3.25m p.a. 

 ƒ Car/car allowance 

 ƒ Permanent health insurance

 ƒ Life 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.

Annual performance-related profit share

 ƒ To encourage 

the achievement 
of challenging 
financial, 
strategic and/
or operational 
targets.

 ƒ Further 

alignment with 
Shareholders’ 
interests through 
deferral of 
a significant 
amount of any 
award into shares.

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

Awards are delivered part in cash 
and part in shares subject to a 
minimum cash threshold of 100% 
of annual salary. Thereafter, 50% of 
any award is delivered in shares. 

The share element of any award is 
normally deferred for a period of 
three years. 

The number of shares in that part 
of the award deferred for three 
years is increased at the time of 
vesting to reflect the value of 
dividends declared over the deferral 
period. Alternatively, the cash 
equivalent is paid. 

The Committee may exercise 
its judgement to adjust (on 
a downwards only basis) 
individual annual bonus payouts 
should they not reflect overall 
business performance or 
individual contribution. 

Malus/clawback provisions apply, 
allowing for the reduction of awards 
as explained in the notes to this table.

For 2022, the weighting will be 
75% in relation to the Group’s 
annual profit performance, 
defined as underlying profit 
before tax performance, and 25% 
in relation to delivery against a 
mix of personal, strategic and 
operational objectives. The 
Committee reserves the right 
to vary these proportions in 
subsequent years and/or to add 
additional or substitute measures 
to ensure that incentive remains 
appropriate to business strategy. 
However, no more than 25% of 
the total bonus will be based on 
non-financial targets.

The scale for the profit share 
element of any award will be 
disclosed annually in arrears. 

Unless the Committee determines 
otherwise, this scale will normally 
be adjusted for any acquisitions/
disposals in a single year which 
impact (on an annualised basis) 
UPBT by more than 7.5%. In such 
cases the scale will be adjusted 
to neutralise the benefit of any 
overage above the 7.5% level. 

If there is significant transaction 
that results in the scale becoming 
inappropriate then Shareholders 
will be consulted about any 
adjustment to the scale. 

The award potential at threshold 
is 25%. As the arrangement is 
an annual profit share there 
is no pre-set award level for 
on-target performance.

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Remuneration Policy continued

Purpose and 
link to strategy

Operation

Potential

Performance measures

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. A holding 
period will apply so that Executive 
Directors may not normally exercise 
vested PSP awards until the fifth 
anniversary of the award date. 

PSP awards may be in the form of nil 
cost options or conditional awards 
over shares. 

The Committee awards dividend 
equivalents on a reinvested basis 
in respect of dividends paid over 
the vesting or any subsequent 
holding period. 

Malus/clawback provisions apply, 
allowing for the reduction of awards 
as explained in the notes to this table. 

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 
proposed to make an upward 
adjustment the Committee would 
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 
(PSP rules limit). 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 base salary p.a. (or if lower 
£1m 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 initially proposed to 
be based on three measures:

 ƒ Relative TSR against the FTSE 
250 (excluding investment 
trusts) or other appropriate 
comparator group;

 ƒ Earnings per share; and

 ƒ Return on Capital Employed. 

The Committee may review the 
performance measures for the 
PSP to ensure they remain aligned 
to the Group’s 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.

UK tax advantaged all-employee share plans

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.

Shareholding requirements

To encourage share 
ownership by the 
Executive Directors 
and ensure interests 
are aligned.

Executive Directors are expected 
to purchase and/or retain all shares 
(net of tax) which vest under the 
Group’s share plans (or any other 
discretionary long-term incentive 
arrangement introduced in the 
future) until such time as they hold 
a specified value of shares. 

Only beneficially owned shares 
and PSP awards subject to a holding 
period (discounted for anticipated 
tax liabilities) may be counted during 
the holding period for the purposes 
of the guidelines. Share awards do 
not otherwise count towards 
this requirement. 

Once shareholding guidelines have 
been met, individuals are expected to 
retain these levels as a minimum. The 
Committee will review shareholdings 
annually in the context of this Policy.

n/a

Maximum Partnership 
Shares in accordance with 
statutory limits. The Company 
does not presently offer Free 
Shares, Matching Shares or 
Dividend Shares.

700% of base salary for all 
Executive Directors. 

n/a

Since the 2020 AGM, a 
guideline has applied 
additionally for a period of 
two years from the date on 
which an Executive Director 
stands down from the Board. 
The requirement in these 
circumstances is to retain 
shares with a value equivalent 
to the lower of either: 250% 
of base salary; or the value 
of shares held at the date 
of standing down from the 
Board. In these circumstances, 
however, the requirement 
will not apply either to shares 
purchased by an Executive 
Director with their own funds 
or obtained under awards 
granted at recruitment to 
buy-out awards from a 
previous employer.

118

Remuneration Policy for Non-Executive Directors

Approach to fees

Operation

Other items

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 will generally be reviewed annually in 
line with increases in RPI over the previous 
12 months. 

All fees for membership of the Board 
are subject to the maximum payable to 
Non-Executive Directors as stated in 
the Company’s Articles of Association 
(currently £500,000 for the Chairman and 
NED base fees) and within an additional 
limit determined by the Non-Executive 
Chairman and the Executive Directors 
on behalf of the Board of £200,000 for 
any additional responsibility or other 
special fees.

Fees payable to the Non-Executive 
Directors are determined by the 
Non-Executive Chairman and the Executive 
Directors on behalf of the Board. Fees 
payable to the Chairman are determined 
by the Committee. The Non-Executive 
Director fee policy is to pay:

 ƒ a basic fee for membership of the Board 

and Committee chairmanship; and

 ƒ 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.

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

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 considers 
this appropriate.

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.

Malus and clawback 
Malus (being the reduction or forfeiture of bonus or unvested awards) and clawback (being the ability of the 
Company to reclaim paid amounts as a debt) provisions apply to the annual performance-related profit share 
and the PSP. These provisions may be applied where the Committee considers it appropriate to do so following: 
a material misstatement of the Group’s financial results; serious misconduct by the individual; a factual error in 
calculating an award or vesting; and other exceptional developments which have an actual or potential material 
adverse effect on the value or reputation of the Group as determined by the Committee. 

Clawback will apply for a two-year period post the vesting of awards. In the event of a regulatory or criminal 
inquiry being ongoing at that point, the clawback period will be extended to a six-month period post the 
conclusion of such an inquiry.

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 that plan as approved by 
Shareholders. In accordance with those rules the Committee has discretion in the following areas (as well as 
general administrative discretion):

 ƒ 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;

 ƒ 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;

 ƒ on a change of control or winding up the number of shares will be subject to any relevant performance 

conditions and time pro-rated;

 ƒ 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 

 ƒ the Committee has the discretion to treat a demerger as an early vesting event on the same basis as a change 

of control. 

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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 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 Total Shareholder Return, earnings and return-based measures ensures 
that the 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 (e.g. merger and acquisition activity), capital events or changes to 
accounting rules to ensure that targets remain appropriate. 

Remuneration arrangements throughout the Group 
The remuneration policy for Executive Directors follows the same key principles as that for senior and fee-
earning employees generally in the Group – that salaries are below the market median with a greater emphasis 
placed 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 Group Executive Board 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 if there are particular business reasons for applying a retention element to remuneration. 

Approach to remuneration on recruitment 
In the event that the Board appoints 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. 

120

Fixed remuneration 
The remuneration policy for current Executive Directors reflects the Group’s overall philosophy of setting 
base salaries for fee earners which are significantly below market medians and placing greater emphasis on 
performance-related elements of reward. 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:

 ƒ the base salary for a new appointee to be set in line with market levels rather than below market levels; or

 ƒ 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 set out above. This might arise, for example, where a newly appointed Executive Director is 
recruited on a significantly lower salary than in his or her 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. 

Consistent with the Regulations, the formal caps on fixed pay in the Policy do not apply on recruitment although 
the Committee would seek to apply such caps in any element to the extent it considers it to be feasible to do so. 

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 above (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. 

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 (and/or participation in the variable pay arrangements) 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 incentive plans, typical market practice, the 
performance and conduct of the individual and the commercial justification for any payments. 

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Performance measures and target setting continued

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

Notice periods

12 months’ notice by either the Company or the Executive Director. 

For new appointees, 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.

Contract dates

 ƒ Mark Ridley – 1 May 2018 

 ƒ Simon Shaw – 16 March 2009

Expiry dates

Contracts are rolling service contracts with no expiry date

Elements of 
remuneration

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.

Termination 
payments and 
treatment of 
the annual 
performance-related 
profit share

Treatment of share 
incentives

If an Executive Director’s employment is to be terminated, the Committee’s policy in respect of the service 
contract, in the absence of a breach 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. In addition, if they are 
classified as ‘good leavers’ as defined in their Service Agreements (which expression does not include 
dismissal due to poor performance or voluntary resignation unless the Committee so determines), they may 
also receive a pro-rata annual performance-related profit share and retain outstanding incentive awards. 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 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 (or to be 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 normal maturity date 
(although the Committee has discretion to accelerate to 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 with performance measured to the end 
of the performance period and vesting occurring at the normal vesting date. Any applicable holding period 
will also normally apply although the Committee may choose to release such shares earlier. In particular 
circumstances (e.g. 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 
Sharesave: 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. 

Share Incentive Plan (’SIP’): shares which have been held in the SIP for at least five years are released to 
leavers free from income tax and social security charges. Some tax and social security charges will be 
payable on shares taken out of the SIP within five years of purchase unless the participant is a ‘good leaver’.

Other 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.

Other information 

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.

122

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 annual performance-related 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, although Executive Director pay is included as a standing agenda item for ‘Employee Voice’ forums. 

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 the Committee 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. 

Illustrations of application of the Policy 
The charts below illustrate how much the current Executive Directors could earn under four different 
performance scenarios for 2022: ‘Minimum’, ‘On-target performance’, ‘Maximum’ and ‘Maximum with share 
price growth’ – based on the assumptions below.

Group CEO

Group CFO

£5m

£4,5m

£4m

£3,5m

£3,m

£2,5m

£2m

£1,5m

£1m

£0.5m

£

£4,566,290

£4,255,290

15%

76%

£2,570,040

6%

79%

£383,290

100%

Minimum

15%

Target

9%

Maximum

£5m

£4,5m

£4m

£3,5m

£3,m

£2,5m

£2m

£1,5m

£1m

£0.5m

£

£3,506,090

£3,268,090

£1,973,590
6%

79%

15%

Target

£292,090

100%

Minimum

15%

76%

9%

Maximum

Fixed Pay

Annual Award

Long-Term Award

50% share price growth on Long-Term Award

Group CEO

Group CFO

120%

100%

80%

60%

40%

20%

0%

6%

15%

7%

14%

100%

79%

76%

71%

15%

9%

8%

120%

100%

80%

60%

40%

20%

0%

6%

15%

7%

14%

100%

79%

76%

71%

15%

9%

8%

Minimum

Target

Maximum Maximum 
with share 
price growth

Minimum

Target

Maximum Maximum 
with share 
price growth

Fixed Pay

Annual Award

Long-Term Award

50% share price growth on Long-Term Award

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Performance measures and target setting continued

Element in the chart above

Component

‘Minimum’

‘Target’

‘Maximum’

Fixed Pay

Base salary

Pension

Benefits

Annual Award

Annual 
performance-related 
profit share

Long-Term Award

PSP

2022 base salary

14% of salary for CEO 
18% of salary for CFO

2021 Single Figure Amount

0% of 
maximum award

62.5% of 
maximum award

CEO – £3.25m 
CFO – £2.5m

0% of 
maximum award

25% of 
maximum award

CEO – 200% of Salary 
CFO – 200% of Salary

Other assumptions

 ƒ ‘Maximum with share price growth’ is as ‘Maximum’ including assumed 50% share 

price growth

 ƒ 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 

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

 ƒ The proposed new policy does not include an on-target level for the annual 

performance-related profit share so a 62.5% of maximum award has been used for 
illustrative purposes

124

Annual Report on Remuneration

Total remuneration for 2021
Set out below are details of Executive Director remuneration for 2021.

Executive Directors’ ‘single figure’ for the financial year ended 31 December 2021 and as a comparison for the 
financial year ended 31 December 2020 (audited).

Salary paid

Benefits(1) 

Pension

Total fixed remuneration

Annual profit share – cash

Mark Ridley

Simon Shaw

2021
£

2020
£

2021
£

2020
£

295,000

294,000

225,500

224,750

28,764

41,300

11,127

41,160

11,216

11,216

40,590

40,455

365,064

346,287

277,306

276,421

1,281,000

575,900

962,750

433,859

Annual profit share – deferred shares

986,000

280,900

737,250

208,359

Near-term remuneration 

2,632,064

1,203,087

1,977,306

918,639

The aggregate near-term remuneration paid to the Executive Directors in the year ended 31 December 2021 was 
£4.61m (2020: £2.12m). 

Mark Ridley 

Simon Shaw

2021
£

2020
£

2021
£

2020
£

Gain on long-term share-based awards

Performance Share Plan – performance element(2) 
(notional) 

Performance Share Plan – share appreciation element(2) 
(notional) 

577,998

96,598

441,997

101,658

293,536

(5,856)

224,468

(6,163)

Long-term share-based reward (non-cash – notional)(2)

871,534

90,742

666,465

Total variable remuneration

3,138,534

947,542

2,366,465

95,495

737,713

Total i.e. ‘Single Figure’ (part notional) 

3,503,598

1,293,829

2,643,771

1,014,134

The information in both parts of this table has been audited by the External Auditor, Ernst & Young LLP.

Notes:

1.  Benefits comprise private medical insurance and car allowance. For Mark Ridley in 2021 this also includes £17,539 being the cash equivalent of additional 

holiday entitlement accruing under the Company’s loyalty holiday reward scheme (and reflecting Mark Ridley’s 25th year of service). 

2.  For 2021 the notional value of the PSP award with a performance period which ended on 31 December 2021 (i.e. where the award will vest in April 2024) has 
been valued based on the number of shares that will vest and the three-month average share price for the period to 31 December 2021 (1,383.5p) per share). 
For 2020 the notional value of the PSP award with a performance period which ended on 31 December 2020 (i.e. where the award will vest in April 2023) 
has been valued based on the number of shares that will vest and the three-month average share price for the period to 31 December 2020 (917.3p) per 
share). The actual value has been split between the relevant value on the date of the original award of the relevant shares (the PSP – performance element) 
and subsequent increase in value (PSP – share price appreciation). Note that the long-term share-based reward (non-cash – notional) valuations for 2021 
would be £673,438 and £514,981 respectively for Mark Ridley and Simon Shaw valued based on the share price as at 7 March 2022 (1,069p per share). 

Performance-related remuneration for 2021
Annual performance-related profit share
UPBT performance-related element
This information has been audited by the External Auditor, Ernst & Young LLP.

The following near-term performance measures applied to the 2021 annual performance-related profit 
share arrangements.

75% of the award was based on profit performance, defined as UPBT performance. The target range and Savills 
performance were as follows:

Minimum  
(25% of element)

£97.0m

Target  
(66.7% of element)

Maximum target  
(100% of element)

£120.0m

£130.0m

Savills UPBT  
performance

£200.3m

Bonus award  
(% of element)

100%

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There was straight-line vesting between performance points.

Reflecting the Group’s exceptional performance in 2021, the Committee approved awards at 100% of the 
maximum potential were earned by the Executive Directors in respect of the UPBT performance-related element 
(2020: 21.0%). 

The remaining 25% of annual performance-related profit share awards was based on individual performance 
against key strategic and operational objectives. The Executive Directors were each awarded 100% of this 25%.

The Committee set strategic and operational objectives for the Executive Directors consistent with ensuring 
that the Group remained in a robust financial position through the period, staffing and client service levels were 
maintained, and which were aligned with longer-term value creation for Savills. 

The tables below provide a summary of achievements against the key objectives for both Executive Directors: 

Mark Ridley:

Implementation of  
Regional Strategy Plans

Target

Achievement

 ƒ Successful implementation and delivery 
against the Regional Strategy Plans, 
with focus on the accelerated growth 
of Asia Pacific and further development 
of our market leading position in the UK 
and our CEME platform and progressing 
the further strengthening and depth of 
Savills North American platform. 

 ƒ Develop Service Line Regional 

Strategy Boards.

 ƒ Significant progress made:

 ƒ Savills IM: Samsung Strategic Alliance and the 

acquisition of outstanding 75% of DRC; 

 ƒ Asia Pacific: acquisitions of the Merx group 

of companies; RealPlus and LCA;

 ƒ Savills North America: acquired T3 life 

sciences and technology consultancy and 
transactional platform; entered into SRS 
strategic alliance and progressed selective 
recruitment to further strengthen and 
broaden the service offering;

 ƒ UK market leading position maintained; 

CEME platform linkages further 
strengthened; and

 ƒ Service Line Regional Strategy Boards 

in place and operational, covering all key 
service lines.

Supporting of the improved 
performance of Savills 
North America business

 ƒ Ensure the North America business 

 ƒ Savills North America UPBT £15.1m (2020: 

performance improvement in line with 
market expectation.

UPBT £(8.4)m)

 ƒ Appointed new President and Head of 

 ƒ Restructure leadership team and support 

National Logistics

strategic growth access logistics.

Technology

 ƒ Advance technology initiatives in 

Diversity & Inclusion

conjunction with Simon Shaw, including 
Valuation digitalisation, CRM and 
Database, Accounting and K3 roll out.

 ƒ Continue to develop and implement 
Savills’ D&I initiatives and networks. 

 ƒ Revisit leadership training and 

succession planning.

 ƒ Measurable progress in respect of the 

diversity of our senior leadership. 

 ƒ Further strong progress with delivery against 
key milestones in all technology initiatives 
across the Group. 

 ƒ Ongoing progress in enhancing D&I across 

Savills including:

 ƒ Board membership: 37.5%; 2021 Hampton-
Alexander ranking – Women in Senior 
Leadership: 33% – both ahead of target; 

 ƒ UK reaching our initial goal of having 100 
apprentices in the business; progressing 
our partnerships with Pathways to 
Property and Career Ready, allowing 
Savills UK to partner with eight schools 
raising the profile of working within real 
estate at a younger age and broadening 
the recruitment pool;

Strong progress by our US Women’s 
Initiative Network, Black Excellence 
United, and new LGBTQ+ Employee 
Resource Groups; and

 ƒ Established six D&I groups in Asia Pacific 
and CEME to support delivery against the 
Group’s nine UN SDGs.

126

 
Simon Shaw:

Supporting the CEO with 
strategic initiatives

Operational efficiency

Management of cash 
resources

Objective

Achievement

 ƒ Continued Group growth strategies, 
in the context of market conditions, 
with a particular focus on growing Asia 
and the Group’s Investment/Asset 
Management business.

 ƒ US performance improvement and the 

continued strengthening and broadening 
of the service offering. 

 ƒ To assist CEO/GEB to evaluate and 

prioritise capital investment decisions 
and ensure coherent follow-up and 
review and monitor all Group acquisitions 
(over £1m) to ensure maximum value 
enhancement for the Group.

 ƒ Ensure margins remain an area of key 
management focus for each Regional 
Business including identifying and 
sponsoring cost and operating efficiency 
improvements (including through 
adoption of technology).

 ƒ Manage the Group’s cash resources in 
the context of the impact of COVID-19 
and its economic fallout.

 ƒ Significant progress made:

 ƒ Savills IM: Samsung Strategic Alliance and the 

acquisition of outstanding 75% of DRC; 

 ƒ Asia Pacific: acquisitions of the Merx group of 

companies; RealPlus and LCA;

 ƒ Savills North America UPBT £15.1m (2020: 

UPBT £(8.4)m); and

 ƒ Savills North America: T3 life sciences & 

technology consultancy and transactional 
platform acquisition in US, SRS strategic 
alliance and selective recruitment to further 
strengthen and broaden the service offering.

 ƒ 2021 UPBT margin: 9.3% (2020: 5.5%)

 ƒ Year-end net cash balance £340.7m 

(2020: £171m) 

Technology

 ƒ Oversee and sponsor the Group’s 

 ƒ Delivery against key milestones in all 

multi-year technology initiatives, to 
maximise cross-fertilisation of 
initiatives including:

technology initiatives across the Group 
– within our CRM, UK property data and 
Finance Platform programmes.

 ƒ Delivery of key technological 

 ƒ Further regional roll-out of Knowledge 

Cubed occupier platform and Workthere 
flexible office brokerage.

 ƒ Further development of Insight & Data 
capability with new teams in Poland 
and India.

 ƒ Realising the benefit of efficiency projects 

in multiple service lines, particularly 
Valuation, Residential Sales and Lettings.

innovations that will add value (in 
terms of competitive advantage, 
attracting top talent, reduced 
operating costs or client service. 
Specific examples being:

 ƒ UK Valuations Digitisation programme 

continuing roll out

 ƒ UK Reapit mobile working app

 ƒ Workthere and small lot size leasing 

workflow technology

 ƒ Athena property database 1st launch

 ƒ The progressive harmonisation 

of accounting systems across the 
Group based upon AX Dynamics 
implementations where economically 
viable. Ensure the UK implementation 
is embedded and subsequent 
implementations follow in line with 
the risk-assessed roll out programme.

Grosvenor Hill Ventures

 ƒ Chair Grosvenor Hill Ventures, manage 
the performance of its investments to 
date and make recommendations as 
to further investments/disposals in the 
Proptech space, as appropriate.

 ƒ Continued development of Grosvenor Hill 
Ventures portfolio companies and closed 
both follow-on and de novo investments 
during the period.

In line with the Policy, 50% of the overall awards to Mark Ridley and Simon Shaw, above an amount equal to their 
respective base salaries, will be deferred for a further three-year period in the form of shares. 

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Long-term incentives
The PSP award granted in 2019 is subject to performance in the three years to 31 December 2021. Following 
an assessment of Savills performance against targets set at grant, the Committee determined that 100% of the 
award had met the performance criteria and will vest at the end of the two-year holding period in April 2024. 
The targets and Savills performance were as follows: 

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

% EPS growth

50%

50%

Threshold 
target  

Maximum 
target  

Weighting

(25% vesting)

(100% vesting)

Savills 
performance

Equal to 
index

Outperform 
index by 8% 
p.a.

Outperform 
index by 19% 
p.a. 

Vesting  
(% of 
maximum)

100%

RPI plus 
3% p.a. 
compounded

RPI plus 
8% p.a. 
compounded

9.3%

100%

The information in the above table has been audited by the External Auditor, Ernst & Young LLP.

Non-Executive Directors fees (audited)
The Non-Executive Director fees for 2021 were as follows:

Nicholas 
Ferguson 
(Chairman)

Stacey 
Cartwright

Tim 
Freshwater

Rupert 
Robson 
(resigned 12 
May 2021)

Florence 
Tondu-
Mélique

Dana 
Roffman

Richard 
Orders
(appointed 
1 January 
2021)

Philip Lee
(appointed 
1 January 
2021)

Basic fee 

£215,000

£54,700

£54,700

£19,970

£54,700

£54,700

£54,700

£54,700

Additional fees:

Senior Independent 
Director

Remuneration 
Committee Chairman

Audit Committee 
Chairman

2021 Total

2020 Total

£8,000

£15,000

£3,651

£8,333

£215,000

£77,700

£54,700

£23,621

£54,700

£54,700

£63,033

£54,700

£215,000

£69,700

£62,700

£64,700

£54,700

£54,700

–

–

The information in this table has been audited by the External Auditor, Ernst & Young LLP.

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.

The fee payable to Nicholas Ferguson as Chairman during 2021 was £215,000p.a. (2020: £215,000 p.a.).The 
base fee for the Non-Executive Directors for 2021 was £54,700 p.a., with additional fees payable to the Senior 
Independent Director (£8,000 p.a.), the Audit Committee Chairman (£15,000 p.a.) and the Remuneration 
Committee Chairman (£10,000 p.a.). These fees were unchanged from the previous year. Fees will be increased 
in July 2022 in line with RPI then.

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

Operation of Policy in 2022
Base salary 
The base salaries of the Executive Directors will therefore be as follows:

 ƒ Group Chief Executive Officer: £311,000; and

 ƒ Group Chief Financial Officer: £238,000.

In line with our Policy, the base salaries for the Executive Directors continue to be positioned significantly below 
market median against the FTSE 250.

128

 
Variable remuneration
Annual performance-related profit share
The maximum annual performance-related profit share opportunity for 2022 will be:

 ƒ £3.25m for the Group Chief Executive Officer; and

 ƒ £2.5m for the Group Chief Financial Officer.

For the 2022 performance-related profit share, 75% of award potential will reflect the Group’s UPBT performance 
and 25% of award potential will reflect delivery against a mix of personal, strategic and operational objectives. 

The Committee considers prospective disclosure of individual objectives to be commercially sensitive and 
disclosure will therefore be on a retrospective basis.

The Committee retains a general discretion to reduce the payout level to reflect exceptional events over the 
performance period.

Performance Share Plan 
The remuneration policy is for maximum awards of 200% of base salary. The PSP awards for 2022 will be up to 
200% of each Executive Director’s base salary.

Awards will vest subject to the satisfaction of EPS targets for one-third of the award, TSR performance for 
one-third of the award and Return on Capital Employed targets for the remaining one-third of the award. The 
Committee is still in the process of agreeing the precise targets and full details of these will be set out in the 
RNS announcement issued immediately after the PSP award is granted. 

The awards made to Executive Directors will also be subject to a holding period so that any PSP awards for 
which the performance vesting conditions are satisfied will not normally be released for a further two years from 
the third anniversary of the original award date. Dividend accrual for PSP awards will continue until the end of the 
holding period.

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 2021 and 2020.

Employment costs

Underlying profit before tax

Dividend payment to Shareholders

Executive Director remuneration

Tax

2021
£m

1,413.1

200.3

88.3

4.6

145.6

2020
£m

1,153.7

96.6

23.8

2.3

103.2

%
movement

+22

+107

+271

+100

+41

 ƒ Employment costs (excluding arrangements for Executive Directors) comprise basic salaries, profit share and 

commissions, social security costs, other pension costs and share-based payments.

 ƒ Tax comprises corporation tax, employers’ social security and business rates and equivalent payments.

 ƒ The dividend cost for 2021 comprises the cost of the final dividend recommended by the Board (amounting to 
£18.4m), payment is subject to Shareholder approval at the Company’s AGM scheduled to be held on 11 May 
2022, the cost of the supplemental interim dividend (£22.5m) and a one-time special interim dividend (£39.0m) 
declared by the Board on 10 March 2022 (payable to Shareholders on the Register of Members as at 8 April 
2022) and the interim dividend (£8.4m) paid on 6 October 2021.

 ƒ Executive Director remuneration is the remuneration paid to the Group Chief Executive Officer and Group 
Chief Financial Officer role holders and comprises basic salaries, profit share, social security costs, pension 
costs and share-based payments. 

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Total Shareholder Return and Group Chief Executive Officer remuneration 
The Total Shareholder Return delivered by the Company over the last 10 years is shown in the chart below. 
Over this period the Company has delivered Total Shareholder Return of 19% per annum (FTSE 250 (excluding 
investment trusts): 12% per annum; FTSE 350 Super Sector Real Estate: 11% per annum). Savills was ranked 29th 
by TSR performance based on the constituents of the FTSE 250 (excluding investment trusts) and ranked 4th 
(of 18 companies) based on the performance of the constituents of the FTSE 350 Super Sector Real Estate over 
the 10 years to 31 December 2021.

Total Shareholder Return (‘TSR’)

600

500

400

300

200

100

0

Dec
11

Dec
12

Dec
13

Dec
14

Dec
15

Dec
16

Dec
17

Dec
18

Dec
19

Dec
20

Dec
21

Savills

FTSE 250 (excluding investment trusts)

FTSE 350 Super Sector Real Estate

The Board believes that the FTSE 250 Index (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 

Annual 
variable 
element: 
performance-
related profit 
share – annual 
award against 
maximum 
potential
%

Long-term 
incentive 
to vest 
(maximum 
potential  
of award)
%

100

38

84

 82

80

98

100

100

86

65

100

23

50

41

84

50

N/A

100

100

100

UPBT
£m

200.3

96.6

143.4

143.7

140.5

135.8

121.4

100.5

75.2 

58.6 

UPBT  
annual 
% change 

107.3

-32.6

-0.2

+ 2.3

+3.5

+12

+21

+34

+28

+16

Chief Executive 
Officer

Mark Ridley

Mark Ridley

Mark Ridley

Jeremy Helsby

Jeremy Helsby

Jeremy Helsby

Jeremy Helsby

Jeremy Helsby

Jeremy Helsby

Jeremy Helsby

Total
Single Figure
Remuneration
£’000

3,504

1,294

2,377

2,196

2,507

2,595

2,298

3,279

2,630

1,786

Year

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

130

Total remuneration includes, as required, the notional value of PSP awards and executive share options which 
vested (but were not exercised) in those years (note that no PSP awards were made in 2013 with the consequent 
effect on Total Single Figure Remuneration in 2015 compared to the other years).

Annual percentage change in remuneration of Directors and employees
The table below shows a comparison of the annual change of each individual Director’s pay to the annual change 
in average employee pay. Average employee pay is based on a Full Time Equivalent (FTE) calculation. 

Percentage change in remuneration
from 31/12/2020 to 31/12/2021

Percentage change in remuneration
from 31/12/2019 to 31/12/2020

Percentage
change in
base salary/
fee %

0%

0%

0%

12%

-13%

–

–

-64%

0%

0%

-3.9%

Percentage
change in
benefits %

159%

0%

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Percentage
change in
profit share
award %

Percentage
change in
base salary/
fee %

165%

165%

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

2%

2%

0%

9%

1%

–

–

1%

–

1%

Percentage
change in
benefits %

1%

-28%

Percentage
change in
profit share
award %

-52.5%

-52.5%

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

-1.1%

34.3%

-2.4%

2.8%

-7.3%

Mark Ridley(1)

Simon Shaw

Nicholas Ferguson 

Stacey Cartwright(2)

Tim Freshwater(3)

Philip Lee(4)

Richard Orders(5)

Rupert Robson(6)

Dana Roffman

Florence Tondu-Mélique

All UK employees

Notes:

1.  Mark Ridley’s 2021 benefits includes £17,539 cash equivalent of additional holiday entitlement accruing under the Company’s loyalty holiday reward 

scheme (and reflecting Mark Ridley’s 25th year of service).

2.  Appointed Senior Independent Director 1 January 2021.

3.  Stepped down as Senior Independent Director 31 December 2020.

4.  Appointed 1 January 2021.

5.  Retired 12 May 2021.

6.  Salary, benefits and bonus is compared against full-time equivalent UK employees.

CEO to employee pay ratio
The table below shows how the CEO’s single figure remuneration (as taken from the single figure remuneration 
table on page 125) compares to the equivalent single figure remuneration for full-time equivalent UK employees, 
ranked at the 25th, 50th and 75th percentile. 

Year

2021

2020

Method 25th percentile pay ratio

Median pay ratio 75th percentile pay ratio

Option A

Option A

144 : 1

64 : 1

102 : 1

40 : 1

56 : 1

22 : 1

Notes to the CEO to employee pay ratio:
The regulations provide three options which may be used to calculate the pay for the employees at the 25th 
percentile, median and 75th percentile. We have used Option A, following guidance that this is the preferred 
approach of some proxy advisors and institutional shareholders. Option A captures all relevant pay and benefits 
for all employees in line with the single figure for remuneration calculated for Executive Directors.

The ratios shown are representative of the FTE 25th percentile, median and 75th percentile pay for UK employees 
within the Group as measured on 31 December 2021.

The pay for part-time employees has been grossed-up to one FTE.

The Committee has reviewed the employee data and believes the median pay ratio to be consistent with the 
pay, reward and progression policies for the Company’s UK employees over the period. The increase in the ratio 
for 2021 compared to 2020 is caused by our pay philosophy whereby for more senior employees, especially the 
CEO, a higher portion of remuneration is performance based. As a result, the strong performance achieved in 
2021 resulted in a larger relative increase in total remuneration for the CEO compared to the wider workforce.

The CEO’s pay is based on the single figure of remuneration set out on page 125 of this report. Because a large 
portion of the CEO’s pay is variable, the pay ratio is heavily dependent on the outcomes of variable pay plans 
and, in the case of long-term share-based awards, share price movements.

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The total pay and benefits and the salary component of total pay and benefits for the employees at each of the 
25th percentile, the median and the 75th percentile are shown below:

Year

2021

25th percentile

Median 75th percentile 25th percentile

Median 75th percentile

£22,058

£28,191

£42,630

£24,377

£34,378

£62,359

Salary

Total pay and benefits

Pensions disclosure 
Mark Ridley receives a non-pensionable salary supplement equal to 14% of pensionable earnings. This salary 
supplement is at the same level as pension contributions or non-pensionable salary supplements as are received 
by all former members of the Savills Defined Benefit Pension Plan (the ‘Plan’) across the Group. For the Group 
Chief Financial Officer, the Company contributes 18% per annum of pensionable earnings to his personal pension 
plan in line with his service contract agreed at the time of appointment. 

Mark Ridley no longer accrues a pension benefit under the Plan. The value of the legacy benefit is shown below:

Executive Director

Mark Ridley

Defined
benefit pension
accrued at
31 December
2021 

Defined
benefit pension
accrued at
31 December
2020

36,468

35,763

Mark Ridley’s accrued pension ceased to be linked to salary from 29 February 2016, at which point the accrued 
pension was £31,875 p.a.. The pension now increases in line with the standard revaluation provisions of the 
Plan that apply to all deferred pensioners. The amounts shown include revaluation to 31 December 2020 and 
31 December 2021 respectively. No additional benefit is due in the event of early retirement.

This information has been audited by the External Auditor, Ernst & Young LLP.

Share interests
Details of shares in the Company which the Directors beneficially held or had a beneficial interest in as at 
31 December 2021 are shown below. 

Where the performance conditions attaching to any PSP award have been satisfied and the award is due 
to vest in the future, the PSP award shares (discounted for anticipated tax liabilities) will count towards the 
shareholding requirements:

Executive Directors

Mark Ridley

Simon Shaw

Number of
shares (including 
beneficially held 
under the SIP)

210,321

182,579

Unvested
shares
subject to
performance
conditions
(PSP)

193,627

152,513

Deferred share 
bonus plan awards 
(vesting not subject 
to performance 
conditions) 
(DSBP)

149,045

140,750

Extent to
which
shareholding
guideline met

201%

229%

The Company currently applies shareholding requirements that the Group Chief Executive Officer and Group 
Chief Financial Officer hold shares to the value of five times their respective base salaries. New Executive 
Directors will be expected to build holdings to this level over time, principally through the retention of shares 
released to them (after settling any tax due) following the vesting of share awards. 

132

Non-Executive Directors

Nicholas Ferguson

Stacey Cartwright

Tim Freshwater

Philip Lee

Richard Orders

Dana Roffman

Florence Tondu-Mélique

At 31 
December
 2021

29,286

4,983

–

–

–

–

–

As at 9 March 2022, no Director had bought or sold shares since 31 December 2021.

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

This information has been audited by the external Auditor, Ernst & Young LLP.

Scheme interests granted in 2021
This information has been audited by the External Auditor, Ernst & Young LLP.

Due to market conditions the grant of the 2021 PSP was delayed until 25 November 2021. As set out in the 
RNS announcement the terms of the award are as follows:

The following table sets out details of awards made to Executive Directors under the PSP in 2021. The 
Remuneration Committee acknowledged that, at the time of grant, in common with many other companies, 
there had been a fall in the share price since the end of February as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. Under 
the rules of the PSP, the Remuneration Committee has full discretion to ensure that the final outturns reflect all 
relevant factors, including consideration of any windfall gains.

Basis of award 
(face value)
200% base 
salary

£590,000

Type of 
award

Nil-cost 
options

Mark Ridley

Simon Shaw

Nil-cost 
options

£451,000

Performance  

period

% vesting for 
threshold 
performance 

% vesting for 
maximum 
performance

1 January 
2021 to 31 
December 
2023

25%

100%

Performance  

criteria

– One-third of award:  
Earnings per share growth 

– One-third of award: Relative Total 
Shareholder Return against the  
FTSE 250 (excluding  
investment trusts)  
– One-third of award: Return on 
Capital Employed

Awards will vest subject to the satisfaction of EPS targets for one-third of the award as follows:

 ƒ 25% (i.e. threshold) of the element to vest if the Company’s EPS growth is 6% p.a. compounded;

 ƒ 100% (i.e. the maximum) of the element to vest if the Company’s EPS growth is 12% p.a. compounded or 

more; and 

with straight-line vesting between the two points.

A further one-third of the award will vest subject to the satisfaction of relative TSR performance versus the  
FTSE Mid 250 Index (excluding investment trusts) (‘the Index’) as follows:

 ƒ 25% (i.e. threshold) of the element to vest if the Group’s TSR performance equals that of the Index;

 ƒ 100% (i.e. the maximum) of the element to vest if the Group’s TSR performance outperforms the Index by 

8% p.a.; and

with straight-line vesting between the two points.

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A further one-third of the award will vest subject to the satisfaction of Return on Capital Employed targets 
as follows:

 ƒ 25% (i.e. threshold) of the element to vest if the Company’s ROCE is 15%;

 ƒ 100% (i.e. the maximum) of the element to vest if the Company’s ROCE is 32.5% or more; and 

with straight-line vesting between the two points. ROCE is defined as Underlying profit before tax plus JV tax 
and net interest cost (excluding finance lease interest) (Opening total debt plus shareholders funds) plus (closing 
total debt plus shareholder funds) / 2.

The 2021 award included ROCE in place of ROE which was used as a measure in the 2020 award on the basis 
that ROCE is considered more aligned with driving returns from total capital/long-term assets than incentivising 
improved equity financing.

The range of targets set for both EPS and ROCE were set with reference to both internal planning and external 
expectations for our future performance. The targets were set to be realistic at the lower end of the performance 
range and stretching at the top end of the range. Overall, the targets were considered similarly challenging to 
those targets set in prior years.

The awards made to Executive Directors will also be subject to a holding period so that any PSP awards for 
which the performance vesting conditions are satisfied will not normally vest for a further two years from the 
third anniversary of the original award date. Dividend accrual for PSP awards will continue until the end of the 
holding period.

Awards were also made during the year under the Deferred Share Bonus Plan. Details of awards under this plan 
are set out on the following page.

The Performance Share Plan (‘PSP’)
Number of shares

Directors

Mark Ridley

Simon Shaw

At 31 
December
2020

Awarded
during year

Vested
during
year

Lapsed
during
year

At 31 
December
2021

Date of 
grant

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

Market 
value at 
date of
vesting

First
vesting
date

23,823

43,010

62,997

70,828

–

–

–

–

–

41,933

23,823

45,263

48,174

54,141

–

–

–

–

–

32,054

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

23,823

22.05.17

881.5p

33,118

9,892

16.04.18

976.5p

–

–

–

–

62,997

15.04.19

917.5p

70,828

30.06.20

833.0p

41,933

25.11.21

1,407p

23,823

22.05.17

881.5p

34,853

10,410

16.04.18

976.5p

–

–

–

48,174

15.04.19

917.5p

54,141

30.06.20

833.0p

32,054

25.11.21

1,407p

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

22.05.22

16.04.23

15.04.24

30.06.25

25.11.26

22.05.22

16.04.23

15.04.24

30.06.25

25.11.26

The PSP award granted in 2018 was subject to performance in the three years to 31 December 2020. Following 
the assessment of Savills performance against targets set at grant, the Committee determined that 23% of the 
award had met the performance criteria and will vest at the end of the two-year holding period in April 2023. 
The remainder of the award lapsed during the year.

No awards vested under the PSP to Executive Directors during the year and therefore the total pre-tax gain on 
awards vested during the year was nil. 

134

The Deferred Share Bonus Plan (‘DSBP’) 
Number of conditional share awards

Directors

Mark Ridley

Simon Shaw

At 31 
December
2020

Awarded
during year

Vested 
during year

At 31 
December
2021

Date of 
grant

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

Market 
value
at date of
vesting

First 
vesting 
date

46,492

39,673

85,446

–

–

–

–

23,926

52,534

59,182

63,821

–

–

–

–

17,747

46,492

–

16.04.18

976.5p

1,212.9p

16.04.21

–

–

–

39,673

15.04.19

917.5p

85,446

27.04.20

884.5p

23,926

17.06.21

1,174p

–

–

–

15.04.22

27.04.23

17.06.24

52,534

–

16.04.18

976.5p

1,212.9p

16.04.21

–

–

–

59,182

15.04.19

917.5p

63,821

27.04.20

884.5p

17,747

17.06.21

1,174p

–

–

–

15.04.22

27.04.23

17.06.24

Awards granted under the DSBP to Executive Directors during the year were based on 50% of the 2020 annual 
performance-related profit share above an amount equal to their respective base salaries in line with the Policy. 
Under the DSBP awards over 99,026, shares and 4,437 shares in lieu of dividends vested to Executive Directors 
during the year. No DSBP awards lapsed.

During the year, the aggregate gain on the exercise of share options and shares vested was £1,254,890. The 
mid-market closing price of the shares at 31 December 2021, the last business day of the year, was 1,408p and the 
range during the year was 972.5p to 1,450p.

Payments to past Directors
No payments to past Directors were made during the year.

Payments for loss of office
No payments for loss of office were made during the year.

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 which it might impose, the Executive Directors and Group Executive 
Board 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 Group Executive Board member’s position 
within Savills, the fees are paid directly to Savills. 

During 2021, Simon Shaw received a fee of £55,000 in relation to his continuing appointment as Non-Executive 
Chairman of Synairgen plc which he was permitted to keep (as this appointment is not linked to his role within 
the Company).

Service contracts
The Executive Directors have rolling service contracts which are terminable on 12 months’ notice by either the 
Company or the Executive Director. 

Directors

Mark Ridley

Simon Shaw

Contract date

1 May 2018

16 March 2009

135

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsOverviewAnnual report & accounts 2021Remuneration continued

Annual Report on Remuneration continued

The Non-Executive Directors and the Chairman have letters of appointment. In line with the UK Corporate 
Governance Code, all Directors are subject to annual re-election at the AGM. The Chairman’s letter of 
engagement allows for six months’ notice. Appointment of other Non-Executive Directors may be terminated 
by either party with three months’ notice.

Director

Stacey Cartwright

Nicholas Ferguson

Philip Lee

Richard Orders

Dana Roffman

Date appointed 
to Board

1 October 2018

26 January 2016

1 January 2021

1 January 2021

1 November 2019

End date of current letter 
of appointment

30 September 2024

26 January 2025

31 December 2023

31 December 2023

31 October 2022

Florence Tondu-Mélique

1 October 2018

30 September 2024

The Directors’ service contracts and letters of appointment are available for inspection at the Company’s City 
office, 15 Finsbury Circus, London EC2M 7EB.

Shareholder votes on remuneration matters
The table below shows the voting outcomes for the 2020 Annual Remuneration Report at the AGM held 
on 12 May 2021 and the Directors’ Remuneration Policy at the AGM held on 25 June 2020.

Number  
of votes  
‘For’ and 
discretionary

% of  
votes  
cast

Number  
of votes 
‘Against’

% of  
votes  
cast

Total  
number of  
votes cast

Number  
of votes
‘Withheld’*

2020 Annual Directors’ 
Remuneration Report 

86,458,864

79.05%

22,920,316

20.95% 109,379,180

7,052,881

Directors’ Remuneration Policy 

97,392,274

90.00%

10,824,622

10.00% 108,216,896

7,569,193

*  A vote withheld is not a vote in law.

136

Directors’ Report
Directors’ Report

In accordance with the UK Financial Conduct 
Authority’s Listing Rules (LR 9.8.4C), the information 
to be included in the Annual Report and Accounts, 
where applicable, under LR 9.8.4, is set out in this 
Directors’ Report.

Other information incorporated into this Report by 
reference can be found at:

Strategic Report 

Principal developments

Material existing and emerging risks and 
uncertainties

Statement of Directors’ responsibilities

Corporate Governance Statement

Engagement with UK employees

Greenhouse gas emissions

Engagement with suppliers, customers 
and others in a business relationship

Page/Note

6

21

31

141

70

41

62

42

UK Corporate Governance Code
The Company has complied throughout the year 
with all relevant provisions of the 2018 UK Corporate 
Governance Code (the ‘Code’). A copy of the Code 
is available from the Financial Reporting Council’s 
website at www.frc.org.uk. 

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 and dividends
The results for the Group are set out in the 
consolidated income statement on page 152 which 
shows a reported profit for the financial year 
attributable to the Shareholders of the Company 
of £146.2m (2020: £67.6m).

An interim dividend of 6p per ordinary share 
amounting to £8.4m was paid on 6 October 2021. It 
is recommended that a final dividend of 12.75p per 
ordinary share (amounting to £18.4m) is declared 
by the Company at the AGM on 11 May 2022 and, 
subject to Shareholder approval, paid on 17 May 2022 
to Shareholders on the register of members as at 
the close of business on 8 April 2022 together with a 
supplemental interim dividend of 15.6p per ordinary 
share (amounting to £22.5m) and a one-time special 
dividend of 27.05p per ordinary share (amounting 
to £39.0m). More details of the proposed dividend 
and the Company’s performance can be found in the 
Chairman’s statement on pages 6 to 9.

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. The financial position of the Group, its cash 
flows and liquidity position are described in the 
Chief Financial Officer’s Review, with details of the 
Group’s treasury activities and exposure to financial 
risk included in Note 3 to the Consolidated 
Financial Statements. 

As in prior years, the Board undertook a strategic 
business review in the current year taking account 
of the Group’s current position and prospects, the 
Group’s strategic plan, and the Group’s principal risks 
and the management of those risks, as detailed in 
the Annual Report and the Board’s risk appetite as 
detailed in the Strategic Report. Sensitivity analysis 
was also undertaken, including financing projections, 
to flex the financial forecasts under several severe 
downside scenarios, which involved applying 
different assumptions to the underlying forecasted 
revenues and underlying profits both individually and 
in aggregate. These scenarios assess the potential 
impact from several macro-economic risks, including 
a severe global economic downturn analogous to 
that experienced during the Global Financial Crisis 
in 2008/09 and a recurrence of the suppression of 
activity experienced in 2020 as a result of COVID-19 
measures and restrictions. The results of this sensitivity 
analysis showed that the Group would maintain 
significant available facility and covenant headroom to 
be able to withstand the impact of such scenarios over 
the period of the financial forecast, as a result of the 
resilience and diversity of the Group, underpinned by 
a strong balance sheet. 

Based on the Group’s strong net cash position of 
£340.7m and undrawn £360.0m revolving credit facility 
at the year end, as described in the Chief Financial 
Officer’s review, combined with the assessment 
explained above, the Directors have formed the 
judgement at the time of approving the financial 
statements, that there is a reasonable expectation that 
the Group has adequate resources to continue as a 
going concern for a period of at least 12 months from 
the date of the approval of the financial statements to 
30 June 2023. For this reason, they continue to adopt 
the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the 
Consolidated Financial Statements.

Events after the reporting period
There have been no material events affecting the 
Group or Company since 31 December 2021.

137

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsOverviewAnnual report & accounts 2021Directors’ Report continued

Directors
Biographical details of the current Directors are shown 
on pages 74 to 77. All the Board members served 
throughout the year save for Rupert Robson who 
retired at the 2021 AGM on 12 May. As at 31 December 
2021 the Board comprised the Non-Executive 
Chairman, two Executive Directors and five Non-
Executive Directors.

Interests in the issued share capital of the Company 
held at the end of the period under review and up to 
the date of this Report by the Directors or their families 
are set out on pages 132 and 133 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 pages 134 
and 135. It is the Board’s policy that the Group Chief 
Executive and Group Chief Financial Officer hold 
shares in the Company to the value of five times their 
respective base salaries (£1,475,000 and £1,127,500 
respectively).

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

Indemnification of Directors
In accordance with the Company’s Articles of 
Association, and to the extent permitted by law, the 
Directors and the Group Legal Director & Company 
Secretary are granted an indemnity, 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 2021 and up to the date of this Report. The 
Company also maintains appropriate insurance cover in 
respect of legal action against its Directors and Officers.

Management Report
This Directors’ Report, on pages 137 to 140, together 
with the Strategic Report on pages 6 to 69, form the 
Management Report for the purposes of DTR 4.1.5R.

Additional Information Disclosure
Pursuant to regulations made under the Companies 
Act 2006 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 2021 comprised 144,203,211 2.5p ordinary 
shares, details of which may be found on page 226.

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. The Directors have authority to allot and issue 
ordinary shares and to disapply statutory pre-emption 
rights. The powers are exercised under authority of 
resolutions of the Company passed at the AGM.

Votes may be exercised at general meetings of the 
Company, by members 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 general meeting or the adjourned 
meeting (as the case may be). A shareholder can lose 
their entitlement to vote at a general meeting where 
that shareholder has failed to provide the Company 
with information concerning interests in their shares 
or a call or other sum payable by the shareholder to 
the Company in respect of such shares have 
remained unpaid.

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.

As at 31 December 2021 the Company had been 
notified of the following interests in the Company’s 
ordinary share capital in accordance with DTR 5. It 
should be noted that these holdings are likely to have 
changed since notified to the Company. However, 
notification of any change is not required until an 
applicable threshold is crossed.

138

Shareholders1

Number of shares1

%1

Aberdeen Asset Managers Limited (and/or acting for its affiliates) 
as discretionary investment manager on behalf of multiple 
managed portfolios

Liontrust Investment Partners LLP

Global Alpha Capital Management Ltd.

Standard Life Investments (Holdings) Limited

BlackRock, Inc.

Heronbridge Investment Management LLP

Aggregate of Standard Life Aberdeen plc affiliated investment 
management entities with delegated voting rights on behalf of multiple 
managed portfolios

Jupiter Fund Management Plc

Old Mutual Plc

7,189,327

7,210,255

7,194,238

6,723,563

not disclosed

7,131,812

7,068,920

7,113,311

6,685,646

5.07

5.04

5.03

<5.00

<5.00

4.99

4.98

4.97

4.71

1.  The names of shareholders and percentages of issued share capital are stated as per the notifications received.

Note:  No other changes to the above have been disclosed to the Company in accordance with DTR 5, between 31 December 2021 and 9 March 2022.

As at 31 December 2021, the Savills plc 1992 Employee 
Benefit Trust (the ‘EBT’) held 4,644,019 ordinary shares 
and the Savills Rabbi Trust held 1,440,484 ordinary 
shares. Any voting or other similar decisions relating 
to these shares held in trust are taken by the trustees, 
who may take account of any recommendation of the 
Company. The EBT waives its right to receive Savills plc 
dividends. For further details of the trusts please refer 
to Note 2.22 to the financial statements.

Purchase of own shares
In accordance with the Listing Rules, at the AGM on 
12 May 2021 Shareholders gave authority for a limited 
purchase of Savills shares of up to 10% of the issued 
share capital of the Company. During the year, no 
shares were purchased under the authority.

The Board proposes to seek Shareholder approval 
at the AGM on 11 May 2022 to renew the Company’s 
authority to make market purchases of its own 
ordinary shares of 2.5p each for cancellation, to be 
held in treasury, sold for cash or (provided Listing Rule 
requirements are met) transferred for the purposes 
of or pursuant to an employee share scheme. Details 
of the proposed resolution are included in the Notice 
of AGM circulated to Shareholders with this Annual 
Report and Accounts (the ‘AGM Notice’).

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.

Subject to the Articles, UK legislation and any 
directions given by resolution in general meeting, the 
business of the Company is managed by the Directors.

The Company’s rules about the appointment and 
replacement of its Directors are contained in the 
Articles. 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 
118, in accordance with Board policy, 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 re-appointment 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 UK Corporate Governance Code, all Directors 
of the Company are subject to annual re-election.

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.

Annual General Meeting
The AGM is to be held at 33 Margaret Street, 
London W1G 0JD at 12 noon on 11 May 2022; details 
are contained in the AGM Notice circulated to 
Shareholders with this Annual Report and Accounts.

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

139

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsOverviewAnnual report & accounts 2021Directors’ Report continued

Political contributions
The Company made no political contributions during 
the year (2020: £nil).

Employees’ policies and involvement
The Directors recognise that the quality, commitment 
and motivation of Savills staff is a key element to the 
success of the Group; see page 41 for more information 
as to employee engagement.

The Group provides regular updates covering 
performance, developments and progress to employees 
through regular newsletters, video addresses, the 
Group’s intranet, social media and through formal and 
informal briefings. These arrangements also aim at 
ensuring that all of our staff understand 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 115 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 the 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 the current 
statutory limit of £1,800 per year equating to £150 per 
month) from pre-tax income. Shares under the SIP 
normally vest after five years and are 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.

Speak Up
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 of victimisation 
or reprisal.

Independent auditors
A competitive tender process was undertaken in 
2019 in accordance with mandatory external auditor 
rotation rules further to which the Audit Committee 
recommended to the Board that Ernst & Young LLP 
be appointed as External Auditor for financial years 
commencing on or after 1 January 2022 and their 
appointment was approved by Shareholders at the 
AGM held on 12 May 2021. In accordance with section 
489 of the Companies Act 2006, a resolution for the 
re-appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as Auditors of the 
Company will be proposed at the forthcoming AGM. 

Disclosure of information to the auditor
Each Director confirms that, so far as he/she is aware, 
there is no relevant audit information of which the 
Company’s auditor is unaware and that each of the 
Directors has taken all the steps that he/she ought to 
have taken as a Director to make himself/herself aware 
of any relevant audit information and to establish that 
the Company’s auditor is aware of that information. 
This confirmation is given pursuant to section 418 of 
the Companies Act 2006 and should be interpreted in 
accordance with and subject to that section.

Engagement with UK employees
In accordance with section 172 of the Companies 
Act 2006 our statement on engagement with UK 
employees is on page 41.

Engagement with suppliers, customers and 
others in a business relationship with the 
Company
In accordance with section 172 of the Companies Act 
2006 our statement on engagement with suppliers, 
customers and others in a business relationship with 
the Company is on pages 41 and 42.

By order of the Board

Chris Lee
Group Legal Director & Company Secretary

9 March 2022

Savills plc 
Registered in England No. 2122174

140

Statement of Directors’ responsibilities in respect 
of the financial statements

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

Company law requires the Directors to prepare 
financial statements for each financial year. Under 
that law the Directors have elected to prepare the 
Group and parent Company financial statements in 
accordance with UK-adopted international accounting 
standards (“IFRSs”). 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 parent Company and 
of the profit or loss of the Group and parent Company 
for that period. In preparing the financial statements, 
the Directors are required to: 

 ƒ select suitable accounting policies in accordance 

with IAS 8 Accounting Policies, Changes in 
Accounting Estimates and Errors and then apply 
them consistently;

 ƒ make judgements and accounting estimates that are 

reasonable and prudent;

 ƒ present information, including accounting policies, in 
a manner that provides relevant, reliable, comparable 
and understandable information;

 ƒ provide additional disclosures when compliance with 
the specific requirements in IFRSs is insufficient to 
enable users to understand the impact of particular 
transactions, other events and conditions on the 
group and company financial position and financial 
performance; 

 ƒ in respect of the Group and parent Company 

financial statements, state whether UK-adopted 
international accounting standards have been 
followed, subject to any material departures 
disclosed and explained in the financial 
statements; and 

 ƒ prepare the financial statements on the going 

concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume 
that the Group and parent Company will continue 
in business. 

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

The Directors are also responsible for safeguarding the 
assets of the Group and parent Company and hence 
for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and 
detection of fraud and other irregularities.

Under applicable law and regulations, the directors 
are also responsible for preparing a strategic report, 
directors’ report, directors’ remuneration report and 
corporate governance statement that comply with that 
law and those regulations.

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

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 Group and 
parent Company’s performance, business model 
and strategy. 

Each of the Directors, whose names and functions are 
listed in pages 74 to 77 confirm that, to the best of 
their knowledge: 

 ƒ that the consolidated financial statements, prepared 

in accordance with UK-adopted international 
accounting standards give a true and fair view of the 
assets, liabilities, financial position and profit of the 
parent company and undertakings included in the 
consolidation taken as a whole; and

 ƒ that the Annual Report, including the Strategic 

Report, includes a fair review of the development 
and performance of the business and the position 
of the company and undertakings included in the 
consolidation taken as a whole, together with a 
description of the principal risks and uncertainties 
that they face.

In the case of each Director in office at the date the 
Directors’ Report is approved: 

 ƒ so far as the Director is aware, there is no relevant 
audit information of which the Group and parent 
Company’s auditor is unaware; and 

 ƒ they have taken all the steps that they ought to have 

taken as a Director in order to make themselves 
aware of any relevant audit information and to 
establish that the Group and parent Company’s 
auditor is aware of that information. 

On behalf of the Board

Mark Ridley
Group Chief Executive

Chris Lee
Group Legal Director & Company Secretary

Forward-looking statements
Forward-looking statements have been made by 
the Directors in good faith using information up until 
the date on which they approved the Annual Report 
and Accounts. Forward-looking statements should 
be regarded with caution due to uncertainties in 
economic trends and business risks.

9 March 2022

141

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsOverviewAnnual report & accounts 2021Independent Auditors’ Report
to the members of Savills plc

Opinion
In our opinion:

 ƒ Savills plc’s group financial statements and parent company financial statements (the “financial statements”) 

give a true and fair view of the state of the group’s and of the parent company’s affairs as at 31 December 2021 
and of the group’s profit for the year then ended;

 ƒ the group financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with UK adopted international 

accounting standards (IFRS);

 ƒ the parent company financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with UK adopted 

international accounting standards as applied in accordance with section 408 of the Companies Act 2006; and

 ƒ the financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006. 

We have audited the financial statements of Savills plc (the ‘parent company’) and its subsidiaries (the ‘group’) 
for the year ended 31 December 2021 which comprise:

Group

Parent company

Consolidated statement of financial position as at 
31 December 2021

Statement of financial position as at 31 December 2021 

Consolidated income statement for the year 
then ended

Statement of changes in equity for the year 
then ended

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income 
for the year then ended

Statement of cash flows for the year then ended 

Consolidated statement of changes in equity for the 
year then ended

Related notes 1 to 35 to the financial statements 
including a summary of significant accounting policies

Consolidated statement of cash flows for the year 
then ended

Related notes 1 to 35 to the financial statements, 
including a summary of significant accounting policies

The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and UK adopted 
international accounting standards and as regards the parent company financial statements, as applied in 
accordance with section 408 of the Companies Act 2006.

Basis for opinion 
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable 
law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor’s responsibilities for the 
audit of the financial statements section of our report. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is 
sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Independence
We are independent of the group and parent in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to 
our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical Standard as applied to listed public 
interest entities, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. 

The non-audit services prohibited by the FRC’s Ethical Standard were not provided to the group or the parent 
company and we remain independent of the group and the parent company in conducting the audit. 

Conclusions relating to going concern 
In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the directors’ use of the going concern basis 
of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate. Our evaluation of the directors’ 
assessment of the group and parent company’s ability to continue to adopt the going concern basis of 
accounting included the following:

 ƒ We confirmed our understanding of management going concern assessment process and evaluated the 

method used to prepare the Group’s going concern assessment for the going concern period.

 ƒ We obtained management’s going concern assessment, including the cash forecast and covenant calculation 

for the going concern period which covers 18 months from the balance sheet date to 30 June 2023. The 
Group has modelled two adverse scenarios in their cash forecasts and covenant calculations in order to assess 
unexpected changes to the forecasted liquidity of the Group.

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 ƒ We challenged the appropriateness of the forecasts used in the going concern model by comparing these to 
the latest Board approved forecast. We further tested the clerical accuracy of the going concern cash flow 
models and evaluated the appropriateness of the methods used to calculate the cash forecasts.

 ƒ We have tested the assumptions that are most sensitive in each modelled scenario, being revenues and 

underlying profits, and tested compliance with the covenants. In particular, we compared the main assumptions 
to historical trends and to our expectations considering the business recovery post Covid 19 and external 
industry benchmarks. We also assessed management’s reverse stress test on covenants and performed our 
own reverse stress test on available liquidity by applying additional downside sensitivities to forecast revenues.

 ƒ We agreed the cash balances to third party confirmations and key terms in the financing arrangements such as 

available facility, loan maturity dates and covenants to the underlying agreements.

 ƒ We read the board minutes to identify any matters that may impact the going concern assessment. We 

reviewed the going concern disclosures included in the annual report in order to assess they are appropriate 
and in conformity with the reporting standards.

The results of the severe downside scenarios modelled by management indicate that the group would maintain 
available facility and covenant headroom to be able to withstand the impact of plausible downside sensitivities 
throughout the period of the going concern assessment to 30 June 2023.

Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or 
conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the group and parent company’s ability 
to continue as a going concern for a period to 30 June 2023. 

In relation to the group and parent company’s reporting on how they have applied the UK Corporate 
Governance Code, we have nothing material to add or draw attention to in relation to the directors’ statement in 
the financial statements about whether the directors considered it appropriate to adopt the going concern basis 
of accounting.

Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the directors with respect to going concern are described in the 
relevant sections of this report. However, because not all future events or conditions can be predicted, this 
statement is not a guarantee as to the group’s ability to continue as a going concern.

Overview of our audit approach

Audit scope

Key audit matters

Materiality

 ƒ We performed an audit of the complete financial 

information of 10 components and audit procedures 
on specific balances for a further 3 components.

 ƒ The components where we performed full or 

specific audit procedures accounted for 90% of 
absolute Profit before tax , 93% of Revenue and 
97% of Total assets.

 ƒ Risk of fraud in revenue recognition in relation to 

cut-off for transactional advisory business.

 ƒ Goodwill Impairment assessment.

 ƒ Provision for professional indemnity litigations 

and claims.

 ƒ Overall group materiality of £10.1m which 

represents 5% of Profit before tax adjusted for 
non-recurring items.

An overview of the scope of the parent company and group audits 
Tailoring the scope
Our assessment of audit risk, our evaluation of materiality and our allocation of performance materiality 
determine our audit scope for each company within the Group. Taken together, this enables us to form an opinion 
on the consolidated financial statements. We take into account size, risk profile, the organisation of the group 
and effectiveness of group-wide controls, changes in the business environment and other factors such as recent 
internal audit results when assessing the level of work to be performed at each company.

In assessing the risk of material misstatement to the Group financial statements, and to ensure we had adequate 
quantitative coverage of significant accounts in the financial statements, we selected 13 components as full or 
specific scope, which represent the principal business units within the Group.

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to the members of Savills plc

Of the 13 components selected, we performed an audit of the complete financial information of 10 components 
(“full scope components”) which were selected based on their size or risk characteristics. For the remaining 3 
components (“specific scope components”), we performed audit procedures on specific accounts within that 
component that we considered had the potential for the greatest impact on the significant accounts in the 
financial statements either because of the size of these accounts or their risk profile. 

The reporting components where we performed audit procedures accounted for 90% of the Group’s absolute 
Profit before tax, 93% of the Group’s Revenue and 97% of the Group’s Total assets. For the current year, the full 
scope components contributed 86% of the Group’s absolute Profit before tax, 88% of the Group’s Revenue and 
83% of the Group’s Total assets. The specific scope component contributed 3% of the Group’s absolute Profit 
before tax, 5% of the Group’s Revenue and 4% of the Group’s Total assets. The audit scope of these components 
may not have included testing of all significant accounts of the component but will have contributed to the 
coverage of significant accounts tested for the Group. A further 1% of the Group’s absolute Profit before tax 
and 9% of the Group’s Total assets were accounted for through specified procedures, including additional cash 
confirmations and additional balances one off balances held by holding companies such as investments held at 
fair value through OCI. 

Of the remaining components that together represent 10% of the Group’s absolute Profit before tax , none are 
individually greater than 1% of the Group’s absolute Profit before tax. For these components, we performed 
other procedures, including analytical review, testing of consolidation journals and intercompany eliminations 
and foreign currency translation recalculations to respond to any potential risks of material misstatement to the 
Group financial statements.

Involvement with component teams 
In establishing our overall approach to the Group audit, we determined the type of work that needed to be 
undertaken at each of the components by us, as the Group audit engagement team, or by component auditors 
from other EY global network firms operating under our instruction. 

Of the 10 full scope components, audit procedures were performed on 2 of these directly by the Group audit 
team. The audit procedures on 8 full scope components and 3 specific scope components were performed by 
component audit teams. Where the work was performed by component auditors, we determined the appropriate 
level of involvement to enable us to determine that sufficient audit evidence had been obtained as a basis for our 
opinion on the Group as a whole.

During the current audit cycle, we were unable to complete all of our planned visits to component teams due 
to the ongoing travel restrictions arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. We performed alternative procedures, 
including virtual visits and live reviews of our component audit teams’ working papers. 

During the current year’s audit cycle, we were able to complete a site visit to the US component team and the 
two UK components in person, whereas for all other locations (10 components) our visits were entirely virtual. 
Our virtual site visits involved using video technology and our global audit software to meet with our component 
teams to discuss and direct their audit approach, reviewing relevant working papers and understanding the 
significant audit findings in response to the risk areas including revenue cut-off, and obtaining updates on local 
matters including tax, pensions, acquisitions and legal claims. We also held meetings with Regional management 
for the US, UK, Asia Pacific, Central Europe and Middle East (‘CEME’), and with management of Savills 
Investment Management, together with relevant EY component teams. The Group audit team virtually attended 
all component audit closing meetings. The Group audit team interacted regularly with the component teams 
where appropriate during various stages of the audit, reviewed relevant working papers and were responsible for 
the scope and direction of the audit process. This, together with the additional procedures performed at Group 
level, gave us appropriate evidence for our opinion on the Group financial statements.

Climate change 
There has been increasing interest from stakeholders as to how climate change will impact companies. The 
Group has determined that for them the transition costs to a low carbon economy will be outweighed by 
business opportunities in terms of new revenue streams linked to sustainability initiatives. This is explained on 
pages 65 to 68 in the Task Force for Climate related Financial Disclosures and on pages 34 to 38 in the principal 
risks and uncertainties, which form part of the “Other information,” rather than the audited financial statements. 
Our procedures on these disclosures therefore consisted solely of considering whether they are materially 
inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the course of the audit or otherwise 
appear to be materially misstated.

Our audit effort in considering climate change was focused on the adequacy of the Group’s disclosures in 
the financial statements and their conclusion that no issues were identified that would materially impact the 
carrying values of intangible assets or have any other material impact on the financial statements. We also 
challenged the Directors’ considerations of climate change in their assessment of going concern and viability 
and associated disclosures.

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Key audit matters 
Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgment, were of most significance in our audit 
of the financial statements of the current period and include the most significant assessed risks of material 
misstatement (whether or not due to fraud) that we identified. These matters included those which had the 
greatest effect on: the overall audit strategy, the allocation of resources in the audit; and directing the efforts of 
the engagement team. These matters were addressed in the context of our audit of the financial statements as a 
whole, and in our opinion thereon, and we do not provide a separate opinion on these matters.

Key observations 
communicated to the 
Audit Committee 

We did not identify 
any material cut off 
issues relating to 
the transactional 
advisory revenue. 

Key audit matter

Our response to risk

Risk of fraud in revenue 
recognition in relation to 
cut-off for transactional 
advisory business

Transactional Advisory 
Revenue for the year ended 
31 December 2021 was 
£892.9m (2020: £667.2m).

There is a risk that revenue 
may be misstated through 
management override in 
order to increase profits to 
meet bonus targets, meet 
stakeholder expectations, 
or to smooth financial results. 

Considering the relatively high 
proportion of the transactional 
advisory revenue recognised 
close to the year end, the 
judgement exercised about 
the correct timing of revenue 
recognition, we determined 
that the risk of misstatement 
in revenue in related to 
recognising transactional 
advisory revenue in the 
correct period.

Refer to the Audit 
Committee Report (page 
102); Accounting policies 
(page 166); and Note 6 of 
the Consolidated Financial 
Statements (page 182).

We obtained an understanding of the Group’s revenue 
process and identified key controls, but did not test or 
rely on controls.

For a sample of transactional advisory revenue 
transactions recognised close to the year end (both 
pre and post year end), we obtained the underlying 
contract with the customer. We read the contracts 
to identify the performance obligations. For most 
transactions, we determined that it was appropriate 
to recognise revenue on unconditional exchange of 
contracts (lease agreements or sale agreements). 
Where there were performance obligations existing 
after exchange of contracts, we checked that revenue 
was appropriately deferred by confirming that a 
liability was recorded in the balance sheet.

For the same sample, we agreed the revenue to cash 
receipts, checking that a receivable or accrued income 
was recognised where cash was not received prior to 
the year end.

On a sample basis, we obtained credit notes issued in 
January to determine if they related to revenue that 
had been recognised in December. Where this was 
the case, we obtained reissued invoices to prove that 
revenue was not overstated in 2021.

We tested material consolidation adjustments, topside 
adjustments and manual journal entries impacting 
revenue by obtaining supporting documentation from 
management to corroborate the amounts recorded in 
the current period.

We performed full and specific scope audit procedures 
over the cut-off risk in transactional advisory revenue 
in 11 locations, which covered 93% of revenue.

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communicated to the 
Audit Committee 

Based on our audit 
procedures we were 
satisfied with the 
goodwill impairment 
assessment at the 
balance sheet date.

We highlighted that 
a reasonably possible 
change in certain 
key assumptions in 
particular revenue 
and operating profit 
margin forecasts 
could lead to material 
additional impairment 
charges in the US, 
Spain and Indonesia 
CGUs. We concluded 
appropriate 
disclosures had 
been included by 
management for the 
above assumptions.

Independent Auditors’ Report continued
to the members of Savills plc

Key audit matter

Our response to risk

Goodwill impairment

At 31 December 2021 the 
carrying value of Goodwill 
is £411.3m (2020: £379.4m). 
Impairment charge recognised 
during the year is £4.1m 
(2020: nil).

Goodwill is tested annually 
for impairment at the Cash 
Generating Unit (CGU) level. 
The recoverable amount 
of each CGU is determined 
through a value in use 
calculation.

The value in use calculation 
is based on management’s 
estimate of the future cashflows 
of each underlying CGUs 
and is most sensitive to the 
assumptions around revenue 
growth rates, operating profit 
margin and discount rate.

Refer to the Audit 
Committee Report (page 
102); Accounting policies 
(page 162); and Note 15 of 
the Consolidated Financial 
Statements (page 198).

We understood the methodology applied in 
management’s impairment reviews for each of the 
material CGU’s and identified the controls over the 
process but did not test or rely on controls. 

For all material CGUs, we performed the following 
procedures:

 ƒ We validated the carrying amounts of the net assets 

subject to impairment testing to the underlying 
accounting records, checking consistency between 
the assets and liabilities included in the carrying 
value and the related cashflows.

 ƒ We tested the integrity and mathematical accuracy 

of the value in use models prepared by management 
to support the recoverable values, and that the 
models are appropriate for this purpose.

 ƒ We agreed forecast cash flows to board approved 

budgets and strategic plans.

 ƒ We stress tested the level of headroom by 

determining what change in the discount rate would 
result into an impairment.

We identified the CGUs presenting a higher risk of 
impairment based on the materiality of the allocated 
goodwill, the historical and actual performance, the 
level of headroom estimated by management and its 
sensitivity to changes in key assumptions. For these 
CGUs, we performed additional audit procedures, 
in particular:

 ƒ We tested the key assumptions supporting 

management forecasted cash flows for each CGU, 
including revenue growth and operating profit 
margin. We compared management’s forecasts to 
relevant economic and property industry forecasts 
and to the historical performance of the CGUs. 
We also engaged our internal valuation specialists 
to assist with the evaluation of the discount rates 
applied in management value in use models.

 ƒ We performed our own sensitivity analysis 

to understand the impact of changes to key 
assumptions, in particular revenue growth, operating 
margin and discount rate, on the value in use 
assessment and stress tested the assessment to 
conclude on possible impairment. 

 ƒ For CGUs where the recoverability of the goodwill 
was sensitive to reasonably possible changes in 
key assumptions, we verified that appropriate 
disclosures have been included in the Group’s 
financial statements. 

Our work on the carrying value of goodwill was 
performed by the group audit team and some 
component teams. Our procedures covered 99% of 
the goodwill carrying value at the balance sheet date.

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Key observations 
communicated to the 
Audit Committee 

Based on our 
understanding of 
the cases, inspection 
of the external legal 
opinions and related 
documentation, 
we concluded the 
provisions recognised 
are materially 
correct and that the 
provisions are created 
in accordance with 
the requirements of 
IAS 37 Provisions, 
Contingent liabilities 
and contingent 
assets.

We have also 
reviewed the 
disclosures in the 
financial statements 
and concluded they 
were appropriate.

Key audit matter

Our response to risk

Provision for professional 
indemnity litigation and 
claims 

The provision for 
professional indemnity claims 
at 31 December 2021 was 
£16.5m (2020: £14.5m).

The Group is subject to legal 
claims in the normal course 
of business. The determination 
of whether to make a provision 
requires judgement, and the 
valuation of provisions requires 
estimation including the use 
of internal and external 
legal counsel.

Refer to the Audit 
Committee Report (page 
102); Accounting policies 
(page 166); and Note 27 of 
the Consolidated Financial 
Statements (page 224).

We understood management’s process for reporting, 
assessing and valuing provisions for professional 
indemnity claims and we identified relevant controls 
over the process but did not test or rely on 
those controls. 

We assessed the completeness of management’s 
schedule of claims through our review of board 
minutes, whistle blower reports, performing journal 
entry testing, enquiry with management at various 
levels throughout the Group and performing a review 
of administrative expenses for legal costs. 

We also compared the schedule of claims in the 
current year against the prior years, investigating 
and obtaining evidence (such as settlement deeds or 
agreeing to bank statements) for those claims which 
have been settled in the current year, or where the 
provision has been reversed. We have also inspected 
post year end correspondence and enquired with 
management about subsequent events impacting 
the provisions recognised at year end.

In order to assess the adequacy of the provision 
recognised, we:

 ƒ We inspected external legal opinions and met 

with internal and external legal counsel to 
understand the nature of material claims and 
the basis of the expected settlement amount, 
challenging them on the significant judgments 
made for those material claims. 

 ƒ Performed a look-back analysis to confirm the 
accuracy of historical provisions made against 
amount settled.

 ƒ For material provisions, we examined legal 

correspondence and third party evidence received 
by the Group. We also tested a sample of claims 
without provisions recognised, and immaterial 
provisions, to confirm the completeness of 
the provision balance. For these samples, we 
corroborated management’s explanations to legal 
advice and correspondence or bank statements 
where amounts have been settled.

Our work on the provisions for litigation and claims 
was primarily performed by the group audit team, with 
some involvement from our component teams, where 
needed, to corroborate significant assumptions.

Our application of materiality 
We apply the concept of materiality in planning and performing the audit, in evaluating the effect of identified 
misstatements on the audit and in forming our audit opinion. 

Materiality
The magnitude of an omission or misstatement that, individually or in the aggregate, could reasonably be 
expected to influence the economic decisions of the users of the financial statements. Materiality provides a 
basis for determining the nature and extent of our audit procedures.

We determined materiality for the Group to be £10.1 million, which is 5% of profit before tax adjusted for non-
recurring items. We believe that profit before tax adjusted for non-recurring items provides us with the most 
relevant performance measure to the stakeholders of the entity and therefore have determined materiality based 
on this number.

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We determined materiality for the Parent Company to be £17m million, which is 5% of net assets. 

Starting basis

IFRS profit before tax: £183.1m

Adjustment for non-recurring 
items 

Add back:

 ƒ Impairment £5.2m

 ƒ Restructuring costs £0.3m

 ƒ Acquisition costs £17.0m

 ƒ Fair value loss on call option £1.8m

Less:

 ƒ fit on disposal £0.4m

Materiality 

 ƒ Fair value gain on step acquisitions of subsidiaries £4.0m

IFRS Profit before tax adjusted for non-recurring items of £203.0m 
Materiality of £10.1m (5% of materiality basis)

During the course of our audit, we reassessed initial materiality and updated it based on actual year-end 
performance, which increased our final materiality to £10.1m from planning materiality of £6.5m.

Performance materiality
The application of materiality at the individual account or balance level. It is set at an amount to reduce to an 
appropriately low level the probability that the aggregate of uncorrected and undetected misstatements 
exceeds materiality.

On the basis of our risk assessments, together with our assessment of the Group’s overall control environment, 
our judgement was that performance materiality was 50% of our planning materiality, namely £5m. We have set 
performance materiality at this percentage given this is the first year in which EY are the auditors. 

Audit work at component locations for the purpose of obtaining audit coverage over significant financial 
statement accounts is undertaken based on a percentage of total performance materiality. The performance 
materiality set for each component is based on the relative scale and risk of the component to the Group as 
a whole and our assessment of the risk of misstatement at that component. In the current year, the range of 
performance materiality allocated to components was £1.0m to £3.2m. 

Reporting threshold
An amount below which identified misstatements are considered as being clearly trivial.

We agreed with the Audit Committee that we would report to them all uncorrected audit differences in excess 
of £0.5m, which is set at 5% of planning materiality, as well as differences below that threshold that, in our view, 
warranted reporting on qualitative grounds. 

We evaluate any uncorrected misstatements against both the quantitative measures of materiality discussed 
above and in light of other relevant qualitative considerations in forming our opinion.

Other information 
The other information comprises the information included in the annual report including the Strategic Report and 
Governance (on pages 1 to 141), and Shareholder information (on pages 248 and 249), other than the financial 
statements and our auditor’s report thereon.  The directors are responsible for the other information contained 
within the annual report. 

Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise 
explicitly stated in this report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. 

Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information 
is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the course of the audit, 
or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent 
material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the 
financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material 
misstatement of the other information, we are required to report that fact.

We have nothing to report in this regard.

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Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006
In our opinion, the part of the directors’ remuneration report to be audited has been properly prepared 
in accordance with the Companies Act 2006.

In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit:

 ƒ the information given in the strategic report and the directors’ report for the financial year for which 

the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and 

 ƒ the strategic report and the directors’ report have been prepared in accordance with applicable 

legal requirements.

Matters on which we are required to report by exception
In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the group and the parent company and its environment 
obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the strategic report or the 
directors’ report.

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Companies Act 2006 
requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:

 ƒ 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

 ƒ the parent company financial statements and the part of the Directors’ Remuneration Report to be audited are 

not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or

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

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

Corporate Governance Statement
We have reviewed the directors’ statement in relation to going concern, longer-term viability and that part of the 
Corporate Governance Statement relating to the group and company’s compliance with the provisions of the UK 
Corporate Governance Code specified for our review by the Listing Rules.

Based on the work undertaken as part of our audit, we have concluded that each of the following elements of 
the Corporate Governance Statement is materially consistent with the financial statements or our knowledge 
obtained during the audit:

 ƒ Directors’ statement with regards to the appropriateness of adopting the going concern basis of accounting 

and any material uncertainties identified set out on page 137;

 ƒ Directors’ explanation as to its assessment of the company’s prospects, the period this assessment covers and 

why the period is appropriate set out on page 137;

 ƒ Director’s statement on whether it has a reasonable expectation that the group will be able to continue in 

operation and meets its liabilities set out on page 137;

 ƒ Directors’ statement on fair, balanced and understandable set out on page 141;

 ƒ Board’s confirmation that it has carried out a robust assessment of the emerging and principal risks set out 

on page 33;

 ƒ The section of the annual report that describes the review of effectiveness of risk management and internal 

control systems set out on page 105; and

 ƒ The section describing the work of the audit committee set out on pages 98 to 105.

Responsibilities of directors
As explained more fully in the directors’ responsibilities statement set out on page 141, the directors are 
responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair 
view, and for such internal control as the directors determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial 
statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. 

In preparing the financial statements, the directors are responsible for assessing the group and parent company’s 
ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using 
the going concern basis of accounting unless the directors either intend to liquidate the group or the parent 
company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

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Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements 
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free 
from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our 
opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in 
accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise 
from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be 
expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements. 

Explanation as to what extent the audit was considered capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud 

Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures 
in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect irregularities, including fraud. The risk of not detecting a 
material misstatement due to fraud is higher than the risk of not detecting one resulting from error, as fraud may 
involve deliberate concealment by, for example, forgery or intentional misrepresentations, or through collusion. 
The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below.

However, the primary responsibility for the prevention and detection of fraud rests with both those charged with 
governance of the company and management. 

 ƒ We obtained an understanding of the legal and regulatory frameworks that are applicable to the group and 

determined that the most significant are those relevant to the reporting framework (UK adopted international 
accounting standards, the Companies Act 2006 and UK Corporate Governance Code) and the relevant 
international tax laws and regulations. In addition, we concluded that there are certain significant laws and 
regulations which may have an effect on the determination of the amounts and disclosures in the financial 
statements being the Listing Rules of the UK Listing Authority, UK financial services legislation, those laws and 
regulations relating to employee matters and pensions legislation, and data protection requirements in the 
jurisdictions in which the Group operates

 ƒ We understood how the Group is complying with those frameworks through enquiry with management, 
internal audit, those responsible for legal and compliance procedures and the company secretary. We 
corroborated our enquiries through our review of board minutes and papers provided to the board and the 
Audit Committee, including internal audit reports, and our attendance at the meetings of the Audit Committee, 
as well as consideration of the results of our audit procedures across the Group. 

 ƒ We assessed the susceptibility of the group’s financial statements to material misstatement, including how 
fraud might occur by meeting with management from various parts of the business to understand where 
it considered there was susceptibility to fraud. We also considered performance targets impacting bonus 
arrangements, and the risk of management override of controls. We engaged our forensics specialists in 
assisting our assessment of the susceptibility of the Group’s financial statements to fraud, and designed 
specific responses to risks which were carried out by our full and specific scope locations. We considered the 
programmes and controls that the group has established to prevent, deter and detect fraud, and how senior 
management monitors those programmes and controls. The risk in revenue cut off of in the transactional 
advisory business was considered to be higher and we performed audit procedures to address this fraud risk. 
These procedures were designed to provide reasonable assurance that the financial statements were free from 
fraud or error.

 ƒ Based on this understanding we designed our audit procedures to identify non-compliance with such laws and 

regulations, including specific instructions to component teams. Our procedures involved:

 – Enquiry of Group management, divisional management, internal audit, those charged with governance and 

legal counsel regarding their knowledge and any non-compliance or potential non-compliance with laws and 
regulations of fraud that could affect the financial statements; 

 – Reading minutes of meetings of those charged with governance;

 – Assessment of matters reported to the Audit Committee and results of management’s investigation of 

such matters; 

 – Journal entry testing, with a focus on manual revenue journals and journals indicating large or unusual 

transactions close to the year-end based on our understanding of the business.

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial 
Reporting Council’s website at https://www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our 
auditor’s report.

150

Other matters we are required to address 
 ƒ Following the recommendation from the audit committee, we were appointed by the company on 19 May 2021 

to audit the financial statements for the year ending 31 December 2021 and subsequent financial periods. 

  The period of total uninterrupted engagement including previous renewals and reappointments is 1 year, 

covering the years ending 31 December 2021.

 ƒ The audit opinion is consistent with the additional report to the audit committee.

Use of our report
This report is made solely to the company’s members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the 
Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the company’s members 
those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor’s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest 
extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the company and the 
company’s members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

Sarah Kokot (Senior statutory auditor)
for and on behalf of Ernst & Young LLP, 
Statutory Auditor 
London

10 March 2022

151

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsOverviewAnnual report & accounts 2021Consolidated income statement 
for the year ended 31 December 2021

Revenue

Less:

Employee benefits expense

Depreciation

Amortisation of intangible assets

Impairment of intangible assets arising from business 
combinations and goodwill

Other operating expenses

Impairment losses on financial assets

Other net gains

Share of post-tax profit from joint ventures and associates

Operating profit

Finance income

Finance costs

Net finance cost

Profit before income tax

Income tax expense

Profit for the year

Attributable to:

Owners of the parent

Non-controlling interests

Earnings per share

Basic earnings per share

Diluted earnings per share

*  See Note 2.29 for details on the prior year restatement.

Supplementary income statement information

Reconciliation to underlying profit before income tax

Profit before income tax

– restructuring and transaction-related costs

– other underlying adjustments

Underlying profit before income tax

152

Notes

2021
£m

5 and 6

2,147.0

2020
restated*
£m

1,740.5

9.1

(1,413.1)

(1,153.7)

16 and 17

15

15

7.1

20.2

7.1

18.1

7.1

11

11

11

12

(63.4)

(14.2)

(5.2)

(465.2)

(4.0)

2.0

12.6

196.5

1.9

(15.3)

(13.4)

183.1

(36.4)

146.7

146.2

0.5

146.7

(64.3)

(9.6)

–

(419.1)

(8.7)

0.7

10.2

96.0

3.4

(16.2)

(12.8)

83.2

(15.2)

68.0

67.6

0.4

68.0

14.1

14.1

104.9p

99.8p

49.0p

47.9p

183.1

17.3

(0.1)

8

8

6 and 8

200.3

83.2

6.5

6.9

96.6

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income 
for the year ended 31 December 2021

Profit for the year

Other comprehensive income/(loss)

Items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss:

Re-measurement of defined benefit pension scheme and employee 
benefit obligations

Changes in fair value of equity investments at FVOCI

Tax on other 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:

Currency translation differences

Tax on items that may be reclassified

Total items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss

Other comprehensive income/(loss) for the year

Total comprehensive income for the year

Total comprehensive income attributable to:

Owners of the parent

Non-controlling interests

Notes 

2021 
£m

146.7

2020 
£m

68.0

12

12

21.3

(4.4)

(5.3)

11.6

(8.9)

(0.1)

(9.0)

2.6

149.3

148.8

0.5

149.3

6.5

(6.9)

(1.2)

(1.6)

1.8

(0.3)

1.5

(0.1)

67.9

67.5

0.4

67.9

153

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsOverviewAnnual report & accounts 2021Consolidated and Company statements of financial position 
as at 31 December 2021

Group

Company

Assets: Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment
Right of use assets
Goodwill
Intangible assets
Investments in subsidiaries
Investments in joint ventures and associates
Deferred income tax assets
Financial assets at fair value through other 
comprehensive income (‘FVOCI’)
Retirement benefit surplus
Contract related assets
Trade and other receivables

Assets: Current assets
Contract assets
Trade and other receivables
Income tax receivable
Derivative financial instruments
Cash and cash equivalents**

Liabilities: Current liabilities
Borrowings
Overdrafts in notional pooling arrangement**
Lease liabilities
Derivative financial instruments
Contract liabilities
Trade and other payables
Income tax liabilities
Employee benefit obligations
Provisions 

Notes

16
17
15
15
18.3
18.1
19

18.2
10.2
5.1
20.3

5.1
20.1

26
21

24
22
25
26
5.1
23.1

27.2
27.1

Net current assets
Total assets less current liabilities
Liabilities: Non-current liabilities
24
Borrowings
25
Lease liabilities
26
Derivative financial instruments
Other payables
23.2
Retirement and employee benefit obligations 10.2 and 27.2
27.1
Provisions 
19
Deferred income tax liabilities

Net assets
Equity: 
Share capital
Share premium
Other reserves
Retained earnings
Equity attributable to owners of the parent
Non-controlling interests
Total equity

*  See Note 2.29 for details on the prior year restatement.

28
30
30
30

18.4 and 35

2021 
£m

2020
restated*
 £m

66.3
232.6
411.3
72.6
–
32.8
36.1

30.4
18.1
3.4
41.2
944.8

9.3
602.6
0.9
0.1
689.7
1,302.6

2.1
198.5
48.0
0.9
14.5
738.5
15.9
16.9
9.2
1,044.5
258.1
1,202.9

148.4
237.0
2.6
20.0
20.3
20.0
1.2
449.5
753.4

3.6
104.4
76.2
540.0
724.2
29.2
753.4

64.9
252.8
379.4
49.8
–
51.8
42.8

27.4
–
1.4
31.8
902.1

8.0
496.6
1.9
0.4
547.4
1,054.3

12.2
209.1
45.2
0.3
10.8
604.9
10.2
19.2
8.3
920.2
134.1
1,036.2

148.4
259.0
0.6
10.5
14.9
15.6
5.6
454.6
581.6

3.6
97.2
90.0
390.1
580.9
0.7
581.6

2021
 £m

3.3
49.4
–
3.7
175.0
–
3.3

–
1.0
–
52.3
288.0

–
49.7
–
–
102.2
151.9

–
–
5.7
–
–
26.7
0.7
0.3
–
33.4
118.5
406.5

–
58.8
–
–
–
1.6
–
60.4
346.1

3.6
104.4
38.2
199.9
346.1
–
346.1

2020
restated*
 £m

3.8
53.9
–
6.3
148.8
–
2.5

–
–
–
–
215.3

–
92.2
–
–
94.5
186.7

–
–
5.6
–
–
12.4
1.9
0.3
–
20.2
166.5
381.8

–
64.5
–
–
0.1
1.3
–
65.9
315.9

3.6
97.2
38.2
176.9
315.9
–
315.9

**  Included within cash and cash equivalents are cash balances of £201.5m (31 December 2020: £242.0m) that are operated within a notional cash pooling 

arrangement together with overdraft balances of £198.5m (31 December 2020: £209.1m) presented above in current liabilities. See Note 22 for further details.

The profit after income tax of the Company for the year was £42.5m (2020 restated*: £31.1m).

The consolidated and Company financial statements on pages 152 to 157 were authorised for issue by the Board 
of Directors on 9 March 2022 and were signed on its behalf by:

J J M Ridley 
Savills plc 
Registered in England No. 2122174

S J B Shaw

154

Consolidated statement of changes in equity 
for the year ended 31 December 2021

Attributable to owners of the parent

Share 
capital 
£m

Share 
premium 
£m

Other 
reserves* 
£m

Retained 
earnings** 
£m

Non-
controlling 
interests 
£m

Total 
£m

97.2

90.0

390.1 580.9

Balance at 1 January 2021
Profit for the year

Other comprehensive income/(loss):

Re-measurement of defined benefit 
pension scheme and employee 
benefit obligations

Changes in fair value of financial assets 
at FVOCI

Tax on items taken to other 
comprehensive income/(loss)

Currency translation differences

Total comprehensive (loss)/income 
for the year
Employee share option scheme:

– Value of services provided

– Tax on employee share option schemes

Issue of share capital

Tax on other items taken to reserves

Purchase of treasury shares

Disposal of financial assets at FVOCI

Dividends

12

12

12

13

Transaction with non-controlling interest

18.4

Transfer between reserves

Additions through business combinations

18.5

3.6

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Balance at 1 January 2020
Profit for the year

Other comprehensive income/(loss):

Re-measurement of defined benefit 
pension scheme and employee 
benefit obligations

Changes in fair value of financial assets 
at FVOCI, net of tax

Tax on items taken to other 
comprehensive income/(loss)

Currency translation differences

Total comprehensive (loss)/income 
for the year
Employee share option scheme:

– Value of services provided

Purchase of treasury shares

Disposal of financial assets at FVOCI

Dividends

12

3.6

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Total 
equity
 £m

581.6

146.7

21.3

(4.4)

(5.4)

(8.9)

0.7

0.5

–

–

–

–

–

146.2 146.2

–

21.3

21.3

(4.4)

–

(4.4)

–

(5.4)

(8.9)

–

(5.4)

(8.9)

(13.3)

162.1

148.8

0.5

149.3

–

–

–

–

–

23.7

4.7

–

0.6

23.7

4.7

7.2

0.6

(49.0) (49.0)

(0.3)

0.2

(0.1)

–

–

–

–

–

–

23.7

4.7

7.2

0.6

(49.0)

(0.1)

(31.9)

(31.9)

(0.4)

(32.3)

–

–

(0.2)

–

39.3

0.2

–

39.3

–

–

28.2

–

0.2

29.2

67.5

–

0.2

753.4

Non-
controlling 
interests 
£m

0.7

0.4

Total 
equity
 £m

503.2

68.0

–

–

–

–

6.5

(6.9)

(1.5)

1.8

–

–

67.6

67.6

6.5

6.5

(6.9)

–

(6.9)

–

1.8

(1.5)

(1.5)

–

1.8

(5.1)

72.6

67.5

0.4

67.9

–

–

(0.4)

–

19.8

(8.3)

(0.2)

–

19.8

(8.3)

(0.6)

–

–

–

–

(0.4)

19.8

(8.3)

(0.6)

(0.4)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

7.2

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Balance at 31 December 2021

3.6

104.4

76.2

540.0 724.2

Attributable to owners of the parent

Share 
capital 
£m

Share 
premium 
£m

Other 
reserves* 
£m

Retained 
earnings** 
£m

Total 
£m

97.2

95.5

306.2 502.5

Balance at 31 December 2020

3.6

97.2

90.0

390.1 580.9

0.7

581.6

* 

Included within other reserves on the face of the statement of financial position are the capital redemption reserve, merger relief reserve, foreign exchange 
reserve and revaluation reserve as disclosed in Note 30.

**  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 30.

155

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsOverviewAnnual report & accounts 2021Company statement of changes in equity
for the year ended 31 December 2021

Attributable to owners of the Company

Share 
capital 
£m

Share 
premium 
£m

Notes

Capital 
redemption 
reserve* 
£m

Merger 
relief 
reserve* 
£m

Other 
reserves* 
£m

Share- 
based 
payments 
reserve** 
£m

Retained 
earnings** 
£m

Total 
equity 
£m

Balance at 1 January 2021 
restated***

Profit for the year

Other comprehensive 
income/(loss):

Remeasurement of defined 
benefit pension scheme

Tax on items taken to other 
comprehensive income

10.2

12

Total comprehensive income 
for the year

Employee share option scheme:

– Value of services provided

– Exercise of share options

–  Tax on employee share 

option schemes

– Transfer between reserves

Issue of share capital

Dividends

Tax on items taken to reserves

12

13

12

3.6

97.2

0.3

34.9

3.0

39.8

137.1

315.9

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

7.2

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

42.5

42.5

–

–

–

1.1

1.1

(0.3)

(0.3)

43.3

43.3

23.7

–

23.7

(20.5)

7.5

(13.0)

1.0

0.1

–

–

–

–

(0.1)

–

1.0

–

7.2

(32.2)

(32.2) 

0.2

0.2

Balance at 31 December 2021

3.6

104.4

0.3

34.9

3.0

44.1

155.8

346.1

Attributable to owners of the Company

Share 
capital 
£m

Share 
premium 
£m

Notes

Capital 
redemption 
reserve* 
£m

Merger 
relief 
reserve* 
£m

Other 
reserves* 
£m

Share- 
based 
payments 
reserve** 
£m

Retained 
earnings** 
£m

Total 
equity  

£m

Balance at 1 January 2020 
restated***

Profit for the year restated***

Other comprehensive income:

Remeasurement of defined 
benefit pension scheme

10.2

Total comprehensive income 
for the year restated***

Employee share option scheme:

– Value of services provided

–  Exercise of share options 

restated***

Balance at 31 December 2020 
restated***

3.6

97.2

0.3

34.9

3.0

38.5

102.4

279.9

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

31.1

31.1

0.4

0.4

31.5

31.5

19.8

–

19.8

(18.5)

3.2

(15.3)

3.6

97.2

0.3

34.9

3.0

39.8

137.1

315.9

* 

Included within other reserves on the face of the statement of financial position are the capital redemption reserve, the merger relief 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.

*** See Note 2.29 for details on the prior year restatement.

156

Consolidated and Company statements of cash flows
for the year ended 31 December 2021

Cash flows from operating activities

Cash generated from/(used in) operations

Interest received

Interest paid

Income tax (paid)/received

Net cash generated from/(used in) operating activities

Cash flows from investing activities

Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment

Proceeds from sale of equity investments

Proceeds from sale of interests in joint ventures 

Dividends received from joint ventures

Dividends received from associates

Dividends received from subsidiary

Repayment of loans by joint ventures

Repayment of loans by associates

Repayment of loans by subsidiaries

Loans to joint ventures

Loans to subsidiaries

Loans to other parties

Acquisition of subsidiaries, net of cash and overdrafts acquired

Deferred consideration paid in relation to prior year acquisitions

Purchase of property, plant and equipment

Purchase of intangible assets

Purchase of equity investments

Purchase of investment in joint ventures

Purchase of investment in associates

Investment in Employee Benefit Trust

Return of capital investment from subsidiaries in relation 
to Employee Benefit Trust funding

Group

Company

2020
restated*
£m

2021 
£m

2020
restated* 
£m

2021
 £m

Notes

32

348.3

282.6

1.8

3.4

(14.0)

(33.4)

302.7

(15.0)

(29.6)

241.4

9.1

1.4

(2.2)

2.0

10.3

(28.4)

1.0

(2.3)

5.9

(23.8)

18.1

18.1

18.5

23.3

16

15

18.2

18.1

18.1

1.0

1.7

0.7

6.6

6.0

–

0.1

–

–

(0.6)

–

(7.4)

(40.5)

(5.9)

(18.6)

(5.9)

(9.8)

(0.4)

(0.3)

–

–

0.1

1.9

0.7

5.7

5.1

–

–

0.1

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

56.0

40.0

–

–

–

–

237.3

198.0

(1.4)

–
– (245.0)

–

(190.0)

(5.5)

(11.2)

(8.1)

(12.8)

(5.3)

(5.0)

–

(0.5)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(1.4)

(0.1)

(2.2)

(0.8)

–

–

–

–

–

–

(36.7)

(8.3)

17.9

28.0

7.2

–

–

–

–

–

4.3

41.0

–

–

–

–

–

–

7.2

63.7

(0.9)

26.9

–

–

–

46.1

(38.2)

(67.3)

–

(0.5)

(47.2)

(49.0)

(32.3)

(70.3)

159.1

338.2

(47.7)

(5.6)

(5.8)

(8.3)

(0.4)

–

(32.2)

–

–

(77.6)

(30.6)

(5.8)

127.6

209.8

7.7

94.5

11.4

83.1

(7.3)

0.8

–

–

Net cash (used in)/generated from investing activities

(73.3)

(36.2)

Cash flows from financing activities

Proceeds from issue of share capital

Proceeds from transaction with non-controlling interest

Transaction costs incurred on transaction with 
non-controlling interest

Proceeds from borrowings

Repayments of borrowings

Financing fees paid

Principal elements of lease payments

Purchase of treasury shares

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 and cash 
equivalents held

18.4

18.4

24

24

33

33

13

21 
and 

Cash, cash equivalents and bank overdrafts at end of year

22 490.0

338.2

102.2

94.5

*  See Note 2.29 for details on the prior year restatement.

157

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsOverviewAnnual report & accounts 2021Notes to the financial statements
Year ended 31 December 2021

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, Europe, Asia Pacific, North America, Africa and the 
Middle East. Savills plc is listed on the London Stock Exchange and employs 40,090 staff worldwide.

The Company is a public limited company incorporated and domiciled in England, United Kingdom. The address 
of its registered office is 33 Margaret Street, London W1G 0JD. The Company’s registered number is 2122174.

These consolidated financial statements were approved for issue by the Board of Directors on 9 March 2022. 
The Board of Directors have the power to amend the financial statements after issue. 

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.

2.1 Basis of preparation
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with UK adopted international accounting 
standards (‘IFRS’) and, as regards the parent company financial statements, as applied in accordance with the 
provisions of the Companies Act 2006. The financial statements are prepared on a going concern basis and 
under the historical cost convention as modified by the revaluation of loans receivable, equity investments and 
derivative financial instruments held at fair value.

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 financial statements, are disclosed in Note 4.

In preparing the financial statements management has considered the impact of climate change, taking 
into account the relevant disclosures in the Strategic Report, including those made in accordance with the 
recommendations of the Taskforce on Climate related Financial Disclosure. These considerations included the 
limited exposure in terms of tangible assets, including in our investment management business where we do not 
own the properties, as well as our current assessment that the transition costs to a low carbon economy will be 
outweighed by alternative business opportunities, therefore not impacting the recoverability of our intangible 
assets. On this basis, we concluded that climate change did not have a material impact on the financial reporting 
judgements and estimates, consistent with the assessment that this is not expected to have a significant impact 
on the Group’s going concern or viability assessment.

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.

2.2 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. The financial position of the Group, its cash flows and liquidity 
position are described in the Chief Financial Officer’s Review, with details of the Group’s treasury activities and 
exposure to financial risk included in Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. 

As in prior years, the Board undertook a strategic business review in the current year taking account of the 
Group’s current position and prospects, the Group’s strategic plan, and the Group’s principal risks and the 
management of those risks, as detailed in the Annual Report and the Board’s risk appetite as detailed in the 
Strategic Report. Sensitivity analysis was also undertaken, including financing projections, to flex the financial 
forecasts under several severe downside scenarios, which involved applying different assumptions to the 
underlying forecasted revenues and underlying profits both individually and in aggregate. These scenarios 
assess the potential impact from several macro-economic risks, including a severe global economic downturn 
analogous to that experienced during the Global Financial Crisis in 2008/09 and a recurrence of the suppression 
of activity experienced in 2020 as a result of COVID-19 measures and restrictions. The results of this sensitivity 
analysis showed that the Group would maintain significant available facility and covenant headroom to be able to 
withstand the impact of such scenarios over the period of the financial forecast, as a result of the resilience and 
diversity of the Group, underpinned by a strong balance sheet.

Based on the Group’s strong net cash position of £340.7m and undrawn £360.0m revolving credit facility at the 
year end, as described in the Chief Financial Officer’s review, combined with the assessment explained above, the 
Directors have formed the judgement at the time of approving the financial statements, that there is a reasonable 
expectation that the Group has adequate resources to continue in operational existence until at least June 2023. 
For this reason, they continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the Consolidated 
Financial Statements.

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2.3 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 by 
excluding significant non-operational costs/income from the GAAP measures. The ‘underlying’ measures are also 
used by the Group 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. The non-GAAP measures may be materially higher or lower than GAAP measures and should not be 
regarded as a complete picture of the Group’s financial performance. In particular, underlying profit before tax 
may be materially higher or lower than reported profit before tax as a result of the adjustments. Notably, if there 
have been significant impairments, restructuring costs excluded and significant recent business acquisitions the 
underlying profit before tax will be higher than reported profit before tax. 

The term ‘underlying’ refers to the relevant measure of profit, earnings or taxation being reported mainly 
excluding the impact (pre and post-tax where applicable) of the following items:

 ƒ the difference between IFRS 2 charges related to outstanding bonus-related deferred share awards and 
the estimated value of the current year bonus pool expected to be allocated to deferred share awards;

 ƒ amortisation of intangible assets arising from business combinations (this excludes software or other 

pre-existing intangible assets of the acquiree);

 ƒ items that are considered significant in size and non-operational in nature including restructuring costs 

associated with business acquisitions, impairments of goodwill and intangible assets arising from business 
combinations and profits or losses arising on disposals of subsidiaries and other investments; and

 ƒ significant transaction-related costs associated with business combinations.

The majority of adjustments made to the GAAP measures to arrive at “underlying” measures relate to charges 
arising as a result of business combinations. The nature of the Group’s business and the businesses that the 
Group acquires (being “asset light” people businesses) requires the Group to structure business acquisitions 
such that often payment of deferred consideration is linked to recipients’ continuing and active engagement in 
the business at the date of the deferred payment, with these payments required to be expensed to the income 
statement under IFRS 3. For internal performance analysis and incentive compensation arrangements, these 
charges are considered part of the initial cost of acquiring a business, instead of an ongoing operational cost, 
and are therefore excluded from the Group’s “underlying” measures. The same rationale is applied to the 
exclusion of amortisation of intangible assets arising from business combinations (excluding software or other 
pre-existing intangible assets of the acquiree), any impairments of goodwill and the aforementioned intangible 
assets, significant transaction-related costs associated with business combinations and significant restructuring 
costs that are related to the acquisition of a business. These items are not considered to reflect the business’s 
trading performance and so are adjusted to ensure consistency between periods. 

The adjustment for share-based payments 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 in relation to outstanding bonus-related 
share awards and the estimated value of the current year bonus pool to be awarded in deferred shares. This 
adjustment is made to align the underlying staff cost in the year with the revenue recognised in the same period, 
providing additional information on the Group’s performance over time with respect to profitability.

The underlying effective tax rate represents the underlying income tax expense expressed as a percentage 
of underlying profit before tax. The underlying income tax expense is the income tax expense excluding the 
tax effect of the adjustments made to arrive at underlying profit before tax and other tax effects related to 
these adjustments.

Underlying basic earnings per share and underlying diluted earnings per share both utilise the underlying profit 
after tax measure instead of GAAP earnings. The weighted average number of shares remain the same as the 
GAAP measure. 

The Group also refers to revenue and underlying profit on a constant currency basis which are both non-GAAP 
measures. Constant currency results are calculated by translating the current year revenue and underlying profit 
using the prior year exchange rates. This measure allows the Group to assess the results of the current year 
compared to the prior year, excluding the impact of foreign currency movements.

A reconciliation between GAAP and underlying measures are set out in Note 8 (underlying profit before tax) and 
Note 14.2 (underlying basic earnings per share and underlying diluted earnings per share).

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2. Accounting policies continued
2.4 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.

(a) Subsidiaries

Subsidiaries are all entities over which the Group has control. The Group controls an entity when the Group is 
exposed to, or has rights to, variable returns from its involvement with the entity and has the ability to affect 
those returns through its power over the entity. Subsidiaries are fully consolidated from the date on which control 
is transferred to the Group. 

Inter-company transactions, balances and unrealised gains and losses 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.

(b) Acquisition of subsidiaries

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 value of the assets transferred, the liabilities incurred 
and the equity interests issued by the Group. 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.

Any contingent consideration to be transferred by the Group is recognised at fair value at the acquisition date. 
Contingent consideration only applies to situations where contingent payments are not dependent on future 
employment of vendors. Subsequent changes to the fair value of the contingent consideration that is deemed 
to be an asset or liability is recognised in profit or loss. Contingent consideration that is classified as equity is 
not remeasured, and its subsequent settlement is accounted for within equity. Payments dependent on future 
employment are expensed to the income statement over the relevant period of employment as required by 
IFRS 3 (revised).

Acquisition-related costs are expensed as incurred.

(c) Changes in ownership interests in subsidiaries without change of control

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.

(d) Disposal of subsidiaries

If the Group loses control over a subsidiary, it derecognises the related assets (including goodwill), liabilities, 
non-controlling interest and other components of equity, while any resultant gain or loss is recognised in profit 
or loss. Any investment retained is recognised at fair value. The fair value is the initial carrying amount for 
the purposes 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.

Profit or loss on disposal of subsidiaries is recognised in profit or loss as other gains/(losses).

(e) Associates

Associates are all entities over which the Group has significant influence but not control or joint control, generally 
accompanying a shareholding of between 20% and 50% of the voting rights. Investments in associates are 
accounted for using the equity method of accounting. Under the equity method, the investment is initially 
recognised at cost, and the carrying amount is increased or decreased to recognise the investor’s share of the 
profit or loss of the investee after the date of acquisition. The Group’s investment in associates includes goodwill 
(net of any accumulated impairment loss) identified on acquisition (see Note 18.1).

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The Group’s share of its associates’ post-acquisition profits or losses is recognised in the income statement with 
a corresponding adjustment to the carrying amount of the investment. Dividends received or receivable from 
associates are recognised as a reduction in the carrying amount of the investment. When the Group’s share of 
losses in an associate equals or exceeds its interest in the associate 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 changed where necessary 
to ensure consistency with the policies adopted by the Group. 

The carrying amount of associates is tested for impairment in accordance with the policy described in Note 2.10.

Profit or loss on disposal of associates is recognised in profit or loss as other gains/(losses).

(f) Joint arrangements

The Group applies IFRS 11 to all joint arrangements. Under IFRS 11 investments in joint arrangements are classified 
as either joint operations or joint ventures depending on the contractual rights and obligations of each investor. 
The Group has assessed the nature of its joint arrangements and determined them to be joint ventures. Joint 
ventures are accounted for using the equity method of accounting, the investment is initially recognised at cost, 
and the carrying amount is increased or decreased to recognise the investor’s share of the profit or loss of the 
investee after the date of acquisition.

The Group’s share of its joint venture’s post-acquisition profits or losses is recognised in the income statement 
with a corresponding adjustment to the carrying amount of the investment. Dividends received or receivable 
from joint ventures are recognised as a reduction in the carrying amount of the investment. When the Group’s 
share of losses in a joint venture equals or exceeds its interests in the joint ventures the Group does not recognise 
further losses unless it has incurred legal or constructive obligations or made payments on behalf of the 
joint ventures.

Unrealised gains on transactions between the Group and its joint ventures are eliminated to the extent of the 
Group’s interest in the joint ventures. Unrealised losses are also eliminated unless the transaction provides 
evidence of an impairment of the asset transferred. Accounting policies of the joint ventures have been changed 
where necessary to ensure consistency with the policies adopted by the Group.

The carrying amount of joint ventures is tested for impairment in accordance with the policy described in 
Note 2.10.

Profit or loss on disposal of joint ventures is recognised in profit or loss as other gains/(losses).

(g) Investment management funds

The Investment Management business enters in to strategic partnerships and mandates to provide asset 
management or investment advisory services to external clients, and in certain instances also has an interest in 
the fund general partner or in co-investment schemes. In its role as fund manager, the Investment Management 
business is considered by management to be acting as an agent which does not have control under IFRS 10 and 
therefore the funds are not consolidated as part of the Group.

2.5 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 (‘GEB’).

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.

The GEB primarily manages the business based on the geographic location in which the Group operates. 
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 
format 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.

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2. Accounting policies continued
2.6 Foreign currency translation

(a) 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.

(b) 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 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.

(c) 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. Exchange differences arising from this translation of foreign operations are recognised in other 
comprehensive income and taken to the foreign exchange reserve. When foreign operation is disposed of, in part 
or in full, the relevant amount in the foreign exchange reserve is transferred to the income statement. 

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. 

2.7 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

50 years

Short leasehold property (less than 50 years)

Lower of estimated useful life and unexpired term of lease

Equipment and motor vehicles

3–10 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.

2.8 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.

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. 

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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.

In respect of associates and joint ventures, goodwill is included in the carrying value of the investment and is not 
tested for impairment separately.

2.9 Intangible assets other than goodwill
Intangible assets arising from 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.

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 programmes 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:

 ƒ it is technically feasible to complete the software product so that it will be available for use or sale;

 ƒ management intends to complete the software product and use or sell it;

 ƒ there is an ability to use or sell the software product;

 ƒ it can be demonstrated how the software product will generate probable future economic benefits;

 ƒ adequate technical, financial and other resources to complete the development and to use or sell the software 

product are available; and

 ƒ 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 relationships

Order backlogs

Contracts – investment, property management and other existing business contracts

Brands

Computer software

3–15 years

2–4 years

2–20 years

2 years

3–7 years

Acquired investment management contracts relating to open-ended funds have been attributed indefinite useful 
lives, reflecting the open-ended nature of the funds, the Group’s intention to continue with the management of 
the funds and the expectation that these contracts are expected to generate net cash inflows for the Group. 

2.10 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.

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2. Accounting policies continued
2.11 Financial instruments
Financial assets and liabilities are recognised on the Group’s statement of financial position at fair value or 
amortised cost when the Group becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument. Subsequent 
measurement depends on the classification and is discussed in paragraphs 2.12–2.17.

Financial assets and liabilities are offset and the net amount reported in the statement of financial position 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.

The Group derecognises a financial asset when the contractual rights to the cash flows from the asset expire, 
or when it transfers the financial asset and substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership of the asset to 
another party. On derecognition of a financial asset in its entirety, the difference between the asset’s carrying 
amount and the sum of consideration received is recognised in profit or loss. 

The Group derecognises financial liabilities when, and only when, the Group’s obligations are discharged, 
cancelled or have expired. The difference between the carrying amount of the financial liability derecognised and 
the consideration paid is recognised in profit or loss. 

2.12 Equity investments
The Group has made an irrevocable election at initial recognition for equity investments to be classified as 
FVOCI (fair value through other comprehensive income). Changes in fair value are recognised through other 
comprehensive income rather than profit or loss. Dividends from these investments are recognised in profit or 
loss as other operating income. When such investments are disposed or become impaired, the accumulated 
gains and losses, recognised in other comprehensive income, are reclassified to retained earnings and will not be 
recycled to the income statement. 

2.13 Trade and other receivables
Trade receivables are recognised initially at their transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost 
less provision for impairment. Receivables are discounted where the time value of money is material.

The Group applies the simplified approach to providing for expected credit losses prescribed by IFRS 9, which 
permits the use of the lifetime expected loss provision for all trade receivables and contract assets. These 
estimates are based on historic credit loss experience, adjusted for forward-looking factors specific to the 
debtors and macro-economic and specific country-risk considerations with higher default rates applied to 
older balances. 

In addition, if specific circumstances exist which would indicate that the receivable is irrecoverable a specific 
provision is made. A provision is made against trade receivables and contract assets until such time as the Group 
believes there to be no reasonable expectation of recovery, after which the trade receivable or contract asset 
balance is written off.

2.14 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, that are readily convertible to a 
known amount of cash and are subject to an insignificant risk of changes in value. Bank overdrafts are included 
under borrowings in the statement of financial position.

For the purpose of the consolidated statement of cash flows, cash and cash equivalents, as defined above, is net 
of outstanding bank overdrafts as they are considered an integral part of the Group’s cash management.

2.15 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.

2.16 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.

2.17 Derivative financial instruments 
Derivatives are initially recognised at fair value on the date a derivative contract is entered into and are 
subsequently remeasured at fair value. Changes in the fair value of the Group’s derivative instruments are 
recognised immediately in the income statement.

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2.18 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 and the 
Savills Rabbi Trust, are classified as treasury shares and presented as a deduction from total equity.

2.19 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 
year end 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.

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 substantively enacted 
by the year end 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.

2.20 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 asset or liability recognised in the statement of financial position in respect of defined benefit pension plans 
is the present value of the defined benefit obligations at the reporting date less the fair value of plan assets. 
The defined benefit obligations are calculated annually by independent actuaries using the projected unit credit 
method. The present value of the defined benefit obligations are 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.

The net defined benefit cost is allocated amongst participating Group subsidiaries on the basis of 
pensionable salaries.

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.

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2. Accounting policies continued
2.21 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.

All equity-settled share-based payments are measured at fair value at the date of grant. Fair value is 
predominantly measured by use of the Actuarial Binomial option pricing model. 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. Market performance conditions are reflected within the grant date fair value. Service and non-market 
performance conditions are included in assumptions about the number of options that are expected to vest. 
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 service and non-market performance conditions. It recognises the impact of the revision 
to original estimates, if any, in the income statement, with a corresponding adjustment to equity.

Any 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.

2.22 Employee Benefit Trust and Savills Rabbi Trust
The Company has established the Savills plc 1992 Employee Benefit Trust (the ‘EBT’) and the Savills Rabbi Trust 
(the ‘Rabbi Trust’), 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 and Rabbi Trust are included in the Group statement of financial position. 
Investments in the Group’s own shares are shown as a deduction from equity.

2.23 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, with the 
unwinding of the discount included in finance costs. 

(a) 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. 
The Group recognises a provision based on the expected settlement amount for the claim. A separate receivable 
from insurers in relation to professional indemnity claims is recognised to the extent it is virtually certain of being 
received. This receivable is recognised within other receivables. 

(b) 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. The provisions are reviewed 
on an annual basis for changes in cost estimates. 

(c) Restructuring provisions

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.

2.24 Revenue
The Group recognises revenue from the following major sources:

 ƒ Residential property transactions

 ƒ Commercial property transactions

 ƒ Property consultancy services

 ƒ Property and facilities management services

 ƒ Investment management services 

Revenue is measured based on the consideration specified in a contract with a customer and excludes amounts 
collected on behalf of third parties. The Group recognises revenue when it transfers control of a product or 
service to a customer. 

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(a) Residential property transactions

Generally, revenue is recognised at a point in time, when unconditional contracts are exchanged. Fees are a fixed 
consideration or a fixed percentage of the transaction value and are invoiced to the client upon completion. 

For new home developments revenue is recognised following the terms of the contract. In some instances 
revenue is recognised on a staged basis, reflecting the Group’s obligations to find a buyer and to further support 
the client after exchange of contracts through to completion of the build and contract, which can be a number 
of years later. For these developments, revenue recognition commences when the underlying contracts are 
exchanged, with total revenue from the contract recognised by the date of completion in accordance with 
contractual terms. Fees are a fixed consideration or a fixed percentage of the transaction value and are invoiced 
to the client at each contractual milestone, in line with the recognition of revenue. In other instances, the revenue 
will be recognised when contracts are exchanged and the transaction is unconditional, in these instances no 
further support is provided to the client after this point. 

(b) Commercial property transactions

Generally, revenue is recognised at a point in time on the date of completion or when unconditional contracts 
have been exchanged. Fees are a fixed consideration or a fixed percentage of the transaction value and are 
invoiced to the client upon completion.

(c) Property consultancy services

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

Generally, revenue is recognised over a period of time as services are rendered in accordance with the contract 
terms. Fee arrangements include fixed fee arrangements and fee for service arrangements (‘time and materials’). 

For fixed-price contracts, revenue is recognised based on the stage of completion with reference to the actual 
services provided to the end of the reporting period as a proportion of the total services to be provided under 
the contract. This is determined on a contract by contract basis with reference to actual costs incurred in relation 
to the best estimate of total costs expected for completion of the contract or using a milestone based approach, 
depending on the contract terms. 

For fee for service contracts, revenue is recognised up to the amount of fees that the Group is entitled to invoice 
for services performed to date based on contracted rates. 

Payment arrangements vary between contracts, ranging from monthly retainers, monthly invoicing, quarterly 
invoicing, invoicing upon reaching certain milestones in the contract or payment upon completion of the 
final performance obligation in the contract. As a result, services rendered under a contract will often exceed 
consideration received from a customer and a contract asset will be recognised. If payments exceed services 
rendered, a contract liability will be recognised. 

In some instances, revenue will be recognised at a point in time upon delivery of the final report to the client. 
This is often the case for standalone valuation reports where the performance obligation is the provision of a 
property valuation report to the client. The Group is entitled to invoice the customer when the final report has 
been issued, at which point payment will be due. 

(d) Property and facilities management services

The Group primarily manages commercial, industrial, residential, leisure and agricultural property for owners. 

The primary performance obligation relates to the ongoing management of a property where revenue is 
recognised over a period of time as services are rendered in accordance with the contract terms. Revenue 
is recognised over the life of a contract on a straight line basis, which is in line with the satisfaction of the 
performance obligation. 

Payment arrangements vary between contracts. The majority of customers are invoiced monthly or quarterly 
in advance, with consideration payable upon the issue of an invoice. Where invoicing is in advance a contract 
liability will be recognised.

In some property management arrangements, the Group is required to evaluate whether it is the principal (report 
revenues on a gross basis) or agent (report revenues on a net basis). Where the primary performance obligation 
of the contract relates to the arrangement of services for a customer rather than the responsibility to provide the 
services, the Group is considered the agent and the mark-up for the sub-contracted services will be recognised 
as revenue (revenues reported on a net basis). 

167

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsOverviewAnnual report & accounts 2021Notes to the financial statements continued
Year ended 31 December 2021

2. Accounting policies continued
2.24 Revenue continued
(d) Property and facilities management services continued

For leasing fees and management fees on repairs or other ad hoc property management services outside of the 
standard contract terms, revenue is recognised at a point in time upon completion of the performance obligation.

In these instances, the invoice would be raised to the customer upon completion of the performance obligation 
and payment due at this time. 

(e) Investment management services

Base management fees are received for the provision of fund and asset management services. Fund 
management fees are typically either fixed or calculated as a fixed percentage of the actual net asset value 
or actual gross asset value of the underlying portfolio of investments. Asset management fees are typically 
calculated as a fixed percentage of actual gross rental income or actual passing rents. Revenue is recognised 
over a period of time as services are rendered in accordance with the contract terms. Revenue is recognised over 
the life of a contract on a straight line basis, which is in line with the satisfaction of the performance obligation. 
Customers are generally invoiced quarterly in advance with consideration payable upon the issue of an invoice, 
as a result a contract liability will be recognised as the payments received will exceed services rendered. 

Transaction fees are received for the coordination and management of the due diligence in connection with 
acquisitions and sales of assets for customers. Transaction fees are calculated as a fixed percentage on the 
purchase or sales price and are recognised at a point in time upon unconditional exchange of contracts. 

Performance fees are received when a fund’s performance exceeds a designated return hurdle rate or pre-
defined benchmark or when the sale of individual assets exceeds a designated return hurdle rate. The Group 
estimates fees for this variable fee arrangement using a most likely amount approach on a contract by contract 
basis. Variable consideration is included in revenue only to the extent that it is highly probable that the amount 
will not be subject to significant reversal when the uncertainty is resolved. 

(f) Financing components

For contracts where the period between the transfer of the promised goods or services to the customer and 
payment by the customer exceeds one year, the transaction price is adjusted for the time value money. The 
financing component is recognised within finance costs or finance income in the income statement. 

(g) Costs of obtaining a contract

In the Investment Management business the Group pays placement fees to third parties for sourcing new 
investors and equity for a fund. These costs are capitalised and amortised on a straight-line basis over the life of 
the fund, consistent with the pattern of transfer of service to which the asset relates. The amortisation of these 
costs are recognised in the income statement, within other operating expenses. 

Incremental costs of obtaining a contract are recognised in the income statement, within other operating 
expenses, when incurred when the amortisation period of the asset that would otherwise have been recognised 
is less than a year. 

2.25 Leases
The Group enters into lease agreements for the use of buildings, equipment and motor vehicles. Lease terms 
are negotiated on an individual basis and contain a wide range of different terms and conditions. The lease 
agreements do not impose any covenants other than the security interests in the leased assets that are held by 
the lessor. Leased assets may not be used as security for borrowing purposes.

Leases are recognised as a right-of-use asset and a corresponding lease liability for future lease payables at the 
date at which the leased asset is available for use by the Group. Depreciation of the right-of-use asset will be 
recognised in the income statement on a straight-line basis, with interest recognised on the lease liability.

Assets and liabilities arising from a lease are initially measured on a present value basis. Lease liabilities include 
the net present value of the following lease payments: 

 ƒ fixed payments (including in-substance fixed payments), less any lease incentives receivable; 

 ƒ variable lease payments that are based on an index or a rate, initially measured using the index or rate as at the 

commencement date; 

 ƒ amounts expected to be payable by the Group under residual value guarantees; 

 ƒ the exercise price of a purchase option if the Group is reasonably certain to exercise that option; and 

 ƒ payments of penalties for terminating the lease, if the lease term reflects the Group exercising that option. 

168

Lease payments to be made under reasonably certain extension options are also included in the measurement 
of the liability. 

The lease payments are discounted using the interest rate implicit in the lease. If that rate cannot be readily 
determined, which is generally the case for leases in the Group, the lessee’s incremental borrowing rate is used, 
being the rate that the individual lessee would have to pay to borrow the funds necessary to obtain an asset 
of similar value to the right-of-use asset in a similar economic environment with similar terms, security 
and conditions.

The Group is exposed to potential future increases in variable lease payments based on an index or rate, which 
are not included in the lease liability until they take effect. When adjustments to lease payments based on an 
index or rate take effect, the lease liability is reassessed and adjusted against the right-of-use asset. 

Lease payments are allocated between principal and interest cost. The finance cost is charged to the income 
statement over the lease period so as to produce a constant periodic rate of interest on the remaining balance 
of the liability for each period. 

Right-of-use assets are measured at cost comprising the following: 

 ƒ the amount of the initial measurement of lease liability; 

 ƒ  any lease payments made at or before the commencement date less any lease incentives received; 

 ƒ any initial direct costs; and 

 ƒ restoration costs. 

Right-of-use assets are generally depreciated over the shorter of the asset’s useful life and the lease term on 
a straight-line basis. If the Group is reasonably certain to exercise a purchase option, the right-of-use asset is 
depreciated over the underlying asset’s useful life. 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.

Payments associated with short-term leases of equipment and vehicles and all leases of low-value assets are 
recognised on a straight-line basis as an expense in the income statement. Short-term leases are leases with a 
lease term of 12 months or less. Low-value assets comprise IT equipment and small items of office furniture. 

Extension and termination options are included in a number of property and equipment leases across the 
Group. These are used to maximise operational flexibility in terms of managing the assets used in the Group’s 
operations. The majority of extension and termination options held are exercisable only by the Group and not 
by the respective lessor. 

2.26 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.

2.27 Government grants
The Group recognises government subsidy income when there is reasonable assurance that the financial 
assistance will be received and, where applicable, when the Group is able to demonstrate its ability to comply 
with any conditions of the support scheme. The income is recognised in the income statement over the period 
necessary to match the income with the related cost and is deducted against the related expense in the income 
statement. The majority of financial assistance received by the Group in the current financial year is in relation to 
employee costs and is included as income within the employee benefits expense line. 

2.28 Adoption of standards, amendments and interpretations to standards
Standards, amendments and interpretations endorsed by the UK and mandatorily effective for the first time for 
the financial year beginning 1 January 2021 that are not relevant or considered to have a significant impact on the 
Group and its financial statements include the following:

Amendments to IFRS 9, IAS 39, IFRS 7, 
IFRS 4 and IFRS 16

Interest rate benchmark reform impact – Phase 2

Amendments to IFRS 16

Amendments to IFRS 4

COVID-19 related rent concessions

Extension of the temporary exemption from applying IFRS 9

There are no other UK-endorsed standards, amendments and interpretations to standards that are not yet 
effective and that would be expected to have a material impact on the entity in the current or future reporting 
periods and on foreseeable future transactions.

169

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsOverviewAnnual report & accounts 2021Notes to the financial statements continued
Year ended 31 December 2021

2. Accounting policies continued
2.29 Prior year restatements

Notional cash pooling arrangement

For internal cash management purposes, the Group maintains a notional cash pooling arrangement with Barclays 
Bank PLC, whereby credit cash balances (cash) and debit cash balances (overdrafts) for the participating bank 
accounts are notionally offset. There is no overdraft cost or charge associated with any pooled overdraft that is 
offset by pooled cash balances. Refer to Note 22 for further details. 

While the Group has legal right of offset of these balances in the arrangement, it was determined that the 
cash pooling arrangement did not meet the requirements for offsetting in accordance with IAS 32: “Financial 
Instruments: Presentation” for each period presented and the pooled cash and pooled overdraft balances within 
the notional pooling arrangement cannot be presented net in the statement of financial position. Accordingly, 
the presentation has been amended to show these balances on a gross basis separately on the statement of 
financial position as at 31 December 2021 in accordance with IAS 32. The prior period comparatives have been 
restated in accordance with IAS 8: “Accounting Policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates and Errors” to meet 
the presentation requirements of IAS 32. The change in presentation increases cash and cash equivalents within 
current assets and increases current liabilities with the overdraft balances in the notional pooling arrangement 
but does not have an impact on the reported net assets, net current assets, profit for the year, the statement of 
cash flows or cash and cash equivalents net of overdrafts disclosed by the Group. 

The table below shows the impact of the prior year restatement on the primary financial statements:

Statement of financial position

Cash and cash equivalents 

Assets: Current Assets

Overdrafts in notional pooling arrangement

Liabilities: Current Liabilities

31 December 
2020
 reported
£m

Restatement
£m

31 December 
2020 
restated
£m

338.3

845.2

–

711.1

209.1

209.1

209.1

209.1

547.4

1,054.3

209.1

920.2

As at 1 January 2020, the value of cash and cash equivalents and overdrafts in the notional pooling arrangement 
that were offset totalled £160.8m. Accordingly, the adjustment resulted in an increase in cash and cash 
equivalents from £209.9m to £370.7m and the separate presentation of overdrafts within the notional pooling 
arrangement of £160.8m. The adjustment therefore increases the total current assets from £790.1m to £950.9m 
and total current liabilities from £723.6m to £884.4m as at 1 January 2020.

Presentation of deferred consideration linked to continuing employment within the Statement of Cash Flows

In accordance with the requirements of IAS 7: “Statement of Cash Flows”, the Group’s policy is to classify 
payments of deferred/contingent consideration in relation to historic business acquisitions that are linked to 
continuing employment within cash flows used in operating activities and all other payments of deferred/
contingent considerations under IFRS 3: “Business Combinations” are classified as cash used in investing 
activities. Following a review prompted by an enquiry carried out by the Financial Reporting Council (‘FRC’) on 
the Group’s 2020 Annual Report & Accounts, it was noted that certain cash flows relating to employment linked 
deferred consideration payments were incorrectly classified as an investing activity as opposed to an operating 
activity in the Group’s consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. This has been corrected in this Annual Report 
and Accounts, with prior year comparatives for the period ended 31 December 2020 represented accordingly 
in accordance with IAS 8.

The scope of the review performed by the FRC was to consider the Group’s compliance with UK reporting 
requirements. Due to their inherent limitations these reviews are not intended to provide assurance that 
corporate accounts are correct in all material aspects. The FRC’s review does not benefit from a detailed 
knowledge of the business or an understanding of the underlying transactions entered into. The FRC’s letters are 
written on the basis that the FRC accepts no liability for reliance on them by the Company or any third party. 

170

 
The table below shows the impact of the prior year restatement on the Group’s Statement of Cash Flows and 
Note 32 – Cash Generated From Operations: 

Statement of cash flows

Cash generated from operations

Net cash generated from operating activities

Deferred consideration paid in relation to prior year acquisitions

Net cash (used in)/generated from investing activities

31 December 
2020
 reported
£m

Restatement
£m

31 December 
2020 
restated
£m

289.8

248.6

(15.3)

(43.4)

(7.2)

(7.2)

7.2

7.2

282.6

241.4

(8.1)

(36.2)

Note 32 – Cash Generated From Operations

Increase in trade and other payables and contract liabilities

Cash generated from operations

18.6

289.8

(7.2)

(7.2)

11.4

282.6

This prior year restatement does not have an impact on reported profit, earnings per share, assets, liabilities 
or the overall net cash flows disclosed by the Group and relates solely to classification within the Statement of 
Cash Flows.

Presentation of share of post-tax profit from joint ventures and associates within the Income Statement

Following a review of the Group’s share of post-tax profit from joint ventures and associates and the presentation 
of this in the Group’s Income Statement, management have determined that the Group’s joint ventures and 
associates are an integral part of the business and the share of post-tax profit from joint ventures and associates 
should have been included within operating profit, consistent with IASB’s view in IAS 1.BC56. This position has 
been corrected in the current year and prior period comparatives have been restated in accordance with IAS 8. 

The table below shows the impact of the prior year restatement on Group’s Income Statement:

Income statement

Operating profit

31 December 
2020
 reported
£m

Restatement
£m

31 December 
2020 
restated
£m

85.8

10.2

96.0

This prior year restatement does not have an impact on reported profit after tax, earnings per share, the 
Statement of Financial Position or the Statement of Cash Flows.

Presentation of dividends received from subsidiary and intercompany loans within the Company 
Statement of Cash Flows

The Company’s prior year Statement of Cash Flows included dividends from its subsidiary within cash generated 
from operations in error, these dividends should have been presented within cash generated from investing 
activities in line with the Company’s presentation policy for such cash flows. This is correctly reflected in the current 
year’s Statement of Cash Flows and the prior period comparatives have been restated in accordance with IAS 8.

The Company’s prior year Statement of Cash Flows included repayment of loans by subsidiaries and loans to 
subsidiaries presented net within the cash generated from investing activities in error, these cash flows should 
have been presented gross in line with IAS 7.21 Statement of Cash Flows. This is correctly reflected in the current 
year’s cash flow statement and the prior period comparatives have been restated in accordance with IAS 8.

171

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsOverviewAnnual report & accounts 2021  
Notes to the financial statements continued
Year ended 31 December 2021

2. Accounting policies continued
2.29 Prior year restatements continued
The table below shows the impact of the prior year restatement on the Company’s Statement of Cash Flows:

31 December 
2020
 reported
£m

Share based payment 
arrangement restatement 
(see restatement below) 
£m

31 December 
2020 
restated
£m

Restatement
£m

Company Statement of Cash Flows

Cash generated from/(used in) operations

11.6

(40.0)

Net cash generated from/(used in) 
operating activities

Dividends received from subsidiary

Repayment of loans by subsidiaries

Loans to subsidiaries

Net cash generated from investing activities

16.2

(40.0)

–

8.0

–

5.0

40.0

190.0

(190.0)

40.0

Note 32 – Cash Generated From Operations

Dividends received from subsidiary

–

(40.0)

Operating cash flows before movements in 
working capital

Cash generated from/(used in) operations

39.9

11.6

(40.0)

(40.0)

–

–

–

–

–

(4.0)

–

–

–

(28.4)

(23.8)

40.0

198.0

(190.0)

41.0

(40.0)

(0.1)

(28.4)

This prior year restatement does not have an impact on reported profit after tax, the Company Statement of 
Financial Position or the overall net cash flows disclosed by the Company and relates solely to classification 
within the Company Statement of Cash Flows.

Treatment of Group share based payment arrangements within the parent company financial statements

The Group operates a global share based payment arrangement whereby employees of the Group are granted 
shares in Savills plc by the parent company, Savills plc. Previously, the parent company only recognised the share 
of the Group’s share based payment reserve that related to its employees. In addition, the Company previously 
recognised net funding of the treasury shares held by the EBT, which is a subsidiary of the Group, through 
reserves (net funding being the Company’s cash contribution to the EBT to purchase treasury shares offset 
by the funds received from the Group’s subsidiaries to contribute to this funding). Furthermore, the Company 
previously recognised a gain to the income statement (with the corresponding entry to reserves) when the 
treasury shares were transferred out of the EBT upon vesting. Cash flows relating to these transactions were 
presented as financing activities within the Company Statement of Cash Flows. 

The treatment of these transactions has been updated in the current year to reflect the whole share based payment 
reserve for the Group in the Company’s Statement of Financial Position, with the share based payment charge relating 
to employees of the Group’s subsidiaries increasing the Company’s investment in subsidiary non-current asset on the 
Statement of Financial Position. Furthermore, when contributions from the Group’s subsidiaries are received these are 
now recognised against the carrying value of the investment in subsidiary non-current asset to the extent that they 
relate to IFRS 2 accounting. The impact of this treatment on the prior year comparatives is, respectively, a £163.9m 
increase and an offsetting £96.6m decrease in investment in subsidiaries with the £67.3m net effect being adjusted 
through reserves. The cash contributions to the EBT are now recognised as an investment in subsidiary non-current 
asset and when the treasury shares are transferred out of the EBT upon vesting the related cost of investment in 
subsidiary non-current asset held is derecognised. Finally, these cash flows are now classified as investing activities 
within the Company Statement of Cash Flows as a result. 

This updated treatment is reflected in the current year’s parent company’s financial statements and the prior 
period comparatives have been restated in accordance with IAS 8. 

172

  
The table below shows the impact of the prior year restatement on the Company’s primary financial statements:

Company Statement of Financial Position

Investment in subsidiary

Non-current assets

Total assets less current liabilities

Net assets

Equity:

Retained earnings

Equity attributable to owners of the parent

Total equity

Company Statement of Changes in Equity

Reported in the 2020 Report and Accounts: 

Balance at 1 January 2020

Profit for the year

Employee share option scheme:

– Value of services provided

– Exercise of share options

Contribution to Employee Benefit Trust

Contribution from subsidiaries in relation to Employee Benefit 
Trust funding

Balance at 31 December 2020

Restatement:

Balance at 1 January 2020

Profit for the year

Employee share option scheme:

– Value of services provided

– Exercise of share options

Contribution to Employee Benefit Trust

Contribution from subsidiaries in relation to Employee Benefit 
Trust funding

Balance at 31 December 2020

31 December 
2020
 reported
£m

Restatement
£m

31 December 
2020 
restated
£m

81.5

148.0

314.5

248.6

109.6

248.6

248.6

67.3

67.3

67.3

67.3

67.3

67.3

67.3

148.8

215.3

381.8

315.9

176.9

315.9

315.9

Share- based 
payments 
reserve 
£m

4.1

–

1.6

(1.5)

–

–

4.2

Share- based 
payments 
reserve 
£m

34.4

–

18.2

(17.0)

–

–

35.6

Retained 
earnings
£m

76.4

51.5

–

(18.9)

(8.3)

4.3

105.4

Total equity  

£m

219.5

51.5

1.6

(20.4)

(8.3)

4.3

248.6

Retained 
earnings
£m

26.0

(20.4)

Total equity  

£m

60.4

(20.4)

–

22.1

8.3

(4.3)

31.7

18.2

5.1

8.3

(4.3)

67.3

173

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsOverviewAnnual report & accounts 2021  
Notes to the financial statements continued
Year ended 31 December 2021

2. Accounting policies continued
2.29 Prior year restatements continued
Restated balances reported in the 2021 Report and Accounts:

Balance at 1 January 2020

Profit for the year

Employee share option scheme:

– Value of services provided

– Exercise of share options

Contribution to Employee Benefit Trust

Contribution from subsidiaries in relation to Employee Benefit 
Trust funding

Share- based 
payments 
reserve 
£m

38.5

–

19.8

(18.5)

–

–

Retained 
earnings
£m

102.4

31.1

–

3.2

–

–

Total equity  

£m

279.9

31.1

19.8

(15.3)

–

–

Balance at 31 December 2020

39.8

137.1

315.9

This prior year restatement does not have an impact on the Company’s Statement of Cash Flows.

Company Statement of Cash Flows

31 December 
2020
 reported
£m

Restatement
£m

Dividend 
restatement 
noted 
previously
£m

31 December 
2020 
restated
£m

Company Statement of Cash Flows

Net cash used generated from investing activities

5.0

(4.0)

40.0

41.0

Net cash used in financing activities

(9.8)

4.0

–

(5.8)

174

3. Financial risk management
3.1 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. The Group and the 
Company use financial instruments to manage material foreign currency risk.

The treasury function is responsible for implementing risk management policies applied by the Group and the 
Company. The treasury function has a policy and procedures manual that sets out specific guidelines on financial 
risks and the use of financial instruments to manage these.

3.2 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. When there is a material committed foreign 
currency exposure the foreign exchange risk will be hedged. 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.

The sensitivity analysis has been prepared for the major currencies to which the Group is exposed. Recent 
historical movements in these currencies has been considered and it has been concluded that a 5–10% 
movement in rates is a reasonable benchmark.

For the years ended 31 December, 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:

£m

2021

Estimated impact on post-tax profit

Euro

Hong Kong dollar

US dollar

Estimated impact on components of equity

Euro

Hong Kong dollar

US dollar

2020

Estimated impact on post-tax profit

Euro

Hong Kong dollar

US dollar

Estimated impact on components of equity

Euro

Hong Kong dollar

US dollar

Movement of currency against sterling

-10.0%

-5.0%

+5.0%

+10.0%

(1.7)

(1.8)

(0.3)

(0.8)

(9.4)

(16.4)

(0.9)

(1.4)

0.9

(0.2)

(18.9)

(16.6)

(0.9)

(0.9)

(0.2)

(0.4)

(4.9)

(8.6)

(0.5)

(0.7)

0.5

(0.1)

(9.9)

(8.7)

1.0

1.0

0.2

0.4

5.4

9.5

0.5

0.8

(0.5)

0.1

11.0

9.6

2.0

2.2

0.4

0.9

11.5

20.0

1.1

1.7

(1.1)

0.3

23.1

20.3

The Company recharges some of the Group’s international subsidiaries with respect to their allocation of central 
corporate costs and in some instances receives recharged costs from its international subsidiaries with respect to 
the cost of global initiatives incurred by those subsidiaries. The Company endeavours to invoice its subsidiaries 
in Sterling to minimise the risk of exposure to foreign currency movements. Similar to the Group, when there is a 
material committed foreign currency exposure the foreign exchange risk will be hedged however the Company 
does not actively seek to hedge risks arising from foreign current transactions due to the high costs associated 
with such hedging. The impact of foreign exchange risk is considered minimal for the Company. 

175

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsOverviewAnnual report & accounts 2021Notes to the financial statements continued
Year ended 31 December 2021

3. Financial risk management continued
3.3 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 2021, 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

2021

Increase in interest rates

+0.5%

+1.0%

+1.5%

+2.0%

Estimated impact on post-tax profit and equity

1.2

2.5

3.9

5.2

2020

Estimated impact on post-tax profit and equity

0.6

1.5

2.4

3.4

£m

2021

Decrease in interest rates

-0.5%

-1.0%

-1.5%

-2.0%

Estimated impact on post-tax profit and equity

(1.3)

(1.2)

(1.2)

(1.1)

2020

Estimated impact on post-tax profit and equity

(1.2)

(1.9)

(1.7)

(1.6)

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.

The Company has interest-bearing assets in the form of cash and cash equivalents and short-term interest 
bearing loans issued to the Group’s subsidiaries. The impact of interest rate changes is not considered material 
for the Company, with the value of interest income recognised in the period having a greater dependency 
on the level of cash and cash equivalents and intercompany loans maintained by the Company. The value of 
interest-bearing assets that the Company holds in any given period is primarily determined by the management 
of the UK Group’s cash pooling arrangement and the timing and value of dividends paid up by the Company’s 
subsidiary. 

3.4 Credit risk
Credit risk arises from cash and cash equivalents, equity 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 year, and management does not expect any losses from non-performance 
by these counterparties. There were no other significant current or non-current receivables or material individual 
trade receivable balances as at 31 December 2021. 

Refer to Note 20 for information on the credit quality of trade receivables and the maximum exposure to credit 
risk arising on outstanding receivables from clients.

176

The table below shows the Group’s cash and cash equivalents, overdrafts in notional pooling arrangements and 
bank overdrafts, as per the Statement of Cash Flows, split by counterparty ratings at the reporting date:

Counterparty rating (provided by S&P)

AA-

A+

A

A-

BBB+

BBB or below

Total

2021 
£m 

40.7

160.5

224.7

18.3

19.6

26.2

2020 
£m 

53.8

39.0

174.7

29.7

21.6

19.5

490.0

338.2

The Company’s credit risk arises from cash and cash equivalents, as well as outstanding receivables primarily 
due from the Group’s subsidiaries. There are no significant individual intercompany receivable balances as at 
31 December 2021 and 31 December 2020. All cash is held with Barclays Bank PLC, which is an A-rated bank. 

3.5 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 24) and cash and cash equivalents (Note 21 and Note 22) 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.

£m

2021

Borrowings

Overdrafts in notional pooling arrangement

Lease liabilities

Derivative financial instruments

Trade and other payables

2020 restated*

Borrowings

Overdrafts in notional pooling arrangement

Lease liabilities

Derivative financial instruments

Trade and other payables

Less than  

Between  

Between  

a year

1 and 2 years

2 and 5 years

Over 5 years

6.8

198.5

58.8

0.9

680.8

945.8

16.9

209.1

56.1

0.3

501.0

783.4

4.7

–

84.9

0.4

8.0

98.0

4.7

–

72.5

0.2

7.3

84.7

42.9

–

133.9

2.2

12.9

191.9

42.9

–

98.0

0.4

3.5

129.7

–

58.3

–

0.4

188.4

134.4

–

110.8

–

0.6

144.8

245.8

*  See Note 2.29 for details on the prior year restatement.

The Company is part of the UK Group’s cash pooling arrangement, which is managed by the Group Treasury 
function and provides the Company access to the Group’s revolving credit facility and other centrally managed 
sources of financing. Management monitors rolling forecasts of the UK Group’s cash and cash equivalents on the 
basis of expected cash flows. 

177

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsOverviewAnnual report & accounts 2021Notes to the financial statements continued
Year ended 31 December 2021

3. Financial risk management continued
3.6 Capital risk management
The Group’s and Company’s objectives when managing capital are:

 ƒ to safeguard the Group’s ability to provide returns for Shareholders and benefits for other stakeholders; and

 ƒ to maintain an optimal capital structure to reduce the cost of capital.

The Group’s overall strategy remains unchanged from 2020. This strategy applies to the Company. 

Savills plc is not subject to any externally-imposed capital requirements, with the exception of its regulated 
entities within the Savills Investment Management Group and its FCA (Financial Conduct Authority) 
regulated entity, Savills Capital Advisors Ltd, in the UK. All regulated entities complied with the relevant 
capital requirements for the year ended 31 December 2021. The Savills Investment Management Group has 
regulated entities in the UK, Jersey, Luxembourg, Germany, Italy, Japan, Singapore and Australia. For more 
information on Savills Investment Management Group’s regulated entities and regulatory requirements, please 
visit www.savillsim.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 the 
Group’s 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 retained earnings 
and/or at least 2.0 times by underlying profits after taxation. The Group complied with this policy throughout 
the year. 

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 Group complied with all banking covenants throughout the 
year and met all internal counterparty exposure limits set by the Board.

The capital structure is as follows:

£m

Equity

Cash and cash equivalents

Overdrafts in notional pooling arrangement

Bank overdrafts

Borrowings (gross of transaction costs)

Cash and cash equivalents net of gross borrowings

*  See Note 2.29 for details on the prior year restatement.

Group

Company

2021

753.4

689.7

(198.5)

(1.2)

(150.9)

339.1

2020
restated*

581.6

2021

346.1

2020 
restated*

315.9

547.4

(209.1)

(0.1)

(162.1)

176.1

102.2

94.5

–

–

–

–

–

–

102.2

94.5

178

3.7 Categories of financial instruments

Financial 
assets at 
FVPL 
2021 

Financial 
assets at 
FVOCI
2021 

Financial 
assets at 
amortised 
cost
2021

Total 
carrying 
amount 
2021

Financial 
assets at 
FVPL 
2020 

Financial 
assets at 
FVOCI
2020 

Financial 
assets at 
amortised 
cost
2020
restated* 

Total 
carrying 
amount 
2020
 restated*

Group
£m

Financial assets:

Financial assets at FVOCI

–

30.4

–

30.4

–

27.4

Trade and other receivables

Derivative financial instruments

Cash and cash equivalents

15.8

0.1

–

–

–

–

508.5

524.3

–

0.1

689.7

689.7

Total financial assets

15.9

30.4

1,198.2 1,244.5

10.8

0.4

–

11.2

–

401.0

–

547.4

–

–

–

27.4

948.4

27.4

411.8

0.4

547.4

987.0

Group
£m

Financial liabilities:

Borrowings

Overdrafts in notional pooling arrangements

Lease liabilities

Trade and other payables

Derivative financial instruments

Total financial liabilities

*  See Note 2.29 for details on the prior year restatement.

Company
£m

Financial assets:

Trade and other receivables

Cash and cash equivalents

Total financial assets

Company
£m

Financial liabilities:

Lease liabilities

Trade and other payables

Total financial liabilities

Financial 
liabilities 
at FVPL 
2021 

Financial 
liabilities at 
amortised 
cost 
2021 

Total 
carrying 
amount 
 2021 

Financial 
liabilities at 
FVPL 
2020

Financial 
liabilities at 
amortised 
cost 
2020
restated* 

Total 
carrying 
amount 
 2020 
restated*

–

–

–

1.4

3.5

4.9

150.5

198.5

150.5

198.5

285.0

285.0

699.4

700.8

–

3.5

1,333.4

1,338.3

–

–

–

4.3

0.9

5.2

160.6

209.1

160.6

209.1

304.2

304.2

512.7

–

517.0

0.9

1,186.6

1,191.8

Financial 
assets at 
amortised cost
2021

Total carrying 
amount 
2021

Financial 
assets at 
amortised cost
2020 

Total carrying 
amount 
2020

98.9

102.2

201.1

98.9

102.2

201.1

88.8

94.5

183.3

88.8

94.5

183.3

Financial 
liabilities at 
amortised cost 
2021 

Total carrying 
amount 
 2021 

Financial 
liabilities at 
amortised cost 
2020 

Total carrying 
amount 
 2020 

64.5

25.3

89.8

64.5

25.3

89.8

70.1

11.5

81.6

70.1

11.5

81.6

179

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsOverviewAnnual report & accounts 2021Notes to the financial statements continued
Year ended 31 December 2021

3. Financial risk management continued
3.8 Fair value estimation
The following table presents the Group’s assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value at 
31 December 2021:

£m

2021

Assets

Financial assets at FVOCI

– Listed

– Unlisted

Trade and other receivables held at FVPL

Derivative financial instruments

Total assets

Liabilities

Contingent deferred consideration

Derivative financial instruments

Total liabilities

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total

1.5

–

–

–

1.5

–

–

–

–

14.0

–

0.1

14.1

–

0.9

0.9

–

14.9

15.8

–

30.7

1.4

2.6

4.0

1.5

28.9

15.8

0.1

46.3

1.4

3.5

4.9

The following table presents the Group’s assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value at 
31 December 2020:

£m

2020

Assets

Financial assets at FVOCI

– Listed

– Unlisted

Trade and other receivables held at FVPL

Derivative financial instruments

Total assets

Liabilities

Contingent deferred consideration

Derivative financial instruments

Total liabilities

Level 1

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total

1.5

–

–

–

1.5

–

–

–

–

7.2

–

0.4

7.6

–

0.3

0.3

–

18.7

10.8

–

29.5

4.3

0.6

4.9

1.5

25.9

10.8

0.4

38.6

4.3

0.9

5.2

Level 1 instruments are those whose fair values are based on quoted market prices. 

Level 2

The fair value of Level 2 unlisted financial assets at FVOCI 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. These instruments are included in Level 2.

The fair value of derivative financial instruments relating to forward foreign exchange contracts and interest rate 
caps are 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.

Level 3

If one or more of the significant inputs is not based on observable market data, the instrument is included 
in Level 3.

180

Unlisted equity securities included in Level 3 fall under two categories. The first, where cost has been determined as 
the best approximation of fair value. Cost is considered the best approximation of fair value in these instances either 
due to insufficient more recent information being available and/or there being a wide range of possible fair value 
measurements due to the nature of the investments and cost is considered the best estimate of fair value within the 
range. The second, where management have determined the fair value of the unlisted equity security based upon 
the latest trading performance of the investments, cash flow forecasts of the investments and applying these to a 
discounted cash flow valuation and/or considering evidence from recent fundraising initiatives undertaken.

Trade and other receivables classified as Level 3 relates to loans held at FVPL (see Note 20.3 for the terms of these 
loans). Management have determined the fair value of these loans based upon the latest trading performance of the 
equity investments, cash flow forecasts of the investments and applying these to a discounted cash flow valuation.

The derivative financial liabilities classified as Level 3 relates to a put and call options, the fair value of which is 
derived from management’s best estimate of the average EBITDA forecast of the relevant businesses.

Deferred consideration held at fair value relates to contingent deferred consideration. The fair value of 
contingent deferred consideration classified as Level 3 is derived from management’s best estimate of future 
revenue / profits of the relevant acquired business, in accordance with the contractually agreed earn-out targets. 

The following table presents the changes in Level 3 items for the period ended 31 December 2021. 

Opening balance 1 January 2021

Additions

Settled

Re-measurement

Exchange movement

Closing balance 31 December 2021

Contingent 
deferred 
consideration
£m

Derivative 
financial 
instruments
£m

Unlisted 
equity 
securities 
£m 

Trade 
and other 
receivables
£m

(4.3)

–

2.9

–

–

(1.4)

(0.6)

(1.8)

–

(0.2)

–

(2.6)

18.7

0.8

–

(4.6)

–

14.9

10.8

5.4

–

–

(0.4)

15.8

4. Critical accounting estimates and management judgements
4.1 Accounting estimates
Estimates 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 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.

(a) Pension benefits
Determining the value of the future defined benefit obligation requires estimation in respect of the assumptions 
used to calculate present values. These include future mortality, discount rate and inflation. Management 
determines these assumptions in consultation with an independent actuary. Details of the estimates made in 
calculating the defined benefit obligation are disclosed in Note 10.2. 

(b) Goodwill
The Group tests goodwill for impairment on an annual basis by comparing the carrying value of these assets 
with the value-in-use calculations of the relevant cash-generating unit (CGU). Within this process, the Group 
makes a number of key assumptions including discount rates, terminal growth rates and forecast cash flows. 
The assumptions impact the recoverability of goodwill and the requirement for impairment charges in the 
income statement. Additional information is disclosed in Note 15, which highlights the critical estimates applied 
in the value-in-use calculations for those CGUs that are considered most sensitive to changes in key assumptions 
and the sensitivity of these critical estimates.

(c) Debtor recoverability
As described in Note 20, provisions for impairment of trade receivables have been made. In reviewing the 
appropriateness of these provisions, consideration has been given to the ageing of the debt and the potential 
likelihood of default, taking into account current and future economic conditions. Impairment analysis is performed by 
local management using a provision matrix to measure the expected credit losses, which is based on historical credit 
loss experience adjusted for forward-looking factors specific to the debtors and economic environment.

181

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsOverviewAnnual report & accounts 2021Notes to the financial statements continued
Year ended 31 December 2021

4. Critical accounting estimates and management judgements continued
4.2 Management judgements
The following are critical judgements, apart from those involving estimations (which are dealt with separately 
above), that the Directors have made in the process of applying the Group’s accounting policies and that have 
the most significant effect on the amounts recognised in the financial statements.

(a) Non-underlying items

The Group presents underlying profit, earnings and taxation as part of its non-GAAP measures explained 
in Note 2.3. These measures involve the exclusion of items that, in the judgement of the Directors, need to 
be disclosed separately in order to provide additional information with respect to the Group’s operational 
performance. The items that are excluded are considered significant and non-operational in nature and meet the 
Group’s criteria for exclusion as described in Note 2.3. Further details of these items disclosed by the Directors in 
the reconciliation to underlying profit are detailed in Note 8. 

(b) Critical judgements in determining the lease term

In determining the lease term, management considers all facts and circumstances that create an economic 
incentive to exercise an extension option, or not exercise a termination option. Extension options (or periods after 
termination options) are only included in the lease term if the lease is reasonably certain to be extended 
(or not terminated).

The assessment is reviewed if a significant event or a significant change in circumstances occurs which affects 
this assessment and that is within the control of the lessee.

5. Revenue from contracts with customers
Revenue of £2,147.0m (2020: £1,740.5m) in the income statement relates solely to revenue arising from contracts 
with customers.

The Group derives revenue from the transfer of services over time and at a point in time in the major product 
lines and geographical regions as highlighted in the Group’s segment analysis (Note 6). 

5.1 Contract-related assets and liabilities
The Group recognised the following revenue contract-related assets and liabilities:

Asset recognised for costs incurred to obtain a contract – investment 
management contracts

Contract assets – consulting contracts

Accrued income (Note 20.1)

Total contract-related assets

Current

Non-current

Deferred revenue

Total contract liabilities – current

2021 
£m 

2020 
£m 

3.4

9.3

65.8

78.5

75.1

3.4

78.5

14.5

14.5

1.4

8.0

48.3

57.7

56.3

1.4

57.7

10.8

10.8

No material impairment loss on contract assets has been recognised in the current or prior year. 

Amortisation on investment management contract costs recognised in the income statement amounted to 
£0.2m (2020: £0.2m).

All consulting contracts are for periods of one year or less. As permitted under IFRS 15, the transaction price 
allocated to these unsatisfied contracts is not disclosed.

The movement in accrued income and deferred income year-on-year is a result of normal trading fluctuations 
and is not materially impacted by subsidiary acquisitions, foreign exchange fluctuations or changes in 
assumptions. 

182

5.2 Revenue recognised in relation to contract liabilities
Revenue recognised in the year that was included in the contract liability balance at the beginning of the period 
totalled £7.3m (2020: £7.0m). 

Revenue recognised in the year from performance obligations satisfied in previous years was not material.

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 GEB primarily manages the business based on the geographic location 
in which the Group operates, with the Investment Management business being managed separately. 

The operating segments are identified as the following regions: the UK, Continental Europe and the Middle East 
(‘CEME’), Asia Pacific and North America. The Savills Investment Management business is also considered a 
separate operating segment. The reportable operating segments derive their revenue primarily from property-
related services. Within the UK and Asia Pacific, both commercial and residential services are provided. Other 
segments are largely commercial-based. 

Refer to the Group overview on pages 4 to 5 and the segmental reviews on pages 23 to 27 for further 
information on revenue sources. The GEB also reviews the business with reference to the nature of the services 
in each region. Therefore, the Group has presented its segment analysis below in a matrix with the primary 
operating segments based on regions in which the Group operates.

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/(loss) on disposals, share-based payment adjustment, significant 
restructuring costs, significant transaction-related costs, amortisation and impairment of intangible assets arising 
from business combinations, impairment of goodwill and other items that are considered non-operational and 
material (fair value gain on associates/joint ventures and fair value loss on a transaction-related call option in 
the current year, GMP equalisation charge in the prior year). Segmental assets and liabilities are not measured or 
reported to the GEB, but non-current assets are disclosed geographically on page 185.

The segment information provided to the GEB for revenue and underlying profit/(loss) for the year ended 
31 December 2021 is as follows:

2021

Revenue

United Kingdom – commercial

United Kingdom – residential

Total United Kingdom

CEME

Asia Pacific – commercial

Asia Pacific – residential

Total Asia Pacific*

North America**

Revenue

Underlying profit/(loss) 
before tax

United Kingdom – commercial

United Kingdom – residential

Total United Kingdom

CEME

Asia Pacific – commercial

Asia Pacific – residential

Total Asia Pacific

North America

Underlying profit/(loss) 
before tax***

Transaction 
Advisory
£m 

Consultancy
£m

Property and 
Facilities 
Management 
£m

Investment 
Management 
£m

Unallocated
 £m

Total
 £m 

115.2

210.7

325.9

124.4

153.0

26.0

179.0

263.6

892.9

21.5

38.9

60.4

1.4

20.6

4.9

25.5

10.3

193.6

50.4

244.0

41.3

81.3

–

81.3

30.1

256.4

44.2

300.6

88.3

356.7

–

356.7

–

396.7

745.6

24.6

8.5

33.1

2.5

6.6

–

6.6

4.8

17.9

4.1

22.0

1.3

25.8

–

25.8

–

55.1

–

55.1

47.2

9.5

–

9.5

–

111.8

14.0

–

14.0

10.2

1.3

–

1.3

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(18.9)

–

(18.9)

–

–

–

–

–

620.3

305.3

925.6

301.2

600.5

26.0

626.5

293.7

2,147.0

59.1

51.5

110.6

15.4

54.3

4.9

59.2

15.1

97.6

47.0

49.1

25.5

(18.9)

200.3

183

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsOverviewAnnual report & accounts 2021Notes to the financial statements continued
Year ended 31 December 2021

6. Segment analysis continued
The segment information provided to the GEB for revenue and underlying profit/(loss) for the year ended 
31 December 2020 is as follows:

2020

Revenue

United Kingdom – commercial

United Kingdom – residential

Total United Kingdom

CEME

Asia Pacific – commercial

Asia Pacific – residential

Total Asia Pacific*

North America**

Revenue

Underlying profit/(loss) 
before tax

United Kingdom – commercial

United Kingdom – residential

Total United Kingdom

CEME

Asia Pacific – commercial

Asia Pacific – residential

Total Asia Pacific

North America

Underlying profit/(loss) 
before tax***

Transaction 
Advisory 

Consultancy 
£m

Property and 
Facilities 
Management
 £m

Investment 
Management 
£m

Unallocated 
£m

Total 
£m 

79.8

153.2

233.0

98.2

103.9 

26.9

130.8

205.2

667.2

9.5

23.0

32.5

(12.3)

3.3

3.4

6.7

164.1

41.7

205.8

37.5 

69.1

–

69.1

8.2

204.9

40.1

245.0

68.6

368.3

–

368.3

–

26.9

–

26.9

36.4

7.5

–

7.5

–

320.6

681.9

70.8

17.6

5.9

23.5

2.4

6.5

–

6.5

13.8

3.4

17.2

(0.1)

27.7

–

27.7

–

5.6

–

5.6

7.8

1.4

–

1.4

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(13.9)

–

(13.9)

–

–

–

–

–

475.7

235.0

710.7

240.7

548.8

26.9

575.7

213.4

1,740.5

32.6

32.3

64.9

(2.2)

38.9

3.4

42.3

(8.4)

(7.5)

(0.9)

19.4

31.5

44.8

14.8

(13.9)

96.6

*  Revenues of £286.3m (2020: £277.3m) are attributable to the Hong Kong and Macau region.

**  Revenues of £287.4m (2020: £209.2m) are attributable to the United States of America.

*** Transaction Advisory underlying profit before tax includes depreciation of £31.6m (2020: £33.4m), software amortisation of £1.7m (2020: £1.4m) and share 
of post-tax profit from joint ventures and associates of £3.7m (2020: £0.1m loss). Consultancy underlying profit before tax includes depreciation of £7.6m 
(2020: £7.6m), software amortisation of £0.4m (2020: £0.5m) and share of post-tax loss from joint ventures and associates of £0.2m (2020: £0.1m loss). 
Property and Facilities Management underlying profit before tax includes depreciation of £15.8m (2020: £15.2m), software amortisation of £1.3m (2020: 
£1.5m) and share of post-tax profit from joint ventures and associates of £8.0m (2020: £8.2m). Investment Management underlying profit before tax 
includes depreciation of £1.8m (2020: £1.7m) and software amortisation of £0.1m (2020: £0.1m) and share of post-tax gain from associates of £1.1m (2020: 
£2.2m). Included in Other underlying loss is depreciation of £6.6m (2020: £6.4m) and software amortisation of £2.6m (2020: £1.2m).

The Unallocated 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. No single customer contributed 10% or more to the Group’s revenue for 
both 2021 and 2020.

184

Non-current assets by geography are set out below:

Non-current assets

United Kingdom

CEME

Asia Pacific

North America*

Total non-current assets

2021
£m 

2020
£m 

324.2

143.9

153.4

269.1

890.6

294.8

160.6

147.2

256.7

859.3

*  Total non-current assets of £265.8m (2020: £253.1m) are attributable to the United States of America.

Non-current assets include goodwill and intangible assets, plant, property and equipment, right-of-use assets, 
contract related assets, non-current trade and other receivables (including financial assets held at FVPL), 
financial assets held at FVOCI and investments in joint ventures and associates. Retirement benefit surplus and 
deferred tax assets are not included.

7. Operating profit
7.1 Operating profit
Operating profit is stated after charging/(crediting):

In employee benefit expense

– Significant restructuring costs

– Transaction-related costs

In depreciation

– Depreciation of right of use assets – leasehold properties

– Depreciation of right of use assets – equipment and motor vehicles

In other operating expenses

–  Net foreign exchange (gains)/losses (excluding net (gains)/losses on forward 

foreign exchange contracts)

– Net (gains)/losses on forward foreign exchange contracts

– Significant restructuring costs

– Transaction-related costs

– Impairment of right-of-use asset

– Expense relating to short-term leases

– Expense relating to variable lease payments not included in lease liabilities

In other net gains

– Dividends from equity investments held at FVOCI

– Related to investments held at the end of the reporting period

– Related to investments disposed of prior to the end of the reporting period

–  Fair value gain on step acquisitions of subsidiaries previously classified as 

associates/joint ventures

– (Profit)/loss on disposal of joint ventures and associates

– Fair value loss on derivative financial instrument

Group

2021 
£m 

0.3

15.3

45.3

2.0

0.8

–

–

1.1

0.3

0.2

0.5

(0.1)

(0.1)

(4.0)

(0.4)

1.8

2020 
£m 

0.8

4.2

45.6

2.2

(0.3)

(0.1)

0.7

0.4

–

0.7

1.2

(0.5)

(0.3)

–

0.1

–

Other operating expenses includes £190.3m of contract costs (2020: £199.1m), there are no other cost categories 
within other operating expenses that are individually materially significant. 

185

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsOverviewAnnual report & accounts 2021Notes to the financial statements continued
Year ended 31 December 2021

7. Operating profit continued
7.2 Fees payable to the Company’s auditors, Ernst & Young LLP (2020: PricewaterhouseCoopers 
LLP), and its associates

Audit services

Fees payable to the Company’s auditors for the audit of the parent Company

Fees payable to the Company’s auditors and its associates for the audit of the 
Company’s subsidiaries

Audit-related assurance services

Total

Group

2021
 £m 

0.7

2.3

3.0

0.3

3.3

2020 
£m 

0.4

2.1

2.5

0.1

2.6

Audit–related assurance services relates to the work performed in connection with the Group’s interim financial 
statements and regulatory audits.

7.3 Government subsidies
During the year, the Group received £9.6m (2020: £23.4m) of wage-related subsidies from governments globally 
in respect of employment support schemes due to the COVID-19 pandemic. After repayments (principally 
repayments in 2020 of UK Furlough receipts in 2020) and other provisions, the net positive impact of such 
receipts on the Group’s operating profit in the year was £4.4m (2020: £11.9m).

8. Underlying profit before tax

Reported profit before tax

Adjustments:

Amortisation of intangible assets arising from business combinations 

Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets arising from business 
combinations (Note 15)

Share-based payment adjustment (see Note 2.3 for explanation)

(Profit)/loss on disposal of joint ventures and associates 

Restructuring costs

Transaction-related costs

Fair value gain on step acquisitions of subsidiaries previously classified 
as associates/joint ventures

Fair value loss on transaction-related call option

GMP equalisation charge

Underlying profit before tax

2021 
£m 

183.1

8.1

5.2

(10.8)

(0.4)

0.3

17.0

(4.0)

1.8

–

200.3

2020 
£m 

83.2

4.9

–

1.2

0.1

1.5

5.0

–

–

0.7

96.6

Impairment of goodwill in the year relates to the Indonesia and Sweden cash generating units. Impairment on 
intangible assets arising from business combinations relate to property management contracts in South Korea 
and Japanese investment management contracts relating to closed funds. See Note 15 for further details.

Profit on disposal recognised primarily in relation to the disposal of holdings in joint ventures in China. In the prior 
year, loss on disposal was recognised in relation to disposal of a portion of the Group’s holding in a joint venture 
in China, which is now treated as an FVOCI equity investment and a part disposal of an associate in Singapore.

Restructuring costs includes costs of integration activities in relation to significant business acquisitions. Charges 
in the current and prior year primarily relate to the ongoing cost of deferred shares, with a five year vesting 
period, issued in relation to the restructuring upon acquisition of Aguirre Newman in 2017.

186

Transaction-related costs primarily relate to provisions for future payments in relation to business acquisitions, 
which are expensed through the income statement to reflect the requirement for the recipients to remain engaged 
actively in the business at the payment date (2021: £13.9m charge, 2020: £4.0m charge). The largest individual 
components of this charge in 2021 relate to the acquisition of DRC Capital LLP and the acquisition of Macro 
Consultants LLC in 2020. These costs are employee benefits expenses (see Note 7.1). In addition, transaction-
related costs include a £1.4m charge relating to prepaid amounts issued as part of business acquisitions that are 
linked to continued active engagement in the business (2020: £2.5m), £0.6m of unwinding of interest on deferred 
consideration and non-current future payments in relation to business acquisitions that are linked to employment 
(2020: £0.3m) and £1.1m of professional fees incurred on transactions (2020: £0.7m). Of these items, prepaid 
amounts that are linked to active engagement in the business are recorded as employee benefits expenses in 
the income statement, unwinding of interest is recorded as a finance cost in the income statement and all other 
charges/(credits) are recorded within other operating expenses. In the prior year, transaction-related costs also 
included a £1.8m credit relating to the re-measurement of contingent deferred consideration payments and a 
£0.7m credit in relation to a working capital adjustment on the Cluttons Middle East acquisition in 2018.

In the current year, a fair value gain was recognised on the re-measurement of the Group’s holding in its associate, 
DRC, and a joint venture in Indonesia, prior to the Group’s acquisition of the remaining equity interest in these 
businesses (refer to Note 18.5 for further details on the acquisition of DRC and the Indonesian business). In addition, 
a fair value loss was recognised on the fair value measurement of the Samsung Life call option, which gives 
Samsung Life the right to purchase up to an additional 10% shareholding in the Savills Investment Management 
group subject to the quantum of capital it has invested in SIM products during the initial 5 year term. 

Guaranteed Minimum Pension (‘GMP’) equalisation charge in the prior year reflects the past service cost on the 
UK defined benefit pension scheme, which is the estimated cost of equalising GMPs for historic transfers-out of 
the scheme; this follows a High Court ruling issued on 20 November 2020.

9. Employees
9.1 Employee benefits expense

Basic salaries and wages

Profit share and commissions

Wages and salaries

Social security costs

Other pension costs

Share-based payments

Group

Company

2021 
£m 

688.0

567.2

2020 
£m 

635.7

385.2

1,255.2

1,020.9

98.4

35.8

23.7

78.3

34.7

19.8

1,413.1

1,153.7

2021 
£m 

10.7

8.6

19.3

3.1

0.6

3.3

26.3

2020
 £m 

9.6

5.4

15.0

1.9

0.6

1.6

19.1

The Group received wage-related subsidies from governments globally in respect of employment support 
schemes following the COVID-19 pandemic. The amount received under these schemes are off-set against the 
employee benefit expense in the income statement. Refer to Note 7.3 for further details.

9.2 Staff numbers
The monthly average number of employees (including Directors) for the year was:

United Kingdom

CEME

Asia Pacific

North America

Group

Company

2021 

2020 

8,840

2,525

27,813

912

6,939

2,135

29,160

833

40,090

39,067

2021 

171

–

–

–

171

2020

151

–

–

–

151

The average number of UK employees (including Directors) during the year included 117 employed under fixed-
term and temporary contracts (2020: 112).

187

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsOverviewAnnual report & accounts 2021Notes to the financial statements continued
Year ended 31 December 2021

9. Employees continued
9.3 Key management compensation

Key management

– Short-term employee benefits

– Post-employment benefits

– Share-based payments

Group

2021 
£m 

Company

2020
 £m 

2021 
£m 

2020
 £m 

26.7

0.1

3.6

30.4

17.3

0.1

2.2

19.6

5.4

0.1

1.8

7.3

3.1

0.1

1.3

4.5

The key management of the Group for the year ended 31 December 2021 comprised the Board of Directors and 
the GEB members. The key management of the Company for the year ended 31 December 2021 comprised the 
Executive and Non-Executive Directors of the Company, primarily the Group’s Board of Directors. Directors’ 
remuneration is contained in the Remuneration report on pages 106 to 136.

During the year, eight (2020: eight) GEB members made aggregate gains totalling £2.7m (2020: £1.8m) on the 
exercise of options under DSBP and DSP schemes (2020: DSBP and DSP schemes). For the Company, three 
(2020: three) members of key management made aggregate gains totalling £1.4m (2020: £1.0m) on the exercise 
of options under DSBP schemes (2020: DSBP schemes). 

Retirement benefits under the defined benefit scheme are accruing for three (2020: three) GEB members and 
benefits are accruing under a defined contribution scheme in Hong Kong for two (2020: two) GEB members. 
For the Company, retirement benefits under the defined benefit scheme are accruing for two (2020: two) 
Executive Directors.

10. Pension schemes
10.1 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 £35.8m (2020: £34.0m). The amount 
outstanding as at 31 December 2021 in relation to defined contribution schemes is £2.3m (2020: £2.7m).

10.2 Defined benefit plan
The Group operates two defined benefit plans.

The Pension Plan of Savills (the ‘UK Plan’) is a UK-based plan which 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 UK Plan are provided through the Group’s 
defined contribution Personal Pension Plan.

The UK Plan is administered by a separate Trust that is legally separated from the Company. The Board of the 
pension fund is composed of six trustees. The Board of the pension fund is required by law and by its Article 
of Association to act in the interest of the fund and of all relevant stakeholders in the scheme. The Board of the 
pension fund is responsible for the investment policy with regard to the assets of the fund. The contributions are 
determined by an independent qualified actuary on the basis of triennial valuations.

A full actuarial valuation of the UK Plan was carried out as at 31 March 2019 and has been updated to 
31 December 2021 by a qualified independent actuary.

The Savills Fund Management GMBH Plan (the ‘SFM Plan’) is a Germany-based plan which provides final 
salary benefits to six active employees and 108 former employees. The plan is closed to future service-based 
benefit accrual.

The SFM Plan is administered by an external Trust that is legally separated from the Company. The Trust 
Agreement requires the trustee to maintain the plan assets in the interest of the beneficiaries of the plan and to 
fulfil their pension entitlements in the event of insolvency to the extent of the plan assets held. The Investment 
Committee of the fund, advised by expert investment managers, is responsible for the investment policy with 
regards to the assets of the fund. The contributions are determined based on the annual valuations of an 
independent qualified actuary.

A full actuarial valuation of the SFM Plan was carried out as at 31 December 2021 by a qualified independent actuary.

188

The table below outlines the Group’s and Company’s defined benefit pension amounts in relation to the UK Plan:

(Asset)/liability in the statement of financial position

Net interest expense included in finance costs

Past service cost included in employee benefit expense

2021 
£m

(17.4)

–

–

Actuarial gain included in other comprehensive income

(19.8)

2020 
£m

2.6

0.2

0.7

(7.7)

2021 
£m

(1.0)

–

–

2020 
£m

0.1

–

–

(1.1)

(0.4)

Group

Company

The past service cost in 2020 relates to the estimated cost of GMP equalisation of historic individual transfers-
out of the UK Plan; this follows a second High Court hearing on the GMP equalisation case in May and October 
2020. The ruling issued on 20 November 2020 did not revisit any of the issues addressed in the original 
2018 ruling.

Rule 23 of the governing Trust Deed and Rules of the UK Plan covers the rights upon termination of the UK Plan, 
which is triggered when there are no beneficiaries surviving in accordance with Rule 19. Management interprets 
these rules that in the event of the UK Plan winding up with no members, any surplus assets would be returned 
to the Company. Based on these rights, any net surplus in the scheme is recognised in full.

The amounts recognised in the statement of financial position in relation to the UK Plan are as follows:

Present value of funded obligations

Fair value of plan assets

(Asset)/liability recognised in the statement of 
financial position

Group

Company

2021 
£m

301.7

(319.1)

2020 
£m

333.0

(330.4)

2021 
£m

16.6

(17.6)

2020 
£m

18.4

(18.3)

(17.4)

2.6

(1.0)

0.1

The movement in the defined benefit liability/(asset) for the UK Plan over the year is as follows:

At 1 January 2021

Interest expense/(income)

Remeasurements:

–  Loss on plan assets, 

excluding amounts included 
in interest income

–  Gain from change in financial 

assumptions

–  Gain from change in 

demographic assumptions

– Experience gains

Employer contributions

Benefit payments

At 31 December 2021 

Group

Company

Present value 
of obligation 
£m

Fair value of 
plan assets
£m 

333.0

(330.4)

4.6

(4.6)

Total 
£m

2.6

–

Present value 
of obligation 
£m

Fair value of 
plan assets
 £m

18.4

0.3

(18.3)

(0.3)

Total 
£m

0.1

–

–

9.6

9.6

–

0.6

0.6

(25.1)

(1.5)

(2.7)

–

(6.6)

301.7

–

–

–

(0.3)

6.6

(25.1)

(1.4)

(1.5)

(2.7)

(0.3)

–

(0.1)

(0.2)

–

(0.4)

16.6

(319.1)

(17.4)

–

–

–

–

0.4

(17.6)

(1.4)

(0.1)

(0.2)

–

–

(1.0)

189

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsOverviewAnnual report & accounts 2021Notes to the financial statements continued
Year ended 31 December 2021

10. Pension schemes continued
10.2 Defined benefit plan continued

Group

Company

At 1 January 2020

309.9

(300.5)

Present value 
of obligation 
£m

Fair value of 
plan assets
£m 

Present value 
of obligation 
£m

Fair value of 
plan assets
 £m

Interest expense/(income)

Past service cost

Remeasurements:

–  Gains on plan assets, 

excluding amounts included 
in interest income

–  Loss from change in financial 

assumptions

–  Loss from change in 

demographic assumptions

–  Experience gains

Benefit payments

6.1

0.7

(5.9)

–

26.0

2.9

(2.6)

(10.0)

–

–

–

10.0

At 31 December 2020 

333.0

(330.4)

–

(34.0)

(34.0)

Total 
£m

9.4

0.2

0.7

26.0

2.9

(2.6)

–

2.6

Total 
£m

0.5

–

–

(16.6)

(0.3)

–

(1.9)

(1.9)

–

–

–

0.5

(18.3)

1.4

0.2

(0.1)

–

0.1

17.1

0.3

–

–

1.4

0.2

(0.1)

(0.5)

18.4

The table below outlines the Group’s defined benefit pension amounts in relation to the SFM Plan:

(Asset)/liability in the statement of financial position

Actuarial (gain)/loss included in other comprehensive income

SFM Plan

2021
 £m 

(0.7)

(1.8)

2020 
£m 

1.7

1.3

Section 5.2 of the SFM Plan Trust Deed provides the Trustor (Savills Fund Management GmbH, Savills Fund 
Management Holding AG, and Savills Investment Management (Germany) GmbH respectively) with an 
unconditional right to a refund of surplus assets assuming the full settlement of plan liabilities in the event of 
a plan wind-up. Furthermore, in the ordinary course of business neither Trustor nor Trustee have any rights to 
unilaterally wind up, or otherwise augment the benefits due to members of the scheme. Based on these rights, 
any net surplus in the scheme is recognised in full.

The amounts recognised in the statement of financial position in relation to the SFM Plan are as follows:

Present value of funded obligations

Fair value of plan assets

(Asset)/liability recognised in the statement of financial position

SFM Plan

2021
£m 

13.5

(14.2)

(0.7)

2020 
£m 

16.3

(14.6)

1.7

190

The movement in the defined benefit obligation/(asset) for the SFM Plan over the year is as follows:

At 1 January 2021

Interest expense/(income)

Remeasurements:

– Gain on plan assets, excluding amounts included in interest income

– Gain from change in demographic assumptions

– Experience gains

Employer contributions

Benefit payments

Exchange movement

At 31 December 2021

At 1 January 2020

Interest expense/(income)

Remeasurements:

– Loss on plan assets, excluding amounts included in interest income

– Loss from change in demographic assumptions

– Experience losses

Employer contributions

Benefit payments

Exchange movement

At 31 December 2020

The significant actuarial assumptions were as follows:

As at 31 December

Expected rate of salary increases

Projection of social security contribution ceiling

Rate of increase to pensions in payment

– pension promise before 1 January 1986

– pension promise after 1 January 1986

– 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

SFM Plan

Present value  
of obligation
 £m

Fair value  
of plan assets 
£m

16.3

0.2

–

(0.6)

(0.8)

–

(0.4)

(1.2)

13.5

(14.6)

(0.1)

(0.4)

–

–

(0.4)

0.4

0.9

(14.2)

SFM Plan

Present value  
of obligation
 £m

Fair value  
of plan assets 
£m

14.6

0.2

–

0.8

0.2

–

(0.5)

1.0

16.3

(13.8)

(0.2)

0.2

–

–

(0.5)

0.5

(0.8)

(14.6)

Total 
£m

1.7

0.1

(0.4)

(0.6)

(0.8)

(0.4)

–

(0.3)

(0.7)

Total 
£m

0.8

–

0.2

0.8

0.2

(0.5)

–

0.2

1.7

SFM Plan

UK Plan

2021 

2.50%

2.25%

2.25%

1.75%

–

–

–

–

–

–

2020

2.50%

2.25%

2.25%

1.75%

–

–

–

–

–

–

1.35%

1.75%

1.07%

1.75%

2021 

2020 

3.25%

3.25%

–

–

–

3.00%

3.10%

2.20%

5.00%

2.50%

2.50%

2.00%

3.20%

–

–

–

3.00%

2.70%

2.00%

5.00%

2.10%

2.10%

1.40%

2.80%

191

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsOverviewAnnual report & accounts 2021Notes to the financial statements continued
Year ended 31 December 2021

10. Pension schemes continued
10.2 Defined benefit plan continued
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 year

– Male

Retiring 20 years after the end of the 
reporting year

– Female

– Male

– Female

SFM Plan

UK Plan

2021 

85.5

88.9

88.2

91.1

2020

84.9

88.7

87.7

91.0

2021 

88.3

90.0

90.0

91.7

2020 

88.3

89.9

90.0

91.6

The sensitivity of the defined benefit obligations 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

SFM Plan

UK Plan

Impact on present 
value of scheme 
obligations £m

Impact on present 
value of scheme 
obligations £m

(0.2)

0.2

–

0.6

(5.7)

2.6

0.3

12.7

The sensitivity analysis presented above may not be representative of the actual change in the defined benefit 
obligations as it is unlikely that the change in assumptions would occur in isolation of one another as some of the 
assumptions may be correlated. 

Furthermore, in presenting the above sensitivity analysis, the present value of the defined benefit obligations 
has been calculated using the projected unit credit method at the end of the reporting period, which is the 
same as that applied in calculating the defined benefit obligations liability recognised in the statement of 
financial position.

Plan assets are comprised as follows:

 – Government bonds

 –  Corporate bonds  
(investment grade)

 – Cash and cash equivalents

Liability-driven 
investment (LDI)*

Investment funds

Bonds

Cash and cash equivalents

Asset backed securities

Total

UK Plan

2021

2020

Quoted 
£m

Unquoted
£m

75.8

0.5

17.6

93.9

–

119.3

1.8

44.8

259.8

–

–

–

–

32.4

26.9

–

–

59.3

Total
£m

75.8

0.5

17.6

93.9

32.4

146.2

1.8

44.8

319.1

%

24%

–

5%

29%

10%

46%

1%

14%

Quoted 
£m

Unquoted
£m

92.6

0.4

6.9

99.9

–

124.8

1.5

58.3

–

–

–

–

29.6

16.3

–

–

Total 
£m

92.6

0.4

6.9

99.9

29.6

141.1

1.5

58.3

%

28%

–

2%

30%

9%

43%

–

18%

100%

284.5

45.9

330.4

100%

*  A portfolio of gilt and swap contracts, backed by investment grade credit instruments and LIBOR generating assets, that is designed to hedge the 

majority of the interest rate and inflation risks associated with the scheme’s obligations. 

192

Investment funds

Total

SFM Plan

2021

2020

Unquoted
£m

14.2

14.2

%

100%

100%

Unquoted
£m

14.6

14.6

%

100%

100%

No Plan assets are the Group’s own financial instruments or property occupied or used by the Group. The fair 
values of the above equity and debt instruments are provided by the fund managers. The fund managers use 
best practice techniques to value their holdings in investment funds, with valuations validated by an independent 
appraisal firm. Where available, fair values are determined based on quoted market prices in active markets. 

Although the UK Plan does not invest directly in the Group’s financial instruments, it does invest in passive equity 
funds, so will have some exposure to FTSE All Share, hence indirectly to the Savills plc share price.

Through the defined benefit plans, the Group is exposed to a number of risks, the most significant of which are 
detailed below:

(a) 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 funds, 
which are expected to outperform corporate bonds in the long-term while providing volatility and risk in the 
short term.

(b) Changes in bond yields

A decrease in corporate bond yields will increase the Plan’s liabilities, although this will be partially offset by an 
increase in the value of the Plan’s bond holdings.

(c) 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.

(d) 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 2022 are £0.5m. 
The Company expects to contribute £nil.

The weighted average duration of the defined benefit obligations is 20 years for the UK Plan and 16 years for 
the SFM Plan.

Expected maturity analysis of the undiscounted pension benefits:

At 31 December 2021

Pension benefit payments

– UK Plan

– SFM Plan

Less than  
a year  
£m

Between  
1–2 years  

£m

Between  
2–5 years  

£m

Over  
5 years  

£m

Total  
£m

5.4

0.4

6.0

0.4

22.6

1.3

448.4

14.9

482.4

17.0

193

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsOverviewAnnual report & accounts 2021Notes to the financial statements continued
Year ended 31 December 2021

11. Finance income and costs

Bank interest receivable

Finance income

Bank interest payable

Unwinding of discounts on liabilities

Finance charges on lease liabilities

Net interest on defined benefit pension obligations

Fair value loss

Finance costs

Net finance cost

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

Overseas 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

Overseas tax

Effect of change in overseas tax rate on deferred tax

Adjustment in respect of prior years

Total deferred tax (Note 19)

Income tax expense

Group

2021
 £m 

1.9

1.9

(5.5)

(0.8)

(8.9)

(0.1)

–

(15.3)

(13.4)

Group

2021
 £m 

21.0

0.7

21.7

24.5

(0.7)

45.5

(3.8)

(0.7)

(3.4)

0.2

(1.4)

(9.1)

36.4

2020 
£m 

3.4

3.4

(6.5)

(0.5)

(8.9)

(0.2)

(0.1)

(16.2)

(12.8)

2020 
£m 

13.0

0.3

13.3

15.0

(1.8)

26.5

(3.7)

(0.3)

(7.6)

0.2

0.1

(11.3)

15.2

194

The tax on the Group’s profit before income tax differs from the theoretical amount that would arise using the 
UK weighted average tax rate of 19% (2020: 19%) applicable to profits of the consolidated entities as follows:

Profit before income tax

Tax on profit at 19% (2020: 19%)

Effects of:

Adjustment in respect of prior years

Difference in overseas tax rates

Utilisation of previously unprovided tax losses

Expenses and other charges not deductible for tax purposes

Non-assessable income (including COVID-19 subsidies)

Tax on joint ventures and associates

Effect of change in tax rates on deferred tax

Income tax expense

Group

2021
 £m 

183.1

34.8

(1.3)

3.9

(0.4)

3.5

(1.6)

(2.0)

(0.5)

36.4

2020 
£m 

83.2

15.8

(1.4)

2.5

–

5.3

(4.7)

(2.0)

(0.3)

15.2

The effective tax rate of the Group for the year ended 31 December 2020 is 19.9% (2020: 18.3%), which is higher 
(2020: lower) than the UK weighted average applicable rate.

The Finance Bill 2021 substantively enacted on 24 May 2021 included legislation increasing the UK corporation 
tax rate from 19% to 25% with effect from 1 April 2023.

Deferred tax has been determined using the applicable effective future tax rate that will apply in the expected 
period of utilisation of the deferred tax asset or liability. 

The tax (charged)/credited to other comprehensive income is as follows:

Group

2021 
£m

Company

2020
 £m

2021
 £m

2020
 £m

(1.2)

(0.2)

(0.1)

Tax on items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss

Deferred tax on re-measurement of defined benefit 
pension scheme

Current tax credit on defined benefit pension scheme

Deferred tax on additional defined benefit pension 
scheme contributions

Deferred tax on pension – effect of tax rate change

Tax on items that may subsequently be reclassified 
to profit or loss

Current tax credit on defined benefit pension scheme

Current tax charge on foreign exchange reserves

Current tax on IFRS 16 initial lease recognition release

Deferred tax on pension – effect of tax rate change

Deferred tax on defined benefit pension scheme

Deferred tax on foreign exchange reserves

(4.3)

0.1

(0.1)

(1.0)

(5.3)

–

–

–

–

–

(0.1)

(0.1)

–

–

–

(1.2)

2.5

(0.1)

0.1

0.3

(3.2)

0.1

(0.3)

–

–

(0.1)

(0.3)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Tax on items relating to components of other 
comprehensive income

(5.4)

(1.5)

(0.3)

–

–

–

(0.1)

0.5

–

(0.1)

–

(0.3)

–

0.1

–

195

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsOverviewAnnual report & accounts 2021Notes to the financial statements continued
Year ended 31 December 2021

12. Income tax expense continued
The tax (charged)/credited to reserves is as follows:

Tax on items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss:

Current tax credit on employee benefits

Current tax credit on IFRS 16 lease recognition release

Deferred tax on employee benefits

Deferred tax on IFRS 16 recognition release

Foreign exchange movements

Tax on items recognised directly in reserves

13. Dividends – Group and Company 

Amounts recognised as distribution to equity holders in 
the year:

In respect of the previous year

Ordinary final dividend of 17.0p per share (2019: £nil)

In respect of the current year

Interim dividend of 6.0p per share (2020: £nil)

Group

2021 
£m

2020
 £m

4.3

0.2

0.3

0.2

0.3

5.3

–

–

–

–

–

–

Company

2021
 £m

0.5

0.1

0.4

0.2

–

1.2

2020
 £m

–

–

–

–

–

–

Group

2021
£m

Company

2020
£m

2021
£m

2020
£m

23.6

8.3

31.9

–

–

–

23.8

8.4

32.2

–

–

–

The Group paid £0.4m (2020: £0.4m) of dividends to non-controlling interests.

Under the terms of the Savills plc 1992 Employee Benefit Trust (the ‘EBT’), the Trustees have waived their 
dividend entitlement for all shares held by the Trust. The dividends paid to the Rabbi Trust are eliminated upon 
Group consolidation, as a result the dividends paid by the Group and the Company are not equal. 

The Board recommends a final dividend of 12.75p per ordinary share (amounting to £18.4m), alongside the 
supplemental interim dividend of 15.6p per ordinary share (amounting to £22.5m) and a special dividend of 
27.05p (amounting to £39.0m), to be paid on 17 May 2022 to Shareholders on the register at 8 April 2022. 
These financial statements do not reflect this dividend payable.

The total paid and recommended ordinary, supplemental and special dividend for the 2021 financial year 
comprises an aggregate distribution of 61.4p per ordinary share (2020: 17.0p per ordinary share).

14. Earnings per share
14.1 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 weighted average number of ordinary 
shares held by the EBT (2021 closing: 4,644,019 shares, 2020 closing: 3,524,326 shares) and the Rabbi Trust 
(2021 closing: 1,440,484 shares, 2020 closing: 1,055,676 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.

196

The earnings and the shares used in the calculations are as follows:

2021 
 Earnings 
£m 

2021 
Shares  
million

2021 
EPS  

pence

2020 
Earnings  
£m 

2020 
 Shares  
million

2020 
EPS  
pence 

Basic earnings per share

146.2

139.4

104.9

67.6

138.0

49.0

Effect of additional shares issuable 
under option

Diluted earnings per share

–

7.1

(5.1)

146.2

146.5

99.8

–

67.6

3.1

141.1

(1.1)

47.9

14.2 Underlying basic and diluted earnings per share

Basic earnings per share

146.2

139.4

104.9

67.6

138.0

49.0

2021 
 Earnings 
£m 

2021 
Shares  
million

2021 
EPS  

pence

2020 
Earnings  
£m 

2020 
 Shares  
million

2020 
EPS  
pence 

Amortisation of intangible assets arising from 
business combinations after tax

Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets 
arising from business combinations after tax

Share-based payment adjustment after tax

(Profit)/net loss on disposal of joint ventures and 
associates after tax

Restructuring costs after tax

Transaction-related costs after tax

Fair value gain on step acquisition of subsidiaries 
previously classified as joint ventures/associates 
after tax

Fair value loss on transaction-related call option

GMP equalisation charge after tax

6.5

5.4

(9.0)

(0.4)

0.4

15.5

(4.0)

1.8

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Underlying basic earnings per share

162.4

139.4

116.5

Effect of additional shares issuable 
under option

–

7.1

(5.6)

Underlying diluted earnings per share

162.4

146.5

110.9

4.7

3.3

3.9

(6.5)

(0.3)

0.3

11.1

–

1.1

0.1

1.5

4.1

(2.9)

–

1.3

–

0.6

78.3

–

78.3

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

138.0

3.1

141.1

2.4

–

0.8

0.1

1.1

3.0

–

0.4

56.8

(1.3)

55.5

Primarily excludes (loss)/profit on disposals, share-based payment adjustment, amortisation and impairment 
of intangible assets arising from business combinations, impairment of goodwill, significant restructuring costs, 
significant transaction-related costs and other items that are considered non-operational and material (fair value 
gain on associates/joint ventures and fair value loss on transaction-related call option in the current year, GMP 
equalisation charge in the prior year). Refer to Note 8 for the gross amounts of the above adjustments and a 
reconciliation between reported profit before tax and underlying profit before tax, alongside further details on 
each of the adjustments.

197

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsOverviewAnnual report & accounts 2021Notes to the financial statements continued
Year ended 31 December 2021

15. Goodwill and intangible assets 

Group

Customer/
business 
relationships
£m

Investment 
and property 
management 
contracts
£m

Goodwill
£m

Order 
backlogs
£m

Brands
£m

Computer 
software
£m

Total
£m

Company 
Total
£m

Cost

At 1 January 2021

429.1

29.2

41.6

3.6

1.7

33.8

539.0

9.9

Additions through 
business combinations 
(Note 18.5)

Other additions

Disposals

Exchange movement

At 31 December 2021

Accumulated 
amortisation and 
impairment

At 1 January 2021

Amortisation charge 
for the year

Impairment charge for 
the year

Disposals

Exchange movement

At 31 December 2021

Net book value

40.6

11.9

17.7

–

–

(6.2)

463.5

–

–

(0.3)

40.8

–

–

–

–

–

(0.6)

58.7

(0.1)

3.5

2.9

–

–

–

0.1

5.9

(1.0)

(0.4)

73.2

5.9

(1.0)

(7.6)

–

0.1

–

–

4.6

38.4

609.5

10.0

49.7

19.7

21.6

1.5

1.5

15.8

109.8

3.6

–

4.1

–

(1.6)

52.2

2.6

4.5

0.6

0.4

6.1

14.2

2.6

–

–

(0.3)

22.0

1.1

–

(0.6)

26.6

–

–

–

–

–

(0.1)

–

(0.7)

(0.3)

5.2

(0.7)

(2.9)

–

–

–

2.1

1.8

20.9

125.6

6.2

At 31 December 2021

411.3

18.8

32.1

1.4

2.8

17.5

483.9

3.8

During the year, goodwill and intangible assets were tested for impairment in accordance with IAS 36. An 
impairment charge of £1.4m was recognised on the Indonesia CGU and £2.7m recognised on the Sweden CGU 
following changes in the teams of the businesses that were acquired, impacting the forecast revenues of the 
CGUs. The remaining carrying value of goodwill in relation to the Indonesia CGU as at 31 December 2021 is 
£3.9m. There is no goodwill remaining in the Sweden CGU as at 31 December 2021.

The carrying amount of intangible assets with indefinite useful lives totals £2.0m as at 31 December 2021 (2020: 
£2.8m), which consists of investment management contracts in relation to open-ended funds. An impairment 
charge of £0.8m has been recognised in 2021 in relation to Japanese investment management contracts where 
revenue is no longer expected to be generated from these contracts (2020: no impairment charge recognised). 

Investment and property management contracts includes the investment management contract asset identified 
on the acquisition of DRC in May 2021 (see Note 18.5). This intangible asset is amortised over 6 years, with the 
amortisation period ending in May 2027. The carrying value of this intangible asset as at 31 December 2021 totals 
£16.0m (2020: £nil). 

All intangible amortisation charges in the year are disclosed on the face of the income statement. 

198

 
The Company’s intangible assets consist of computer software only.

Group

Customer/
business 
relationships
£m

Investment 
and property 
management 
contracts
£m

Goodwill
£m

Order 
backlogs
£m

Brands
£m

Computer 
software
£m

Total
£m

Company 
Total
£m

Cost

At 1 January 2020

422.9

Additions through 
business combinations

Other additions

Disposals

Reclassifications

Exchange movement

5.1

–

–

–

1.1

21.5

7.7

–

–

–

–

At 31 December 2020

429.1

29.2

Accumulated 
amortisation and 
impairment

41.4

6.6

1.2

29.1

522.7

9.3

–

–

–

(0.2)

0.4

41.6

2.2

–

(5.3)

–

0.1

3.6

0.5

–

–

–

–

0.1

5.3

15.6

5.3

–

0.8

(1.1)

(6.4)

(0.2)

0.3

0.1

0.1

1.7

–

–

1.7

33.8

539.0

9.9

At 1 January 2020

48.7

18.0

18.4

6.4

1.2

11.3

104.0

Amortisation charge 
for the year

Disposals

Exchange movement

At 31 December 2020

Net book value

–

–

1.0

49.7

1.6

–

0.1

19.7

2.8

–

0.4

21.6

0.2

(5.3)

0.2

1.5

0.3

–

–

1.5

2.6

1.2

4.7

9.6

(0.4)

(5.7)

(0.2)

0.2

15.8

1.9

109.8

–

3.6

At 31 December 2020

379.4

9.5

20.0

2.1

0.2

18.0

429.2

6.3

Goodwill and indefinite life 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. Where there are multiple CGUs in a country, these CGU’s have been grouped and 
tested for impairment annually. A segment-level summary of the allocation of goodwill and indefinite useful life 
intangible assets is presented below:

2021

United Kingdom

CEME

Asia Pacific

North America

Transaction 
Advisory 
£m

Consultancy 
£m

Property and 
Facilities 
Management 
£m

Investment 
Management 
£m

Total 
£m 

Goodwill 
£m 

Indefinite 
life 
intangible 
assets 
£m

28.7

59.1

18.1

147.4

11.9

18.9

5.0

9.1

30.9

18.0

30.4

–

29.8

101.3

99.3

2.0

4.6

1.4

100.6

100.6

54.9

54.9

–

156.5

156.5

–

–

–

Total goodwill and indefinite 
life intangible assets

253.3

44.9

79.3

35.8

413.3

411.3

2.0

199

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsOverviewAnnual report & accounts 2021Notes to the financial statements continued
Year ended 31 December 2021

15. Goodwill and intangible assets continued

2020

United Kingdom

CEME

Asia Pacific

North America

Transaction 
Advisory 
£m

Consultancy 
£m

Property and 
Facilities 
Management 
£m

Investment 
Management 
£m

28.7

62.2

14.8

145.8

11.9

19.9

4.6

3.1

30.9

21.0

30.1

–

2.0

4.9

2.3

–

Indefinite 
life 
intangible 
assets 
£m

2.0

–

0.8

–

Total 
£m 

Goodwill 
£m 

73.5

71.5

108.0

108.0

51.8

51.0

148.9

148.9

Total goodwill and indefinite 
life intangible assets

251.5

39.5

82.0

9.2

382.2

379.4

2.8

15.1 Method of impairment testing
Goodwill values have been tested for impairment by comparing them against the ‘value-in-use’ in perpetuity of 
the relevant CGU group. The value-in-use calculations were based on projected cash flows, derived from latest 
financial budgets and strategic plans covering a three-year period, prepared by management and approved 
by the Board. Projected cash flows are extended for a further two-year period based upon forecasted market 
growth rates. These projected cash flows were discounted at CGU specific, risk adjusted, discount rates to 
calculate their net present value. 

15.2 Key assumptions
The calculation of value-in-use is most sensitive to the following assumptions:

(a) CGU specific operating assumptions

CGU specific operating assumptions are applicable to the forecasted cash flows for the years 2022 to 2024 and 
relate to revenue forecasts and operating profit margins in each of the operating CGUs. The value ascribed to 
each assumption will vary between CGUs as the forecasts are built up from the underlying business units within 
each CGU group.

(b) Discount rate

The pre-tax discount rates applied to cash flows of each CGU have been derived using a weighted average cost 
of capital (‘WACC’) methodology, representing the minimum return a business must earn on its asset base to 
satisfy providers of capital. Key inputs to the WACC calculation are the risk-free rate, the equity market risk 
premium, beta and the average borrowing rate (cost of debt) of the selected CGU.

Group WACC was adjusted for risk relative to the country in which the assets were located. The risk-adjusted 
discount range of rates used in each region for impairment testing are as follows:

2021
Discount rate 
range

2020
Discount rate 
range

10.6%

9.1%

9.6% – 13.7%

8.4%–12.9%

9.8% – 13.7%

8.5%–14.6%

11.1% – 11.6%

9.4%–9.9%

11.3%

15.9%

United Kingdom

Continental Europe

Asia Pacific

North America

Middle East

200

(c) 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 rates are based on the long-term growth rate in the countries in which the Group 
operates. The long-term growth rates used in each region for impairment testing are as follows:

United Kingdom

Continental Europe

Asia Pacific

North America

Middle East

2021
Long-term 
growth rate 
range

1.8%

2020
Long-term 
growth rate 
range

1.8%

1.0% – 2.9%

0.8%–2.8%

0.8% – 6.9%

0.6%–6.6%

1.8% – 1.9%

1.7%–1.8%

3.0%

2.4%

15.3 Sensitivity to changes in assumptions
The Indonesia CGU was impaired during the year and therefore the remaining carrying value of goodwill of 
£3.9m is considered at risk of further impairment if there were changes in key assumptions in the value-in-use 
model. The key assumptions applied in the Indonesia CGU relates to the average margin (25.8%). Goodwill would 
be fully impaired if the average margin applied evenly across the explicit forecast periods decreased to 12.2%.

With the exception of the impairment of the Indonesia and Sweden CGUs, management have determined that 
there has been no impairment to the other CGUs with the Group. This assessment is a reflection of best estimates 
in arriving at value-in-use, future growth rates and the discount rate applied to cash flow projections. 

The Group’s CGUs have performed strongly during 2021 however following significant increases in the discount 
rate, a number of CGUs have headroom of less than 50% of the carrying value of the CGU. The US and Spain 
CGUs were identified as the material CGUs that are considered to be sensitive to changes in key assumptions, but 
for which no impairment charge was considered to be required at 31 December 2021. 

The key assumption applied to the US CGU relates to the average margin of 6.7%. The headroom in the value-in-
use model for this CGU of £64.1m (27%) would be reduced to nil if the average margin decreased to 5.1% (applied 
evenly across the explicit forecast periods, all other variables remaining constant). Similarly, in the Spain CGU the 
key assumption applied relates to the average margin of 10.9%. The headroom in the value-in-use model for this 
CGU of £13.1m (21%) would be reduced to nil if the average margin decreased to 8.9% (applied evenly across the 
explicit forecast periods, all other variables remaining constant). 

201

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsOverviewAnnual report & accounts 2021Notes to the financial statements continued
Year ended 31 December 2021

16. Property, plant and equipment

Group

Cost

At 1 January 2021

Additions

Additions through business combinations (Note 18.5)

Reclassification to right of use assets

Disposals

Exchange movement

At 31 December 2021

Accumulated depreciation and impairment

At 1 January 2021

Charge for the year

Reclassification right of use assets

Disposals

Exchange movement

At 31 December 2021

Net book value

At 31 December 2021

Group

Cost

At 1 January 2020

Additions

Additions through business combinations 

Disposals

Reclassifications

Exchange movement

At 31 December 2020

Accumulated depreciation and impairment

At 1 January 2020

Charge for the year

Disposals

Reclassifications

Exchange movement

At 31 December 2020

Net book value

At 31 December 2020

Freehold 
property 
£m

Leasehold 
improvements 
£m

Equipment
and motor 
vehicles 
£m

0.1

–

–

–

–

–

0.1

–

–

–

–

–

–

80.6

12.3

–

(0.7)

(0.6)

0.3

91.9

40.4

7.6

(0.1)

(0.6)

0.1

47.4

69.1

6.3

0.3

–

(4.0)

(0.5)

71.2

44.5

8.5

–

(3.2)

(0.3)

49.5

Total 
£m

149.8

18.6

0.3

(0.7)

(4.6)

(0.2)

163.2

84.9

16.1

(0.1)

(3.8)

(0.2)

96.9

0.1

44.5

21.7

66.3

Freehold 
property 
£m

Leasehold 
improvements 
£m

Equipment
and motor 
vehicles 
£m

0.1

–

–

–

–

–

0.1

–

–

–

–

–

–

74.5

5.3

–

–

1.5

(0.7)

80.6

32.4

7.3

–

1.1

(0.4)

40.4

65.5

7.5

0.1

(3.5)

(0.8)

0.3

69.1

38.8

9.2

(3.3)

(0.1)

(0.1)

44.5

Total 
£m

140.1

12.8

0.1

(3.5)

0.7

(0.4)

149.8

71.2

16.5

(3.3)

1.0

(0.5)

84.9

0.1

40.2

24.6

64.9

202

Company

Cost

At 1 January 2021

Reclassification to right of use assets

Additions

Disposals

At 31 December 2021

Accumulated depreciation and impairment

At 1 January 2021

Reclassification to right of use assets

Charge for the year

Disposals

At 31 December 2021

Net book value

At 31 December 2021

Company

Cost

At 1 January 2020

Additions

Disposals

At 31 December 2020

Accumulated depreciation and impairment

At 1 January 2020

Charge for the year

Disposals

At 31 December 2020

Net book value

At 31 December 2020

Freehold 
property 
£m

Leasehold 
improvements 
£m

Equipment 
£m

0.1

–

–

–

0.1

–

–

–

–

–

0.1

0.7

(0.7)

–

–

–

0.1

(0.1)

–

–

–

–

7.7

–

1.4

(0.2)

8.9

4.6

–

1.3

(0.2)

5.7

Total 
£m

8.5

(0.7)

1.4

(0.2)

9.0

4.7

(0.1)

1.3

(0.2)

5.7

3.2

3.3

Freehold 
property 
£m

Leasehold 
improvements 
£m

Equipment
£m

Total 
£m

0.1

–

–

0.1

–

–

–

–

0.7

–

–

0.7

–

0.1

–

0.1

7.2

2.2

(1.7)

7.7

5.3

1.0

(1.7)

4.6

8.0

2.2

(1.7)

8.5

5.3

1.1

(1.7)

4.7

0.1

0.6

3.1

3.8

203

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsOverviewAnnual report & accounts 2021Notes to the financial statements continued
Year ended 31 December 2021

17. Right of use assets
The statement of financial position shows the following amounts relating to right of use assets:

Group

Cost

At 1 January 2021

Additions

Additions through business combinations (Note 18.5)

Reclassifications from property, plant and equipment

Disposals

Exchange movement

At 31 December 2021

Accumulated depreciation and impairment

At 1 January 2021

Charge for the year

Impairment

Reclassifications from property, plant and equipment

Disposals

Exchange movement

At 31 December 2021

Net book value

At 31 December 2021

Group

Cost

At 1 January 2020

Additions

Additions through business combinations

Disposals

Exchange movement

At 31 December 2020

Accumulated depreciation and impairment

At 1 January 2020

Charge for the year

Disposals

Exchange movement

At 31 December 2020

Net book value

At 31 December 2020

204

Leasehold 
properties 
£m

Equipment 
and motor 
vehicles 
£m

Total right 
of use assets  

£m

326.0

30.1

0.7

0.7

(15.1)

(4.0)

338.4

78.3

45.3

0.3

0.1

(12.6)

(1.0)

110.4

9.3

1.7

–

–

(0.6)

(0.4)

10.0

4.2

2.0

–

–

(0.6)

(0.2)

5.4

335.3

31.8

0.7

0.7

(15.7)

(4.4)

348.4

82.5

47.3

0.3

0.1

(13.2)

(1.2)

115.8

228.0

4.6

232.6

Leasehold
properties
£m

Equipment
and motor
vehicles
£m

Total right
of use assets 
£m

263.6

72.2

1.7

(11.5)

–

326.0

41.8

45.6

(9.5)

0.4

78.3

6.2

2.6

0.1

–

0.4

9.3

1.8

2.2

–

0.2

4.2

269.8

74.8

1.8

(11.5)

0.4

335.3

43.6

47.8

(9.5)

0.6

82.5

247.7

5.1

252.8

Company

Cost

At 1 January 2021

Reclassifications from property, plant and equipment

Additions

At 31 December 2021

Accumulated depreciation and impairment

At 1 January 2021

Reclassifications from property, plant and equipment

Charge for the year

At 31 December 2021

Net book value

At 31 December 2021

Company

Cost

At 1 January 2020

Additions

At 31 December 2020

Accumulated depreciation and impairment

At 1 January 2020

Charge for the year

At 31 December 2020

Net book value

At 31 December 2020

Refer to Note 25 for further information on the Group’s leases.

Right of use assets 
– Leasehold 
properties  

£m

63.9

0.7

0.3

64.9

10.0

0.1

5.4

15.5

49.4

Right of use assets  
– Leasehold 
properties  

£m

63.4

0.5

63.9

4.7

5.3

10.0

53.9

205

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsOverviewAnnual report & accounts 2021Notes to the financial statements continued
Year ended 31 December 2021

18. Investments and transactions
18.1 Group – Investments in joint ventures and associates

Cost or valuation

At 1 January 2021

Loans advanced

Reclassification*

Additions

Disposals

Fair value remeasurement 
recognised in the income 
statement (see Note 8)

Transfer upon subsidiary 
acquisition (see Note 18.5)

Exchange movement

At 31 December 2021

Share of profit

At 1 January 2021

Group’s share of profit from 
continuing operations

Dividends received

Transfer

Transfer upon subsidiary 
acquisition (see Note 18.5)

Exchange movement

At 31 December 2021

Total

At 31 December 2021

Joint ventures

Associates

Investment 
 £m

Loans  
£m

Total 
 £m

Investment  

£m

Loans  
£m

Goodwill  

£m

Total
£m

11.6

–

–

0.4

(0.3)

1.2

4.1

0.4

(2.1)

–

–

–

15.7

0.4

(2.1)

0.4

(0.3)

2.5

–

–

0.3

–

1.2

2.8

(3.3)

(2.4)

(5.7)

(3.3)

0.1

9.7

11.6

6.6

(6.6)

–

3.7

0.2

15.5

25.2

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

0.1

9.7

–

2.3

11.6

6.4

6.6

(6.6)

–

3.7

0.2

15.5

6.0

(6.0)

(1.3)

–

(0.2)

4.9

25.2

7.2

0.7

–

(0.7)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

14.9

–

–

–

–

–

18.1

–

(0.7)

0.3

–

2.8

(14.5)

(17.8)

–

0.4

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

2.7

6.4

6.0

(6.0)

(1.3)

–

(0.2)

4.9

0.4

7.6

*  The opening balance of loans receivable from joint ventures and associates have been reclassified to current and non-current trade and other receivables. 

206

Joint ventures

Associates

Investment
£m

Loans
£m

Total
£m

Investment
£m

Loans
£m

Goodwill
£m

11.9

0.3

(0.6)

–

–

11.6

11.2

6.2

(5.7)

(0.1)

11.6

2.8

–

–

1.4

(0.1)

4.1

–

–

–

–

–

14.7

0.3

(0.6)

1.4

(0.1)

15.7

11.2

6.2

(5.7)

(0.1)

11.6

2.5

–

–

–

–

2.5

7.5

4.0

(5.1)

–

6.4

0.6

0.2

–

(0.1)

–

0.7

–

–

–

–

–

14.9

–

–

–

–

14.9

–

–

–

–

–

Total
£m

18.0

0.2

–

(0.1)

–

18.1

7.5

4.0

(5.1)

–

6.4

Cost or valuation

At 1 January 2020

Additions

Disposals

Loans advanced/(repaid)

Exchange movement

At 31 December 2020

Share of profit

At 1 January 2020

Group’s share of profit from 
continuing operations

Dividends received

Exchange movement

At 31 December 2020

Total

At 31 December 2020

23.2

4.1

27.3

8.9

0.7

14.9

24.5

In the opinion of the Directors, the Group does not have any joint ventures or associates that are individually 
material to the results of the Group. 

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.

207

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsOverviewAnnual report & accounts 2021Notes to the financial statements continued
Year ended 31 December 2021

18. Investments and transactions continued
18.2 Group – Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income (‘FVOCI’)
Financial assets at FVOCI comprise the following individual equity investments:

Listed securities

OnTheMarket plc

Unlisted securities

YOPA Property Ltd

Vucity Ltd*

VESALF I

Savills IM Japan Residential Fund II

Savills IM Japan Value Fund II

Savills IM European Fund V – Retail

Savills IM UK Value Boxes Fund FCP-RAIF

Asia Pacific Income and Growth Fund

EPISO 4 Rebound Holding Sàrl

Daishin GK Canal

Income Analytics Ltd

Prime London Residential Development Fund II

Cordea Savills UK Property Ventures No. 1 LP

Daishin GK Kaigan

Prime London Residential Development Fund

Home Click Pte Ltd

Savills Property Services (India) Private Ltd

EDGE Minami Aoyama

Euro VI Feeder Fund

Other smaller investments

2021
£m 

2020
£m

1.5

7.5

4.4

3.7

2.1

2.1

1.4

1.4

1.2

1.0

0.7

0.7

0.5

0.2

0.2

0.2

0.2

0.2

0.2

–

1.0

1.5

15.2

1.3

0.9

1.2

0.9

1.6

–

–

–

0.1

–

0.6

0.4

0.2

0.2

0.2

0.2

0.2

1.1

1.6

30.4

27.4

*  The Group holds 20% of the equity interest in Vucity Ltd. However, the Group does not have the power to participate in the financial and operational 

decisions of the entity, does not have representation on the Board of Directors and does not participate in major policy-making processes. As a result, the 
Group does not exert significant influence over this investment.

During the year, the Group made total investments of £9.8m (2020: £5.0m), including a £3.1m increase in its 
investment in VESALF I and £3.7m of investment in new funds – EPISO 4 Rebound Holding Sàrl, Asia Pacific 
Income and Growth Fund and Savills IM UK Value Boxes Fund FCP-RAIF (2020: included an increase to its 
investment in the Savills IM Japan Value Fund II of £3.6m). 

The Group disposed of investments totalling £1.7m (2020: £2.5m), including its £1.1m investment in the Euro VI 
Feeder Fund (2020: including its £2.0m investment in the Aomi Project TMK and a part disposal in Savills IM 
Japan Fund II of £0.4m).

During the year, the Group has revalued its investment in YOPA Property Ltd in light of current trading 
conditions and market perceptions of the sector it operates in, reducing the carrying value by £7.7m. In addition, 
the carrying value of the Group’s investment in Vucity Ltd was revalued upwards by £3.1m, reflecting the 
external fundraising completed during the year. All changes in fair value have been recognised through other 
comprehensive income. In the prior year, the Group revalued its investment in Vucity Ltd as a result of COVID-19 
related challenges, reducing the carrying value by £7.2m with the change in fair value recognised through other 
comprehensive income. 

208

Equity investments at FVOCI are denominated in the following currencies:

Sterling

Euro

Japanese yen

Other

2021
£m

17.5

6.5

5.5

0.9

30.4

2020
£m 

19.4

3.7

3.5

0.8

27.4

Refer to Note 3.8 for information about methods and assumptions used in determining fair value. 

At 31 December 2021 the Group held conditional commitments to co-invest in a number of Savills IM funds 
including, £0.7m (2020: £2.0m) in the Savills IM Japan Value Fund II over the next year, £nil in the Savills IM 
Japan Residential Fund II (2020: £1.0m), £5.0m in the Asia Pacific Income and Growth Fund (2020: £3.4m) over 
the next two years, £nil in VESALF I (2020: £3.4m), £3.6m in Savills IM UK Value Boxes Fund FCP-RAIF (2020: 
£nil) over the next four years and £0.2m (2020: £0.2m) in the Cordea Savills UK Property Ventures Fund No. 1 LP, 
which is in the process of disposing of its assets and winding up. 

18.3 Company – Investments in subsidiaries 

Cost

At 1 January 2020 restated

Increase in investment

Return of investment

At 31 December 2020

Increase in investment

Return of investment

At 31 December 2021

Investments in 
subsidiaries 
restated*
£m

141.9

26.5

(19.6)

148.8

57.1

(30.9)

175.0

*  See Note 2.29 for details on the prior year restatement.

Refer to Note 35 for a full list of the Group’s subsidiaries. The Company directly owns Savills Holding Company 
Limited, all other subsidiaries in the Group are indirectly owned. The carrying value of the investment in the 
Company’s subsidiary is assessed for impairment by comparing the carrying value of the investment to the 
underlying net assets of the subsidiary. No impairment was identified during the year.

18.4 Transactions with non-controlling interests
Under IFRS 10, transactions with non-controlling interests must be accounted for as equity transactions. During 
the year, the Group undertook the following transactions with non-controlling interests:

Savills IM Holdings Ltd

Effective holding 
(disposed)/acquired 

Total effective 
holding at 31 
December 2021

(25%)

75%

209

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsOverviewAnnual report & accounts 2021Notes to the financial statements continued
Year ended 31 December 2021

18. Investments and transactions continued
18.4 Transactions with non-controlling interests continued

Part disposal of interests in subsidiaries

In December 2021, the Group disposed of 25% of the shares in Savills IM Holdings Ltd (‘Savills IM Group’) to 
Samsung Life Company Ltd for consideration of £71.7m, of which £63.7m was received in cash on completion. 
This takes the Group’s shareholding to 75%. The carrying amount of the Savills IM group net assets on the date 
of disposal was £112.7m. The Group recognised an increase in non-controlling interest of £28.2m. The amount 
recognised as a profit to retained earnings in respect of this transaction was £39.3m, which is net of transaction-
related costs of £4.2m. 

Carrying amount of non-controlling interests disposed of

Consideration paid by non-controlling interest holder

Transaction-related costs

Excess of consideration received recognised in parent’s equity

2021
£m

(28.2)

71.7

(4.2)

39.3

Refer to Note 35 for information on the principal place of business of the above subsidiary. As the transaction 
occurred on the last reporting date, no profit or loss is allocated to non-controlling interest for the 2021 financial 
year and the carrying amount disposed of noted below is the accumulated non-controlling interests of the above 
subsidiary at the end of the reporting period. Summarised financial information about the Savills IM Holdings 
group is provided below:

As at 31 December 2021

Non-current assets

Current assets

Current liabilities

Non-current liabilities

Net assets

Year ended 31 December 2021

Revenue

Profit after tax

Other transactions

£m

90.2

77.3

(39.5)

(15.3)

112.7

£m

111.8

15.8

The Group acquired 60% of the Merx Group during December 2021. See note 18.5 for further details of the 
acquisition and the non-controlling interest recognised in relation to the acquisition. 

210

18.5 Acquisitions of subsidiaries
The fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as part of the Group’s acquisitions in the year are 
provisional and will be finalised within 12 months of the acquisition date. These are summarised below:

Provisional fair value to the Group

Non-current assets:

Property, plant and equipment

Right-of-use asset

Intangible assets

Deferred income tax assets

Contract assets

Trade and other receivables

Current assets:

Trade and other receivables

Contract assets

Cash and cash equivalents

Borrowings

Lease liabilities

Lease liabilities

Other payables

Employee benefit obligations

Deferred tax liabilities

Trade and other payables

(5.3)

Current liabilities:

Non-current liabilities:

Net assets/(liabilities)

Non-controlling interest share of 
net assets

Net assets/(liabilities) acquired

Goodwill

Purchase consideration

Consideration satisfied by:

Cash paid

DRC 
£m

0.2

–

27.3

–

2.0

–

0.6

0.1

2.8

–

–

–

–

–

(6.4)

21.3

–

21.3

27.8

49.1

31.3

17.8

–

49.1

T3 
£m

–

0.6

5.2

–

–

0.1

2.7

–

0.1

–

–

(1.2)

(0.5)

(0.2)

–

–

6.8

–

6.8

5.8

12.6

12.6

–

–

12.6

Other 
£m

0.1

0.1

0.1

0.2

–

–

5.0

–

3.0

(1.6)

(0.1)

(9.4)

(0.1)

–

(0.4)

–

Total
£m

0.3

0.7

32.6

0.2

2.0

0.1

8.3

0.1

5.9

(1.6)

(0.1)

(15.9)

(0.6)

(0.2)

(0.4)

(6.4)

(3.1)

25.0

(0.2)

(3.3)

7.0

3.7

1.3

2.0

0.4

3.7

(0.2)

24.8

40.6

65.4

45.2

19.8

0.4

65.4

Fair value of associate/joint venture holding, prior to acquisition

Deferred consideration 

DRC Capital LLP (‘DRC’)

On 28 September 2018, the Group acquired a 25% equity interest in DRC, a commercial real estate debt 
investment manager. This transaction included a call option to acquire the remaining 75% equity interest of the 
business on the 28 September 2021. The call option date was accelerated and exercised on 28 May 2021. 

Total acquisition consideration is provisionally determined at £49.1m, £17.8m of which relates to the fair value of 
the initial 25% investment (equity accounted as an associate) and £31.3m was settled on completion.

In addition to the above, an earn-out is payable in September 2024 and is measured against income targets. 
The maximum earn-out payment under the agreement caps the total consideration for DRC at £80.0m. The 
earn-out consideration is deemed to be linked to continued active engagement with the business. As required 
by IFRS 3 (revised), the expected value of these payments will be expensed to the income statement over the 
relevant period of engagement. 

211

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsOverviewAnnual report & accounts 2021Notes to the financial statements continued
Year ended 31 December 2021

18. Investments and transactions continued
18.5 Acquisitions of subsidiaries continued
Acquisition-related costs of £0.5m have been expensed as incurred to the income statement and classified within 
other operating expenses.

Goodwill of £27.8m has been determined. Goodwill is attributable to the experience and expertise of the team 
and the strong industry reputation. It is not expected to be deductible for tax purposes. Intangible assets 
recognised on acquisition include £17.7m of investment management contracts, £6.7m of customer relationships 
and £2.9m in relation to the brand. 

The acquired business contributed revenue of £16.6m and profit of £7.6m to the Group for the period from 
28 May 2021 to 31 December 2021. Had the acquisition been made at the beginning of the financial year, revenue 
would have been £23.3m and profit would have been £11.9m. Prior to acquisition, the Group recognised its share 
of profits from DRC as an associate of £1.1m in the income statement and also recognised a fair value gain of 
£2.8m within Other net gains in the income statement in relation to the carrying value of its investment in DRC, 
prior to DRC becoming a wholly owned subsidiary of the Group. 

The fair value of trade and other receivables is £0.6m, all of which relates to trade receivables. The gross 
contractual amount for trade receivables is £0.7m, of which £0.1m is expected to be uncollectible. 

T3 Advisors (‘T3’)

On 11 June 2021, the Group acquired 100% of the equity interest in T3, a real estate advisor and consultant for life 
sciences and technology sectors in the US. 

Total acquisition consideration is provisionally determined at £12.6m, all of which was settled on completion.

In addition to the above, further fixed payments, retention bonuses and earn-out payments (contingent on 
revenue and operating margin targets) are payable in June 2024 up until June 2028. The maximum value of 
these payments total £8.7m and are deemed to be linked to continued active engagement with the business. 
As required by IFRS 3 (revised), the expected value of these payments will be expensed to the income statement 
over the relevant period of engagement. 

Acquisition-related costs of £0.6m have been expensed as incurred to the income statement and classified within 
other operating expenses.

Goodwill of £5.8m has been determined. Goodwill is attributable to the experience and expertise of key staff 
members and is deductible for tax purposes over a 15 year period. Intangible assets recognised on acquisition 
include £5.2m of customer relationships.

The acquired business contributed revenue of £12.6m and profit of £0.9m to the Group for the period from 
11 June 2021 to 31 December 2021. Had the acquisition been made at the beginning of the financial year, revenue 
would have been £17.0m and profit would have been £1.8m. 

The fair value of trade and other receivables is £2.7m, all of which relates to trade receivables. The gross 
contractual amount for trade receivables is £2.7m, all of which is expected to be collectible. 

Other acquisitions

During the year, the Group acquired the remaining 51% of Cluttons Saudi Arabia Company Limited (previous 
49% ownership equity accounted for as a joint venture) and the remaining 49% economic interest in the Savills 
Indonesia business (previous 51% economic ownership equity accounted for as a joint venture). In addition, 
the Group acquired 60% of Merx Holdings (SG) Pte Ltd (‘Merx Group’), a project management consulting firm 
operating across Asia.

Cash consideration for these transactions amounted to £1.3m. The remainder of the acquisition consideration 
relates to deferred consideration of £0.4m, payable within one year of the reporting date, and £2.0m relates to 
the fair value of the initial investment in both Saudi Arabia and Indonesia (previously equity accounted for as 
joint ventures). 

Goodwill of £7.0m has been provisionally determined. Goodwill is attributable to the experience and expertise of 
key staff and strong industry reputation and is not expected to be deductible for tax purposes.

2020 acquisitions

In the year ended 31 December 2020 the Group acquired the trade and assets of Macro Consultants LLC, 
OMEGA Immobilien Management GmbH and OMEGA Immobilien Service GmbH. There are no changes to the 
provisional fair values in respect of this acquisition as reported in the Group’s 2020 Annual Report.

212

19. 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 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

Deferred tax asset – net

At 1 January – net asset

Amount credited to the income statement (Note 12)

Effect of tax rate change within the income statement 
(Note 12)

Tax (charged)/credited to other comprehensive income

Group

2021
£m

33.5

16.5

50.0

(13.0)

(2.1)

(15.1)

34.9

2020
£m

33.0

9.8

42.8

(4.5)

(1.1)

(5.6)

37.2

Company

2021
£m

3.2

0.4

3.6

(0.3)

–

(0.3)

3.3

Group

Company

2021
£m

37.2

8.6

0.5

2020
 £m

30.6

11.2

0.1

2021
£m

2.5

0.5

–

2020
£m

2.1

0.4

2.5

–

–

–

2.5

2020
£m

2.7

0.2

–

–  Defined benefit pension scheme – actuarial gains

(4.3)

(1.2)

(0.2)

(0.1)

–  Defined benefit pension scheme – additional 

contributions

–  Defined benefit pension scheme – effect of UK tax 

rate change

– Employee benefits

Tax charged to reserves

– Employee benefits

– IFRS 16 initial lease recognition released to reserves

Additions through business combinations (Note 18.5)

Exchange movement

At 31 December – net asset

(0.1)

(1.0)

–

0.3

0.2

(6.2)

(0.3)

34.9

–

0.4

(3.2)

–

–

(1.0)

0.3

37.2

–

(0.1)

–

0.4

0.2

–

–

3.3

–

–

(0.3)

–

–

–

–

2.5

Deferred income tax assets have been recognised for tax loss carry-forwards and other temporary differences to 
the extent that the realisation of the related tax benefit through future taxable profits is probable. 

As at the reporting date the Group did not recognise deferred tax income tax assets of £3.4m (2020: £2.1m) in 
respect of losses amounting to £15.9m (2020: £10.9m), which can be carried forward indefinitely against future 
taxable income (2020: £0.3m expires within one to two years, £1.2m within three to five years and the remaining 
£9.4m being carried forward indefinitely against future taxable income).

213

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsOverviewAnnual report & accounts 2021Notes to the financial statements continued
Year ended 31 December 2021

19. Deferred income tax continued

Deferred tax assets – Group

Balance at 1 January 2020

Amount credited to the income 
statement (Note 12)

Effect of tax rate change within 
the income statement (Note 12)

Amounted charged to other 
comprehensive income (Note 12)

Effect of UK rate change within 
other comprehensive income 
(Note 12)

Exchange movement

At 31 December 2020

Transfer of opening balances to 
additional category

At 31 December 2020 – revised

Amount credited/(charged) to 
the income statement (Note 12)

Effect of tax rate change within 
the income statement (Note 12)

Amount charged to other 
comprehensive income (Note 12)

Amount credited to reserves 
(Note 12)

Accelerated 
capital 
allowances 
£m 

Provisions 
and other*
 £m

Other 
employee 
benefit 
obligations** 
£m

Tax  
losses 
£m

Retirement 
benefits 
£m

Revaluations
£m

Share 
based 
payments
£m 

Total
 £m

4.1

0.2

7.4 35.1

2.2

0.2

0.1

–

–

–

2.5

–

2.5

1.0

–

–

–

17.1

6.5

0.5

–

–

–

24.1

(13.4)

10.7

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

13.3

13.3

4.1

1.8

–

–

–

0.2

6.1

–

6.1

0.6

2.1

(1.3)

1.1

–

0.2

–

0.2

–

12.8

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(1.2)

0.4

0.1

3.4

0.1

3.5

0.1

–

(0.6)

(0.5)

–

–

–

–

–

–

2.3 10.8

– 0.6

(3.2) (4.4)

– 0.4

– 0.3

0.2

6.5 42.8

–

0.2

–

–

6.5 42.8

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

4.7

7.2

–

1.1

– (0.6)

0.3 0.5

– (0.8)

– 0.2

– (0.4)

(0.2)

(0.2)

15.4

4.6

2.3

0.2

11.5 50.0

(13.9)

36.1

Transfer to deferred tax liabilities

(0.3)

Additions through business 
combinations (Note 18.5)

Exchange movement

At 31 December 2021

Set-off of deferred tax liabilities 
pursuant to set-off provisions

Deferred tax asset 
at 31 December 2021 in the 
Statement of Financial Position

–

–

3.2

214

Deferred tax liabilities – Group

At 1 January 2020

Tax credited/(charged) to the income 
statement (Note 12)

Effect of tax rate change within income 
statement (Note 12)

Additions through business combinations

At 31 December 2020

Tax (charged)/credited to the income 
statement (Note 12)

Effect of tax rate change within income 
statement (Note 12)

Tax charged to other comprehensive income

Effect of tax rate change within other 
comprehensive income (Note 12)

Transfer from deferred tax asset

Additions through business combinations 
(Note 18.5)

Exchange movement

At 31 December 2021

Set-off of deferred tax liabilities pursuant 
to set-off provisions

Deferred tax liabilities at 
31 December 2021 in the Statement of 
Financial Position

Net deferred tax asset

At 31 December 2021

At 31 December 2020

Accelerated 
capital 
allowances  

£m

(0.1)

Provisions 
and other* 
£m

Retirement 
Benefits 
£m

(0.9)

0.1

(0.3)

–

–

–

(0.1)

–

(1.3)

(0.5)

0.7

–

–

–

0.3

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Intangible 
assets  

£m

(3.5)

Total  
£m

(4.5)

0.6

0.4

(0.4)

(1.0)

(4.3)

(0.5)

(1.0)

(5.6)

1.2

1.4

(0.6)

–

–

–

(6.4)

0.1

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(3.8)

(1.0)

0.5

–

–

(0.6)

(3.8)

(1.0)

0.8

(6.4)

0.1

(15.1)

13.9

(1.2)

34.9

37.2

(0.2)

(0.6)

(4.3)

(10.0)

*  Provisions and Other primarily includes deferred tax assets relating to accruals and provisions for expenses not deductible until paid. 

**  Other Employee Benefit Obligations includes deferred tax assets relating to unpaid bonus accruals, holiday pay provisions, long service leave provisions 

and other deferred compensation accruals. 

215

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsOverviewAnnual report & accounts 2021Accelerated 
capital 
allowances  
£m 

Provisions 
and other* 
£m

Retirement 
benefits 
£m

Employee 
benefits 
£m 

Notes to the financial statements continued
Year ended 31 December 2021

19. Deferred income tax continued

Deferred tax assets – Company

Balance at 1 January 2020

Amount (charged)/credited to the 
income statement

Tax credited/(charged) to other 
comprehensive income (Note 12)

Effect of UK tax rate change within other 
comprehensive income (Note 12)

At 31 December 2020

Amount credited to the income statement

Tax (charged)/credited to reserves (Note 12)

Effect of UK tax rate change within 
reserves (Note 12)

Transfer to deferred tax liabilities

At 31 December 2021

Set–off of deferred tax liabilities pursuant to 
set-off provisions

Deferred tax asset at 31 December 2021 in 
the Statement of Financial Position

0.3

(0.1)

–

–

0.2

–

–

–

(0.2)

–

1.1

–

0.1

(0.1)

1.1

–

(0.1)

0.3

–

1.3

Deferred tax liabilities – Company

At 31 December 2020

Tax charged to the income statement (Note 12)

Tax charged to other comprehensive income (Note 12)

Transfer from deferred tax asset

At 31 December 2021

Set-off of deferred tax liabilities pursuant to set-off provisions

Deferred tax liabilities at 31 December 2021 in 
the Statement of Financial Position

Net deferred tax asset

At 31 December 2021

At 31 December 2020

0.1

–

1.2

0.3

Total 
£m

2.7

0.2

(0.1)

(0.3)

(0.3)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

1.2

0.8

0.4

–

–

2.4

Accelerated 
capital 
allowances  

£m

–

(0.3)

–

0.2

(0.1)

Retirement 
Benefits 
£m

–

–

(0.3)

–

(0.3)

(0.1)

2.5

0.8

0.3

0.3

(0.2)

3.7

(0.4)

3.3

Total  
£m

–

(0.3)

(0.3)

0.2

(0.4)

0.4

–

3.3

2.5

*  Provisions and Other primarily includes deferred tax assets relating to accruals and provisions for expenses not deductible until paid. 

216

20. Trade and other receivables
20.1 Trade and other receivables – current 

Trade receivables

Less: loss allowance/impairment of receivables provision

Trade receivables – net

Amounts owed by subsidiary undertakings

Other receivables

Prepayments

Accrued income

Group

Company

2021
£m

476.1

(30.3)

445.8

–

50.5

40.5

65.8

2020
£m

388.9

(29.9)

359.0

–

50.0

39.3

48.3

602.6

496.6

2021
£m

0.1

–

0.1

45.7

0.8

3.1

–

49.7

2020
£m

0.1

–

0.1

86.4

2.3

3.4

–

92.2

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 on a regular basis.

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.

Amounts owed by subsidiary undertakings to the Company include £15.7m of intercompany loans (2020: 
£60.2m). With the exception of intercompany loans, amounts owed by subsidiary undertakings to the Company 
are unsecured, interest-free and generally cleared within the month. Intercompany loans are unsecured, 
repayable on demand and attract an arms-length rate of interest. 

Other receivables include loans of £1.0m (2020: £nil) issued to entities that the Group recognise as equity 
investments held at FVOCI, loans of £0.2m receivable from joint ventures (2020: £nil) and loans of £1.5m 
receivable from associates (2020: £nil). As at 31 December 2020, loans receivable from joint ventures and 
associates were classified as part of the investment balance in joint ventures and associates (see Note 18.1).

Accrued income is expected to be settled within 12 months of the year end date.

The carrying amounts of the Group’s gross trade receivables are denominated in the following currencies:

Sterling

Euro

Hong Kong dollar

US dollar

Australian dollar

Chinese renminbi

Other*

Group

2021
£m

182.8

94.4

46.8

58.0

25.1

38.3

30.7

2020
£m

161.8

70.9

44.9

34.9

19.3

30.4

26.7

476.1

388.9

*  Other currencies include Czech koruna, United Arab Emirates dirham, Bahraini dinar, Egyptian pound, Omani rial, Saudi riyal, South Korean won, Singapore 
dollar, Japanese yen, New Zealand dollar, Indonesian rupiah, Philippine peso, Malaysian ringgit, Macau pataca, New Taiwan dollar, Thailand baht, Polish 
zloty, Swedish krona, Indian Rupee and Canadian dollar.

217

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsOverviewAnnual report & accounts 2021Notes to the financial statements continued
Year ended 31 December 2021

20. Trade and other receivables continued
20.2 Group – Loss allowance/impairment of trade receivables provision
The other classes within trade and other receivables do not contain material allowances for impairment. 

An allowance for impairment is made based on historical credit loss experience adjusted for forward-looking 
factors specific to the debtors and economic environment, as evidence of a likely reduction in the recoverability 
of the cash flows. Local management have assessed the expected credit losses for trade receivables as local 
economies and businesses begin to adapt to the impact of COVID-19 and the expected loss rates have been 
reviewed based on their judgement as to any ongoing adverse impact of the pandemic on their trade receivables 
portfolio. In addition, certain customers have been identified as having a significantly elevated risk and have 
been provided for on a specific basis. Overall, the expected loss rate on trade receivables has decreased to 6.4% 
(31 December 2020: 7.7%) as local management see stronger local trading conditions improving the ability of the 
customers to settle receivables. Local management continue to closely monitor cash collections and regularly 
engage with all clients. 

The loss allowance provision for trade receivables as at 31 December 2021 and 31 December 2020 was 
determined as follows:

31 December 2021

Expected loss rate

Gross carrying amount (£m)

Loss allowance provision (£m)

More than 
30 days 
past due

More than 
60 days 
past due

More than 
90 days 
past due

More than 
180 days 
past due

3.5%

42.5

2.3%

21.5

11.6%

24.2

60.2%

38.7

Current

0.6%

349.2

Total

6.4%

476.1

(2.2)

(1.5)

(0.5)

(2.8)

(23.3)

(30.3)

31 December 2020

Expected loss rate

Gross carrying amount (£m)

Loss allowance provision (£m)

Current

0.8%

275.6

(2.1)

More than 
30 days 
past due

More than 
60 days 
past due

More than 
90 days 
past due

More than 
180 days 
past due

1.9%

36.5

(0.7)

3.1%

19.1

(0.6)

19.2%

62.9%

22.4

(4.3)

35.3

388.9

(22.2)

(29.9)

Total

7.7%

The loss allowance provision for trade receivables as at 31 December reconciles to the opening loss allowance 
provision as follows:

At 1 January

Net increase in loss allowance recognised in the income statement during the period

Receivables written off during the year as uncollectible

Foreign exchange

At 31 December

2021
 £m

(29.9)

(4.0)

3.2

0.4

2020
 £m

(25.6)

(8.7)

4.4

–

(30.3)

(29.9)

A 1% increase in the expected loss rate in each ageing category would increase the loss allowance provision 
by £4.8m.

20.3 Trade and other receivables – non-current 

Trade receivables

Other receivables

Other assets

Amounts owed by subsidiary undertakings

Group

Company

2021 
£m

8.6

18.9

13.7

–

41.2

2020 
£m

5.5

11.8

14.5

–

31.8

2021 
£m

2020 
£m

–

–

–

52.3

52.3

–

–

–

–

–

Other receivables include loans of £16.8m (2020: £11.1m) issued to entities that the Group recognise as equity 
investments held at FVOCI and insurance receivable assets of £1.4m (2020: £nil). 

218

Loans of £15.8m (2020: £10.8m) relate to compulsory convertible cumulative preference shares (‘CCPS’) and 
compulsory convertible debentures (‘CCD’) issued by Savills Property Services (India) Private Ltd, these loans are 
held at FVPL (see Note 3.7 for further details on fair value measurement). The CCPS carries interest of 0.01% and 
were issued in 2019, these will be mandatorily converted in to Class A equity shares if certain EBITDA and revenue 
levels are met within the first 3 years, between 3 and 5 years the Group holds the right to convert and at 10 years 
the loans are mandatorily convertible. The CCD carries interest of 7.2% per annum and were issued in 2020 and 
2021, they convert in to Class B equity shares at the expiry of 7 years or earlier if certain EBITDA and revenue 
targets are met and at 10 years the loans are mandatorily convertible. 

Other assets relates primarily to signing-on bonuses that are amortised to the income statement over the relevant 
contractual claw-back period.

The Company amounts owed by subsidiary undertakings relates to a loan that is repayable on demand, with 
interest charged at a market rate of 12 month LIBOR plus 1.5%. The loan is classified as non-current as repayment is 
not expected within 12 months of the reporting date.

21. Cash and cash equivalents

Cash at bank and in hand

Short-term bank deposits

Group

Company

2021
 £m

519.4

170.3

689.7

2020
restated*
£m

499.9

47.5

547.4

2021
 £m

102.2

–

102.2

2020
£m

94.5

–

94.5

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 2021 was 0.27% (2020: 0.74%); these 
deposits have an average maturity of 41 days (2020: 39 days).

Cash subject to restrictions in Asia Pacific amounts to £43.2m (2020: £41.1m) which is cash pledged to banks in 
relation to property management contracts and cash remittance restrictions in certain countries. These amounts 
are consolidated.

Cash and cash equivalents are denominated in the following currencies:

Sterling

Hong Kong dollar

Euro

Chinese renminbi

US dollar

Japanese yen

Australian dollar

South Korean won

Singapore dollar

Other currencies**

Group

Company

2021
£m

382.9

119.0

57.9

45.4

15.7

9.1

12.9

7.6

9.3

29.9

689.7

2020
restated*
£m

270.4

2021
£m

102.2

78.9

69.6

47.2

9.8

12.3

17.9

13.0

6.9

21.4

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

2020
 £m

94.3

–

–

–

0.2

–

–

–

–

–

547.4

102.2

94.5

*  See Note 2.29 for details on the prior year restatement.

**  Other currencies include United Arab Emirates dirham, Canadian dollar, Czech koruna, New Taiwan dollar, Macau pataca, Thai baht, Vietnamese dong, 

New Zealand dollar, Philippine peso, Danish krone, Polish zloty and Swedish krona.

219

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsOverviewAnnual report & accounts 2021Notes to the financial statements continued
Year ended 31 December 2021

22. Notional pooling arrangement – Group
For internal cash management purposes, the Group maintains a notional cash pooling arrangement with 
Barclays Bank PLC, whereby credit and debit cash balances for the participating bank accounts are notionally 
offset. There is no overdraft cost or charge associated with any pooled overdraft that is fully offset by pooled 
credit cash balances. As at 31 December 2021, the notional cash pooling arrangement included cash balances 
of £201.5m presented in cash and cash equivalents (December 2020: £242.0m) and overdrafts of £198.5m (31 
December 2020: £209.1m) presented in current liabilities. This represents as at 31 December 2021 surplus pooled 
credit cash balances of £3.0m (31 December 2020: surplus pooled credit cash £32.9m). 

For the purpose of the Statement of Cash Flows, cash and cash equivalents net of overdrafts comprise 
the following:

Cash and cash equivalents (see Note 21)

Overdrafts in notional pooling arrangement

Bank overdrafts (see Note 24)

23. Trade and other payables 
23.1 Trade and other payables – current

Deferred consideration (Note 23.3)

Trade payables

Amounts owed to subsidiary undertakings

Other taxation and social security

Other payables

Accruals 

31 December 
2021 
£m

31 December 
2020 
£m

689.7

(198.5)

(1.2)

490.0

547.4

(209.1)

(0.1)

338.2

Group

Company

2021
£m

3.4

118.5

–

57.7

44.0

514.9

738.5

2020
£m

11.5

73.8

–

103.9

45.2

370.5

604.9

2021
£m

–

9.6

4.8

1.4

–

10.9

26.7

2020
 £m

–

1.5

2.7

0.9

–

7.3

12.4

The Group’s accruals include bonus and commission accruals of £372.1m (2020: £237.0m) and accruals relating 
to deferred business acquisition payments that are linked to employment conditions of £2.9m (2020: £nil, these 
amounts were recorded within deferred consideration in the prior year). 

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.

23.2 Other payables – non-current

Deferred consideration (Note 23.4)

Accruals – relating to deferred business acquisition payments linked to 
employment conditions*

Other payables

*  These amounts were recorded within deferred consideration in the prior year. 

2021
£m

2.4

13.5

4.1

20.0

2020
£m

6.5

–

4.0

10.5

220

 
23.3 Deferred consideration – current

At 1 January

Reclassification to accruals*

Reclassification from non-current deferred consideration (Note 23.4)

Additions through business combinations (Note 18.5)

Deferred consideration linked to employment accrued during year*

Interest unwind

Deferred consideration paid

Reclassification

Exchange movement

At 31 December

2021
£m

11.5

(4.8)

2.3

0.4

–

0.2

(5.9)

–

(0.3)

3.4

2020
£m

18.1

–

9.9

0.1

1.1

0.3

(17.6)

(0.5)

0.1

11.5

*  All accrued amounts relating to deferred business acquisition payments that are linked to employment conditions have been reclassified to accruals, 

within Trade and Other Payables – Current (see Note 23.1). 

23.4 Deferred consideration – non-current

At 1 January

Reclassification to accruals*

Reclassification to current deferred consideration (Note 23.3)

Additions through business combinations

Deferred consideration linked to employment accrued during year*

Interest unwind on discounted deferred consideration

Exchange movement

At 31 December

2021
£m

6.5

(1.9)

(2.3)

–

–

0.1

–

2.4

2020
 £m

13.1

–

(9.9)

2.2

1.0

0.2

(0.1)

6.5

*  All accrued amounts relating to deferred business acquisition payments that are linked to employment conditions have been reclassified to accruals, 

within Other Payables – Non-Current (see Note 23.2). 

24. Borrowings

Current

Bank overdrafts

Unsecured bank loans due within one year or on demand

Non-current

Loan notes

Transaction costs (issuance of loan notes and RCF arrangement fees)

2021
£m

1.2

0.9

2.1

150.0

(1.6)

148.4

150.5

2020
 £m

0.1

12.1

12.2

150.0

(1.6)

148.4

160.6

221

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsOverviewAnnual report & accounts 2021Notes to the financial statements continued
Year ended 31 December 2021

24. Borrowings continued
The Company does not have any borrowings as at 31 December 2021 and 31 December 2020.

The Group holds a £360.0m multi-currency revolving credit facility (‘RCF’), which includes a £90.0m accordion 
facility. In June 2021 the Group extended the maturity date of the RCF by a further year to June 2025. As at 31 
December 2021 none (2020: none) of the RCF was drawn. The unsecured bank loans reflect a £0.7m working 
capital loan in Thailand, which is repayable on demand and denominated in Thailand baht (2020: £0.7m) and a 
£0.2m working capital loan in Indonesia, which is repayable on demand and denominated in Indonesian Rupiah 
(2020: none). The prior year unsecured bank loans also included a £11.4m utilisation of a revolving credit facility 
in North America for working capital purposes, which was repayable within one year and denominated in US 
dollars (2021: none). 

The Group holds £150.0m of long term debt through the issuance of 7, 10 and 12 year fixed rate private note 
placements in the US institutional market, which were issued in June 2018.

Movements in borrowings are analysed as follows:

Opening amount as at 1 January

Additional borrowings, net of transaction costs paid

Repayments of borrowings (including overdraft movement)

Addition through business combination (Note 18.5)

Amortisation of transaction costs

Foreign exchange

Closing amount as at 31 December

The exposure of the Group’s borrowings to interest rate changes at the reporting date are:

Less than 1 year

Group

2021
£m

160.6

26.4

(38.3)

1.6

0.5

(0.3)

150.5

2020
 £m

181.4

46.1

(67.3)

0.7

0.4

(0.7)

160.6

Group

2021
£m

2.1

2.1

2020
 £m

11.5

11.5

The Group’s remaining borrowings are fixed rate instruments and therefore excluded from the above analysis. 

The effective interest rates at the reporting date were as follows:

Bank overdrafts

Bank loans

Loan notes

Group

2021
%

6.45

4.84

3.16

2020
%

7.85

1.51

3.16

The carrying amounts of borrowings are approximate to their fair value, with the exception of the Group’s long 
term fixed rate private note placements. The fair value of these loan notes as at 31 December 2021 is £155.6m, 
the difference between the fair value and the book value is not recognised in the reported results for the year. 
The fair value has been calculated based upon a discounted cash flow valuation utilising observable market rates 
of borrowing that are comparable to the remaining length of the loan notes. The valuation technique falls within 
Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy in IFRS 13. 

222

The carrying amounts of the Group’s borrowings are denominated in the following currencies:

Sterling

Other

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

2021
£m

148.4

2.1

150.5

Group

2021
£m

61.2

361.0

422.2

2020
 £m

148.4

12.2

160.6

2020
 £m

36.1

361.1

397.2

25. Lease liabilities
The statement of financial position shows the following amount relating to lease liabilities:

At 1 January

Additions – new leases

Additions through business combinations (Note 18.5)

Disposal of leases

Repayments of lease liabilities

Unwinding of discount

Exchange movement

Closing amount as at 31 December

Current

Non-current

2021

2020

Group 
£m

304.2

31.9

0.7

(1.5)

(56.1)

8.9

(3.1)

285.0

48.0

237.0

Company
£m

70.1

–

–

–

(7.8)

2.2

–

64.5

5.7

58.8

Group 
£m

267.1

85.8

1.8

(2.0)

(56.6)

8.9

(0.8)

304.2

45.2

259.0

Company
£m

75.3

0.6

–

–

(8.1)

2.3

–

70.1

5.6

64.5

Refer to Note 7.1 for information on the amount charged to the income statement with respect to short-term, low 
value and variable lease payments. Cash outflows with respect to leases, which includes short-term, low value 
and variable lease payments, totalled £56.8m (2020: £58.5m). 

223

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsOverviewAnnual report & accounts 2021Notes to the financial statements continued
Year ended 31 December 2021

26. Derivative financial instruments

2021

Forward foreign exchange contracts – at fair value

Other derivative contracts – at fair value

2020

Forward foreign exchange contracts – at fair value

Other derivative contracts – at fair value

Group

Assets  

Liabilities  

£m

0.1

–

0.1

£m

0.9

2.6

3.5

Group

Assets  

Liabilities  

£m

0.4

–

0.4

£m

0.3

0.6

0.9

The Company does not have any derivative financial instruments as at 31 December 2021 and 31 December 2020.

Forward foreign exchange contracts
The gross notional principal amounts of the outstanding forward foreign exchange contracts at 31 December 
2021 were £53.2m (2020: £41.8m). 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.

Other derivative contracts
Other derivative contracts includes a put option on a business, with two separate payments dependent on 
the valuation of the business. One payment is currently exercisable up until 2026 and the second payment is 
exercisable in 2026, both are classed as non-current. Gains and losses are recognised in operating profits in the 
income statement.

Other derivative contracts also includes a call option on the Savills IM Holdings Ltd group, under this agreement 
Samsung Life has the option to increase is interest by up to 10% over the next 4 years, depending upon the 
quantum and timing of the provision of capital to Savills Investment Management’s investment products, the 
maximum being achievable if at least US$2bn of capital is committed. This option is classed as non-current. Gains 
and losses are recognised in reserves. 

27. Provisions
27.1 Provisions 

At 1 January 2021

Reclassifications

Provided during the year

Utilised during the year

Released during the year

Exchange movement

Closing amount as at 31 
December 2021

Current

Non-current

2020

Current

Non-current

Total

224

Professional 
indemnity 
claims  
£m 

Dilapidation 
provisions 
£m

Restructuring 
provision 
£m 

Other 
provisions 
£m

Group total 
 £m

14.5

(1.3)

6.5

(0.9)

(2.3)

–

16.5

4.4

12.1

8.6

–

1.4

(0.1)

(0.1)

(0.1)

9.7

1.8

7.9

0.8

–

–

(0.5)

–

–

0.3

0.3

–

–

2.1

0.8

(0.1)

(0.1)

–

2.7

2.7

–

23.9

0.8

8.7

(1.6)

(2.5)

(0.1)

29.2

9.2

20.0

Company  

£m

1.3

–

0.3

–

–

–

1.6

–

1.6

Professional 
indemnity 
claims  
£m 

5.6

8.9

14.5

Dilapidation 
provisions 
£m

Restructuring 
provision
£m 

Other 
provisions 
£m

Group total 
 £m

1.9

6.7

8.6

0.8

–

0.8

–

–

–

8.3

15.6

23.9

Company  

£m

–

1.3

1.3

(a) Professional indemnity claims

These arise from various legal actions, proceedings and other claims that are pending against the Group and 
are based on management’s best estimates of the most likely outcome, 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. 

A separate receivable from insurers in relation to professional indemnity claims is recognised to the extent it is 
virtually certain of being received. The provision and insurance asset are presented in the accounts as follows: 

Group

Provisions – current

Provisions – non-current

Trade and other receivables – non-current

Total

(b) Dilapidation provisions

2021 
£m 

4.4

12.1

(1.4)

15.1

2020 
£m

5.6

8.9

–

14.5

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 management’s best estimates of repair and restoration costs at a future date and therefore a degree of 
uncertainty exists over the value of future cash outflows, given that these are subject to repair and restoration 
cost price fluctuations and the extent of repairs to be completed at the end of the lease term. The majority of the 
non-current portion of these provisions is expected to be utilised within the next two to 10 years.

(c) Restructuring provision

This provision comprises primarily termination payments to employees affected by restructuring.

(d) Other provisions

Other provisions relates primarily to obligations relating to foreign sales tax payable and other claims against the 
Group (not related to professional indemnity claims). These amounts are based on reasonable estimates, taking 
into account the opinions of subject matter experts and legal counsel. 

27.2 Employee benefit obligations
In addition to the defined benefit obligations pension scheme disclosed in Note 10.2, the following are included in 
employee benefit obligations:

Group

At 1 January 2021

Provided during the year

Additions through business combinations (Note 18.5)

Utilised during the year

Exchange movement

At 31 December 2021

Total 
 £m

29.8

12.3

0.4

(4.4)

(0.9)

37.2

The above provisions relate to holiday pay and long service leave in the UK, Asia Pacific, Continental Europe and 
the Middle East. Profit shares are included within accruals (Note 23).

The Company had £0.3m of employee benefit obligations as at 31 December 2021 (2020: £0.3m), relating to 
holiday pay and long service leave.

225

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsOverviewAnnual report & accounts 2021Notes to the financial statements continued
Year ended 31 December 2021

27. Provisions continued
27.2 Employee benefit obligations continued
The above employee benefit obligations have been analysed between current and non-current as follows:

Current

Non-current

28. Share capital – Group and Company

Authorised and allotted

Ordinary shares of 2.5p each:

2021 
Number of shares*

2020 
Number of shares*

Authorised

202,000,000

202,000,000

Issued, called up and fully paid

144,203,211

143,065,222

Movement in issued, called up and fully paid share capital:

Group

2021 
£m

16.9

20.3

37.2

2021 
£m

5.1

3.6

At 1 January

Issued to direct participants on exercise 
of options under the Sharesave Scheme

At 31 December

2021

Number  

of shares*

143,065,222

1,137,989

144,203,211

2020

Number  

of shares*

143,056,718

8,504

143,065,222

£m

3.6

–

3.6

2020 
£m

19.2

10.6

29.8

2020 
£m

5.1

3.6

£m

3.6

–

3.6

*  Number of shares are stated before the impact of the shares held by the EBT and Rabbi Trust.

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 2021, the EBT held 4,644,019 shares (2020: 3,524,326 shares) and the Rabbi Trust held 
1,440,484 shares (2020: 1,055,676). 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 and the Rabbi Trust, who may take 
account of any recommendation of the Company. The EBT waives all of its dividend entitlement. For further 
details of the EBT and the Rabbi Trust refer to Note 2.22. 

At the Annual General Meeting (‘AGM’) held on 12 May 2021, the Shareholders gave the Company authority, 
subject to stated conditions, to purchase for cancellation up to 14,307,170 of its own ordinary shares (AGM held 
on 25 June 2020: 14,305,727). Such authority remains valid until the conclusion of the next AGM or 11 August 
2022, whichever is the earlier.

226

29. Share-based payment
The Group operates four equity-settled share-based payment arrangements, namely the Sharesave Scheme, the 
Performance Share Plan (‘PSP’), the Deferred Share Plan (‘DSP’) and the Deferred Share Bonus Plan (‘DSBP’). 
The Group recognised total expenses relating to equity-settled share-based payment transactions of £23.7m in 
2021 (2020: £19.8m). Of the total share-based payments charge, £0.4m (2020: £0.6m) relates to the Sharesave, 
£9.7m (2020: £8.7m) relates to DSP schemes and £13.0m (2020: £10.2m) relates to DSBP schemes and £0.6m 
(2020: £0.3m) relating to PSP schemes.

Refer to the Remuneration Report for details of the various schemes, pages 106 to 136.

29.1 Movements in share schemes

2021 number of awards (‘000)

Outstanding at 1 January

Granted

Exercised

Forfeited/lapsed

Outstanding at 31 December

Exercisable at 31 December

Sharesave 
awards

1,275

–

(1,138)

(35)

102

PSP awards

DSP awards

DSBP awards

545

90

–

–

3,054

1,275

3,958

1,076

(1,000)

(1,047)

(25)

(61)

635

3,304

3,926

Weighted average exercise price for awards outstanding  
at end of the year (pence)

Weighted average remaining contractual life (years)

Weighted average share price at the date of exercise for 
awards exercised in the year (pence)

640.0

–

–

0.9

–

1.5

–

1.7

1,408.8

–

1,164.1

1,179.5

2020 number of awards (‘000)

Outstanding at 1 January

Granted

Exercised

Forfeited/lapsed

Outstanding at 31 December

Exercisable at 31 December

Weighted average exercise price for awards outstanding  
at end of the year (pence)

Weighted average remaining contractual life (years)

Weighted average share price at the date of exercise for 
awards exercised in the year (pence)

Sharesave 
awards

1,354

–

(9)

(70)

1,275

640.0

0.8

888.2

PSP awards

DSP awards

DSBP awards

478

153

–

(86)

545

–

1.8

–

3,821

352

3,999

1,279

(1,001)

(1,250)

(118)

(70)

3,054

3,958

–

1.4

–

2.2

885.7

766.6

227

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsOverviewAnnual report & accounts 2021Notes to the financial statements continued
Year ended 31 December 2021

29. Share-based payment continued
29.2 Fair value of options
For all the DSP and DSBP schemes the fair value of awards is the closing share price before award date. 
The Actuarial Binomial model of actuaries Lane Clark & Peacock LLP is used to fair value awards granted 
under the PSP scheme. 

The key inputs to determine the fair value of the awards granted under the PSP scheme during 2021 are 
shown below.

Performance Share Plan: Awards in the year ended 31 December 2021

25 November 2021

Share price at grant date (pence)

Risk-free rate 

Volatility of Savills plc share price

Employee turnover

1,411.5

0.7%

36% per annum

Zero

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.

The fair values of options granted in the period are shown below.

Grant

DSP 2021

DSBP 2021

DSP 2021

DSP 2021

DSBP 2021

DSBP 2021

DSP 2021

DSP 2021

DSP 2021

DSP 2021

DSP 2021

DSP 2021

PSP 2021 (EPS/ROCE)

PSP 2021 (TSR)

Grant date

Deferred period

Fair value pence

30 March 2021

1 – 4.5 years

21 April 2021

21 April 2021

20 May 2021

17 June 2021

17 June 2021

3 – 4 years

3 – 4 years

1 – 5 years

3 years

3 years

17 June 2021

0.8 – 3 years

17 June 2021

22 June 2021

30 June 2021

1 – 5 years

3 – 5 years

3 years

16 September 2021

3 – 4 years

30 September 2021

1 – 5 years

25 November 2021

25 November 2021

5 years

5 years

1,164.0

1,171.0

1,171.0

1,148.0

1,174.0

1,171.0

1,171.0

1,174.0

1,117.0

1,135.0

1,358.0

1,338.0

1,411.5

995.1

30. Share premium, retained earnings and other reserves
The share premium account represents the premium on shares issued. This reserve is non-distributable.

The share-based payments reserve is used to recognise the value of equity-settled share-based payments 
provided to employees, including key management personnel, as part of their remuneration. Refer to Note 29 
for further details of these plans. 

Treasury shares represents the cost of shares in Savills plc purchased in the market and held in trust to satisfy 
the exercise of share options. 

The capital reserve includes mandatory minimum required capital reserves for certain regulated entities within 
the Investment Management business. These reserves are restricted with respect to dividend payments and 
distributions and are required to be treated separately to regular retained earnings. 

The capital redemption reserve includes the nominal value of shares bought back by the Company. This reserve 
is non-distributable.

The merger relief reserve arose from the acquisition of Studley Inc (2014 acquisition) and records the 
premium value of the shares issued as part of the consideration for the acquisition of this business. This reserve 
is non-distributable.

228

The foreign exchange reserve primarily records exchange differences arising from the translation of the balance 
sheets of foreign currency denominated subsidiaries. 

The revaluation reserve primarily records fair value movements on the Group’s equity investments held at FVOCI 
(see Note 18.2). This reserve is non-distributable. 

Share-
based 
payments 
reserve 
 £m

Treasury 
shares  

Profit 
and loss 
account*  

Total 
retained 
earnings*  

Capital 
redemption 
and capital 
reserve  

Merger 
relief 
reserve  

Foreign 
exchange 
reserve  

Revaluation 
reserve  

£m

£m

£m

£m

£m

£m

£m

Total 
other 
reserves 
 £m

39.8

(37.9)

388.2

390.1

2.2

34.9

60.6

(7.7)

90.0

Balance at 
1 January 2021

Profit attributable to 
owners of the Company

Other comprehensive 
income/(loss)

Employee share 
option scheme:

–  Value of services 

provided

–

–

23.7

–

–

–

–  Exercise of options

(20.5)

18.1

2.4

–

–

23.7

–  Tax on employee share 

option schemes

4.7

146.2

146.2

–

15.9

15.9

(0.2)

Tax on items taken to 
reserves

Purchase of  
treasury shares

Disposal of financial 
assets at FVOCI

Dividends

Transaction with non-
controlling interest

Transfer between 
reserves

Balance at 
31 December 2021

–

–

–

4.7

0.6

0.6

(49.0)

–

(49.0)

–

–

–

–

0.2

0.2

(31.9)

(31.9)

39.3

39.3

(0.4)

0.2

–

–

–

–

–

0.6

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(8.7)

(4.4)

(13.3)

–

–

–

–

(0.3)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(0.3)

–

–

(0.2)

(0.2)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

48.3

(68.8) 560.5

540.0

2.0

34.9

51.6

(12.3)

76.2

* 

Included within profit and loss account is tax on items taken directly to equity (Note 12) as disclosed above.

229

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsOverviewAnnual report & accounts 2021Notes to the financial statements continued
Year ended 31 December 2021

30. Share premium, retained earnings and other reserves continued

Share-
based 
payments 
reserve
 £m

Treasury 
shares 
£m

Profit 
and loss 
account* 
£m

Total 
retained 
earnings* 
£m

Capital 
redemption 
and capital 
reserve 
£m

Merger 
relief 
reserve 
£m

Foreign 
exchange 
reserve 
£m

Revaluation 
reserve 
£m

Total 
other 
reserves
 £m

38.5

(50.0)

317.7

306.2

2.1

34.9

59.1

(0.6)

95.5

–

–

19.8

–

–

–

67.6

67.6

5.0

5.0

–

19.8

–

–

(8.3)

–

(8.3)

–

(0.2)

(0.2)

–

0.1

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

1.7

–

–

–

–

–

(6.9)

(5.1)

–

–

–

–

–

–

(0.2)

(0.2)

(0.4)

39.8

(37.9)

388.2

390.1

2.2

34.9

60.6

(7.7)

90.0

Balance at 
1 January 2020

Profit attributable to 
owners of the Company

Other comprehensive 
income/(loss)

Employee share 
option scheme:

–  Value of services 

provided

Purchase of 
treasury shares

Disposal of equity 
investments at FVOCI

Balance at 
31 December 2020

– Exercise of options

(18.5)

20.4

(1.9)

–

* 

Included within profit and loss account is tax on items taken directly to equity (Note 12) as disclosed above.

31. Contingent liabilities
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 can be estimated reliably and settlement is probable. 

230

2021 
 £m

42.5

(3.0)

6.7

2.6

–

–

–

–

–

0.9

–

(56.5)

–

–

–

3.3

2020  
restated* 
 £m

31.1

(2.1)

6.4

1.2

–

–

–

–

–

1.4

–

(40.5)

0.2

–

0.1

1.6

32. Cash generated from operations

Group

Company

Profit for the year 

Adjustments for:

Income tax (Note 12)

Depreciation (Note 16 and 17)

Amortisation of intangible assets (Note 15)

Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets arising from 
business combinations (Note 15)

Fair value gain on joint ventures and associates (Note 18.1)

Fair value loss on derivative financial instrument

Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment and 
intangible assets

(Gain)/loss on disposal of joint ventures and associates 

Net finance cost (Note 11)

2021 
£m

146.7

36.4

63.4

14.2

5.2

(4.0)

1.8

0.9

(0.4)

13.4

2020  
restated* 
 £m

68.0

15.2

64.3

9.6

–

–

–

0.8

0.1

12.8

Share of post-tax profit from joint ventures and associates 
(Note 18.1)

(12.6)

(10.2)

Dividend income from subsidiary

Increase in employee and retirement obligations

Exchange movement and fair value movements on 
financial instruments in operating activities

Increase in provisions

Charge for share-based compensation (Note 29)

Operating cash flows before movements in working 
capital

(Increase)/decrease in trade and other receivables and 
contract assets

Increase/(decrease) in trade and other payables and 
contract liabilities

Cash generated from/(used in) operations

*  See Note 2.29 for details on the prior year restatement.

–

6.7

(2.5)

5.4

23.7

–

3.4

2.4

0.5

19.8

298.3

186.7

(3.5)

(0.6)

(90.1)

84.5

(2.1)

(26.8)

140.1

348.3

11.4

282.6

14.7

9.1

(1.0)

(28.4)

Foreign exchange movements resulted in a £0.3m increase in current and non-current trade and other 
receivables (2020: £0.3m decrease) and a £5.9m increase in current and non-current trade and other payables 
(2020: £2.3m decrease). 

231

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsOverviewAnnual report & accounts 2021Notes to the financial statements continued
Year ended 31 December 2021

33. Analysis of liabilities arising from financing activities and cash net of debt

Group 
2021

Bank loans

Loan notes

Transaction costs

Lease liabilities**

Liabilities arising from 
financing activities

Cash and cash equivalents, net 
of overdrafts in notional pooling 
arrangement

Bank overdrafts

Cash, cash equivalents and 
bank overdrafts presented in 
the Cash Flow Statement

Cash and cash equivalents net 
of debt

Non-cash 
movements 
recognised 
in the 
income 
statement 
£m

Movements 
through 
business 
combinations 
and disposals 
£m

Other 
non-cash 
movements* 
£m

Exchange 
movement  

At 
31 December  

£m

0.3

–

–

£m

(0.9)

(150.0)

1.6

–

–

–

(0.4)

–

–

(30.4)

(0.7)

3.1

(285.0)

–

–

(0.5)

(8.9)

At 
1 January  

£m

Cash 
flows  
£m

(12.1)

11.3

(150.0)

1.6

(304.2)

–

0.5

56.1

(464.7)

67.9

(9.4)

(30.4)

(1.1)

3.4

(434.3)

338.3

154.3

(0.1)

0.1

338.2

154.4

–

–

–

–

–

–

(126.5)

222.3

(9.4)

(30.4)

5.9

(1.2)

(7.3)

491.2

–

(1.2)

4.7

(7.3)

490.0

3.6

0.7

(3.9)

(3.1)

55.7

285.0

Add back lease liabilities

304.2

(56.1)

8.9

(30.4)

Cash and cash equivalents net 
of borrowings

177.7

166.2

0.5

–

4.3

(7.0)

340.7

Group 
2020

Bank loans

Loan notes

Transaction costs

Lease liabilities**

Liabilities arising from 
financing activities

Cash and cash equivalents, net 
of overdrafts in notional pooling 
arrangement

Bank overdrafts

Cash, cash equivalents and 
bank overdrafts presented in 
the Cash Flow Statement

Cash and cash equivalents net 
of debt

Non-cash 
movements 
recognised 
in the 
income 
statement
£m

Movements 
through 
business 
combinations 
and disposals
£m

Other 
non-cash 
movements
£m

Exchange 
movement 
£m

At 
31 December 
£m

–

–

(0.4)

(8.9)

–

–

–

(0.7)

0.7

–

–

–

–

(12.1)

(150.0)

1.6

(83.8)

(1.8)

0.8

(304.2)

At 
1 January  

£m

(33.3)

(150.0)

2.0

Cash 
flows 
£m

21.2

–

–

(267.1)

56.6

(448.4)

77.8

(9.5)

(83.8)

(2.5)

1.5

(464.7)

209.9

125.2

(0.1)

–

209.8

125.2

–

–

–

–

–

–

(238.6)

203.0

(9.3)

(83.8)

2.4

–

0.8

–

338.3

(0.1)

2.4

0.8

338.2

(0.1)

1.8

2.3

(0.8)

(126.5)

304.2

Add back lease liabilities

267.1

(56.6)

8.9

83.8

Cash and cash equivalents net 
of borrowings

28.5

146.4

(0.4)

–

1.7

1.5

177.7

*  Other non-cash movements relates primarily to new leases recognised in the period. 

**   The part of the lease payment that represents cash payments for the principal portion of the lease liability is presented as a cash flow resulting from 

financing activities (2021: £47.2m, 2020: £47.7m). The part of the lease payment that represents interest portion of the lease liability is presented as an 
operating cash flow, consistent with the presentation of the Group’s loan and bank interest payments (2021: £8.9m, 2020: £8.9m). 

232

Company 
2021

Lease liabilities**

Liabilities arising from financing activities

Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents presented in the  
Cash Flow Statement

Cash and cash equivalents net of debt

At 1 January  

Cash flows  

£m

(70.1)

(70.1)

94.5

94.5

24.4

£m

7.8

7.8

7.7

7.7

15.5

Non-cash 
movements 
recognised 
in the income 
statement 
£m

(2.2)

(2.2)

–

–

(2.2)

Company 
2020

Lease liabilities**

Liabilities arising from financing activities

Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents presented in the 
Cash Flow Statement

Cash and cash equivalents net of debt

At 1 January  

Cash flows  

£m

(75.3)

(75.3)

83.1

83.1

7.8

£m

8.1

8.1

11.4

11.4

19.5

Non-cash 
movements 
recognised 
in the income 
statement 
£m

Other 
non-cash 
movements 
£m

(2.3)

(2.3)

–

–

(0.6)

(0.6)

–

–

(2.3)

(0.6)

At 
31 December  

£m

(64.5)

(64.5)

102.2

102.2

37.7

At 
31 December  

£m

(70.1)

(70.1)

94.5

94.5

24.4

**   The part of the lease payment that represents cash payments for the principal portion of the lease liability is presented as a cash flow resulting from 
financing activities (2021: £5.6m, 2020: £5.8m). The part of the lease payment that represents interest portion of the lease liability is presented as an 
operating cash flow, consistent with the presentation of the Group’s loan and bank interest payments (2021: £2.2m, 2020: £2.3m). 

The Company does not have any borrowings as at 31 December 2021 and 31 December 2020. 

34. Related party transactions 
Other than disclosed below and the information provided within the Remuneration Report and Note 9.3 Key 
management compensation, there were no significant related party transactions during the year.

(a) Loans to related parties
Refer to Note 20.1 for details of loans made to joint ventures and associates.

(b) Company transactions
The Company provided corporate function services to its subsidiaries at an arm’s length value of £28.5m 
(2020: £24.8m).

Dividends of £56.5m from subsidiaries were recognised during the year (2020: £40.5m). Amounts outstanding 
to and from subsidiaries as at 31 December 2021 are disclosed in Notes 20 and 23.

(c) Transactions with associates and joint ventures
There were no material transactions with associates and joint ventures in the year (2020: no material 
transactions), with the exception of transactions involving full acquisition of joint ventures and associates in the 
year (see Note 18.5) and transactions and balances disclosed in Notes 18.1, 20.1 and 20.3.

35. Post balance sheet events
At this stage it is too early to predict the economic impact of the Ukrainian crisis on the world’s real estate 
markets, however Savills derives immaterial revenues from clients of Russian origin and does not have operations 
in Ukraine. 

There have been no other events that require adjustment to the Financial Statements or are considered to have 
a material impact on the understanding of the Group’s and Company’s current financial position.

233

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsOverviewAnnual report & accounts 2021Notes to the financial statements continued
Year ended 31 December 2021

36. Group – Investments
In accordance with Section 409 of the Companies Act 2006 a full list of subsidiaries, partnerships, associates 
and joint ventures, the registered office and the effective percentage of equity owned by the Group, as at 
31 December 2021, are disclosed below. Unless otherwise stated, all subsidiary undertakings are consolidated 
into the Group financial statements and share capital is wholly comprised of ordinary shares which are indirectly 
held by the Company.

Fully-owned subsidiary

Incoll Group Pty Ltd
Incoll Management Pty Ltd
Moores Cost Consulting Pty Ltd 
Savills (ACT) Pty Ltd
Savills (Aust) Holdings Pty Ltd
Savills (Aust) Pty Ltd
Savills (NSW) Pty Ltd
Savills (QLD) Pty Ltd
Savills (SA) Pty Ltd
Savills (TAS) Pty Ltd
Savills (VIC) Pty Ltd
Savills (WA) Pty Ltd
Savills Capital Advisory Pty Ltd 
Savills Occupier Services Pty Ltd 
Savills Project Management 
Pty Ltd
Savills Project Services (SA) 
Pty Ltd
Savills Valuations Pty Ltd
Savills Sales W.L.L.

Savills Middle East Co. W.L.L.

Savills Canada, Inc.
Savills Inc. 
Savills Services Inc.
Guardian Property Services 
(Shanghai) Company Ltd 
Savills Business Information 
Technology (Shenzhen) Limited
Savills Property Services 
(Beijing) Company Ltd
Savills Property Services 
(Chengdu) Company Ltd
Savills Property Services 
(Chongqing) Company Ltd 
Savills Property Services 
(Guangzhou) Company Ltd
Savills Property Services 
(Hainan) Limited

Savills Property Services 
(Hengqin) Limited
Savills Property Services 
(Shanghai) Company Ltd
Savills Property Services 
(Tianjin) Company Ltd

Savills Property Services 
(Wuhan) Company Ltd

Country of 
incorporation

Registered office

(ii)

Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia

Level 25, 1 Farrer Place, Sydney, NSW 2000
Level 25, 1 Farrer Place, Sydney, NSW 2000
Level 25, 1 Farrer Place, Sydney, NSW 2000
Level 25, 1 Farrer Place, Sydney, NSW 2000
Level 25, 1 Farrer Place, Sydney, NSW 2000
Level 25, 1 Farrer Place, Sydney, NSW 2000
Level 25, 1 Farrer Place, Sydney, NSW 2000
Level 25, 1 Farrer Place, Sydney, NSW 2000
Level 25, 1 Farrer Place, Sydney, NSW 2000
Level 25, 1 Farrer Place, Sydney, NSW 2000
Level 25, 1 Farrer Place, Sydney, NSW 2000
Level 25, 1 Farrer Place, Sydney, NSW 2000
Level 25, 1 Farrer Place, Sydney, NSW 2000
Level 25, 1 Farrer Place, Sydney, NSW 2000
Level 25, 1 Farrer Place, Sydney, NSW 2000

Australia

Level 25, 1 Farrer Place, Sydney, NSW 2000

Australia
Bahrain

Bahrain

Canada
Canada
Canada
China

China

China

China

China

China

China

China

China
China

China

Level 25, 1 Farrer Place, Sydney, NSW 2000
Flat/shop: 2802, Building: 2504, Road: 2832,  
Block: 428, Area: Al Seef, Manama
Flat/shop: 2804, Building: 2504, Road: 2832,  
Block: 428, Area: Al Seef, Manama
181 Bay Street – Suite 200, Toronto, ON M5J 2T3
181 Bay Street – Suite 200, Toronto, ON M5J 2T3
181 Bay Street – Suite 200, Toronto, ON M5J 2T3
Room 220, Block 1, No.100 Jinyu Road, Pu Dong, 
Shanghai
Unit 201 ,A Tower, No.1 QianWan Yi Road, Qianhai  
Shengan Cooperation District,Shenzhen 
2101 East Tower, Twin Towers, B-12 Jianguomenwai 
Avenue, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100022
Room 2106, Yanlord Landmark, No.1 Section 2, 
Renmin South Road, Chengdu 610016
Room 1601, 16th floor, GuoHua Financial Center, 
No. 9 JuXianYan Square, JiangBeiZui, Chongqing 
Room 1301, R&F Center, No.10 Hua Xia Road, 
Zhujiang New Town, Guangzhou 510623
Room 9A, Baifang Building, Baifang Square, 
No.105 Binhai Avenue, Longhua District, 
Haikou,China
Room 105-19233, No. 6 Baohua Road, Hengqin 
new area, Zhuhai
Unit D, Room 62,Block 3, No.227, Ru Shan Road, 
Shanghai
Unit 4607, Tianjin World Financial Center, No.2 
Dagu North Road, Xiaobailou Street, Heping 
District, Tianjin 
Unit 08-10, 27th Floor, CITIC PACIFIC Mansion, 
No.1627 Zhongshan Avenue, Jiang’an District

234

Fully-owned subsidiary

Savills Property Services 
(Zhuhai) Company Ltd

Savills Real Estate Valuation 
(Beijing) Company Ltd

Savills Real Estate Valuation 
(Guangzhou)  
Company Ltd
Savills Technology Innovation 
Services (Shanghai) 
Company Ltd
Savills Valuation and Professional 
Services (BJ) Ltd

Savills Valuation and Professional 
Services (GZ) Ltd
Shenzhen Guardian Property 
Management Ltd

Swan Property Services (Beijing) 
Company Ltd
Savills CZ s.r.o.

Cluttons Egypt Consulting JSC
Savills Egypt Consulting JSC
Savills Valuation SAS
Savills Advisory Services GmbH
Savills Immobilien Beratungs 
GmbH
Savills Immobilien Beteiligungs 
-GmbH
Savills Immobilien Management 
GmbH
Savills Property Management 
Deutschland GmbH
Savills Facility Management 
Deutschland GmbH
Martel Maides Limited

Country of 
incorporation

China

China

China

China

China

China

China

China

Registered office

Room 2204, 22/F, Tower B, China Overseas 
Building, Midtown, No. 2021 Jiuzhou West Avenue, 
Zhuhai
Unit 01, 21/F, East Tower, Twin Towers, B-12 
Jianguomenwai Avenue, Chaoyang District, 
Beijing 100022
Room 2105, R&F Center, No.10 Hua Xia Road, 
Zhujiang New Town, Guangzhou 510623

Room 205, floor 2 west, No. 707 zhangyang road, 
China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone

Unit 07, 21/F, East Tower, Twin Towers, B-12 
Jianguomenwai Avenue, Chaoyang District, 
Beijing 100022
Room 2105, R&F Centre, No.10 Hua Xia Road, 
Zhujiang New Town, Guangzhou 
Unit 03, 9/F, China Resources Tower, No.2666, 
Keyuan South Road, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, 
518000, China 
2101 East Tower, Twin Towers, B-12 Jianguomenwai 
Avenue, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100022

Czech Republic Florentinum, Building C, Na Florenci 2116/15, 

Egypt
Egypt
France
Germany
Germany

Prague 1, 110 00 
Building 17, Street 210, Al Maadi, Cairo
Building 17, Street 210, Maadi, Cairo.
21 Boulevard Haussmann 75009, Paris, France
Taunusanlage 18, 60325 Frankfurt am Main
Taunusanlage 18, 60325 Frankfurt am Main

Germany

Taunusanlage 18, 60325 Frankfurt am Main

Germany

Taunusanlage 18, 60325 Frankfurt am Main

Germany

Bonner Straße 209, 50968 Köln, Germany

Germany

Bonner Straße 209, 50968 Köln, Germany

Guernsey

Parkes & Associates Limited

Guernsey

Savills Channel Islands Limited

Guernsey

Absolute Result Ltd

Bridgewater Management Ltd
BTHK Property Management Ltd
Champion Insurance and 
Computer Services Ltd
Dominion Office Centre Ltd
East Full Company Ltd
Express Engineering Ltd
Express Maintenance 
Services Ltd
Gateway Contractors Ltd
Greenscape Ltd
GRVM Ltd

Hong Kong

Hong Kong
Hong Kong
Hong Kong

Hong Kong
Hong Kong
Hong Kong
Hong Kong

Hong Kong
Hong Kong
Hong Kong

Royal Terrace, Glategny Esplanade, St Peter Port, 
Guernsey, GY1 2HN
First Floor, Harbour Court, Les Amballes, St Peter 
Port, Guernsey, GY1 1WU
Royal Terrace, Glategny Esplanade, St Peter Port, 
Guernsey, GY1 2HN
23/F, Two Exchange Square, 8 Connaught Place, 
Central
7/F, 1111 King’s Road, Taikoo Shing
Rooms 805-813, 8/F, 1111 King’s Road, Taikoo Shing
7/F, 1111 King’s Road, Taikoo Shing

7/F, 1111 King’s Road, Taikoo Shing
7/F, 1111 King’s Road, Taikoo Shing
7/F, 1111 King’s Road, Taikoo Shing
7/F, 1111 King’s Road, Taikoo Shing

7/F, 1111 King’s Road, Taikoo Shing
7/F, 1111 King’s Road, Taikoo Shing
7/F, 1111 King’s Road, Taikoo Shing

235

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsOverviewAnnual report & accounts 2021Notes to the financial statements continued
Year ended 31 December 2021

36. Group – Investments continued

Fully-owned subsidiary

Guard Able Ltd
Guardian Care Ltd
Guardian Management 
Services Ltd
Guardian Mandarin 
Management Ltd
Guardian Partners Ltd
Guardian Property Agencies Ltd
Guardian Property 
Management Ltd
Hip Kwan Property 
Management Ltd
Kenda Services Ltd
Kwik Park Ltd
Mount Link Services Ltd
Quartey Properties Ltd
Savills (China) Ltd

Country of 
incorporation

Hong Kong
Hong Kong
Hong Kong

Registered office

7/F, 1111 King’s Road, Taikoo Shing
7/F, 1111 King’s Road, Taikoo Shing
7/F, 1111 King’s Road, Taikoo Shing

Hong Kong

7/F, 1111 King’s Road, Taikoo Shing

Hong Kong
Hong Kong
Hong Kong

7/F, 1111 King’s Road, Taikoo Shing
7/F, 1111 King’s Road, Taikoo Shing
7/F, 1111 King’s Road, Taikoo Shing

Hong Kong

7/F, 1111 King’s Road, Taikoo Shing

Hong Kong
Hong Kong
Hong Kong
Hong Kong
Hong Kong

Savills (Hong Kong) Ltd

Hong Kong

Savills Asia Pacific Ltd

Savills Building Services Ltd
Savills Design Ltd
Savills Engineering Ltd
Savills Guardian (Holdings) Ltd
Savills India Holding Ltd 

Hong Kong

Hong Kong
Hong Kong
Hong Kong
Hong Kong
Hong Kong

Savills Indonesia Holding Ltd

Hong Kong

Savills Management Services Ltd

Hong Kong

Savills Philippines Holding Ltd 

Hong Kong

Savills Project Consultancy Ltd
Savills Property Management 
Holdings Ltd
Savills Property Management Ltd
Savills Realty Ltd

Hong Kong

Hong Kong
Hong Kong
Hong Kong

Savills Regional Services Ltd

Hong Kong

Savills Residence Ltd
Savills Valuation and Professional 
Services Ltd
Security and Safety Ltd
Swan Hygiene Services Ltd
Swan Pest Control Services Ltd
Tarrayon Ltd
The Peninsular Centre Retailers 
Association Ltd
Cluttons (India) Private Limited

PT Property Connection 
Indonesia

Hong Kong
Hong Kong

Hong Kong
Hong Kong
Hong Kong
Hong Kong
Hong Kong

India

Indonesia

236

7/F, 1111 King’s Road, Taikoo Shing
7/F, 1111 King’s Road, Taikoo Shing
7/F, 1111 King’s Road, Taikoo Shing
7/F, 1111 King’s Road, Taikoo Shing
23/F, Two Exchange Square, 8 Connaught Place, 
Central
23/F, Two Exchange Square, 8 Connaught Place, 
Central
23/F, Two Exchange Square, 8 Connaught Place, 
Central
Rooms 805-813, 8/F, 1111 King’s Road, Taikoo Shing
Rooms 805-813, 8/F, 1111 King’s Road, Taikoo Shing
Rooms 805-813, 8/F, 1111 King’s Road, Taikoo Shing
7/F, 1111 King’s Road, Taikoo Shing
23/F, Two Exchange Square, 8 Connaught Place, 
Central
23/F, Two Exchange Square, 8 Connaught Place, 
Central
23/F, Two Exchange Square, 8 Connaught Place, 
Central
23/F, Two Exchange Square, 8 Connaught Place, 
Central
Rooms 805-813, 8/F, 1111 King’s Road, Taikoo Shing

Rooms 805-813, 8/F, 1111 King’s Road, Taikoo Shing
Rooms 805-813, 8/F, 1111 King’s Road, Taikoo Shing
23/F, Two Exchange Square, 8 Connaught Place, 
Central
23/F, Two Exchange Square, 8 Connaught Place, 
Central
Rooms 805-813, 8/F, 1111 King’s Road, Taikoo Shing
Room 1208, 1111 King’s Road, Taikoo Shing, Hong 
Kong
7/F, 1111 King’s Road, Taikoo Shing
7/F, 1111 King’s Road, Taikoo Shing
7/F, 1111 King’s Road, Taikoo Shing
7/F, 1111 King’s Road, Taikoo Shing
7/F, 1111 King’s Road, Taikoo Shing

Flat no. 333, 3rd Floor, Devika Tower, 6 Nehru 
Place, New Delhi 110019
Panin Tower – Senayan City, 16/F, Jl.Asia Afrika 
Lot.19, Jakarta 10270, Indonesia

Fully-owned subsidiary

PT Savills Consultants Indonesia

Country of 
incorporation

Indonesia

Actium
Anateo Ltd
Liffey Valley Management Ltd
Mahon Point Management Ltd
Savills Advisory Services 
(Ireland) Limited
Savills Commercial 
(Ireland) Limited
Savills Management Resource 
Ireland Ltd
Savills Residential (Ireland) Ltd
White Water (Newbridge) 
Limited
White Water 
Management Limited
White Water Residential DAC 
(Designated Activity Company)
Savills Italia S.r.l.
Savills Italy SRL (EUR)
Savills Asset Advisory 
Company Ltd
Savills Japan Company Ltd

Savills Japan Valuation GK

Savills plc 1992 Employee 
Benefit Trust
1992 EBT Holdings Ltd
Savills (Jersey) Ltd
Savills (Macau) Ltd

Savills Project Consultancy 
(Macau) Ltd
Savills Property Management 
(Macau) Ltd
Savills (Myanmar) Ltd

Savills Asset and Property 
Management BV
Savills Agency B.V.

Savills B.V.

Savills Building & Project 
Consultancy B.V.
Savills Consultancy B.V.

Savills Holdings B.V.

(ii)
(ii)
(v)
(v)

Ireland
Ireland
Ireland
Ireland
Ireland

Registered office

Panin Tower – Senayan City, 16/F, Jl.Asia Afrika 
Lot.19, Jakarta 10270, Indonesia
33 Molesworth Street, Dublin 2, Ireland
33 Molesworth Street, Dublin 2, Ireland
33 Molesworth Street, Dublin 2, Ireland
33 Molesworth Street, Dublin 2, Ireland
33 Molesworth Street, Dublin 2, Ireland

(ii)

Ireland

33 Molesworth Street, Dublin 2, Ireland

Ireland

33 Molesworth Street, Dublin 2, Ireland

Ireland
Ireland

33 Molesworth Street, Dublin 2, Ireland
33 Molesworth Street, Dublin 2, Ireland

Ireland

33 Molesworth Street, Dublin 2, Ireland

Ireland

33 Molesworth Street, Dublin 2, Ireland

(v)

(v)

(v)

Italy
Italy
Japan

Japan

Japan

(vi)

Jersey

(vi)

Jersey
Jersey
Macau

Macau

Macau

Myanmar

Netherlands

Netherlands

Netherlands

Netherlands

Netherlands

Netherlands

Via Manzoni, 37 – 20121 Milano
Via Manzoni, 37 – 20121 Milano
Yurakucho ITOCIA 15/F, 2-7-1 Yurakucho, 
Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-0006
Yurakucho ITOCIA 15/F, 2-7-1 Yurakucho, Chiyoda-
ku, Tokyo 100-0006
Yurakucho ITOCIA 15/F, 2-7-1 Yurakucho, Chiyoda-
ku, Tokyo 100-0006
Third Floor Cambridge House, Le Truchot, St Peter 
Port, GY1 1WD, Guernsey
50 La Colomberie, St. Helier, JE2 4QB, Jersey 
19 Halkett Place, St Helier, JE2 4WG
Suite 1309-1310, 13/F Macau Landmark,  
555 Avenida da Amizade
Suite 1309-1310, 13/F Macau Landmark,  
555 Avenida da Amizade
Suite 1309-1310, 13/F Macau Landmark,  
555 Avenida da Amizade
No. 8, Unit 8-A, Centerpoint Towers, No. 65,  
Corner of Sule Pagoda Road & Merchant Street, 
Kyauktada Township, Yangon
Viñoly Building, Claude Debussylaan 48,  
Amsterdam 1082 MD, Netherlands
Viñoly Building, Claude Debussylaan 48,  
Amsterdam 1082 MD, Netherlands
Viñoly Building, Claude Debussylaan 48,  
Amsterdam 1082 MD, Netherlands
Viñoly Building, Claude Debussylaan 48,  
Amsterdam 1082 MD, Netherlands
Viñoly Building, Claude Debussylaan 48,  
Amsterdam 1082 MD, Netherlands
Viñoly Building, Claude Debussylaan 48,  
Amsterdam 1082 MD, Netherlands
Viñoly Building, Claude Debussylaan 48,  
Amsterdam 1082 MD, Netherlands
Viñoly Building, Claude Debussylaan 48,  
Amsterdam 1082 MD, Netherlands
Viñoly Building, Claude Debussylaan 48,  
Amsterdam 1082 MD, Netherlands

237

Savills Investments B.V.

Netherlands

Savills Nederland Holdings BV

Netherlands

Savills Retail B.V.

Netherlands

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsOverviewAnnual report & accounts 2021Notes to the financial statements continued
Year ended 31 December 2021

36. Group – Investments continued

Fully-owned subsidiary

Savills (NZ) Ltd

Savills (NI) Limited

FPD Management Services 
Philippines Inc.

Savills Property 
Management Sp Z o.o. 
Savills Sp Z o.o.
Savills Portugal – 
Consultoria, Lda.
Savills Portugal – Mediaçao 
Imobiliaria Lda
Savills for Business Services SPC
iProcurePro Pte Ltd
Savills (SEA) Pte Ltd
Savills (Singapore) Pte Ltd
Savills Property Management 
Pte Ltd
Savills Residential Pte Ltd
Savills Valuation & Professional 
Services (S) Pte Ltd
Savills Korea Advisors Realty 
Company Ltd 
Savills Korea Company Ltd 

Savills Aguirre Newman 
Arquitectura Barcelona SA
Savills Aguirre Newman 
Arquitectura SA
Savills Aguirre Newman 
Barcelona SA
Savills Aguirre Newman 
Consultores, S.A.U
Savills Aguirre Newman 
Corporate Finance, SA
Savills Aguirre Newman S.A.U.
Savills Aguirre Newman 
Valoraciones y Tasaciones SA
Savills Consultores 
Inmobiliarios SA
Loudden Bygg-och 
Fastighetsservice AB
Savills Förvaltning AB
Savills Sweden AB
Savills Sweden Investment AB
Savills (Taiwan) Ltd

Savills Residential Services 
(Taiwan) Ltd
Savills Valuation & Professional 
Services (Taiwan)
Savills (Thailand) Ltd 

238

Country of 
incorporation

New Zealand

Registered office

Level 6, 41 Shortland Street, Auckland Central,  
Auckland, 1010

Philippines

Northern Ireland 2nd Floor, Longbridge House, 16-24 Waring Street, 
Belfast, BT1 2DX, Northern Ireland
12/F., Times Plaza Building, United Nations Avenue  
corner Taft Avenue, Ermita, Manila 1000 
Phlippines
Al. Jana Pawła II 22, Warszawa

Poland

Poland
Portugal

Al. Jana Pawła II 22, Warszawa
Avenida Miguel Bombarda 4, 1000-208 Lisboa

Portugal

Avenida Miguel Bombarda 4, 1000-208 Lisboa

(ii)

Saudi Arabia
Singapore
Singapore
Singapore
Singapore

Singapore
Singapore

South Korea

South Korea

Spain

Spain

Spain

Spain

Spain

Spain
Spain

Spain

PO Box 17, Riyadh, Post Code: 11411
30 Cecil Street #20-03 Prudential Tower, 049712
30 Cecil Street #20-03 Prudential Tower, 049712
30 Cecil Street #20-03 Prudential Tower, 049712
20 Martin Road #03-01/02 Seng Kee Building, 
239070
30 Cecil Street #20-03 Prudential Tower, 049712
30 Cecil Street #20-03 Prudential Tower, 049712

13/F Seoul Finance Center, 136 Sejong-daero 
Jung-gu, Seoul
13/F Seoul Finance Center, 136 Sejong-daero 
Jung-gu, Seoul
Avda. Diagonal 609-615, Barcelona

Paseo de la Castellana, 81 28046 Madrid

Avda. Diagonal 609-615, Barcelona

Paseo de la Castellana, 81 28046 Madrid

Paseo de la Castellana, 81 28046 Madrid

Paseo de la Castellana, 81 28046 Madrid
Paseo de la Castellana, 81 28046 Madrid

Paseo de la Castellana, 81 28046 Madrid

Sweden

Box 6317, 102 35 Stockholm

Sweden
Sweden
Sweden
Taipei

Taipei

(iii)

Taipei

Thailand

Sergels Torg 12 111 57 Stockholm 
Sergels Torg 12 111 57 Stockholm 
Segels Torg 12, 111 57 Stockholm
21/F, No. 68, Sec. 5, Zhong-Xiao East Road, 
Taipei 110
21/F, No. 68, Sec. 5, Zhong-Xiao East Road, 
Taipei 110
21/F, No. 68, Sec. 5, Zhong-Xiao East Road, 
Taipei 110
990 Abdulrahim Place Building, 26/F, Rama 
IV Road, Silom Subdistrict, Bang Rak District, 
Bangkok

Fully-owned subsidiary

Savills Services 
(Thailand) Limited

Savills Real Estate LLC (Dubai)

(iv)

Savills Real Estate LLC (Sharjah)

(iv)

B Bids Limited
Buckleys Estate Agents Ltd
Chesterfield & Co (Rentals) Ltd
Cordea Savills Investments Ltd
Cureoscity Technologies Limited

Currell Commercial Limited
Currell Management LLP
Currell Residential Limited
GHV NewCo 1 Ltd
Grosvenor Hill Ventures Ltd
Hepher Dixon Ltd
Holden Matthews Estate 
Agents Ltd
Humphriss & Ryde Ltd
Jago Dean PR ltd
JP Case & Co Property 
Services Limited
LIBRA Housing Advisory 
Services Ltd
Liverpool ONE Management 
Services Ltd
Mansfield Elstob Main Ltd
Moor House Management 
Services Limited
PCA Holdings Ltd
PCA Management 
Consultants Limited
Portnalls Ltd
Prime Purchase Ltd
Rickitt Grant & Company Ltd
S F Securities Ltd
Savills (Europe) Ltd
Savills (L&P) Ltd
Savills (Overseas Holdings) 
Limited
Savills (UK) Ltd
Savills Advisory Services 
(L&P) Ltd
Savills Advisory Services Ltd
Savills Asia Pacific 
Holding Limited
Savills Asset Warehouse 1 Ltd
Savills Co-Investment 
Holdings Limited
Savills Capital Advisors Ltd
Savills Commercial (Leeds) Ltd
Savills Commercial Ltd
Savills Finance Holdings plc

Country of 
incorporation

Thailand

Registered office

990 Abdulrahim Place Building, 26/F, Rama 
IV Road, Silom Subdistrict, Bang Rak District, 
Bangkok
22nd Floor, Arenco Tower, Sheikh Zayed Road,  
PO Box 3087 Dubai
2702C, Al Marzouqi Towers, King Faisal Street, 
UAE

United Arab 
Emirates
United Arab 
Emirates
United Kingdom 33 Margaret Street, London, W1G 0JD
United Kingdom 33 Margaret Street, London, W1G 0JD
United Kingdom 33 Margaret Street, London, W1G 0JD
United Kingdom 33 Margaret Street, London, W1G 0JD
United Kingdom 33 Margaret Street, London, United Kingdom, 

W1G 0JD

United Kingdom 9 Bonhill Street, London, EC2A 4DJ
United Kingdom 9 Bonhill Street, London, EC2A 4DJ
United Kingdom 9 Bonhill Street, London, EC2A 4DJ
United Kingdom 33 Margaret Street, London, W1G 0JD
United Kingdom 33 Margaret Street, London, W1G 0JD
United Kingdom 33 Margaret Street, London, W1G 0JD
United Kingdom 33 Margaret Street, London, W1G 0JD

United Kingdom 33 Margaret Street, London, W1G 0JD
United Kingdom 33 Margaret Street, London, W1G 0JD
United Kingdom 33 Margaret Street, London, W1G 0JD

United Kingdom 33 Margaret Street, London, W1G 0JD

United Kingdom 33 Margaret Street, London, W1G 0JD

United Kingdom 33 Margaret Street, London, W1G 0JD
United Kingdom 33 Margaret Street, London, W1G 0JD

United Kingdom 33 Margaret Street, London, W1G 0JD
United Kingdom 33 Margaret Street, London, W1G 0JD

United Kingdom 33 Margaret Street, London, W1G 0JD
United Kingdom 33 Margaret Street, London, W1G 0JD
United Kingdom 33 Margaret Street, London, W1G 0JD
United Kingdom 33 Margaret Street, London, W1G 0JD
United Kingdom 33 Margaret Street, London, W1G 0JD
United Kingdom 33 Margaret Street, London, W1G 0JD
United Kingdom 33 Margaret Street, London, W1G 0JD

United Kingdom 33 Margaret Street, London, W1G 0JD
United Kingdom 33 Margaret Street, London, W1G 0JD

United Kingdom 33 Margaret Street, London, W1G 0JD
United Kingdom 33 Margaret Street, London, W1G 0JD

United Kingdom 33 Margaret Street, London, W1G 0JD
United Kingdom 33 Margaret Street, London, W1G 0JD

United Kingdom 33 Margaret Street, London, W1G 0JD
United Kingdom 33 Margaret Street, London, W1G 0JD
United Kingdom 33 Margaret Street, London, W1G 0JD
United Kingdom 33 Margaret Street, London, W1G 0JD

239

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsOverviewAnnual report & accounts 2021Notes to the financial statements continued
Year ended 31 December 2021

36. Group – Investments continued

Fully-owned subsidiary

Savills Financial Services Ltd
Savills Holding Company Ltd
Savills India Limited
Savills Italy Holding Limited
Savills KSA Limited
Savills Lending Solutions Ltd
Savills Management 
Resources Ltd
Savills Management Resource 
Northern Ireland Ltd
Savills ME Limited
Savills Middle East 
Holdings Limited
Savills Place-Shaping & 
Marketing Limited 
Savills Telecom Ltd
Savills Trust Company Limited 
Smith Woolley Ltd
Smiths Gore Limited
The Currell Group Limited
The London planning Practice Ltd
Wellington Holdings Ltd
BTR Capital Advisors I, LLC
BTR Capital Advisors II, Inc.
BTR Capital Advisors III, Inc.
Gravitas Lease Audit Services LLC
Gravitas Real Estate 
Solutions LLC
Kelly, Legan & Gerard Inc.
Macro Consultants LLC

Savills (L&P) Inc

Savills (ME) LLC
Savills America Ltd
Savills Capital Markets LLC
Savills Gravitas Real Estate 
Solutions LLC
Savills Inc.
Savills Rabbi Trust
Savills Occupier Services Inc.
SSOC, LLC 
Studley International, Inc
Studley Advisors, Inc
SVS (GA) Inc.
SVS Stone LLC
T3 Reallty Advisors West Corp
T3 Reallty Advisors, LLC
The Great Studley 
Stamp Company
Savills Vietnam Company Ltd

SVVN Price Valuation Limited  
Liability Company

(i)

Country of 
incorporation

Registered office

United Kingdom 33 Margaret Street, London, W1G 0JD
United Kingdom 33 Margaret Street, London, W1G 0JD
United Kingdom 33 Margaret Street, London, W1G 0JD
United Kingdom 33 Margaret St, London W1G 0JD
United Kingdom 33 Margaret Street, London, W1G 0JD
United Kingdom 33 Margaret Street, London, W1G 0JD
United Kingdom 33 Margaret Street, London, W1G 0JD

United Kingdom Longbridge House 2nd Floor, 16-24 Waring Street,  
Belfast, Northern Ireland, BT1 2DX

United Kingdom 33 Margaret Street, London, W1G 0JD
United Kingdom 33 Margaret Street, London, W1G 0JD

United Kingdom 33 Margaret Street, London, W1G 0JD

United Kingdom 33 Margaret Street, London, W1G 0JD
United Kingdom 33 Margaret Street, London, W1G 0JD
United Kingdom 33 Margaret Street, London, W1G 0JD
United Kingdom 33 Margaret Street, London, W1G 0JD
United Kingdom 9 Bonhill Street, London, EC2A 4DJ
United Kingdom 33 Margaret Street, London, W1G 0JD
United Kingdom 33 Margaret Street, London, W1G 0JD
United States
United States
United States
United States
United States

399 Park Avenue – 11th FL, New York, NY 10022
399 Park Avenue – 11th FL, New York, NY 10022
399 Park Avenue – 11th FL, New York, NY 10022
399 Park Avenue – 11th FL, New York, NY 10022
399 Park Avenue – 11th FL, New York, NY 10022

United States
United States

United States

United States
United States
United States
United States

United States
United States
United States
United States
United States
United States
United States
United States
United States
United States
United States

Vietnam

Vietnam

398 Park Avenue – 11th FL, New York, NY 10022
1040 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 
10018
Unex House, 132–134 Hills Road, Cambridge 
CB2 8PA 
399 Park Avenue – 11th FL, New York, NY 10022
399 Park Avenue – 11/F, New York, NY 10022
399 Park Avenue – 11th FL, New York, NY 10022
399 Park Avenue – 11th FL, New York, NY 10022

399 Park Avenue – 11th FL, New York, NY 10022
570 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10022
399 Park Avenue – 11th FL, New York, NY 10022
399 Park Avenue – 11th FL, New York, NY 10022
399 Park Avenue – 11th FL, New York, NY 10022
399 Park Avenue – 11th FL, New York, NY 10022
399 Park Avenue – 11th FL, New York, NY 10022
399 Park Avenue – 11th FL, New York, NY 10022
399 Park Avenue – 11th FL, New York, NY 10022
399 Park Avenue – 11th FL, New York, NY 10022
399 Park Avenue – 11th FL, New York, NY 10022

6/F, Sentinel Place building, 41A Ly Thai To, Hoan 
Kiem District, Hanoi City
17 Fl., Vincom Centre Building, 72 Le Thanh Ton 
Str., Ben Nghe Ward, Dist 1, Ho Chi Minh City

(vi)

240

Subsidiaries of which the Group 
owns less than 100%
Savills Investment 
Management (Australia) 
Pty Limited
Savills Belux Group SA
DRC UK Whole Loan Fund 
(Feeder) (GP) Ltd
DRC UK Whole Loan Fund 
(GP) Ltd
European Real Estate Debt 
Fund II (GP) Ltd
European Real Estate Senior 
Debt (GP 1) Ltd
European Real Estate Senior 
Debt (GP 2) Ltd
European Real Estate Senior 
Debt (GP 3) Ltd
Savills IM Japan Residential 
Fund II Feeder GP Ltd

Savills Property Services 
(Shenzhen) Company Ltd

Shanghai Shan Mei Real 
Consulting Limited
Shanghai XinMin Equity 
Investment Management 
Co. Ltd
Savills Investment 
Management SAS
Savills SA 
Savills Fund Management 
GmbH
Savills Fund Management 
Holding AG
Savills IM Berlin Südkreuz 
GmbH & Co. KG
Savills IM Beteilugungs 
GmbH
Savills Investment 
Management (Germany) 
GmbH
Savills Investment 
Management (KVG) GmbH
Jiayi Savills Property 
Services Ltd
Merx HK Limited

Savills Billion Property 
Management Ltd
Savills Investment 
Management (Hong Kong) 
Limited
Savills Investment 
Management Asia Limited
The Aurora Management 
Services Ltd
Savills Vignature Property 
Management Limited

% 
owned
75

Counry of 
incorporation
Australia

99.9 Belgium
Cayman
75

75

75

75

75

75

75

Cayman

Cayman

Cayman

Cayman

Cayman

Cayman

85

China

75

75

China

China

Registered office
Level 36, Gateway, 1 Macquarie Place, Sydney  
NSW 2000, Australia

Avenue Louise 81, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
94 Solaris Avenue, Camana Bay, PO Box 1348, 
Grand Cayman, KY1-1108, Cayman Islands
94 Solaris Avenue, Camana Bay, PO Box 1348, 
Grand Cayman, KY1-1108, Cayman Islands
94 Solaris Avenue, Camana Bay, PO Box 1348, 
Grand Cayman, KY1-1108, Cayman Islands
94 Solaris Avenue, Camana Bay, PO Box 1348, 
Grand Cayman, KY1-1108, Cayman Islands
94 Solaris Avenue, Camana Bay, PO Box 1348, 
Grand Cayman, KY1-1108, Cayman Islands
94 Solaris Avenue, Camana Bay, PO Box 1348, 
Grand Cayman, KY1-1108, Cayman Islands
c/o Walkers Corporate Limited, Cayman Corporate 
Centre, 27 Hospital Road, George Town, Grand 
Cayman KY1-9008, Cayman Islands
Unit 02, 9/F, China Resources Tower, No.2666, 
Keyuan South Road, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, 
518000, China
Room 5, 2F, No. 707 Zhangyang Road, Pilot Free 
Trade Zone, Shanghai
Unit 602, No. 4, Lane 541, Wenshui East Road, 
Hongkou District, Shanghai City

75

France

54–56 Avenue Hoche, 75008 Paris

99.97 France
70.5 Germany

21 Boulevard Haussmann 75009, Paris, France
Rotfeder-Ring 7, D-60327 Frankfurt-am-Main

75

75

75

75

Germany

Rotfeder-Ring 7, D-60327 Frankfurt-am-Main

Germany

Rotfeder-Ring 7, 60327 Frankfurt am Main

Germany

Rotfeder-Ring 7, 60327 Frankfurt am Main

Germany

Sonnenstrasse 19, Munich

71.175 Germany

Rotfeder-Ring 7, D-60327 Frankfurt-am-Main

51

Hong Kong

60

Hong Kong 

80

Hong Kong

75

Hong Kong

23/F, Two Exchange Square, 8 Connaught Place, 
Central
Room 1302, 13/F., Tai Sang Bank Building, 130-132 
Des Voeux Road Central, Hong Kong
Rooms 805-813, 8/F, 1111 King's Road, Taikoo Shing

Level 54, Hopewell Centre, 183 Queen’s Road East, 
Hong Kong

75

Hong Kong

80

Hong Kong

Level 54, Hopewell Centre, 183 Queen’s Road East, 
Hong Kong
Rooms 805-813, 8/F, 1111 King's Road, Taikoo Shing

70

Hong Kong

Rooms 805-813, 8/F, 1111 King's Road, Taikoo Shing

241

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsOverviewAnnual report & accounts 2021Notes to the financial statements continued
Year ended 31 December 2021

36. Group – Investments continued

% 
owned
75

Counry of 
incorporation
Italy

68.16 Japan

Japan

Japan

Jersey

Jersey

Jersey

Jersey

Jersey

Jersey

Jersey

Jersey

Jersey
Jersey

Jersey

75

75

75

75

75

75

75

75

75

75

75
75

75

75

75

75

75

75

Subsidiaries of which the Group 
owns less than 100%
Savills Investment 
Management SGR S.p.A
JVF GP GK

Savills Investment 
Architecture Design GK
SIM Real Estate GK

DRC European Real Estate 
Debt Fund III (GP) Ltd
DRC European Real Estate 
Debt Fund III (SLI GP) Ltd
DRC European Real Estate 
Debt Fund IV (GP) Ltd
DRC Evergreen Whole Loan 
(GP) Ltd
DRC UK Whole Loan Fund II 
(GP) Ltd
European Real Estate Senior 
Debt 4 (GP) Ltd
European Real Estate Senior 
Debt Fund (GP 7) Ltd
Prime London Residential 
Development Jersey 
GP Limited
Prime London Residential 
Development Jersey II 
GP Limited
Savills IM Single Asset 
Vehicle Fund ICC
Savills Investment 
Management (Jersey) 
Limited
DRC European Real Estate 
Debt Fund IV (GP II) Sarl
European Real Estate Senior 
Debt 5 (GP) Sarl
European Real Estate Senior 
Debt 6 (GP) Sarl
European Real Estate Senior 
Debt 8 Sarl
Savills IM European Fund V 
GP S.a.r.l
Savills Investment 
Management (Luxembourg) 
S.à r.l.
Merx Macau Limited

Registered office
Via San Paolo 7, 20121 Milan, Italy

c/o Akasaka International Accounting Office 
2-10-5 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan
3F BPR Place Kamiyacho, 1-11-9 Azabudai, 1 
Chome-11 Azabudai, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0041
3F BPR Place Kamiyacho, 1-11-9 Azabudai, 1 
Chome-11 Azabudai, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0041
The Forum, 4 Grenville Street, St Helier, 
JE2 4UF, Jersey
The Forum, 4 Grenville Street, St Helier, 
JE2 4UF, Jersey
The Forum, 4 Grenville Street, St Helier, 
JE2 4UF, Jersey
The Forum, 4 Grenville Street, St Helier, 
JE2 4UF, Jersey
The Forum, 4 Grenville Street, St Helier, 
JE2 4UF, Jersey
The Forum, 4 Grenville Street, St Helier, 
JE2 4UF, Jersey
IFC 5, St Helier, JE1 1ST, Jersey

3rd Floor Walker House, 28-34 Hill Street, St Helier, 
Jersey, JE4 8PN

3rd Floor Walker House, 28-34 Hill Street, St Helier, 
Jersey, JE4 8PN
3rd Floor, Liberation House, Castle Street, St Helier, 
Jersey, Channel Islands JE1 2LH
3rd Floor, Walker House, 28-34 Hill St, St Helier, 
Jersey, JE4 8PN

Luxembourg

Luxembourg

Luxembourg

Luxembourg

Luxembourg

6H Route de Treves, Senningerberg L-2633, 
Luxembourg
Airport Center Luxembourg 5, Heienhaff, L-1736 
Senningerberg, Luxembourg 
Airport Center Luxembourg 5, Heienhaff, L-1736 
Senningerberg, Luxembourg 
6H Route de Treves, Senningerberg L-2633, 
Luxembourg
10, rue C.M. Spoo

71.175 Luxembourg

10, rue C.M. Spoo

60

Macau

Merx Malaysia Sdn. Bhd.

60

Malaysia

Savills (Johor) Sdn Bhd

(ii)

49

Malaysia

Savills (KL) Sdn Bhd

(ii)

49

Malaysia

242

Avenida da Praia Grande, nº 665, Edifício Great 
Will, 16º andar, Unidade A, em Macau
Unit 1336, Suite-A, Lobby 7, Block A, Damansara 
Intan No 1, Jalan SS20/27, 47400 Petaling Jaya, 
Selangor, Malaysia
Upper Penthouse, Wisma RKT, No. 2 Jalan Raja 
Abdullah, Off Jalan Sultan Ismail, 50300 Kuala 
Lumpur
Upper Penthouse, Wisma RKT, No. 2 Jalan Raja 
Abdullah, Off Jalan Sultan Ismail, 50300 Kuala 
Lumpur

Subsidiaries of which the Group 
owns less than 100%
Savills (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd

% 
owned
49

Counry of 
incorporation
Malaysia

(ii)

Savills (Penang) Sdn Bhd

(ii)

49

Malaysia

Savills (Project Management) 
Sdn Bhd

(ii)

49

Malaysia

Savills Investment 
Management B.V
Savills & Partners LLC

75

Netherlands

65

Oman

75

Poland

60

Singapore

60

Singapore

75

Singapore

Registered office
Upper Penthouse, Wisma RKT, No. 2 Jalan Raja 
Abdullah, Off Jalan Sultan Ismail, 50300 Kuala 
Lumpur
Upper Penthouse, Wisma RKT, No. 2 Jalan Raja 
Abdullah, Off Jalan Sultan Ismail, 50300 Kuala 
Lumpur
Upper Penthouse, Wisma RKT, No. 2 Jalan Raja 
Abdullah, Off Jalan Sultan Ismail, 50300 Kuala 
Lumpur
Vida Building, Kabelweg 57, 1014 BA Amsterdam

Hatat Complex Suite 30-36, Ground Floor, P O Box 
1475, Ruwi, Sultanate of Oman, Location – Wadi 
Adai – Romellah
Gdanski Business Center – building B (3rd floor), 
Inflancka 4 st., 00-189 Warsaw, Poland
168 Robinson Road, #12 Capital Tower, Singapore 
068912
168 Robinson Road, #12 Capital Tower, Singapore 
068912
83 Amoy Street, 01-01 Singapore 069960

Savills Investment 
Management SP Z o.o.
Merx Holdings (SG) Pte. Ltd.

Merx Construction 
Management (MCM) Pte Ltd 
Savills Investment 
Management Pte. Limited
Savills IM Japan Residential 
Fund GP Pte Ltd
Savills IM Japan Value Fund 
II GP Pte Ltd
Savills IM Japan Residential 
Fund II GP Pte Ltd
Savills Investment 
Management SLU
Savills Investment 
Management AB
Cordea Savills SLP 
GP Limited
Cordea Savills SLP II LP

Cordea Savills SLP LP

DRC Savills Investment 
Management LLP
GTOF Co-Investment GP LLP

Liverpool ONE Management 
Company Ltd
Prime London Residential 
Development Co-Investment 
GP LLP
Prime London Residential 
Development Co-Investment 
II GP LLP
Prime London Residential 
Development Co-Investment 
II LP
Prime London Residential 
Development Co-Investment 
LP
Prime London Residential 
Development GP LLP

Singapore
Singapore

Singapore

Spain

61 Robinson Road #16-02, Robinson Centre 
Singapore 068893
61 Robinson Road #16-02, Robinson Centre 
Singapore 068893
61 Robinson Road #16-02, Robinson Centre 
Singapore 068893
Paseo de la Castellana, 81 28046 Madrid

Sweden

Regeringsgatan 48, 5th Floor, 111 56 Stockholm

United Kingdom Wemyss House, 8 Wemyss Place, Edinburgh, 

EH3 6DH

United Kingdom 50 Lothian Road, Festival Square, Edinburgh, 

EH3 9WJ

United Kingdom Wemyss House, 3 Wemyss Place, Edinburgh, 

EH3 6DH

United Kingdom 4th Floor, 6 Duke Street St James's, London, 
United Kingdom, SW1Y 6BN
United Kingdom Citypoint, 65 Haymarket Terrace, Edinburgh, 

Scotland, EH12 5HD
United Kingdom 33 Margaret Street, London, W1G 0JD

75
75

75

75

75

75

75

75

75

75

50

75

United Kingdom 50 Lothian Road, Festival Square, Edinburgh,  

EH3 9WJ

75

United Kingdom 50 Lothian Road, Festival Square, Edinburgh, 

EH3 9WJ

75

United Kingdom 50 Lothian Road, Festival Square, Edinburgh, 

EH3 9WJ

75

United Kingdom 50 Lothian Road, Festival Square, Edinburgh, 

EH3 9WJ

75

United Kingdom 33 Margaret Street, London, UK, W1G 0JD

243

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsOverviewAnnual report & accounts 2021Notes to the financial statements continued
Year ended 31 December 2021

36. Group – Investments continued

Subsidiaries of which the Group 
owns less than 100%
Prime London Residential 
Development II GP LLP
Savills IM SLP II GP LLP

Savills IM Dawn GP Limited
Savills IM Euro V Co-
Investment GP LLP
Savills IM Euro V Co-
Investment LP
Savills IM Holdings Limited
Savills IM Investco Limited
Savills IM Investments 
Limited
Savills IM JVF II Co-
Investment GP LLP
Savills IM JVF II Co-
Investment LP
Savills IM SLP General 
Partner LLP
Savills IM SLP III GP LLP

Savills IM UK One Limited
Savills IM UK Property 
Ventures No.1 GP Limited
Savills IM UK Two Limited
Savills Investment 
Management (UK) Limited
Savills Investment 
Management LLP
Savills Investment 
Management Overseas 
Holdings Limited
Serviced Land No.2 GP 
Limited
Serviced Land No.2 JV 
GP Limited
Stratland Management 
Limited
Savills Investment 
Management Inc.
SGDN Ltd

% 
owned
75

Counry of 
incorporation
United Kingdom 33 Margaret Street, London, UK, W1G 0JD

Registered office

75

75
75

75

75
75
75

75

75

75

75

75
75

75
75

75

75

75

75

75

75

51

United Kingdom 50 Lothian Road, Festival Square, Edinburgh, 

EH3 9WJ

United Kingdom 33 Margaret Street, London, UK, W1G 0JD
United Kingdom 50 Lothian Road, Festival Square, Edinburgh, 

Scotland, EH3 9WJ

United Kingdom 50 Lothian Road, Festival Square, Edinburgh, 

Scotland, EH3 9WJ

United Kingdom 33 Margaret Street, London, UK, W1G 0JD
United Kingdom 33 Margaret Street, London, UK, W1G 0JD
United Kingdom 33 Margaret Street, London, UK, W1G 0JD

United Kingdom 50 Lothian Road, Festival Square, Edinburgh, 

Scotland, EH3 9WJ

United Kingdom 50 Lothian Road, Festival Square, Edinburgh, 

Scotland, EH3 9WJ

United Kingdom Wemyss House, 8 Wemyss Place, Edinburgh, 
United Kingdom, EH3 6DH
United Kingdom Citypoint, 65 Haymarket Terrace, Edinburgh, 

Scotland, EH12 5HD

United Kingdom 33 Margaret Street, London, UK, W1G 0JD
United Kingdom 33 Margaret Street, London, UK, W1G 0JD

United Kingdom 33 Margaret Street, London, UK, W1G 0JD
United Kingdom 33 Margaret Street, London, UK, W1G 0JD

United Kingdom 33 Margaret Street, London, UK, W1G 0JD

United Kingdom 33 Margaret Street, London, UK, W1G 0JD

United Kingdom 33 Margaret Street, London, UK, W1G 0JD

United Kingdom 33 Margaret Street, London, UK, W1G 0JD

United Kingdom 33 Margaret Street, London, UK, W1G 0JD

United States

251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington, DE 19808

United Kingdom Stuart House, City Road, Peterborough, PE1 1QF

Joint Ventures

Shanghai No.1 and FPDSavills 
Property Management 
Company Ltd
Zhuhai Hengqin Savills Assets 
Operation Management 
Company Ltd
Beijing China Railway Savills 
Property Management Services 
Company Ltd
Gohigh Savills (Shanghai) 
Property Management 
Company Ltd

% 
owned

Country of 
incorporation

Registered office

51

51

China

China

49

China

49

China

Building No1, 3rd Floor, No.400, Fangchun Rd, 
Pudong District, Shanghai

Room 105-1460, No. 6 Baohua road, 
Hengqin new area, Zhuhai

Room 202 Tower D, Beijing China Railway Plaza, 
No.3 South Road Auto Museum, Fengtai District, 
Beijing
Room 203D, 2/F, No. 21, Lane 596, 
Middle Yanan Road, Jingan District, Shanghai

244

Joint Ventures

Guangzhou Nansi & Savills 
Property Management Co Ltd 
Shanghai Qihui Savills Property 
Services Company Ltd
Beijing Haizhi Savills Property 
Management Company Ltd
Beijing Hongyuan Savills 
Property Management 
Company Ltd
Savills BM Property Services  
Company Ltd
Shenzhen Qianhai Savills 
Property Services Company Ltd
Daisy Savills Property 
Management (Beijing) 
Company Ltd
Suzhou Industrial Park Hengtai 
Savills Property Management 
Company Ltd
Beijing BHG Savills Retail & 
Property Management 
Company Ltd
Beijing Oriental Savills Asset 
Management Company Ltd
Beijing Zhaotai Savills Property 
Services Company Ltd
Chongqing Shenghua Savills 
Property Services Group 
Company Ltd 
Chengdu Shudu Savills Property 
Services Co., Ltd.
Nanjing Smart Science 
Technology Park & Savills 
Property Management 
Company Ltd 
Shanghai Nanhongqiao Savills 
Property Management Co., Ltd.
Savills Raycom Property 
Management (Beijing) 
Company Ltd
Shanghai Landsea Savills 
Property Management Co., Ltd.
Shanghai Poly Savills Property 
Management Company Ltd
Shanxi Zhidi Savills Property 
Services Company Ltd
Anlian Savills Property 
Management (Shenzhen) Ltd
COSCO Savills Property 
Development Company Ltd
Beijing Financial Street Savills 
Property Management 
Company Ltd
Beijing Zhong Bao Savills 
Property Management 
Company Ltd
Tianjin TEDA Savills Property 
Services Company Ltd

% 
owned

Country of 
incorporation

Registered office

49

49

40

40

40

40

35

China

China

China

China

China

China

China

35

China

24.5

China

30

30

30

65

30

49

30

49

30

30

China

China

China

China

China

China

China

China

China

China

25.5

China

25

20

China

China

10

China

10

China

Room 1304, Feng Ze Dong Road No.106, 
Nan Sha Area, Guang Zhou PRC
Rm 548, 9F, No. 583 Lingmu Rd., Xuhui District, 
Shanghai
Zone B, 6/F, Tower B, No.18 Zhong Guan Cun 
Avenue, Haidian District, Beijing
Unit 104, F1,Building 4, No.2 Jinsui Avenue, 
Shunyi District, Beijing

Room 115, No.53, Lane 749, Middle Tianmu Road, 
Zhabei District, Shanghai
Unit 201,A Tower, No.1, QianWan Road,Qianhai 
Shengan Cooperation District,Shenzhen 
Unit 702, Tower 2, Office Building, 7/F, No. 18 
Jianguomennei Avenue, Chaoyang District, Beijing

Unit 303-304, Moon Bay International Business 
Center, 9 Cuiwei Avenue, Suzhou Industrial Park, 
Suzhou
Room 107, Block 1, No 208, Lane 4, 
North Xiangyun Road, Daxing District, Beijing

Unit 303, 3/F No, 9 West Street Wangfujing, 
Dongcheng District, Beijing
B1/F, 11 Fenghui Yuan, Tai Ping Avenue, 
Xicheng District, Beijing, P.R.C
Room 102, 1st Floor, GuoHua Financial Center, 
No. 9 JuXianYan Square, JiangBeiZui, Chongqing 

Unit 212, 2/F, No.1 Building, No.333 Jiqingsan Rd, 
Chengdu High-tech District, Chengdu
Room 468, Floor 4, building 9, Xingzhihui 
Business Garden, No. 19, Xinghuo Road, 
Jiangbei New District, Nanjing, 210008, China

No.5 Building, No. 277 Huqingping Highway, 
Minhang District, Shanghai
Unit B1-08, No.2 South Road Ke Xue Yan, 
Haidian District, Beijing

9F, No. 583 Lingling Rd., Xuhui District, Shanghai

Unit 01, 20/F, South Tower, No.528 South Pu Dong 
Road, Pu Dong, Shanghai
4/F, Block 3, No.42 Xing Shan Temple, Xian City

Unit B02(b), 19/F, Anlian Plaza, No.4018, 
Jintian Road, Futian District, Shenzhen
Unit M, 7th Floor, No.720 Pudong Ave, 
Pudong District, Shanghai
B1/F, Tong Tai Building, 33 Financial Street, 
West District, Beijing.

603 China Life Tower, 16 Chao Wai Street, 
Chaoyang District, Beijing

B2/F, Zone A1, Teda MSD, No.56 Second Avenue, 
Economy & Technology Development Zone, 
Tianjin

245

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsOverviewAnnual report & accounts 2021Notes to the financial statements continued
Year ended 31 December 2021

36. Group – Investments continued

Joint Ventures

Xi’an Qujiang Savills Property 
Services Co., Ltd. 

Savills Egypt
Greenmile Ventures Ltd

Greenwalls Gateway Ltd
Skywise Technology & 
Innovation Company Limited 
G.E.S. Holdings Ltd

G.E.S. Ltd

% 
owned

30

Country of 
incorporation

China

54
50

50
50

50

50

Egypt
Hong Kong

Hong Kong
Hong Kong

Macau

Macau

Registered office

Room 1109-1, 11th Floor, No.2 Building of Huashang 
Culture&Media Center, No. 3001 Yanxiang Road, 
Xujiang New District, Xi’an
Building 17, Street 210, Maadi, Cairo.
Vistra Corporate Services Centre, 
Wickhams Cay II, Road Town, Tortola, VG1110, 
British Virgin Islands
7/F, 1111 King’s Road, Taikoo Shing
7/F, 1111 King’s Road, Taikoo Shing

Alameda Dr. Carlos D’Assumpcao, No. 181 – 187, 
Edf. Kong Fai Com. 7/F, K – P
Alameda Dr. Carlos D’Assumpcao, No. 181 – 187, 
Edf. Kong Fai Com. 7/F, K – P

Associates

SAS – Riviera Estates

KSH Guardian Property 
Management Ltd

Lippo-Savills Property 
Management Ltd

Yuen Sang Property 
Management Company Ltd

Savills Taiping Property 
Management Ltd 

% 
owned

Country of 
incorporation

Registered office

51

50

France

11 Avenue Jean Medecin, 06000, Nice

Hong Kong

7/F, 1111 King’s Road, Taikoo Shing

50

Hong Kong

50

Hong Kong

Room 2301, 23/F, Tower One, Lippo Centre, 
89 Queensway

Room 2501, 25/F, Alexandra House, 18 Chater 
Road, Central, Hong Kong

45

Hong Kong

Rooms 805-813, 8/F, 1111 King’s Road, Taikoo Shing

Guardian Home Ltd

40

Hong Kong

Hengli Savills Property 
Management Limited

Cordea Nichani India 
Advisers Private Limited

49

Hong Kong 

18.75 India

Huttons (M) Sdn Bhd

40.5 Malaysia

LCA Core Sdn. Bhd.

40

Malaysia

Lucia Sdn Bhd 

40

Malaysia

Rootcorp Ranganatha 
Limited

18.75 Mauritius

Shop No. 301, 3rd Floor, Chun Shek Shopping 
Centre, Chun Shek Estate, 1 Shing Tin Street, 
Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong

Unit 1806-08, Tower Two, Lippo Centre, 
89 Queensway, Hong Kong

Ground Floor Front, 19 Kumarakrupa Road, 
Bangalore 560001, India

No. 271, (Room A), Jalan Maarof, Bangsar, 59000 
Kuala Lumpur

D-20-1, Sunway Nexis, No. 1, Jalan PJU 5/1, Kota 
Damansara, 47810 Petaling Jaya, Selangor.

D-20-1, Sunway Nexis, No. 1, Jalan PJU 5/1, Kota 
Damansara, 47810 Petaling Jaya, Selangor.

4th Floor, Raffles Tower, 19 Cybercity, Ebene, 
Mauritius

Monaco Real estates SARL

51

Monaco

10 Ter Boulevard Princesse Charlotte

Really Pte Ltd

(ii)

32.7

Singapore

70 Shenton Way #09-12 EON Shenton S 079118

H Investment Pte Ltd

40.5 Singapore

Huttons Asia Pte Ltd

40.5 Singapore

Huttons Capital Pte Ltd

40.5 Singapore

Huttons International 
Pte Ltd

Huttons Pte Ltd

Realplus Joint Stock 
Company 

40.5 Singapore

33.8 Singapore

30

Vietnam

3 Bishan Place #05-01 CPF Bishan Building S 
579838

3 Bishan Place #05-01 CPF Bishan Building S 
579838

3 Bishan Place #05-01 CPF Bishan Building S 
579838

3 Bishan Place #05-01 CPF Bishan Building S 
579838

3 Bishan Place #05-01 CPF Bishan Building S 
579838

House SH11-12, Floor 2, Q2 Thao Dien Residence, 
No. 21 Vo Truong Toan Street, Thao Dien Ward, 
Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City

246

Other significant holdings
Vucity Ltd

% 
owned
20

Country of  
incorporation
United Kingdom George Hay, Brigham House, Biggleswade, 

Registered office

(ii)

England, SG18 0LD

(i)  Directly owned by Savills plc.

(ii)  Both ordinary and redeemable shares owned by the Group.

(iii)  Partnership interest.

(iv)  Economic interest/part economic interest. 

(v)  The Group does not control these entities (as defined by IFRS 10) and are not consolidated in to the Group’s financial statements. 

(vi)  The Group does not have a shareholding in these employee benefit trusts, however, these trusts are specifically designed to serve the purposes of the 

sponsoring group entity and to ensure that there will be minimal risk of any conflict arising between the duties of the trustees and the interest of the 
group entity. Accordingly, these trusts are under the de facto control of the group entity. IFRS 10 control assessment also supports that these trusts are 
under control of the group entity and are consolidated into the Group’s financial statements on that basis.

The Group holds a number of investments in associates and joint ventures where it holds more than 50% of the 
shareholding in these entities. Similarly, the Group holds a number of joint ventures where the shareholding is 
less than 50% and some associates and one subsidiary where the shareholding is 50%. In all these instances 
management has determined the appropriate classification of these shareholdings based on the contractual 
arrangements and agreements in place, in particular focusing on the parties who have the ability to direct/
control the relevant activities of the investment taking in to account representation on the board of directors, 
ability to participate/direct policy making processes and the rights to variable returns from the investee. 

The total non-controlling interest at the end of the year is £29.2m (2020: £0.7m). The non-controlling interests 
in respect of the above subsidiaries that the Group does not own a holding of 100% are not considered to be 
individually material, with the exception of the 25% non-controlling interest held by Samsung Life in the Savills IM 
Group (see note 18.4 for details on this transaction and the carrying value of this non-controlling interest).

247

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsOverviewAnnual report & accounts 2021Shareholder information

Key dates for 2022 
Annual General Meeting 
Financial half year end 
Announcement of half year results 

11 May 2022 
30 June 2022 
11 August 2022

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 (see below). For general enquiries please call 
our Shareholder Services helpline on: 0371 384 2018 (overseas holders need to call +44 (0)121 415 7047. 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 Year Reports and notices of meetings, please visit our Registrars’ website, www.shareview.co.uk and follow 
the link to ‘Register for e-communications’ under the Shareholder Services section.

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

Joint Stockbrokers

CMS Cameron McKenna Nabarro Olswang LLP

UBS Investment Bank

Cannon Place 
78 Cannon Street 
London EC4N 6AF

Registrars

Equiniti

Aspect House 
Spencer Road 
Lancing 
West Sussex BN99 6DA

Statutory auditor

Ernst & Young LLP

1 More London Place 
London SE1 2AF

5 Broadgate 
London EC2M 2QS

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

248

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:

 ƒ Global economic business conditions;

 ƒ Monetary and interest rate policies;

 ƒ Foreign currency exchange rates;

 ƒ Equity and property prices;

 ƒ The impact of competition, inflation;

 ƒ Changes to regulations, taxes;

 ƒ Changes to consumer saving and spending habits; and

 ƒ Our success in managing the above factors.

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.

249

Savills plc 
33 Margaret Street 
London W1G 0JD 
T: +44 (0)20 7499 8644 
www.savills.com

Registered in England 
No. 2122174