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Savills

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FY2022 Annual Report · Savills
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Savills plc

Annual report 
and accounts  
2022

Our vision

To be the real estate advisor 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

Pride in 
everything 
we do

Take an 
entrepreneurial 
approach to business

Helping our 
people to be the best 
they can and fulfill 
their potential

Always 
act with 
integrity

 
 
Our people and  
our knowledge
  page 10

Our global size  
and strength

  page 05

Overview
02  Group highlights
04  Savills at a glance

Strategic report
06  Chairman’s statement
10  Our business model
12  Market insights
18  Key performance indicators
20  Chief Executive’s review
27  Chief Financial Officer’s review
29 
36  Viability statement
37  Stakeholder engagement with s.172
43  Responsible business
68  Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD)

 Principal and emerging risks and uncertainties facing the business

Governance
74  Governance Overview

74 

 Applying the Principles of the 2018 UK Corporate 
Governance Code

75  Leadership and Company Purpose

75 
78 
80 
83 
86 
87 
88 
90 

 Chairman’s introduction
 Governance at a Glance
 Board of Directors
 Group Executive Board
 Board Leadership and Company Purpose
 Board Attendance in 2022
 Promoting a Positive and Inclusive Culture
 How we engage with our stakeholders

Our expertise  
and technology
  page 04

91  Division of Responsibilities

91 
92 

 A robust governance framework
 Division of the Responsibilities

96  Composition, Succession and Evaluation
 What the Board did in 2022
 Composition, Succession and Evaluation
 Nomination & Governance Committee Report

96 
98 
99 
102   Board and Committee Evaluation

104  Audit, Risks and Internal Controls

104   Review of the effectiveness of the risk management and 

internal control systems
105   Audit Committee Report

114  Directors’ Remuneration Report

114   Annual Statement

135  Directors’ Report
139   Statement of Directors’ responsibilities in respect 

of the financial statements

Financial statements
140  Independent Auditors’ Report
150  Consolidated income statement
151  Consolidated statement of comprehensive income
152  Consolidated and Company statements of financial position
153  Consolidated statement of changes in equity
154  Company statement of changes in equity
155  Consolidated and Company statements of cash flows
156  Notes to the financial statements
245  Appendices
247  Shareholder information

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01

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Group highlights

The Group traded well in 2022, 
against a backdrop of geopolitical, 
economic, logistical (supply chain) 
and, in some locations, continued 
COVID-related challenges 

Revenue 

Balance 
(non-transactional)*

Reported profit 
after tax

£2,298.3m

(2021: £2,147.0m)

60%

(2021: 58%)

£2,298.3m

£2,147.0m

60%

58%

£119.8m

(2021: £146.7m)

£146.7m

£119.8m

2022

2021

2022

2021

2022

2021

Reported earnings 
per share

87.0p

(2021: 104.9p)

104.9p

87.0p

Underlying profit** 

£164.6m

(2021: £200.3m)

Underlying earnings 
per share**

94.9p

(2021: 116.5p)

£200.3m

£164.6m

116.5p

94.9p

2022

2021

2022

2021

2022

2021

Underlying 
profit margin**

7.2%

(2021: 9.3%)

9.3%

7.2%

Reported pre-tax 
profit margin***

6.7%

(2021: 8.5%)

8.5%

6.7%

Operating cash 
generation

£164.0m

(2021: £302.7m)

£302.7m

£164.0m

2022

2021

2022

2021

2022

2021

02

Annual report and accounts 2022

“ Since the end of Q1 2022, real estate markets 
across the Globe have been increasingly 
challenged by geopolitical events, macro-
economic issues and policy responses 
thereto. Despite this the Group performed 
ahead of its previous expectations for the 
year and substantially ahead of the 2019 
‘pre-COVID’ comparative period.”

Mark Ridley 
CEO

 See pages 20 to 26

* 

 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 an alternative performance measure used to assess 

the performance of the Group. 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. Underlying EPS is also 
an alternative performance measure used to assess the performance of 
the Group. Underlying EPS is calculated using the underlying profit after 
tax measure, with the weighted average number of shares remaining the 
same as the GAAP measure. Refer to Note 2.3 and Note 8 to the financial 
statements for further explanation of underlying profit measures.

***  Reported pre-tax profit margin is an alternative performance measure 

calculated by dividing profit before income tax by revenue.

Assets under 
management

£22.1bn

(2021: £21.9bn)

Property under 
management (sq. ft.)

2.5bn

(2021: 2.5bn)

£22.1bn

£21.9bn

2.5bn

2.5bn

Geographical spread 
(% non-UK)

58%

(2021: 57%)

58%

57%

2022

2021

2022

2021

2022

2021

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03
03

 
 
 
Savills at a glance

Demonstrating 
geographic and 
business diversity

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

Offices and associates

700+
Staff40,000+

04

Annual report and accounts 2022

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

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

 See pages 22 and 23

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 24

Investment Management

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

 See page 26

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 25

Locations

United Kingdom

Asia Pacific

Continental Europe 
and the Middle East

North America

Revenue

£956.3m

(2021: £925.6m)

Revenue

£669.7m

(2021: £626.5m)

Revenue

£335.0m

(2021: £301.2m)

Revenue

£337.3m

(2021: £293.7m)

Offices

130

(2021: 128)

Employees

9,036

(2021: 8,840)

Offices

57

(2021: 59)

Employees

27,462

(2021: 27,813)

Offices

57

(2021: 50)

Employees

2,888

(2021: 2,525)

Offices

43

(2021: 41)

Employees

945

(2021: 912)

Our global size  
and strength

We have an international network of over 700 
offices and associates and over 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.

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05

15%of revenue14%of revenue42%of revenue29%of revenue 
 
Chairman’s statement

Results
The Group traded well in 2022, against a backdrop of 
geopolitical, economic, logistical (supply chain) and, in 
some locations, continued COVID-related challenges. 
The Group’s revenue increased by 7% to £2.3bn (2021: 
£2.15bn), substantially driven by the performance of our 
property management business. 

We had anticipated a reduction in profits compared 
with 2021 due both to the progressive return of certain 
discretionary costs (travel, entertainment and marketing 
events) as markets unlocked post-COVID, and as a result 
of staff cost inflation. In the event, and despite significant 
challenges in many transactional markets, underlying 
profit for the year decreased by 18% to £164.6m (2021: 
£200.3m), reflecting an underlying profit margin of 
7.2% (2021: 9.3%). To put this into pre-COVID context, 
underlying profit was 15% ahead of 2019 (£143.4m), 
which represented an underlying profit margin of 7.5% 
for that pre-pandemic year. 

The Group’s reported profit before tax decreased by 16% 
to £153.9m (2021: £183.1m).

The Group continued to maintain a strong liquidity 
position with net cash (cash and cash equivalents net 
of borrowings and overdrafts in the notional pooling 
arrangements) of £307.4m at year end (2021: £340.7m).

06

Annual report and accounts 2022

Chairman’s  
statement

Nicholas  
Ferguson CBE
Chairman

“ Group performance ahead 
of expectations despite 
challenging markets.”

Overview
Since the end of Q1 2022, real estate markets across the 
Globe have been increasingly challenged by geopolitical 
events, macro-economic issues and the associated policy 
responses. Despite this, the Group performed ahead of 
its previous expectations for the year and substantially 
ahead of the 2019 ‘pre-COVID’ comparative period. 
Overall, our Transaction Advisory revenue increased 4% 
year-on-year and our less transactional businesses of 
Consultancy and Property Management grew revenue 
by 4% and 13% respectively. Although not immune 
from market volatility (particularly in respect of some 
Consultancy service lines), these businesses performed 
well and their strength helped underpin Savills 
performance overall.

In the Transactional businesses, the rapid rise in actual 
and anticipated debt costs, through the second half of 
the year in particular, represented a significant challenge 
to which commercial investment markets have had to 
adjust. This, together with inflationary pressures globally, 
also reduced the volume of leasing transactions, although 
in a number of markets the drive for sustainability and 
improved amenity ensured that Grade A office activity, 
in particular, remained relatively robust.

One highlight in the year was the relative strength of 
the prime residential markets which, particularly in the 
UK, helped to mitigate the effect of volume declines in 
commercial transaction activity.

The Investment Management business traded marginally 
ahead of our expectations although deployment of 
capital was inevitably reduced, given the uncertain 
market conditions, and valuation adjustments reduced 
performance fee income year-on-year as anticipated. 
The majority of the effect of quarterly portfolio valuation 
adjustments is, however, likely to be felt in 2023. 
Overall, we were pleased with progress in the first full 
year of Savills Investment Management’s relationship 
with Samsung life Insurance and the consequent 
launch of a number of new fund products in these 
market conditions.

Discretionary costs (travel, entertainment and 
marketing events), which reduced significantly during 
the pandemic, increased overall in line with our 
expectations as marketing activity, entertainment 
and travel normalised post-pandemic. Meanwhile 
employment costs increased substantially as expected, 
reflecting inflationary pressures. The combination 
of these factors resulted in a decrease to the Group 
underlying profit margin to 7.2% (2021: 9.3%).

2022 Highlights

  Group revenue up 7% to £2.3bn 

(2021: £2.15bn) 

  Underlying* profit before tax decreased 

18% to £164.6m (2021: £200.3m)

  Reported profit before tax decreased 

16% to £153.9m (2021: £183.1m)

  Underlying basic EPS down 21% to 94.9p 
(2021: 116.5p); reported basic EPS down 
19% to 87.0p (2021: 104.9p)

  Aggregate proposed final and 

supplementary interim dividends of 
29.0p (2021: 28.35p, together with a 
one-off special dividend of 27.05p) 

  Net cash of £307.4m (2021: £340.7m).

The impact of the above factors on the Group underlying 
profit margin decreased reported profit before tax by 
16% to £153.9m (2021: £183.1m), representing a 6.7% 
reported pre-tax profit margin (2021: 8.5%).

Currency movements in the year increased revenue by 
£69.4m, underlying profit by £1.7m and reported profit 
before taxation by £1.5m.

In the UK, the housing market remained stronger for 
longer than anticipated, with the prime London housing 
markets particularly resilient. The international nature of 
the prime London market, with lower dependence upon 
mortgage financing relative to the wider markets and 
attractive valuations in a global context, should partially 
mitigate the effect of further volume reductions in the 
residential market overall.

Market conditions
2022 started strongly in virtually all markets which had 
largely released COVID-related restrictions. The war in 
Ukraine, inflation and the rising interest rate cycle began 
to affect transaction markets in Q2, initially in the smaller 
lot sizes of both capital and leasing transactions, as 
investors and corporates began to factor inflation and 
rising debt costs into their decisions.

As a consequence, the volume of global real estate 
investment activity declined substantially in 2022, 
with the majority of the reduction occurring in the 
final quarter as cumulative interest rate rises and wage 
inflation began to bite. That said, in the UK especially, 
markets have been quicker to recalibrate than has been 
the case historically. We anticipate that this will continue 
with markets progressively normalising from the end 
of Q2 2023. 

In Europe, 2022 was characterised by a progressively 
reduced flow of capital into real estate and weakening 
valuations due to the impact of interest rate rises 
on historically low yields. In certain markets such as 
Germany, utility inflation and weakened export markets 
(eg China) significantly reduced both investment and 
corporate leasing demand during the period.

In the Asia Pacific region market conditions varied 
with the majority being affected by rising interest rates. 
The major exception was Japan, where continued low 
interest rates ensured a strong investment market. 
Finally, in Greater China, COVID related restrictions 
significantly affected market activity for the majority 
of the period.

In North America Q1 2022 showed strong volumes in 
capital and leasing transactions. Thereafter the pace of 
interest rate increases significantly dampened demand.

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07

 
 
Chairman’s statement continued

Sustainability in real estate
During 2022 the key focus for the Group continued to be 
minimising our impact on the environment by, delivering 
continuous improvement against our targets relating to 
the nine material Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 
and reducing carbon emissions. 

During the year we remained committed to the Science-
Based Targets Initiative (‘SBTi’) to deliver our carbon 
reduction goals, consistent with a no greater than 1.5°C 
temperature increase, to achieving Scope 1 and 2 net 
zero by 2030 and net zero in our value chain (ie Scope 
3, including assets under the Group’s discretionary 
control) by 2040. We have made tangible reductions in 
carbon in 2022 with our absolute Scope 1 and 2 ‘market-
based’ emissions totalling 6,679 tonnes CO2e, which is 
a 17.9% (1,454 tonnes CO2e) reduction against the 2019 
base year. Across the Group we continue to implement 
practical initiatives to improve the environmental 
performance of the workspaces we occupy, including in 
the design of new offices, retrofitting of existing ones, 
and the active management of the whole estate. 

We have adopted a new green lease and fit-out guide 
as a basis for engagement with the Group’s landlords 
including a transition towards renewable energy 
tariffs and the use of Electric Vehicles where market 
availability allows. 

We have moved forward with actions arising from our 
2021 report under the Task Force on Climate-Related 
Financial Disclosures (‘TCFD’) framework, and have 
added additional risk mitigation details within our 2022 
disclosure on pages 68 to 73 of this report.

Looking forwards we aim to improve upon our Green 
House Gas (‘GHG’) data sets for all three scopes, whilst 
also undertaking further tangible carbon reduction 
actions consistent with our Net Zero Transition Plan. 
Following some significant progress on the ESG agenda 
this year, we aim to enhance our ability to support both 
our people and our communities in the year ahead. 

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. We continuously 
monitor opportunities to acquire complementary 
businesses, teams or individuals to enhance our 
strong core business.

During the year we completed the acquisition of several 
businesses and continued to undertake significant 
organic growth initiatives across the business. The 
Group acquired workplace technology specialist 
BrickByte GmbH in Germany, enhancing Savills ability 
to respond to increasing client demand for technology-
enabled workplace consulting in this market. In 
Indonesia, the Group acquired a full service property 
business to bolster our offering in the region. Savills 
Investment Management acquired Pitmore 1 Limited, 
a UK development and build-to-rent specialist, and 
a majority interest in Simply Affordable Homes LLP, 
a registered provider of affordable housing; both 
transactions were part of the continued expansion 
of our European Living Platform in Savills Investment 
Management. The Group also acquired a majority 
interest in AMS Maintenance Services Pte Limited and 
Solute Pte Limited, a facilities management group 
in Singapore, enhancing the property and integrated 
facilities management platform in the region. 

Focus on technology
Technology is an important focus for the Group, and 
we continue to benefit from the investments we have 
made both internally and externally, through Grosvenor 
Hill Ventures, across the world. As we build our insight 
and data capabilities through our local, regional 
and global network of specialists, this allows us to 
ensure that individual teams have the resources they 
require to continue to deliver market leading advice 
to clients, while benefitting from the network effect of 
centralisation driving innovation and efficiencies. 

Workthere, our flexible office brokerage, continues 
to grow and had a record year as occupiers sought 
increased flexibility. We continue to invest in both 
brokerage and technology within the business to ensure 
ever increased efficiency and data collection as we 
expand our footprint. Our digitally enabled auction 
business within the UK continues to go from strength-to-
strength, taking significant market share during the year.

In February 2022 we acquired the trade and assets of 
Cureoscity Limited, the tenant experience platform. 
This connects occupiers, asset owners and property and 
facilities managers, primarily focused on multi-let office 
buildings. Post-acquisition we have further deployed 
the technology into our own property management 
portfolio, and on a stand-alone basis, the business 
continues to win new mandates from third party 
managed buildings.

Through Grosvenor Hill Ventures we have continued 
to support our portfolio businesses and we also 
participated in the Series A funding round of ThirdFort 
Limited, a platform which improves the customer 
experience by digitising many aspects of the increasingly 
onerous compliance process in real estate transactions. 

08

Annual report and accounts 2022

Board
On 15 December 2022 Marcus Sperber was appointed to 
the Board as an additional independent Non-Executive 
Director. I am delighted that Marcus has joined the Board 
and we are already benefitting from his extensive global 
real estate experience as we further grow our business. 

In addition, having been Chairman since May 2016, I plan 
to retire from the Board at the end of the year. A search 
for a new Board Chair is underway and we will update 
further in due course.

Dividends
An interim dividend of 6.6p per share (2021: 6.0p) 
amounting to £8.9m was paid on 5 October 2022, and a 
final ordinary dividend of 13.4p per share (2021: 12.75p) 
is recommended, making the ordinary dividend 20.0p 
per share for the year (2021: 18.75p). A supplemental 
interim dividend of 15.6p per share (2021: 15.6p) is 
declared, based upon the underlying performance of 
our Transaction Advisory business. Taken together, the 
ordinary and supplemental interim dividends comprise 
an aggregate distribution for the year of 35.6p per share, 
representing an increase of 3.6% on the 2021 aggregate 
ordinary and supplemental dividend of 34.35p. In 2021 
we also declared a special dividend of 27.05p. 

Subject to Shareholder approval of the proposed final 
dividend at the AGM on 17 May 2023, the aggregate 
final and supplementary interim dividends of 29.0p will 
be paid on 22 May 2023 to Shareholders on the register 
at 11 April 2023. 

People
I would like to express my thanks to all our employees 
worldwide for their hard work, commitment and 
continued focus on client service, which enable the 
Group to deliver these results in such challenging times.

Summary and outlook
Performance in 2022 was slightly ahead of our 
expectations despite challenging markets. More 
importantly, perhaps, the Group’s performance was 
substantially ahead of the 2019 ‘pre-COVID’ comparative 
period. The strength of our less transactional businesses, 
primarily Consultancy and Property Management, helped 
underpin the Group’s performance overall. 

In the year ahead, challenging macro conditions are 
expected to continue with inflation and interest rates 
remaining in focus for some time. As a result, the speed 
at which individual investment markets adjust to the 
cost of debt is uncertain, although certain markets, such 
as the UK, are recalibrating faster than in the past, and 
will be helped by the lack of development supply and 
an overall trend to sustainability. We would also expect 
that the release of COVID restrictions in Greater China 
paves the way for progressive improvement in real 
estate markets in the region.

Revenue

£2,298.3m

(2021: £2,147.0m)

Reported profit after tax

£119.8m

(2021: £146.7m)

Underlying profit

£164.6m

(2021: £200.3m)

Underlying profit margin

7.2%

(2021: 9.3%)

We have started 2023 broadly in line with our 
expectations. However, it is clear that, at this stage, 
predictions for the full year are characterised by a wide 
range of possible outcomes; we believe that H1 2023 will 
be more challenging than its 2022 comparative; however, 
we expect progressive improvement through the 
second half of the year. 2024 should see more positive 
conditions for real estate market activity and Savills 
is both retaining its bench strength and investing in 
advance of such recovery.

Nicholas Ferguson CBE
Chairman

16 March 2023

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09

 
 
Our business model

The model below 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.

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 74 to 139.

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 

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 

1
Our resources & relationships

Outstanding people

Intellectual property

Local knowledge 
Entrepreneurial approach

Market intelligence 
Brand and reputation

Long-term client relationships

Financial

Client care programmes 
High-quality service

Prudent capital structure 
Strong cash generation

2
Our business model

Defensive, scale business

Cyclical high-margin businesses

Revenue by business

Property and facilities 
management

37%

10

Annual report and accounts 2022

Consultancy

18%

Investment  
management

5%

Commercial 
transactions

30%

Residential  
transactions

10%

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 advisor 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 40,000 staff with a broad range and depth 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

Values
 § Pride in everything we do

Governance
 § Strong Board and management

 § Take an entrepreneurial approach to business

 § High standards of governance

 § Help our people to be the best they can be 

and fulfill their potential

 § Always act with integrity

Disciplined  
approach to risk
 § Risk mitigation to limit exposure to any one 

market or economy

 § Business and geographic diversification

4
Our value creation

Shareholders

People

Clients

Dividends

35.6p

 § Developing 

 § High-quality service – 

talent 

 § Employee 

engagement
 § Diversity and 

Inclusion

Client relationship

 § Client care – 

Client relationship 
management team

Reported profit after tax

Underlying profit

Community

£119.8m

£164.6m

Reported earnings 
per share

Underlying earnings 
per share

87.0p

94.9p

 § Reducing environmental impact  

– Carbon emission reduction

 § Community investment – Community 

engagement programmes

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Market insights

UK
Commercial

For the UK commercial 
property investment market 
2022 was very much a year 
of two halves.

While the overall volume of assets traded was a 
respectable £54bn, only £19bn of that took place in the 
second half of the year. The final quarter saw transactional 
activity drop to levels that we have not seen since the 
Global Financial Crisis, as sellers resisted bringing assets 
into a falling market and buyers held out for larger 
discounts than the typical 20% that was on offer.

While all sectors saw a fall in year-on-year transactional 
volumes, even industrial which was a 35% fall still 
achieved a turnover that that 50% higher than in 2019.

Occupational activity generally held up better in 2022 
than investment. While business confidence did fall in the 
final quarter of 2022, take-up of office, retail and logistics 
space across the UK was generally in line with or above 
long-term averages. The recent trend of a bifurcation 
between prime assets and the rest continued in 2022, 
and it is now well established in the office and logistics 
markets that the environmental rating of the buildings is 
firmly part of the overall definition of ‘prime’.

MERRICK PLACE 

Savills Operational Capital Markets advised 
client Network Homes on its first ever BTR 
forward funding deal: Network Homes is 
delivering its largest ever project including 
575 homes as part of a new development at 
Merrick Place within the Southall regeneration 
zone. The development includes a mix of Built 
to Rent and affordable apartments as well as 
commercial space and residential amenity. 

Savills OCM and Viability teams advised on 
the project and secured forward funding from 
Grainger for the BTR element of the scheme. 
Works commenced in October 2022. 

12

Annual report and accounts 2022

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UK
Residential

ASHURST MANOR 

Described by Pevsner as ‘quite a handsome 
composition’ and exceptional on all 
fronts, Ashurst Manor is an historical and 
architecturally significant Grade II listed 
country house that dates from the Regency 
period, while fully updated for modern day 
living. Built by a Sussex Justice of the Peace 
and later owned by the prominent Field-
Marsham family and then the Lord Lieutenant 
of Kent, today Ashurst is presented to a 
standard more likely to be found in London. 
Savills sold Ashurst Manor in 2022 with a 
guide price of £10m.

The UK housing market 
continued to deliver house 
price growth over the first 
nine months of 2022. 

However, a sharp rise in mortgage costs from September 
meant mainstream house prices fell by -2.4% over the 
last three months of the year. That left annual house price 
growth at +2.8% at the end of 2022. Housing transactions 
struggled to reach the highs of 2021 but ended the year at 
over 1.25m; a little higher than the pre-pandemic norm. 

As a whole, the prime housing markets fared well over 
the course of 2022. A hangover of unmet demand 
supported strong levels of activity in the first three 
quarters, in particular. That eased in the latter part of the 
year, as conditions became more price sensitive (despite 
the top end of the market being less exposure to interest 
rate rises than the mainstream). The prime markets of 

Central London benefitted from a gradual return of 
overseas buyers, which offset affordability pressures in 
more mortgage-dependent parts of the market.

The rental market proved resilient in the face of cost of 
living pressures with a continued imbalance between 
needs-based demand and constrained supply driving 
strong rental growth. Over the course of the year rental 
values of prime homes in the capital rose by 10.9%, while 
in the commuter zone rents rose by +5.6% as demand 
rebalanced back towards the capital.

While housing delivery remain relatively strong across 
2022 as a whole, housebuilders and developers saw a 
marked change in market conditions over the course of the 
year. This coincided with the closure of Help to Buy and an 
increasingly uncertain planning environment, reflecting a 
change in direction of government housing policy. 

 
 
Market insights continued

North America

Recovery remained slow and 
uneven throughout 2022 as 
economic concerns persisted.

After peaking at 14.7%in April 2020, US unemployment 
has been steadily declining and was at 3.5% in December 
2022 – on par with the 50-year historical low recorded 
in February 2020 (3.5%) right before the pandemic. The 
US economy remained resilient overall in 2022, despite 
inflation, war in Ukraine, and the Federal Reserve hiking 
interest rates. Still, recession fears loom and organisations 
across a variety of industries are bracing for a challenging 
start to 2023. US real GDP, when adjusted for inflation, 
increased at an annual rate of 2.9% in the fourth quarter of 
2022. Over the year, as measured from the fourth quarter 
a year earlier, real GDP grew 1%, down sharply from 5.7% 
growth in 2021.

In the US office sector, availability continued to increase 
over the year, ending at 23.5% in the fourth quarter 
compared to 22.5% in Q4 2021. The increase stems 
from a swell in sublease space, as well as organisations 
downsizing office space needs as hybrid workstyles 
remained. Tech-dense markets such as San Francisco, 
Silicon Valley and Seattle continued to struggle while 
sunbelt and life-science centric markets like South Florida, 
Boston, and San Diego are seeing more stabilisation. 
Leasing volume, however, was (on the whole) higher 
than expected with total leasing activity outpacing 2021 
levels by 5%. Still, the pace slowed in the fourth quarter 
and demand is expected to remain tepid through the 
first months of 2023. Occupiers who can are seeking 
out higher-quality space and amenities to ‘earn back the 
commute’ of their employees. Flight-to-quality is creating 
an increased bifurcation between Class A and non-Class 
A space. Pricing remains at a premium for top-tier space, 
and options are limited. Landlord concessions, such as free 
rent, tenant improvement allowances and term flexibility, 
remain at peak levels in many markets amid tepid demand 
but may be hitting a point where lenders and investors are 
baulking at further funding of such high levels. 

In the US industrial sector, vacancy averaged 4.0% in Q4, 
down from 4.4% last year, but began to tick up in select 
markets as the year ended. Absorption slowed at the end 
of 2022 and even went negative in some markets. Record 
deliveries hit in Q4, with development in Phoenix, Dallas-
Fort Worth and Atlanta exceeding 50 million square feet 
(msf) and elevating available inventory. 

14

Annual report and accounts 2022

Photo by Silverstein Properties

FRESHFIELDS BRUCKHAUS DERINGER LLP 

In August, Savills represented Freshfields 
Bruckhaus Deringer LLP in a 180,000 square 
foot lease at 3 World Trade Center in New 
York City. 

As a result of its recent growth in NYC, the 
firm had outgrown its space. Savills was 
retained to help Freshfields to evaluate 
its options for a new, contiguous, and 
modern workplace.

After a disciplined process, Savills negotiated 
a lease for floors 51 through 54 at 3 World 
Trade Center. The lease contains a host of 
provisions that maximizes the firm’s forward 
flexibility. Freshfield’s new home will be 
reflective of the firm’s culture and brand 
and will accommodate substantially more 
attorneys, while still lowering its overall 
operating cost.

Rents remain strong across the US and are up 
anywhere from 13% to 69%t year-on-year. Market 
conditions are loosening, and growth is expected to 
slow in 2023 as inflation and interest rate hikes weigh 
on industrial occupiers. 

US commercial real estate investment ended 2022 on a 
down note. Deal activity slowed in response to changes in 
the credit markets which forced investors to re-evaluate 
the costs of capital and incentives for commercial property 
investing. Though still above pandemic lows, volumes in 
major markets were down by 17% across all property types 
over the year. In the office sector, owners have not moved 
on pricing expectations in a meaningful way because 
distress in the market is still minimal. Unless something 
changes to reward owners for holding firm on pricing, or 
penalise them and push deals into distress, deal volume in 
the office sector will continue to face downward pressure. 
The surprising leader for the year on growth in investment 
sales was the retail sector which saw an increase in sales 
of 4% relative to 2021. The multifamily sector continued as 
the largest sector overall, with sales for the year at $294.1 
billion. The industrial sector was of particular interest to 
investors and remained the only asset class for which 
annual property volume remained at record high levels, 
unchanged from the prior year.

Europe 2022

Based on preliminary Q4 
estimations, we anticipate the 
total European investment 
volumes reached approximately 
€280bn last year, which is 24% 
down on the previous year 
and 15% down on the past 
5-year average.

The investment lull significantly spread across the 
continent throughout the year. This quick market 
adjustment resulted from the combination of three factors. 

First, To tackle the surge in inflation, central banks have 
been forced to raise rates to historically high levels. 
The narrowing gap between bond and real estate yields 
is increasingly unfavourable to real estate. 

On average, across Europe, the spread between real 
estate and long-term bond yields dropped to 44 bps in 
September from 279 bps on average in the past ten years, 
although a further correction in office yields is expected.

Second, the rising cost of debt is reducing the range of 
opportunities in terms of countries, locations and in terms 
of asset classes, with the very low-yielding assets looking 
increasingly unviable. It is also reducing the range of active 
market players. We are seeing a growing activity from 
cash-rich investors, such as Sovereign wealth funds, while 
private equity investors are slowly retrenching.

Third, high inflation is dragging down the European 
economy, which in turn affects investor sentiment. 
Historically, GDP growth and real estate investment 
volume have been strongly correlated.

By sector, offices declined by 24% against the five-year 
average, while retail, -23%, and multifamily declined by 
14%. At the opposite end of the spectrum, industrial 
investment volume increased by 13% over the same period. 

While the market undoubtedly became more challenging 
as the year progressed, 2023 promises more opportunities 
for investors who are ready to take on some risk by 
repurposing distressed real estate assets after a strong 
price correction. As pricing becomes more transparent, 
this should encourage more sellers to bring products to 
the market at the right price, unlocking liquidity.

EUROPE 

Savills has advised Clarion Partners Europe 
on the acquisition of a warehouse in 
Maassluis, the Netherlands, for €43 million 
on behalf of one of its funds.

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Market insights continued

Investment 
Management

After a strong start to 2022, 
rising interest rates turned the 
investment market on its head 
as assets re-priced and investors 
moved to the sidelines.

Investment across Europe in 2022 was only 1% below the 
10-year average according to MSCI RCA data. However, 
that masked a very distinct change in the second half of 
the year as the sharp rise in interest and risk-free rates had 
a material impact on commercial real estate values and 
transaction volumes. Following a strong first half of 2022, 
transaction activity in the final six months of the year was 
the weakest half year for investment since the euro-zone 
debt crisis in 2012. The Asia Pacific region also recorded 
a notable slowdown in transactions in the second half 
of the year.

Uncertainty about valuations and the economic outlook 
saw many investors take a wait-and-see approach. 
Market liquidity was also constrained by the so-called 
‘denominator effect’ as falls in fixed income and 
equity values meant that some multi-asset investors 
were unable to deploy capital to real estate as sector 
allocation limits were reached.

The swift change in financial conditions also made for 
challenging times for fund raising. USD$173.1 billion 
was raised globally for real estate strategies in 2022 
across 409 funds. – the lowest number of funds since 
2012. This compares to USD$215.4 billion raised in 2021 
across 605 funds. 

BAHIA REAL RETAIL PARK 

Savills IM acquired the Bahia Real retail park 
in Santander, Spain, for one of our pooled 
funds for c.€60 million in an off-market 
transaction. The retail park with a daily goods 
component is complemented by an attractive 
leisure offering including a gym (Basic Fit) 
and the region’s newest multiplex cinema 
(Ocine) as well as a selection of restaurants. 
There is good accessibility, with ample 
car parking space as well as for bicycles, 
motorbikes and electric vehicles – along 
with charging stations. 

16

Annual report and accounts 2022

TANGLIN SHOPPING CENTRE 

Challenge:
The 360 owners had tried three times before to 
sell Tanglin Shopping Centre in the last decade 
but failed three times. Savills was appointed for 
their fourth attempt, and we were successful 
and sold the property for SGD868M which 
was more than 10% above their Reserve Price. 
The buyer was is Pacific Eagle Real Estate 
(PER), a Singapore-based real estate investor 
and developer privately owned by the Tanoto 
family. For over 50 years, the Tanoto family, 
through the RGE group of companies, has 
founded and managed a range of businesses 
which produce natural fibers, edible oils, green 
packaging and natural gas. Today, the group 
employs 60,000 staff around the world.

Solution:
We put together a special team to interact 
with all the owners and persuade them to 
agree to a prudent Reserve Price. This was 
aided by Savills recommending a new Method 
of Apportionment to share the sale price 
amongst all the owners.

Results:
The sale of Tanglin Shopping Centre at 
SGD868M was the largest commercial site 
sale in Singapore in 2022 and it is a landmark 
deal which was closely monitored and tracked 
in Singapore.

Asia Pacific

After the record levels of real 
estate investment activity 
witnessed across almost all the 
major Asia Pacific markets in 
2021 totaling around US$205.41 
billion, 2022 saw volumes fall 
back to US$171.2 billion, a 24% 
year-on-year decline.

The slowdown was particularly marked in the final quarter 
of the year as interest rates rose in most of the region’s 
markets sharply reducing yield spreads. The notable 
exceptions were China and Japan where rates remained 
low and several large commercial deals were concluded 
even as macro-economic headwinds buffeted both 
economies, helping them to the number one and two 
spots in terms of total transactions. Constrained deal flow 
was the main theme of the year as a whole though, as 
volumes fell in China (-32%), Japan (-19%), Australia (-27%) 

and South Korea (-25%). In only one country, Singapore, 
volumes rose as shophouses and offices were rapidly 
taken up, resulting in a 20% increase in transactions thanks 
partly to reopening but also to the City State’s growing 
reputation as a geo political safe space in the region.

Real estate markets faced a succession of challenges 
during 2022 including supply chain disruption, rising 
inflation and slower economic growth compounded by 
some of the world’s strictest COVID regulations in China. 
Travel restrictions and lockdowns took GDP growth in the 
region’s largest economy down to 3.0% compared with 
the 6.4% annual average registered over the previous 
ten years. Elsewhere in Asia Pacific the abandonment of 
restrictions began to free up cross-border flows of people 
and capital with a positive impact on sectors such as 
hospitality and retail, although this did not immediately 
translate into transactions. The spectre of inflation, 
meanwhile, though less marked than in the US and 
Europe, turned investor attention to Asia’s shorter lease 
lengths and to defensive ‘index linked’ assets including 
self-storage, student housing, multi-family housing and 
senior living. News from China in December that it would 
ease ‘zero-COVID’ policies injected a note of optimism 
into markets at year end.

1  Source: MSCI. Refers to income producing properties.

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Key performance indicators

Financial KPIs

Revenue

Cash generation

Underlying profit

£2,298.3m

£164.0m

£164.6m

£2,298.3m

£2,147.0m

£1,740.5m

£1,913.4m

£302.7m

£200.3m

£241.4m

£164.6m

£164.0m

£95.4m

£143.4m

£96.6m

2022

2021

2020

2019

2022

2021

2020

2019

2022

2021

2020

2019

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

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

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

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

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

The target
To deliver sustainable growth in 
underlying profit.

Underlying profit margin

Underlying earnings per share

Reported profit after tax

7.2%

94.9p

£119.8m

9.3%

7.2%

5.6%

7.5%

94.9p

116.5p

2022

2021

2020

2019

2022

2021

£146.7m

£119.8m

78.0p

£68.0m

£83.6m

2019

2022

2021

2020

2019

56.8p

2020

The measure
Profitability after all operating costs 
but before the impact of significant 
non-operational 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.

18

Annual report and accounts 2022

Non-Financial KPIs

Reported earnings per share

Balance

87.0p

104.9p

87.0p

49.0p

60.6p

59.5%

(% non-transactional income)

Geographical spread

58.4% 

(% non-UK)

59.5%

58.4%

61.7%

57.1%

58.4%

56.9%

59.2%

62.3%

2022

2021

2020

2019

2022

2021

2020

2019

2022

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.

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

2,472.1

(million sq. ft.)

£22.1bn

2,472.1m

2,450.9m

2,347.5m

2,301.5m

£22.1bn

£21.9bn

£19.0bn

£17.7bn

2022

2021

2020

2019

2022

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.

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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

Annual report and accounts 2022

Chief Executive’s 
review

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

 § Transactional Advisory revenues up 4% 
despite challenging market conditions, 
particularly in H2; Residential Transaction 
revenue down 2%.

 § Less transactional businesses, in aggregate 
60% of Group revenue, continue to perform 
well with revenue up 9%.

 § Property and Facilities Management revenue 

up 13%, Consultancy revenue up 4%.

 § Savills Investment Management revenue up 
1%, Assets under Management (‘AUM’) up 
marginally from £21.9bn to £22.1bn.

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

Revenue £m

Underlying profit/(loss) £m

2021

% growth

UK

Asia Pacific

CEME

North America

Unallocated

Total

2022

2021

% growth

956.3

669.7

335.0

337.3

–

925.6

626.5

301.2

293.7

–

2,298.3

2,147.0

3

7

11

15

n/a

7

On a constant currency* basis Group revenue increased by 4% to £2,228.9m, underlying profit decreased 19% to 
£162.9m and reported profit before tax decreased by 17% to £152.4m. Our Asia Pacific business represented 29% of 
Group revenue (2021: 29%) and our overseas businesses as a whole represented 58% of Group revenue (2021: 57%). 
Our performance by service line is set out below:

Revenue £m

Underlying profit/(loss) £m

2021

% growth

2021

% growth

(16.3)

164.6

(18.9)

200.3

2022

118.1

41.4

17.3

4.1

2022

71.9

50.2

37.6

21.2

129.5

59.2

15.4

15.1

97.6

49.1

47.0

25.5

(16.3)

164.6

(18.9)

200.3

(9)

(30)

12

(73)

n/a

(18)

(26)

2

(20)

(17)

n/a

(18)

Transaction Advisory

Property and Facilities Management

Consultancy

Investment Management

Unallocated 

Total

2022

930.1

841.5

413.9

112.8

–

892.9

745.6

396.7

111.8

–

2,298.3

2,147.0

4

13

4

1

n/a

7

Overall, our Commercial and Residential Transaction 
Advisory business revenues together represented 40% 
of Group revenue (2021: 42%). Of this, the Residential 
Transaction Advisory business represented 10% of 
Group revenue (2021: 11%). Our Property and Facilities 
Management businesses continued to perform well, 
growing year-on-year and representing 37% of Group 
revenue (2021: 35%). Our Consultancy businesses 
represented 18% of revenue (2021: 18%). The Investment 
Management business increased revenue by 1% and 
represented 5% of Group revenue (2021: 5%).

People
We are delighted to have won Global Adviser of the 
year at the 2022 EG Awards. Over the past year Savills 
has continued to invest in the business, employing 
the best people, diversifying by geography and 
strengthening our offer in all major real estate sectors. 

The UK business was awarded the ‘Best Property 
Agency / Consultancy’ for London and UK in the 
International Property Awards 2022-2023, placed first 
in the Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers of 2022-

2023 Rate My Apprenticeship Awards and retained its 
standing as The Times Property Graduate Employer of 
Choice for the 16th consecutive year.

In our CEME business, Savills Spain was awarded Best 
Real Estate Consultant in Spain at the Euromoney 
Real Estate awards for the 11th consecutive year. 
Savills Poland was honoured in the Adviser of the 
Year category in the Prime Property Prize 2022. 

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 Professional Consultancy Service 
Team of the Year. Savills Australia also received awards 
from RICS, including Project Management Team of 
the Year and Real Estate Advisory Team of the Year. 
The Savills Hong Kong business retained the title of 
Real Capital Analytics Top Broker in the Hong Kong 
Investment Market for the 8th consecutive year. 

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.

* 

 Constant currency is an alternative performance measure used to assess the performance of the Group. Revenue and underlying profit for the year are translated at 
the prior year exchange rates to provide a constant currency comparison. Refer to the appendices to the financial statements for further explanation of this measure.

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Chief Executive’s review continued

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

£930.1m

£71.9m

£930.1m

£892.9m

£97.6m

£71.9m

2022

2021

2022

2021

+4%

YOY 
change

-26%

YOY 
change

Contribution to 
Group revenue (%)

40%

60%

Transaction Advisory

Rest of Group

Transaction Advisory
Overall, our Transaction Advisory revenues increased by 
4% (1% on constant currency basis) to £930.1m (2021: 
£892.9m). Globally our commercial capital transaction 
business revenue decreased by 1% and our leasing 
and occupier focused transactional revenues grew by 
11%. Our Global Residential business revenue remained 
resilient against a strong comparative in 2021.

Underlying profits fell by 26% to £71.9m (2021: £97.6m), 
with an underlying profit margin of 7.7% (2021: 10.9%), 
reflecting the impact of continued COVID restrictions 
in Greater China on profits, and inflationary pressures 
on the cost base, brought about by a combination of 
the pandemic, the war in Ukraine, inflation and the 
consequential tightening of monetary policy around 
the globe.

Asia Pacific Commercial
Revenue from the Asia Pacific Commercial Transactional 
business decreased by 5% to £145.3m (2021: £153.0m), 
a decrease of 7% in constant currency. Despite this, 
revenue exceeded 2019 by 5%.

There were significant revenue reductions in Hong Kong, 
mainland China and Australia, partially offset by stronger 
performances elsewhere in the region, in particular 
Japan, Singapore and South Korea. In China the 
lockdowns which remained in place during the first three 
quarters, coupled with a subsequent surge in COVID 
cases after restrictions were eased in Q4, significantly 
reduced market activity throughout the year. This 
had a material impact in Hong Kong, which suffered 
from a lack of investment inflows from the mainland, 
coupled with higher interest rates during 2022. Likewise 
in Australia, increased interest rates caused reduced 
investment activity. With the yen at a 24 year low against 
the dollar, and interest rates remaining low, investment 
transactions in Japan increased significantly, resulting in 
a 140% constant currency increase in revenue. Elsewhere 
there was significant revenue growth in Singapore and 

South Korea, the former driven by increased investment 
activity and the latter driven by the Industrial teams, 
primarily through our expertise in data centres. Leasing 
activity in the region also improved, notably in Australia 
and Singapore, as corporates which had delayed making 
longer term lease decisions during 2021, began to 
commit to new leases.

Overall the Asia Pacific Commercial Transactional 
business experienced a 35% reduction in underlying 
profit to £13.4m (2021: £20.6m) with a margin of 9.2% 
(2021: 13.5%).

UK Commercial
UK Commercial Transactional revenue grew by 3% to 
£118.9m (2021: £115.2m), reflecting growth in both the 
investment and leasing sectors as a result of their strong 
performance in the first half of the year.

Investment markets slowed considerably in the second 
half of 2022 resulting in Capital Transaction related 
revenues for the UK regions and Central London 
respectively, which had been up 59% and 88% at the half 
year, declining by 3% and 5% respectively for the year as 
a whole. The final quarter saw transactional activity drop 
to levels that have not been experienced since the global 
financial crisis. The severity of this decline, however, 
appears to have helped the UK market to recalibrate 
quicker than in the past.

Leasing markets fared somewhat better, although 
business confidence fell in the final quarter of 2022. 
Take-up of office, retail and logistics space across 
the UK was generally in line with or above long-term 
averages, with Savills teams achieving year-on-year 
revenue growth of 21%. To a great extent this was 
driven by corporate desire to improve the sustainability 
characteristics of their leased estate.

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Annual report and accounts 2022

UK Residential
UK Residential Transactional revenue decreased by 1% to 
£208.3m (2021: £210.7m), which was significantly ahead 
of our expectations at the start of the year.

Second hand sales revenue declined by 5% with a 
reduction in the number of exchanges of 17% to 6,124 
(2021: 7,412), this was offset by an increase in the 
average sales value by 14% to £1.68m (2021: £1.48m). 
Volumes in the regional UK market declined significantly 
in line with our expectations, however Central London 
volumes remained relatively robust.

New Homes revenues were up 8% year-on-year, 
reflecting a 17% increase in the average value per 
exchange which more than offset the 4% reduction in the 
number of exchanges (2022: 3,477 vs 2021: 3,609), this 
was primarily due to growth in London, which helped to 
mitigate reduced demand in the regional markets.

In the institutional residential business, multifamily 
and student housing capital markets revenues were 
up 16%, driven by an increase in corporate finance 
portfolio transactions. 

Underlying profit reduced by 10% to £35.1m (2021: 
£38.9m), reflecting higher staff costs, the return of 
discretionary spend, including resumption of national 
promotional campaigns and higher utility costs in 
the branch network. This performance represented 
an underlying profit margin of 16.9% (2021: 18.5%); 
underlying profits were 97% ahead of the pre-pandemic 
2019 comparative (2019: £17.8m). 

Asia Pacific Residential
Revenue from the Asia Pacific Residential Transaction 
business decreased by 7% to £24.3m (2021: £26.0m), a 
fall of 13% in constant currency. 

With some 83% of revenues in this segment generated 
in Greater China, lockdowns throughout the year and 
COVID resurgence on reopening in the last quarter had a 
significant impact on the volume of transactions. In Hong 
Kong and Australia, restrictions on travel coupled with 
high interest rates further limited demand. In Singapore, 
revenues and profits were broadly flat year-on-year with 
an increased contribution from Huttons, our mid-market 
residential agency joint venture. As a result, underlying 
profits fell by £1.5m to £3.4m (2021: £4.9m).

Despite the increase in revenues, underlying profits fell 
by 5% to £20.4m (2021: £21.5m), mainly as a result of 
higher staff costs and discretionary spend increasing 
towards pre-pandemic norms. The margin reduced to 
17.2% (2021: 18.7%), still comfortably ahead of the 2019 
pre-pandemic margin of 13.1%.

North America
Revenue from the North America Transactional business 
increased by 15% to £303.5m (2021: £263.6m), an 
improvement of 4% in constant currency.

The overwhelming majority of North American revenue 
relates to occupier leasing transactions which improved 
by 16% to £279.8m (2021: £240.6m). Growth in the North 
East and southern regions offset significant declines 
in activity in the Mid-Atlantic and West Coast regions 
as the corporate exodus from markets such as San 
Francisco and the recalibration of growth expectations 
in the technology sector took effect. These factors 
contributed substantial losses compared with the prior 
year, which could not be completely offset by growth in 
South Eastern and South Western markets.

Capital markets revenues improved by 3% to £23.7m 
(2021: £23.0m).

Profits were impacted by significant wage inflation in 
the salaried employee base, investment and retention of 
individuals and teams, as well as the anticipated increase 
in discretionary spend as marketing events and travel 
returned towards pre-pandemic levels. All the above 
factors resulted in a reduction in underlying profit to 
£2.3m (2021: £10.3m).

Continental Europe and the Middle East 
(‘CEME’)
In CEME, transaction fee income increased by 4% to 
£129.8m (2021: £124.4m); an improvement of 5% in 
constant currency.

The war in Ukraine and subsequent supply chain 
disruption, along with inflation and rising interest rates 
reduced investor and occupier activity levels, most 
notably in Germany and Poland. Across the region there 
was a slowdown in Investment markets as a result of 
the higher cost of debt, partially offset by more resilient 
leasing volumes within Office Agency and Retail. We 
continued to grow market share in Spain together with 
stronger performances from Ireland, France (particularly 
in Retail), Italy and the Czech Republic.

Profitability was impacted primarily by the significant 
downturn in activity causing losses in Germany and 
Poland together with investment in new teams in France 
and Italy and new offices in Portugal. As a result the 
underlying loss for the year was £2.7m (2021: £1.4m 
underlying profit).

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Chief Executive’s review continued

Property and Facilities Management

Revenue

Underlying profit

£841.5m

£841.5m

£745.6m

£50.2m

£50.2m

£49.1m

Contribution to 
Group revenue (%)

64%

2022

2021

2022

2021

36%

+13%

YOY 
change

+2%

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 
13% to £841.5m (2021: £745.6m); 9% in constant currency. 
Savills total area under management increased by 1% 
to 2.47bn sq ft (2021: 2.45bn sq ft). Underlying profit 
increased by 2% to £50.2m (2021: £49.1m), a decrease 
of 1% in constant currency, primarily due to staff cost 
inflation and the absence of receipts under the COVID-
related employment retention subsidies in Hong Kong 
and Singapore (2021: £5.1m).

Asia Pacific
In Asia Pacific, Property Management revenue was 
£404.9m, an increase of 14% year-on-year (2021: 
£356.7m); a 5% increase in constant currency. 

Facilities Management revenues were up 15% (2022: 
£164.8m vs 2021: £143.9m) and Property Management 
up 13% (2022: £240.1m vs 2021: £212.8m). The revenue 
growth in Property Management came mainly from 
new contracts won in Hong Kong, Vietnam, Singapore 
and mainland China. The revenue growth in Facilities 
Management was predominantly in Singapore, aided by 
the acquisition of Absolute Maintenance Services Pte 
Limited and Solute Pte Limited (‘AMS’).

The absence of employment subsidies in 2022 (2021: 
£5.1m) reduced underlying profits by 19% year on-year 
to £21.0m (2021: £25.8m) resulting in a more normal 
margin of 5.2% (2021: 7.2%) for the Asia Pacific business 
as a whole.

UK
The UK Property Management business grew revenues 
by 9% to £327.4m (2021: £300.6m) reflecting continued 
success with contract wins. We now have the leading 
position in the management of landmark offices (four 
of the six largest towers in City of London are managed 
by Savills). 

Square footage under management increased by 1.5% 
(31 December 2022: 577.0 million sq ft, 31 December 
2021: 568.7 million sq ft). Of the increase in revenues, 
proportionately more came from the lower margin 
Facilities Management (‘FM’), which thus has a less 
beneficial effect on the overall profitability of the 
business. During the year we continued to diversify our 
FM business into new service lines, such as car park 
consultancy and secured significant new FM mandates.

Our Residential Lettings business had a successful year, 
with revenues increasing by 10%, reflecting strong tenant 
demand with reduced supply, particularly within London. 

The higher revenues, along with a continued drive to 
improve efficiencies, increased underlying profit by 18% 
to £25.9m (2021: £22.0m).

Continental Europe and the Middle East
CEME Property Management revenues increased by 
24% to £109.2m (2021: £88.3m); the same on a constant 
currency basis.

In Germany revenues were up 40%, with significant new 
mandates won. In Spain revenues were up 38%, including 
the full year impact of a new team hire during 2021. 
Revenue in Ireland grew as a result of new contracts 
won, with the Middle East also improving significantly, 
reflecting contracts won in the Saudi Arabian and 
Egyptian property management businesses. There was 
also improvement in the Czech Republic in its third year 
of operation from a standing start.

Area under management at 31 December 2022 was 
265.4 million sq ft, up 43% on last year (31 December 
2021: 186.0 million sq ft), mainly as a result of the 
new mandates in Germany and contract wins in the 
Netherlands and Poland.

Profitability and margins in the CEME businesses were 
benefited by improved scale but were impacted by 
inflationary cost pressures. However, in aggregate 
underlying profit increased by 154% to £3.3m 
(2021: £1.3m).

24

Annual report and accounts 2022

Consultancy

Revenue

Underlying profit

£413.9m

£37.6m

£413.9m

£396.7m

£47.0m

£37.6m

2022

2021

2022

2021

+4%

YOY 
change

-20%

YOY 
change

Contribution to 
Group revenue (%)

18%

82%

Consultancy

Rest of Group

Consultancy
Global Consultancy revenue increased by 4% to £413.9m 
(2021: £396.7m); 2% on a constant currency basis. 
Underlying profit decreased by 20% to £37.6m (2021: 
£47.0m); 20% on a constant currency basis. Some 
of the reduction was associated with market-related 
reductions in certain service lines such as valuations, 
which are linked to transactional volumes, however the 
most significant impact was salary inflation, particularly 
amongst professionals below director level.

UK
The UK Consultancy businesses, comprising a broad 
range of advisory activities, increased revenue by 2% to 
£248.4m (2021: £244.0m). 

The main sources of revenue growth were the Housing, 
Business Projects & Consulting (‘BP&C’) and Planning 
teams, partially offset by reductions in Development, 
Energy & Projects, Hotels, Leisure & Trading (‘HLT’) 
and Valuations.

Housing revenue growth was driven by high client 
demand particularly in surveying, due to government 
initiatives on safety in the sector, BP&C benefitted from 
significant year-on-year growth in both Scotland and the 
south of England (mainly project management work), 
and Planning had a very strong end to the year in both 
London and the regions. 

Development revenues were down on 2021 reflecting a 
slowdown in house building following the mini-budget, 
likewise the Valuations teams also suffered a reduction in 
revenues as a result of subdued capital transactions in Q4.

Underlying profits were impacted by higher staff 
costs, which were due to a combination of salary 
increases coupled with headcount growth. In addition 
discretionary spend such as travel and entertainment 
increased, albeit still well below pre-pandemic levels.

As a result underlying profit decreased by 15% to 
£28.0m (2021: £33.1m).

Asia Pacific
In the Asia Pacific Consultancy segment, revenues 
increased by 8% to £87.4m (2021: £81.3m); 2% on a 
constant currency basis. The overwhelming majority of 
revenues are earned in mainland China and Australia, 
both of which suffered from reductions in valuation and 

research activity as a result of COVID-related 
lockdowns and the impact of interest rates on capital 
transaction volumes. 

Project management increased revenue by 31% year-
on-year, boosted by the acquisition of Merx Holdings 
(SG) Pte Ltd (‘Merx’) at the end of 2021. The business 
operates in Singapore and Hong Kong and generated 
revenue of £5.4m.

Asia Pacific Consultancy underlying profit was impacted 
by significant reductions in activity and professional 
salary inflation in mainland China and Australia, together 
with initial costs relating to the integration of Merx and 
set-up costs in developing the project management 
offering across the region. 

As a result, underlying profit decreased by 56% both at 
prevailing exchange rates and on a constant currency 
basis to £2.9m (2021: £6.6m).

Continental Europe and the Middle East
Revenues increased by 7% to £44.3m (2021: £41.3m), at 
both prevailing rates and on a constant currency basis.

Revenue growth was driven by growth in portfolio 
advisory work in Germany supported by growth in 
advisory services in the Netherlands, Sweden and Ireland. 

Underlying profits grew by 96% to £4.9m (2021: £2.5m); 
92% in constant currency. 

North America
This segment primarily comprises complex project 
management through Macro Consultants LLC (‘Macro’), a 
national project management consultancy business and T3 
Advisors, a workplace solutions advisory firm specialising 
in the life science and technology sectors (acquired June 
2021), as part of our strategy to diversify our income 
streams by building up our Consultancy practices. 

Revenues increased by 12% to £33.8m (2021: £30.1m), 
2% on a constant currency basis, primarily as a result 
of a greater volume of project work in the Macro 
business. This was partially offset by the impact of 
reduced growth expectations in the technology sector 
which affected the revenue of T3 Advisors after a very 
successful year in 2021.

The impact of the significant cost pressures in these 
sectors resulted in a reduction in underlying profit of 
63% to £1.8m (2021: £4.8m), 65% in constant currency.

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Chief Executive’s review continued

Investment Management

Revenue

Underlying profit

£112.8m

£112.8m

£111.8m

£21.2m

£25.5m

£21.2m

2022

2021

2022

2021

Contribution to 
Group revenue (%)

5%

95%

+1%

YOY 
change

-17%

YOY 
change

Investment 
Management

Rest of Group

Investment Management
Savills Investment Management achieved revenue growth 
of 1% to £112.8m (2021: £111.8m); 1% in constant currency. 

The revenue growth was driven by the full year effect of 
100% ownership of DRC Savills Investment Management, 
the real estate debt investor whose remaining 75% 
partnership interests were acquired in May 2021. This was 
partially offset by significantly lower performance fees as 
global markets cooled during 2022.

During 2022 transactions of circa £3.4bn (2021: £3.5bn) 
were executed, including £1.3bn of disposals, £1.8bn of 
acquisitions and £0.3bn in debt investments. Assets 
Under Management increased by 1% to £22.1bn (2021: 
£21.9bn). Fund performance remained strong with 
94% of funds exceeding their five-year benchmarks. 
In difficult market conditions the business raised £1.6bn 
of new equity (2021: £2.5bn), supported by initial 
investments from Samsung Life Insurance in the first 
12 months of the relationship.

The cost base was impacted by an increase in 
headcount, inflationary pressures on property and office 
costs and investments in the platform, including the 
acquisitions of Pitmore 1 Limited (a UK development and 
build-to-rent specialist) and a majority stake in Simply 
Affordable Homes LLP (specialising in shared ownership 
and affordable and social rents).

In aggregate, primarily as a result of the reduction 
in performance fees year-on-year, underlying profit 
reduced by 17% to £21.2m (2021: £25.5m); 16% decrease 
on a constant currency basis.

Mark Ridley
Group Chief Executive

26

Annual report and accounts 2022

Chief Financial Officer’s review

Profit margin
Underlying profit margin decreased to 7.2% (2021: 
9.3%), see Note 2.3 and Note 8 for further explanation 
of underlying profit measures. This reflects the mix 
of business with reduced growth in higher margin 
Transactional and Investment Management businesses. 
In addition, there was higher staff cost inflation than for 
some years and a return to higher levels of marketing, 
travel and entertainment/events related expenses. This 
was anticipated after the abnormally low levels of such 
expenditure in 2021 due to the impact of COVID and 
remote working. 

Reported pre-tax profit margin decreased to 6.7% 
(2021: 8.5%).

Taxation
The tax charge for the year decreased to £34.1m (2021: 
£36.4m), representing an effective tax rate on reported 
profit before tax of 22.2% (2021: 19.9%). The Group’s 
effective reported tax rate is higher than the UK effective 
rate of tax of 19% as a result of profits in higher tax 
jurisdictions and permanently disallowed charges, 
including non-deductible transaction-related costs. 

The underlying effective tax rate increased to 20.5% 
(2021: 18.7%).

Transaction-related costs
During the year the Group recognised a total of £15.5m 
in transaction-related costs (2021: £17.0m), these costs 
primarily represent liabilities for future consideration 
payments which are contingent on the continuity of 
recipients’ employment at the time of payment (2022: 
£14.8m, 2021: £13.9m). The largest individual component 
of this charge in 2022 related to the acquisition in 2021 
of the 75% partnership interests in DRC Capital LLP, 
which the Group did not already own.

Chief Financial 
Officer’s review

Simon Shaw
Group Chief 
Financial Officer

“ Overall the Group performed 
well in a year characterised by 
challenging macro-economic and 
market conditions, inflationary 
costs and the return to more 
normal levels of discretionary 
spend post-COVID.”

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

Earnings per share
Basic earnings per share decreased 17% to 87.0p (2021: 
104.9p), reflecting an 18% decrease 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 decreased 19% to 94.9p (2021: 116.5p).

Fully diluted earnings per share decreased by 18% to 82.2p 
(2021: 99.8p). The underlying fully diluted earnings per 
share decreased 19% to 89.8p (2021: 110.9p).

Cash resources, borrowings and liquidity
Cash and cash equivalents, net of overdrafts in notional 
pooling arrangements, at year end decreased 5% to 
£467.1m (2021: £491.2m). This decrease reflected the 
special dividend payment in the year and the value of 
treasury share purchases offset by a robust trading 
performance and the positive impact of exchange 
movements on cash held in foreign currencies.

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Chief Financial Officer’s review continued

Gross borrowings at year end increased to £159.7m 
(2021: £150.5m). These principally comprise £150.0m 
(2021: £150.0m) of 7, 10 and 12 year fixed rate notes 
which were issued in June 2018. The Group’s £360.0m 
UK revolving credit facility (‘RCF’) was undrawn at the 
end of the year (2021: undrawn), with a total of £426.2m 
(2021: £422.2m) of undrawn borrowing facilities available 
to the Group. At the year end, cash and cash equivalents 
net of borrowings was £307.4m (2021: £340.7m).

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 £164.0m 
(2021: £302.7m). This reduction was due to reduced 
profits year-on-year and the related increase in net 
working capital.

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 0.1m (2021: 1.1m) new ordinary shares 
were issued on the exercise of options by participants of 
the Group’s SAYE schemes and 0.1m (2021: nil) of new 
ordinary shares were issued to participants of the Group’s 
PSP 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 2022 was 144.4m (2021: 144.2m).

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 further during the year with the increase 
in the yield on AA-rated corporate bonds, reducing the 
value of the Scheme’s liabilities. The plan was in a surplus 
position of £22.3m at the year-end (2021: £17.4m surplus).

Net assets
Net assets as at 31 December 2022 were £805.3m (2021: 
£753.4m). This movement reflects primarily the Group’s 
trading performance and currency translation gains, 
reflecting the weakening of sterling during the year, offset 
by purchases of treasury shares and dividend payments.

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 £69.4m increase in 
revenue and a £1.7m increase in underlying profit. 
Refer to Note 3.2 to the financial statements and the 
appendices for further information on foreign exchange 
risk and movements during the year.

Simon Shaw
Group Chief Financial Officer

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Annual report and accounts 2022

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, timing of 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.

We aim to continuously strengthen our risk 
management, with more dynamic risk detection, visibility 
of the linkage between risks across the Group. 

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.

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Principal and emerging risks and uncertainties 
facing the business continued

Plc Board

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, the Group Risk Committee and the Group 
Executive Board.

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 risks identified by the Principal Businesses, 
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 Audit 
Committee and Board.

1. Board

Responsibilities
 § Approves the Group’s strategy

 § Determines Group risk appetite in the context of the 

Group achieving its strategic objectives

 § 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
 § Receives regular reports on Internal and External 

Audit and other assurance activities

 § Receives regular risk updates from the Principal 

Businesses

 § Determines the nature and extent of the principal 

Group risks and assesses the effectiveness of 
mitigating actions

 § Annually reviews the effectiveness of risk management 

and internal control systems

 § Approves the Group risk management policy.

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Annual report and accounts 2022

2. Group Executive Board

3.  Principal Business Executive Committees

Responsibilities
 § Strategic leadership of the Group’s operations

 § Ensures that the Group’s risk management and other 

policies are implemented and embedded

 § Monitors that appropriate actions are taken to manage 
material strategic risks and key risks arising within the 
risk appetite set by the Board

 § Considers emerging risks in the context of the Group’s 
strategic objectives and the global macro-economic 
and socio-political environment

 § Approves Group Policies

Responsibilities
 § Responsible for risk management and internal control 

systems within the relevant regions/businesses

 § Monitor the discharge of responsibilities by operating 
companies within the relevant regions/businesses.

Actions
 § Review key risks and mitigation plans

 § Review results of assurance activities

 § Escalate key risks to Group Management and Group 

Executive and Plc Boards.

 § Monthly/quarterly finance and performance reviews

4.  Heads of the Group Functions and 

 § Receives updates from Group Risk Committee

Operating Company

Responsibilities
 § Maintain an effective system of risk management 

and internal control within their function/
operating company.

Actions
 § Regularly review operational, project, functional and 

strategic risks as well as emerging risks

 § Review mitigating controls, whether financial, 

operational or compliance and mitigation plans to 
address control gaps

 § Plan, execute and report on assurance activities as 

required by Regional or Group Management.

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

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

 § Monitors the application of risk appetite and the 
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 the 
Group’s business model, future performance, solvency 
or liquidity are threatened.

Actions
 § Review of risk management and assurance activities 

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, liquidity 
and/or pose a material reputational risk. 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 105 to 115.

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, eg 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.

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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. 

 Market conditions, macro-economic and 
geopolitical issues.

6.  Failure or significant interruption to IT systems 

causing disruption to client service.

2.  Achieving the right market positioning to meet 

7.  Operational resilience/Business continuity.

the needs of our clients.

3.  Recruitment and retention of high-calibre staff.

8.  Business conduct.

9.  Changes in the regulatory environment/

4.  Reputational and brand risk.

regulatory breaches.

5.  Legal risk.

10. Acquisition/integration risk.

11.  Environment and sustainability.

Risk

Description

Mitigations

1 Market conditions, macro-economic and geopolitical issues

Change 
from 2021

Strategic 
objective: 
Geographic 
diversification/
Financial strength

Global markets have seen increased volatility, 
with geo political and macro-economic 
uncertainty in many sectors. 

The financial impact of the COVID-19 
disruption continues in some markets.

Inflation and consequential increases 
in interest rates have impacted market 
sentiment and investor confidence, with 
the speed at which individual investment/
transactional markets will recalibrate to the 
current/anticipated cost of debt uncertain.

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 transactional business is the largest 
component, increasing the level of risk in 
relation to earnings.

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.

Up

Our strategy of diversifying our service offering 
and geographic spread mitigates the impact 
on the Group of macro-economic downturns 
and weak market conditions in specific 
geographies, but this strategy cannot entirely 
mitigate the overall risk to earnings. To manage 
these risks further, 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 on a timely basis 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 resulting in 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 changes to our clients real estate 
requirements change as a result of for 
example climate change.

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

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

Unchanged

32

Annual report and accounts 2022

Risk

Description

Mitigations

3 Recruitment and retention of high-calibre staff

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. 

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:
 § In accepting client engagements, Group 

companies are generally subject to 
client duty of care obligations. Failure to 
satisfy these obligations could result in 
claims being made against the relevant 
operating company.

 § In our Property and Project Management 
businesses, we may be responsible for 
appointing or overseeing third party 
contractors that provide construction 
and engineering services. In addition in 
our Property Management business we 
may be responsible for health and safety 
at site level. Failure to discharge these 
responsibilities in accordance with our 
obligations could result in brand damage 
and/or claims being made against the 
operating companies.

 § In our valuation consultancy businesses, 
we can be subject to claims alleging in 
particular the over-valuation of properties.

We continue to invest in the development of 
our people and our learning and development 
programmes across the business. Reflecting 
the change to working patterns as a result of 
the pandemic, Savills has maintained its flexible 
approach to office working while ensuring that 
client service remains at the highest level.

Our partnership style culture and profit-sharing 
approach to remuneration are 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 programmes and encouragement 
of charitable and participation in the communities 
in which our businesses operate all combine 
to ensure that our businesses have an inclusive 
culture, provide our employees with the ability 
to be the best they can be and maintain their 
‘employer of choice’ status.

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 Environmental, 
Social and Governance (‘ESG’) programmes as set 
out in Responsible Business on pages 43 to 61 to 
support our brand values.

The Group has a range of policies in place 
including client acceptance, legal and regulatory 
compliance, data protection, health & safety, 
procurement, contractor management and 
valuation to mitigate contractual risk.

In particular 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 health & safety and 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 any claims. 
As described below, our strong emphasis 
on appropriate business conduct by all our 
employees, contractors and associates further 
mitigates this risk.

Change 
from 2021

Up

Unchanged

Unchanged

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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 2021

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 a third party cyber 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 cyber 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 continuously review our resilience to cyber 
security attacks, implementing new systems and 
procedures to address continuously evolving 
and ongoing cyber threats. 

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.

While the world continues its recovery from 
COVID-19, new COVID-19 variants or other 
pandemics may impact in 2023 and beyond, 
but it is difficult to predict this impact with 
any certainty in a dynamic environment.

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.

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

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 in relation to 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 guidance in 
all locations.

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

Unchanged

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

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Change 
from 2021

Unchanged

Risk

Description

Mitigations

9 Changes in the regulatory environment/regulatory breaches

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

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.

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.

For example: 
Some of our operations have 
regulatory licences:

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’).

Savills Investment Management entities are 
also variously authorised by the Bank of Italy, 
MAS in Singapore, BaFin in Germany, JFSC 
in Jersey, CSSF in Luxembourg and ASIC in 
Australia. Savills Group companies also hold 
financial services advisory licences in Japan. 
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.

In addition, some of our service businesses are 
regulated by The Royal Institution of Chartered 
Surveyors (‘RICS’), for example, Savills 
(UK) Limited.

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.

10 Acquisition/integration risk

The structuring and integration of 
acquisitions is critical to realising the 
benefits targeted. 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.

Down

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

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

Savills offers its clients expert advice on 
a growing range of environmental and 
sustainability matters.

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

Unchanged

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, 
employees and investors with the best advice 
and information.

Savills has committed to net zero targets: 
Scope 1 and 2 net zero by 2030; and Scope 3 
(for controlled assets) by 2040.

We collect data and report in accordance with 
the relevant legislation and regulatory framework, 
including TCFD (Responsible Business pages 
69 to 73).

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Viability statement

The longer-term viability of the Group is assessed for 
a period longer than for the going concern analysis. 
In accordance with Provision 31 of the UK Corporate 
Governance Code, the longer-term viability assessment 
was conducted for a period of three years, ending on 
31 December 2025, 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 
73. 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 135.

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. 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 and key assumptions
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 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.

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. The Directors continue 
to monitor the principal risks facing the Group, including 
those that would threaten the execution of its strategy, 
its business model, future performance, solvency and 
liquidity. These principal risks and the consequent impact 
these might have on the Group are detailed on pages 
29 to 35. 

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 2025. 

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.

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Annual report and accounts 2022

Stakeholder engagement

Engagement with 
our stakeholders

This section provides insight into how the Board 
engages with our stakeholders to understand what 
matters to them and further inform the Board’s decision-
making. You can read more in our formal section 172 
(‘s.172’) Statement on pages 40 to 42, which sets out 
our approach to s.172.

We are focused on driving long-term sustainable 
performance for the benefit of our clients, shareholders 
and wider stakeholders. We aim to maintain an 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. Our teams have worked hard to stay 
connected to all of our stakeholders.

The Board remains committed to strengthening further 
its dialogue with employees and the Company’s 
wider stakeholder group and considers the views of 
key stakeholders in its decision-making, recognising 
that they are central to the long-term prospects of 
the Company.

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 in particular in 2022 through a targeted brand 
perception review, which saw the Group engage with 
a representative group of key clients and undertake 
a focused employee survey. We have summarised 
below why our stakeholders are important to us, what 
their interests are and how the Board and company 
engages and responds.

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.

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Our Suppliers 
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.

Our Environment 
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
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.

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

37

 
 
Stakeholder engagement continued

Stakeholder Group

How we engaged them in 2022

Our Clients

Our clients are key to the 
success of our business.

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.

Further links

Client 
engagement 
page 51

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.

Employee 
feedback 
page 52

Diversity and 
Inclusion pages 
53 to 55

Employee 
Engagement 
page 89

We invest in our people and systems to ensure they have the right 
skills, competencies and tools to effectively nurture and grow 
client relationships. 

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. In 2022, we in particular 
asked a representative sample of our largest clients around the world 
for their feedback on our service offering, service standard and what 
distinguishes from its competitors.

Our people are at the core of our business. We aim to build a trusting, 
respectful and inclusive culture where our people feel engaged and 
fulfilled. We want our people to feel that their human rights are respected 
and that they are treated with dignity at work.

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 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 programmes and activities globally. Employee 
engagement and wellbeing have never been more important and 
throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, we worked hard to listen to 
and support the needs of our people, ensuring honest, open lines of 
communication to enable our employees to stay positive, connected and 
productive, while feeling valued and supported.

We communicate honestly and openly with our people to keep them 
informed and involved with business activities. During the year we use a 
number of valuable multiple channels to communicate and engage with 
employees, including regular town hall and other meetings, all-employee 
e-mails and our intranet. 

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 principal businesses have employee-led groups in place covering 
areas such as diversity and inclusion, innovation, and social events. 
Feedback received from these workings groups are given to the ESG 
Committee, and ultimately the Board.

During the year we also launched an independently facilitated ‘speak-up 
(whistle-blowing)’ hotline to allow colleagues to in particular raise concerns 
confidentially about the conduct of our business. All disclosures are 
investigated promptly under the oversight of the Group Legal Director & 
Company Secretary and escalated to the Board as appropriate, with 
follow-up action being taken as soon as practicable thereafter.

We have continued to focus on employee engagement through a number 
of areas, including supporting the health and wellbeing of our employees. 
We gather feedback regularly from our employees to assess their levels 
of engagement. In 2022 we sought employee feedback on what they 
think characterises Savills as a business today including in relation to the 
Group’s approach to building a diverse and inclusive business and what 
they think will be key to our success in the future.

As part of our commitment to helping 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.

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Stakeholder Group

How we engaged them in 2022

Our Community

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.

To successfully engage with local communities, we have adopted a 
range of approaches, eg charitable giving, volunteering events, pro bono 
work, and work experience opportunities to facilitate and participate 
in community interaction and cohesion. This approach means we 
can establish and maintain effective connections, deliver real benefit 
and remain proactive to the current issues that communities may be 
facing. We have aligned our Group’s ESG strategy with nine of the 
17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to help us achieve our 
Sustainability objectives.

With the impact of COVID-19 we believed it was even more important to 
continue our commitments, and in 2022 we continued to have a positive 
impact on the areas where our people live and work. Examples of our 
community initiatives during 2022 are on page 57.

Our Environment

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 Shareholders

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

Our Suppliers

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.

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

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 our response, we joined the Race To Zero Campaign and Business 
Ambition for 1.5°C Campaigns in 2022 and are committed to agreeing 
SBTi (Science based Targets Initiative) within the next 18 months.

Read more about our ESG strategy including carbon efficiency 
improvements, GHG Emissions and TCFD reporting on pages 64 to 73.

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. 
We build relationships with our Shareholders through our investor 
relations programme which includes regular investor roadshows. These 
engagements generated insightful feedback which was shared with 
the Board and the Company’s 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 AGM provides the Board with an opportunity to engage with our 
Shareholders. The 2023 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 property management businesses work with a broad and diverse 
range of supply partners to ensure that we can deliver the best service 
for our clients. We create close and collaborative relationships with 
key suppliers The close relationships with service partners across our 
managed portfolio ensure we have good access to quality partners. Our 
Tiering framework ensures that the vast majority of the expenditure is 
placed with service partners who sign up to our PM+ Core Principles and 
regular 360° assessment is undertaken. During the pandemic regular 
engagement with key service partners 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 and our 
Modern Slavery and Anti-Trafficking Statement.

We regularly monitor the relationship and engagement approach with 
our third-party suppliers including communications received via the 
Company’s Speak-up 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.

Further links

Charity and 
Community 
involvement – 
case studies on 
pages 57 and 58

Responsible 
Business, our 
ESG strategy 
pages 43 to 73

KPIs pages 
3 and 4

Shareholder 
engagement 
page 90

Annual 
General Meeting 
page 90

Code of 
Conduct 
page 60

Speak-up policy 
page 60

Modern Slavery 
statement 
page 60

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Stakeholder engagement continued

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 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 2022.

In the context of the Board’s activities during 2022, 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. 

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:

 § considered regular reports from Senior Management and the Heads 
of the Principal Businesses on business performance, financing and 
the implementation of strategy throughout the year;

 § at a Strategy Review in November 2022 reconfirmed the Group’s 
strategy and medium-term plan, including updates on progress 
made in relation to strategic initiatives from across the business 
and discussion of priorities in the short, medium and longer terms, 
including the Group’s ESG strategy and net zero carbon objectives; 

 § approved material transactions, specifically the acquisitions of (a) 
60% of Absolute Maintenance Systems (an FM service provider in 
Singapore); (b) a retail property management business in Poland; (c) 
SRS Lease Administration LLC in North America; (d) Pitmore and 60% 
of AAIM by Savills Investment Management as part of the launch of its 
Living Strategy; and (e) strategic recruitments across the Group; and

 § operational risk management in relation to the ongoing impact of 

COVID-19 pandemic, and in particular employee wellbeing initiatives. 

(b)  interests of 

employees

 § We believe that in order to deliver our strategy, it is important that 

our people are fully engaged and motivated. 

 § Employee engagement and wellbeing have never been more 

important, we have worked hard to listen to and support the needs of 
our people, ensuring honest, open lines of communication to enable 
our employees to stay positive, connected and productive, while 
feeling valued and supported.

 § We have continued to focus on employee engagement through a 
number of areas, including in particular through the introduction 
of third party-led support programmes, health and wellbeing. We 
gather feedback regularly from our employees to assess their levels 
of engagement. In 2022 we asked our employees for feedback 
specifically asking what they think characterises Savills as a business 
today including the progress made on our diversity and inclusion 
initiatives, and what they think will be key to our success in the future.

The Board reviewed the 2023-2025 Business Plan which included 
the importance of maintaining the highest levels of client service, 
which is fundamental to the delivery of the Group’s strategic goals. 
We tested our performance in this critical area and how we need to 
further enhance our client service offering by seeking feedback from 
a representative sample of clients across the globe.

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

Read more about our 
approach to s.172(1) matters

Our business model 
pages 10 and 11

Chairman’s statement 
pages 6 to 9

Our strategy pages 
10 and 11

Board focus in 2022 
pages 96 and 97

Board principal 
decisions page 96

Our people pages 
52 to 58

Diversity and Inclusion 
pages 53 to 55

Our culture page 60

Speak-up policy 
page 60

Non-financial 
reporting page 61

Leadership and 
Company Purpose 
pages 75 to 90

Engaging with 
employees page 89 

 § Our business model 

pages 10 and 11

 § Our clients pages 

51 to 55

 § Speak-up policy 

page 60

 § Human rights and 
Modern slavery 
page 60

 § Leadership and 

Company purpose 
pages 75 to 90

 § Board principal 

decisions page 96

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Annual report and accounts 2022

Read more about our 
approach to s.172(1) matters

Environment pages 
46 to 49

Community pages 
57 and 58

GHG and energy data 
pages 64 to 67

TCFD disclosures 
pages 68 to 73

Chairman’s statement 
on pages 6 to 9

Our culture page 60

Modern Slavery 
statement page 60

Speak-up page 60

Leadership and Purpose 
pages 75 to 90

Internal Controls 
page 104

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

The Board is responsible overall for managing ESG and climate-related 
risks and realising opportunities. During the year, the Board considered 
the Group’s approach to ESG, and in particular progress against the 
Group’s net zero carbon goals as part of its Strategy Review. 

We recognise the need for action in addressing the climate crisis and 
transitioning to a greener, safer and more resilient economy. Across our 
global business, the Board is committed to reducing the impact that our 
operations have on the natural environment, managing the climate-
related risks and working together with our clients, suppliers and local 
communities towards delivering a more sustainable future. 

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.

Through 2022 we have continued to target improvements based on 
delivering against our ESG objectives, as we progress towards our nine 
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 the year the Board confirmed the Group’s Net Carbon Zero 
targets, which 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.

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 adopted a number of KPIs.

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 and which sets out Savills zero tolerance approach to Modern 
Slavery in our organisation and supply chain. Our current statement, 
approved by the Board in March 2022, sets out actions taken to address 
risks of Modern Slavery within our business and supply chain during the 
financial year from 1 January 2022 to 31 December 2022. 

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. In 2022 a key topic for both the Nomination 
and Governance Committee and the Board was succession planning 
and the development of a diverse talent pipeline and Board succession. 
During the year Board and senior management succession plans, 
which are based on merit and are assessed against objective criteria, 
were reviewed.

During the year the Board:

 § considered the composition and effectiveness of the Board;

 § confirmed Board and senior management succession plans;

 § reviewed and approved corporate statements;

 § undertook annual review of the principal and emerging risks of 

the Group;

 § reviewed and validated the effectiveness of the Group’s systems of 

internal controls and risk management framework;

 § considered reports on specific risk areas across the business; and

 § reviewed and approved the Group’s full year and half year results, 
as well as the regulatory announcements and the Group’s Viability 
Statement and Going Concern status.

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Stakeholder engagement continued

Section 172(1) Statement continued
The Board of Directors of Savills Plc, 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 2022.

In the context of the Board’s activities during 2022, 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. 

Read more about our 
approach to s.172(1) matters

Engaging with 
stakeholders page 90

Section 172 matters

How the Board had regard to these matters during the year

(f)  acting fairly 
as between 
members of 
the Company

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.

During the year the Group Chief Executive and Group Chief Financial 
Officer undertook their regular programme of engagement with 
Shareholders which included: the financial reporting cycle comprising 
full year and half year financial results; and 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:

 § AGM Trading Update

 § Half year financial results

 § Notice including resolutions for the Annual General Meeting

 § Full Year results for the year ending 31 December 2021

 § Annual Report and Accounts 2022

 § 2021 Supplemental and Final and 2022 Interim Dividend approval

42

Annual report and accounts 2022

 
Responsible business

Our Environmental Social and 
Governance (ESG) Structure

Savills is committed to being a good 
corporate citizen in all aspects of its 
operations and activities.
The Company 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 in the communities in 
which we operate.

ESG Our Strategic Goals
The Group’s ESG strategy which is aligned to the nine UN Sustainable Development Goals where we believe we can 
make the most difference, is developed and recommended by management and endorsed at Board level and is then 
implemented at regional and country level.

Commitment to 9 UN Sustainable 

Development Goals

Climate Change

Good Health & 
Well-Being

Quality Education

Committing to Science-Based Targets consistent 
with a no greater than 1.5°C temperature increase, of 
achieving Scope 1 and 2 net zero by 2030 and, where 
we have decision-making power, net zero in our value 
chain (ie Scope 3, including assets under the Group’s 
control) by 2040.

Gender Equality

Supplier commitment to influence stakeholders to  
work towards carbon neutrality. 

People

Developing Talent

Comprehensive Consultancy services across 
sustainability.

Diversity & Inclusion

Promoting Health & Wellbeing

Affordable & 
Clean Energy

Decent Work and 
Economic Growth

Sustainable Cities 
And Communities

Responsible 
Consumption and 
Production

Climate Action

Life on Land

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Responsible business continued

ESG Key Performance Highlights

The Company holds 
itself accountable for its 
social, environmental and 
economic impacts on the 
people and places where 
it does business.

Environmental

  page 46

 § Sustainability 

 § Environment

 § Savills Earth

Asia Pacific business shortlisted for RICS 
Southeast Asia Sustainability Awards 2022.

We have made tangible reductions in carbon, in 
2022, our absolute Scope 1 and 2 ‘market-based’ 
emissions totalled to 6,679 tonnes CO2e, which is 
a 17.9% reduction against the 2019 base year.

We continue to target improvements based on 
delivering against our nine material Sustainable 
Development Goals (SDGs). We aim to maximise 
energy efficiency, minimise environmental impact 
and work continuously towards net zero carbon 
targets globally. We recognise the urgency of the 
climate crisis and, as part of this, we joined the 
Race To Zero and Business Ambition for 1.5°C 
Campaigns in 2022 and are working with SBTi 
(Science based Targets Initiative) to agree our 
Net Zero Transition Plans for all three scopes.

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Annual report and accounts 2022

Social

  page 50

 § Our clients

 § Our people

 § Community 

As a Group charitable giving was extensive 
with £2,125,035 donated by the Group and 
combined Regional businesses in 2022. Over 
16,700 hours were also given by our staff this 
year for volunteering.

Governance

  page 59

 § Human Rights

 § Modern Slavery 

 § Speak-up

 § TCFD

 § Corporate GHG Emissions disclosures

We implemented Safe-Call, a third party operated 
whistle-blowing facility, across all markets (except 
in North America which has a separate third-party 
operated Speak-up facility).

We further developed TCFD reporting in line with 
the increased requirements.

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

It is our vision to be the real estate advisor of 
choice in our selected markets to deliver superior 
financial performance, which can only be achieved 
through the dedication, commitment and 
excellence of our people.

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

We have a zero tolerance to discrimination and 
harassment of any type and the facilitation of 
financial crime.

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Responsible business continued

Environmental

“ Decarbonising the real estate  
sector is an urgent and pressing 
need; a challenge which COP27 
in Sharm El Sheikh further 
highlighted.”

Our strategy in action
The Board is responsible overall for the Group’s ESG 
Strategy and for managing climate-related risks and 
realising opportunities, as detailed in the Governance 
section of the TCFD Disclosures below (pages 69 to 73).

A summary of our ESG strategy which is based on 
delivery against the nine UN Sustainable Development 
Goals which are most relevant to our business and 
our Sustainability Policy can be found here (https://
www.savills.com/why-savills/environmental-social-and-
governance.aspx).

46

Annual report and accounts 2022

2022 Highlights

 In 2022, our Scope 1 and 2 carbon 
emissions reduced 17.9% against our 
2019 base year

 Net Zero carbon targets submitted to 
Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi)

 30% improvement in FTSE4Good rating 
to 3.5/5

 Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), B rating.

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, the retrofitting of existing ones, 
and the ongoing active management of both. Initiatives 
underway across our office locations globally include:

 § Replacement of standard electricity and gas tariffs 

with certified renewable ‘green’ energy tariffs, 
where available. 

 § Ensuring that all future office fit-outs follow the 

Group’s sustainability fit-out guidelines or industry 
equivalents e.g. BREEAM and LEED.

 § Ensuring that all new leases are consistent with Savills 

Green Lease requirements or equivalents.

 § Transitioning all company and leased cars away from 
petrol and diesel to electric and low emission vehicles 
prior to 2028. 

 § Ensuring that each Principal Business has clear actions 

in place sufficient to meet wider group Net Zero 
Transition Plans, consistent with our net zero targets 
for 2030 and 2040. 

 
 
 
 
Green energy tariffs
During 2022 we made further progress obtaining 
certified renewable energy tariffs (‘green tariffs’). For 
example in EMEA we have 37 electricity tariffs in place 
across the Region, of which 8% are now green and 
we continue to work with the landlords of our rented 
office space to increase the coverage. Similarly, our 
UK business now has 83% green tariff coverage within 
its electricity contracts, with a plan to increase this 
further in 2023. 

In relation to Asia Pacific, we have secured some new 
green tariffs in 2022 in Melbourne and Sydney increasing 
the Asia Pacific coverage for the Region by c.5%. In Hong 
Kong Savills is engaged with China Light and Power to 
review the prospect of Renewable Energy Certificates 
and is exploring the possibility of renewable energy 
provision in Shanghai. We have undertaken further 
investigation for this opportunity in North America 
for each state where we operate.

During the year, we continued to focus on improving the energy efficiency of our office locations globally:

UK 
112 offices completed desk-based 
energy audits.

32 shopfront offices had lighting 
timers installed, with a further 51 
offices to follow in 2023, reducing 
the time display lighting is on 
during evenings and weekends.

Further progress was made 
transitioning from PCs to laptops 
and to single screens in offices and 
plug-in laptop, saving 139.5 watts 
per device. 

Removing 864 hardware phones 
with reliance instead on Teams Voice 
and mobiles; saving 22,705kWh. This 
is equivalent to the energy required 
to power two homes in a year. 

Computer sleep modes were 
reduced from 4 to 1 hours on 
9,485 devices.

22 UK offices were fitted with 
Automatic Meter Readers (AMR) to 
aid data collection and monitoring. 

Energy Efficiency Measures

North America
Of eight new leases 
entered into in 2022; 
two were Energy 
Star rated spaces, 
one was Energy Star 
benchmarked, one had 
a LEED EB certification, 
one was LEED Platinum 
certified, and one was 
LEED Silver certified. 

New offices in Boston 
and Tampa, Florida 
with significant energy 
efficacy infrastructure 
incorporated into 
the fit-outs (see case 
studies page 62).

Asia Pacific
Our Shanghai, Beijing, 
Singapore, Ho Chi Minh, 
Hanoi and Taiwan offices 
have undertaken major 
refits in 2022 which will 
result in energy savings. 

Like the wider Group 
office spaces, all Asia 
Pacific fleet vehicles 
are being replaced with 
electric vehicles over the 
medium term, in particular 
to allow the charging 
infrastructure to develop.

EMEA
Increased use of LED lighting. Of the 37 offices, 17 
have full LED, six have >80%, two have >50%, with 
plans in place to improve this coverage over coming 
years, along with light sensors & controls. 

We continue to promote train travel to reduce the 
number of car journeys & flights. 

The number of green building certifications has 
increased; Savills Germany now has two BREEAM 
accredited offices, Savills Netherlands one; Savills 
Portugal and Savills Poland (Warsaw office) both 
obtained a BREEAM-in-use certifications. 

Savills Czech Republic (Prague) and Savills Spain 
(Madrid office) also obtained a LEED certification.

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Responsible business continued

Responsible Resource Use

Savills UK
Savills UK is working towards 
a recycling rate of 75%, further 
building on the c.45% recycling 
rate achieved to date.

North America
In North America ‘Bevi’ machines, a bottle-less water dispenser, 
have been installed in several offices as a waste reduction 
measure. The Bevi machines installed at New York HQ collectively 
have saved 92,278 plastic bottles. Further Bevi machines have 
now been successfully installed in Boston Connecticut and 
Downtown Washington DC office.

CEME
In CEME, the Savills businesses in 
France, Germany, Netherlands and 
Spain all reported a reduction in paper 
consumption per employee of more than 
65% from 2019 to 2022. Similarly in 2022, 
Savills Asia Pacific refined the operation 
of office printers saving 98,500 sheets, 
against the same period in 2021.

48

Annual report and accounts 2022

 § 30 social sustainability projects delivered, with one 

client supported in creating and measuring £9m+ of 
social value.

 § 36,000 acres of peatland restoration and over 2,500 

acres of new tree planting advised on.

 § 400,000 tonnes of rural carbon reduction advised on.

 § 1.4GW of energy storage, 1MT of carbon storage and 

1.3 GW of grid connections advised on.

 § 20.5 GW of proposed and operational clean energy 

projects advised on.

 § Savills Earth podcast series launched and 70+ ESG 

themed blogs issued.

 § 14 Graduates and three Apprentices supported in 

developing their skills in this area of advisory.

Growth of the Savills Earth global network continues, with 
client requirements for sustainability services remaining 
key within all markets. Reflecting this, new Savills Earth 
teams were recruited into Spain, France, Czech Republic, 
Netherlands, Germany, Hong Kong and North America. 
Example services which have seen particular growth 
within 2022 include, but are not limited to:

 § Net Zero Transition advisory.

 § Sustainability Strategy, Reporting & Benchmarks.

 § ISO14001 Environmental Management.

 § Biodiversity Net Gain and Natural Capital Accounting.

 § Sustainable Design and Construction advisory.

 § BREEAM/LEED/SKA/other green building 

certifications.

 § ESG/Taxonomy Due Diligence. 

 § Social Value & Local Community engagement.

 § Health & Wellbeing certification & advisory.

 § Waste and Circular Economy. 

 § Renewable energy & infrastructure.

 § Climate Risk & Resilience advisory.

Our ESG learning programme
Savills IM rolled out new ESG focused employee training, 
which includes: training on ESG for Investment Approval 
Committee process, training on CRREM, restorative 
business champions training and ESG training for new 
joiners. Both Savills IM and Savills UK have ESG training 
available on their intranets for all employees. All new 
joiners must also complete mandatory ESG training. 
Savills UK and Savills IM also sent 58 staff on the BBP 
ESG Real Estate Training Programme, of which Savills is 
a key sponsor. Similarly, Savills CEME had a successful 
roll-out of new ESG training to 14 countries during 2022, 
reaching over 2,500 employees, with the remaining 
countries in the Region to launch the training module 
in Q1 2023. Likewise Savills Asia Pacific will roll out 
enhanced ESG training from Q1 2023.

Savills Earth
This service offering consolidates both established 
and newly created lines of business to deliver a 
comprehensive sustainability advisory service to 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. The team covers various disciplines advising 
on Sustainable Design, Low-Carbon Energy, Social 
Value and Operational Sustainability. Highlights from 
2022 include:

 § Net Zero Pathways developed for 1,000+ built assets.

 § Sustainability Strategies prepared for 15 clients.

 § 85 ISO Certifications.

 § 27 BREEAM In Use Accreditations.

 § £11.5bn of property funds taken through GRESB survey.

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Responsible business continued

Social

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.

2022 Highlights

 Savills UK awarded the Times Graduate 
Employer of Choice for the 16th 
consecutive year

 Ranked 1st in the Times Rate My 
Placement for Apprentices (2021 : 8th)

 Savills UK named as exemplar in 
Estate Gazette’s 2022 LGBTQ+ Attitudes 
& Actions

 Savills North America awarded 
Bisnow’s Rise Initiative for dedication to 
advanced diversity

 Women in Senior Leadership 36.5% senior 
executives are female, with record levels 
of female Director promotions in the UK

 Enhanced worldwide employee wellness 
initiatives, with in particular the Asia 
Pacific employee wellness programme 
launched in 2022 

 Active support of global charities – both 
financial & volunteering: Charitable work 
supported over 140 organisations

 30% improvement in FTSE4Good rating 
to 3.5/5

 Expanded Savills North America Junior 
Broker Development Program, diverse 
candidates represent 80% of the 2022 
programme (2021 : 82%)

 Over 16,700 volunteer hours given 
worldwide by our people.

50

Annual report and accounts 2022

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Our Clients

Taking an Entrepreneurial approach, we:
 § Seek out new markets and opportunities 

for clients.

 § Take a creative and entrepreneurial approach to 

delivering value.

 § Are forward thinking, and always aim to build 

long-term client relationships.

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

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 Client Advocates maintain 
continuous dialogue with our clients and share updates 
relating to their strategy and needs with the wider 
client teams. The 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. Central to our approach is client 
listening which we take a multifaceted approach to.

We regularly commission independent client relationship 
reviews to ensure that we gather feedback on how we 
are managing client relationships, areas for improvement 
and added value we can provide. Some areas of the 
business have embedded client feedback with the 
introduction of a continuous improvement manager, 
whose role focusses on client feedback and importantly 
implementing positive change in line with our clients’ 
expectations. We also carry out post bid feedback to 
incorporate client views and learnings in future pitches. 
This overall 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. A key example includes 
the development of ESG services across markets, as this 
area is a significant and growing strategic priority for 
our clients. Our investment into better understanding 
our clients and prospective client puts us in a stronger 
position to both retain mandates and win new projects. 
In 2022, we in particular asked a representative sample 
of our largest clients around the world for their feedback 
on our service offering, service standard and what 
distinguishes from its competitors.

Nurturing and supporting our people to ensure they 
have the right skills and competencies is essential to 
the success of our client programme, and in 2022 we 
continued the roll-out of tailored training and coaching 
aimed specifically at supporting our Client Advocates. 
We also introduced a similar programme for our next 
generation of Client Ambassadors to ensure they receive 
the appropriate learning opportunities to evolve their 
client relationships. This approach aligns with our longer-
term approach to client relationship management as 
well as succession that not only benefits our junior team 
members, but also involves our clients. 

Our ability to provide research into changing consumer 
attitudes, macro trends as well as insights across the 
substantial number of markets and sectors in which 
we operate is hugely valued by our clients. We ensure 
our clients have access to our research through various 
channels and for several clients we have research 
leads that sit as part of the client teams. These 
direct relationships between clients and our research 
teams enables a more bespoke, personal, and value-
added approach. 

To create enhanced visibility of our vast network of 
clients and prospects, and to ensure that our people 
have the tools to effectively nurture and grow client 
relationships, we continued to further embed our client 
relationship platform across the UK & CEME over 2022. 
This investment into our systems has encouraged 
better sharing of client insights between teams and 
across borders, and further supports the delivery of a 
seamless client experience. Our goal is to ensure greater 
visibility of client intelligence and increase collaboration 
between client relationship teams across the UK and 
CEME regions.

Our investment into developing a client-centric culture, 
encouraging internal collaboration, and introducing 
technology that supports our client relationship 
programme, whilst integrating with our entrepreneurial 
approach, means we have been able to better meet our 
clients’ expectations and adapt more quickly to evolving 
market conditions. We continue to be committed to this 
approach and to create value that benefits the success 
of our clients’ businesses.

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Responsible business continued

Our People

Helping our people to be the best they can 
be to fulfill their potential we:
 § Encourage an open and supportive culture in 

which every individual is respected.

 § Help our people to excel through appropriate 

training and development.

 § Share success and reward achievement.

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

 § Believe that a rewarding workplace inspires 

and motivates.

 § Strive to provide an environment in which our 
people can flourish and succeed – this allows 
us to recruit, motivate and retain talented people 
and build on our status as an employer of choice.

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

Employee engagement
We believe that in order to deliver our strategy, it 
is essential that our people are fully engaged and 
motivated. Our employees’ wellbeing is fundamental 
to this and, we continue to build on our wellbeing 
programmes and activities globally, particularly given 
the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic through 
2022, and have worked hard to listen to and support 
the needs of our people, ensuring honest, open lines 
of communication to enable our employees to stay 
positive, connected and productive, while feeling 
valued and supported.

We use multiple channels to communicate and 
engage with employees, 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 employee feedback to flow to the Board direct. 
We have also launched an independently facilitated 
‘Speak-up (whistle-blowing)’ hotline to allow colleagues 
to raise concerns confidentially about the conduct of 
our business. We gather feedback regularly from our 
employees to assess their levels of engagement. In 2022 
we asked our employees for feedback, specifically asking 
what they think characterises Savills as a business today 
including the progress made on increasing the diversify 
of our business and ensuring it is truly inclusive, and 
what they think will be key to our success in the future.

 How the Board engages with employees – See page 89

52

Annual report and accounts 2022

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

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 and aim to 
foster a culture which enables our talented and diverse 
people thrive.

We invest heavily in our people’s development and 
encourage everyone to pursue opportunities for growth. 
We support our employees to develop and grow their 
careers. Our learning programmes are designed to 
respond to the specific development needs of employees 
identified through their annual performance reviews and 
we encourage all our employees 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 data security and data management 
programmes. We continue to deliver learning 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’). 
This is a key tool in delivering learning and wellbeing 
support, including in relation to mental health. The LMS 
is mobile compatible, allows individuals to track and 
manage their development, watch video podcasts and 
download course materials.

Diversity and inclusion

2022 D&I focus
 § In the UK, our apprenticeship scheme continues 

to expand supporting our drive to facilitate social 
mobility, and we now have 230 apprentices across 
all UK Divisions.

 § In North America 

 – considerable progress was made with 

Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) such as 
the Women’s Initiatives Network (WIN), Black 
Excellence United (BeU) and Young Savills 
Network (YSN)

 – we expanded Commercial Real Estate Woman 
Network (CREW) engagement and signed the 
CREW Network CRE Pledge for Action

 – the North America Junior Broker Development 

Program (JBDP) continues to target 90% 
diverse participation

We aim to do this by working to: 
 § Attract the most diverse talent at all stages of their 

career from all backgrounds.

 § Develop our diverse talent, ensuring clear career 

paths with no glass ceilings.

 § Lead by example with our most senior leaders 

setting an inclusive culture.

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 socio-economic background. 
With oversight from the Board, 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 and help 
implement our inclusion and diversity initiatives. We 
continue to make good progress against our inclusion 
and diversity priorities over the last year, as set out in 
the Six Pillars table on pages 54 and 55. 

“ Savills strives to be a truly 
inclusive employer by having 
the appropriate inclusive 
policies, training, leadership and 
recruitment principles in place to 
ensure all employees, customers 
and clients are treated fairly and are 
able to be their true, whole selves.”

We look to nurture an inclusive culture in which 
difference is accepted and valued. We believe that 
diversity of thought, experience and background at all 
levels gives us a competitive advantage and underpins 
the success of our business by giving us the ability 
to select people of highest quality from the widest 
available pool of talent, which makes Savills a better 
business. We are committed to recruiting, 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 across the Group’s markets and 
geographies, consistent with our corporate goals. 
There are many ways in which we are working to further 
build diversity: leadership, learning and awareness, 
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.

The considerable progress made during the year 
reflected the passion and hard work of our people who 
are committed to strengthening our diverse and inclusive 
culture. We continue to embrace these ambitions across 
our business, while regularly reviewing and measuring 
our progress.

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Responsible business continued

Implementation of our Diversity 
and Inclusion strategy
Savills strategy is to embrace diversity and provide a 
platform and a supportive environment in which all our 
employees can be the best they can be.

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, experiences and perspectives are nurtured 
and encouraged. We are focused on further increasing 
the diversity of our business and, for example, in the 
UK we were a founder member and are fully engaged 
in a leading real estate specific diversity programme 
‘Changing the Face of Property’, which focuses on 
improving diversity regardless of social and economic 
background, disability, ethnicity, sexual orientation, 
age and/or gender. Our UK Head of D&I supports 
cross industry D&I focus with an active role in the RICS 
Inclusion Working Group and has created an industry 
D&I group which meets bi-monthly to share best practice.

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

The Group has six key D&I pillars: Gender, Social Mobility, 
Ethnicity, LGBTQ+, Disability and Age: 

Gender balance
In accordance with Companies Act 2006, as at 
31 December 2022 our total global workforce of 
40,433 colleagues comprised 21,587 males and 
18,844 females and 2 non binary. Of these, 203 
were senior executives (156 males, 47 females) 
comprising members of the Group Executive Board 
and Board members of the corporate entities whose 
financial information is incorporated in the Group’s 
2022 consolidated accounts in this Annual Report. 
During the year, the Company’s Board of Directors 
comprised 9 members – 6 males and 3 female.

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.

54

Annual report and accounts 2022

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+

Embrace diversity and provide a platform 
and a supportive environment for everyone 
to be the best they can be and Improve 
LGBTQ+ inclusion in the work place

Socio 
Economic

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

 § Flexible working

Our Progress

 § Improving internal communication 

accommodate personal and professional requirements

of existing and new policies

 § In the UK’s ‘Making your Mentoring programme relevant for the modern 

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

 § Promoting mentoring and 

rewarding loyalty

 § Ensuring that policies and support 

are offered for working carers

 § Menopause awareness training

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

allowing both mentor and mentee to benefit from their involvement

 § Working with Carers UK and Employers for Carers to provide support to 

those with caring responsibilities

 § Raising awareness through supporting 

 § 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 

 § Implement compulsory diversity and 

inclusive in terms of disability

equality awareness training across 

 § Savills achieved certification as a Disability Confident Committed Employer 

the business

(Level 2) in the UK

 § Engaging with a number of professional 

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

bodies and diversity groups and will ask 

stories from Savills colleagues across the world

for their assistance and expertise

 § Removing the stigma – promoting 

awareness of mental health issues

 § Ensuring zero tolerance of 

harassment and bullying

 § 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 

 § Making equality in the workplace 

in the UK

the responsibility of all leaders 

 § Savills globally supports Black History Month with educational programmes 

and managers

highlighting key black role models

 § Taking action that supports ethnic 

 § Our US Building Inclusivity and Diversity Group regularly hosts speaker 

minority career progression

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

awareness and constructive dialogue regarding diversity and inclusion

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

recruiting, retention, collaboration & advancement of diverse communities

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

 § We have an independent helpline for employees to report wrongdoing in 

last two years

the workplace

 § Continue to ensure that our learning and 

 § We continue to work hard to redress our balance of men and women in more 

development programmes fully supports 

senior roles through a number of initiatives

our approach to diversity and inclusion

 § Our ‘Women in Leadership positions’, determined in accordance with 

 § Relaunched our gender equality and 

FTSE Women Leaders Review criteria, was 36.5% as at 31 October 2022 

unconscious bias training, to further 

(31 October 2021 : 33%). We continue to remain focused into the medium 

raise awareness of diversity

term on further improving diversity

 § Launched a Communication Skills 

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

programme for women focused on 

and people

public speaking and participating in 

panel events

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

is in its third 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

 § Raising awareness

 § Hosted a significant Pride celebration in London in 2022 with a focus on 

 § Recruiting and retaining best people

Pride of Place

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

LGBTQ+ figure each week

 § Creating a workplace that provides an 

 § In the UK, “Savills with Schools” initiative now in place across 26 regional 

equal and fair platform for everyone to 

offices, to date the business has engaged with over 5,000 pupils with 2000 

be the best they can be regardless of 

hours given to this initiative in 2022 alone 

their background

 § Founding sponsor of Rethink Food, providing vertical farming towers in 

 § Increasing diversity of talent pool

primary schools in the UK

 § Inspiring the next generation to consider 

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

property for their career

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

participate in the making of theatre

 § Considerably exceeded our target of 100 apprentices in the business one 

year early and now have 230 apprentices in Savills UK

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

placements a year for three 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

Implementation

 § Flexible working

Our Progress

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

 § Improving internal communication 

accommodate personal and professional requirements

of existing and new policies

 § In the UK’s ‘Making your Mentoring programme relevant for the modern 

 § Promoting mentoring and 

rewarding loyalty

 § Ensuring that policies and support 

are offered for working carers

 § Menopause awareness training

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

 § Working with Carers UK and Employers for Carers to provide support to 

those with caring responsibilities

Disability

Ensure all staff feel included and 

 § Raising awareness through supporting 

 § We are committed to being a ‘Valuable 500’ business, which is a pledge to 

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

internal and external events

 § Implement compulsory diversity and 
equality awareness training across 
the business

 § Engaging with a number of professional 
bodies and diversity groups and will ask 
for their assistance and expertise

 § Removing the stigma – promoting 
awareness of mental health issues

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

 § Savills achieved certification as a Disability Confident Committed Employer 

(Level 2) in the UK

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

stories from Savills colleagues across the world

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

 § Ensuring zero tolerance of 
harassment and bullying

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

 § 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

 § Savills globally supports Black History Month with educational programmes 

highlighting key black role models

 § Taking action that supports ethnic 

 § Our US Building Inclusivity and Diversity Group regularly hosts speaker 

Gender

To create a strategy that provides an equal 

and fair platform for everyone to be the 

best they can be

LGBTQ+

Embrace diversity and provide a platform 

and a supportive environment for everyone 

to be the best they can be and Improve 

LGBTQ+ inclusion in the work place

Socio 

Economic

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

minority career progression

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

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

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

last two years

 § We have an independent helpline for employees to report wrongdoing in 

the workplace

 § Continue to ensure that our learning and 
development programmes fully supports 
our approach to diversity and inclusion

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

 § We continue to work hard to redress our balance of men and women in more 

senior roles through a number of initiatives

 § Our ‘Women in Leadership positions’, determined in accordance with 

FTSE Women Leaders Review criteria, was 36.5% as at 31 October 2022 
(31 October 2021 : 33%). We continue to remain focused into the medium 
term on further improving diversity

 § Launched a Communication Skills 

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

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

and people

 § In the US our Employee Resource Group Women’s Initiative Network (WIN) 
is in its third 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

 § Raising awareness

 § Hosted a significant Pride celebration in London in 2022 with a focus on 

 § Recruiting and retaining best people

Pride of Place

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

LGBTQ+ figure each week

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

 § 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 with 2000 
hours given to this initiative in 2022 alone 

 § Founding sponsor of Rethink Food, providing vertical farming towers in 

 § Increasing diversity of talent pool

primary schools in the UK

 § Inspiring the next generation to consider 

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

property for their career

leavers who are at a high risk of social exclusion by providing a platform to 
participate in the making of theatre

 § Considerably exceeded our target of 100 apprentices in the business one 

year early and now have 230 apprentices in Savills UK

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

placements a year for three years

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Wellbeing
Employee wellbeing is fundamental to our high 
performing and supportive culture.

We provide our employees with a range of benefits, 
services and support while encouraging them to take 
a proactive role in their own wellbeing.

We have established wellbeing programmes, and for 
example in the UK are committed to the Time to Change 
mental health 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. 

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. In the UK we supported mental health awareness 
week with a focus on nature, running LionHeart webinars 
and seminars focusing on mental health, stress relief, 
and we have a dedicated Wellbeing intranet page for 
employee wellbeing with resources and guidance for 
coping with stress, anxiety and uncertainty.

We have also started focussing on financial wellbeing 
through webinars and our employee benefits. In the 
US we have a dedicated employee assistance program 
and a health and wellness service provided by external 
consultants. We also celebrated events such as Time to 
Talk Day and World Mental Health Day. In Asia Pacific 
we created a regional combined D&I and Mental Health 
steering group to help define themes and cascade 
awareness and support initiatives down to offices across 
the region. In Hong Kong we trialled a maternity mentor 
scheme to provide support to mothers through their 
maternity leave and during the return to work period. 
Similarly, our Australia business has developed a working 
parents group and introduced Domestic and Family 
Violence Leave policies. 

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.

Volunteering
Our UK industrial & logistics team 
volunteered their time with two different 
charities, City Harvest in Acton and 
Wimbledon Foodbank.

A team of volunteers took part in a beach 
clean in West Sussex
The beach clean was a great opportunity for the 
team to get together to help make a difference to 
their local environment.

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Annual report and accounts 2022

Community and charitable giving
During the year we supported a range of social and 
community focused initiatives across the Group.

Savills won #Apprenticeship Employer 
of the Year at the Personnel Today Awards 
in London 
The team was recognised for its innovative approach 
to apprenticeships.

Volunteers help clear heathland at Dorset 
country park
Volunteers helped to clear small pine trees and 
saplings from the heathland at Avon Heath Country 
Park in Dorset. The initiative helped to open up the 
heathland to sunlight, which in turn helps keep the 
habitat strong for reptiles.

Volunteers at the Pathways to 
Property Summer School 
Pathways to Property aims to widen 
access to the real estate profession by 
raising awareness of and aspirations 
about the vast range of careers available 
within the industry. It is led by the 
Reading Real Estate Foundation (RREF) 
at Henley Business School, University of 
Reading, and the initiative is supported by 
leading real estate firms and a number of 
charitable trusts and individuals. They aim 
to reach talented students from various 
backgrounds, increasing the link between 
the industry and its future talent pool.

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Responsible business continued

Community and charitable giving continued

Volunteers help assist homeless and 
marginalised communities in London
Partnering with Refuge Network International teams 
donated clothing and their time serving lunch to 
service users at the outdoor kitchen based in Charing 
Cross. Colleagues also distributed hot meal parcels to 
rough sleepers in various parts of Central London and 
to the communities in which they operate.

Working with Refuge Network International gave 
colleagues the opportunity to support and give back 
to the communities that we operate in. Seeing so 
many colleagues across the prime central London 
business volunteer their time and support such an 
important community initiative was great to see.

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Annual report and accounts 2022

Governance

2022 Highlights

We continue to make further meaningful 
reductions. In carbon; in 2022, our absolute 
Scope 1 and 2 ‘market-based’ emissions 
totalled 6,679 tonnes CO2e, which is a 17.9% 
(1,454 tonnes CO2e) reduction against 
our 2019 base year.

Ensuring integrity within our business we:
 § Behave responsibly.

 § Act with honesty and respect for other people.

 § Adhere to the highest standards of 

professional ethics.

Global ESG Group

 § Responsible (with the Group Risk Committee) 

 § Chair: Group Legal Director & Company Secretary

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

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

 § Lead: Group Sustainability Director

TCFD workstream runs throughout

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

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Responsible business continued

Global ESG Group continued

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 employees whose 
behaviours reflect 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.

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 88 of the Governance Report.

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.

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 the highest 
ethical standards and a culture of openness, integrity 
and accountability in all its business dealings and 
practices. Savills takes any malpractice (ie 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 that 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. Our Speak-up policy, in relation to which we now 
have third party managed confidential reporting facilities 
in all markets, enables employees to raise any matters of 
concern, anonymously if they so wish, and is embedded 
into our business and applies to employees and supply 
chain partners of the Group’s businesses worldwide.

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Annual report and accounts 2022

Non-financial information statement 2022
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

Our policies and standards 
which govern our approach

Environmental 
matters

Environmental Policy

Where to find this

‘Environment’ section of 
Responsible Business

Employees

H&S Policy

Group Chief Executive Review

Equality & Diversity Policy

Business Model

Code of Conduct

Whistleblowing Policy

Page

46 to 49

20 to 26

10 and 11

52 to 58

‘People’ section of Responsible Business

‘Culture’ section of Responsible Business

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‘People and culture’ Principal Risk 
in the Principal and Emerging Risks 
and Uncertainties

s.172 (1) Companies Act statement – People

Corporate Governance Report

Directors Remuneration Report

33

40

74 to 113

114 to 134

‘Social Matters’ section of 
Responsible Business

50 to 58

Culture section of Responsible Business 
Corporate Governance Report

60

Human rights

Code of Conduct

‘Culture’ section of Responsible Business

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Modern Slavery Statement

Social matters

Code of Conduct

Modern Slavery Statement

Tax Strategy

Code of Conduct

Whistleblowing Policy

Anti-Bribery and Corruption Policy

Carbon emissions reporting 

Gender Diversity reporting in accordance 
with the Corporate Governance Code 2018

‘Environment’ section of Responsible 
Business Corporate Governance Report

46 to 49

All employees required to read and adhere to 
the Code of Conduct

Whistleblowing reports reviewed by the Board

Anti-corruption, anti-bribery and anti-financial 
sanctions training and monitoring

‘Our business model’ section of the 
Strategic Report

10 and 11

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Financial crime 
(anti-money 
laundering, 
anti-bribery 
and corruption 
and compliance 
with financial 
sanctions) 

Outcome of 
non-financial 
policies and 
standards

Business model

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

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Our Chosen SDGs

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

We adopted these nine SDGs as these are most 
relevant to the real estate sector and our business and 
have agreed the underlying objectives to support our 
delivery against these in our Principal Businesses. On 
these pages we highlight specific examples of initiatives 
in place / undertaken across our businesses during 
2022 in relation to each of the nine SDGs.

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

What we did in 2022
North America, Florida: Savills North 
America South East teams moved to a 
new office in Tampa, Florida. 

Key Sustainability features for building 
included: LEED® and Fitwel Certified, 
water conserving fixtures and occupancy 
sensors in lavatory; energy sub metering; 
energy management system; high 
efficiency lighting; high efficiency HVAC 
drives and HVAC chiller; the new office 
also provides good bike storage and 
public transit access. 

Responsible Consumption 
and Production
We seek to reduce our 
environmental impacts 
through active operational 
management and 
responsible procurement.

What we did in 2022
CEME, Portugal: At our new Portugal 
HQ – A BREEAM In Use sustainability 
certification was undertaken for the fit-
out, which achieved a 74% ‘Excellent’ pre-
score; the final score to be confirmed in 
2023. The building has an ‘A’ EPC rating 
and incorporates renewable technology, 
with PV panels providing 26% of the 
energy needs of the building.

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Annual report and accounts 2022

Life on Land
We expect our suppliers 
to operate responsibly and 
seek to protect biodiversity 
and ecosystems.

What we did in 2022

Savills Investment Management, UK:  
On behalf of the Charities Property 
Fund, Savills IM undertook a retrofit of 
an industrial building in Milton Keynes. 

The property provides bird boxes and 
insect habitats to increase biodiversity 
and to assist pest predation.

The CAT A refurbishment was delivered 
to achieve operational Net Zero Carbon 
and a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating. The 
EPC rating was improved from a C to 
EPC A+. LED lights with PIR and daylight 
sensors create a reduction of 42.2 tonnes 
of carbon dioxide equivalent each year.

Sustainable Cities 
and Communities
We work with government, 
national and local 
communities to create 
sustainable places.

What we did in 2022
Savills UK: Apprentices – Exceeding our 
target of employing 100 apprentices 
by 2023, Savills UK now has 230 
apprentices, 48% of which are women 
and 17% are ethnic minority employees. 

We won Apprenticeship Employer of the 
Year at the Personnel Today Awards 2022 
and the team were recognised for their 
innovative approach, bringing in a diverse 
workforce that is helping to future proof 
the business. 

Good Health & Well-Being
Our goal is to provide healthy 
workplaces, encourage healthy 
lifestyles and raise awareness 
of mental health & wellbeing.

What we did in 2022
Asia Pacific Hong Kong: In recognition 
of World Mental Health Day a webinar on 
‘Positive Psychology’ was conducted in 
our Asia Pacific region. The webinar was 
led by The Mental Health Association of 
Hong Kong and shared virtually across 
the Region with the information pack 
available on the employee intranet. This 
initiative builds on the wider Savills Asia 
Pacific employee wellness programme 
launched in 2022.

Decent Work and 
Economic Growth
We are committed to 
operating responsibly and 
providing fair, safe and 
diverse workplaces.

What we did in 2022
Savills UK: Savills UK’s social mobility 
group championed partnerships such as 
Career Ready and Savills with Schools, 
some of our apprentices have found 
their route into the UK apprenticeship 
scheme via such initiatives and have now 
achieved full qualification. In 2022, Savills 
UK hosted 20 events (a combination 
of masterclasses, networking and 
workplace visits) and 12 paid placements 
for Career Ready students.

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

What we did in 2022
CEME, Ireland: Savills Ireland’s 
partnership with Solas Project helped 
to empower children and young people 
from disadvantaged backgrounds 
through mentorship programmes. In 
October 2022, Savills offered mentorship 
to a class of 30 boys (10y/o) through 
a ‘Dragon’s Den’ programme over 
six weeks.

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

What we did in 2022
Asia Pacific: Our Hong Kong offices 
trailed the ‘Mentor Moms Scheme’, 
matching mothers with more senior 
colleagues who have experienced the 
challenge of returning to work and 
balancing home and work obligations 
following childbirth. This sharing of 
experience provides those who are 
returning work with: a listening ear, and 
support in managing the return to work.

Affordable & Clean 
Energy
We aim to maximise energy 
efficiency, and switch to using 
renewable energy across 
our workspaces.

What we did in 2022
Savills Earth, UK: During 2022 our 
Savills Earth teams in the UK worked 
on client projects which aim to provide 
1.4GW of energy storage, 1MT of carbon 
storage and 1.3GW of grid connections.

They also assisted clients on 20.5GW 
of proposed and operational clean 
energy projects.

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Our Disclosures

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 2022.

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 reporting boundary is based on an operational 
control approach, and includes emissions from Savills 
plc and Group Subsidiaries where the Company has a 
(direct or indirect) majority shareholding.

Scope 1 and 2 emissions
Reported Scope 1 emissions include emissions from fuel 
consumption by the Group’s owned and leased vehicles 
and the combustion of fuels within our offices. Scope 
2 emissions are reported using both ‘market-based’ 
and ‘location-based’ methodologies and relate to the 
consumption of purchased electricity, heat, steam and 
cooling in our offices with operational control. Savills has 
a network of representatives and associates in over 700 
locations globally. Out of the 700 locations, we operate 
276 offices with operational control that falls under the 
reporting scope. 

Scope 1 and Scope 2 ‘location-based’ emissions were 
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 
were accounted for electricity supplies backed with 
local Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs), such as 
Renewable Energy Guarantees of Origin (REGO) in the 
UK. This GHG accounting principle follows the Scope 2 
Quality Criteria as set out by the GHG Protocol Scope 
2 Guidance. Scope 2 ‘market-based’ emissions from 
energy use with no RECs in place were calculated using 
regional/national residual mix emission factors.

To co-ordinate the collection of GHG emissions data 
across our global operations, a network of Environmental 
Reporting Officers (EROs) and data entry users have 
been established within Savills, reporting datasets to the 
Group Sustainability Director on a bi-annual basis. 

A third-party environmental reporting tool was deployed 
to facilitate data aggregation and data quality review. 
GHG emissions data was collated using actual activity 
data wherever possible. In some instances, where actual 
activity data was not readily available, we estimated our 
operational emissions using a range of standard carbon 
accounting methods. Data extrapolation was used where 
actual activity data was partially available for the reporting 
year. Otherwise, regional benchmarks or average 
intensity metrics were used to estimate missing data.

In addition to absolute GHG emissions metrics, we use two 
standardised intensity metrics that enable comparisons of 
our regional performance and year-on-year results; Scope 
1 and 2 ‘market-based’ emissions per £million of revenue 
and Scope 1 and 2 ‘location-based’ emissions intensity of 
our offices per floor area. The floor area GHG intensity 
ratio excludes emissions from fuel consumption of our 
business fleet to enable direct comparison of operational 
energy efficiency of our premises. 

Where actual or better proxy data becomes available 
and the aggregated impact to our overall energy use 
or emissions by scope exceeds 2%, we restate the 
previous year data to reflect these changes. We have 
made restatements to the 2021 absolute performance 
measures of three office locations. This restatement has 
resulted in a 8% decrease in the total energy use and a 
1% adjustment to the total Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions 
reported for 2021. The baseline year has been changed 
from 2018 to 2019 to align with our SBTi targets. 

Scope 3 emissions
In 2022, we undertook our second assessment of the 
Group’s Scope 3 emissions. The initial assessment in 
2021 adopted a staged approach due to the scale of 
the project. First analysing the upstream emissions 
associated with our operations in the United Kingdom 
and North America, then scaling up to provide an 
estimate of the Scope 3 emissions for all of the regions 
in which we operate. For 2022 we have expanded the 
scope of the data collection process to cover all of the 
regions in which we operate and those of Savills IM’s 
AuM and covers all funds and mandates where Savills IM 
exercises discretionary asset control. 

Reported Scope 3 upstream emissions include 
purchased goods and services, capital goods, waste 
generated in operations, water consumption, business 
travel in vehicles not owned, leased or controlled by 
the Group, employee commuting and fuel and energy-
related emissions that are not captured in Scope 1 and 2. 
Purchased goods and services includes all expenditure 
on services (eg cleaning, insurance, IT etc) and 
consumable products/goods (eg food and stationery). 
Capital expenditure includes all expenditure on durable 
products/goods that were acquired within 2022 (eg dish 
washers, office furniture etc.). The methodology used 

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Annual report and accounts 2022

to estimate the supply chain emissions from purchased 
goods and services and capital goods is based on the 
Exiobase3* environmentally extended input-output 
(EEIO) dataset. EEIO combines economic information 
about the trade between industrial sectors with 
environmental information and the emissions arising 
directly from those sectors. 

Financial expenditure data was collected across all 
regions. In some cases, where data only covers 10 
months of the year, estimates were used to annualise 
the data. Business travel data quality and availability 
varies across the business. For the UK, business travel 
emissions were calculated based on actual activity data. 
Other regions had good quality activity data for some 
business areas. Where activity data was not available, 
we used expenditure data and the Exiobase model to 
calculate business travel emissions. 

During 2022, we rolled out surveys to assess employee 
commuting activity across all the countries in which we 
operate. We had responses from over 5,000 employees 
and calculated commuting emissions using the UK 
Government GHG Conversion Factors for Company 
Reporting and US EPA emissions factors. Waste, water, 
fuel and energy-related emissions were collected using 
the same data collection process that was used for 
Scopes 1 and 2, as described above. 

Reported Scope 3 downstream emissions relate to 
Savills IM AuM and cover all funds and mandates where 
Savills IM exercises discretionary asset control. For the 
purposes of this report, discretionary control is defined 
as Savills IM holding decision-making and fiduciary 
responsibilities regarding which assets to buy and sell, 
in addition to asset management such as development, 
fit-out, refurbishment and leasehold transactions. This 
definition extends to a small number of segregated 
mandates where the client maintains discretion over 
their portfolio strategy. While Savills IM has management 
control, it is important to note that a significant number 
of leases attaching to AuM are full repairing and 
insuring, presenting challenges to Savills IM when it 
comes to data collection and opportunities for energy 
reduction interventions.

Emissions for 2022 were estimated based on the actual 
energy use data for the previous year, where feasible. 
Where data was found to be partially incomplete for a 
specific utility for a particular building area (eg landlord-
controlled or tenant-controlled areas), the actual data 
was extrapolated to calculate full data coverage. For 
assets where no actual data was available, energy use 
and the associated GHG emissions were estimated 
based on industry benchmarks, such as the Chartered 
Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE)’s 
Energy Benchmarking Tool for the UK, the EU Buildings 
Database and the GRESB Real Estate Assessment.

Going forward, we plan to further refine our Scope 3 
analysis by implementing a strategy to improve data 
collection processes across Savills global operations. 
This will be focused on providing activity data, 
particularly for business travel, improving the efficiency 
of data collection processes and avoiding extrapolation 
where possible. Savills IM has set an objective to collect 
75% of actual data from its AuM by 2025 and is working 
with property and asset managers, tenants and ESG 
consultants to improve data coverage.

* EXIOBASE3 is licensed under a Creative Commons 
Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License. It is 
attributed to the EXIOBASE Consortium and can be 
found at www.exiobase.eu.

Performance and trends
In 2022, our absolute Scope 1 and 2 ‘market-based’ 
emissions totalled to 6,679 tonnes CO2e, which is a 17.9% 
(1,454 tonnes CO2e) reduction against our 2019 base 
year. When assessed on an annual basis, we have seen 
a 0.4% upward change in the Group’s Scope 1 and 2 
emissions, associated with a 2% increase in floor space 
occupied globally and higher electricity consumption in 
our UK and EMEA offices. The annual rise in electricity 
use was largely due to further increased use of our 
workplaces in these regions compared to 2021, going 
back to the pre-pandemic levels for all quarters. An 
increase in estimation for Q4 2022 is also considered to 
be a contributing factor. The Group used 24,006 MWh of 
energy, reflecting a 12% decrease in fuels use and a 15% 
increase in electricity consumption.

Our regional initiatives to decarbonise company owned 
and leased vehicles and to reduce business travel has 
led to a 4% year-on-year decrease in the corresponding 
Scope 1 emissions. This trend is expected to continue in 
the coming years, as the Group seeks to replace company 
owned and leased cars to electric vehicles and hybrid 
alternatives. The overall reduction in Scope 1 emissions was 
also impacted by better quality data and the confirmation 
of operational control in relation to heating for some of 
our leased offices in the UK. 

On an intensity basis, our Scope 1 and 2 ‘location-based’ 
GHG emissions per office floor space has reduced 
by 1.2% year-on-year and 17.7% since 2019. Our GHG 
financial intensity metric, expressed as GHG emissions 
per £million revenue, has seen a reduction of 6.2% 
and 31.6% respectively. These metrics reflect continual 
improvement in managing our environmental impacts and 
associated carbon emissions through office retro-fits, fleet 
upgrades, behavioural changes and the procurement of 
renewable electricity.

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Responsible business continued

Key measures implemented to reduce our Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions include: LED lighting replacements, energy 
audits, promoting behavioural changes to eliminate energy wastage, procurement of renewable electricity and 
replacement of company owned and leased vehicles with zero or low-emission alternatives. For example, our Asia 
Pacific operations are on track to achieve 100% LED lighting by 2025. It is our long-term goal to achieve 100% 
procurement of certified renewable electricity, with good progress made across our UK and CEE operations. In 2022, 
we also worked to formalise our Net Zero Transition Plan to guide efforts towards long-term decarbonisation. Further 
details on the environmental initiatives are provided in the Environment section pages 46 to 49.

In 2022, as in 2021, actual or estimated Scope 1 and 2 emissions data was reported for all offices where we have 
operational control. Reported energy and GHG emissions data includes estimates where actual data was unavailable. 
Due to a shift in our year-end reporting and data assurance timescales in 2022, the proportion of estimated data 
increased by 7% when compared to 2021 (estimated data covered 29% of data in 2021). It remains our key priority to 
achieve improved data accuracy.

The 2022 Scope 3 emissions were estimated to total 203,895 tonnes CO2e, including our upstream emissions from 
business operations and the downstream AuM emissions from Savills IM. The Savills IM AuM emissions were reported 
for the first time and represent 58% of total 2022 Scope 3 emissions. No downstream GHG emissions were included 
for 2022, as, initially, we were working to improve our understanding of upstream Scope 3 emissions. Our upstream 
Scope 3 emissions totalled to 85,351 tonnes CO2e, an increase of 55% since 2021. This is not unexpected due to several 
reasons discussed below.

We have significantly improved the data collection and accuracy of the Scope 3 emissions in 2022. 2021 was the 
first time the Scope 3 emissions had been estimated. At that time, it was only possible to gather activity data for 
the UK and financial data for the UK and North America. Emissions for other regions were extrapolated from the UK 
data. This year a much more detailed set of activity data has been collected for all regions. This includes commuter 
surveys across all countries, financial data on procurement and capital assets, and business travel activity data, where 
available. Commuting emissions were higher due to better data on employee travel habits. In addition, the effects of 
the pandemic mean that activity in many regions was starting to return to normal during 2022. This, along with the 
growth of the business, has increased expenditure on procurement and capital goods.

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

2022

1,691^

4,989^

6,680

5,462^

2.906

2021

1,869

4,783

6,652

5,280

3.10

2020

1,794

5,386

7,180

5,847

4.13

2019

1,775

6,358

8,133

6,719

4.25

change vs 2019

-4.8%

-21.5%

-17.9%

-18.7%

-31.6%

0.039

0.040

0.042

0.048

-17.7%

Scope 3 upstream, estimate3

85,351

55,223

Scope 3 downstream, estimate3

118,544

nr

Total Scope 3

Grand Total

203,895

55,223

210,575

61,814

nr

nr

nr

nr

nr

nr

nr

nr

nr

nr

nr

nr

–

Corporate energy use, MWh

2022

2021

2020

2019

change vs 2019

Total energy use

24,006^

22,864

24,568

25,938

Data coverage (offices reporting data)

276 (100%)  279 (100%)  285 (100%)

282 (92%)

-7.4%

nr

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.   This disclosure is partial, as we continue to work to improve our understanding of our Scope 3, our final figures are expected to be higher. With exception of 

Savills IM AuM, downstream emissions covering carbon relating to client services are excluded. 

^ 

 We engaged Grant Thornton UK LLP to provide independent limited assurance over selected data highlighted in the above table with a ^ symbol using the 
assurance standards ISAE 3000 (Revised) and ISAE 3410. Grant Thornton has issued an unqualified opinion over the selected data and the full assurance 
report can be found on our website here https://www.savills.com/why-savills/grant-thornton-limited-assurance-report-april-2022.pdf

66

Annual report and accounts 2022

Scope 3 Performance by category4

GHG Emissions Category

Purchased goods and services

Capital goods

Fuel and energy-related activities (not included in Scope 1 + 2)

Waste generated in operations

Business travel

Employee commuting

Savills IM Assets Under Management

Total

tonnes CO2e

43,212

5,085

2,496

354

6,155

28,049

118,544

203,8954

%

21%

3%

1%

0%

3%

14%

58%

100%

4.   This disclosure is partial, as we continue to work to improve our understanding of our Scope 3, our final figures are expected to be higher. With the exception 

of Savills IM AuM, downstream emissions covering carbon relating to client services are excluded.

Performance by Region

Energy Use

GHG emissions Scope 1 and 2

GHG emissions Scope 3

Region

Asia Pacific

Europe, the Middle 
East & Africa

North America

United Kingdom

Savills IM

Total

MWh

4,535

6,587

3,574

8,463

847

%

19%

27%

15%

35%

4%

24,006

100%

Intensity 
ratio, tonnes 
CO2e / m2

0.052

0.034

0.034

0.036

0.042

0.039

tonnes 
CO2e

2,379

1,983

1,096

839

382

%

tonnes 
CO2e

35.6%

39,788

29.7%

16.4%

12.6%

5.7%

5,186

8,429

28,410

122,082

%

19.5%

2.5%

4%

14%

60%

6,679

100%

203,895

100%

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67

 
 
Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD)

Focussing on climate-related risks to deliver a 
more sustainable future

Decarbonising the real estate sector is an urgent and 
pressing need; a challenge which COP27 in Sharm 
El Sheikh has further highlighted. Savills is focused 
on climate-related risks and working with its clients, 
suppliers and the local communities on which its 
operations impact to deliver a more sustainable future.

In this section we provide climate-related financial 
disclosures consistent with all of the TCFD 
recommendations and recommended disclosures. By 
this we mean the four TCFD recommendations and 
the 11 recommended disclosures set out in Figure 4 of 
Section C of the report entitled ‘Recommendations of 
the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures’ 
published in June 2017 by the TCFD. We have also 
referenced the recommendations in ‘Task Force on 
Climate-related Financial Disclosures, Implementing 
the Recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-
related Financial Disclosures, October 2021’. A longer 
TCFD document, which goes beyond the formal annual 
disclosures, has also been provided https://www.savills.
com/why-savills/tcfd-report-2022.pdf, which includes 
supplementary detail into the considerations we took 
account of during this process, this includes a table 
detailing the TCFD consistency and improvement 
points within our 2022 report. 

Governance
The Board is responsible overall for managing climate-
related risks and realising opportunities, as detailed in 
the Governance section pages 74 to 139. The Board is 
supported in this respect by the Group Executive Board 
(GEB), which is responsible for implementing climate-
related risk management plans, addressing climate-
related threats to Savills business model and for realising 
opportunities. In addition, the Group Risk Committee 
and Group Environmental Social & Governance (ESG) 
Committee, are responsible for overseeing climate 
risk assessment and other aspects of Savills corporate 
sustainability and ESG agenda and reporting into the 
GEB. The Board and GEB both meet at least quarterly. 
The Group ESG Committee meets at least bi-annually 
and, after the first year of TCFD reporting, the Savills 
TCFD Working Group meets at least annually. The 
Board is updated on progress against goals and targets 
regularly, and at least annually considers the progress 
made against our goals.

The Board and Board Committees are informed about 
climate-related issues via written reports and oral 
updates along with formal presentations from the Group 
Legal Director & Company Secretary and the Group 
Sustainability Director. Both the Group Legal Director & 
Company Secretary and the Group Sustainability Director 
have climate-related actions within their KPIs, as do GEB 
members, including the Group CEO. Climate-related 
issues are also considered when the Board is reviewing 
strategy, budgets, major plans of action, proposed 
investments, capital expenditure and acquisitions.

The Savills TCFD Working Group and Group ESG 
Committee report into the GEB and through it the 
Board and, as part of this reporting, highlight climate-
related items and associated actions to consider. The 
process by which Group management is informed about 
regional climate-related issues is through the Regional 
ESG Committees, which either have TCFD as a key 
agenda item or which have Regional TCFD working 
groups. Regional ESG Groups (in UK, CEME, Asia Pacific 
and North America) and Savills IM were established to 
develop and manage programmes in those businesses 
within the Group’s overall TCFD framework. Key climate-
related actions and risks are monitored and managed 
through these Regional groups which respectively 
report into the Group ESG Committee and the Savills 
TCFD Working Group, with key messages then further 
disseminated to management across the business as 
needed. Heads of the Principal Businesses have overall 
climate-related responsibilities for their businesses; with 
progress by Principal Business against agreed targets 
monitored and overseen by the Group ESG Committee, 
which reports via the Group Legal Director & Company 
Secretary, to the GEB and the Board. 

Savills TCFD Working Group is supported by Willis 
Towers Watson (‘WTW’), who assisted each Region 
to effectively assess climate-related risk during 2021, 
following which each Region was able to develop further 
its action plans to address climate risks and realise 
opportunities specific to their businesses.

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Annual report and accounts 2022

Strategy and risk management
Interface between climate-related risks and 
overall risk management
For each Regional Business, detailed climate risk 
management plans have been developed to establish 
mitigation and adaptation measures to manage the most 
material climate-related risks. Savills Group processes 
for managing climate-related risks are outlined in the 
Governance section above, and are also aligned to Savills 
wider risk management approach (see pages 29 to 35).

The materiality assessment was based on an integrated 
view of the impact and likelihood of occurrence for each 
risk and opportunity. Climate-related risks continue to be 
evaluated as part of Savills six-monthly risk identification, 
review and assessment process for emerging and 
principal risks conducted by the Group Risk Committee. 
(see pages 29 to 35). The TCFD materiality process 
is also integrated within the wider risk management 
processes; the Group’s Risk Register has a high-level 
summary risk covering ‘Environment and Sustainability’ 
with further details on climate-related issues managed 
within specific TCFD risk documentation. 

The Savills TCFD Working Group, responsible for 
overseeing the climate scenario risk assessment, includes 
the Group Risk Director and the Group Sustainability 
Director within its membership. The climate risk 
assessment adopts other elements used in the broader 
Savills risk assessment categories including: 

 § description of the risk and time horizon (identification); 

 § impact-likelihood rating (the evaluation enabling 

prioritisation); 

 § mitigating actions and controls (mitigation); and

 § future action plans and risk owner (monitoring). 

The results are integrated into ERM reporting and 
ongoing identification, assessment and management 
of climate-related risks.

As the 2021 assessment considered future scenarios 
with long timescales, the intention is for a full review, 
similar to this, every three years. In the intervening 
period the risks and opportunities identified are 
considered each year by the Savills TCFD Working 
Group, with any required updates included in the latest 
annual TCFD report. In relation to 2022, the Savills TCFD 
Working Group concluded that no significant updates 
were required to the overarching group risks and 
opportunities, however, the actions relating to each of 
the items identified and relative progress made against 
these was critically reviewed. 

Scenario analysis 
In order to explore the business risks and opportunities 
we undertook a climate scenario analysis against two 
scenarios. The two scenarios have average temperature 
rises of 2°C and 4°C respectively, physical and transition 
risks were identified together with the time horizon in 
which they are most likely to occur and the potential 
financial impact on Savills strategy. The time horizons 
selected defined ‘short-term’ as the next one to five 
years, ‘medium-term’ as five to ten years and ‘long-
term’ as ten years or more. The timelines were chosen 
to reflect Savills business planning. Group materiality 
incorporates a combined view of the considered 
impacts across the Regional Businesses.

Below 2°C scenario (< 2°C)
The scenario is based on The Paris Agreement to 
which more than 190 countries committed to limit 
global warming to well below 2°C above pre-industrial 
temperatures and to pursue efforts to limit it to no more 
than 1.5°C. The scenario assumes climate policies are 
introduced early and become gradually more stringent 
across the globe. There is an increase in public and 
private investment into green technologies and the 
share of renewables by 2030 in global electricity supply 
increases to approximately 50%1 shifting economies from 
being fossil fuel dependent to renewable energy driven. 
More stringent government policies such as stricter 
energy efficiency building codes and carbon taxes help 
advanced economies achieve net zero by 2050 and the 
world by 2070.2 The scenario assumes low growth in 
material consumption and increasing consumer pressure 
on businesses to drive sustainability. Those companies 
which fail to transition their businesses to a low carbon 
model will be adversely impacted.

High emissions pathway (> 4°C)
This scenario is aligned with RCP8.5, where due to 
high emissions in the atmosphere, temperature is 
likely to increase by more than 4°C compared to pre-
industrial times by the year 2100. This scenario builds on 
the Fossil-fuelled Development scenario of the Shared 
Socioeconomic Pathways. It places increasing faith in 
competitive markets, innovation and societies to produce 
rapid growth. There is an increasing adoption of resource 
and energy intensive lifestyles around the world and the 
push for economic and social development is coupled 
with the exploitation of abundant fossil fuels. As a 
result of the failure to transition, the physical impacts of 
climate change become increasingly severe. The increase 
in frequency and severity of flooding, higher sea level 
rise and other physical hazards put additional stress on 
the built environment.

1  World Energy Outlook 2020, IEA, 2020 (pg. 105).

2  Sustainable Development Scenario, IEA, 2020.

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69

 
 
Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) continued

Summary of risks and opportunities identified 

Risk type

Risk description

Time frame 
of impact

Potential financial impact 

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: 

Potential for increased property damage from 
catastrophic events deemed minimal. Climate modelling 
which considers RCP8.5, conducted by WTW shows 
minimal exposure across short, medium and long terms. 
In relation to Savills IM, there is 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.

Materiality assessment

2025

Low

2030

Low

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 risk identified for increased operational and 
maintenance costs, which are passed on from landlords 
to Savills as tenant, however, 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. 

Transition – Assessed under the 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

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 
emissions are low in relative terms, and it intends to 
further reduce its emissions through Regional targets.

Opportunity Impact

Given higher carbon taxes, there will likely be increased 
demand for sustainable design and performance advice 
for offices, 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 Savills 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 
are 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.

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Annual report and accounts 2022

 
Risk type

Risk description

Reputation

Increased 
stakeholder 
concern or negative 
stakeholder feedback

Time frame 
of impact

Short 
Term

Market 
Changes

Shifts in client 
preferences for 
real estate services 
incorporating climate 
considerations

Short 
Term

Markets vulnerable 
to climate change 
becoming less 
desirable over time

Long 
Term

Specialist skills 
shortages

Short 
Term

Technology 
Development

Substitution of 
existing products or 
services with lower 
emissions options

Short to 
Medium 
Term

Potential financial impact 

Risk Impact 

Materiality assessment

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 and Savills 
IM’s Net Zero targets and the concentration of ESG 
services into Savills Earth, should 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, if 
Savills can continue to develop employee skill sets and 
knowledge to build its client facing service offering.

Risk Impact 

Moderate  Low

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.

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 are 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.

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71

 
 
Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) continued

Evaluation of resilience 
2 Degrees – 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.

In terms of the below 2°C scenario for physical 
risks, there was modelled to be relatively minimal 
risk, therefore, exposure was found to be broadly 
consistent with today.

4 Degrees – risks and opportunities 
Under the High Emissions Pathway (>4°C) scenario, 
while extreme weather events are forecast to increase, 
the physical risk impact to Savills is expected to be 
relatively low, due to the advisory nature of business 
activities, which only use leased space that can be 
relocated. 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.

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

 § Remaining committed 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 
(ie Scope 3, including assets under the Group’s direct 
control) by 2040. Continue the net zero journey 
by completing actions within the Savills Net Zero 
Transition plan.

 § We will continue to invest further in the development 
of the Group’s client sustainability offering across its 
Regional Businesses in particular by building out the 
Savills Earth offering, our energy and sustainability 
combined services, 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. 

 § We 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. 

TCFD Risk mitigation and adaptation budgets
The Savills TCFD Working Group used the workshop 
findings summarised above to analyse the resilience 
of Savills business model and strategy to climate 
change, taking into consideration different climate 
related scenarios. In addition, consolidating the 
estimates provided by the Regional and Savills IM ESG 
Groups, the TCFD Working Group developed financial 
costing in relation to risk mitigation for TCFD (for 
the avoidance of doubt excluding costs in relation to 
assets managed by Savills IM under the terms of its 
investment management appointments), which are 
outlined below. The assumptions applied in developing 
these current costings estimates are in particular 
highly sensitive to changes in regulation, energy costs, 
offset costs etc. TCFD is integrated into Savills wider 
financial planning processes. Any factors underpinning 
the risks or opportunities which are interdependent 
and could impact on Savills ability to create value over 
time are noted and addressed accordingly, following 
the processes outlined in the TCFD Governance 
section above.

The below figures represent an estimated forecast 
costing of risk mitigation and adaptation plans included 
within financial and business plans, set against estimated 
total Group cost projections, over the ‘medium term’ 
(ie the period from 1 January 2023 to 31 December 
2029). As the mitigation and adaptation actions 
include both physical and transition risks the costs are 
based on a combined view considering both scenarios 
outlined above:

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Annual report and accounts 2022

TCFD related costs for risk mitigation 
covering period from start of 2023 up 
to end 2029. 
Presented as % of total cost base over 
the ‘medium term’*

0.08%

0.04%

0.00%

0.23%

0.76%

Regional area/Business 

UK

APAC

N America

EME 

Savills IM

Group Total 

0.1%**

Explanation of TCFD mitigation and adaptation budgets

Example actions budgeted for include: 

 § Annual increase in insurance premium, attributed to 

climate change

 § Increased M&E to ensure climate control within offices

 § Numerous actions relating to pathway to net zero, to negate 

need of carbon offsetting

 § ESG training to staff 

 § Transitioning company cars to EVs

 § Regional monitoring of emerging regulations

 § Implementation of Internal and external communication strategy

 § Support individual office initiatives

 § Development of in-house talent

Total estimated cost is rounded and Inclusive of currently 
estimated off-set costs up to end of 2029.

* 

 For comparison purposes, total Group operating costs (inc. profit related bonus & interest) was estimated covering a seven-year period based on total 2022 
Group operating costs, business plan forecasts and, from 2026 onwards, assuming 5% growth year on year. 

**  Underlying budget figures were rounded and are estimated for a seven-year period therefore subject to change over time. 

Estimates have also been developed for potential value 
of climate related opportunities over the ‘medium 
term’. The financial figures relating to the climate 
market changes and associated opportunities over the 
‘medium term’ are subject to continuous review, are in 
particular highly sensitive, to market developments and 
are commercially sensitive and therefore have not been 
reported in detail. However, these provide significant 
additional revenue opportunities, with the value of the 
opportunity estimated to significantly outweigh the total 
costs of mitigating climate change-related risks.

Metrics and targets
Metrics used by Savills to assess climate-related risks 
and opportunities in line with Group strategy and the 
Group risk management process include Greenhouse 
Gas (GHG) emissions for absolute Scope 1, Scope 2 and 
Scope 3. The GHG metrics are summarised within the 
GHG reporting section of this report pages 64 to 67. 
This metric is monitored to check exposure to GHG 
emissions and therefore future carbon prices along with 
link to success against Savills net zero targets. 

A further metric used is the estimated expenditure and 
investment deployed toward climate-related risks and 
opportunities; additional details are outlined above. 
Monitoring TCFD-related expenditure gives an indication 
of the extent to which risk mitigation has been budgeted 
for and how long-term value might be affected. 

Savills has undertaken a Group Net Zero Transition Plan 
and costing exercises, as part of its TCFD review, with 
changes in carbon price monitored globally to assist in 
predicting future cost implications. Savills is currently 
working with Science Based Targets (SBTi) to verify 
targets which would achieve net zero for Scopes 1 & 2 by 
2030, and Scope 3 by 2040. This is an established target 
which we disclosed in our 2021 TCFD report. Further 
detail around the baseline year and interim targets to 
be used and other details will be defined and disclosed 

over the next 18 months. Our GHG emissions for 2019 
baseline have been inputted into the model provided 
by SBTi for Scopes 1 and 2, and for the baseline year 
of 2022 for Scope 3 data. This has allowed us to put 
forward targets which both meet the SBTi criteria and 
our own net zero targets; we now await confirmation of 
these targets from SBTi which is expected in (H1, 2023). 
Regional targets set to align with SDGs will also assist 
with some actions relating to the TCFD regional working 
groups, for example ESG training programmes. The nine 
SDGs which Savills is aligned to and the corresponding 
objectives can be found here: (https://www.savills.com/
why-savills/environmental-social-and-governance.aspx). 
Aligned with the Group SDG framework, each Regional 
Business and Savills IM has developed its own detailed 
SDG roadmap which have SMART targets relating to 
topics such as energy efficiency, waste management and 
recycling and green energy tariffs, as examples. These 
are managed by their relevant regional ESG committees 
and are monitored twice a year at the Group ESG 
Committee. Performance on material climate-related 
issues are linked into remuneration considerations, 
forming part of the KPIs which are reviewed at the 
annual staff appraisal and therefore linked to bonus 
allocation. This covers key staff responsible for climate-
related issues, including, but not limited to, the Group 
Chief Executive Officer, Group Chief Financial Officer, 
Group Legal Director & Company Secretary and the 
Group Sustainability Director.

On behalf of the Board

Mark Ridley
Group Chief Executive

Chris Lee
Group Legal Director & Company Secretary

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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 
40 to 42 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 2022 Savills was fully compliant 
with all of the Principles and Provisions set out in the Code.

1  Board Leadership 
and Company 
Purpose

This provides an overview of the  
Board activities during the year

Board of Directors 

Group Executive Board

Effective Board

Board Attendance

Promoting a positive culture

Employee Engagement

Stakeholder Engagement

Page

80 to 82

83 to 85

86

87

88

89

90

2  Division of 

Responsibilities

Explains the roles of the Board 
and its Directors

Corporate Governance Structure

92 and 93

Roles on the Board

94 to 95

3  Composition, 

Succession and 
Evaluation

This includes the Nomination & 
Governance Committee Report

4  Audit, Risks and 
Internal Controls

This includes the Audit 
Committee Report

5 Remuneration

6 Directors’ Report 

Board Activities in 2022

Board composition

Nomination & Governance 
Committee Report

Diversity & Inclusion

Board and Committee Evaluation

96

98

99

101

102

Risk management and internal control  104

Audit Committee Report

Directors’ Remuneration Report

105

114

135

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Leadership and Company Purpose

Chairman’s  
Introduction

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. As 
Chairman, it is my role to ensure the highest standards 
of governance are promoted by the Board and to ensure 
that the Group is governed and managed in the best 
interests of shareholders and wider stakeholders. This 
includes encouraging open discussion and constructive 
challenge. In this report, we set out our governance 
framework 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 73.

Ensuring that we do the right thing in the right way 
requires the right leadership and as custodian of Savills 
culture the Board demands openness and transparency 
to maintain an environment in which honesty, integrity 
and fairness are valued and practised by our people 
every day. The Board’s behaviour and the values it 
displays set the tone to guide our people’s behaviour 
and ensure that they live by and demonstrate the right 
values which in turn enable entrepreneurial and prudent 
management to deliver long-term success for the Group 
and its stakeholders.

It is a fundamental part of my role as Chairman to 
ensure that the Board has the right blend of skills and 
experience. 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. As an international business, we 
benefit from our Non-Executive Directors’ knowledge 
of and involvement with other businesses across Asia, 
Europe and the UK and North America. All of the Non-

Nicholas  
Ferguson CBE
Chairman

“ On behalf of the Board, I am 
pleased to introduce our 2022 
Corporate Governance Report. 
In this year’s report we describe 
the Group’s compliance with the 
2018 UK Corporate Governance 
Code (the ‘Code’) and explain 
how the Board and its Committees 
have operated in 2022.”

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). Over 
the last few years we have brought several new Directors 
onto to the Board, taking steps to refresh the Board 
and prepare for further succession. This year, the Board, 
together with the Nomination & Governance Committee 
continued to focus on succession planning at Board and 
at senior management levels across the Group. As one 
element of this ongoing focus, I am pleased to report 
that, following an extensive search process supported by 
an independent specialist search firm (as set out in detail 
in the Nomination & Governance Committee Report on 
pages 99 to 103), Marcus Sperber was appointed as an 
additional independent Non-Executive Director on 15 
December 2022. I was delighted to welcome Marcus 
to the Board. Marcus has extensive global real estate 
experience which will complement and further enhance 
the wide-ranging skills and experience of the Board and 
its Committees.

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Leadership and Company Purpose continued

Chairman’s introduction continued

During the year, COVID-19 continued to impact on how 
we conducted our business, with restrictions largely 
removed progressively through 2022, save in Greater 
China where they remained in place until January 
2023. 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. While the Board continues to 
operate effectively in a virtual environment, we held the 
Strategy Review in person. We have found that in-person 
meetings have significant benefits in terms of greater 
interaction, innovation and development. At the same 
time, virtual meetings have significant benefits in terms 
of time efficiency, reducing greenhouse emissions by 
avoiding travel and focus. A key priority continued to be 
the wellbeing of our employees and ensuring they were 
protected through appropriate COVID-19 secure working 
protocols, and their wellbeing was supported particularly 
in relation to mental health. 

The Board is responsible overall for the Group’s 
Environmental, Social and Governance (‘ESG’) strategy 
and addressing climate-related risks and realising 
opportunities. We continue to focus on climate-related 
risks and working together with our clients, suppliers 
and the local communities on which our operations 
impact to deliver a more sustainable future. Our 
climate-related financial disclosures are consistent 
with the recommendations in ‘Task Force on Climate-
related Financial Disclosures, Implementing the 
Recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related 
Financial Disclosures, October 2021’ Our ESG strategy 
is based on delivering objectives consistent with the 
Sustainable Development Goals framework, and in 
this regard we have aligned our Group ESG strategy 
with nine of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals 
(SDGs). 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 and refitting 
existing offices with the goals of reducing energy 
consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, and 
overall the ongoing active management of our office 
portfolio. Our sustainability strategy aims to achieve a 
positive impact on the environment and society, while 
maintaining robust governance measures. 

We test Board effectiveness and performance annually 
through a formal evaluation. Alice Perkins of AP 
Consulting externally facilitated the review this year, 
following the previous year’s evaluation which 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 2023 are set out on pages 102 
and 103. The process ensured that the Board assessed 
and challenged its approach to ensure we obtain the 
maximum value from our Board meetings. 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.

The details of Directors, skills and experience are set 
out on pages 80 to 82. The governance framework and 
the roles of the various Board Committees, principal 
management committee and other key committees are 
set out on pages 92 and 93.

In accordance with the 2018 UK Corporate Governance 
Code (the ‘Code’), all of the Directors will stand for 
election/re-election as appropriate at the 2023 AGM 
on 17 May 2023. 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.

Our people remain our greatest asset and our highest 
priority. The Board is committed to a truly inclusive 
culture that attracts and retains talented people from 
every background to deliver outstanding performance 
and further enhance the success of the Group. Diversity 
and inclusion remain a priority for the Board and across 
the Group. From a gender perspective, we are pleased 
to have seen the positive benefits of this approach, with 
women representing 37% of the Board’s membership 
in 2022, and since Marcus Sperber’s appointment 
representing 33% 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 be the 
best they can be. The Company’s diversity and inclusion 
programme applies across all levels of the Group. Further 
details of this programme can be found in the Strategic 
Report on pages 6 to 73. Over the past few years the 
Company has introduced a series of structured initiatives 
designed to build diversity and inclusion across the 
Group and welcome the progress made to date, albeit 
there is still more to do. 

76

Annual report and accounts 2022

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 2022 continued our scheduled programme of 
meetings through in-person meetings and 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 90. As 
at the date of this report, it is proposed that the 2023 
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, which will be presented to 
Shareholders for approval at the 2023 AGM.

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

15 March 2023

The Group formally engaged with the Science Based 
Targets Initiative (SBTi) in 2022 and is working through 
the process of agreeing science-based targets and 
carbon reduction pathways to deliver its net zero targets 
consistent with a no greater than 1.5°C temperature 
increase. The Group has also joined the ‘Race to Zero’ 
and the ‘Business Ambition for 1.5°C’.

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 employees 
to support their day to day decision-making. We 
demand the highest professional standards of all of our 
people all of the time and we have a zero tolerance to 
breaches of the Code of Conduct. Our Speak-up policy, 
in relation to which we now have third party managed 
confidential reporting facilities in all markets, enables 
employees to raise any matters of concern anonymously 
and is embedded into our business.

The Board reviewed and approved management’s plans 
for several strategic initiatives during the year, including 
the acquisitions of Absolute Maintenance Systems 
(Singapore); SRS Lease Administration (North America); 
Pitmore and AAIM (Savills IM, as part of the Savills IM 
Living Strategy); and strategic recruitments across 
multiple markets. We further approved management’s 
proposal to rebalance our North American business 
to lead on client portfolio solutions. In the second half 
of 2022, we conducted our annual Strategic Review, 
in which we confirmed our progress and assessed 
new opportunities.

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 105 to 113 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 29 to 35.

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Leadership and Company Purpose continued

Governance at a Glance

“ The Board is committed to maintaining the 
highest standards of corporate governance.”

Board 
Gender 
Diversity

Composition

Male

6

Female

Executive

3

2

Non- 
Executive

7

Independent 
Director

0-3 years

3-5 years

5-9 years

3

3

1

Board 
Nationality

Board 
Ethnicity

UK

6

Non-UK

White

3

8

Ethnic 
minority

1

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“ The Board remains satisfied that it has the 
appropriate balance of skills, experience, 
independence and knowledge.”

Balance of skills, knowledge 
and experience

Annual Board 
evaluation & individual 
Director appraisals

Board composition and succession planning

Non-Executive 
tenure & 
independence

Time commitment 
and external 
appointments

Board 
diversity

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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

Simon Shaw
Group Chief Financial Officer

Appointment to the Board

Appointment to the Board

Appointment to the Board

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

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

Background and relevant experience

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. Member of the  
British Property Federation’s 
Leadership Forum.

Committee membership

Nomination & Governance 
Committee.

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

Other appointments

Non-Executive Chairman of 
Synairgen plc.

Committee membership

None.

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.

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Annual report and accounts 2022

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

Florence Tondu-Mélique
Independent Non-Executive 
Director

Dana Roffman
Independent Non-Executive 
Director

Appointment to the Board

Appointment to the Board

Appointment to the Board

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

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

Background and relevant experience

Stacey most recently served as Chief 
Executive and then Deputy Chairman 
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, Gymshark 
and Majid al Futtaim (MAF) 
Entertainment. She is also the Chair of 
MAF Lifestyle Advisory Committee.

Committee membership

Audit, Remuneration and Nomination 
& Governance Committees.

Florence will become Chief Executive 
Officer of Willis Towers Watson 
France in mid-2023, having been 
Chief Executive Officer of Zurich 
France, and a member of Zurich’s 
Group Leadership Team, until then. 
She was also 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 Grant 
Thornton International Limited. 
Non-Executive Director of Auchan 
Retail International.

Committee membership

Audit and Nomination & 
Governance Committees.

Dana was most recently a partner 
and founding member of the Real 
Estate Private Equity group 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. Independent Director Cohen & 
Steers Income Opportunities REIT, 
Inc (CNSREIT) and Advisory Board of 
NYU Schack Institute of Real Estate.

Committee membership

Remuneration and Nomination & 
Governance Committees.

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Leadership and Company Purpose continued

Board of Directors continued

Philip Lee
Independent Non-Executive 
Director

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

Marcus Sperber
Independent Non-Executive 
Director

Appointment to the Board

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.

Marcus was appointed to the 
Board as a Non-Executive Director 
on 15 December 2022.

Background and relevant experience

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.

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

Other appointments

None.

Committee membership

Remuneration and Nomination & 
Governance Committees.

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.

From 2002 until 2019, Marcus Sperber 
held various roles with BlackRock, 
acting first as the portfolio manager of 
Blackrock’s UK property fund, before 
being appointed as Head of EMEA 
real estate and then ultimately holding 
the role of Global Head of Real Estate. 
Prior to 2002, Marcus held various 
positions with Ashtenne (2001-2002), 
Enterprise (1992-2001) and Roger 
Tym & Partners (1990-92), having 
started his career with the British Rail 
Property Board (1987-89).

Other appointments

Founder of NorthCroft Capital, a 
Real Estate Investment and advisory 
business and a Non-Executive 
Director of Cadillac Fairview and 
Fiera Real Estate.

Committee membership

Audit Committee and Nomination 
and Governance Committee.

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Group Executive Board

Mark Ridley
Group Chief Executive Officer
(see Board of Directors on pages 80 
to 82 for full biography)

Simon Shaw
Group Chief Financial Officer
(see Board of Directors on pages 80 
to 82 for full biography)

Alex Jeffrey
Chief Executive Officer –  
Savills Investment Management

Appointment to the 
Group Executive Board:

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

Background and relevant experience

Alex Jeffrey has served as Chief 
Executive Officer – Savills Investment 
Management since 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, 
where he led the significant growth 
of the firm from c. £15bn AUM in 2012 
to over £30bn in 2018. Before that 
he was Chief Investment Officer and 
CEO Europe of MGPA Limited.

Alex has an MBA from INSEAD, an 
MA (Hons) in Law from Cambridge 
University and is a Fellow of the Royal 
Institution of Chartered Surveyors.

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Leadership and Company Purpose continued

Group Executive Board continued

Chris Lee
Group Legal Director 
& Company Secretary

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

David Lipson
President – Savills North America

Appointment to the 
Group Executive Board

Appointment to the 
Group Executive Board

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

Background and relevant experience

He held equivalent roles with Alfred 
McAlpine plc, Courts plc and Scholl 
plc between 1997 and 2008, prior to 
which he was deputy group secretary 
of Delta plc from 1990 to 1997.

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 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.

Background and relevant experience

David Lipson is president of Savills 
North America. His responsibilities 
include oversight of all Savills business 
lines and locations in North America, 
as well as mergers and acquisitions 
and strategic business development 
pursuits. David has dedicated more 
than 33 years of service to Savills and 
is one of the firm’s most tenured and 
respected leaders. He co-managed 
the Mid-Atlantic region for almost 
15 years and served on the firm’s board 
and executive committee since 2004 
and 2014, respectively.

Formerly one of the most 
successful brokerage professionals 
in the Washington, DC region, 
David and his team completed 
real estate transactions totaling 
more than 92 million square feet, 
across well over 1,500 tasks on 
behalf of the US Government, 
and the team’s relationships are 
ongoing. Additionally, during 
David’s brokerage tenure, he and 
his partners represented many 
of Washington’s leading private 
sector tenants, including many of 
the country’s most important law 
firms, government contractors, 
not-for-profit organizations, and 
major corporations.

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.

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Annual report and accounts 2022

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

Mitchell E. Rudin
Chairman & CEO – Savills Inc

James Sparrow
Chief Executive Officer, 
UK & EMEA

Appointment to the 
Group Executive Board:

Appointment to the 
Group Executive Board:

Appointment to the 
Group Executive Board

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

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

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

Background and relevant experience

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

Christian also serves as Non-
Executive Director in Savills Asset 
Advisory, the wholly-owned asset 
management subsidiary of Savills 
Japan Co, Ltd created in May 2012.

James is a Fellow of the Royal 
Institution of Chartered Surveyors. 
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.

Mitch joined Savills North America as 
President in 2019 and was promoted 
to CEO in June 2020, bringing more 
than 30 years of leadership in the 
commercial real estate industry. 
He has served as CEO of Mack-
Cali Realty Corporation, Brookfield 
Office Properties US Commercial 
Operations, and CBRE’s New York 
Tri-State Region. Through strategic 
financial management, operational 
logistics, client representation, 
market positioning and a long 
time commitment to leadership, 
succession planning, philanthropy 
and diversity and inclusion, Mitch 
successfully guided each company in 
periods of rapid growth and dramatic 
transformation. His leadership led to 
increased revenue, profit margins, 
and brand capital.

Other appointments

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

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Leadership and Company Purpose continued

Board Leadership and Company Purpose

Effective Board
 § Our Board is composed of highly skilled professionals 

who bring a range of skills, perspectives and 
corporate experience to our boardroom (see pages 
80 to 82). To ensure sufficient time for discussion, the 
Board utilises its principal committees to effectively 
manage its time (see pages 92 and 93 for Governance 
Framework). At each Board meeting, the agenda 
ensures sufficient time for the Committee chairs to 
report on the contents of discussions at Committee 
meetings, any recommendations to the Board 
which require approval and the actions taken. The 
Board conducts a detailed annual review of strategy 
(including our strategic objectives). Some of the key 
aspects discussed by the Board during its Strategy 
Review in 2022 discussions included:

 –  the Group’s purpose, aspirations and vision;

 –  key strategic issues and objectives;

 –  consideration and confirmation of the Group’s key 

growth initiatives; and 

 –  our ESG strategy and objectives moving forward.

Governance arrangements and Board resources
Good governance is essential to ensuring our 
business is run in the right way for the benefit of all of 
our stakeholders.

Our governance arrangements support the development 
and delivery of strategy by:

 § ensuring accountability and responsibility;

 § facilitating the sharing of information to 

inform decisions;

 § establishing engagement programmes with key 

stakeholders (see page 90);

 § maintaining a robust system of risk oversight, 
management and effective internal controls 
(see page 104); and

 § providing independent insight and knowledge 

from the Non-Executive Directors.

The Board has formally adopted a schedule of matters 
reserved to it for decision. These matters include 
decisions relating to the Group’s strategy, financing, 
any major acquisition or disposal, the risk appetite of 
the Group and the authorisation of capital expenditure 
above the delegated authority limits. 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.

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. The Chairman of the 
Board and the chairs of the Committees set the agendas 
for upcoming meetings with support from the Group 
Legal Director & Company Secretary. 

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. We 
aim to ensure that the information shared with our Board 
is of sufficient depth to facilitate debate and to fully 
understand the content. The Board will, as appropriate, 
invite the preparer of the report to attend meetings so 
the Board can gain a better understanding and question 
management directly The Heads of Regional Businesses 
also periodically attend Board meetings to discuss the 
progress made by the Regional Businesses against their 
strategic plans. 

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.

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, financial plans, and ESG, legal 
and regulatory updates.

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Annual report and accounts 2022

Board Attendance in 2022

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

Board
9 scheduled meetings 
(including the  
Strategy Day)

Audit Committee
5 scheduled meetings

Nomination & 
Governance Committee
2 scheduled meetings

Remuneration 
Committee
5 scheduled meetings

Non-Executive Directors

Nicholas Ferguson1, 2

Stacey Cartwright

Florence Tondu-Mélique

Dana Roffman

Philip Lee

Richard Orders

Marcus Sperber3

Executive Directors

Mark Ridley4, 5

Simon Shaw4, 6, 7

9

9

9

8

9

9

1

9

9

2

5

5

–

5

–

–

2

5

2

2

2

2

2

2

–

2

1

5

5

–

5

–

5

–

4

–

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

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

3.  Marcus Sperber joined the Board on 15 December.

4.  Members of the Group Executive Board.

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

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

7.  The Group Chief Financial Officer attended one Nomination & Governance Committee meeting by invitation.

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Leadership and Company Purpose continued

Our key employee-related KPIs adopted across the 
businesses 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

Promoting a positive and inclusive culture
The Board is responsible for instilling throughout the 
Company a strong and well embedded inclusive culture, 
founded on an entrepreneurial approach, one of integrity 
and openness, that values diversity and is responsive to 
the views of its Shareholders and wider stakeholders. 
This is underpinned by our values and operational 
and ethical standards. We have built our brand and 
reputation on the quality of our people, relationships, 
resources and processes.

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. The Savills 
Code of Conduct helps aid the understanding and 
embodiment of behaviours that align employees with 
the culture set by the Board, and underpins our social, 
ethical and environmental commitments. A confidential 
and anonymous independently hosted ‘Speak-up’ facility 
is in place which enables employees to report any 
concerns related to unethical conduct in any areas of the 
business. All disclosures are investigated promptly, under 
the oversight of 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 Board monitors and assesses the culture of the 
Group via:

 § Regularly meeting with management.

 § Assessing cultural indicators such as:

 –  management’s attitude to risk;

 –  health and safety data;

 –  compliance with the Group’s policies and 

procedures; and

 –  key performance indicators, including 

staff retention.

 § Feedback from our wider stakeholders, including 

employee surveys.

 § Reports received via the Group’s whistleblowing 

(Safe call) system.

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Annual report and accounts 2022

Employee engagement
Our employees are at the heart of the culture of our business. The Board routinely invites members of the 
management team to join meetings to present on the matters being discussed. In order to reach all employees, the 
Board utilises a combination of formal and informal engagement methods which are detailed below.

In accordance with the Code, the Board reviewed the mechanisms that it uses to engage with its workforce. In 
2022 the Board considered the three mechanisms set out in the Code and reconfirmed that in particular reflecting 
the Group’s geographic spread it was 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).

Employee Surveys
We gather feedback regularly 
from our employees to assess their 
levels of engagement. In 2022 we 
asked our employees for feedback 
specifically asking what they think 
characterises Savills as a business 
today and what they think will be 
key to our success in the future. 

Speak-up 
We operate independently hosted 
confidential and anonymous 
Speak-up services which enable 
employees to report any concerns 
related to unethical conduct in 
any areas of the business. All 
disclosures are investigated 
promptly under the oversight of the 
Group Legal Director & Company 
Secretary and escalated to the 
Board as appropriate, with follow 
up action being taken as soon as 
practicable thereafter.

Access to Non-
Executive Directors 
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);

Engaging with Employees

Working Groups
Our principal businesses have 
employee led groups in place 
covering areas such as diversity 
and inclusion, innovation, and 
social events. Feedback received 
from these workings groups are 
given to the ESG Committee, and 
ultimately the Board.

Our D&I Groups – pages 53 to 55

Social Media
A variety of Social Media channels 
are utilised to enhance engagement 
and the exchange of information 
on the Company’s activities to 
all stakeholders. These channels 
include, Twitter, Instagram and our 
intranet. In particular our intranet is 
used as a platform for employees 
to access our policies and to 
receive information on wellbeing, 
health and safety, and training.

Town hall/Employee 
briefings
During the year we also held a 
number of town hall meetings 
within our principal businesses 
and other events focusing on 
wellbeing and mental health issues, 
supported by webinars provided 
by external providers.

How the Board factored employee engagement into its decisions in 2022 – page 40.

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 43 to 73.

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Leadership and Company Purpose continued

Engagement with stakeholders

How we engage with our 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 73. The Board is committed to 
maintaining an open dialogue with investors which 
is achieved through a programme of structured 
engagement. We regularly engage with our institutional 
Shareholders through an active investor relations 
programme and the progressive easing of COVID-19 
restrictions was very welcome in allowing face-to-
face meetings to resume in the year. 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. 
We held the 2022 AGM in person, which followed 
two years of ‘closed’ meetings. All resolutions were 
passed at the 2022 meeting in line with the Board’s 
recommendations. The Chairman of each of the 
Committees is available at the AGM to answer questions. 
Directors are available before and during the meeting to 
answer questions from Shareholders and to meet with 
Shareholders following the conclusion of the formal 
part of the meeting.

As at the date of this Report, it is proposed that the 
2023 AGM will again 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 17 May 2023 can be found in the Notice of 
Meeting which accompanies this Report and Accounts. 

Corporate website
The Company’s website http://www.ir.savills.com has a 
section dedicated to investors where a range of valuable 
information can be found including:

 § A financial calendar of events.

 § Published annual results and results announcements.

 § Details of the Company’s corporate governance 

arrangements.

 § Board and Committee profiles.

 § The Group’s ESG strategy.

 § Regulatory announcements. 

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 247.

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 2022, 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.

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Annual report and accounts 2022

Division of Responsibilities

A robust governance framework

The Board leads the Group’s Governance Structure.

Overview of the Board’s responsibilities
 § Has primary responsibility for providing 
entrepreneurial leadership for the Group 

 § Oversees the overall strategic development of 

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

 § Sets the Group’s values and standards 

 § Ensures effective governance and risk 

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

 § 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 29 to 35 
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 a 
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 73.

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Division of Responsibilities continued

Division of the Responsibilities

Board (Chairman, two Executive Directors and six Non-Executive Directors).

Audit Committee

Remuneration Committee

Nomination & Governance Committee

 § 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 

 § Oversees external financial reporting, 
internal control, risk management and 
reviews the work of the Internal and 
External Auditors 

 § 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 105 to 113

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

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

Chair: Richard Orders

Number of meetings 
in the year: 5

For more information  
see pages 114 to 134

 § Responsible for size, structure and 

composition of the Board 

 § Reviewing and progressing 
appointments to the Board 

 § Responsible for succession planning 
at Board and senior management 
level to ensure that (i) 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; and that (ii) the Group has 
the necessary talent bench-strength 
to ensure seamless succession at 
senior management level

 § Makes recommendations to the 

Board on the membership of the 
principal Committees of the Board 

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

Chair: Nicholas Ferguson

Number of meetings 
in the year: 2 

For more information  
see pages 99 to 103

Principal Business Executive Committees

 § Lead each Principal Business 

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

 § 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 

 § Implement Group policy 

 § Monitor financial and operational performance of the relevant Principal Business and 

other specific matters delegated to them by the Group Executive Board 

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Annual report and accounts 2022

Plc Board

Group Chief Executive

Group Executive Board

 § Responsible for the day-to-day 

 § Key executive management committee of the Group 

management of the Group

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

 § 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 

 § Implements Group policy 

 §  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 

 § Responsible (with the Group Risk 

 § Identifies and evaluates Group level risks 

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

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

Chair: Group Legal Director & 
Company Secretary

 § Reviews and challenges risks reported by subsidiaries 

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

internal controls framework 

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

internal controls 

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Division of Responsibilities continued

Division of the Responsibilities 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:

 § leading the Board and its overall effectiveness;

 § demonstrating objective judgement;

 § promoting a culture of openness and constructive challenge 

and debate between all Directors;

 § facilitating constructive Board relations and the effective 

contribution of all Non-Executive Directors; and

 § 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.

Group Chief 
Executive Officer

Mark Ridley

Group Chief 
Financial Officer

Simon Shaw

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

 § leads the global finance function and develops key 

finance talent;

 § ensures effective financial reporting, processes and controls 

are in place;

 § recommends the annual budget and long-term strategic and 

financial plan; and

 § chairs the Group’s Proptech investment “fund”, Grosvenor 

Hill Ventures.

Independent 
Non-Executive 
Directors

Philip Lee

 § Monitor and challenge the performance of management;

Richard Orders

Dana Roffman

Marcus Sperber

Florence Tondu-Mélique

 § assist in approval and review of strategy;

 § review Group financial information and provide advice 

to management;

 § engage with stakeholders and provide insight as to their 

views, including in relation to employees and the culture of 
the Group; and

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

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Annual report and accounts 2022

Senior Independent 
Non Executive Director

Stacey Cartwright

Group Legal Director 
and Company Secretary

Chris Lee

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

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.

Time commitment and conflicts 
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 2022 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 2022 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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Composition, Succession and Evaluation

What the Board did in 2022

The Board met nine times during the year to consider the items noted below. 

The Board’s principal actions during 2022 were to consider and reconfirm the Group’s growth plans and those of the 
Principal Businesses; to approve material transactions, specifically the acquisitions of 60% of Absolute Maintenance 
Systems (an FM service provider in Singapore); a retail property management business in Poland; SRS Lease 
Administration LLC in North America; the acquisitions of Pitmore and 60% of AAIM by Savills Investment Management 
as part of the launch of its Living Strategy; and strategic recruitments across the Group; and to confirm the Group’s 
Net Carbon Zero targets. 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:

Leadership and people Reviewed the composition and performance of the Board and its Committees

Strategy

Reviewed the performance and growth of the Group’s Principal Businesses 

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

Considered and approved the following growth initiatives consistent with the Group’s 
strategic plan

Internal Control and 
Risk Management

Reviewed and confirmed the principal existing and emerging risks and uncertainties facing 
the Group which are described in detail on pages 29 to 35

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

Received updates on the risk and internal control environments within the Group’s Asia 
Pacific, North American, EMEA and UK businesses and Savills Investment Management

Governance

Received updates on regulatory and governance developments

Received regular reports in relation to material legal matters

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

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

Considered issues raised through the Group’s Confidential Reporting 
(‘Speak-up’) channels

Reviewed and approved the Company’s 2022 Modern Slavery Statement

Financial Management

Reviewed the 2024-2025 Group Business Strategy and approved the 2023 Plan

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

Considered and approved the 2022 Going Concern and Viability Statements

Reviewed and approved the Company’s 2023 Tax Strategy

Approved the 2022 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

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

Received updates on workforce engagement during the year

Received regular client feedback from the Group Chief Executive

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Annual report and accounts 2022

Board and Committee meetings

Key announcements

January

Main Board

Remuneration Committee

Group Executive Board

February

Cureoscity Ltd (UK) 

March

Main Board

Audit Committee

Remuneration Committee

Nomination & Governance Committee

April

Group Executive Board

Results for year ended 31 December 2022

Annual Report 2021 and Notice of AGM

PT Cakrawala Baswara Cemerlang 
(Indonesia)

May

June

July

Main Board

AGM

Trading Statement

Published results of 2022 AGM

Main Board

Audit Committee

Acquisition of BrickByte GmbH (Germany)

Main Board (Special)

Group Executive Board

Pitmore (1) Ltd

August

Main Board

Audit Committee

Remuneration Committee

Half year results

Acquisition of Absolute Maintenance 
Services (Singapore)

September

Audit Committee

Acquisition of Simply Affordable Homes 
LLP (SIM)

James A Baker (UK)

October

Group Executive Board

Nominations & Governance Committee

November

Main Board

Main Board Strategy Day

December

Main Board

Audit Committee

Remuneration Committee

Group Executive Board

Appointment of NED Marcus Sperber

SRS Lease Administration LLC (US)

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Composition, Succession and Evaluation continued

Composition, Succession and Evaluation

Board composition 
In line with the requirements of the Code, the Board comprises a majority of independent Non-Executive Directors. 
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 80 to 82 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 are on page 101 and our Inclusion and Diversity strategy 
can be found on pages 53 to 55.

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Annual report and accounts 2022

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 2022. 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 is on succession planning, and 

within this seeking to facilitate greater diversity and 
inclusion at Board and senior levels. In this regard Board 
membership is compliant with the FTSE Women Leaders 
and Parker guidelines, and the proportion of women in 
senior leadership positions (as defined by FTSE Women 
Leaders) as at October 2022 was 36.5% (2021: 33%).

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 during 2022.

Nicholas Ferguson, CBE 
Chair of the Nomination & Governance Committee

15 March 2023

Membership and meetings

Committee members

Key objectives

Main responsibilities

Nicholas Ferguson (Chair*) The primary objectives of 

 § Responsible for size, structure and composition 

Stacey Cartwright 

Philip Lee 

Richard Orders

Mark Ridley (Executive 
Director)

Dana Roffman

Marcus Sperber

Florence Tondu-Mélique 

the Committee are:

of the Board 

 § to review the size and 

 § 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 

 § to monitor the Company’s 

compliance with applicable 
codes and other requirements 
of corporate governance 
including the Code 

the Board 

 § Responsible for succession planning at Board and 
senior management level to ensure that (i) 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; and that (ii) the Group has the necessary 
bench-strength of talent to ensure seamless 
succession at senior management level

 § Makes recommendations to the Board on the 
membership of the principal Committees of 
the Board 

 § 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. 

The Committee met twice during 2022. Individual attendance by Directors at this meeting is shown in the table on 
page 87. 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 adviser 
may be invited by the Committee to attend the meetings from time to time, as appropriate.

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Composition, Succession and Evaluation continued

Nomination & Governance Committee Report continued

Changes to the Board and Committees
During the year to 31 December 2022, there were the following changes to the Board:

 § Marcus Sperber was appointed as an additional Independent Non-Executive Director on 15 December 2022.

Key responsibilities

Principal activity during 2022

 § Responsible for size, structure and composition of 

the Board 

 § Reviewing and progressing appointments to the Board 

 § 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 

 § Responsible for overseeing the development of a diverse 

pipeline for succession to senior management 

 § Makes recommendations to the Board on the 

membership of the principal Committees of the Board 

 § To keep under review the Company’s compliance 
with applicable Codes and other requirements of 
corporate governance 

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:

 § 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 

 § Considered and authorised the situational and, to 
the extent such arose, actual conflicts of interests 
of Directors 

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.

 § 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 2023 AGM 

 § Considered and confirmed the Group’s succession 

plans at senior management level

 § Led the process which resulted in the appointment 

of Marcus Sperber to the Board

and, in view of this assessment, a description of the 
role and competencies needed was agreed, with a view 
to appointing the best qualified individual for the role. 
Heidrick & Struggles was selected to lead the search 
due to its specialist knowledge of recruiting at Board 
level. Heidrick & Struggles has no other connection with 
the Group and is a signatory to the Voluntary Code of 
Conduct of Executive Search Firms. 

Heidrick & Struggles provided a long list of potential 
candidates and first stage interviews were led by the 
Chair of the Committee. In making the recommendation 
to the Board on the proposed appointment, the 
Nomination & Governance Committee specifically 
considered the expected time commitment of the 
proposed Non-Executive Director and the other 
commitments that they already had. A final shortlist of 
candidates was selected for final stage interviews with 
the Chairman, Group Chief Executive Officer and Senior 
Independent Director. The Committee was unanimous in 
their recommendation to the Board that Marcus Sperber 
be appointed as additional independent Non-Executive 
Director, and was delighted to welcome Marcus to the 
Board on 15 December 2022. 

Board appointments 
The Board recognises the benefit of progressively 
refreshing its membership and therefore commenced 
the search for additional independent Non-Executive 
Directors in 2022. 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.

The Committee led the process which resulted in the 
appointment of Marcus Sperber to the Board. The 
Committee assessed the balance of skills, knowledge, 
independence, experience and diversity of the Board 

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Annual report and accounts 2022

Details of the different stages of the appointment process that the Committee followed in relation to the appointment 
process of Marcus is set out below:

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

Step 4

Step 5

Engaged with Heidrick 
& Struggles and 
provided them with a 
search specification

Shortlisting of 
candidates by the 
Committee

Interview process 
with Committee 
Members

Recommendation 
to the Board of the 
chosen candidate

Appointment 
terms drafted and 
agreed.

Marcus Sperber’s biography 
See page 82.

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 with a 
view to appointing the best-placed individual for the role. 

A diverse Board brings constructive challenge and fresh perspectives to discussions and removes the risk of ‘group 
think’ and 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 of 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.

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.

The Committee is responsible for overseeing the development of a diverse pipeline for succession to senior 
management. Over the past few years the Company has implemented various strategies to address diversity and 
inclusion and we are pleased with the progress we have made to date. From a gender perspective, we are pleased to 
have seen the positive benefits of this approach, with women representing 37% of the Board’s membership for the 
majority of 2022, and now representing 33% of its membership. 

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 2022 the GEB members and their direct reports totalled 108 of which 
42 were female, 66 were male. Accordingly, our Group Women in Leadership percentage (determined in accordance 
with the FTSE Women Leaders Review criteria) was 36.5% as at 31 October 2022. Our previous year Group Women in 
Leadership percentage as reported by the FTSE Women Leaders Review was 33% (as at 30 October 2021).

In respect of ethnic diversity, the Board’s composition is in accordance with the Parker Review recommendation that 
at least one Director is from an ethnic minority background by 31 December 2024. 

We are mindful that this remains a focus area so that we can further harness the benefits of diversity, We intend to 
continue to support the diversity and development of the Group’s talent pipeline.

Further details regarding progress against our diversity and inclusion strategy, and related initiatives, can be found 
on pages 53 to 65 of the Strategic Report.

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. Board and senior management succession plans, which 
are based on merit and are assessed against objective criteria, are reviewed annually by the Committee. The Committee 
monitors the length of tenure and the skills and experience of the Non-Executive Directors to assist in succession 
planning. 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 80 to 82.

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Composition, Succession and Evaluation continued

Board and Committee Evaluation

2020 Internal 
Board Evaluation

2021 Internal 
Board Evaluation

2022 External 
Board Evaluation

In line with best practice, the performance and effectiveness of the Board and its Committees is assessed annually 
through a formal performance evaluation process. 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

2022 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.

This year’s evaluation was externally facilitated by Alice 
Perkins of AP Consulting. 

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 2023 and the Directors discussed the points 
raised by the review.

Conclusion from the 2022 evaluation

Areas of focus for 2023

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, Board members considered that the Board 
was stronger in terms of diversity of experience and 
perspectives than it had been at the time of the last 
external evaluation in 2019, and that it navigated the 
pandemic successfully. Board members also agreed that 
the Board enjoyed open and constructive discussions 
and was focussed on the right issues and struck a good 
balance between future thinking and assurance.

The Board’s Committees also continued to work well and 
were thought to be well-chaired and supported.

Reflecting the output from the 2022 Board Evaluation, 
the additional areas for Board focus, which would be 
added to the Board’s 2023 workplan, were agreed 
as follows:

a.  a smooth succession to a new Board Chair; 

b.  that the Group’s senior management development 
programme fully supported Senior Management 
succession plans; 

c.  that Board engagement with the wider stakeholder 

group was appropriate, to ensure that the non-
executives had visibility of the issues affecting 
people in the business below senior level and with, 
in particular, diversity and inclusion initiatives. 
For example, the non-executive members would 
selectively join Employee Town Halls to ensure that 
the “employee voice” was heard and that direct 
employee/Board communication returned to pre-
pandemic levels; and

d.  that the Board and its Committees strike the right 
balance between face to face and virtual meetings 
and continues to challenge executive management 
in a constructive manner to ensure that the business 
continues to develop successfully.

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Annual report and accounts 2022

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 
Following appointment, all Directors receive a 
comprehensive and tailored induction programme. 
Induction programmes are 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. New 
Directors are also provided with information on relevant 
share dealing policies, Directors’ duties, Company 
policies and governance.

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 with the content of meetings varying depending 
on the Director being inducted and their background 
and individual experience.

Our induction programme for new Directors is 
delivered through:

 § meetings with the Chairman, wider Board, Group 
Legal Director & Company Secretary and relevant 
Committee Chairs; 

 § 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; 

 § meetings with advisers, including the External 

Auditors, to provide a valuable external 
perspective; and 

 § 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 and any Director can 
request further information to support the fulfilment 
of their individual duties or collective Board role and 
throughout the year.

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

15 March 2023

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103

 
 
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 
29 to 35.

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 29 to 35, and 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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Annual report and accounts 2022

Audit Committee 
Report

Stacey Cartwright
Chair of the Audit 
Committee

“ I am pleased to present the Audit 
Committee’s report for the financial 
year ended 31 December 2022.”

 § review reports from the external and internal auditors 

– considering the principal risks and the effect of 
the Group’s strategy and the operation of internal 
controls to mitigate these in the preceding six months 
in respect of the half year and year-end results; 

 § monitor the integrity of the Group’s financial 

reporting and consider any significant judgements by 
management; and 

 § review the independence and effectiveness of the 

External and Internal Auditors.

In 2022, the Committee considered 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 and risk 
appetite. 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 2022 Half Year Financial Statements 
and this year’s Annual Report and Accounts.

One of the Committee’s key responsibilities is to confirm 
to the Board that it is satisfied that the Annual Report 
and Accounts are fair, balanced and understandable 
taken as a whole and provide the information necessary 
for Shareholders to assess the Company’s position, 
performance, business model and strategy. In doing so, 
the Committee tests that management’s disclosures 
reflect the supporting detail, or challenge management 
to explain and justify their interpretation and, if necessary, 

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The report is intended to provide insight into the 
Committee’s activities in the year and sets out how we 
have performed against our key objectives and how it 
has met the disclosure requirements as set out in the 
Code. In particular this report provides an overview of 
the Committee’s major considerations and work during 
the 2022 financial year in ensuring that the Company’s 
governance processes and reporting procedures remain 
appropriate, robust, of a high standard and are rigorously 
applied. The key matters considered in the year are set 
out on page 109.

During the year, the Committee continued to play a key 
role in assisting the Board in its oversight of financial 
reporting and auditing matters, including reviewing 
and monitoring the integrity of the Group’s Financial 
Statements, the Group’s systems of internal control 
and risk management, and the internal and external 
audit processes. The Committee, and its individual 
members, acts in a way that we consider is most likely 
to promote the success of the Company for the benefit 
of its members as a whole, including Shareholders, 
in accordance with s.172 of the Companies Act 2006. 
This ensures that the interests of our Shareholders, 
and broader stakeholders, are properly considered and 
reflected in the Committee’s decision-making processes.

As outlined on pages 109 and 110, the Committee met 
five times during the year to:

 § plan the external audit; 

 § agree the internal audit plan; 

 § identify key accounting matters and areas of 

judgement as early as possible;

 
 
Audit, Risks and Internal Controls continued

Audit Committee Report continued

re-present the information. The External Auditor supports 
this process in the course of its statutory audit by auditing 
the accounting records of the Company against agreed 
accounting practices, relevant laws and regulation. The 
External Auditor’s report can be found on pages 140 to 
149. Following this review and challenge process, the 
Committee was pleased to advise the Board that the 
2022 Annual Report and Accounts is fair, balanced and 
understandable and that the Directors have provided 
the necessary information for our Shareholders to assess 
the Company’s position, prospects, business model and 
strategy. This review and challenge process is described in 
further detail on pages 110 and 111. 

During the year the Committee considered the viability 
and going concern statements and their underlying 
assumptions. Following consideration, the Committee 
agreed with management’s proposal that the Company’s 
long-term Viability Statement should continue to cover a 
three-year period (see page 36), 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 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.

I would like to welcome Marcus Sperber, who joined 
the Committee on his appointment to the Board on 
15 December 2022 and has extensive relevant experience 
in similar organisations gained over many years. 

In order to ensure that the Committee remains effective, 
its performance is reviewed annually, including an 
independent performance review every three years 
by an external organisation appointed by the Board. 
In accordance with our three-year Board and Board 
Committee performance evaluation cycle, during the 
year, a review of the Committee’s effectiveness was 
carried out by an external facilitator, Alice Perkins, who 
operates as an independent adviser. She also undertook 
the previous independent Committee performance 
evaluation as part of an external Board performance 
review in relation to the 2019 Financial Year and was 
therefore able to see clearly what changes had been 
made over the last three years, but otherwise has had no 
other contact with the Company. The review concluded 
that the Committee continued to function well, that it 
is well chaired and that it has the appropriate access to 
senior management, the External and Internal Auditors 
and the necessary company secretarial support. Further 
details on the process and its broader findings can 
be found on page 103. 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 that is essential for the 
effective working of the Committee. 

Stacey Cartwright
Chair of the Audit Committee

106

Annual report and accounts 2022

How the Committee operates 
Membership 
The Committee is a fundamental element of the 
Company’s governance framework. The Committee 
is chaired by Stacey Cartwright. Stacey Cartwright, 
Philip Lee and Florence Tondu-Mélique, all of whom are 
Independent Non-Executive Directors, were members 
of the Committee during the year. Marcus Sperber, 
who was appointed to the Board as an additional 
Independent Non-Executive Director on 15 December 
2022, became an Audit Committee member with effect 
from 15 December 2022. 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 2022 and 
up to the date of this report, the Committee comprised 
entirely Independent Non-Executive Directors. The 
members of the Audit Committee have been selected 
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 80 to 82.

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.

Main responsibilities
 § Responsible for assisting the Board in fulfilling its 

financial and risk responsibilities 

 § 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

 § Oversees external financial reporting, internal 

controls, risk management and reviews the work 
of the Internal and External Auditors 

 § Advises the Board on the appointment of the 

External Auditor 

 § Considers 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 and 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.

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 114 to 134.

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Audit, Risks and Internal Controls continued

Audit Committee Report continued

Meetings held
The Committee meets at least five times per year and has an agenda planner linked to events in the Company’s 
financial calendar and other important issues that arise throughout the year, which fall for consideration by the 
Committee under its remit. The Committee Chair agrees the meetings and agendas for each meeting.

There were five scheduled Committee meetings held during the year (with two of these meetings focused on matters 
relating to the half year and full year reporting). The Committee reports to the Board after each Committee meeting. 
Attendance at meetings during 2022 is shown in the table below:

Committee member

Stacey Cartwright

Philip Lee

Florence Tondu-Mélique

Member since

October 2018

January 2021

October 2018

Marcus Sperber

December 2022

Meetings attended

Meetings eligible 
to attend

5

5

5

0

5

5

5

0

How the Committee keeps up to date 
The Committee is kept up to date with changes to Accounting Standards and relevant developments in financial 
reporting, company law and the various regulatory frameworks through presentations from the Group’s External 
Auditor, Group Chief Financial Officer, and Group Legal Director & Company Secretary. The Committee also receives 
tailored briefings from management and the Group’s External Auditor from time to time. The Terms of Reference 
of the Audit Committee include all the matters required under the Code and are reviewed at least annually by the 
Committee. 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.

Activities of the Committee during the year
The Committee has a substantial agenda of items formulated to fully discharge its responsibilities, while maintaining 
sufficient time for discussion of ad hoc items that arise throughout the year. 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 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 36 and the going concern assessment. 

108

Annual report and accounts 2022

What we did during the financial year ended 31 December 2022:

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

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 

External 
Audit

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 EY (‘EY’) who were the relevant 
External Auditor for the 2022 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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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, North 
American, 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 on page 36. 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 156 to 169.

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:

 § the quality and acceptability of accounting policies and practices;

 § material areas in which significant judgements have been applied or where significant issues have been discussed 

with the External Auditor;

 § an assessment of whether the Annual Report & Accounts, taken as a whole, is fair, balanced and understandable;

 § the clarity of the disclosures and compliance with financial reporting standards and relevant financial and 

governance reporting requirements;

 § providing advice to the Board on the form and basis underlying the long-term Viability Statement; and

 § any correspondence from regulators in relation to our financial reporting.

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Annual report and accounts 2022

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.

In accordance with Code provision 26, the following sets out all significant issues reviewed by the Committee 
throughout the year, being those requiring management to exercise the highest level of judgement or estimation. The 
Committee assesses these judgements to determine if they are reasonable and appropriate. 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

Revenue recognition

The Committee considered the presumed risk of fraud and management override defined 
by the International Accounting Standards.

Goodwill impairment 
assessment

Provision for litigation 
and claims

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 FY22 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 2022. 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.

External Auditor
The current External Auditor, Ernst & Young LLP (‘EY’) was appointed following a comprehensive audit tender process 
in 2019, and approval at the Company’s 2021 AGM. EY’s reappointment was approved at the 2022 AGM. Christabel 
Cowling is the audit partner and has held the role since 2022.

The Audit Committee advises the Board on the appointment of the External Auditor, negotiates and agrees its 
remuneration for audit and non-audit work, reviews its effectiveness, independence and objectivity and discusses 
the nature, scope and results of the audit with the External Auditor. The Committee holds private meetings with 
the External Auditor at, at least, 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.

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111

 
 
Audit, Risks and Internal Controls continued

Audit Committee Report continued

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

2022 
£m

4.1

0.3

2021 
£m

3.3

0.3

2020 
£m

2.5

0.1

Details of the fees paid to the External Auditor can 
be found in Note 7.2 to the Financial Statements on 
page 182. The Company maintains a policy governing 
the provision of non-audit services to the Group. 
During the financial year ended 31 December 2022 
contracts for non-audit services in excess of £0.1m 
required Committee approval and the Chair of the Audit 
Committee approved 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 2022 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 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.

Effectiveness
The Committee assess the effectiveness of the External 
Auditor and the appropriateness of the audit plan on 
an annual basis, in addition to the level of the External 
Auditor’s 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. As part of the review of the effectiveness 
of the external audit, a formal evaluation incorporating 
views from the Committee and relevant members of 
management is considered by the Committee. Feedback 
from the review was provided to EY as part of the 
annual planning meeting.

The Committee considers that the External Auditor 
relationship is appropriate and the Committee is satisfied 
with EY’s overall effectiveness.

Independence 
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. The Committee 
regards independence of the External Auditor as 
absolutely crucial in safeguarding the integrity of the 
audit process and takes responsibility for ensuring 
the three-way relationship between the Committee, 
the External Auditor and management remains 
appropriate. 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 Standard and the Group’s policy in place to 
31 December 2022, the Committee approved only those 
non-audit services which were permissible in the FRC’s 
Ethical Standard. 

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Annual report and accounts 2022

The Committee reviews Internal Audit reports from 
both Group and SIM on a regular basis and 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:

 § Internal Audit reports on the review of the controls 

across the Group and its monitoring of management 
actions arising from these reviews;

 § management’s own assessment of risk and the 

performance of the system of risk management and 
internal control during 2022;

 § reports from the Group Director of Risk & Assurance 
including reports on Group-wide risk assessment 
activity and annual self-assessment findings;

 § reports from the SIM Head of Risk & Compliance and 

the SIM Head of Internal Audit; and

 § 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.

The Audit and Risk Committee’s role 
in ensuring the financial statements 
taken as a whole are fair, balanced and 
understandable
As part of the Committee’s assessment as to 
whether the annual Financial Statements are ‘fair, 
balanced and understandable’, taken as a whole 
the Committee has oversight of and reviews the 
effectiveness of key processes implemented 
by management.

In addition to the above, the Committee also 
undertakes a review to determine if the entire 
Financial Statements are representative of the 
Group’s performance in the year and challenges 
management on the overall balance of the Report 
and Accounts prior to recommending approval 
of the Financial Statements to the Board. This 
includes the financial reporting responsibilities 
of the Directors under section 172 of the 
Companies Act 2006.

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 2022, Internal Audit services were 
delivered by the Group’s Director of Risk and Assurance 
with delivery support from RSM LLP and Grant Thornton 
LLP. Savills IM has its own Head of Internal Audit who 
has responsibility for Internal Audit planning and delivery 
within Savills IM with support from RSM, and who reports 
to the Group Risk Committee and the Audit Committee 
on findings and actions arising from internal audits 
within Savills IM. The Group Risk Committee and Audit 
Committee approve the SIM annual Internal Audit Plan.

The Board’s responsibility for internal control and risk is 
detailed on page 96 and is incorporated into this report 
by reference.

The Group’s Director of Risk and Assurance attended 
all five scheduled Audit Committee meetings, and the 
SIM Head of Internal Audit attended by invitation two 
meetings and provided a range of presentations and 
papers to the Committee, through which the Committee 
monitored the effectiveness of all of the Group’s material 
internal controls, including financial, operational and 
compliance controls on behalf of the Board.

The Committee approved the internal audit plan and 
the SIM Internal Audit plan at the December Committee 
meeting and received progress against those plans 
during the year, while the effectiveness, workload of the 
internal audit functions and the adequacy of available 
resources were monitored throughout the year. The 
Committee ensures 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.

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113

 
 
Directors’ Remuneration Report

Annual  
statement

Richard Orders
Chairman of the 
Remuneration Committee 

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 
140 to 149 as specified by the UK Listing 
Authority and the Regulations. 

Dear Shareholder
On behalf of the Board, I am pleased to introduce our 
2022 Directors’ Remuneration Report (the ‘Report’). 
Included within this Report are a summary of the 
Directors’ Remuneration Policy (the ‘Policy’) which was 
approved by Shareholders at our 2022 AGM and details 
how we implemented the Policy in 2022.

I would like to thank those Shareholders who provided 
feedback on the Report and Policy ahead of the 2022 
AGM. The Committee was pleased that both resolutions 
received such strong Shareholder support. When 
operating the Policy, the Committee will continue to be 
mindful of the feedback provided by Shareholders while 
ensuring that our remuneration philosophy is maintained.

2018–2022 Overview*
Underlying Profit

+17%

Dividend Payments to Shareholders**

+24%

Executive Director Remuneration***

+15%

Total Shareholder Return 

–4%

* 

 The KPIs are calculated as the change in the KPI over the period 
1 January 2018 – 31 December 2022.

**   The dividend cost for 2022 comprises the cost of the final dividend 
recommended by the Board (amounting to £19.3m) alongside the 
supplemental interim dividend (amounting to £22.5m), payment of which 
is subject to Shareholder approval at the Company’s Annual General 
Meeting (‘AGM’) scheduled to be held on 17 May 2023 and payable to 
Shareholders on the Register of Members as at 11 April 2023) and the 
interim dividend (£9.1m) paid on 5 October 2022.

***  Executive Director remuneration reflects the change in the total 

(“Single Figure”) remuneration paid to the Group Chief Executive 
Officer and Group Chief Financial Officer role holders over the period 
1 January 2018 – 31 December 2022.

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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.

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. 

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, while 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. 

2022 Performance and remuneration
Annual performance-related profit share
Key financial highlights for the year included: 

 § Revenue of £2.3bn, 7% up on 2021 against a backdrop 
of real estate markets being increasingly challenged 
by geopolitical events, macro-economic issues and 
government policy responses to these.

 § Underlying profit before tax of £164.6m (2021: 

£200.3m), reducing year-on-year as anticipated 
due both to the progressive return of discretionary 
costs (travel, entertainment and marketing events) 
as markets unlocked post-COVID, and as a result of 
employee cost inflation and reflecting an underlying 
profit margin of 7.1% (2021: 9.3%).

 § Property & Facilities Management revenues up 

13%, Consultancy revenues up 4% and Transaction 
Advisory revenues up 5%. 

 § Strong liquidity position maintained with net cash: 

£307.4m (2021: £340.7m).

 § Underlying earnings per share 84.5p (2021: 104.9p).

In light of the increases to the maximum opportunity for 
both the Group Chief Executive Officer and Group Chief 
Financial Officer under the performance-related profit 
share approved as part of the Policy at the 2022 AGM, 
the Committee took these increases into account when 
it set the stretching financial and non-financial targets 
for 2022. 

When setting the UPBT targets, the Committee noted 
the exceptional record UPBT delivered in 2021 (£200.3m) 
which included in particular the benefit of a temporary 
reduction of discretionary costs (travel, entertainment 
and marketing events) reflecting the ongoing COVID-19 
pandemic. In this context, matching or exceeding the 
2021 result would have been considered to be reflective 
of truly exceptional performance.

Given this, the Committee set 2022 targets that ran from 
£120m at the threshold performance level (an increase of 
24% relative to the 2021 threshold) through to £210m (an 
increase of 62% relative to 2021 and 5% higher than the 
record financial performance delivered in 2021). Taking 
into account the factors set out above, the Committee 
was comfortable that the targets set were appropriate 
and fulfilled the intent of the Policy changes discussed 
with our major Shareholders and leading proxy advisers 
as part of our 2022 remuneration policy consultation. 

The Group traded well in 2022 against a backdrop of 
geopolitical, economic, practical (supply chain) and, in 
some locations, continued COVID-related challenges and 
delivered a performance ahead of previous expectations 
for the year and substantially ahead of the 2019 “pre-
COVID” comparative period. Reflecting this and the 
progress made against strategic objectives, bonuses 
have been earned at 72% of the maximum for both 
Executive Directors, with 67.5% of maximum based on 
performance against financial targets and 90% of the 
maximum for individual performance against non-
financial targets. 

The Committee considered this outcome to be 
appropriate and reflect the financial and non-financial 
performance of the business and the experience of 
stakeholders. In reaching this conclusion the Committee 
considered the stretching targets set for 2022 as 
discussed above and recognised the achievement 
of delivering Savills’ second highest UPBT result in 
its history.

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 122 of this Report.

Performance Share Plan
The end of the 2022 financial year was also the end of the 
three-year performance period for our Performance Share 
Plan (‘PSP’) awards made in June 2020. In this regard:

 § one-third was based on TSR performance measured 

against the FTSE Mid 250 Index (excluding 
investment trusts); based on the Company’s 
outperformance compared to the FTSE250 Index 
(ex-Investment Trusts) over the 2022-22 (inclusive) 
performance period, 32.54% of this element of the 
awards vested;

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Directors’ Remuneration Report continued

 § one-third was based on EPS performance; EPS real 
growth (ie in excess of RPI) over the 2020-2022 
(inclusive) performance period amounted to 5.7% 
p.a. none of this element of the award vested; and

 § one-third was based on Return on Equity (‘ROE’) 
performance; ROE in 2022 was 21%, as a result of 
which none of this element of the award vested. 

The above resulted in a formulaic outcome of 11% 
of maximum.

Further details regarding performance targets are set 
out on page 123 of this Report.

As with the annual performance-related profit share, the 
Committee considered the performance linked outcome 
of the 2020 PSP awards in the context of the Company’s 
performance and the Shareholder experience over the 
past three years and concluded the formulaic outcome 
was appropriate. The Committee specifically considered 
whether any windfall gains had occurred and whether an 
adjustment to the formulaic outcome would be merited. 
Based on the factors below the Committee determined 
that no adjustment for windfall gains was required: 

 § The granting of the 2020 award was delayed until 

June 2020, by which time the Savills share price had 
recovered from the immediate fall following the initial 
UK lockdown and implementation of Government 
restrictions. Reflecting this, during 2020 Savills share 
price was as low as 651p whereas the 2020 grant was 
made at a price of 833p.

As set out in the Policy and last year’s Report, the 
pension contributions for the Group Chief Executive 
Officer and the Group Chief Financial Officer were 
reduced effective 1 January 2023 from 14% and 18% of 
salary, respectively, to 8%, aligning with the pension 
contributions for the wider UK workforce.

For 2023, the maximum opportunity under the annual 
performance-related profit share will be £3.25m and 
£2.5m for the Group Chief Executive Officer and the 
Group Chief Financial Officer respectively. Awards 
will be based on Group UPBT performance (75%) and 
on the achievement of pre-set personal strategic and 
operational objectives (25%). The UPBT performance 
targets are commercially sensitive and will therefore 
be disclosed retrospectively in next year’s report. 

The operation of the performance share plan for 2023 
will remain consistent with the approach taken in 2022 
(and previous years). This will include an award of 
performance shares with a value of 200% of base salary 
for the Group Chief Executive Officer and the Group 
Chief Financial Officer. The performance targets will be 
the same metrics as those applying 2022 award being 
EPS growth, relative total shareholder return and ROCE 
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. 
Further details regarding the performance measures 
and associated targets can be found on page 132.

 § The grant price in 2020 was less than 10% lower than 
the price used to calculate the 2019 grant (917.5p), as 
such the 2020 grant was not considered to have the 
potential to deliver windfall gains.

When making the 2023 award, the Committee will 
consider a number of factors including the share price 
and the number of shares granted to determine the 
potential risk of windfall gains.

 § Although 2020 and latterly 2022 were challenging 
periods for the sector, Savills has delivered strong 
TSR relative to FTSE 350 Real Estate peers. 

 § During the period, the business has continued to 

deliver strong financial and strategic performance, 
with subsequent PSP grants being made at a higher 
share price reflecting this performance.

Awards for Executives which have satisfied the 
performance conditions attaching to them remain 
subject to a two-year holding period, during which time 
Executives will be incentivised to maintain the strong 
performance delivered over recent years.

Overall, the Committee is satisfied the Policy has 
operated as intended in relation to performance and 
remuneration outcomes for 2022.

2023 Remuneration
Savills has a long-standing and established approach 
of offering low base salaries relative to market medians 
(which approach applies to the Executive Directors, 
Group Executive Board Members (GEB Members) 
and other senior fee earners) consistent with its 
performance-based approach to incentivisation and 
reward. Base salaries continue to be reviewed each year 
(although not necessarily increased). For 2023, the base 
salaries of the Executive Directors and GEB Members will 
not be increased as the Committee is comfortable that 
the current levels of base salary are currently appropriate 
being mindful of the wider economic environment we 
are operating within. 

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Annual report and accounts 2022

Workforce and governance developments
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 GEB 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 the Savills workforce 
engagement programme, which allows the Non-
Executive Directors to directly receive feedback across 
a wide spectrum of topics, including how executive 
remuneration aligns with wider employee remuneration 
and supports the Group’s strategy.

As a Committee, we continue to monitor best practice 
developments in executive remuneration and consider 
whether any amendments to the Policy are appropriate.

I hope you will support the proposed Remuneration 
Policy and Report at our AGM to be held on 17 May 2023. 
I welcome any comments or feedback you may have on 
the Committee’s activities and conclusions. 

Richard Orders 
Chairman of the Remuneration Committee

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 and governance (‘ESG’) 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 employee 
remuneration. It sets the actual levels of all elements of the remuneration of the Executive Directors, the Chairman of 
the Company and the GEB members. The Committee also considers workforce remuneration and related policies and 
the alignment of incentives and rewards with culture, risk management and the Group’s ESG objectives; 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

Richard Orders

Chair of the Committee

Stacey Cartwright

Member of the Committee

Nicholas Ferguson

Member of the Committee

Dana Roffman

Member of the Committee

Status

Independent

Independent

Independent

Independent

Committee attendee

Position

Status

Mark Ridley

Group Chief Executive Officer

Attended by invitation (except when his own 
remuneration was discussed)

Chris Lee

Group Legal Director & Company Secretary  Provided advice and support (except when his 

own remuneration was 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 financial performance.

2022 Attendance

Committee member

Richard Orders

Stacey Cartwright

Nicholas Ferguson

Dana Roffman

Meetings 
Attended

Meetings 
eligible to 
attend

5

5

5

5

5

5

5

5

As at 31 December 2022 and up to the date of this Report, the Committee wholly comprised Independent Non-
Executive Directors. Biographies of each of the Committee members can be found on pages 80 to 82.

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Directors’ Remuneration Report continued

The Committee met five times during 2022. The principal 
agenda items considered by the Committee during the 
year were as follows:

 § reviewing Shareholder feedback on the proposed 

2022 Directors’ Remuneration Policy;

 § determining 2021 performance-based profit share 

and 2019 LTIP outcomes;

 § reflecting on the voting outcome from the 2022 AGM;

 § considered developments in workforce remuneration;

 § agreeing performance targets for both the annual 
performance-related profit share and Performance 
Share Plan awards;

 § preparing an Annual Directors Remuneration Report 
consistent with the legislation relating to executive 
remuneration;

 § agreeing the remuneration packages of the 
Executive Directors and GEB members; and 

 § approving the grant of Performance Share 

Plan awards.

Advisers to the Committee
The Committee receives independent external advice 
on executive remuneration from Korn Ferry who was 
appointed as Remuneration Advisers in 2022. Korn Ferry 
fees for advising the Remuneration Committee during 
2022 were £91,627.50.

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, 
incentivisation and retention of high-quality employees, 
the Group Chief Executive Officer attends meetings 
by invitation and is consulted on the remuneration 
package of the Group Chief Financial Officer and other 
GEB 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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Annual report and accounts 2022

Remuneration Policy

The Policy was approved by Shareholders at the Company’s AGM held on 11 May 2022 and documented in the 
Report and Account for the year ended 31 December 2021 available at https://ir.savills.com/.

The Group’s remuneration arrangements for the Executive Directors, GEB members and senior fee-earners are 
structured to provide a competitive mix of variable performance-related (ie annual 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 GEB members, the Committee 
reviews the role and responsibility of the individual, their performance, the arrangements applying across the wider 
workforce 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 Policy for Executive Directors and how it will be applied for 2023 is set out below. 

Element

Summary of approach

Application of Policy for 2023

Base salary

Base salaries are set significantly below 
market median levels, in line with the Group’s 
philosophy of placing the emphasis on 
variable, performance-related remuneration.

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.

The Committee has determined that there 
will no increase to base salaries for Executive 
Directors in respect of 2023.

Salaries from 1 March 2023 will therefore be 
as follows:

 § Group Chief Executive Officer: £311,000.

 § Group Chief Financial Officer: £238,000.

Pension contributions/salary supplements 
from 1 January 2023 are to be aligned with 
the UK workforce contribution rate of 8% 
of salary:

 § Group Chief Executive Officer: 8% of salary.

 § Group Chief Financial Officer: 8% of salary.

Benefits

Benefits include:

Benefits in line with Policy.

 § medical insurance benefits;

 § annual car/car allowance (up to £9,000);

 § permanent health insurance;

 § life insurance; and

 § relocation expenses.

Annual performance-
related profit share

Reflects the Group’s annual 
profit performance and personal 
performance against pre-set objectives 
and overall contribution.

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.

The maximum potential annual profit share 
awards for 2023 are:

 § Group Chief Executive Officer: £3.25m.

 § Group Chief Financial Officer: £2.5m.

For 2023 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.

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Directors’ Remuneration Report continued

Element

Summary of approach

Application of Policy for 2023

Performance 
Share Plan

Share Ownership 
Guidelines

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.

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.

The awards for 2023 will be up to 200% of 
base salary.

For 2023 Performance Share Plan awards, 
one-third of the award will vest subject to 
absolute 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 2023.

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 FTSE250, are subject to annual review, 
with any increase capped at RPI. Fees will not be increased in 2023. Additional fees, again set consistent with the 
median for the FTSE250, are payable to the Senior Independent Director and Committee Chairs to recognise their 
additional responsibilities; these fees will also not be increased in 2023. The Chairman’s fee, which again is set at levels 
consistent with the median for the FTSE250, is subject to annual review, capped at RPI. The Chairman’s fee will not 
increase in 2023.

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

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.

Alignment to culture 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 ROCE. A similar structure operates across the Group.

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Illustrations of application of the Policy 
The charts below illustrate how much the current Executive Directors could earn under four different performance 
scenarios for 2023: ‘Minimum’, ‘On-target performance’, ‘Maximum’ and ‘Maximum with share price growth’ – based on 
the assumptions below.

Group Chief Executive Officer

Group Chief Financial Officer

£5m

£4,5m

£4m

£3,5m

£3,m

£2,5m

£2m

£1,5m

£1m

£0.5m

£

£4,530,409

£4,219,409

15%

77%

£2,456,409

3%

83%

£347,409

100%

Minimum

14%

Target

8%

Maximum

£5m

£4,5m

£4m

£3,5m

£3,m

£2,5m

£2m

£1,5m

£1m

£0.5m

£

£3,482,256

£3,244,256

15%

77%

8%

Maximum

£1,890,256

3%

83%

14%

Target

£268,256

100%

Minimum

Fixed Pay

Annual Award

Long-Term Award

50% share price growth on Long-Term Award

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

2023 base salary

8% of salary for CEO 
8% of salary for CFO

2022 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

 § ‘Maximum with share price growth’ is as ‘Maximum’ including assumed 50% share 

price growth

 § Excludes additional shares representing the value of dividends declared during the vesting 
period which may attach to the deferred element of any annual performance-related profit 
share award or PSP award at vesting

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

 § 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

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Directors’ Remuneration Report continued

Annual Report on Remuneration

Total remuneration for 2022 (audited)
Set out below are details of Executive Director remuneration for 2022.

Executive Directors’ ‘single figure’ for the financial year ended 31 December 2022 and as a comparison for the financial 
year ended 31 December 2021.

Salary paid

Benefits(1) 

Pension

Total fixed remuneration

Annual profit share – cash

Mark Ridley

Simon Shaw

2022
£

2021
£

2022
£

2021
£

308,333

295,000

235,917

225,500

11,529

43,167

28,764

41,300

11,216

42,465

11,216

40,590

363,029

365,064

289,598

277,306

1,348,500

1,281,000 1,036,500

962,750

Annual profit share – deferred shares

1,037,500

986,000

798,500

737,250

Gain on long-term share-based awards

Performance Share Plan – performance 
element(2) (notional) 

Performance Share Plan – share appreciation 
element(2) (notional) 

63,991

577,998

48,914

441,997

1,911

293,536

1,461

224,468

Long-term share-based reward (non-cash – notional)(2)

65,902

871,534

50,375

666,465

Total variable remuneration

2,451,901

3,138,534

1,885,375

2,366,465

Total ie ‘Single Figure’ (part notional) 

2,814,931

3,503,598

2,174,973

2,643,771

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 2022 the notional value of the PSP award with a performance period which ended on 31 December 2022 (i.e. where the award will vest in June 2025) 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 2022 (857.9p per share). 
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. 
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 2022 would 
be £73,709 and £56,342 respectively for Mark Ridley and Simon Shaw valued based on the share price as at 13 March 2023 (959.5p per share). 

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Annual report and accounts 2022

Performance-related remuneration for 2022 (audited)
Annual performance-related profit share
The following short-term performance measures applied to the 2022 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)

Target 
 (62.5% of element)

Maximum target  

(100% of element)

Savills UPBT performance

£120.0m

£157.6m

£210.0m

£164.6m

Bonus award  

(% of element)

67.5%

There was straight-line vesting between performance points.

The Group traded well in 2022, against a backdrop of geopolitical, economic, practical (supply chain) and, in some 
locations, continued COVID-related challenges and, reflecting this, the Committee approved awards at 67.5% of the 
maximum potential to be earned by the Executive Directors in respect of the UPBT performance-related element 
(2021: 100%). 

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 90% 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 set out the strategic and operational targets set for the Executive Directors and their actual 
performance against the targets. As disclosed in the tables, the vast majority of both the operational and strategic in 
year targets were achieved which resulted in 90% achievement for this part of the bonus for both Executive Directors: 

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Directors’ Remuneration Report continued

Mark Ridley:

Target

Achievement

 § Reconfirm and action the Global 

Residential strategy plan, including the 
roll-out of residential offerings across 
CEME and Asia Pacific

Global Residential Strategy reconfirmed by the Board prioritising and 
accelerating growth, with initiatives being actively progressed in strategic 
Asia Pacific and CEME markets

 § Reset the Global Tenant Advisory and 
Occupier Services business streams, 
to ensure greater Group linkage, 
including the adoption of new Lease 
Administration Technology platforms 

Global Tenant Advisory and Occupier Services business streams reset, with 
in North America a Portfolio Services offering now established, heads of 
Asia Pacific and UK/CEME Occupier Services now appointed and a Global 
Occupier Services strategy board, to coordinate the development of the 
service offering and CRM, now in place and operational

 § Reconfirm senior succession planning 

across all regions, and that this is 
supported by appropriate leadership 
development programmes

Near- and medium-term succession plans at Executive Director, GEB and 
Principal Business ExCo level reconfirmed, with leadership development 
plan being honed to ensure that identified successors have the skill-set 
necessary for senior management positions

 § Build-out the Savills Earth Consultancy 
offering across all regional platforms

Built greater linkage between Savills Earth teams across the Regional 
Businesses, and Sustainability offering established in North America 

 § Ensure Group commitment to the 
adoption of net zero targets and 
continue to build D+I across all regions

 § In Asia Pacific, continue to strengthen 

the platform outside of Greater 
China and deliver the contra-cyclical 
strengthening of transactional teams 
in relevant markets and further growth 
across residential, logistics and 
consultancy services

 § Support the development of the reset 
North American management team, 
strengthen the platform in underscale 
markets through targeted recruitment 
and oversee the greater integration 
of Consultancy Services under the 
portfolio services platform 

 § In CEME and the UK, continue to 

strengthen the platform in key markets 
and build-out the Group’s new 
businesses in Egypt and Saudi Arabia

Net zero carbon targets (2030 for Scope 1 & 2 emissions; 2040 for Scope 
3 emissions) consistent with a no higher than 1.5⁰C climate increase 
adopted on a Group basis, with the Group’s Net Zero Transition Plan 
being developed with SBTI for implementation in 2023

Continued to drive employee engagement through ongoing active schedule 
of country and office visits, including the North America, Asia Pacific and 
CEME businesses and providing regular updates on Group strategy 

Further good progress made on diversity and inclusivity, with in particular 
the percentage of women in senior leadership positions now at 36.5% 
(2021: 33%) and in relation to the Group’s social mobility initiatives; Savills 
UK awarded the UK Real Estate Apprentice Employer of the Year in 2022

Acquired a full service business in Indonesia to complement the Group’s 
existing business there and Absolute Maintenance Systems in Singapore. 
Further completed the recruitment of key people and teams across 
the platform to strengthen Asia Pacific transactional teams in relevant 
markets and further grow residential, occupier services, valuation, 
logistics and consultancy services

Reset North American management structure launched in September 
2022, with the business focused on three service offerings: Portfolio 
Services, Consultancy Services and Brokerage each led by a newly 
constituted management team. Client offering further strengthened 
across key North American markets through strategic recruitment

UK and CEME service offerings and teams further enhanced through 
targeted acquisitions and recruitment, with in particular Brickbyte, a 
market leading workplace consultancy and the Operational Capital 
Markets and Corporate Finance offering in Germany; leading Office 
Leasing & Tenant Rep and a Logistics & Hospitality teams joining in Italy; 
a pan-CEME and UK Data Centre advisory team joining; and leading 
Restaurant & Hospitality, Healthcare & Consultancy and Sustainability & 
Natural Capital teams joining in the UK 

Year-on-year revenue growth of respectively 73% and 116% achieved in 
Egypt and Saudi Arabia

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Annual report and accounts 2022

Simon Shaw:

Target

 § Continuing to progress the Group’s 
growth strategies, in the context of 
market conditions, with a particular 
focus on growing Asia, CEME, 
Consultancy and Global Residential;

 § In relation to Savills IM, further building 
the strategic relationship with Samsung 
Life to ensure that the targeted benefits 
are delivered and promoting the 
integration of DRC

 § In relation to Savills North America, 
repositioning the business to deliver 
improved performance going forward 
and diversify the service offering

 § Support the implementation of ESG 
strategy with particular focus on 
growing the Group’s Sustainability 
Consulting offering

 § Subject to the effect of overall market 
conditions, ensure that the focus on 
margin improvement remains in each 
Regional Business including identifying 
and sponsoring cost and operating 
efficiency improvements (including 
through adoption of technology)

Sponsor and oversee of the Group’s 
multi-year technology initiatives, progress 
the roll-out of:

 § the UK Valuations Digitalisation 

programme; 

 § the Athena property database, 

incorporating the integration of Savills 
unique data; and 

 § the harmonisation of accounting 

systems across the Group through AX 
Dynamics implementations.

Achievement

 § Further good progress, in particular 

 § integrated Merx (acquired 2021) into Asia Pacific platform; 

 § acquired full service business in Indonesia and Absolute Maintenance 

Systems (Singapore based Facilities Management provider);

 §  acquired the Polish retail property management business of Knight 

Frank and Brickbyte in Germany; and 

 §  acquired SRS Lease Administration LLC consultancy in 

North America.

 § Good progress made with Samsung Life, with in particular seed capital 
made available by Samsung Life for Savills IM’s APACIG, Japan II, ERED 
V and Euro Living I funds, and DRC Savills now fully integrated into the 
Savills IM platform and actively seeking growth opportunities

 § Reset North American management structure launched in September 
2022, with the business focused on three service offerings: Portfolio 
Services, Consultancy Services and Brokerage each led by a newly 
constituted management team. Client offering further strengthened 
across in key North American markets through strategic recruitment

 § Encouraged greater linkage between Savills Earth teams across 

the Regional Businesses, and Sustainability offering established in 
North America 

 § Market conditions, in particular in the second half of the year which saw 
a rapid rise in debt costs, which significantly impacted transactional 
markets, and together with inflationary pressures globally, reduced 
the volume of leasing transactions, with the consequent impact on 
Group margin; however the effect of the reduction of higher margin 
transactional volumes was successfully mitigated by the Group’s 
continued focus on rigorous cost control, with the result that Group 
margin was maintained at above 7%

 § Delivery against key milestones in all technology initiatives across the 

Group – within our CRM and Finance Platform programmes

 § Realising the benefit of efficiency projects in multiple service lines, 

particularly Valuation, Residential (estate agency and Auctions) and 
Property Management, and the launch of Athena benefitting the UK 
commercial property service lines

 § Continuing to develop our data capability both regionally and in local 

markets, in line with service line mix and client demand

 § Implementation of AX Dynamics across multiple markets progressing in 

line with target

 § Ensure that the Group ERM remains 

 § Progress in refining the Group‘s established control framework to meet the 

appropriate, and develops as 
appropriate as the parameters of 
UK SOX become clearer

requirements of ‘UK SOX’ well advanced with the revised control framework 
to be effective as required in 2024

Based on the above, the overall outcome was 90% of maximum for each of the Executive Directors. 

As described in the Chair’s letter earlier in this report, the Committee considered this outcome to be appropriate and 
that it reflected the financial and non-financial performance of the business and the experience of stakeholders. In line 
with the Policy, 50% of the overall awards, 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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Directors’ Remuneration Report continued

Long-term incentives (audited)
The PSP award granted in 2020 was subject to performance in the three years to 31 December 2022. Following an 
assessment of Savills performance against targets set at grant, the Committee determined that 10.9% of the award 
had met the performance criteria and will be released at the end of the two-year holding period in June 2024. 

The targets and Savills performance were as follows: 

Weighting

(25% vesting) Maximum target (100% vesting)

Threshold target  

Savills 
performance

Vesting (% of 
maximum)

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

% EPS growth

Return on Equity 

1/3

1/3

1/3

Equal to index

Outperform index 
by 8% p.a.

Index + 
0.8% p.a.

32.54%

RPI plus 3% p.a. 
compounded

RPI plus 8% p.a. 
compounded

-1.6% p.a.

24%

32.5%

21.1%

Nil

Nil

As described in the Chair’s letter earlier in this report, the Committee considered this outcome to be appropriate, 
mindful of the potential for windfall gains, and reflects the financial and non-financial performance of the business and 
the experience of stakeholders.

Non-Executive Directors fees (audited)
The Non-Executive Director fees for 2022 were as follows:

Basic fee 

Additional fees:

Nicholas 
Ferguson 
(Chairman)

Stacey 
Cartwright

Philip Lee

Richard 
Orders 

Dana 
Roffman 

Marcus 
Sperber*

Florence 
Tondu-
Mélique

£220,800

£56,175

£56,175

£56,175

£56,175

£2,620

£56,175

Senior Independent Director

£8,000

Remuneration Committee 
Chairman

Audit Committee Chairman

2022 Total

2021 Total

£15,000

£10,000

£220,800

£79,175

£56,175

£66,175

£56,175

£2,620

£56,175

£215,000

£77,700

£54,700

£63,033

£54,700

–

£54,700

Notes:
M Sperber joined the Board effective 15 December 2022.
T G Freshwater retired from the Board effective 31 December 2021 and consequently received no fees in 2022 (2021: £54,700).

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 fee for the Non-
Executive Chairman is determined by the Remuneration Committee.

The fee payable to Nicholas Ferguson as Chairman during 2022 was £220,800 p.a. (2021: £215,000 p.a.). The base 
fee for the Non-Executive Directors for 2022 was £56,175 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.). 

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

Operation of Policy in 2023
Base salary 
The base salaries of the Executive Directors will be unchanged from March 2022 as follows:

 § Group Chief Executive Officer: £311,000; and

 § 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.

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Annual report and accounts 2022

Variable remuneration
Annual performance-related profit share
The maximum annual performance-related profit share opportunity for 2023 will be:

 § £3.25m for the Group Chief Executive Officer; and

 § £2.5m for the Group Chief Financial Officer.

For the 2023 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 targets are similarly challenging to those set in 2022 having had regard 
to current internal plans, external expectations for our future performance and current market conditions.

The Committee retains a general discretion to adjust 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 2023 will be 200% of 
base salary for both Executive Directors.

Awards will vest subject to the satisfaction of absolute EPS growth targets for one-third of the award, TSR 
performance for one-third of the award and Return on Capital Employed 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.

As detailed in the Chair’s Introductory Statement, the Committee intends to undertake a final review of the terms 
of the PSP awards prior to grant, including the quantum and performance conditions, in light of commercial 
circumstances at the time of grant.

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 2022 and 2021.

Employment costs

Underlying profit before tax

Dividend payment to Shareholders

Executive Director remuneration

Tax

2022
£m

1,509.8

164.6

50.9

4.8

150.4

2021
£m

1,413.1

200.3

85.8

4.6

145.6

%
movement

7

-18

-41

4

3

 § Employment costs (excluding arrangements for Executive Directors) comprise basic salaries, profit share and 

commissions, social security costs, other pension costs and share-based payments.

 § Tax comprises corporation tax, employers’ social security and business rates and equivalent payments.

 § The dividend cost for 2022 comprises the cost of the final dividend recommended by the Board (amounting to 

£19.3m) alongside the supplemental interim dividend (amounting to £22.5m), payment is subject to Shareholder 
approval at the Company’s AGM scheduled to be held on 17 May 2023 (payable to Shareholders on the Register of 
Members as at 11 April 2023) and the interim dividend (£9.1m) paid on 5 October 2022.

 § 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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Directors’ Remuneration Report continued

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. 

Total Shareholder Return (‘TSR’)

400

350

300

250

200

150

100

50

0

Dec
12

Dec
13

Dec
14

Dec
15

Dec
16

Dec
17

Dec
18

Dec
19

Dec
20

Dec
21

Dec
22

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 

Chief Executive Officer

Total single figure 
remuneration 
£’000

Mark Ridley

Mark Ridley

Mark Ridley

Mark Ridley

Jeremy Helsby

Jeremy Helsby

Jeremy Helsby

Jeremy Helsby

Jeremy Helsby

Jeremy Helsby

2,815

3,504

1,294

2,377

2,196

2,507

2,595

2,298

3,279

2,630

Year

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

2013

Annual variable 
element: 
performance-
related profit share 
– annual award 
against maximum 
potential %

Long-term 
incentive to 
vest (maximum 
potential of 
award) %

UPBT annual % 
change 

-17.8

107.3

-32.6

-0.2

+ 2.3

+3.5

+12

+21

+34

+28

67.5

100

38

84

 82

80

98

100

100

86

11

100

23

50

41

84

50

N/A

100

100

UPBT £m

164.6

200.3

96.6

143.4

143.7

140.5

135.8

121.4

100.5

75.2 

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).

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Annual report and accounts 2022

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 
31/12/2021 to 31/12/2022

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 %

Percentage 
change in 
benefits %

Percentage 
change in 
profit share 
award %

Percentage 
change in 
base salary 
/ fee %

Percentage 
change in 
benefits %

Percentage 
change in 
profit share 
award %

Percentage 
change in 
base salary 
/ fee %

Percentage 
change in 
benefits %

Percentage 
change in 
profit share 
award %

4.5

4.6

2.7

1.9

n/a

2.7

5

n/a

2.7

n/a

2.7

8.5

-59.9

0

5.2

7.9

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a 

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

 n/a

n/a 

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

0

0

0

12

-13

n/a

n/a

-64

0

n/a

0

159

0

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

165

165

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

2

2

0

9

1

n/a

n/a

1

n/a

n/a

1

3.5

-13.5

-3.9

-1.1

34.3

-2.4

1

-28

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

2.8

-52.5

-52.5

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

-7.3

Mark Ridley(1)

Simon Shaw

Nicholas 
Ferguson 

Stacey 
Cartwright(2)

Tim Freshwater(3)

Philip Lee(4)

Richard Orders(4)

Rupert Robson(5)

Dana Roffman

Marcus Sperber(6)

Florence Tondu-
Mélique

All UK 
employees

Notes:

1.   Mark Ridley’s 2021 benefits include £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 and resigned 31 December 2021.
4.  Appointed 1 January 2021.
5.  Resigned 12 May 2021.
6.  Appointed 15 December 2022.
7.  Salary, benefits and bonus are 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 122) compares to the equivalent single figure remuneration for full-time equivalent UK employees, ranked at 
the 25th, 50th and 75th percentile. 

Year

2022

2021

2020

Method

25th percentile pay ratio

Median pay ratio

75th percentile pay ratio

Option A

Option A

Option A

129 : 1

144 : 1

64 : 1

86 : 1

102 : 1

40 : 1

47 : 1

56 : 1

22 : 1

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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 advisers 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 2022.

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 decrease in this ratio for 2022 compared 
to 2021 is reflects our pay for performance philosophy, in particular at the senior level, where reward decreased 
compared to the record year in 2021. As a result, the more challenging business environment in 2022 resulted in a 
relative decrease in total remuneration for the CEO (-19.6%) compared to the wider workforce.

The CEO’s pay is based on the single figure of remuneration set out on page 122 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, also share price movements.

Casual employees and those on zero hours contracts have their pay annualised based on their hourly rate, using 37.5 
hours per week x 52 weeks per year.

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:

Salary

Total pay and benefits

25th percentile

Median

75th percentile

25th percentile

Median

75th percentile

£19,398

£27,333

£42,663

£21,769

£32,757

£60,555

Year

2022

Notes to the calculations:

1.  For Savills IM, Partnership members within the Affordable and DRC businesses are excluded from this report.

2.   For Savills IM Residential (previously Pitmore) only Directors are included; employees are excluded from this report as their contractual effective start 

date is w1 January 2023.

Pensions disclosure (audited)
During 2022 Mark Ridley received a non-pensionable salary supplement equal to 14% of pensionable earnings. This 
salary supplement was 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 contributed 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 2022

Defined benefit 
pension accrued at  
31 December 2021

Defined benefit 
pension accrued at  
31 December 2020

39,501

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, 31 December 2021 
and 31 December 2022 respectively. No additional benefit is due in the event of early retirement.

With effect from 1 January 2023, Company pension allowances for the Group Chief Executive Officer and the 
Group Chief Financial Officer reduce to 8% of base salaries, consistent with the pension contributions for the wider 
UK workforce.

130

Annual report and accounts 2022

Share interests
Details of shares in the Company which the Directors beneficially held or had a beneficial interest in as at 31 December 
2022 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:

Unvested 
shares with 
performance 
conditions 
attaching 
satisfied 
(discounted 
for anticipated 
tax liabilities) 
(PSP)

Total share 
interests 
that count 
towards the 
shareholding 
requirement

Unvested
shares
subject to
performance
conditions
(PSP)

Deferred 
share bonus 
plan awards 
(vesting not 
subject to 
performance 
conditions) 
(DSBP)

Shareholding 
requirement

38,631

270,485

208,195

199,417

263,719

31,050

213,629

160,642

148,896

201,817

Number 
of shares 
(including 
beneficially 
held under the 
SIP)

231,854

182,579

Extent to
which
shareholding
guideline met

103%

106%

Executive Directors

Mark Ridley

Simon Shaw

The Company currently applies shareholding requirements that the Group Chief Executive Officer and Group Chief 
Financial Officer hold shares to the value of seven 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.

Nicholas Ferguson

Stacey Cartwright

Philip Lee

Richard Orders

Dana Roffman

Marcus Sperber

Florence Tondu-Mélique

At 31 December 2022

39,286

4,983

–

–

–

–

–

As at 15 March 2023, no Director had bought or sold shares since 31 December 2022.

The Savills Sharesave Scheme (audited)

Directors

Mark Ridley

Simon Shaw

At  
31 December 
2021

Granted 
during year

Exercised 
during year

Lapsed 
during year

At  
31 December 
2022

Market value 
at date of 
exercise

Exercise price 
per share

Exercisable 
within six 
months from

–

–

2,371

2,371

–

–

–

–

2,371

2,371

–

–

759p

759p

01.11.25

01.11.25

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Directors’ Remuneration Report continued

Scheme interests granted in 2022 (audited)
2022 PSP awards were made on 20 April 2022. 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 2022. The Remuneration 
Committee has full discretion to ensure that the final outturns reflect all relevant factors, including consideration of 
any windfall gains.

Mark Ridley

Simon Shaw

Basis of 
award (face 
value) 200% 
base salary

Type of 
award

Nil-cost 
options

Nil-cost 
options

£622,000

£475,200

Performance 
period

% vesting 
for threshold 
performance

% vesting for 
maximum 
performance

1 January 
2022 to  
31 December 
2024

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:

 § 25% (ie threshold) of the element to vest if the Company’s EPS growth is 6% p.a. compounded;

 § 100% (ie 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:

 § 25% (ie threshold) of the element to vest if the Group’s TSR performance equals that of the Index;

 § 100% (ie 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.

A further one-third of the award will vest subject to the satisfaction of Return on Capital Employed targets as follows:

 § 25% (ie threshold) of the element to vest if the Company’s ROCE is 15%;

 § 100% (ie the maximum) of the element to vest if the Company’s ROCE is 25% 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 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.

132

Annual report and accounts 2022

The Performance Share Plan (‘PSP’)
Number of shares

Directors

Mark Ridley

Simon Shaw

At 31 
December 
2021

Awarded 
during 
year

Vested 
during 
year

Lapsed 
during 
year

At 31 
December 
2022

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

9,892

62,997

70,828

41,933

–

–

–

–

–

–

56,803

23,823

10,410

48,174

54,141

32,054

–

–

–

–

–

–

43,397

23,823

–

–

–

–

–

23,823

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

22.05.17

881.5p

1,095p 22.05.22

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

56,803 20.04.22

1,095p

– 16.04.23

– 15.04.24

– 30.06.25

–

25.11.26

– 20.04.27

–

22.05.17

881.5p

1,095p 22.05.22

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

43,397 20.04.22

1,095p

– 16.04.23

– 15.04.24

– 30.06.25

–

25.11.26

– 20.04.27

The PSP award granted in 2019 was subject to performance in the three years to 31 December 2021. Following the 
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.

Awards over 47,646 shares, together with a further 6,014 shares in lieu of dividends, vested under the PSP to 
Executive Directors during the year. A subscription cost of 2.5p nominal value per share is payable on actual receipt of 
shares. The total pre-tax gain on awards vested during the year under the PSP was £586,378. 

The Deferred Share Bonus Plan (‘DSBP’) 
Number of conditional share awards

Directors

Mark Ridley

Simon Shaw

At  
31 December 
2021

39,673

85,446

23,926

Awarded 
during year

Vested 
during year

At  
31 December 

2022 Date of grant

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

Market value 
at date of 
vesting

First vesting 
date

–

–

–

39,673

–

15.04.19

917.5p

1,080p

15.04.22

–

–

–

59,182

85,446

27.04.20

884.5p

23,926

17.06.21

1,174p

20.04.22

1,095p

–

–

–

27.04.23

17.06.24

20.04.25

15.04.19

917.5p

1,080p

15.04.22

–

–

–

–

–

63,821

27.04.20

884.5p

17,747

17.06.21

1,174p

67,328

20.04.22

1,095p

–

–

–

27.04.23

17.06.24

20.04.25

–

90,045

59,182

63,821

17,747

–

–

–

–

67,328

Awards granted under the DSBP to Executive Directors during the year were based on 50% of the 2021 annual 
performance-related profit share above an amount equal to their respective base salaries in line with the Policy. Under 
the DSBP awards over 98,855 shares and 5,022 shares in lieu of dividends vested to Executive Directors during the 
year. The total pre-tax gain on DSBP awards vested during the year was £1,122,271. No DSBP awards lapsed.

During the year, the aggregate gain on the exercise of share options and shares vested was £1,708,649. The mid-
market closing price of the shares at 30 December 2022, the last business day of the year, was 825.5p and the range 
during the year was 763.5p to 1,440p.

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Directors’ Remuneration Report continued

Payments to past Directors
No payments to past Directors were made during the year that require to be reported under the Companies 
(Directors’ Remuneration Policy and Directors’ Remuneration Report) Regulations 2019.

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 2022, Simon Shaw received a fee of £83,750 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

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.

Date appointed to Board

End date of current letter of appointment

Director

Stacey Cartwright

Nicholas Ferguson

Philip Lee

Richard Orders

Dana Roffman

Marcus Sperber

1 October 2018

26 January 2016

1 January 2021

1 January 2021

1 November 2019

15 December 2022

Florence Tondu-Mélique

1 October 2018

30 December 2024

26 January 2025

31 December 2023

31 December 2023

31 October 2025

14 December 2025

30 December 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 2021 Annual Remuneration Report and the Directors’ 
Remuneration Policy at the AGM held on 11 May 2022.

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’*

2021 Annual Directors’ Remuneration 
Report 

101,229,324

88.31% 13,393,890

11.69% 114,623,214

20,196

Directors’ Remuneration Policy 

96,748,672

84.71% 17,464,743

15.29% 114,213,415

429,995

*  A vote withheld is not a vote in law.

134

Annual report and accounts 2022

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

Financial Risk Management

Page/Note

6

22

29

139

74

38

64

38

170

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 150 which shows a 
reported profit for the financial year attributable to the 
Shareholders of the Company of £119.4m (2021: £146.2m).

An interim dividend of 6.6p per ordinary share amounting 
to £9.1m was paid on 5 October 2022. It is recommended 
that a final dividend of 13.4p per ordinary share 
(amounting to £19.3m) is declared by the Company at 
the AGM on 17 May 2023 and, subject to Shareholder 
approval, paid on 22 May 2023 to Shareholders on the 
register of members as at the close of business on 11 April 
2023 together with a supplemental interim dividend of 
15.6p per ordinary share (amounting to £22.5m). 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. 

The Group has prepared its going concern assessment 
for the period to the end of June 2024. 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, costs 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. The results of this sensitivity analysis showed 
that the Group would retain liquidity and 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 
£307.4m (cash and cash equivalents less overdrafts 
in notional pooling arrangements and borrowings) 
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 until at least June 2024. 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 the Company since 31 December 2022.

Directors
Biographical details of the current Directors are shown 
on pages 80 to 82. All the Board members served 
throughout the year save for Marcus Sperber who was 
appointed on 15 December 2022. As at 31 December 
2022 the Board comprised the Non-Executive Chairman, 
two Executive Directors and six 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 page 131 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 131 to 133. It is the 

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135

 
 
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 2022 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.

Shareholders1

Liontrust Investment 
Partners LLP

Global Alpha Capital 
Management Ltd.

BlackRock, Inc

Heronbridge Investment 
Management LLP

Number of 
shares1

%1

7,210,255

5.04

7,194,238

7,254,168

7,131,812

5.03

5.02

4.99

4.97

Jupiter Fund Management Plc

7,113,311

1.   The names of Shareholders and percentages of issued share capital are 
stated as per the notifications received and have not been subject to 
independent verification by the Company or any other person. As such, the 
above table should not be assumed to be a full and accurate record of all the 
interests that are required to be notified to the Company under the DTRs.

Note: On 14 March 2023 BlackRock, Inc notified the 
Company that its interests in the Company’s ordinary 
share capital had fallen below 5%. No other changes 
to the above have been disclosed to the Company in 
accordance with DTR 5, between 31 December 2022 
and 15 March 2023.

Directors’ Report continued

Board’s policy that the Group Chief Executive and Group 
Chief Financial Officer hold shares in the Company to 
the value of seven times their respective base salaries 
(£2,177,000 and £1,666,000 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 2022 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 135 to 138, together 
with the Strategic Report on pages 6 to 58, 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 2022 comprised 144,353,048 2.5p ordinary 
shares, details of which may be found on page 221.

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.

136

Annual report and accounts 2022

As at 31 December 2022, the Savills plc 1992 Employee 
Benefit Trust (the ‘EBT’) held 6,780,308 ordinary shares 
and the Savills Rabbi Trust held 1,914,869 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 
11 May 2022 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 17 May 2023 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’).

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

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

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 
120, 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 reappointment by the Shareholders. The 
Articles provide that each Director shall retire from office 
at the third AGM after the AGM at which he or she was 
last elected. A retiring Director shall be eligible for re-
election. However, in accordance with the UK Corporate 
Governance Code, all Directors of the Company are 
subject to annual re-election.

Annual General Meeting
The AGM is to be held at 33 Margaret Street, London 
W1G 0JD at 12 noon on 17 May 2023; 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.

Political contributions
The Company made no political contributions during 
the year (2021: £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 38 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 119 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.

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137

 
 
Directors’ Report continued

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.

Engagement with UK employees
In accordance with section 172 of the Companies Act 
2006 our statement on engagement with UK employees 
is on page 38.

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 38 and 39.

By order of the Board

Chris Lee
Group Legal Director & Company Secretary

15 March 2023

Savills plc 
Registered in England No. 2122174

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.

Whistleblowing
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
In accordance with section 489 of the Companies Act 
2006, a resolution for the reappointment 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.

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Annual report and accounts 2022

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:

 § select suitable accounting policies in accordance 

with IAS 8 Accounting Policies, Changes in 
Accounting Estimates and Errors and then apply 
them consistently;

 § make judgements and accounting estimates that are 

reasonable and prudent;

 § present information, including accounting policies, in 
a manner that provides relevant, reliable, comparable 
and understandable information;

 § provide additional disclosures when compliance 

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

 § 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

 § 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 80 to 82, confirm to the best of 
their knowledge:

 § 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

 § 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:

 § 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

 § 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.

15 March 2023

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139

 
 
Independent Auditors’ Report
to the members of Savills plc

Opinion
In our opinion:

 § 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 2022 and of 
the group’s profit for the year then ended;

 § the group financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with UK adopted international 

accounting standards;

 § 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

 § 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 2022 which comprise:

Group

Parent company

Consolidated statement of financial position as at 
31 December 2022

Statement of financial position as at 31 December 2022

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: 

 § We obtained Management’s going concern assessment and understood the process undertaken by Management 

to evaluate the operational and economic impacts of the ongoing cost of living crisis and other downside 
scenarios on the group and to reflect these in the group’s forecasts.

 § We further tested the clerical accuracy of the going concern cash flow models and evaluated the appropriateness 
of the methods used to calculate the cashflow forecasts, this included Management’s considerations related to 
forecast cash flows for climate change impacts, concluding these not be material in the going concern period.

 § We assessed the appropriateness of the forecasts used in the going concern model by comparing these to the 

latest Board approved forecast. 

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Annual report and accounts 2022

 § We obtained the cash forecast and covenant calculation for the going concern period which covers 18 months 
from the balance sheet date to 30 June 2024. We have tested the assumptions that are most sensitive in each 
modelled scenario, being revenues, costs and underlying profits, and tested compliance with the covenants 
which focus on consolidated EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA. In particular, we compared the main assumptions 
to historical trends, including the performance of the business through the 2008-2010 global financial crisis and 
2020-2022 COVID-19 pandemic. We also compared the performance of the business against the performance of 
competitors in the industry.

 § We challenged the appropriateness of each of the key assumptions through agreeing them to supporting 

evidence and searching for contradictory evidence, using our understanding of the Group’s business, evidence 
gained during the audit and our industry knowledge, including principal and emerging risks that could impact 
the Group. 

 § We assessed Management’s reverse stress test on covenant compliance where EBITDA was sensitised to identify 

the point at which the covenant was forecast to breach. We performed our own reverse stress test applying 
further sensitivities to Management’s downside scenario.

 § 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.

 § We read the board minutes to identify any matters that may impact the going concern assessment. 

 § We read the going concern disclosures included in the Annual Report in order to assess whether they are 

appropriate and in conformity with the reporting standards.

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 2024. 

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.

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Overview of our audit approach

Group

Audit scope

Parent company

 § We performed an audit of the complete financial 

information of 8 components and audit procedures on 
specific balances for a further 5 components.

 § The components where we performed full or specific 

audit procedures accounted for 84% of absolute profit 
before tax*, 92% of revenue and 90% of total assets.

* 

 absolute profit before tax is calculated as the amalgamation of the absolute 
values of profits and losses across for each component in the Group after 
removing intercompany transactions.

Key audit matters

 § Revenue recognition, specifically;

Materiality

 – The risk of fraud in revenue recognition in 

relation to cut-off in the transactional advisory 
business; and

 – The risk of management override of controls in 

relation to revenue recognition.

 § Goodwill impairment 

 § Provision for professional indemnity litigations 

and claims

 § Overall group materiality of £8.2m which represents 5% 
of profit before tax adjusted for non-recurring items.

141

 
 
Independent Auditors’ Report continued
to the members of Savills plc

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, the potential impact of climate change 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.

Of the 13 components selected, we performed an audit of the complete financial information of 8 components 
(“full scope components”) which were selected based on their size or risk characteristics. For the remaining 5 
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 84% (2021: 90%) of the Group’s 
absolute profit before tax, 92% (2022: 93%) of the Group’s revenue and 90% (2021: 97%) of the Group’s total assets. 
For the current year, the full scope components contributed 74% (2021: 86%) of the Group’s absolute profit before tax, 
83% (2021: 88%) of the Group’s revenue and 81% (2021: 83%) of the Group’s total assets. The specific scope components 
contributed 10% (2021: 3%) of the Group’s absolute profit before tax, 10% (2021: 5%) of the Group’s revenue and 8% 
(2021: 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 8% of the Group’s absolute profit before tax, 7% of the Group’s revenue and 9% of the Group’s total 
assets were the subject of specified audit procedures, including obtaining additional cash confirmations.

Of the remaining components that together represent 8% 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, 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 primary audit engagement team, or by component auditors from 
other EY global network firms operating under our instruction. Of the 8 full scope components, audit procedures 
were performed on 2 of these directly by the Group audit team. The audit procedures performed on the other 6 full 
scope components and the 5 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 year’s audit cycle, visits were undertaken by the primary audit team to 5 component teams in 
the Group, whereas for all other locations (6 components) our visits were performed virtually. We supplemented 
these visits with further interactions with the component teams through the use of video or teleconferencing 
facilities, including virtual meetings with local Management. We held virtual planning meetings before the year end 
and weekly video conference calls were held with each of our component teams from the beginning of February 
through to the full year results announcement in March 2023. The review of relevant audit workpapers was 
facilitated by the EY electronic audit platform and screen sharing of work. This allowed appropriate discussions 
with the component teams on audit strategy, risk identification and the results of audit procedures performed. 
The primary 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 Savills. 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 68 
to 73 in the Task Force for Climate related Financial Disclosures and on pages 32 to 35 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.

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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.

Based on our work we have not identified the impact of climate change on the Financial Statements to be a key 
audit matter or to impact a key audit matter.

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 transactional 
advisory revenue 
or any instances of 
management override 
relating to revenue 
recognition in the year.

Risk 

Our response to the risk

Revenue Recognition

Revenue for the year ended 
31 December 2022 was 
£2,298.3m (2021: £2,147.0m).

There is a risk of fraud in 
revenue recognition in relation 
to cut-off in the transactional 
advisory business. 
Transactional Advisory 
Revenue for the year ended 
31 December 2022 was 
£930.1m (2021: £892.9m).

Considering the relatively 
high proportion of the 
transactional revenue 
recognised close to the 
year end, the risk of 
misstatement may occur 
through recognition in the 
incorrect period, whether 
due to management override, 
or error, due to conditions 
attached to the transactional 
advisory revenue. We 
have identified this as a 
significant risk. 

There is also a risk that 
revenue may be misstated 
through management 
override by incorrectly 
recognising revenue in order 
to increase profits to meet 
bonus targets, or to smooth 
financial results.

Refer to the Audit 
Committee Report (page 
111); Accounting policies 
(page 165); and Note 6 of 
the Consolidated Financial 
Statements (page 180).

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 and these were not 
satisfied at the year-end, but cash was received, we 
checked that revenue was appropriately deferred by 
confirming that a liability was recorded in the Statement 
of Financial Position.

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 gained an understanding of why the credit note was 
issued and obtained reissued invoices to prove that 
revenue was not overstated in 2022. 

We tested all material consolidation adjustments, 
topside adjustments and manual journal entries 
impacting revenue by obtaining supporting 
documentation 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 
and the risk of management override of controls in 13 
locations, which covered 90% of revenue.

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143

 
 
Key observations 
communicated to the 
Audit Committee

Based on our 
procedures, we 
conclude that the 
recoverable value 
of the goodwill and 
indefinite lived assets 
exceed their carrying 
value and that there is 
no impairment of these 
assets in the year. The 
disclosures prepared 
by Management 
comply with IAS 36 
and appropriately 
reflect the CGUs 
where a reasonable 
change in assumption 
could result in an 
impairment charge. 
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 and Middle East 
CGUs. We concluded 
appropriate disclosures 
had been included 
in the Financial 
Statements for the 
above assumptions.

Independent Auditors’ Report continued
to the members of Savills plc

Risk 

Our response to the risk

Goodwill impairment

At 31 December 2022 the 
carrying value of Goodwill 
is £449.4m (2021: £411.6m). 
The impairment charge 
recognised during the year 
is nil (2021: £4.1m).

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 
111); Accounting policies 
(page 160); and Note 15 of 
the Consolidated Financial 
Statements (page 194).

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:

 § 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.

 § 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.

 § We agreed forecast cash flows to Board approved 

budgets and strategic plans.

 § We have performed sensitivity analysis over key 

assumptions to understand the impact of reasonably 
possible changes in assumptions on the impairment 
models and conclusions.

We identified the CGUs presenting a higher risk of 
impairment based on the materiality of the allocated 
goodwill, historical and actual trading 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:

 § We tested the key assumptions supporting 

Management forecasted cash flows for each CGU, 
including revenue growth, operating profit margin 
and discount rate. 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’s value in use models.

 § 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. 

 § 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 with assistance 
from a number of 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 recognised 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.

Risk 

Our response to the risk

Provision for 
professional indemnity 
litigation and claims

The provision for professional 
indemnity litigations and 
claims at 31 December 2022 
was £12.5m (2021: £16.5m).

The Group is subject to 
legal claims arising in the 
normal course of business. 
The determination of 
whether to make a provision 
is judgemental, based on 
the likelihood a liability will 
crystallise, and the valuation 
of any provisions requires 
estimation, including the 
use of internal and external 
legal counsel. 

Given the diverse 
geographical spread of 
the Group and number 
of litigations that are 
ongoing, we recognise that 
completeness of litigations 
and the associated provisions 
recognised in the financial 
statements is also a significant 
risk. The inclusion of the 
completeness assertion is a 
change from the prior year.

Refer to the Audit 
Committee Report (page 
111); Accounting policies 
(page 164); and Note 26 of 
the Consolidated Financial 
Statements (page 219).

We understood Management’s process for reporting, 
assessing and valuing provisions for 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 external 
legal confirmations, 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 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. In order to assess the adequacy of the 
provision recognised, 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. 

 § Performed a look-back analysis to confirm the 
accuracy of historical provisions made against 
amount settled.

 § For the material provisions, we examined legal 

correspondence and third-party evidence received 
by the Group. For these matters, we have compared 
Management’s explanations to legal advice and 
correspondence or bank statements where amounts 
have been settled.

 § We have 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 was reversed. 

 § We have assessed the completeness of litigations 
and 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 tested both a sample of claims without 

provisions recognised, and immaterial provisions, 
to confirm the completeness of the provision 
balance. We have also inspected post year end 
correspondence and enquired with Management 
about subsequent events impacting the provisions 
recognised at year end.

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 facts or assumptions.

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145

 
 
Independent Auditors’ Report continued
to the members of Savills plc

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 £8.2 million (2021: £10.1 million), which is 5% (2021: 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.

We determined materiality for the Parent Company to be £11.6 million (2021: £17.0 million), which is 5% (2021: 5%) 
of net assets. 

Starting basis

IFRS profit before tax: £153.9 million

Adjustment for 
non-recurring items 

Add back:

 § Acquisition costs £10.1 million

Less:

 § Fair value loss on call option £0.1 million

Materiality 

IFRS profit before tax adjusted for non-recurring items of £163.9 million

Materiality of £8.2 million (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 £8.2m from planning materiality of £7.4m.

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% (2021: 50%) of our planning materiality, namely £4.1m (2021: 
£5.1m). We have set performance materiality at this percentage due to the risk of material misstatements occurring 
within the Financial Statements, including our understanding of the control environment and history of past 
errors identified.

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 £0.8m to £3.5m (2021: £1.0m to £2.3m).

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 
£0.4m (2021: £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 Strategic Report, 
Governance, Shareholder information and the Appendices set out on page 245, other than the financial statements 
and our auditor’s report thereon. The directors are responsible for the other information contained within the 
annual report. 

146

Annual report and accounts 2022

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.

Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006
In our opinion, the part of the directors’ remuneration report to be audited has been properly prepared in 
accordance with the Companies Act 2006.

In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit:

 § the information given in the strategic report and the directors’ report for the financial year for which the 

financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and 

 § the strategic report and the directors’ report have been prepared in accordance with applicable 

legal requirements.

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:

 § adequate accounting records have not been kept by the parent company, or returns adequate for our audit have 

not been received from branches not visited by us; or

 § the parent company financial statements and the part of the Directors’ Remuneration Report to be audited are 

not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or

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

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

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:

 § Directors’ statement with regards to the appropriateness of adopting the going concern basis of accounting and 

any material uncertainties identified set out on page 135;

 § 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 135;

 § 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 135;

 § Directors’ statement on fair, balanced and understandable set out on page 139;

 § Board’s confirmation that it has carried out a robust assessment of the emerging and principal risks set out 

on page 31;

 § The section of the annual report that describes the review of effectiveness of risk management and internal 

control systems set out on page 113; and

 § The section describing the work of the audit committee set out on pages 105 to 113.

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147

 
 
Independent Auditors’ Report continued
to the members of Savills plc

Responsibilities of directors
As explained more fully in the directors’ responsibilities statement set out on page 139, 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.

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. 

 § 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.

 § We understood how Savills plc 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.

 § 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 the risk 
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 for cut off in the transactional advisory business and management 
override of controls in all revenue streams was considered to be higher and we performed audit procedures to 
address these fraud risks. These procedures were designed to provide reasonable assurance that the financial 
statements were free from material fraud or error.

148

Annual report and accounts 2022

 § Based on this understanding we designed our audit procedures to identify non-compliance with such laws and 

regulations. 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 the results of Management’s investigation of 

such matters, involving the use of specialists where necessary; and

 – 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. 

 § Where instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations were identified we performed the 

following procedures:

 – We determined whether each matter had the potential to have a more than inconsequential effect on the 
financial statements or was clearly inconsequential. We did this initial assessment together with our EY 
Forensics specialists including: 

 – We obtained and read Management’s assessment as to the impact of the matter on the Financial 

Statements, including any internal or third party investigations carried out. 

 – Holding discussions with local and Group Management.

 – Where the matter was deemed to have a clearly inconsequential effect we assessed the adequacy and 

completeness of Management’s assessment, including their determination of the financial statement impact 
before concluding the matter to be insignificant.

 – Where the matter was deemed to have a more than inconsequential effect, we performed the following:

 – Evaluated the procedures undertaken by Management to determine the impact of the matter, including the 

completeness of their procedures and findings

 – Involved our EY Forensic specialists to support us in the audit of Management’s procedures

 – Re-assessed and updated, where required, our planned audit procedures and responses to the 

areas identified

 – Assessed the financial impact and compared this to Management’s conclusions

 – For all matters identified, we considered the impact across the Group. Our Group audit instructions were 

tailored to address the related risks to our component audit teams as required. 

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.

Other matters we are required to address 
 § 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 2 years, 
covering the years ending 2021 to 2022.

 § 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.

Christabel Cowling (Senior statutory auditor) 
for and on behalf of Ernst & Young LLP, 
Statutory Auditor 
London

15 March 2023

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149

 
 
Notes

2022
£m

2021
£m

5 and 6

2,298.3

2,147.0

9.1

(1,509.8)

(1,413.1)

16 and 17

15

15

7.1

20.2

7.1

18.1

7.1

11

11

11

12

(65.8)

(16.9)

–

(63.4)

(14.2)

(5.2)

(562.1)

(465.2)

2.1

0.3

12.1

(4.0)

2.0

12.6

158.2

196.5

13.7

(18.0)

(4.3)

153.9

(34.1)

119.8

119.4

0.4

119.8

1.9

(15.3)

(13.4)

183.1

(36.4)

146.7

146.2

0.5

146.7

14.1

14.1

87.0p

82.2p

104.9p

99.8p

153.9

15.6

(4.9)

183.1

17.3

(0.1)

8

8

6 and 8

164.6

200.3

Consolidated income statement
for the year ended 31 December 2022

Revenue

Employee benefits expense

Depreciation

Amortisation of intangible assets

Impairment of intangible assets and goodwill

Other operating expenses

Decrease/(increase) in provision for expected credit loss

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

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

150

Annual report and accounts 2022

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income
for the year ended 31 December 2022

Profit for the year

Other comprehensive income/(loss)

Items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss:

Remeasurement of defined benefit pension scheme and employee 
benefit obligations

Changes in fair value of financial assets held 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 for the year

Total comprehensive income for the year

Total comprehensive income attributable to:

Owners of the parent

Non-controlling interests

Notes

2022
£m

119.8

2021
£m

146.7

12

12

6.6

(10.9)

(3.9)

(8.2)

48.1

–

48.1

39.9

159.7

158.4

1.3

159.7

21.3

(4.4)

(5.3)

11.6

(8.9)

(0.1)

(9.0)

2.6

149.3

148.8

0.5

149.3

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151

 
 
Consolidated and Company statements of financial position
as at 31 December 2022

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’)
Financial assets at fair value through profit 
and loss (‘FVPL’)
Defined benefit pension 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

Net current assets
Total assets less current liabilities
Liabilities: Non-current liabilities
Borrowings
Lease liabilities
Derivative financial instruments
Other payables
Employee benefit obligations
Provisions
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

Notes

16
17
15
15
18.4
18.1
19

18.2

18.3
10.2
5.1
20.3

5.1
20.1

26
21

24
22
25

5.1
23.1

26.2
26.1

24
25

23.2
26.2
26.1
19

27
27
29
29

18.5

2022
£m

77.0
223.8
449.4
66.3
–
37.0
38.6

5.7

36.8
25.5
2.4
37.5
1,000.0

7.4
643.1
2.4
0.3
669.1
1,322.3

10.6
202.0
53.2
1.0
14.0
744.3
15.5
17.7
9.2
1,067.5
254.8
1,254.8

149.1
224.4
6.7
21.9
25.2
20.6
1.6
449.5
805.3

3.6
104.9
112.8
546.8
768.1
37.2
805.3

2021
restated**
£m

66.3
232.6
411.6
72.6
–
32.8
36.1

16.7

29.5
18.1
3.4
25.4
945.1

9.3
602.3
0.9
0.1
689.7
1,302.3

2.1
198.5
48.0
0.9
14.5
738.5
15.9
16.9
9.2
1,044.5
257.8
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

2022
£m

3.4
40.0
–
1.8
176.4
–
1.9

–

–
1.2
–
7.1
231.8

–
81.4
–
–
93.6
175.0

–
–
5.2
–
–
14.9
2.4
0.2
–
22.7
152.3
384.1

–
53.6
–
–
–
2.4
–
56.0
328.1

3.6
104.9
38.2
181.4
328.1
–
328.1

2021
restated**
£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
–
–
49.8
0.7
0.3
–
56.5
95.4
383.4

–
58.8
–
–
–
1.6
–
60.4
323.0

3.6
104.4
38.2
176.8
323.0
–
323.0

* 

 Included within cash and cash equivalents are cash balances of £205.0m (31 December 2021: £201.5m) that are operated within a notional cash pooling 
arrangement together with overdraft balances of £202.0m (31 December 2021: £198.5m) presented above in current liabilities. See Note 22 for further details. 

**   See Note 18.6 for details of prior period restatement of Group goodwill and trade and other receivables in relation to a measurement period adjustment in 

accordance with IFRS 3. See Note 2.29 for details of prior period restatements. 

The profit after income tax of the Company for the year was £78.8m (2021: £42.5m).

The consolidated and Company financial statements on pages 150 to 155 were authorised for issue by the Board 
of Directors on 15 March 2023 and were signed on its behalf by:

J J M Ridley 
Savills plc
Registered in England No. 2122174

S J B Shaw

152

Annual report and accounts 2022

Consolidated statement of changes in equity
for the year ended 31 December 2022

Balance at 1 January 2022
Profit for the year
Other comprehensive income/(loss):
Remeasurement 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 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
Dividends
Transfer between reserves
Fair value of derivative financial instrument
Transactions with non-controlling interests
Additions through business combinations
Balance at 31 December 2022

Balance at 1 January 2021
Profit for the year
Other comprehensive income/(loss):
Remeasurement of defined benefit 
pension scheme
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
Transaction with non-controlling interest
Transfer between reserves
Additions through business combinations
Balance at 31 December 2021

Attributable to owners of the parent

Share
capital
£m

Share
premium
£m

Other
reserves*
£m

Retained
earnings**
£m

Total
£m

Non-
controlling
interests
£m

3.6
–

104.4
–

76.2
–

540.0 724.2
119.4

119.4

29.2
0.4

Total
equity
£m

753.4
119.8

(3.9)
48.1
159.7

30.4
(2.6)
0.5
0.3
(49.0)
(85.9)
–
(4.5)
0.3
2.7
805.3

Total
equity
£m

581.6
146.7

21.3

(4.4)

(5.4)
(8.9)

–

–

–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
3.6

–

–

–
–
–

–
–
0.5
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
104.9

12

12

12

13

3.8

18.6

–

6.1

6.1

0.5

6.6

(10.9)

–

(10.9)

–

(10.9)

–
47.5
36.6

–
–
–
–
–
–
0.4 
– 
(0.4) 
–
112.8

(3.7)
–

(3.7)
47.5
121.8 158.4

29.6
(2.6)
–
0.3

29.6
(2.6)
0.5
0.3
(49.0) (49.0)
(85.5) (85.5)
(3.6)
(4.5)
0.3
–
768.1

(4.0)
(4.5)
0.7
–
546.8

(0.2)
0.6
1.3

0.8
–
–
–
–
(0.4)
3.6
–
 –
2.7
37.2

Attributable to owners of the parent

Share
capital
£m

Share
premium
£m

Other
reserves*
£m

Retained
earnings**
£m

Notes

Total
£m

Non-
controlling
interests
£m

3.6
–

97.2
–

90.0
–

390.1 580.9
146.2
146.2

0.7
0.5

12

12

12

13

–

–

–
–

–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
3.6

–

–

–
–

–

–
–
7.2
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
104.4

–

21.3

21.3

(4.4)

–
(8.9)

–

(4.4)

(5.4)
–

(5.4)
(8.9)

–

–

–
–

(13.3)

162.1

148.8

0.5

149.3

–
–
–
–
–
(0.3)
–
–
(0.2)
–
76.2

23.7
4.7
–
0.6
(49.0)
0.2
(31.9)
39.3
0.2
–

23.7
4.7
7.2
0.6
(49.0)
(0.1)
(31.9)
39.3
–
–
540.0 724.2

–
–
–
–
–
–
(0.4)
28.2
–
0.2
29.2

23.7
4.7
7.2
0.6
(49.0)
(0.1)
(32.3)
67.5
–
0.2
753.4

* 

 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 29. 

**   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 29.

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153

 
 
Company statement of changes in equity
for the year ended 31 December 2022

Attributable to owners of the Company

Share
capital
£m

Share
premium
£m

Notes

Capital
redemption
reserve*
£m

Merger
relief
reserve*
£m

Other
reserves*
£m

Balance at 1 January 2022

3.6

104.4

0.3

34.9

Profit for the year

Other comprehensive 
income/(loss):

Remeasurement of defined 
benefit pension scheme

Tax on items taken to other 
comprehensive income

Total comprehensive income 
for the year

Employee share option scheme:

–  Value of services provided

– Exercise of share options

–  Tax on employee share 

option schemes

–  Exercise of share options: tax on 
employee share option schemes

Issue of share capital

Dividends

10.2

12

13

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

0.5

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

3.0

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Share-
based
payments
reserve**
£m

Retained
earnings**
£m

Total
equity
£m

44.1

132.7

323.0

–

–

–

–

78.8

78.8

0.2

0.2

(0.1)

(0.1)

78.9

78.9

30.4

(21.0)

–

30.4

3.4

(17.6)

(0.6)

–

(0.6)

(0.4)

–

–

0.4

–

–

0.5

(86.5)

(86.5)

Balance at 31 December 2022

3.6

104.9

0.3

34.9

3.0

52.5

128.9

328.1

Attributable to owners of the Company

Share
capital
£m

Share
premium
£m

Notes

Capital
redemption
reserve*
£m

Merger
relief
reserve*
£m

Other
reserves*
£m

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

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

3.6

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

97.2

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

7.2

–

–

10.2

12

12

13

12

0.3

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

34.9

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

3.0

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Share-
based
payments
reserve**
£m

Retained
earnings**
£m

Total
equity
£m

39.8

114.0

292.8

–

–

–

–

42.5

42.5

1.1

1.1

(0.3)

(0.3)

43.3

43.3

23.7

(20.5)

–

7.5

23.7

(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

132.7

323.0

* 

** 

 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 of prior period restatement of the Company’s trade and other payables and retained earnings.

154

Annual report and accounts 2022

Group

Company

2022
£m

2021
£m

2022
£m

Consolidated and Company statements of cash flows
for the year ended 31 December 2022

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 financial assets held at FVOCI and FVPL

Proceeds from sale of interests in joint ventures

Dividends received from joint ventures

Dividends received from associates

Dividends received from subsidiary

Dividends received from other parties

Repayment of loans by joint ventures

Repayment of loans by associates

Repayment of loans by subsidiaries

Repayment of loans by other parties

Loans to joint ventures

Loans to associates

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 financial assets held at FVOCI and FVPL

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

Notes

31

18.1

18.1

18.5

23.3

16

15

18.1

18.1

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

24

24

32

32

13

Net (decrease)/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

Cash, cash equivalents and bank overdrafts at end of year

22

210.9

13.3

(16.9)

(43.3)

164.0

348.3

1.8

(14.0)

(33.4)

302.7

0.2

1.6

0.1

7.1

4.2

–

0.2

0.1

0.4

–

0.7

(0.1)

(0.4)

–

(1.7)

(14.9)

(3.3)

(19.8)

(7.0)

(8.8)

(0.4)

–

–

–

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)

–

–

0.5

7.9

(0.2)

9.6

(5.6)

(0.4)

(51.4)

(49.0)

(85.9)

(174.5)

7.2

63.7

(0.9)

26.9

(38.2)

(0.5)

(47.2)

(49.0)

(32.3)

(70.3)

(52.3)

490.0

159.1

338.2

Net cash (used in)/generated from investing activities

(41.8)

(73.3)

26.6

464.3

(7.3)

490.0

–

93.6

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£m

9.1

1.4

(2.2)

2.0

10.3

–

–

–

–

–

(6.8)

2.0

(2.1)

4.6

(2.3)

–

–

–

–

–

79.0

56.0

–

–

–

–

–

–

40.7

237.3

–

–

–

–

–

–

(25.0)

(245.0)

–

–

–

(1.5)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(1.4)

(0.1)

–

–

–

(37.3)

(36.7)

29.5

85.4

17.9

28.0

0.5

7.2

–

–

–

–

–

(5.7)

–

(86.5)

(91.7)

(8.6)

102.2

–

–

–

–

–

(5.6)

–

(32.2)

(30.6)

7.7

94.5

–

102.2

155

 
 
Notes to the financial statements
Year ended 31 December 2022

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 employed a monthly average of 40,331 staff worldwide 
during 2022.

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 15 March 2023. 
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 held at FVOCI, financial 
assets held at FVPL 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.

The Group has prepared its going concern assessment for the period to the end of June 2024. 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, costs 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. The results of this sensitivity analysis showed that the Group would retain liquidity and 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.

156

Annual report and accounts 2022

Based on the Group’s strong net cash position of £307.4m (cash and cash equivalents less overdrafts in notional 
pooling arrangements and borrowings) 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 until at least June 2024. For this reason, they continue to adopt the going 
concern basis of accounting in preparing the Consolidated Financial Statements.

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:

 § 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; 

 § amortisation of intangible assets arising from business combinations (this excludes software or other pre-existing 

intangible assets of the acquiree); 

 § 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 

 § 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) require 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.

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157

 
 
Notes to the financial statements continued
Year ended 31 December 2022

2. Accounting policies continued
2.3 Use of non-GAAP measures continued
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).

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).

158

Annual report and accounts 2022

(e) Associates and joint ventures
Investments in associates and joint ventures 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).

The Group’s share of its associates’ and joint ventures’ 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 and joint ventures are recognised as a reduction in the carrying amount of the 
investment. When the Group’s share of losses in an associate or joint venture equals or exceeds its interest in the 
associate or joint venture (which includes any long-term interests that, in substance, form part of the Group’s net 
investment in the associate or joint venture) the Group does not recognise further losses unless it has incurred legal 
or constructive obligations or made payments on behalf of the associate or joint venture.

Unrealised gains on transactions between the Group and its associates and joint ventures are eliminated to the 
extent of the Group’s interest in the associate or joint venture. Unrealised losses are also eliminated unless the 
transaction provides evidence of an impairment of the asset transferred. Accounting policies of associates and joint 
ventures have been changed where necessary to ensure consistency with the policies adopted by the Group.

The carrying amount of associates and joint ventures is tested for impairment in accordance with the policy 
described in Note 2.10.

Profit or loss on disposal of associates and 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 (the Savills Investment Management funds). 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 Savills Investment Management 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, with the 
Investment Management business being managed separately. 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.

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.

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Notes to the financial statements continued
Year ended 31 December 2022

2. Accounting policies continued
2.6 Foreign currency translation continued
(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 financial assets held at FVOCI, 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.

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.

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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:

 § it is technically feasible to complete the software product so that it will be available for use or sale;

 § management intends to complete the software product and use or sell it; 

 § there is an ability to use or sell the software product; 

 § it can be demonstrated how the software product will generate probable future economic benefits; 

 § adequate technical, financial and other resources to complete the development and to use or sell the software 

product are available; and 

 § the expenditure attributable to the software product during its development can be reliably measured. 

Measurement subsequent to initial recognition is at cost less accumulated amortisation and impairment.

Amortisation charges are spread on a straight-line basis over the period of the assets’ estimated useful lives 
as follows:

Customer 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.

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 (see Notes 2.12–2.17).

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Notes to the financial statements continued
Year ended 31 December 2022

2. Accounting policies continued
2.12 Financial assets held at FVOCI
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 Financial assets held at FVPL
The Group holds loans and other debt like financial instruments at fair value with changes in fair value recognised 
through profit or loss. Any gains or losses that arise when such instruments are disposed are recognised in 
operating profit/(loss) within the income statement.

2.14 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.

2.15 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. Cash and cash equivalents includes cash 
balances that are operated within a notional cash pooling arrangement, together with overdraft balances, which are 
presented separately in current liabilities in the statement of financial position when IAS 32 offsetting requirements 
are not met. 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 overdraft balances within the notional cash pooling arrangement and outstanding bank overdrafts as they are 
considered an integral part of the Group’s cash management.

2.16 Interest bearing debt
Interest-bearing bank loans, loan notes 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.

2.17 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.

2.18 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.

2.19 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.

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2.20 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.

2.21 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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Notes to the financial statements continued
Year ended 31 December 2022

2. Accounting policies continued
2.22 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.

The Company recognises the share-based payment charge relating to its employees in the income statement with 
the share-based payment recharge relating to employees of the Group’s subsidiaries recognised as an increase to the 
Company’s investment in subsidiary non-current asset on the Statement of Financial Position, with a corresponding 
entry to the Company’s share-based payment reserve. When contributions from the Group’s subsidiaries are received, 
these are recognised against the carrying value of the investment in subsidiary non-current asset to the extent that 
they relate to the IFRS 2 charge. 

2.23 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.

From a Company perspective, cash contributions to the EBT are recognised as an investment in subsidiary 
non-current asset. When treasury shares are transferred out of the EBT upon vesting, the related cost of investment 
in subsidiary non-current asset is derecognised. 

2.24 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.

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2.25 Revenue
The Group recognises revenue from the following major sources:

 § Residential property transactions 

 § Commercial property transactions 

 § Property consultancy services 

 § Property and facilities management services

 § 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.

(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.

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Notes to the financial statements continued
Year ended 31 December 2022

2. Accounting policies continued
2.25 Revenue continued
(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).

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 net asset value or gross asset value of 
the underlying portfolio of investments on a quarterly basis. Asset management fees are typically calculated as 
a fixed percentage of gross rental income or passing rents on a quarterly basis. Fees are estimated based on the 
previous quarter’s actual values and variances to these estimates are recognised in the following quarter. 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 
(the customer) 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.

2.26 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.

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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:

 § fixed payments (including in-substance fixed payments), less any lease incentives receivable; 

 § variable lease payments that are based on an index or a rate, initially measured using the index or rate as at the 

commencement date; 

 § amounts expected to be payable by the Group under residual value guarantees; 

 § the exercise price of a purchase option if the Group is reasonably certain to exercise that option; and 

 § payments of penalties for terminating the lease, if the lease term reflects the Group exercising that option. 

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:

 § the amount of the initial measurement of lease liability; 

 § any lease payments made at or before the commencement date less any lease incentives received; 

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 § any initial direct costs; and 

 § 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.

2.27 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.

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 2022 are not relevant or considered to have a significant impact on the Group 
and its financial statements.

There are no standards, amendments and interpretations to standards that are not yet effective that would be 
expected to have a material impact on the entity in the current or future reporting periods and on foreseeable 
future transactions.

167

 
 
Notes to the financial statements continued
Year ended 31 December 2022

2. Accounting policies continued
2.29 Prior year restatement

Reclassification of financial assets held at FVPL
The Group’s prior year Statement of Financial Position included financial assets held at FVPL incorrectly classified 
as financial assets held at FVOCI. Some financial assets had originally been classified as equity instruments, with 
the Group making an irrevocable election for these to be classified as FVOCI. In the current year, the Group made 
further investments and reassessed the accounting treatment for all financial assets previously classified as FVOCI. 
It was determined that some of these financial assets do not meet the definition of an equity instrument under 
IFRS 9: ‘Financial Instruments’ and as a result should be classified as financial assets held at FVPL with changes in 
fair value recognised through the income statement. The 2021 fair value gains and losses recognised in OCI and 
the cumulative fair value gains and losses recognised in previous periods on these instruments are not material to 
the Group.

These are correctly reflected in the current year’s financial statements and 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 1 ‘Presentation of Financial Statements’.

In addition, the Group’s prior year Statement of Financial Position included other financial assets appropriately held 
at FVPL which were included within non-current trade receivables. As a consequence of the above correction of 
prior year classification error, these financial assets have been included in the financial asset held at FVPL line item 
in the Statement of Financial Position to conform to the current year presentation, which also reflects the nature of 
these instruments.

The table below show the impact of the prior year restatement on the Group’s primary financial statements:

Statement of Financial Position

Assets: Non-current assets

Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive 
income (‘FVOCI’)

Financial assets at fair value through profit and loss (‘FVPL’)

Trade and other receivables

31 December 
2021 reported 
£m

Restatement 
£m

31 December 
2021 restated 
£m

30.4

–

41.2

(13.7)

29.5

(15.8)

16.7

29.5

25.4

Management has chosen not to present a third balance sheet as the error impacts upon three financial statement 
line items within non-current assets. As at 1 January 2021 the financial instruments which should have been 
presented as at financial assets held at FVPL at 1 January 2021 was £17.3m, of which £6.5m was included within 
financial assets held at FVOCI and £10.8m was included within non-current trade and other receivables. This prior 
year restatement does not have a material impact on the Group’s Income Statement, Statement of Cash Flows, 
Statement of Changes in Equity or Statement of Comprehensive Income. The prior year restatement also does not 
have an impact on the Group’s net assets or net current assets.

Treatment of intercompany receivables and payables in the Company’s Statement of Financial Position
The Company’s prior year Statement of Financial Position included intercompany receivables netted off against 
intercompany payables in error. Between 2010 and 2014, the Company provided loans to the EBT – the outstanding 
balance of that loan was £23.1m at the end of 2021. Management has determined that the loan should have been 
written off in the year when it was granted, because management did not ever expect this loan to be settled by 
the EBT. As a result, the retained earnings of the parent in 2021 is overstated by £23.1m. In addition, in the 2021 
Statement of Financial Position, the £23.1m receivable from the EBT was incorrectly offsetting another loan 
payable to a subsidiary. To correct this error, the trade payables balance has been restated, increasing the balance 
by £23.1m. This is correctly reflected in the current year’s Statement of Financial Position and 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 1 ‘Presentation of Financial Statements’.

168

Annual report and accounts 2022

The tables below show the impact of the prior year restatement on the Company’s primary financial statements:

Company Statement of Financial Position

Trade and other payables

Liabilities: Current Liabilities

Net 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 2021 Report and Accounts:

Balance at 1 January 2021

Balance at 31 December 2021

Restatement:

Balance at 1 January 2021

Balance at 31 December 2021

Restated balances reported in the 2022 Report and Accounts:

Balance at 1 January 2021

Balance at 31 December 2021

31 December 
2021 reported 
£m

Restatement 
£m

31 December 
2021 restated 
£m

26.7

33.4

118.5

406.5

346.1

199.9

346.1

346.1

23.1

23.1

(23.1)

(23.1)

(23.1)

(23.1)

(23.1)

(23.1)

Retained 
earnings 
£m

137.1

155.8

Retained 
earnings 
£m

(23.1)

(23.1)

Retained 
earnings 
£m

114.0

132.7

49.8

56.5

95.4

383.4

323.0

176.8

323.0

323.0

Total 
equity 
£m

315.9

346.1

Total 
equity 
£m

(23.1)

(23.1)

Total 
equity 
£m

292.8

323.0

This prior year restatement does not have an impact on the 31 December 2021 Company’s reported profit after tax 
or the Company Statement of Cash Flows.

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169

 
 
Notes to the financial statements continued
Year ended 31 December 2022

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

Group
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 have 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

2022

Estimated impact on post-tax profit

Euro

Hong Kong dollar

US dollar

Chinese renminbi

Estimated impact on components of equity

Euro

Hong Kong dollar

US dollar

Chinese renminbi

2021

Estimated impact on post-tax profit

Euro

Hong Kong dollar

US dollar

Chinese renminbi

Estimated impact on components of equity

Euro

Hong Kong dollar

US dollar

Chinese renminbi

Movement of currency against sterling

-10.0%

-5.0%

+5.0%

+10.0%

(1.4)

(0.8)

(0.8)

(0.6)

(0.9)

(8.8)

(18.7)

(4.8)

(1.7)

(1.8)

(0.3)

(1.1)

(0.8)

(9.4)

(16.4)

(4.7)

(0.7)

(0.4)

(0.4)

(0.3)

(0.5)

(4.6)

(9.8)

(2.5)

(0.9)

(0.9)

(0.2)

(0.6)

(0.4)

(4.9)

(8.6)

(2.5)

0.8

0.4

0.4

0.3

0.5

5.1

10.8

2.8

1.0

1.0

0.2

0.7

0.4

5.4

9.5

2.7

1.7

0.9

0.9

0.7

1.2

10.7

22.9

5.9

2.0

2.2

0.4

1.4

0.9

11.5

20.0

5.7

Company
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.

170

Annual report and accounts 2022

3.3 Interest rate risk

Group
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 2022, 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

2022

Increase in interest rates

+0.5%

+1.0%

+1.5%

+2.0%

Estimated impact on post-tax profit and equity

2021

Estimated impact on post-tax profit and equity

1.0

1.2

2.6

2.5

4.3

3.9

5.9

5.2

£m

2022

Decrease in interest rates

-0.5%

-1.0%

-1.5%

-2.0%

Estimated impact on post-tax profit and equity

(2.3)

(3.7)

(3.7)

(3.6)

2021

Estimated impact on post-tax profit and equity

(1.3)

(1.2)

(1.2)

(1.1)

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.

Company
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

Group
Credit risk arises from cash and cash equivalents, equity investments, loans receivables, debt like financial 
instruments and 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. There were no material individual trade receivable balances as at 31 December 2022. 
Refer to Note 20 for information on the credit quality of trade and other receivables and the maximum exposure to 
credit risk arising on outstanding receivables from clients.

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.

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171

 
 
Notes to the financial statements continued
Year ended 31 December 2022

3. Financial risk management continued
3.4 Credit risk continued
Group continued
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)

AAAm

AA-

A+

A

A-

BBB+

BBB or below

Total

2022
£m

1.0

36.2

148.9

195.1

31.9

18.2

33.0

2021
£m

–

40.7

160.5

224.7

18.3

19.6

26.2

464.3

490.0

Company
The Company’s credit risk arises from cash and cash equivalents, as well as outstanding receivables primarily due 
from the Group’s subsidiaries.

As at 31 December 2022, £1.0m of cash was held in Blackrock Institutional Liquidity Funds (2021: £nil), which has an 
AAAm rating. The remainder of the Company’s cash was held with Barclays Bank PLC (2021: all cash), which is an 
A rated bank.

Significant individual intercompany receivable balances include £18.6m (2021: £27.7m) due from Savills (UK) Limited 
and £52.8m (2021: £52.7m) due from Savills Overseas Holdings Limited, the majority of which relates to a £52.3m 
loan (2021: £52.3m). There are no other significant individual receivable balances as at 31 December 2022 and 
31 December 2021.

3.5 Liquidity risk

Group
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.

172

Annual report and accounts 2022

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, unless otherwise stated.

£m

2022

Borrowings

Overdrafts in notional pooling 
arrangement

Lease liabilities

Derivative financial instruments

Trade and other payables

2021 restated

Borrowings

Overdrafts in notional pooling 
arrangement

Lease liabilities

Derivative financial instruments

Trade and other payables

Less than
a year

Between
1 and 2 years

Between
2 and 5 years

Total 
contractual
 undiscounted  

Over  

5 years

cash flows

Carrying values

15.3

4.6

41.5

125.6

187.0

159.7

202.0

61.4

1.0

676.6

956.3

–

77.9

3.9

19.4

–

110.6

2.8

3.4

–

70.7

–

0.1

105.8

158.3

196.4

6.8

4.7

42.9

129.7

198.5

58.8

0.9

680.8

945.8

–

84.9

0.4

8.0

98.0

–

133.9

2.2

12.9

191.9

–

58.3

–

0.4

202.0

320.6

7.7

699.5

1,416.8

184.1

198.5

335.9

3.5

702.1

188.4

1,424.1

202.0

277.6

7.7

698.5

1,345.5

150.5

198.5

285.0

3.5

698.5

1,336.0

Company
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.

The table below analyses the Company’s 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, unless otherwise stated.

£m

2022

Lease liabilities

Trade and other payables

2021 restated*

Lease liabilities

Trade and other payables

Less than
a year

Between
1 and 2 years

Between
2 and 5 years

Over 
5 years

Total 
contractual 
undiscounted  

cash flows

7.1

13.7

20.8

7.7

48.4

56.1

7.1

–

7.1

7.1

–

7.1

21.2

–

21.2

21.2

–

21.2

33.5

–

33.5

40.6

–

40.6

68.9

13.7

82.6

76.6

48.4

125.0

Carrying 
values

58.8

13.7

72.5

64.5

48.4

112.9

*  See Note 2.29 for details of prior period restatement of the Company’s trade and other payables and retained earnings. 

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173

 
 
Notes to the financial statements continued
Year ended 31 December 2022

3. Financial risk management continued
3.6 Capital risk management
The Group’s and Company’s objectives when managing capital are:

 § to safeguard the Group’s ability to provide returns for Shareholders and benefits for other stakeholders; and 

 § to maintain an optimal capital structure to reduce the cost of capital. 

The Group’s overall strategy remains unchanged from 2021. 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 2022. 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)

Group

Company

2022

2021

2022

2021
restated*

805.3

753.4

328.1

323.0

669.1

689.7

93.6

102.2

(202.0)

(198.5)

(2.8)

(1.2)

(158.3)

(150.9)

–

–

–

–

–

–

Cash and cash equivalents net of gross borrowings

306.0

339.1

93.6

102.2

*  See Note 2.29 for details of prior period restatement of the Company’s retained earnings.

174

Annual report and accounts 2022

3.7 Categories of financial instruments

Group
£m

Financial assets:

Financial assets at FVOCI

Financial assets at FVPL

Trade and other receivables

Derivative financial 
instruments

Cash and cash equivalents

Total financial assets

Financial
assets at
FVPL
2022

Financial
assets at
FVOCI
2022

Financial 
assets at
amortised
cost
2022

Total
carrying
amount
2022

Financial
assets at
FVPL
2021
restated*

Financial
assets at
FVOCI
2021
restated*

Financial
assets at
amortised
cost
2021

Total
carrying
amount
2021
restated*

–

36.8

–

0.3

–

37.1

5.7

–

–

–

–

–

–

5.7

36.8

549.5

549.5

–

0.3

669.1

669.1

–

29.5

–

0.1

–

16.7

–

–

–

–

–

–

16.7

29.5

508.5

508.5

–

0.1

689.7

689.7

5.7

1,218.6

1,261.4

29.6

16.7

1,198.2

1,244.5

*  See Note 2.29 for details of prior period restatement of financial assets at FVPL, financial assets at FVOCI and non-current trade and other receivables. 

Group
£m

Financial liabilities:

Borrowings

Overdrafts in notional pooling arrangements

Lease liabilities

Trade and other payables

Derivative financial instruments

Total financial liabilities

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
2022

Financial
liabilities at
amortised
cost
2022

Total
carrying
amount
2022

Financial
liabilities  
at FVPL
2021

Financial
liabilities at
amortised
cost
2021

–

–

–

–

7.7

7.7

159.7

159.7

202.0

202.0

277.6

277.6

698.5

698.5

–

7.7

1,337.8

1,345.5

–

–

–

1.4

3.5

4.9

150.5

198.5

285.0

677.1

–

1,311.1

1,316.0

Total
carrying
amount
2021

150.5

198.5

285.0

678.5

3.5

Financial
assets at
amortised 
cost
2022

Total 
carrying
amount
2022

Financial
assets at
amortised 
cost
2021

Total 
carrying
amount
2021

84.8

93.6

84.8

93.6

178.4

178.4

98.9

102.2

201.1

98.9

102.2

201.1

Financial
liabilities at
amortised cost
2022

Total carrying
amount
2022

Financial
liabilities at
amortised cost
2021
restated*

Total carrying
amount
2021
restated*

58.8

13.7

72.5

58.8

13.7

72.5

64.5

48.4

112.9

64.5

48.4

112.9

*  See Note 2.28 for details of prior period restatement of the Company’s trade and other payables.

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Notes to the financial statements continued
Year ended 31 December 2022

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 2022:

£m

2022

Assets

Financial assets at FVOCI

– Listed equity investments

– Unlisted equity investments

Financial assets at FVPL

Derivative financial instruments

Total assets

Liabilities

Derivative financial instruments

Total liabilities

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total

0.8

–

–

–

0.8

–

–

–

–

–

0.3

0.3

1.0

1.0

–

4.9

36.8

–

41.7

6.7

6.7

0.8

4.9

36.8

0.3

42.8

7.7

7.7

The following table presents the Group’s assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value at 31 December 2021:

£m restated*

2021

Assets

Financial assets at FVOCI

– Listed equity investments

– Unlisted equity investments

Financial assets 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

–

–

–

–

0.3

–

0.1

0.4

–

0.9

0.9

–

14.9

29.5

–

44.4

1.5

2.6

4.1

1.5

15.2

29.5

0.1

46.3

1.5

3.5

5.0

*  See Note 2.29 for details of prior period restatement of financial assets at FVPL, financial assets at FVOCI and non-current trade and other receivables.

Level 1
Level 1 instruments are those whose fair values are based on quoted market prices.

Level 2
The fair value of derivative financial instruments relating to forward foreign exchange contracts 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.

The gross notional principal amounts of the outstanding forward foreign exchange contracts at 31 December 2022 
were £70.8m (2021: £53.2m). 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.

176

Annual report and accounts 2022

Level 3
If one or more of the significant inputs is not based on observable market data, the instrument is included in Level 3.

Financial assets held at FVOCI (unlisted equity investments) 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.

Financial assets held at FVPL included in Level 3 fall under two categories. The first, where the fair value of 
investment funds is based on underlying asset values determined by the Fund Manager’s quarterly financial 
statements. The second, where management have determined the fair value of convertible loans based upon the 
latest trading performance of the equity investments and cash flow forecasts of the investments and applying these 
to a discounted cash flow valuation. See Note 18.3 for the terms of these loans.

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 derivative financial liabilities classified as Level 3 relate to 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. These include a call 
option on the Savills IM Holdings Ltd group, under this agreement Samsung Life has the option to increase its interest 
by up to 10% over the next four 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 operating profits in the income 
statement. Derivative financial liabilities also include a put and call option on the remaining 40% of the Absolute 
Maintenance Services Pte Limited and Solute Pte Limited businesses (60% of which was acquired by the Group 
during 2022, see Note 18.6 for details of the acquisition). Under this agreement, after 2 years the Group has the option 
to purchase and the non-controlling interest holder has the option to request the Group to purchase an additional 
20%, with the remaining 20% after 5 years. This option is classed as non-current. The loss upon recognition has been 
recognised in reserves.

The following table presents the changes in Level 3 items for the period ended 31 December 2022.

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Additions

Disposals

Additions through business combinations (Note 18.6)

Remeasurement

Exchange movement

Closing balance 31 December 2022

Contingent
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assets at 
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(4.5)

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(0.6)

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(10.2)

–

4.9

29.5

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(1.0)

0.1

(0.4)

–

36.8

*  See Note 2.29 for details of prior period restatement of financial assets at FVPL, financial assets at FVOCI and non-current trade and other receivables.

177

 
 
Notes to the financial statements continued
Year ended 31 December 2022

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) Defined benefit pensions
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.

(d) Professional indemnity claims provisions
The Group and its subsidiaries are party to various legal claims, the level of professional indemnity provision held in 
relation to these claims are based upon advice from both internal legal teams and independent external counsel and 
are assessed on a case by case basis. Known claims could be inadequately provided for or additional claims could 
be made which might not be covered by existing provisions or by insurance. Further details are contained in Note 
26.1 and 30.

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 judgements made impact the value of the right-of-use assets and lease liabilities recognised in the statement of 
financial position upon initial recognition of a lease. 

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.

178

Annual report and accounts 2022

5. Revenue from contracts with customers
Revenue of £2,298.3m (2021: £2,147.0m) 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

2022
£m

2.4

7.4

60.7

70.5

68.1

2.4

70.5

14.0

14.0

2021
£m

3.4

9.3

65.8

78.5

75.1

3.4

78.5

14.5

14.5

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 
(2021: £0.2m).

All material 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.

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 £12.9m (2021: £7.3m).

Revenue recognised in the year from performance obligations satisfied in previous years was not material.

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179

 
 
Notes to the financial statements continued
Year ended 31 December 2022

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 and 5 and the segmental reviews on pages 22 to 26 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 a transaction-related call option in the current year, fair value gain on associates/joint 
ventures and fair value loss on a transaction-related call option 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 181.

The segment information provided to the GEB for revenue and underlying profit/(loss) for the year ended 
31 December 2022 is as follows:

Transaction
Advisory
£m

Consultancy
£m

Property and
Facilities
Management
£m

Investment
Management
£m

Unallocated
£m

Total
£m

118.9

208.3

327.2

129.8

145.3

24.3

169.6

303.5

930.1

20.4

35.1

55.5

(2.7)

13.4

3.4

16.8

2.3

71.9

202.0

46.4

248.4

44.3

87.4

–

87.4

33.8

278.7

48.7

327.4

109.2

404.9

–

404.9

–

53.3

–

53.3

51.7

7.8

–

7.8

–

413.9

841.5

112.8

21.8

6.2

28.0

4.9

2.9

–

2.9

1.8

37.6

21.2

4.7

25.9

3.3

21.0

–

21.0

–

50.2

8.7

–

8.7

11.8

0.7

–

0.7

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(16.3)

–

(16.3)

–

–

–

–

–

652.9

303.4

956.3

335.0

645.4

24.3

669.7

337.3

2,298.3

55.8

46.0

101.8

17.3

38.0

3.4

41.4

4.1

21.2

(16.3)

164.6

2022

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***

180

Annual report and accounts 2022

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

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

97.6

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

47.0

17.9

4.1

22.0

1.3

25.8

–

25.8

–

49.1

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

25.5

(18.9)

200.3

*  Revenues of £291.8m (2021: £286.3m) are attributable to the Hong Kong and Macau region. 

**  Revenues of £329.2m (2021: £287.4m) are attributable to the US. 

***  Transaction Advisory underlying profit before tax includes depreciation of £31.8m (2021: £31.6m), software amortisation of £2.2m (2021: £1.7m) and share 
of post-tax profit from joint ventures and associates of £3.2m (2021: £3.7m). Consultancy underlying profit before tax includes depreciation of £9.4m 
(2021: £7.6m), software amortisation of £0.7m (2021: £0.4m) and share of post-tax profit from joint ventures and associates of £0.3m (2021: £0.2m loss). 
Property and Facilities Management underlying profit before tax includes depreciation of £16.1m (2021: £15.8m), software amortisation of £1.5m (2021: £1.3m) 
and share of post-tax profit from joint ventures and associates of £8.6m (2021: £8.0m). Investment Management underlying profit before tax includes 
depreciation of £2.1m (2021: £1.8m) and software amortisation of £0.5m (2021: £0.1m) and share of post-tax gain from associates of £nil (2021: £1.1m). Included 
in Other underlying loss is depreciation of £6.4m (2021: £6.6m) and software amortisation of £2.0m (2021: £2.6m). 

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 2022 and 2021.

Non-current assets by geography are set out below:

Non-current assets

United Kingdom

CEME

Asia Pacific

North America*

Total non-current assets

2022
£m

2021
£m

287.1

145.7

156.9

294.6

884.3

324.2

143.9

153.4

269.1

890.6

*  Total non-current assets of £291.8m (2021: £265.8m) are attributable to the US.

Non-current assets include goodwill and intangible assets, plant, property and equipment, right-of-use assets, 
contract-related assets, non-current non-financial assets, and investments in joint ventures and associates. Defined 
benefit pension surplus, non-current financials assets and deferred tax assets are not included.

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181

 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements continued
Year ended 31 December 2022

7. Operating profit
7.1 Operating profit
Operating profit is stated after charging/(crediting):

In employee benefit expense

– 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 (including net (gains)/losses on 

forward foreign exchange contracts)

– Transaction-related costs: deferred consideration revisions

– Transaction-related costs: other

– Impairment of right-of-use asset

– Impairment of fixed assets

– Expense relating to short-term leases

– Expense relating to variable lease payments not included in lease liabilities

In other net gains

– Dividends from financial assets 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

– Dividends from financial assets held at FVPL

–  Fair value gain on step acquisitions of subsidiaries previously classified as 

associates/joint ventures

– Profit on disposal of joint ventures and associates

– Fair value (gain)/loss on derivative financial instrument

Group

2022
£m

0.1

15.4

47.2

2.0

(0.7)

(1.6)

1.4

–

0.8

1.0

1.3

(0.1)

–

(0.1)

–

–

(0.1)

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

Other operating expenses includes £225.8m of contract costs (2021: £190.3m), there are no other cost categories 
within other operating expenses that are individually materially significant.

7.2 Fees payable to the Company’s auditors, Ernst & Young 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

2022

£m

2021*

£m

0.8

3.3

4.1

0.3

4.4

0.7

2.6

3.3

0.3

3.6

*  2021 updated for fees relating to services agreed subsequent to the issue of the Group’s 2021 Report and Accounts. 

Audit–related assurance services relates to the work performed in connection with the Group’s interim financial 
statements and regulatory audits.

182

Annual report and accounts 2022

7.3 Government subsidies
During the year, the Group received £nil (2021: £9.6m) of wage-related subsidies from governments globally in 
respect of employment support schemes due to the COVID-19 pandemic. After repayments and other provisions, 
the net positive impact of such receipts on the Group’s operating profit in the year was £nil (2021: £4.4m).

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 on disposal of joint ventures

Restructuring costs

Transaction-related costs

Fair value gain on step acquisitions of subsidiaries previously classified as 
associates/joint ventures

Fair value (gain)/loss on transaction-related call option

2022
£m

153.9

9.9

–

(14.7)

–

0.1

15.5

–

(0.1)

2021
£m

183.1

8.1 

5.2

(10.8)

(0.4)

0.3

17.0

(4.0)

1.8

Underlying profit before tax

164.6

200.3

There have been no impairments of goodwill and intangible assets arising from business combinations recognised 
in the current year. Impairment of goodwill in the prior year relates to the Indonesia and Sweden cash-generating 
units. Impairment of intangible assets arising from business combinations in the prior year relate to property 
management contracts in South Korea and Japanese investment management contracts relating to closed funds. 
See Note 15 for further details.

In the prior year, profit on disposal recognised primarily in relation to the disposal of holdings in joint ventures 
in China.

Restructuring costs includes costs of integration activities in relation to significant business acquisitions. 
Restructuring costs in the current and prior year relate primarily to the ongoing IFRS 2 ‘Share-based Payment’ 
charge for deferred shares, with a five-year vesting period, issued in relation to the restructuring upon acquisition 
of Aguirre Newman SA (‘Aguirre Newman’) in 2017.

Transaction-related costs includes a £14.8m charge for future consideration payments which are contingent on 
the continuity of recipients’ employment in the future (2021: £13.9m). In the current year, a significant portion of 
the charge related to the acquisition of DRC Capital LLP (‘DRC’) in 2021. In the prior year, the largest individual 
components of this charge related to the acquisition of DRC and the acquisition of Macro Consultants LLC in 2020. In 
the current year, transaction-related costs also consist of £1.4m of professional advisory transaction fees (2021: £1.1m) 
and £0.3m of interest on deferred consideration and non-current future payments in relation to business acquisitions 
that are linked to employment (2021: £0.6m). In the current year, transaction-related costs included a £0.6m (2021: 
£1.4m) charge relating to prepaid amounts issued as part of business acquisitions that are linked to continued active 
engagement in the business. 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 current 
year, transaction-related costs also consist of a £1.6m credit (2021: £nil) for fair value changes to contingent deferred 
consideration not related to continuity of employment.

In the prior year, a fair value gain was recognised on the remeasurement 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. 

In the current year, a fair value gain of £0.1m 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 
five-year term (2021: fair value loss of £1.8m).

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183

 
 
Notes to the financial statements continued
Year ended 31 December 2022

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

2022
£m

780.1

557.3

1,337.4

103.9

38.1

30.4

2021
£m

688.0

567.2

1,255.2

98.4

35.8

23.7

1,509.8

1,413.1

2022
£m

11.4

7.9

19.3

2.5

0.6

2.9

25.3

2021
£m

10.7

8.6

19.3

3.1

0.6

3.3

26.3

In the prior year, 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 offset 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

2022

9,036

2,888

27,462

945

2021

8,840

2,525

27,813

912

2022

178

–

–

–

40,331

40,090

178

2021

171

–

–

–

171

The average number of UK employees (including Directors) during the year included 116 employed under fixed-term 
and temporary contracts (2021: 117).

9.3 Key management compensation

Key management

– Short-term employee benefits

– Post-employment benefits

– Share-based payments

Group

Company

2022
£m

17.4

0.1

4.9

22.4

2021
£m

26.7

0.1

3.6

30.4

2022
£m

4.3

0.1

2.1

6.5

2021
£m

5.4

0.1

1.8

7.3

The key management of the Group for the year ended 31 December 2022 comprised the Board of Directors and 
the GEB members. The key management of the Company for the year ended 31 December 2022 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 114 to 134.

During the year, six (2021: eight) GEB members made aggregate gains totalling £3.3m (2021: £2.7m) on the exercise 
of options under PSP, DSBP and DSP schemes (2021: DSBP and DSP schemes). For the Company, three (2021: three) 
members of key management made aggregate gains totalling £1.9m (2021: £1.4m) on the exercise of options under 
PSP and DSBP schemes (2021: DSBP schemes).

Retirement benefits under the defined benefit scheme are accruing for two (2021: three) GEB members and 
benefits are accruing under a defined contribution scheme in Hong Kong for two (2021: two) GEB members. 
For the Company, retirement benefits under the defined benefit scheme are accruing for one (2021: one) 
Executive Directors.

184

Annual report and accounts 2022

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 £38.1m (2021: £35.8m). The amount 
outstanding as at 31 December 2022 in relation to defined contribution schemes within current trade and other 
payables is £2.9m (2021: £2.3m).

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 2022 and has been updated to 31 December 
2022 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 2022 by a qualified 
independent actuary.

The table below outlines the Group’s and Company’s defined benefit pension amounts in relation to the UK Plan:

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Net interest income included in finance income

Actuarial gain included in other comprehensive income

Group

Company

2022
£m

(22.3)

(0.4)

(4.5)

2021
£m

(17.4)

–

(19.8)

2022
£m

(1.2)

–

(0.2)

2021
£m

(1.0)

–

(1.1)

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 in the statement of financial position

Group

Company

2022
£m

186.7

(209.0)

(22.3)

2021
£m

301.7

(319.1)

(17.4)

2022
£m

10.3

(11.5)

(1.2)

2021
£m

16.6

(17.6)

(1.0)

185

 
 
Notes to the financial statements continued
Year ended 31 December 2022

10. Pension schemes continued
10.2 Defined benefit plan continued
The movement in the defined benefit asset for the UK Plan over the year is as follows:

(6.4)

(0.5)

0.7

–

(1.2)

Total
£m

0.1

–

At 1 January 2022

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

Benefit payments

Present 
value of 
obligation
£m

301.7

6.0

Group

Fair value 
of plan 
assets
£m

(319.1)

(6.4)

Present 
value of 
obligation
£m

Company

Fair value 
 of plan 
assets
£m

16.6

0.3

(17.6)

(0.3)

Total
£m

(17.4)

(0.4)

Total
£m

(1.0)

–

–

108.7

108.7

–

6.0

6.0

(115.9)

(9.0)

11.7

(7.8)

–

–

–

7.8

(115.9)

(6.4)

(9.0)

11.7

–

(0.5)

0.7

(0.4)

10.3

–

–

–

0.4

(11.5)

At 31 December 2022

186.7

(209.0)

(22.3)

Present 
value of 
obligation
£m

Group

Fair value 
of plan 
assets
£m

333.0

(330.4)

4.6

(4.6)

Present 
value of 
obligation
£m

Company

Fair value 
of plan 
assets
£m

18.4

0.3

(18.3)

(0.3)

Total
£m

2.6

–

At 1 January 2021

Interest expense/(income)

Remeasurements:

–  Loss on plan assets, excluding amounts 

included in interest income

–

9.6

9.6

–

0.6

0.6

–  Gain from change in financial 

assumptions

–  Gain from change in demographic 

assumptions

– Experience gains

Employer contributions

Benefit payments

At 31 December 2021

(25.1)

(1.5)

(2.7)

–

(6.6)

–

–

–

(0.3)

6.6

(25.1)

(1.4)

(1.5)

(2.7)

(0.3)

–

(0.1)

(0.2)

–

(0.4)

16.6

301.7

(319.1)

(17.4)

The table below outlines the Group’s defined benefit pension amounts in relation to the SFM Plan:

Asset in the statement of financial position

Actuarial gain included in other comprehensive income

–

–

–

–

0.4

(17.6)

SFM Plan

2022
£m

(3.2)

(2.0)

(1.4)

(0.1)

(0.2)

–

–

(1.0)

2021
£m

(0.7)

(1.8)

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.

186

Annual report and accounts 2022

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 in the statement of financial position

The movement in the defined benefit asset for the SFM Plan over the year is as follows:

SFM Plan

2022
£m

9.9

(13.1)

(3.2)

2021
£m

13.5

(14.2)

(0.7)

At 1 January 2022

Interest expense/(income)

Remeasurements:

– Loss on plan assets, excluding amounts included in interest income

– Gain from change in demographic assumptions

– Experience losses

Employer contributions

Benefit payments

Exchange movement

At 31 December 2022

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

SFM Plan

Present value 
of obligation
£m

Fair value
of plan assets
£m

13.5

0.2

–

(4.4)

0.3

–

(0.4)

0.7

9.9

(14.2)

(0.2)

2.1

–

–

(0.5)

0.4

(0.7)

(13.1)

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)

Total
£m

(0.7)

–

2.1

(4.4)

0.3

(0.5)

–

–

(3.2)

Total
£m

1.7

0.1

(0.4)

(0.6)

(0.8)

(0.4)

–

(0.3)

(0.7)

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187

 
 
Notes to the financial statements continued
Year ended 31 December 2022

10. Pension schemes continued
10.2 Defined benefit plan continued
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

UK Plan

2022

2021

2022

2.50%

2.25%

2.20%

2.20%

2.50%

2.25%

2.25%

1.75%

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

4.24%

2.20%

1.35%

1.75%

3.25%

–

–

–

3.00%

3.00%

2.00%

5.00%

2.60%

2.50%

4.80%

3.20%

2021

3.25%

–

–

–

3.00%

3.10%

2.20%

5.00%

2.50%

2.50%

2.00%

3.20%

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

– Female

Retiring 20 years after the end of the reporting year

– Male

– Female

SFM Plan

UK Plan

2022

85.6

89.0

88.4

91.3

2021

85.5

88.9

88.2

91.1

2022

88.1

89.8

89.8

91.5

2021

88.3

90.0

90.0

91.7

The sensitivity of the defined benefit obligations to changes in the principal assumptions is:

1% increase in discount rates

1% increase in inflation rate

1% increase in salary increase rate

1 year increase in life expectancy

SFM Plan

UK Plan

Impact on present 
value of scheme 
obligations  

Impact on present 
value of scheme 
obligations  

£m

(1.3)

0.9

–

0.4

£m

(27.4)

11.7

0.8

6.0

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.

188

Annual report and accounts 2022

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

2022

2021

Quoted
£m

Unquoted
£m

Total
£m

Quoted
£m

Unquoted
£m

%

Total
£m

%

44.1

2.7

32.0

78.8

–

–

–

–

44.1

22%

75.8

2.7

1%

32.0

15%

0.5

17.6

78.8

38%

93.9

–

–

–

–

–

35.5

35.5

17%

–

32.4

75.8

24%

0.5

17.6

93.9

32.4

–

5%

29%

10%

23.4

17.1

18.5

137.8

35.7

59.1

28%

119.3

26.9

146.2

46%

–

–

17.1

18.5

8%

1.8

9% 44.8

–

–

1.8

44.8

1%

14%

71.2 209.0 100%  259.8

59.3

319.1

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. 

**  A portfolio of primarily mortgage backed securities and loans. 

The sensitivity of the above Plan assets is as follows:

1% increase in discount rates*

1% increase in inflation rate

* Sensitivity to a change in government bond yields with unchanged credit spreads. 

UK Plan

Impact on 
value of Plan 
assets
£m

(30.0)

12.5

Investment funds

Total

SFM Plan

2022

2021

Unquoted
£m

13.2

13.2

%

100%

100%

Unquoted
£m

14.2

14.2

%

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.

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189

 
 
Notes to the financial statements continued
Year ended 31 December 2022

10. Pension schemes continued
10.2 Defined benefit plan continued
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 2023 are £0.5m. 
The Company expects to contribute £nil.

The weighted average duration of the defined benefit obligations is 17 years for the UK Plan and 13 years for the 
SFM Plan.

Expected maturity analysis of the undiscounted pension benefits:

Less than
a year
£m

Between
1–2 years
£m

Between
2–5 years
£m

8.4

0.5

14.0

0.5

25.8

1.5

Over
5 years
£m

431.5

16.5

Total
£m

479.7

19.0

Group

2022
£m

13.3

0.4

13.7

(8.5)

(0.5)

(9.0)

–

2021
£m

1.9

–

1.9

(5.5)

(0.8)

(8.9)

(0.1)

(18.0) 

(15.3) 

(4.3)

(13.4)

At 31 December 2022

Pension benefit payments

– UK Plan

– SFM Plan

11. Finance income and costs

Bank interest receivable

Net interest on defined benefit pension assets

Finance income

Bank interest payable

Unwinding of discounts on liabilities

Finance charges on lease liabilities

Net interest on defined benefit pension obligations

Finance costs 

Net finance cost

190

Annual report and accounts 2022

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

2022
£m

2021
£m

15.9

2.8

18.7

22.2

0.9

41.8

4.0

(2.1)

(6.1)

–

(3.5)

(7.7)

34.1

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

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% (2021: 19%) applicable to profits of the consolidated entities as follows:

Profit before income tax

Tax on profit at 19% (2021: 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

2022
£m

153.9

29.3

0.2

3.6

(0.8)

7.1

(0.6)

(2.6)

(2.1)

34.1

2021
£m

183.1

34.8

(1.3)

3.9

(0.4)

3.5

(1.6)

(2.0)

(0.5)

36.4

The effective tax rate of the Group for the year ended 31 December 2021 is 22.2% (2021: 19.9%), which is higher 
(2021: higher) 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.

A full analysis has not yet been completed on the impact of the OECD’s Pillar Two Model Rules. The Group does not 
generally operate in low tax jurisdictions however, as a result the impact is not expected to be materially significant.

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.

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191

 
 
Notes to the financial statements continued
Year ended 31 December 2022

12. Income tax expense continued
The tax (charged)/credited to other comprehensive income is as follows:

Tax on items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss

Deferred tax on remeasurement of defined benefit 
pension scheme

Current tax 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

Deferred tax on foreign exchange reserves

Tax on items relating to components of other 
comprehensive income

The tax (charged)/credited to reserves is as follows:

Current tax on employee benefits

Deferred tax on employee benefits

Current tax on IFRS 16 lease recognition release

Deferred tax on IFRS 16 recognition release

Current tax on foreign exchange reserve 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 12.75p per share (2020: 17.0p)

Supplemental interim dividend of 15.6p per share (2020: £nil)

Special dividend of 27.05p per share (2020: £nil)

In respect of the current year

Interim dividend of 6.6p per share (2021: 6.0p)

Group

Company

2022
£m

2021
£m

2022
£m

2021
£m

(1.5)

–

–

(2.4)

(3.9)

–

–

(4.3)

0.1

(0.1)

(1.0)

(5.3)

(0.1)

(0.1)

–

–

–

(0.1)

(0.1)

–

–

(0.2)

–

–

(0.1)

(0.3)

–

–

(3.9)

(5.4)

(0.1)

(0.3)

Group

Company

2022
£m

0.4

(3.0)

0.2

(0.2)

0.3

(2.3)

2021
£m

4.3

0.3

0.2

0.2

0.3

5.3

2022
£m

0.1

(0.7)

0.1

(0.1)

–

(0.6)

2021
£m

0.5

0.4

0.1

0.2

–

1.2

Group

Company

2022
£m

2021
£m

2022
£m

2021
£m

17.6

21.6

37.4

8.9

85.5

23.6

–

–

8.3

31.9

17.8

21.8

37.8

9.1

86.5

23.8

–

–

8.4

32.2

The Group paid £0.4m (2021: £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.

192

Annual report and accounts 2022

The Board recommends a final dividend of 13.4p per ordinary share (amounting to £19.3m), alongside the 
supplemental interim dividend of 15.6p per ordinary share (amounting to £22.5m), to be paid on 22 May 2023 to 
Shareholders on the register at 11 April 2023. These financial statements do not reflect this dividend payable.

The total paid and recommended ordinary and supplemental dividend for the 2022 financial year comprises an 
aggregate distribution of 35.6p per ordinary share (2021: 61.4p per ordinary share, which included a 27.05p special 
dividend 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 (2022 closing: 6,780,308 shares, 2021 closing: 4,644,019 shares) and the Rabbi Trust 
(2022 closing: 1,914,869 shares, 2021 closing: 1,440,484 shares).

For diluted earnings per share, the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue is adjusted to assume 
conversion of dilutive potential ordinary shares, being the share options granted to employees where the 
exercise price is less than the average market price of the Company’s ordinary shares during the year and where 
performance conditions have been met.

The earnings and the shares used in the calculations are as follows:

Basic earnings per share

Effect of additional shares issuable 
under option

Diluted earnings per share

2022
Earnings
£m

119.4

2022
Shares
million

137.3

–

7.9

119.4

145.2

2022
EPS
pence

87.0

(4.8)

82.2

2021
Earnings
£m

146.2

2021
Shares
million

139.4

–

7.1

146.2

146.5

14.2 Underlying basic and diluted earnings per share

Basic earnings per share

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 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 (gain)/loss on transaction-
related call option

2022
Earnings
£m

119.4

7.6

–

(11.9)

–

0.1

15.3

–

(0.1)

2022
Shares
million

137.3

2022
EPS
pence

87.0

2021
Earnings
£m

146.2

2021
Shares
million

139.4

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

139.4

5.5

6.5

–

(8.7)

–

0.1

11.1

5.4

(9.0)

(0.4)

0.4

15.5

–

(4.0)

1.8

162.4

(0.1)

94.9

(5.1)

89.8

Underlying basic earnings per share

130.4

137.3

Effect of additional shares issuable 
under option

–

7.9

Underlying diluted earnings per share

130.4

145.2

–

7.1

162.4

146.5

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.

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EPS
pence

104.9

(5.1)

99.8

2021
EPS
pence

104.9

4.7

3.9

(6.5)

(0.3)

0.3

11.1

(2.9)

1.3

116.5

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110.9

 
 
Notes to the financial statements continued
Year ended 31 December 2022

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 2022 restated*

463.8

40.8

58.7

3.5

4.6

38.4 609.8

10.0

Additions through business 
combinations (Note 18.6)

Other additions

Disposals

Exchange movement

At 31 December 2022

Accumulated amortisation 
and impairment

13.4

–

–

27.6

504.8

1.9

–

–

1.7

44.4

1.1

–

(1.1)

0.7

59.4

At 1 January 2022

52.2

22.0

26.6

Amortisation charge for the year

Disposals

Exchange movement

At 31 December 2022

Net book value

At 31 December 2022

–

–

3.2

55.4

3.3

–

0.7

26.0

5.6

(1.1)

0.7

31.8

–

–

–

0.3

3.8

2.1

0.6

–

0.2

2.9

–

–

–

0.1

4.7

1.8

0.4

–

0.1

2.3

0.5

7.0

16.9

7.0

(1.9)

(3.0)

1.2

31.6

–

–

–

–

45.2 662.3

10.0

20.9 125.6

7.0

16.9

(0.6)

(1.7)

0.9

5.8

6.2

2.0

–

–

28.2 146.6

8.2

449.4

18.4

27.6

0.9

2.4

17.0 515.7

1.8

* 

 See Note 18.6 for details of prior period restatement of goodwill and trade and other receivables in relation to a measurement period adjustment in 
accordance with IFRS 3.

During the year, goodwill and intangible assets were tested for impairment in accordance with IAS 36. No 
impairment charge has been recognised during the year. In the prior year, 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 carrying amount of intangible assets with indefinite useful lives totals £2.0m as at 31 December 2022 
(2021: £2.0m), which consists of investment management contracts in relation to open-ended funds. An £0.8m 
impairment charge was recognised in the prior year in relation to Japanese investment management contracts 
where revenue was no longer expected to be generated from these contracts.

Investment and property management contracts includes the investment management contract asset identified on 
the acquisition of DRC in May 2021. This intangible asset is amortised over six years, with the amortisation period 
ending in May 2027. The carrying value of this intangible asset as at 31 December 2022 totals £13.0m (2021: £16.0m).

All intangible amortisation charges in the year are disclosed on the face of the income statement.

194

Annual report and accounts 2022

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 2021

429.1

29.2

41.6

3.6

1.7

33.8 539.0

9.9

At 31 December 2021 restated*

463.8

Additions through business 
combinations restated*

Other additions

Disposals

Exchange movement

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

At 31 December 2021

40.9

11.9

17.7

–

–

(6.2)

49.7

–

4.1

–

(1.6)

52.2

–

–

(0.3)

40.8

19.7

2.6

–

–

(0.3)

22.0

–

–

(0.6)

58.7

21.6

4.5

1.1

–

(0.6)

26.6

–

–

–

(0.1)

3.5

1.5

0.6

–

–

–

2.1

2.9

–

–

–

0.1

5.9

73.5

5.9

(1.0)

(1.0)

(0.4)

(7.6)

–

0.1

–

–

4.6

38.4 609.8

10.0

1.5

0.4

–

–

(0.1)

1.8

15.8

109.8

6.1

–

14.2

5.2

(0.7)

(0.7)

(0.3)

(2.9)

3.6

2.6

–

–

–

20.9

125.6

6.2

411.6

18.8

32.1

1.4

2.8

17.5 484.2

3.8

* 

 See Note 18.6 for details of prior period restatement of goodwill and trade and other receivables in relation to a measurement period adjustment in 
accordance with IFRS 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 CGUs have been grouped to an extent which represent 
the lowest level at which goodwill is internally monitored and tested for impairment annually. A segment-level 
summary of the allocation of goodwill and indefinite useful life intangible assets is presented below:

2022

United Kingdom

CEME

Asia Pacific

North America

Total goodwill and indefinite 
life intangible assets

Transaction
Advisory
£m

Consultancy
£m

Property and
Facilities
Management
£m

Investment
Management
£m

29.3

60.2

20.6

164.5

12.9

19.6

5.9

10.2

30.9

21.1

37.8

–

32.2

4.8

1.4

–

Total
£m

105.3

105.7

65.7

174.7

Goodwill
£m

103.3

105.7

65.7

174.7

Indefinite
life
intangible
assets*
£m

2.0

–

–

–

274.6

48.6

89.8

38.4

451.4

449.4

2.0

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Notes to the financial statements continued
Year ended 31 December 2022

15. Goodwill and intangible assets continued

2021

United Kingdom

CEME

Asia Pacific

North America

Transaction
Advisory
£m

Consultancy
£m

Property and
Facilities
Management
£m

Investment
Management
£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

4.6

1.4

–

Total
£m

101.3

100.6

54.9

156.5

Goodwill
£m

99.3

100.6

54.9

156.5

Indefinite
life
intangible
assets*
£m

2.0

–

–

–

Total goodwill and indefinite 
life intangible assets

253.3

44.9

79.3

35.8

413.3

411.3

2.0

* 

Indefinite life intangible assets relate to investment management contracts. 

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 to 
which the CGU relates. Cash flows beyond this are extrapolated using perpetuity 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 2023 to 2025 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
Future cash flows are discounted using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the 
time value of money. The discount rate used in each CGU is adjusted for the risk specific to the asset, including the 
countries in which cash flow will be generated, for which the future cash flow estimates have not been adjusted. The 
pre-tax discount rates have been derived using a post-tax weighted average cost of capital (‘WACC’) methodology. 
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:

United Kingdom

Continental Europe

Asia Pacific

North America

Middle East

2022
Discount rate
range

12.0%

2021
Discount rate
range

10.6%

11.3% – 16.0%

9.6% – 13.7%

10.9% – 16.5%

9.8% – 13.7%

12.3% – 12.5%

11.1% – 11.6%

14.6%

11.3%

196

Annual report and accounts 2022

(c) Perpetuity growth rates
To forecast beyond the five years covered by detailed forecasts, a terminal value was calculated, using perpetuity 
growth rates. The rates are based on the long-term growth rates in the countries in which the Group operates. The 
perpetuity growth rates used in each region for impairment testing are as follows:

United Kingdom
Continental Europe
Asia Pacific
North America
Middle East

2022
Long-term
growth rate
range

1.7%
1.1% – 3.3%
0.8% – 6.8%
1.7% – 1.9%
2.9%

2021
Long-term
growth rate
range

1.8%
1.0% – 2.9%
0.8% – 6.9%
1.8% – 1.9%
3.0%

15.3 Sensitivity to changes in assumptions
Management have determined that there has been no impairment to the CGUs within 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 2022 however following significant increases in the discount rate, 
a number of CGUs have limited headroom. The US and Middle East 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 2022.

The key assumption applied to the US CGU relates to the average underlying operating profit margin of 5.9% over the 
five year forecast period. The headroom in the value-in-use model for this CGU of £108.7m (41%) would be reduced to nil 
if the average underlying operating profit margin decreased to 4.2% (applied evenly across the explicit forecast periods, 
all other variables remaining constant). Similarly, in the Middle East CGU the key assumptions relate to the average 
underlying operating profit margin of 7.4% and average revenue growth of 10.4% over the five year forecast period. 
The headroom in the value-in-use model for this CGU of £5.0m (26%) would be reduced to nil if the average underlying 
operating profit margin decreased to 6.3% or the average revenue growth decreased to 6.3% (applied evenly across 
the explicit forecast periods, all other variables remaining constant).

16. Property, plant and equipment

Group

Cost
At 1 January 2022

Additions

Additions through business combinations (Note 18.6)

Reclassification to equipment and motor vehicles

Disposals

Exchange movement

At 31 December 2022

Accumulated depreciation and impairment
At 1 January 2022

Charge for the year

Impairment

Disposals

Exchange movement

At 31 December 2022

Net book value
At 31 December 2022

Freehold
property
£m

Leasehold
improvements
£m

Equipment
and motor
vehicles
£m

0.1

–

–

–

–

–

91.9

6.1

3.4

(0.7)

(0.2)

4.3

0.1

104.8

–

–

–

–

–

–

47.4

7.8

0.8

–

2.0

58.0

71.2

13.7

2.0

0.7

(4.9)

4.0

86.7

49.5

8.8

–

(4.7)

3.0

56.6

Total
£m

163.2

19.8

5.4

–

(5.1)

8.3

191.6

96.9

16.6

0.8

(4.7)

5.0

114.6

0.1

46.8

30.1

77.0

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Notes to the financial statements continued
Year ended 31 December 2022

16. Property, plant and equipment continued

Group

Cost

At 1 January 2021

Additions

Additions through business combinations

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

Company

Cost

At 1 January 2022

Additions

At 31 December 2022

Accumulated depreciation and impairment

At 1 January 2022

Charge for the year

At 31 December 2022

Net book value

At 31 December 2022

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

Equipment
£m

0.1

–

0.1

–

–

–

0.1

8.9

1.5

10.4

5.7

1.4

7.1

3.3

Total
£m

9.0

1.5

10.5

5.7

1.4

7.1

3.4

198

Annual report and accounts 2022

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

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

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 2022

Additions

Additions through business combinations (Note 18.6)

Disposals/lease modifications

Exchange movement

At 31 December 2022

Accumulated depreciation and impairment

At 1 January 2022

Charge for the year

Disposals/lease modifications

Exchange movement

At 31 December 2022

Net book value

At 31 December 2022

Leasehold
properties
£m

Equipment
and motor
vehicles
£m

Total right- 
of-use assets
£m

338.4

29.2

2.7

10.0

348.4

1.7

–

30.9

2.7

(18.6)

(3.6)

(22.2)

16.9

368.6

110.4

47.2

(15.4)

6.2

148.4

0.4

8.5

5.4

2.0

17.3

377.1

115.8

49.2

(2.8)

(18.2)

0.3

4.9

6.5

153.3

220.2

3.6

223.8

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Notes to the financial statements continued
Year ended 31 December 2022

17. Right-of-use assets continued

Group

Cost

At 1 January 2021

Additions

Additions through business combinations

Reclassifications from property, plant and equipment

Disposals/lease modifications

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/lease modifications

Exchange movement

At 31 December 2021

Net book value

At 31 December 2021

Company

Cost

At 1 January 2022

Additions

Disposal relating to sub-let*

At 31 December 2022

Accumulated depreciation and impairment

At 1 January 2022

Charge for the year

Disposal relating to sub-let*

At 31 December 2022

Net book value

At 31 December 2022

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

Right-of- 
use assets
– Leasehold
properties
£m

64.9

0.7

(9.8)

55.8

15.5

5.0

(4.7)

15.8

40.0

* 

 Upon de-recognition of the right-of-use asset in relation to the sub-let space, a net investment in a sublease has been recognised as an asset on the Company 
Statement of Financial Position (£8.1m). The difference between this net investment and the carrying value of the right-of-use asset disposed of (£5.1m) has 
been recognised as a £3.0m gain on disposal in the Company’s profit and loss. The lease liability in relation to the head lease is retained in the Company’s 
Statement of Financial Position.

200

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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

Refer to Note 25 for further information on the Group’s leases.

18. Investments and transactions
18.1 Group – Investments in joint ventures and associates

Cost or valuation

At 1 January 2022

Additions

Disposals

Exchange movement

At 31 December 2022

Share of profit

At 1 January 2022

Group’s share of profit from continuing operations

Dividends received

Exchange movement

At 31 December 2022

Total

At 31 December 2022

Joint ventures

Associates

Investment
£m

Investment
£m

Goodwill
£m

9.7

0.4

(0.1)

1.0

11.0

15.5

8.8

(7.1)

1.3

18.5

2.3

–

–

0.2

2.5

4.9

3.3

(4.2)

0.6

4.6

0.4

–

–

–

0.4

–

–

–

–

–

29.5

7.1

0.4

7.5

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

Total
£m

2.7

–

–

0.2

2.9

4.9

3.3

(4.2)

0.6

4.6

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Notes to the financial statements continued
Year ended 31 December 2022

18. Investments and transactions continued
18.1 Group – Investments in joint ventures and associates continued

Joint ventures

Associates

Investment
£m

Loans
£m

Total
£m

Investment
£m

Loans
£m

Goodwill
£m

Cost or valuation

At 1 January 2021

Loans advanced

Reclassification

Additions

Disposals

Fair value remeasurement 
recognised in the income 
statement

Transfer upon subsidiary 
acquisition

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

Exchange movement

At 31 December 2021

Total

At 31 December 2021

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

11.6

6.6

(6.6)

–

3.7

0.2

15.5

–

2.3

6.4

6.0

(6.0)

(1.3)

–

(0.2)

4.9

25.2

7.2

0.7

–

(0.7)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Total
£m

18.1

–

(0.7)

0.3

–

2.8

14.9

–

–

–

–

–

(14.5)

(17.8)

–

0.4

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

2.7

6.4

6.0

(6.0)

(1.3)

–

(0.2)

4.9

0.4

7.6

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.

202

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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

Vucity Ltd

Income Analytics Ltd

Daishin GK Canal

Thirdfort Ltd

Home Click Pte Ltd

EDGE Minami Aoyama

YOPA Property Ltd

Savills Property Services (India) Private Ltd

Other smaller investments

2022
£m

2021
restated*
£m

0.8

1.8

0.7

0.7

0.3

0.2

0.2

–

–

1.0

5.7

1.5

4.4

0.7

0.7

–

0.2

0.2

7.5

0.2

1.3

6.7

*  See Note 2.29 for details of prior period restatement of financial assets at FVOCI. 

During the year, the Group has revalued its investments in YOPA Property Ltd and Vucity Ltd in light of current 
trading performance, and economic conditions, reducing the carrying values by £7.5m and £2.9m respectively. 
All changes in fair value have been recognised through other comprehensive income. In the prior year, the Group 
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.

Equity investments at FVOCI are denominated in the following currencies:

Sterling

Japanese yen

Other

*  See Note 2.29 for details of prior period restatement of financial assets at FVOCI.

Refer to Note 3.8 for information about methods and assumptions used in determining fair value.

2022
£m

3.8

1.0

0.9

5.7

2021
restated*
£m

14.6

1.3

0.8

16.7

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203

 
 
Notes to the financial statements continued
Year ended 31 December 2022

18. Investments and transactions continued
18.3 Group – Financial assets at fair value through profit and loss (‘FVPL’)

Convertible loans

Instruments held in investment funds

2022 
£m

15.9

20.9

36.8

2021 
restated* 
£m

15.8

13.7

29.5

Convertible loans 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 the end of 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.

Refer to Note 3.8 for movement analysis of financial assets at FVPL. 

At 31 December 2022 the Group held conditional commitments to co-invest in a number of Savills IM funds 
including, £nil in the Savills IM Japan Value Fund II (2021: £0.7m), £3.7m in the Asia Pacific Income and Growth Fund 
(2021: £5.0m) over the next three years, £1.8m in Savills IM UK Value Boxes Fund FCP-RAIF over the next two years 
(2021: £3.6m), £2.0m in DRC ERED Fund IV over the next two years (2021: £nil), £3.2m in VESALF II over the three 
years (2021: £nil), £2.8m in the Savills IM UK Value Add Residential Fund over the next two years (2021: £nil) and £nil 
(2021: £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.

18.4 Company – Investments in subsidiaries

At 1 January 2021

Increase due to IFRS 2 share-based payment 
contribution to subsidiaries

Increase due to capital contribution to EBT

Decrease due to EBT contributions from 
subsidiaries

Decrease due to write-off of investment in EBT 
upon exercise of options

At 31 December 2021

Increase due to IFRS 2 share-based payment 
contribution to subsidiaries

Increase due to capital contribution to EBT

Decrease due to EBT contributions from 
subsidiaries

Decrease due to write-off of investment in EBT 
upon exercise of options

At 31 December 2022

Investments 
in subsidiaries 
indirectly owned – 
share-based payment 
contribution
£m

67.3

20.4

–

Investments 
in EBT
£m

–

–

36.7

Total
£m

148.8

20.4

36.7

(17.8)

–

(17.8)

–

69.9

27.5

–

(13.1)

23.6

–

37.3

(13.1)

175.0

27.5

37.3

(45.9)

–

(45.9)

–

51.5

(17.5)

43.4

(17.5)

176.4

Direct investments 
in subsidiaries
£m

81.5

–

–

–

–

81.5

–

–

–

–

81.5

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.

204

Annual report and accounts 2022

18.5 Non-controlling interests

Material non-controlling interests
The total non-controlling interest at the end of the year is £37.2m (2021: £29.2m). The majority of non-controlling 
interests in respect of the Group’s subsidiaries where 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 (31 December 2022: £33.7m, 31 December 2021: £28.2m). The profit after tax allocated to the non-controlling 
interest of the Savills IM Group for the year ended 31 December 2022 was £0.2m (31 December 2021: £nil).

Savills IM Group

Non-current assets

Current assets

Current liabilities

Non-current liabilities

Net assets

Revenue

Profit after tax

31 December 
2022
£m

31 December 
2021
£m

110.0

105.3

(47.0)

(33.5)

134.8

112.7

1.1

90.2

77.3

(39.5)

(15.3)

112.7

111.8

15.8

A reconciliation of non-controlling interest is as follows:

Non-
controlling 
interest in 
Savills IM 
Group
£m

Savills IM 
Group net 
assets
£m

Other non-
controlling 
interests
£m

Total non-
controlling 
interest
£m

Balance at 1 January 2022

112.7

28.2

1.0

29.2

Profit for the year

Other comprehensive income/(loss):

Remeasurement of defined benefit pension scheme

Tax on items taken to other comprehensive income

Currency translation differences

Total comprehensive income for the year

Employee share option scheme: value of services provided

Dividends

Transfer between reserves:

– Issue of deferred shares

– EBT contributions to Savills plc

Additions through business combinations

Balance at 31 December 2022

1.1

0.2

0.2

0.4

2.1

(0.6)

2.3

4.9

3.0

–

16.0

(1.8)

–

134.8

0.5

(0.2)

0.6

1.1

0.8

–

4.0

(0.4)

–

33.7

–

–

–

0.2

–

0.5

(0.2)

0.6

1.3

0.8

(0.4)

(0.4)

–

–

2.7

3.5

4.0

(0.4)

2.7

37.2

Transactions in the year
Acquisitions
During the year the Group acquired 60% of the equity interest in PT CB Advisory, 70% of the equity interest in 
PT Cakrawala Baswara Cemerlang and 60% of the equity interest in PT Cakrawala Baswara Indonesia. The Group 
also acquired 60% of the equity interest in Absolute Maintenance Services Pte Limited and Solute Pte Limited and 
Simply Affordable Homes LLP. See Note 18.6 for further details of the acquisitions and the non-controlling interest 
recognised in relation to the acquisitions.

Other
In the prior year, the Group disposed of 25% of the shares in the Savills IM Group. A further £0.7m of profit in relation 
to this transaction has been recognised in retained earnings following finalisation of costs and recycling of foreign 
exchange reserves to retained earnings. During the year, the Group received the remaining £7.9m of consideration 
receivable with respect to this transaction and paid a further £0.2m in costs. 

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Notes to the financial statements continued
Year ended 31 December 2022

18. Investments and transactions continued
18.5 Non-controlling interests continued
Transactions in the previous year
In the prior year, profit of £39.3m was recognised in retained earnings in relation to the disposal of 25% of the shares 
in the Savills IM Group. The carrying amount of the Savills IM group net assets that was disposed of totalled £28.2m.

18.6 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

AMS 
£m

Pitmore 
£m

Other 
£m

Non-current assets:

Property, plant and equipment

Right-of-use asset

Intangible assets

Financial assets held at FVPL

Trade and other receivables

Cash and cash equivalents

Borrowings

Lease liabilities

Contract liabilities

Income tax liabilities

Trade and other payables

Employee benefit obligations

Provisions

Borrowings

Lease liabilities

Other payables

Employee benefit obligations

Provisions

Deferred tax liabilities

Current assets:

Current liabilities:

Non-current liabilities:

Net assets

Non-controlling interest share of 
net assets

Net assets acquired

Goodwill

Purchase consideration

Consideration satisfied by:

Cash paid

Deferred consideration < 1 year

Loan novation

5.2

2.2

0.2

–

9.5

0.3

(2.8)

(0.6)

–

–

(4.9)

(0.2)

(1.6)

(0.4)

(1.6)

(0.2)

–

(1.5)

–

3.6

(2.6)

1.0

6.6

7.6

7.6

–

–

7.6

–

–

1.1

0.1

0.3

0.2

–

–

–

(0.1)

(0.1)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(0.3)

1.2

–

1.2

2.2

3.4

3.4

–

–

3.4

Total
£m

5.4

2.7

3.5

0.1

10.1

1.1

(2.8)

(0.8)

(0.1)

(0.2)

(5.4)

(0.2)

(1.6)

(0.4)

(1.9)

(0.2)

(0.1)

(1.5)

(0.3)

7.4

0.2

0.5

2.2

–

0.3

0.6

–

(0.2)

(0.1)

(0.1)

(0.4)

–

–

–

(0.3)

–

(0.1)

–

–

2.6

(0.1)

(2.7)

2.5

4.6

7.1

5.0

1.8

0.3

7.1

4.7

13.4

18.1

16.0

1.8

0.3

18.1

Absolute Maintenance Services Pte Limited and Solute Pte Limited (‘AMS’)
On 31 August 2022, the Group acquired 60% of the equity interest in AMS, a facilities services group in Singapore. 
The acquisition expands and enhances the property and integrated facilities management platform in the region. 

Total acquisition consideration is provisionally determined at £7.6m, all of which was settled on completion. 

Acquisition-related costs of £0.1m have been expensed as incurred to the income statement and classified within 
other operating expenses.

Goodwill of £6.6m has been determined. Goodwill is attributable to the experience and expertise of key staff 
members and is not expected to be deductible for tax purposes. 

206

Annual report and accounts 2022

The acquired business contributed revenue of £7.3m and profit of £0.6m to the Group for the period from the date 
of acquisition to 31 December 2022. Had the acquisition been made at the beginning of the financial year, revenue 
would have been £19.4m and a loss of £2.6m would have been recognised.

The fair value of trade and other receivables is £9.5m, £7.4m of which relates to trade receivables. The gross 
contractual amount for trade receivables is £7.4m, all of which is expected to be collectible.

Pitmore 1 Limited (‘Pitmore’)
On 30 July 2022, the Group acquired 100% equity interest in Pitmore, a UK development and build-to-rent (‘BTR’) 
specialist. The acquisition will assist the continued expansion of the Savills IM’s European Living Platform and is a 
pivotal part of plans to grow the UK residential and BTR platform.

Total acquisition consideration is provisionally determined at £3.4m, all of which was settled on completion.

In addition to the above, an earn-out is payable in the first quarter of 2029 and is measured against income targets. 
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.

Acquisition-related costs of £0.7m have been expensed as incurred to the income statement and classified within 
other operating expenses.

Goodwill of £2.2m 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 £1.1m of investment management contracts.

The acquired business contributed revenue of £0.6m and a loss of £0.5m to the Group for the period from 
acquisition to 31 December 2022. Had the acquisition been made at the beginning of the financial year, revenue 
would have been £1.5m and the loss would have been £0.8m.

The fair value of trade and other receivables is £0.3m, £0.1m of which relates to trade receivables. The gross 
contractual amount for trade receivables is £0.1m, all of which expected to be collectible.

Other acquisitions
The Group acquired 60% of the UK-based Simply Affordable Homes LLP on 8 September 2022, to continue the 
expansion of Savills IM’s European Living Platform and a UK residential platform; 100% of the equity interest in 
BrickByte GmbH on 1 June 2022, a technology-enabled workplace services and consulting start up in Germany 
to further enhance our existing offering and complementary areas of client service in that market; and 100% of 
SRS Lease Administration LLC on 31 December 2022, a US-based lease administration business, further building 
out this service in North America. In addition, on 22 June 2022 the Group acquired 60% of the equity interest in 
PT CB Advisory; 70% of the equity interest in PT Cakrawala Baswara Cemerlang; and 60% of the equity interest in 
PT Cakrawala Baswara Indonesia, a full service property business in Indonesia, complementing our existing services 
and supporting further Indonesia expansion. The Group also acquired the trade and assets of Cureoscity Limited 
on 2 February 2022, a UK web-based management portal to enhance our property management business; James 
A Baker on 7 September 2022, a UK-based specialist advisor in licensed property to broaden the UK offering in 
this area; and the trade and assets of a property management company based in Poland on 30 September 2022.

Cash consideration for these transactions amounted to £5.0m. The remainder of the acquisition consideration 
relates to deferred consideration of £1.8m, payable within one year of the reporting date, and £0.3m of 
loan novation.

Goodwill of £4.6m 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.

Acquisition-related costs of £0.4m have been expensed as incurred to the income statement and classified within 
other operating expenses.

The acquired businesses contributed revenue of £1.3m and a loss of £1.8m to the Group for the period from 
acquisition to 31 December 2022. Had the acquisitions been made at the beginning of the financial year, revenue 
would have been £6.4m and the loss would have been £1.4m. The impact on the Group’s overall revenue and profits 
is not material.

The fair value of trade and other receivables acquired is £0.3m, £0.2m of which relates to trade receivables. The 
gross contractual amount for trade receivables is £0.2m, all of which is expected to be collectible. 

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Notes to the financial statements continued
Year ended 31 December 2022

18. Investments and transactions continued
18.6 Acquisitions of subsidiaries continued
2021 acquisitions
In the year ended 31 December 2021 the Group acquired the remaining 25% equity interest in DRC Capital LLP 
(‘DRC’), 100% of the equity interest in T3 Advisors (‘T3’), the remaining 51% of Cluttons Saudi Arabia Company 
Limited (previous 49% ownership equity accounted for as a joint venture), the remaining 49% economic interest in 
the Savills Indonesia business (previous 51% economic ownership equity accounted for as a joint venture) and 60% 
of Merx Holdings (SG) Pte Ltd (‘Merx Group’).

During the year, the provisional fair values for the above transactions were finalised resulting in a £0.3m decrease 
in the value of accrued income acquired as part of the acquisition of the remaining 51% of Cluttons Saudi Arabia 
Company Ltd. This adjustment is considered a measurement period adjustment in accordance with IFRS 3 and as a 
result the prior period comparatives have been restated by increasing goodwill arising on the acquisition by £0.3m, 
with a corresponding decrease in trade and other receivables. 

There were no changes to the provisional fair values in respect of the other acquisitions as reported in the Group’s 
2021 Annual Report.

19. Deferred income 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/(charged) to the income statement (Note 12)

Effect of tax rate change within the income statement (Note 12)

Tax (charged)/credited to other comprehensive income

– Defined benefit pension scheme – actuarial gains

– Defined benefit pension scheme – additional contributions

– Defined benefit pension scheme – effect of UK tax rate change

Tax charged to reserves

– Employee benefits

– IFRS 16 initial lease recognition released to reserves

Additions through business combinations (Note 18.6)

Exchange movement

At 31 December – net asset

Group

Company

2022
£m

37.6

20.6

58.2

(18.3)

(2.9)

(21.2)

37.0

2021
£m

33.5

16.5

50.0

(13.0)

(2.1)

(15.1)

34.9

2022
£m

2.3

0.5

2.8

(0.7)

(0.2)

(0.9)

1.9

Group

Company

2022
£m

34.9

5.6

2.1

(1.5)

–

(2.4)

(3.0)

(0.2)

(0.4)

1.9

37.0

2021
£m

37.2

8.6

0.5

(4.3)

(0.1)

(1.0)

0.3

0.2

(6.2)

(0.3)

34.9

2022
£m

3.3

(0.5)

–

–

–

(0.1)

–

(0.8)

–

–

1.9

2021
£m

3.2

0.4

3.6

(0.3)

–

(0.3)

3.3

2021
£m

2.5

0.5

–

(0.2)

–

(0.1)

0.4

0.2

–

–

3.3

208

Annual report and accounts 2022

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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 income tax assets of £3.3m (2021: £3.4m) in respect 
of losses amounting to £15.5m (2021: £15.9m), which can be carried forward indefinitely against future taxable 
income (2021: which can be carried forward indefinitely against future taxable income).

Deferred tax assets – Group

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

Balance at 1 January 2021

2.5

10.7

13.3

6.1

3.5

0.2

6.5

42.8

Amount credited/(charged) 
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)

Amount credited to reserves 
(Note 12)

Transfer to deferred 
tax liabilities

Additions through 
business combinations 

Exchange movement

At 31 December 2021

Reclassifications from/(to) 
deferred tax liabilities

Amount (charged)/credited 
to the income statement 
(Note 12)

Effect of tax rate change 
within the income statement 
(Note 12)

Amount credited to other 
comprehensive income 
(Note 12)

Amount charged to reserves 
(Note 12)

Exchange movement

At 31 December 2022

Set-off of deferred tax 
liabilities pursuant to 
set-off provisions

Deferred tax asset at 
31 December 2022 
in the Statement of 
Financial Position

1.0

0.6

2.1

(1.3)

0.1

–

–

–

1.1

–

0.2

(0.3)

–

–

–

3.2

0.2

–

12.8

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(0.6)

(0.5)

–

(0.2)

(0.2)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

4.7

7.2

–

–

1.1

(0.6)

0.3

0.5

–

–

–

(0.8)

0.2

(0.4)

15.4

4.6

2.3

0.2

11.5

50.0

0.3

2.4

(1.3)

–

–

(1.4)

0.9

3.9

2.4

(0.1)

1.0

0.2

0.9

–

–

–

–

–

1.1

20.0

0.3

7.3

–

(0.7)

–

–

1.5

–

–

–

3.1

–

(0.2)

0.7

16.8

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

1.4

0.8

6.5

–

–

2.1

(0.7)

(3.0)

(3.2)

–

2.1

0.2

9.3

58.2

(19.6)

38.6

209

 
 
Notes to the financial statements continued
Year ended 31 December 2022

19. Deferred income tax continued

Deferred tax liabilities – Group

At 1 January 2021

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 

Exchange movement

At 31 December 2021

Accelerated
capital
allowances
£m

Provisions
and other*
£m

Retirement
Benefits
£m

Intangible
assets
£m

Total
£m

–

(1.3)

(0.5)

0.7

–

–

–

0.3

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(3.8)

(1.0)

0.5

–

–

(4.3)

(5.6)

1.2

1.4

(0.6)

(0.6)

–

–

–

(3.8)

(1.0)

0.8

(6.4)

(6.4)

0.1

0.1

(0.2)

(0.6)

(4.3)

(10.0)

(15.1)

Reclassifications from/(to) deferred tax assets

–

–

–

(1.4)

(1.4)

Tax (charged)/credited to the income statement 
(Note 12)

Tax charged to other comprehensive income

Effect of tax rate change within other comprehensive 
income (Note 12)

Additions through business combinations (Note 18.6)

Exchange movement

At 31 December 2022

Set-off of deferred tax liabilities pursuant to 
set-off provisions

Deferred tax liabilities at 31 December 2022 in the 
Statement of Financial Position

Net deferred tax asset

At 31 December 2022

At 31 December 2021

(1.0)

(0.1)

–

–

–

–

(1.2)

–

–

–

(0.1)

(0.8)

(0.2)

(0.8)

(2.4)

–

–

0.4

(0.9)

–

–

(0.8)

(2.4)

(0.3)

(0.3)

(0.2)

(0.3)

(7.7)

(11.5)

(21.2)

19.6

(1.6)

39.2

34.9

* 

 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. 

210

Annual report and accounts 2022

Accelerated
capital
allowances
£m

Provisions
and other*
£m

Employee
benefits
£m

0.2

–

–

–

(0.2)

–

–

–

–

1.1

–

(0.1)

0.3

–

1.3

0.1

(0.1)

1.3

1.2

0.8

0.4

–

–

2.4

(0.2)

(0.7)

1.5

Accelerated
capital
allowances
£m

Retirement
Benefits
£m

–

(0.3)

–

0.2

(0.1)

(0.4)

(0.5)

–

–

(0.3)

–

(0.3)

(0.1)

(0.4)

Deferred tax assets – Company

Balance at 1 January 2021

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

Amount credited/(charged) to the income statement

Tax charged to reserves (Note 12)

At 31 December 2022

Set–off of deferred tax liabilities pursuant to 
set-off provisions

Deferred tax asset at 31 December 2022 in the 
Statement of Financial Position

Deferred tax liabilities – Company

Balance at 1 January 2021

Tax charged to the income statement

Tax charged to other comprehensive income (Note 12)

Transfer from deferred tax asset

At 31 December 2021

Tax charged to the income statement

At 31 December 2022

Set-off of deferred tax liabilities pursuant to 
set-off provisions

Deferred tax liabilities at 31 December 2022 in the 
Statement of Financial Position

Net deferred tax asset

At 31 December 2022

At 31 December 2021

*  Provisions and Other primarily includes deferred tax assets relating to accruals and provisions for expenses not deductible until paid.

Total
£m

2.5

0.8

0.3

0.3

(0.2)

3.7

(0.1)

(0.8)

2.8

(0.9)

1.9

Total
£m

–

(0.3)

(0.3)

0.2

(0.4)

(0.5)

(0.9)

0.9

–

1.9

3.3

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211

 
 
Notes to the financial statements continued
Year ended 31 December 2022

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

2022
£m

502.5

(24.1)

478.4

–

57.8

46.2

60.7

2021
restated*
£m

476.1

(30.3)

445.8

–

50.5

40.5

65.5

643.1

602.3

2022
£m

–

–

–

76.2

1.5

3.7

–

81.4

2021
£m

0.1

–

0.1

45.7

0.8

3.1

–

49.7

* 

 See Note 18.6 for details of prior period restatement of goodwill and trade and other receivables in relation to a measurement period adjustment 
in accordance with IFRS 3.

The carrying value of trade and other receivables is approximate to their fair value.

Group
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.

Other receivables relates primarily to employee loans, rental deposits, money market funds and loans due from 
other parties. Loans due from other parties include loans of £0.9m (2021: £1.2m) issued to entities that the Group 
recognise as equity investments held at FVOCI, loans of £0.2m receivable from joint ventures (2021: £0.2m) and 
loans of £1.7m receivable from associates (2021: £1.5m).

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

2022
£m

194.8

89.2

49.5

59.8

24.1

44.2

40.9

502.5

2021
£m

182.8

94.4

46.8

58.0

25.1

38.3

30.7

476.1

* 

 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. 

Company
Amounts owed by subsidiary undertakings to the Company include £52.3m of intercompany loans (2021: £15.7m). 
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 and repayable 
on demand. The majority of the intercompany loan balance as at 31 December 2022 attracts an arms-length rate of 
interest, charged at a market rate determined by the aggregation of average daily SONIA, 12-month IBOR reform 
published credit adjustment spread and 1.5%. The loans are classified as current as repayment is expected within 
12 months of the reporting date. Amounts owed by subsidiary undertakings do not contain material allowances 
for impairment. 

212

Annual report and accounts 2022

20.2 Impairment of trade and other receivables

Group
With the exception of trade receivables, the other classes within trade and other receivables do not contain material 
allowances for impairment. Accrued income and contract assets are measured net of lifetime expected credit losses 
using a provision matrix similar to trade receivables. 

With respect to trade receivables, 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 in the current geopolitical and economic environment and the expected loss rates have 
been reviewed based on their judgement as to the impact 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 4.8% (31 December 2021: 6.4%) following 
revisions to local expected credit loss calculations to better reflect historical credit loss experiences. 

The loss allowance provision for trade receivables as at 31 December 2022 and 31 December 2021 was determined 
as follows:

31 December 2022

Expected loss rate

Gross carrying amount (£m)

Loss allowance provision (£m)

31 December 2021

Expected loss rate

Gross carrying amount (£m)

More than
30 days
past due

More than
60 days
past due

More than
90 days
past due

0.2%

49.3

1.0%

30.3

4.6%

30.4

Current

0.2%

346.2

(0.6)

(0.1)

(0.3)

(1.4)

More than
30 days
past due

More than
60 days
past due

More than
90 days
past due

3.5%

42.5

2.3%

21.5

11.6%

24.2

Current

0.6%

349.2

More than
180 days
past due

46.9%

46.3

(21.7)

More than
180 days
past due

60.2%

38.7

Total

4.8%

502.5

(24.1)

Total

6.4%

476.1

Loss allowance provision (£m)

(2.2)

(1.5)

(0.5)

(2.8)

(23.3)

(30.3)

The loss allowance provision for trade receivables as at 31 December reconciles to the opening loss allowance 
provision as follows:

At 1 January

Decrease/(increase) in loss allowance recognised in the income 
statement during the period

Receivables written off during the year as uncollectible

Transfers

Foreign exchange

At 31 December

2022
£m

2021
£m

(30.3)

(29.9)

2.1

4.3

1.2

(1.4)

(24.1)

(4.0)

3.2

–

0.4

(30.3)

A 1% increase in the expected loss rate in each ageing category would increase the loss allowance provision 
by £5.0m.

Company
Trade and other receivables do not contain material allowances for impairment.

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213

 
 
Notes to the financial statements continued
Year ended 31 December 2022

20. Trade and other receivables continued
20.3 Trade and other receivables – non-current

Trade receivables

Other receivables

Other assets

Net investment in sub lease

Amounts owed by subsidiary undertakings

Group

Company

2022
£m

6.5

6.3

24.7

–

–

37.5

2021
restated*
£m

8.6

3.1

13.7

–

–

25.4

2022
£m

2021
£m

–

–

–

7.1

–

7.1

–

–

–

–

52.3

52.3

*  See Note 2.29 for details of prior period restatements of non-current trade and other receivables.

The carrying value of the above receivables are approximate to their fair value.

Group
Other assets relates to signing-on bonuses that are amortised to the income statement over the relevant contractual 
claw-back period.

Other receivables includes loans of £1.8m issued to entities that the Group recognises as financial assets held at 
FVOCI (2021: £1.0m) and insurance receivable assets of £3.7m (2021: £1.4m).

Company
Intercompany loans in the prior year were unsecured, repayable on demand and attracted an arms-length rate of 
interest. Intercompany loans were repayable on demand, with interest charged at a market rate of 12-month LIBOR 
plus 1.5%. The loans were classified as non-current as repayment was not expected within 12 months of the reporting 
date. Amounts owed by subsidiary undertakings did not contain material allowances for impairment. This loan has 
been classified as a current receivable as at 31 December 2022, see Note 20.1.

21. Cash and cash equivalents

Cash at bank and in hand

Short-term bank deposits

Group

Company

2022
£m

556.7

112.4

669.1

2021
£m

519.4

170.3

689.7

2022
£m

93.6

–

93.6

2021
£m

102.2

–

102.2

The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents approximates their fair value.

The effective interest rate on short-term bank deposits as at 31 December 2022 was 3.97% (2021: 0.27%); these 
deposits have an average maturity of 25 days (2021: 41 days).

Cash subject to restrictions in Asia Pacific amounts to £25.6m (2021: £43.2m) which is cash pledged to banks in 
relation to property management contracts and cash remittance restrictions in certain countries. These amounts are 
consolidated within the Group’s cash and cash equivalents.

214

Annual report and accounts 2022

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

2022
£m

331.3

112.3

80.2

36.9

13.8

22.9

10.6

11.1

13.4

36.6

669.1

2021
£m

382.9

119.0

57.9

45.4

15.7

9.1

12.9

7.6

9.3

29.9

689.7

2022
£m

93.5

–

0.1

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

2021
£m

102.2

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

93.6

102.2

* 

 Other currencies include United Arab Emirates dirham, Omani rial, Egyptian pound, Saudi Riyal, Bahrain Dinar, Canadian dollar, Czech koruna, New Taiwan 
dollar, Macau pataca, Thai baht, Vietnamese dong, New Zealand dollar, Indonesian rupiah, Philippine peso, Danish krone, Polish zloty and Swedish krona. 

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 2022, the notional cash pooling arrangement included cash balances of £205.0m presented 
in cash and cash equivalents (December 2021: £201.5m) and overdrafts of £202.0m (31 December 2021: £198.5m) 
presented in current liabilities. This represents as at 31 December 2022 surplus pooled credit cash balances of 
£3.0m (31 December 2021: surplus pooled credit cash £3.0m).

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
2022
£m

31 December
2021
£m

669.1

(202.0)

(2.8)

464.3

689.7

(198.5)

(1.2)

490.0

Group

Company

2022
£m

2.3

108.9

–

64.8

67.1

501.2

744.3

2021
£m

3.4

118.5

–

57.7

44.0

514.9

738.5

2022
£m

–

1.1

–

1.2

–

12.6

14.9

2021
restated*
£m

–

9.6

27.9

1.4

–

10.9

49.8

*  See Note 2.29 for details of prior period restatement of the Company’s trade and other payables.

The carrying value of trade and other payables is approximate to their fair value.

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215

 
 
Notes to the financial statements continued
Year ended 31 December 2022

23. Trade and other payables continued
23.1 Trade and other payables – current continued

Group
The Group’s accruals include bonus and commission accruals of £337.9m (2021: £372.1m) and accruals relating to 
deferred and contingent business acquisition payments that are linked to employment conditions of £5.1m (2021: 
£2.9m). The Group’s other payables includes amounts owed to employees with respect to commissions of £28.4m 
(2021: £17.1m) and amounts owed to clients with respect to cash held on their behalf of £26.3m (2021: £15.8m). 

Company
Amounts due to subsidiary undertakings are unsecured, interest-free and repayable on demand.

The Company’s accruals include bonus and commission accruals of £9.8m (2021: £9.5m). 

23.2 Other payables – non-current

Deferred consideration (Note 23.4)

Accruals – relating to deferred and contingent business acquisition payments 
linked to employment conditions

Other payables

The carrying value of the above payables are approximate to their fair value.

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 18.6)

Interest unwind

Deferred consideration paid

Released to the income statement

Exchange movement

At 31 December

2022

Non-
contingent
£m

Contingent
£m

–

–

1.7

–

–

–

(1.6)

(0.1)

–

3.4

–

0.2

1.8

0.1

(3.3)

–

0.1

2.3

23.4 Deferred consideration – non-current

2022

Non-
contingent
£m

0.9

–

Contingent
£m

1.5

–

(1.7)

(0.2)

(1.9)

–

0.2

–

–

0.1

0.8

–

0.3

0.8

At 1 January

Reclassification to accruals

Reclassification to current deferred 
consideration (Note 23.3)

Interest unwind on discounted 
deferred consideration

Exchange movement

At 31 December

216

Annual report and accounts 2022

2022
£m

0.8

18.0

3.1

21.9

2021

Non-
contingent
£m

8.6

(4.8)

2.3

0.4

0.2

Contingent
£m

2.9

–

–

–

–

2021
£m

2.4

13.5

4.1

20.0

Total
£m

11.5

(4.8)

2.3

0.4

0.2

(2.9)

(3.0)

(5.9)

–

–

–

–

(0.3)

3.4

–

(0.3)

3.4

2021

Non-
contingent
£m

5.1

(1.9)

Total
£m

6.5

(1.9)

(2.3)

(2.3)

–

–

0.9

0.1

–

2.4

Contingent
£m

1.4

–

–

0.1

–

1.5

Total
£m

3.4

–

1.9

1.8

0.1

(3.3)

(1.6)

–

2.3

Total
£m

2.4

–

24. Borrowings

Current

Bank overdrafts

Unsecured bank loans due within one year or on demand

Loan notes due within one year or on demand

Non-current

Unsecured bank loans

Loan notes

Transaction costs (issuance of loan notes and RCF arrangement fees)

2022
£m

2.8

4.0

3.8

10.6

0.5

150.0

(1.4)

149.1

159.7

2021
£m

1.2

0.9

–

2.1

–

150.0

(1.6)

148.4

150.5

The Company does not have any borrowings as at 31 December 2022 and 31 December 2021.

The Group holds a £360.0m multi-currency revolving credit facility (‘RCF’), which includes a £90.0m accordion 
facility. In June 2022 the Group extended the maturity date of the RCF by a further year to June 2026. As at 
31 December 2022 none (2021: none) of the RCF was drawn. 

The unsecured bank loans reflect a £0.9m working capital loan in Thailand, which is repayable on demand and 
denominated in Thailand baht (2021: £0.7m), a £0.3m working capital loan in Indonesia which is repayable on demand 
and denominated in Indonesian rupiah (2021: £0.2m) and £3.3m of loans in Singapore, denominated in Singapore 
dollar (2021: £nil). Of the loans in Singapore, £2.3m relates to property loans (£1.9m repayable within one year and 
£0.4m repayable in 2025), a £0.6m factoring facility maturing within one year and a £0.3m bridging loan expiring 
within one year. The remaining £0.1m of loans in Singapore are bank loans maturing between 2023 and 2024. 

The loan notes due within one year or on demand reflects working capital loans in Singapore, which are repayable 
within one year or on demand and denominated in Singapore dollars. These loans are payable to a non-controlling 
interest holder in one of the Group’s subsidiaries. 

Non-current loan notes reflect the £150.0m of long-term debt held by the Group 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 (including overdraft movement)*

Repayments of borrowings (including overdraft movement)*

Addition through business combination (Note 18.6)

Amortisation of transaction costs

Foreign exchange

Closing amount as at 31 December

Group

2022
£m

150.5

10.8

(5.6)

3.2

0.6

0.2

159.7

2021
£m

160.6

26.4

(38.3)

1.6

0.5

(0.3)

150.5

* 

 2022 includes a £1.5m increase in overdraft balances and £0.3m of transaction costs paid within additional borrowings. 2021 includes £0.1m decrease in 
overdraft balances within repayments of borrowings and £0.5m of transaction costs paid within additional borrowings. 

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Notes to the financial statements continued
Year ended 31 December 2022

24. Borrowings continued

The carrying value of the Group’s borrowings exposed to interest rate changes at the reporting date is:

Less than 1 year

Group

2022
£m

7.7

7.7

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

2022
%

4.38

3.72

3.16

2021
£m

2.1

2.1

2021
%

6.45

4.84

3.16

The carrying amounts of borrowings are materially 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 2022 is 
£131.5m (31 December 2021: £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.

The carrying amounts of the Group’s borrowings are denominated in the following currencies:

Sterling

Singapore dollar

Other

The Group has the following undrawn borrowing facilities:

Expiring within 1 year or on demand

Expiring between 1 and 5 years

Group

2022
£m

151.2

7.1

1.4

2021
£m

148.4

–

2.1

159.7

150.5

Group

2022

2021

Fixed
£m

1.1

0.2

1.3

Floating
£m

64.9

360.0

424.9

Total
£m

66.0

360.2

426.2

Floating
£m

61.2

361.0

422.2

218

Annual report and accounts 2022

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 18.6)

Disposal of leases

Repayments of lease liabilities

Unwinding of discount

Exchange movement

Closing amount as at 31 December

Current

Non-current

Group

Company

2022
£m

2021
£m

285.0

304.2

31.7

2.7

(4.4)

(60.5)

9.0

14.1

277.6

53.2

224.4

31.9

0.7

(1.5)

(56.1)

8.9

(3.1)

285.0

48.0

237.0

2022
£m

64.5

–

0.7

–

2021
£m

70.1

–

–

–

(7.7)

(7.8)

2.0

–

58.8

5.2

53.6

2.2

–

64.5

5.7

58.8

For the Group, cash outflows with respect to leases, which includes short-term, low-value and variable lease 
payments, totalled £62.8m (2021: £56.8m). 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. 

For the Company, cash outflows with respect to leases, which includes short-term lease payments, totalled £8.0m 
(2021: £7.8m).

26. Provisions
26.1 Provisions

At 1 January 2022

Additions through business 
combinations (Note 18.6)

Provided during the year

Utilised during the year

Released during the year

Exchange movement

Closing amount as at 31 December 2022

Current

Non-current

2021

Current

Non-current

Total

Professional 
indemnity 
claims 
£m

Dilapidation 
provisions 
£m

Restructuring 
provision 
£m

Other 
provisions 
£m

16.5

–

2.6

(0.7)

(5.9)

–

12.5

1.6

10.9

9.7

–

2.4

(0.1)

(1.3)

0.2

10.9

2.6

8.3

0.3

–

–

–

–

–

0.3

0.3

–

2.7

3.0

2.8

(1.1)

(1.3)

–

6.1

4.7

1.4

Professional 
indemnity 
claims 
£m

4.4

12.1

16.5

Dilapidation 
provisions 
£m

Restructuring 
provision 
£m

Other 
provisions 
£m

1.8

7.9

9.7

0.3

–

0.3

2.7

–

2.7

Group  
total 
£m

29.2

3.0

7.8

(1.9)

(8.5)

0.2

29.8

9.2

20.6

Group  
total 
£m

9.2

20.0

29.2

Company 
£m

1.6

–

0.8

–

–

–

2.4

–

2.4

Company 
£m

–

1.6

1.6

(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.

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219

 
 
Notes to the financial statements continued
Year ended 31 December 2022

26. Provisions continued
26.1 Provisions continued
(a) Professional indemnity claims continued
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

2022
£m

1.6

10.9

(3.7)

8.8

2021
£m

4.4

12.1

(1.4)

15.1

(b) Dilapidation provisions
The Group is required to perform dilapidation repairs and in certain instances restore properties to agreed 
specifications prior to the properties being vacated at the end of their lease term. These amounts are based on 
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 15 years.

(c) Restructuring provision
This provision comprises primarily termination payments to employees affected by restructuring.

(d) Other provisions
Other provisions includes 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. Other provisions also includes provisions for loss-making 
contracts in Singapore, with the provision based on management’s estimated losses over the length of the contract. 
The non-current portion of these provisions is expected to be utilised within the next two to five years. 

26.2 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 2022

Provided during the year

Additions through business combinations (Note 18.6)

Actuarial gain on employee benefit schemes

Utilised during the year

Exchange movement

At 31 December 2022

Total
£m

37.2

8.8

0.3

(0.2)

(5.7)

2.5

42.9

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 £0.2m of employee benefit obligations as at 31 December 2022 (2021: £0.3m), relating to holiday 
pay and long service leave.

The above employee benefit obligations have been analysed between current and non-current as follows:

Current

Non-current

220

Annual report and accounts 2022

Group

2022
£m

17.7

25.2

42.9

2021
£m

16.9

20.3

37.2

27. Share capital and premium – Group and Company

Authorised and allotted

Ordinary shares of 2.5p each: 
Authorised

Issued, called up and fully paid

2022 
Number of shares*

2021 
Number of shares*

202,000,000

202,000,000

144,353,048

144,203,211

2022 
£m

5.1

3.6

2021 
£m

5.1

3.6

Movement in issued, called up and fully paid share capital:

2022

2021

Number 
of shares*

Share 
capital 
£m

Share 
premium
£m

Number 
of shares*

Share 
capital 
£m

Share 
premium
£m

At 1 January

144,203,211

3.6

104.4

143,065,222

3.6

97.2

Issued to direct participants on exercise of 
options under the Sharesave Scheme

Issued to direct participants under the 
Performance Share Plan

68,739

81,098

–

–

0.5

1,137,989

–

–

–

–

7.2

–

At 31 December

144,353,048

3.6

104.9

144,203,211

3.6

104.4

*  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.

At the Annual General Meeting (‘AGM’) held on 11 May 2022, the Shareholders gave the Company authority, subject 
to stated conditions, to purchase for cancellation up to 14,423,136 of its own ordinary shares (AGM held on 12 May 
2021: 14,307,170). Such authority remains valid until the conclusion of the next AGM or 10 August 2023, whichever is 
the earlier.

As at 31 December 2022, the EBT held 6,780,308 shares (2021: 4,644,019 shares) and the Rabbi Trust held 1,914,869 
shares (2021: 1,440,484). These shares are held by the Group 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. A reconciliation of the movement in treasury shares for the year ended 
31 December is shown below:

Number of treasury shares

At 1 January

Shares acquired

Shares reissued

At 31 December

31 December 
2022

6,084,503

4,894,511

31 December 
2021

4,580,002

3,670,798

(2,283,837)

(2,166,297)

8,695,177

6,084,503

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221

 
 
Notes to the financial statements continued
Year ended 31 December 2022

28. 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 £30.4m in 2022 
(2021: £23.7m). Of the total share-based payments charge, £0.2m (2021: £0.4m) relates to the Sharesave, £11.1m 
(2021: £9.7m) relates to DSP schemes and £18.5m (2021: £13.0m) relates to DSBP schemes and £0.6m (2021: £0.6m) 
relates to PSP schemes.

The Company recognised total expenses relating to equity-settled share-based payment transactions of £2.9m in 
2022 (2021: £3.3m). Of the total share-based payments charge, £2.3m (2021: £2.5m) relates to DSBP schemes and 
£0.6m (2021: £0.8m) relates to PSP schemes.

Refer to the Remuneration Report for details of the various schemes, pages 114 to 134.

28.1 Movements in share schemes

2022 number of awards (‘000)

Outstanding at 1 January

Granted

Exercised

Cancelled

Forfeited/lapsed

Outstanding at 31 December

Exercisable at 31 December

Sharesave
awards

102

2,304

(69)

(12)

(35)

2,290

PSP awards

DSP awards DSBP awards

635

122

3,304

1,606

3,926

2,714

(71)

(1,107)

(1,034)

–

(143)

543

–

(121)

–

(86)

3,682

5,520

Weighted average exercise price for awards outstanding at the 
beginning of the year, exercised in the year and forfeited/lapsed 
in the year (pence)

Weighted average exercise price for awards granted and 
outstanding at end of the year (pence)

Weighted average remaining contractual life (years)

640.0

757.0

2.8

–

–

–

–

–

–

2.7

1.7

2.0

Weighted average share price at the date of exercise for awards 
exercised in the year (pence)

1,214.0

1,095.3

1,053.0

1,082.0

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 the 
beginning of the year, exercised in the year, forfeited/lapsed in the 
year and outstanding at the 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

222

Annual report and accounts 2022

28.2 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 
and Sharesave schemes.

The key inputs to determine the fair value of the awards granted under the PSP scheme during 2022 are 
shown below.

Performance Share Plan: Awards in the year ended 31 December 2022

Share price at grant date (pence)

Risk-free rate

Volatility of Savills plc share price

Employee turnover

20 April 2022

1,084.0

1.7%

37% per annum

Zero

The key inputs to determine the fair value of the awards granted under the Sharesave scheme during 2022 are 
shown below.

Sharesave Plan: Awards in the year ended 31 December 2022

29 September 2022

Share price at grant date (pence)

Risk-free rate

Volatility of Savills plc share price

Allowance for pre-vesting cancellations

Employee turnover

763.5

4.4%

39% per annum

5.7% over the vesting period

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

DSBP 2022

DSP 2022

DSP 2022

PSP 2022 (EPS/ROCE)

PSP 2022 (TSR)

DSP 2022

DSP 2022

DSBP 2022

DSP 2022

DSP 2022

DSP 2022

DSBP 2022

Sharesave 2022

DSP 2022

DSP 2022

Sharesave 2022

Grant date

Deferred period

Fair value pence

20 April 2022

3 – 4 years

20 April 2022

2.4 – 4 years

20 April 2022

1 – 5 years

20 April 2022

20 April 2022

3 May 2022

25 May 2022

30 June 2022

5 years

5 years

1 – 5 years

1 – 5 years

3 years

15 August 2022

0.4 – 2.4 years

5 September 2022

4.5 years

15 September 2022

3 – 4 years

15 September 2022

3 – 4 years

29 September 2022

30 September 2022

12 October 2022

1 December 2022

3 years

1 – 5 years

1 – 5 years

3 years

1.095.0

1.095.0

1,095.0

1,081.5

362.0

1,083.0

1,080.0

1,109.0

1,059.0

927.5

923.0

923.0

180.2

763.5

788.5

320.4

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Notes to the financial statements continued
Year ended 31 December 2022

29. 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 28 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.

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.

Attributable to owners of the parent

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

48.3

(68.8) 560.5

540.0

2.0

34.9

51.6

(12.3)

76.2

Balance at 
1 January 2022

Profit attributable to 
owners of the Company

Other comprehensive 
income/(loss)

Employee share 
option scheme:

–  Value of services 

provided

–  Tax on employee share 

option schemes

–

–

29.6

(2.6)

–

–

–

–

– Exercise of options

(21.0)

25.9

(4.9)

–  Exercise of options: 

tax on employee share 
option schemes

(2.6)

119.4

119.4

–

2.4

2.4

0.2

–

–

29.6

(2.6)

–

–

2.6

–

–

0.3

0.3

(49.0)

–

(49.0)

–

–

–

–

(85.5)

(85.5)

(4.0)

(4.0)

(4.5)

(4.5)

0.7

0.7

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Tax on items taken 
to reserves

Purchase of 
treasury shares

Dividends

Transfer between 
reserves

Fair value of derivative 
financial instrument

Transactions with non-
controlling interests

Balance at  
31 December 2022

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

47.3

(10.9)

36.6

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(0.4)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

0.4

0.4

–

–

–

(0.4)

51.7

(91.9)

587.0

546.8

2.2

34.9

98.5

(22.8)

112.8

* 

Included within profit and loss account is tax on items taken directly to equity (Note 12) as disclosed above.

224

Annual report and accounts 2022

Attributable to owners of the parent

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

39.8

(37.9)

388.2

390.1

2.2

34.9

60.6

(7.7)

90.0

–

–

–

–

146.2

146.2

–

15.9

15.9

(0.2)

23.7

(20.5)

–

18.1

–

2.4

23.7

–

–

–

–

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)

–  Tax on employee share 

option schemes

4.7

Balance at 
1 January 2021

Profit attributable to 
owners of the Company

Other comprehensive 
income/(loss)

Employee share 
option scheme:

–  Value of services 

provided

– Exercise of options

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

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.

30. 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.

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Notes to the financial statements continued
Year ended 31 December 2022

31. 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 (gain)/loss on derivative financial instrument

Loss/(gain) on disposal of property, plant and equipment, 
intangible assets and leases

Impairment of property, plant and equipment

Gain on disposal of joint ventures and associates

Net finance cost (Note 11)

Share of post-tax profit from joint ventures and associates 
(Note 18.1)

Dividends from other parties

Increase/(decrease) in employee and retirement obligations

Exchange movement and fair value movements on financial 
instruments in operating activities

(Decrease)/increase in provisions

Dividend income from subsidiary

Non-operational income – excess distribution from subsidiary 
with respect to share-based payment funding

2022 
£m

119.8

34.1

65.8

16.9

–

–

(0.1)

1.1 

0.8

–

4.3

(12.1)

(0.2)

2.6

0.6

(4.7)

–

–

2021 
£m

146.7

36.4

63.4

14.2

5.2

(4.0)

1.8

0.9

–

(0.4)

13.4

(12.6)

–

6.7

(2.5)

5.4

–

–

Charge for share-based compensation (Note 28)

Operating cash flows before movements in working capital

30.4

259.3

23.7

298.3

2022 
£m

78.8

(2.3)

6.4

2.0

–

–

–

(3.0)

–

–

–

–

–

(0.1)

–

–

2021 
£m

42.5

(3.0)

6.7

2.6

–

–

–

–

–

–

0.9

–

–

–

–

–

(79.5)

(56.5)

(9.8)

2.9

(4.6)

–

3.3

(3.5)

(2.1)

14.7

9.1

(Increase)/decrease in trade and other receivables and 
contract assets

(Decrease)/increase in trade and other payables and 
contract liabilities

Cash generated from/(used in) operations

(7.3)

(90.1)

6.1

(41.1)

210.9

140.1

348.3

(8.3)

(6.8)

Foreign exchange movements resulted in a £37.3m increase in current and non-current trade and other 
receivables (2021: £0.3m increase) and a £43.8m increase in current and non-current trade and other payables 
(2021: £5.9m increase).

226

Annual report and accounts 2022

32. Analysis of liabilities arising from financing activities 

Group 
2022

Bank loans

Loan notes

Transaction costs

Lease liabilities

Liabilities arising from 
financing activities

Group 
2021

Bank loans

Loan notes

Transaction costs

Lease liabilities

Liabilities arising from 
financing activities

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

–

–

(0.6)

(9.0)

–

–

–

(3.2)

(0.1)

(4.5)

–

–

–

–

(153.7)

1.4

(27.3)

(2.7)

(14.1)

(277.6)

At 
1 January 
£m

(0.9)

(150.0)

1.6

(285.0)

Cash 
flows 
£m

(0.3)

(3.7)

0.4

60.5

(434.3)

56.9

(9.6)

(27.3)

(5.9)

(14.2)

(434.4)

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

0.3

–

–

(0.9)

(150.0)

1.6

–

–

–

(0.4)

–

–

(30.4)

(0.7)

3.1

(285.0)

–

–

(0.5)

(8.9)

At 
1 January 
£m

(12.1)

(150.0)

1.6

(304.2)

Cash 
flows 
£m

11.3

–

0.5

56.1

(464.7)

67.9

(9.4)

(30.4)

(1.1)

3.4

(434.3)

Non-cash movements recognised in the income statement represent amortisation of transaction costs and 
unwinding of discount on lease liabilities. Other non-cash movements to lease liabilities represent new leases and 
disposal of leases. 

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 (2022: £51.4m, 2021: £47.2m). The part of the lease 
payment that represents the 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 (2022: £9.0m, 2021: £8.9m).

Company 
2022

Lease liabilities

Liabilities arising from financing activities

Company 
2021

Lease liabilities

Liabilities arising from financing activities

Non-cash 
movements 
recognised 
in the 
income 
statement 
£m

At 
31 December 
£m

(2.0)

(2.0)

(58.8)

(58.8)

Non-cash 
movements 
recognised 
in the 
income 
statement 
£m

At 
31 December
£m

(2.2)

(2.2)

(64.5)

(64.5)

Cash 
flows 
£m

7.7

7.7

Cash 
flows 
£m

7.8

7.8

At 
1 January 
£m

(64.5)

(64.5)

At 
1 January 
£m

(70.1)

(70.1)

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227

 
 
Notes to the financial statements continued
Year ended 31 December 2022

32. Analysis of liabilities arising from financing activities continued
Non-cash movements recognised in the income statement represent amortisation of transaction costs and 
unwinding of discount on lease liabilities.

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 (2022: £5.7m, 2021: £5.6m). The part of the lease 
payment that represents the 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 (2022: £2.0m, 2021: £2.2m).

The Company does not have any borrowings as at 31 December 2022 and 31 December 2021.

33. 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) Transactions with associates and joint ventures
There were no material transactions with associates and joint ventures in the year (2021: no material transactions), 
with the exception of transactions and balances disclosed in Notes 18.1, 20.1 and 20.3.

(c) Transactions with members of the Board
A director of the Board used the services of the Group to sell a property and purchase a property during 2022. 
These services were provided at an arm’s length basis, the value of which is not material to the financial statements 
of the Group. No amounts remain outstanding as at 31 December 2022 with respect to these transactions.

(d) Company related party transactions
The Company provided corporate function services to its subsidiaries at an arm’s length value of £31.0m 
(2021: £28.5m).

Dividends of £79.5m from subsidiaries were recognised during the year (2021: £56.5m). The Company received 
distributions from its subsidiaries with respect to the funding of the EBT in excess of the contribution made by the 
Company to date with respect to the IFRS 2 share based payment contribution to subsidiaries, this excess of £9.8m 
has been recognised within profit and loss during the year (2021: £nil).

Amounts outstanding to and from subsidiaries as at 31 December 2022 are disclosed in Notes 20 and 23. 

34. Post balance sheet events
There have been no 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.

228

Annual report and accounts 2022

35. 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 2022, 
are disclosed below. Unless otherwise stated, all subsidiary undertakings are consolidated into the Group financial 
statements and share capital wholly comprises 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

Country of 
incorporation

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Registered office

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

Savills (Aust) Holdings Pty Ltd

(ii) Australia

Level 25, 1 Farrer Place, Sydney, NSW 2000

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.

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Bahrain

Savills Middle East Co. W.L.L.

Bahrain

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

Canada

Canada

Canada

China

China

China

China

China

China

China

China

China

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

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

Room 105-19233, No. 6 Baohua Road, Hengqin new 
area, Zhuhai

Unit D, Room 62,Block 3, No.227, Ru Shan Road, 
Shanghai

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Notes to the financial statements continued
Year ended 31 December 2022

35. Group – Investments continued

Fully-owned subsidiary

Savills Property Services (Tianjin) 
Company Ltd

Savills Property Services (Wuhan) 
Company Ltd

Savills Property Services (Zhuhai) 
Company Ltd

Savills Corporate Appraisal & 
Advisory 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

BRICKBYTE GmbH

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

Country of 
incorporation

China

China

China

China

China

China

China

China

China

China

Registered office

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

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

2101 East Tower, Twin Towers, B-12 Jianguomenwai 
Avenue, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100022

Czech Republic

Florentinum, Building C, Na Florenci 2116/15,  
Prague 1, 110 00

Egypt

Egypt

France

Germany

Germany

Germany

Germany

Building 17, Street 210, Al Maadi, Cairo

Building 17, Street 210, Maadi, Cairo.

21 Boulevard Haussmann 75009, Paris

Rosental 4, 80331 München

Taunusanlage 18, 60325 Frankfurt am Main

Taunusanlage 18, 60325 Frankfurt am Main

Taunusanlage 18, 60325 Frankfurt am Main

Germany

Taunusanlage 18, 60325 Frankfurt am Main

Germany

Bonner Straße 209, 50968 Köln

Germany

Bonner Straße 209, 50968 Köln

Martel Maides Limited

Guernsey

Parkes & Associates Limited

Guernsey

Savills Channel Islands Limited

Guernsey

Absolute Result Ltd

Hong Kong

Royal Terrace, Glategny Esplanade, St Peter Port, 
GY1 2HN

First Floor, Harbour Court, Les Amballes, St Peter 
Port, GY1 1WU

Royal Terrace, Glategny Esplanade, St Peter Port, 
GY1 2HN

23/F, Two Exchange Square, 8 Connaught Place, 
Central

Bridgewater Management Ltd

Hong Kong

7/F, 1111 King’s Road, Taikoo Shing

230

Annual report and accounts 2022

Fully-owned subsidiary

Country of 
incorporation

Registered office

BTHK Property Management Ltd

Hong Kong

Rooms 805-813, 8/F, 1111 King’s Road, Taikoo Shing

Champion Insurance and Computer 
Services Ltd

Hong Kong

7/F, 1111 King’s Road, Taikoo Shing

Dominion Office Centre Ltd

Hong Kong

7/F, 1111 King’s Road, Taikoo Shing

Savills IT Solutions Ltd

Hong Kong

7/F, 1111 King’s Road, Taikoo Shing

Express Engineering Ltd

Hong Kong

7/F, 1111 King’s Road, Taikoo Shing

Express Maintenance Services Ltd

Hong Kong

7/F, 1111 King’s Road, Taikoo Shing

Gateway Contractors Ltd

Hong Kong

7/F, 1111 King’s Road, Taikoo Shing

Greenscape Ltd

GRVM Ltd

Guard Able Ltd

Hong Kong

7/F, 1111 King’s Road, Taikoo Shing

Hong Kong

7/F, 1111 King’s Road, Taikoo Shing

Hong Kong

7/F, 1111 King’s Road, Taikoo Shing

Guardian Care Ltd

Hong Kong

7/F, 1111 King’s Road, Taikoo Shing

Guardian Management Services Ltd

Hong Kong

7/F, 1111 King’s Road, Taikoo Shing

Guardian Mandarin Management Ltd

Hong Kong

7/F, 1111 King’s Road, Taikoo Shing

Guardian Partners Ltd

Hong Kong

7/F, 1111 King’s Road, Taikoo Shing

Guardian Property Agencies Ltd

Hong Kong

7/F, 1111 King’s Road, Taikoo Shing

Guardian Property Management Ltd

Hong Kong

7/F, 1111 King’s Road, Taikoo Shing

Hip Kwan Property Management Ltd

Hong Kong

7/F, 1111 King’s Road, Taikoo Shing

Kenda Services Ltd

Kwik Park Ltd

Hong Kong

7/F, 1111 King’s Road, Taikoo Shing

Hong Kong

7/F, 1111 King’s Road, Taikoo Shing

Mount Link Services Ltd

Hong Kong

7/F, 1111 King’s Road, Taikoo Shing

Quartey Properties Ltd

Hong Kong

7/F, 1111 King’s Road, Taikoo Shing

Savills (China) Ltd

Hong Kong

Savills (Hong Kong) Ltd

Hong Kong

Savills Asia Pacific Ltd

Hong Kong

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

Savills Building Services Ltd

Hong Kong

Rooms 805-813, 8/F, 1111 King’s Road, Taikoo Shing

Savills Design Ltd

Hong Kong

Rooms 805-813, 8/F, 1111 King’s Road, Taikoo Shing

Savills Engineering Ltd

Hong Kong

Rooms 805-813, 8/F, 1111 King’s Road, Taikoo Shing

Savills Guardian (Holdings) Ltd

Hong Kong

7/F, 1111 King’s Road, Taikoo Shing

Savills India Holding Ltd

Hong Kong

Savills Indonesia Holding Ltd

Hong Kong

Savills Management Services Ltd

Hong Kong

Savills Philippines Holding Ltd

Hong Kong

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

Savills Project Consultancy Ltd

Hong Kong

Rooms 805-813, 8/F, 1111 King’s Road, Taikoo Shing

Savills Property Management 
Holdings Ltd

Hong Kong

Rooms 805-813, 8/F, 1111 King’s Road, Taikoo Shing

Savills Property Management Ltd

Hong Kong

Rooms 805-813, 8/F, 1111 King’s Road, Taikoo Shing

Savills Realty Ltd

Hong Kong

23/F, Two Exchange Square, 8 Connaught Place, 
Central

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Notes to the financial statements continued
Year ended 31 December 2022

35. Group – Investments continued

Fully-owned subsidiary

Savills Regional Services Ltd

Country of 
incorporation

Hong Kong

Registered office

23/F, Two Exchange Square, 8 Connaught Place, 
Central

Savills Residence Ltd

Hong Kong

Rooms 805-813, 8/F, 1111 King’s Road, Taikoo Shing

Savills Valuation and Professional 
Services Ltd

Savills Valuation and Professional 
Services (China) Ltd

Hong Kong

Room 1208, 1111 King’s Road, Taikoo Shing

Hong Kong

Room 1208, 1111 King’s Road, Taikoo Shing

Security and Safety Ltd

Hong Kong

7/F, 1111 King’s Road, Taikoo Shing

Swan Hygiene Services Ltd

Hong Kong

7/F, 1111 King’s Road, Taikoo Shing

Swan Pest Control Services Ltd

Hong Kong

7/F, 1111 King’s Road, Taikoo Shing

Tarrayon Ltd

Hong Kong

7/F, 1111 King’s Road, Taikoo Shing

The Peninsular Centre Retailers 
Association Ltd

Hong Kong

7/F, 1111 King’s Road, Taikoo Shing

Cluttons (India) Private Limited

India

PT Property Connection Indonesia

Indonesia

PT Savills Consultants Indonesia

Indonesia

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

Panin Tower – Senayan City, 16/F, Jl.Asia Afrika 
Lot.19, Jakarta 10270

Actium

Anateo Ltd

Savills Advisory Services (Ireland) 
Limited

(ii)

Ireland

(ii)

Ireland

33 Molesworth Street, Dublin 2

33 Molesworth Street, Dublin 2

Ireland

33 Molesworth Street, Dublin 2

Savills Commercial (Ireland) Limited

(ii)

Ireland

33 Molesworth Street, Dublin 2

Savills Management Resource Ireland 
Ltd

Ireland

33 Molesworth Street, Dublin 2

Savills Residential (Ireland) Ltd

Ireland

33 Molesworth Street, Dublin 2

Savills Italia S.r.l.

Savills Italy SRL (EUR)

Italy

Italy

Via Manzoni, 37 – 20121 Milano

Via Manzoni, 37 – 20121 Milano

Savills Asset Advisory Company Ltd

Japan

Savills Japan Company Ltd

Savills Japan Valuation GK

Japan

Japan

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

Savills plc 1992 Employee Benefit 
Trust

(vi) Jersey

Third Floor Cambridge House, Le Truchot, St Peter 
Port, GY1 1WD

1992 EBT Holdings Ltd

(vi) Jersey

50 La Colomberie, St. Helier, JE2 4QB, Jersey

DRC European Real Estate Debt Fund 
IV (SLI) L.P.

Savills (Jersey) Ltd

Savills (Macau) Ltd

Savills Project Consultancy (Macau) 
Ltd

Savills Property Management (Macau) 
Ltd

Jersey

Jersey

Macau

Macau

Macau

4th Floor, Ensign House, 29 Seaton Place, St. Helier, 
JE2 3QL

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

232

Annual report and accounts 2022

Fully-owned subsidiary

Savills (Myanmar) Ltd

Country of 
incorporation

Myanmar

Registered office

No. 8, Unit 8-A, Centerpoint Towers, No. 65, Corner 
of Sule Pagoda Road & Merchant Street, Kyauktada 
Township, Yangon

Savills Asset and Property 
Management BV

Netherlands

Viñoly Building, Claude Debussylaan 48, Amsterdam 
1082 MD

Savills Agency B.V.

Netherlands

Savills B.V.

Savills Building & Project Consultancy 
B.V.

Netherlands

Netherlands

Savills Consultancy B.V.

Netherlands

Savills Holdings B.V.

Netherlands

Savills Investments B.V.

Netherlands

Savills Nederland Holdings BV

Netherlands

Savills Retail B.V.

Netherlands

Savills (NZ) Ltd

New Zealand

Viñoly Building, Claude Debussylaan 48, Amsterdam 
1082 MD

Viñoly Building, Claude Debussylaan 48, Amsterdam 
1082 MD

Viñoly Building, Claude Debussylaan 48, Amsterdam 
1082 MD

Viñoly Building, Claude Debussylaan 48, Amsterdam 
1082 MD

Viñoly Building, Claude Debussylaan 48, Amsterdam 
1082 MD

Viñoly Building, Claude Debussylaan 48, Amsterdam 
1082 MD

Viñoly Building, Claude Debussylaan 48, Amsterdam 
1082 MD

Viñoly Building, Claude Debussylaan 48, Amsterdam 
1082 MD

Level 6, 41 Shortland Street, Auckland Central, 
Auckland, 1010

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

Philippines

12/F., Times Plaza Building, United Nations Avenue 
corner Taft Avenue, Ermita, Manila 1000

Poland

Al. Jana Pawła II 22, Warszawa

Poland

Portugal

Portugal

Al. Jana Pawła II 22, Warszawa

Avenida Miguel Bombarda 4, 1000-208 Lisboa

Avenida Miguel Bombarda 4, 1000-208 Lisboa

Savills for Business Services SPC

Saudi Arabia

PO Box 17, Riyadh, Post Code: 11411

iProcurePro Pte Ltd

Savills (SEA) Pte Ltd

Singapore

30 Cecil Street #20-03 Prudential Tower, 049712

(ii) Singapore

30 Cecil Street #20-03 Prudential Tower, 049712

Savills (Singapore) Pte Ltd

Singapore

30 Cecil Street #20-03 Prudential Tower, 049712

Savills Property Management Pte Ltd

Singapore

Savills Residential Pte Ltd

Savills Valuation & Professional 
Services (S) Pte Ltd

Savills Korea Advisors Realty 
Company Ltd

Singapore

Singapore

South Korea

Savills Korea Company Ltd

South Korea

Savills Diseno y Construccion 
Barcelona, SAU

Savills Arquitectura SAU

Savills Barcelona SAU

Savills Consultores Real Estate, SAU

Savills Corporate Finance, SAU

Spain

Spain

Spain

Spain

Spain

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

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233

 
 
Notes to the financial statements continued
Year ended 31 December 2022

35. Group – Investments continued

Fully-owned subsidiary

Savills RE Spain SAU

Savills 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

Country of 
incorporation

Registered office

Spain

Spain

Spain

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

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

Savills Valuation & Professional 
Services (Taiwan)

(iii) Taipei

21/F, No. 68, Sec. 5, Zhong-Xiao East Road, 
Taipei 110

Savills (Thailand) Ltd

Thailand

Savills Services (Thailand) Limited

Thailand

Savills Real Estate LLC (Dubai)

Savills Real Estate LLC (Sharjah)

(iv) United Arab 
Emirates

(iv) United Arab 
Emirates

990 Abdulrahim Place Building, 26/F, Rama IV 
Road, Silom Subdistrict, Bang Rak District, Bangkok

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

B Bids Limited

United Kingdom 33 Margaret Street, London, W1G 0JD

Buckleys Estate Agents Ltd

United Kingdom 33 Margaret Street, London, W1G 0JD

Chesterfield & Co (Rentals) Ltd

United Kingdom 33 Margaret Street, London, W1G 0JD

Cordea Savills Investments Ltd

United Kingdom 33 Margaret Street, London, W1G 0JD

Cureoscity Technologies Limited

United Kingdom 33 Margaret Street, London, W1G 0JD

Currell Commercial Limited

United Kingdom 9 Bonhill Street, London, EC2A 4DJ

Currell Residential Limited

United Kingdom 9 Bonhill Street, London, EC2A 4DJ

GHV NewCo 1 Ltd

United Kingdom 33 Margaret Street, London, W1G 0JD

Grosvenor Hill Ventures Ltd

United Kingdom 33 Margaret Street, London, W1G 0JD

Hepher Dixon Ltd

United Kingdom 33 Margaret Street, London, W1G 0JD

Holden Matthews Estate Agents Ltd

United Kingdom 33 Margaret Street, London, W1G 0JD

Humphriss & Ryde Ltd

United Kingdom 33 Margaret Street, London, W1G 0JD

Jago Dean PR Ltd

United Kingdom 33 Margaret Street, London, W1G 0JD

JP Case & Co Property Services 
Limited

United Kingdom 33 Margaret Street, London, W1G 0JD

LIBRA Housing Advisory Services Ltd

United Kingdom 33 Margaret Street, London, W1G 0JD

Liverpool ONE Management Services 
Ltd

United Kingdom 33 Margaret Street, London, W1G 0JD

Mansfield Elstob Main Ltd

United Kingdom 33 Margaret Street, London, W1G 0JD

Moor House Management Services 
Limited

United Kingdom 33 Margaret Street, London, W1G 0JD

PCA Holdings Ltd

United Kingdom 33 Margaret Street, London, W1G 0JD

PCA Management Consultants 
Limited

United Kingdom 33 Margaret Street, London, W1G 0JD

234

Annual report and accounts 2022

Fully-owned subsidiary

Portnalls Ltd

Prime Purchase Ltd

Country of 
incorporation

Registered office

United Kingdom 33 Margaret Street, London, W1G 0JD

United Kingdom 33 Margaret Street, London, W1G 0JD

Rickitt Grant & Company Ltd

United Kingdom 33 Margaret Street, London, W1G 0JD

S F Securities Ltd

Savills (Europe) Ltd

Savills (L&P) Ltd

Savills (NI) Limited

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 2nd Floor, Longbridge House, 16-24 Waring Street, 

Belfast, BT1 2DX

Savills (Overseas Holdings) Limited

United Kingdom 33 Margaret Street, London, W1G 0JD

Savills (UK) Ltd

United Kingdom 33 Margaret Street, London, W1G 0JD

Savills Advisory Services (L&P) Ltd

United Kingdom 33 Margaret Street, London, W1G 0JD

Savills Advisory Services Ltd

United Kingdom 33 Margaret Street, London, W1G 0JD

Savills Asia Pacific Holding Limited

United Kingdom 33 Margaret Street, London, W1G 0JD

Savills Asset Warehouse 1 Ltd

United Kingdom 33 Margaret Street, London, W1G 0JD

Savills Co-Investment Holdings 
Limited

United Kingdom 33 Margaret Street, London, W1G 0JD

Savills Capital Advisors Ltd

United Kingdom 33 Margaret Street, London, W1G 0JD

Savills Commercial (Leeds) Ltd

United Kingdom 33 Margaret Street, London, W1G 0JD

Savills Commercial Ltd

United Kingdom 33 Margaret Street, London, W1G 0JD

Savills Finance Holdings plc

United Kingdom 33 Margaret Street, London, W1G 0JD

Savills Financial Services Ltd

United Kingdom 33 Margaret Street, London, W1G 0JD

Savills Holding Company Ltd

(i) United Kingdom 33 Margaret Street, London, W1G 0JD

Savills India Limited

United Kingdom 33 Margaret Street, London, W1G 0JD

Savills Italy Holding Limited

United Kingdom 33 Margaret St, London W1G 0JD

Savills KSA Limited

United Kingdom 33 Margaret Street, London, W1G 0JD

Savills Lending Solutions Ltd

United Kingdom 33 Margaret Street, London, W1G 0JD

Savills Management Resources Ltd

United Kingdom 33 Margaret Street, London, W1G 0JD

Savills Management Resources 
Northern Ireland Ltd

United Kingdom 2nd Floor, Longbridge House, 16-24 Waring Street, 

Belfast, BT1 2DX

Savills ME Limited

United Kingdom 33 Margaret Street, London, W1G 0JD

Savills Middle East Holdings Limited

United Kingdom 33 Margaret Street, London, W1G 0JD

Savills Place-Shaping & Marketing 
Limited

United Kingdom 33 Margaret Street, London, W1G 0JD

Savills Telecom Ltd

United Kingdom 33 Margaret Street, London, W1G 0JD

Savills Trust Company Limited

United Kingdom 33 Margaret Street, London, W1G 0JD

Smith Woolley Ltd

Smiths Gore Limited

United Kingdom 33 Margaret Street, London, W1G 0JD

United Kingdom 33 Margaret Street, London, W1G 0JD

The Currell Group Limited

United Kingdom 9 Bonhill Street, London, EC2A 4DJ

The London planning Practice Ltd

United Kingdom 33 Margaret Street, London, W1G 0JD

Wellington Holdings Ltd

United Kingdom 33 Margaret Street, London, W1G 0JD

BTR Capital Advisors I, LLC

United States

399 Park Avenue – 11th FL, New York, NY 10022

BTR Capital Advisors II, Inc.

United States

399 Park Avenue – 11th FL, New York, NY 10022

BTR Capital Advisors III, Inc.

United States

399 Park Avenue – 11th FL, New York, NY 10022

Gravitas Lease Audit Services LLC

United States

399 Park Avenue – 11th FL, New York, NY 10022

Gravitas Real Estate Solutions LLC

United States

399 Park Avenue – 11th FL, New York, NY 10022

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235

 
 
Notes to the financial statements continued
Year ended 31 December 2022

35. Group – Investments continued

Fully-owned subsidiary

Country of 
incorporation

Registered office

Kelly, Legan & Gerard Inc.

United States

398 Park Avenue – 11th FL, New York, NY 10022

Savills Dallas Lease Administration 
LLC

United States

15660 N Dallas Pkway, Ste 1200 Dallas, TX 75248

Macro Consultants LLC

United States

1040 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10018

Savills (L&P) Inc

United States

Unex House, 132–134 Hills Road, Cambridge 
CB2 8PA, United Kingdom

Savills (ME) LLC

Savills America Ltd

United States

399 Park Avenue – 11th FL, New York, NY 10022

United States

399 Park Avenue – 11/F, New York, NY 10022

Savills Capital Markets LLC

United States

399 Park Avenue – 11th FL, New York, NY 10022

Savills Gravitas Real Estate Solutions 
LLC

United States

399 Park Avenue – 11th FL, New York, NY 10022

Savills Inc.

United States

399 Park Avenue – 11th FL, New York, NY 10022

Savills Rabbi Trust

(vi) United States

570 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10022

Savills Occupier Services Inc.

United States

399 Park Avenue – 11th FL, New York, NY 10022

SSOC, LLC

United States

399 Park Avenue – 11th FL, New York, NY 10022

Studley International, Inc

United States

399 Park Avenue – 11th FL, New York, NY 10022

Studley Advisors, Inc

United States

399 Park Avenue – 11th FL, New York, NY 10022

SVS (GA) Inc.

SVS Stone LLC

United States

399 Park Avenue – 11th FL, New York, NY 10022

United States

399 Park Avenue – 11th FL, New York, NY 10022

T3 Reallty Advisors West Corp

United States

399 Park Avenue – 11th FL, New York, NY 10022

T3 Reallty Advisors, LLC

United States

399 Park Avenue – 11th FL, New York, NY 10022

The Great Studley Stamp Company

United States

399 Park Avenue – 11th FL, New York, NY 10022

Savills Vietnam Company Ltd

Vietnam

21/F, Tòa Tây- Lotte Center Hanoi, 54 Lieu Giai 
Street, Cong Vi Ward, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi City

SVVN Price Valuation Limited Liability 
Company

Vietnam

17 Fl., Vincom Centre Building, 72 Le Thanh Ton Str., 
Ben Nghe Ward, Dist 1, Ho Chi Minh City

Subsidiaries of which the Group  
owns less than 100%

Savills Investment Management 
(Australia) Pty Limited

% owned

Country of 
incorporation

75

Australia

Registered office

Level 36, Gateway, 1 Macquarie Place, Sydney 
NSW 2000, Australia

Savills Belux Group SA

99.9

Belgium

Avenue Louise 81, 1050 Brussels, Belgium

DRC UK Whole Loan Fund (Feeder) 
(GP) Ltd

75

Cayman

DRC UK Whole Loan Fund (GP) Ltd

75

Cayman

European Real Estate Debt Fund II 
(GP) Ltd

75

Cayman

European Real Estate Senior Debt 
(GP 1) Ltd

75

Cayman

European Real Estate Senior Debt 
(GP 2) Ltd

75

Cayman

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

236

Annual report and accounts 2022

Subsidiaries of which the Group  
owns less than 100%

European Real Estate Senior Debt 
(GP 3) Ltd

% owned

Country of 
incorporation

75

Cayman

Savills IM Japan Residential Fund II 
Feeder GP Ltd

75

Cayman

Savills Property Services 
(Shenzhen) Company Ltd

85

China

Shanghai Shan Mei Real Consulting 
Limited

Shanghai XinMin Equity Investment 
Management Co. Ltd

Savills Egypt

Savills Investment Management 
SAS

75

75

55

75

China

China

Egypt

France

Registered office

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

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

Building 17, Street 210, Maadi, Cairo

54–56 Avenue Hoche, 75008 Paris

Savills SA

99.97

France

21 Boulevard Haussmann 75009, Paris

Savills Fund Management GmbH

70.5

Germany

Rotfeder-Ring 7, D-60327 Frankfurt-am-Main

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

Savills The Vision Property 
Management Limited

PT Cakrawala Baswara Cemerlang

PT Cakrawala Baswara Indonesia

PT CB Advisory

Savills Investment Management 
SGR S.p.A

75

75

75

75

Germany

Rotfeder-Ring 7, D-60327 Frankfurt-am-Main

Germany

Rotfeder-Ring 7, 60327 Frankfurt am Main

Germany

Germany

Rotfeder-Ring 7, 60327 Frankfurt am Main

Sonnenstrasse 19, Munich

67.43

Germany

Rotfeder-Ring 7, D-60327 Frankfurt-am-Main

51

60

80

75

75

80

70

60

70

60

60

75

Hong Kong

Hong Kong

Hong Kong

Hong Kong

Hong Kong

Hong Kong

Hong Kong

Hong Kong

Indonesia

Indonesia

Indonesia

23/F, Two Exchange Square, 8 Connaught 
Place, Central

Room 1302, 13/F., Tai Sang Bank Building, 
130-132 Des Voeux Road Central

Rooms 805-813, 8/F, 1111 King's Road,  
Taikoo Shing

Level 54, Hopewell Centre, 183 Queen’s  
Road East, Hong Kong

Level 54, Hopewell Centre, 183 Queen’s  
Road East

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

Panin Tower – Senayan City, 16/F, Jl.Asia 
Afrika Lot.19, Jakarta 10270

Panin Tower – Senayan City, 16/F, Jl.Asia 
Afrika Lot.19, Jakarta 10270

Panin Tower – Senayan City, 16/F, Jl.Asia 
Afrika Lot.19, Jakarta 10270

Italy

Via San Paolo 7, 20121 Milan

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237

 
 
Notes to the financial statements continued
Year ended 31 December 2022

35. Group – Investments continued

Subsidiaries of which the Group  
owns less than 100%

JVF GP GK

Savills Investment 
Architecture Design GK

% owned

Country of 
incorporation

68.16

Japan

75

Japan

SIM Real Estate GK

75

Japan

75

75

75

75

75

75

75

75

75

75

75

75

75

75

75

75

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

Merx Malaysia Sdn. Bhd.

Registered office

c/o Akasaka International Accounting Office 
2-10-5 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo

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

The Forum, 4 Grenville Street, St Helier,  
JE2 4UF

The Forum, 4 Grenville Street, St Helier,  
JE2 4UF

The Forum, 4 Grenville Street, St Helier,  
JE2 4UF

The Forum, 4 Grenville Street, St Helier,  
JE2 4UF

The Forum, 4 Grenville Street, St Helier,  
JE2 4UF

Jersey

Jersey

Jersey

Jersey

Jersey

Jersey

Jersey

IFC 5, St Helier, JE1 1ST

Jersey

Jersey

Jersey

Jersey

3rd Floor Walker House, 28-34 Hill Street,  
St Helier, JE4 8PN

3rd Floor Walker House, 28-34 Hill Street,  
St Helier, JE4 8PN

3rd Floor, Liberation House, Castle Street,  
St Helier, Channel Islands JE1 2LH

3rd Floor, Walker House, 28-34 Hill St, 
St Helier, JE4 8PN

Luxembourg

6H Route de Treves, Senningerberg L-2633

Luxembourg

Luxembourg

Airport Center Luxembourg 5, Heienhaff, 
L-1736 Senningerberg

Airport Center Luxembourg 5, Heienhaff, 
L-1736 Senningerberg

Luxembourg

6H Route de Treves, Senningerberg L-2633

Luxembourg

10, rue C.M. Spoo

67.43

Luxembourg

10, rue C.M. Spoo

60

60

Macau

Malaysia

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

Upper Penthouse, Wisma RKT, No. 2 Jalan 
Raja Abdullah, Off Jalan Sultan Ismail, 50300 
Kuala Lumpur

Savills (Johor) Sdn Bhd

(ii) 49

Malaysia

238

Annual report and accounts 2022

Subsidiaries of which the Group  
owns less than 100%

% owned

Country of 
incorporation

Registered office

Savills (KL) Sdn Bhd

(ii) 49

Malaysia

Savills (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd

(ii) 49

Malaysia

Savills (Penang) Sdn Bhd

(ii) 49

Malaysia

Savills (Project Management)  
Sdn Bhd

(ii) 49

Malaysia

Savills Investment Management B.V

75

Netherlands

Savills & Partners LLC

65

Oman

Savills Investment Management  
SP Z o.o.

Absolute Maintenance Services  
Pte Ltd

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

75

60

60

60

75

75

75

75

Poland

Singapore

Singapore

Singapore

Singapore

Singapore

Singapore

Solute Pte Ltd

60

Singapore

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

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

13 Kaki Bukit Place Absolute Maintenance 
Building S416191

168 Robinson Road, #12 Capital Tower, 
Singapore 068912

168 Robinson Road, #12 Capital Tower, 
Singapore 068912

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

13 Kaki Bukit Place Absolute Maintenance 
Building S416191

Singapore

83 Amoy Street, 01-01 Singapore 069960

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

Pitmore (1) Ltd

75

75

75

75

75

75

75

50

75

Spain

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, 

SW1Y 6BN

United Kingdom Citypoint, 65 Haymarket Terrace, Edinburgh, 

EH12 5HD

United Kingdom 33 Margaret Street, London, W1G 0JD

United Kingdom 33 Margaret Street, London, W1G 0JD

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239

 
 
Notes to the financial statements continued
Year ended 31 December 2022

35. Group – Investments continued

Subsidiaries of which the Group  
owns less than 100%

% owned

Country of 
incorporation

Registered office

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

Prime London Residential 
Development II GP LLP

SAH Investments Holdings Ltd

SAH Limited Partnership

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

Simply Affordable Homes GP LLP

Simply Affordable Homes LLP

Simply Affordable Homes RP Ltd

75

United Kingdom 50 Lothian Road, Festival Square, Edinburgh, 

EH3 9WJ

75

United Kingdom 50 Lothian Road, Festival Square, Edinburgh, 

EH3 9WJ

75

75

75

75

45

45

75

75

75

75

75

75

75

75

75

75

75

75

75

75

75

75

75

75

75

45

45

45

United Kingdom 50 Lothian Road, Festival Square, Edinburgh, 

EH3 9WJ

United Kingdom 50 Lothian Road, Festival Square, Edinburgh, 

EH3 9WJ

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 50 Lothian Road, Festival Square, Edinburgh, 

EH3 9WJ

United Kingdom 33 Margaret Street, London, 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, W1G 0JD

United Kingdom 33 Margaret Street, London, W1G 0JD

United Kingdom 33 Margaret Street, London, W1G 0JD

United Kingdom 50 Lothian Road, Festival Square, Edinburgh, 

EH3 9WJ

United Kingdom 50 Lothian Road, Festival Square, Edinburgh, 

EH3 9WJ

United Kingdom Wemyss House, 8 Wemyss Place, Edinburgh, 
United Kingdom, EH3 6DH

United Kingdom Citypoint, 65 Haymarket Terrace, Edinburgh, 

EH12 5HD

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

240

Annual report and accounts 2022

Subsidiaries of which the Group  
owns less than 100%

% owned

Country of 
incorporation

Registered office

Stratland Management Limited

Savills Investment Management Inc.

SGDN Ltd

75

75

51

United Kingdom 33 Margaret Street, London, W1G 0JD

United States

251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington, DE 19808

United Kingdom Stuart House, City Road, Peterborough, 

PE1 1QF

Joint Ventures

% owned

Country of 
incorporation

Registered office

Shanghai No.1 and FPDSavills Property 
Management Company Ltd

Zhuhai Hengqin Savills Assets 
Operation Management Company Ltd

Beijing Baiwang Savills Real Estate 
Company Ltd

Beijing China Railway Savills Property 
Management Services Company Ltd

51

51

49

49

China

China

China

China

Foshan Meizhi & Savills Property 
Management Co., Ltd

40

China

Gohigh Savills (Shanghai) Property 
Management Company Ltd

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

Shanghai Kuntin Savills Property 
Management Company Ltd.

Shanghai Dobe Savills Property 
Management Company Ltd.

Daisy Savills Property Management 
(Beijing) Company Ltd

49

49

49

30

40

40

40

40

35

35

China

China

China

China

China

China

China

China

China

China

Suzhou Industrial Park Hengtai Savills 
Property Management Company Ltd

35

China

Beijing Yintai Savills Property 
Management Company Limited

33

China

Building No1, 3rd Floor, No.400, Fangchun 
Rd, Pudong District, Shanghai

Room 105-1460, No. 6 Baohua road, Hengqin 
new area, Zhuhai

Room 501, 5F, Block 2, No. 2 South Yongjie 
Rd., Haidian District, Beijing

Room 202 Tower D, Beijing China Railway 
Plaza, No.3 South Road Auto Museum, 
Fengtai District, Beijing

Unit 2404, Building No.4, Midea Fortune 
Plaza, 1 Chende Road, Shunde District, 
Foshan

Room 203D, 2/F, No. 21, Lane 596, Middle 
Yanan Road, Jingan District, Shanghai

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

Room 252, 2F, No. 309 Meilong Rd, Xuhui 
District, Shanghai

Room 111, 1F, Building 11, No. 2447 Jiaotong 
Rd, Putuo District, Shanghai

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

Unit402C, 401, 4/F, Building 3, No.2 
Jianguomenwai Avenue, Chaoyang District, 
Beijing

Beijing BHG Savills Retail & Property 
Management Company Ltd

24.5

China

Room 107, Block 1, No 208, Lane 4, North 
Xiangyun Road, Daxing District, Beijing

Beijing Oriental Savills Asset 
Management Company Ltd

30

China

Unit 303, 3/F No, 9 West Street Wangfujing, 
Dongcheng District, Beijing

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Notes to the financial statements continued
Year ended 31 December 2022

35. Group – Investments continued

Joint Ventures

Beijing Zhaotai Savills Property 
Services Company Ltd

Chongqing Shenghua Savills Property 
Services Group Company Ltd

Chengdu Shu Du Savills Property 
Services Co., Ltd.

Nanjing Smart Science Technology 
Park & Savills Property Management 
Company Ltd

Shanghai South Hongqiao & 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

% owned

Country of 
incorporation

Registered office

30

30

65

30

49

30

49

30

30

China

China

China

China

China

China

China

China

China

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

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

Anlian Savills Property Management 
(Shenzhen) Ltd

25.5

China

Unit B02(b), 19/F, Anlian Plaza, No.4018, 
Jintian Road, Futian District, Shenzhen

COSCO Savills Property Development 
Company Ltd

25

China

Unit M, 7th Floor, No.720 Pudong Ave, 
Pudong District, Shanghai

Beijing Financial Street Savills Property 
Management Company Ltd

20

Beijing Zhong Bao Savills Property 
Management Company Ltd

Tianjin TEDA Savills Property Services 
Company Ltd

10

10

Xi’an Qujiang Savills Property Services 
Co., Ltd.

30

China

China

China

China

Greenmile Ventures Ltd

50

Hong Kong

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

Room 1109-1, 11th Floor, No.2 Building of 
Huashang Culture&Media Center, No. 3001 
Yanxiang Road, Xujiang New District, Xi’an

Vistra Corporate Services Centre, Wickhams 
Cay II, Road Town, Tortola, VG1110, British 
Virgin Islands

Greenwalls Gateway Ltd

Skywise Technology & Innovation 
Company Limited

G.E.S. Holdings Ltd

G.E.S. Ltd

50

50

50

50

Hong Kong

7/F, 1111 King’s Road, Taikoo Shing

Hong Kong

7/F, 1111 King’s Road, Taikoo Shing

Macau

Macau

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

242

Annual report and accounts 2022

% owned

Country of 
incorporation

Registered office

France

Germany

Hong Kong

11 Avenue Jean Medecin, 06000, Nice

Friedrichstrabe 95, 10117 Berlin

Rooms 805-813, 8/F, 1111 King's Road,  
Taikoo Shing

Hong Kong

7/F, 1111 King’s Road, Taikoo Shing

Associates

SAS – Riviera Estates

Savills Germany Residential GmbH

QF Savills Property Management 
Limited

KSH Guardian Property 
Management Ltd

Lippo-Savills Property 
Management Ltd

Yuen Sang Property Management 
Company Ltd

Savills Taiping Property 
Management Ltd

Guardian Home Ltd

51

40

50

50

50

50

45

40

Hong Kong

Hong Kong

Hong Kong

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.

Lucia Sdn Bhd

40

40

Malaysia

Malaysia

Rootcorp Ranganatha Limited

18.75

Mauritius

Room 2301, 23/F, Tower One, Lippo Centre, 
89 Queensway

Room 2501, 25/F, Alexandra House, 18  
Chater Road, Central

Rooms 805-813, 8/F, 1111 King’s Road,  
Taikoo Shing

Shop No. 301, 3rd Floor, Chun Shek Shopping 
Centre, Chun Shek Estate, 1 Shing Tin Street, 
Shatin, New Territories

Unit 1806-08, Tower Two, Lippo Centre,  
89 Queensway

Ground Floor Front, 19 Kumarakrupa Road, 
Bangalore 560001

No. 271, (Room A), Jalan Maarof, Bangsar, 
59000 Kuala Lumpur

 18-2, Jalan PJU 5/4, Dataran Sunway, Kota 
Damansara, 47810 Petaling Jaya, Selangor

 18-2, Jalan PJU 5/4, Dataran Sunway, Kota 
Damansara, 47810 Petaling Jaya, Selangor

4th Floor, Raffles Tower, 19 Cybercity,  
Ebene

Monaco Real estates SARL

51

Monaco

10 Ter Boulevard Princesse Charlotte

Really Pte Ltd

(ii) 32.7

Singapore

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

40.5

Singapore

Huttons Pte Ltd

33.8

Singapore

Realplus Joint Stock Company

30

Vietnam

70 Shenton Way #09-12 EON Shenton  
S 079118

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

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243

 
 
Notes to the financial statements continued
Year ended 31 December 2022

35. Group – Investments continued

Fully-owned entity

Liffey Valley Management Ltd

Mahon Point Management Ltd

White Water (Newbridge) Limited

White Water Management Limited

White Water Residential DAC 
(Designated Activity Company)

Country of 
incorporation

Registered office

(v)

(v)

(v)

(v)

(v)

Ireland

Ireland

Ireland

Ireland

Ireland

33 Molesworth Street, Dublin 2

33 Molesworth Street, Dublin 2

33 Molesworth Street, Dublin 2

33 Molesworth Street, Dublin 2

33 Molesworth Street, Dublin 2

(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 they 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 into account representation on the board of directors, ability to 
participate/direct policy making processes and the rights to variable returns from the investee.

244

Annual report and accounts 2022

Appendices

Constant currency
The Group generates revenues and profits in various territories and currencies because of its international footprint. 
Those results are translated on consolidation at the foreign exchange rates prevailing at the time. These exchange 
rates vary from year to year, so the Group presents some of its results on a constant currency basis. This means that 
the current year results are retranslated using the prior year exchange rates. This eliminates the effect of exchange 
from the year-on-year comparison of results.

The constant currency effect on revenue, reported profit and underlying profit is summarised below:

Revenue

Profit before tax

Underlying profit before tax

2022
Constant 
currency 
effect 
£m 

2022 at
Constant 
currency
£m 

2022
£m

2,298.3

69.4

2,228.9

153.9

164.6

1.5

1.7

152.4

162.9

The Group’s segmental results for the current year are presented below in constant currency:

2022 at Constant Currency

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 

118.9

208.3

327.2

131.0

142.1

22.7

164.8

274.5

897.5

20.4

35.1

55.5

(2.7)

13.7

3.2

16.9

2.0

71.7

202.0

46.4

248.4

44.3

82.9

–

82.9

30.6

278.7

48.7

327.4

109.8

374.6

–

374.6

–

53.3

–

53.3

52.3

7.8

–

7.8

–

406.2

811.8

113.4

21.8

6.2

28.0

4.8

2.9

–

2.9

1.7

37.4

21.2

4.7

25.9

3.4

19.4

–

19.4

–

48.7

8.7

–

8.7

12.0

0.7

–

0.7

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(16.3)

–

(16.3)

–

–

–

–

–

652.9

303.4

956.3

337.4

607.4

22.7

630.1

305.1

2,228.9

55.8

46.0

101.8

17.5

36.7

3.2

39.9

3.7

21.4

(16.3)

162.9

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Appendices continued

Constant currency continued
The constant currency effect on the Group’s segmental results for the current year is presented below:

2022 – Constant Currency Effect

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 

–

–

–

(1.2)

3.2

1.6

4.8

29.0

32.6

–

–

–

–

(0.3)

0.2

(0.1)

0.3

0.2

–

–

–

0.1

4.4

–

4.4

3.2

7.7

–

–

–

–

–

–

(0.6)

30.3

–

30.3

–

29.7

–

–

–

–

–

–

(0.6)

–

–

–

–

(0.6)

–

–

–

0.1

(0.1)

(0.2)

–

–

–

0.1

0.2

1.6

–

1.6

–

1.5

–

–

–

–

(0.2)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(2.3)

37.9

1.6

39.5

32.2

69.4

–

–

–

(0.2)

1.3

0.2

1.5

0.4

1.7

246

Annual report and accounts 2022

Shareholder information

Key dates for 2023 
Annual General Meeting 
Financial half year end 
Announcement of half year results 

17 May 2023 
30 June 2023 
10 August 2023

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) 371 384 2018. 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

CMS Cameron McKenna Nabarro Olswang LLP
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

Joint Stockbrokers

UBS Investment Bank
5 Broadgate 
London EC2M 2QS

Numis Securities Ltd
45 Gresham Street 
London EC2V 7BF

Principal Bankers

Barclays Bank PLC
1 Churchill Place 
London E14 5HP

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Cautionary note regarding forward-looking statements
Certain statements included in this Annual Report are forward-looking and are therefore subject to risks, 
assumptions and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied 
because they relate to future events. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements 
relating to the Company’s expectations. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of relevant 
terminology including the words: ‘believes’, ‘estimates’, ‘anticipates’, ‘expects’, ‘intends’, ‘forecasts’, ‘plans’, ‘goal’, 
‘target’, ‘aim’, ‘may’, ‘will’, ‘would’, ‘could’ or ‘should’ or, in each case, their negative or other variations or comparable 
terminology and include all matters that are not historical facts. They appear in a number of places throughout this 
Annual Report and include statements regarding our intentions, beliefs or current expectations and those of our 
Officers, Directors and employees concerning, amongst other things, our results of operations, financial condition, 
liquidity, prospects, growth, strategies and the businesses we operate.

Other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those estimated by the forward-looking 
statements include, but are not limited to:

 § global economic business conditions;

 § monetary and interest rate policies;

 § foreign currency exchange rates;

 § equity and property prices;

 § the impact of competition, inflation;

 § changes to regulations, taxes;

 § changes to consumer saving and spending habits; and

 § 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.

248

Annual report and accounts 2022

Savills plc
33 Margaret Street 
London W1G 0JD 
T: +44 (0)20 7499 8644 
www.savills.com

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No. 2122174