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Shaftesbury PLC

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FY2015 Annual Report · Shaftesbury PLC
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Shaftesbury PLC 
22 Ganton Street 
Carnaby 
London W1F 7FD

T: 020 7333 8118

shaftesbury.co.uk

ANNUAL REPORT 2015

 
 
Contents

Strategic report
Financial highlights  4

Chairman’s statement  5

Exceptional portfolio  8

Our objective 14

Governance 
Directors and officers  70

Corporate governance  72

Nomination Committee report  76

Audit Committee report  78

How we create and deliver value  19

Remuneration report  82

Mix of uses  20

Retail  24

Remuneration policy  84

Annual Remuneration report  92

Restaurants, cafés and pubs  25

Directors’ report  102

Offices  26

Residential  27

Proven management strategy  30

Experienced management team  33

Robust balance sheet  34

Valuation  38

Directors’ responsibilities  104

Independent auditors’ report  105

Financial statements 
Group statement of  
comprehensive income  110

Investment in our portfolio  42

Balance sheets  111

Demand and occupancy  46

Cash flow statements  112

Village summaries  48

Results and finance  52

Looking ahead  57

Risk management  59

Viability Statement  66

Statements of changes in equity  113

Notes to the financial statements  114

Other information 
Shareholder information  141

Portfolio analysis  142

Basis of valuation  142

Summary report by the valuer  144

Sustainability  146

Glossary of terms  156

Design: SG Design (sg-design.co.uk)

Printed: Park Communications on FSC® certified paper.

Park is an EMAS certified company and its Environmental Management System 
is certified to ISO 14001.

100% of the inks used are vegetable oil based, 95% of press chemicals are 
recycled for further use and, on average, 99% of any waste associated with this 
production will be recycled.

This document is printed on Heaven 42, a paper containing 100% virgin fibre 
sourced from well managed, responsible, FSC® certified forests. Some pulp in 
this product is bleached using both elemental chlorine free (ECF) process and 
using a totally chlorine free (TCF) process.

001

Exceptional

We own an exceptional real estate portfolio, extending to 14 
acres, in the heart of London’s West End. Our property interests 
are valued at £3.1 billion1
We focus exclusively on this highly popular, sought-after and prosperous location
see pages 8 to 13

Resilient

Our objective is to deliver long-term outperformance in growth 
of rental income, capital values and shareholder returns
We concentrate on locations and uses which have a long record of delivering rental 
growth 
see pages 14 to 17

Focused

We focus on retail, restaurants, and leisure
With 570 shops, restaurants, cafés and pubs in the liveliest parts of the West End, which 
provide 70% of our current income2

see pages 19 to 27

Proven

Our proven management strategy creates and fosters 
distinctive, attractive and prosperous destinations  
see pages 30 to 31

Experienced 

Our experienced management team has an innovative approach 
to sustainable income growth and long-term value creation
 see page 33

Robust

We operate with prudent financial management, a strong 
balance sheet and a tax-efficient REIT structure
 see page 34

1 Including our 50% share of property held in joint venture
2 Wholly-owned portfolio

 
002

SHAFTESBURY ANNUAL REPORT 2015  STRATEGIC REPORT  

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SHAFTESBURY ANNUAL REPORT 2015 STRATEGIC REPORT  004

SHAFTESBURY ANNUAL REPORT 2015  STRATEGIC REPORT  

Financial 
highlights

EPRA net asset value 
(£ per share) 

Net asset value  
return (%) 

EPRA earnings (£m) 

+21.9%

2015 £8.69 per share
2014 £7.13 per share

+23.8%

+10.7%

2015 £36.1 million
2014 £32.6 million

9
6
.
8

3
1
.
7

7
6
.
5

8
9
.
4

3
6
.
4

0
.
8
2

8
.
3
2

1
.
6
3

6
.
2
3

6
.
0
3
8  
.
8
2

2
.
0
3

3
.
6
1

4
.
4
1

1
.
0
1

Dividends  
(pence per share)

+5.0%

2015 13.75p per share
2014 13.1p per share

5
7
.
3
1

1
.
3
1

5
.
2
1

0
.
2
1

5
2
.
1
1

2011  2012  2013  2014  2015

2011  2012  2013  2014  2015

2011  2012  2013  2014  2015

2011  2012  2013  2014  2015

Reversionary  
potential1 (£m)

£25.2m

2014 £25.1 million

 Current income

 ERV

2
.
2
9

5
.
7
7

9
.
9
9

9
.
0
8

6
.
8
1
1

5
.
3
9

9
.
5
0
1

9
.
5
8

8
.
7
2
1

6
.
2
0
1

Net property   
income (£m)

+6.3%

2015 £78.8 million
2014 £74.1 million

8
.
8
7

1
.
4
7

9
.
7
6

2
.
6
6

1
.
3
6

EPRA EPS 
(pence per share)

+6.6%

2015 13.0p per share
2014 12.2p per share

0
.
3
1

2
.
2
1

2
.
2
1

0
.
2
1

0
.
2
1

2011 
1 Including our 50% share of property held in joint venture

2013 

2012 

2014 

2015

2011  2012  2013  2014  2015

2011  2012  2013  2014  2015

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Dividends  

(pence per share)

EPRA EPS 

(pence per share)

005

Chairman’s 
statement  
I am pleased  
to report another 
year of strong 
performance 

Our long-term strategy of investment in the heart of 
London’s West End continues to deliver increasing 
shareholder value and dividends, underpinned by 
sustained demand and growth in actual and 
prospective rental income.

Across our fourteen acres of ownership1, relentless activity, 
which includes asset management, schemes and acquisitions, is 
key to our continuing success.  

We focus on retail, restaurants and leisure in iconic West End 
locations. Businesses seeking space value our strategy of 
fostering constantly-evolving destinations, which draw many 
millions of people throughout the year. 

Our approach creates prosperous areas for our tenants and, in 
doing so, establishes the demand that supports long-term 
growth in our income and the value of our portfolio.  

Strong NAV growth

EPRA net asset value per share grew by £1.56 to £8.69 at the year 
end, primarily driven by strong valuation growth in our portfolio. 
This represents a NAV return, after adding back dividends, of 
23.8%.

The valuation of our portfolio2 rose by £466.6 million to £3.1 billion, 
an 18% like-for-like increase over the year. This increase is 
attributable to a combination of:

•   Continuing strong occupier demand, and limited availability of 
space, which, together, are driving sustained growth in actual 
and potential rental income;

•   The improvements we make to our buildings to provide better 
space and enhance their income-generation prospects; and

•   The considerable investment demand for properties in our 

prosperous and resilient locations, which exceeds the 
availability of assets to buy.

The portfolio reversionary potential2, estimated by our valuers, 
stands at £25.2 million, 24.6% above current rents. We are 
confident that we shall continue our long record of converting 
this potential into cash flow, whilst further growing rental values. 

+21.9%
£8.69 

EPRA NAV per share

+10.7%
£36.1m 

EPRA earnings

+5.0%
13.75p 

Dividends per share

1 Wholly-owned portfolio 
2 Including our 50% share of property owned in joint venture

SHAFTESBURY ANNUAL REPORT 2015 STRATEGIC REPORT  006

SHAFTESBURY ANNUAL REPORT 2015  STRATEGIC REPORT  

CHAIRMAN’S STATEMENT CONTINUED 

Importantly, DTZ, independent valuers of our wholly-owned 
portfolio, continue to advise the Board that, in their view, some 
prospective purchasers may recognise the compelling opportunity, 
which the acquisition of the portfolio would provide, to own, in a 
single transaction, a substantial number of predominantly retail and 
restaurant properties in adjacent, or adjoining, locations in London’s 
West End. Consequently, they may consider a combination of 
some, or all, parts of the portfolio to have a greater value than 
currently reflected in their valuation, which has been prepared in 
accordance with RICS guidelines. 

Increased EPRA earnings and dividends

EPRA earnings increased by 10.7% to £36.1 million (2014: £32.6 
million), largely driven by like-for-like growth in rental income of 
5.5%. With sustained strong demand across all our locations and 
for all uses, we are achieving rents on leasing transactions and 
rent reviews, on average, 11.2% above ERVs twelve months earlier. 
As well as crystallising and exceeding the portfolio reversion 
previously reported, these transactions create new rental tones 
which benefit our adjoining, or nearby, ownerships.

Your Board is pleased to recommend a final dividend of 6.925p, 
bringing the total dividends for the year to 13.75p, an increase of 
5.0%. The total distribution in respect of the year will amount to 
£38.3 million (2014: £36.5 million). 

Asset management and investment in our 
portfolio 

It has been another busy year of asset management activity and 
investment across our portfolio. 

During the year, we completed £27.3 million of leasing and rent 
review transactions, equivalent to around 23% of total ERV. 

We have worked on a wide variety of refurbishment schemes, 
extending to 181,000 sq. ft., or 10% of our floor area. This 
included the completion of our major scheme in Carnaby, 
fronting Foubert’s Place and Kingly Street. 

Capital expenditure for the year amounted to £24.7 million. This 
continues to be modest in relation to the value of our portfolio, as 
we provide retail, restaurant and leisure space in shell form, and 
have limited exposure to the obsolescence inherent in offices. In 
all our schemes, we are mindful of the need to ensure our 
generally older building stock continues to meet, or exceed, the 
minimum standards of environmental performance required by 
law and expected by our occupiers. 

We continue to identify and advance further asset management 
opportunities across our portfolio. In particular, we are making 
good progress with three important schemes which we shall be 
starting during 2016:

•   In Chinatown, we have secured planning consent for a major 

reconfiguration of 45,500 sq. ft. of retail and restaurant space 
fronting Charing Cross Road and Newport Court. We shall start 
our works early in 2016. 

•   In Carnaby, we have submitted a planning application for the 
refurbishment and extension of 57 Broadwick Street, which  
will provide 33,000 sq. ft. of retail, restaurant, office and 
residential accommodation. Subject to receiving consent,  
we expect the scheme to be underway by mid-2016.

•   In Seven Dials, in early 2016, we shall commence a scheme to 

materially alter Thomas Neal’s Warehouse to provide  
21,000 sq. ft. of reconfigured space suitable for retailers 
seeking a flagship presence in this popular location.     

The availability of properties to acquire, which meet our strict 
investment criteria, continues to be limited. Existing owners 
remain reluctant to relinquish valuable investments which offer 
both security and good growth prospects. Inevitably, the timing  
of acquisitions is always unpredictable.

In the first half, we acquired seven properties at a cost of 
£25.8m. Although we made no purchases in the second half, 
since the year end, we have secured acquisitions totalling  
£22.1 million. In each acquisition we have identified potential for 
asset management initiatives which should deliver good rental 
and capital growth in the medium-term, and which will benefit 
our holdings nearby.

Adding to our long-term financial resources  

Long-term funding is a natural fit with our business model and 
portfolio of good quality assets which, with our management, 
deliver secure and growing income streams. 

Since the beginning of 2015, we have completed the refinancing of 
our remaining debt facilities, which were due to expire in 2016, 
securing £250 million of long-term loans at an average rate of 
3.51%. The refinancing provided us with additional resources of 
£96.6 million, of which £28.1 million was used to terminate  
£70 million of long-dated interest rate swaps. 

CHAIRMAN’S STATEMENT CONTINUED 

007

Corporate Governance

Outlook

We are committed to the principles of good corporate 
governance and responsibility throughout our business. 

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, and their predecessor firms, have 
been our auditors since the company was founded in 1986. In 
light of new regulations regarding the rotation of auditors, and, in 
line with emerging best practice, we decided to tender the audit 
during the year.  

Following this tender process, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP will 
resign as auditors at the completion of this year’s audit and Ernst 
& Young LLP will be appointed. The Board is recommending that 
Ernst & Young LLP be reappointed as auditor from the date of 
the Annual General Meeting in February.  

Our team and the Board

Unusually for a business of our size, we operate with a staff of just 
25. Their experience, knowledge and commitment are key to the 
continuing success of the Group’s long-term strategy and the 
evolution of its implementation across our growing portfolio.  
Their innovative thinking ensures we adapt and respond to an 
ever-changing environment.

Importantly, we benefit from the experience and advice from a 
wide range of professional advisors, who share our enthusiasm for, 
and commitment to, our portfolio, and the areas in which we invest. 

We are fortunate that we are able to call on the advice and wider 
experience of five Non-Executive Directors, who understand our 
business, how we operate, and the challenges that may lie ahead. 

After 29 years at the Company, for many of which as Chief 
Executive, I have asked the Nomination Committee, led by our 
Senior Independent Director, Jill Little, to undertake a process to 
identify my successor as Non-Executive Chairman.

London’s global status continues to attract domestic and international 
businesses and visitors in unrivalled numbers. The city is currently 
experiencing a period of exceptional investment and growth. 
With forecasts pointing to a rapidly increasing population, more 
people and businesses are being drawn to its dynamic economy, 
wide variety of attractions and diverse, cosmopolitan atmosphere.

The completion of Crossrail in 2018, with its two West End 
transport hubs at Tottenham Court Road and Bond Street, will 
bring much-needed additional transport capacity to the London 
network. Importantly for us, accessibility to the West End will be 
materially improved and footfall patterns will change, which will 
benefit our holdings, all of which are a short walk from these new 
hubs.

We invest in predominantly retail, restaurant and leisure locations 
and buildings in the core West End, where these uses have a long 
history of sustained demand, resulting in occupancy levels and 
rental growth which typically are unaffected by wider cyclical 
trends. With the factors supporting the outlook and long-term 
success of the West End mirroring those of the entire city, they 
also underpin the unique qualities and prospects of our 
exceptional, centrally-located portfolio. 

Against this background, and with our experience and forensic 
knowledge of the West End, we expect to continue to deliver 
long-term growth in shareholder value and income.

Jonathan Lane OBE 
Chairman

24 November 2015

l a t e

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SHAFTESBURY ANNUAL REPORT 2015 STRATEGIC REPORT  008

SHAFTESBURY ANNUAL REPORT 2015  STRATEGIC REPORT  

14 acres

in the heart of London’s West End1 and  
1.9 acres owned in joint venture2

1.7m sq. ft.

commercial and residential accommodation1  
plus 0.3m sq.ft. held in joint venture2

1,550

commercial and residential tenants1

£3.1bn

portfolio valuation3

£102.6m

current income3

£127.8m

estimated rental value3

1 Wholly-owned portfolio  
2 Shaftesbury has a 50% interest in this joint venture 
3 Including our 50% share of property held in joint venture 
4  Estimated total passengers using Tottenham Court Road and Bond Street stations 

by the mid-2020s 

Exceptional  
real estate 
portfolio in the 
heart of London’s 
West End

GOODGE

STREET

T

E

E

R

T

E   S

G

D

O

O

G

T

O

T

T

E

N

H

A

M

C

O

U

R

T

Villages by fair value

7%

3%

7%

22%

26%

35%

Carnaby

Covent Garden

Chinatown

Soho

Charlotte Street

Longmartin

OXFORD 

CIRCUS

BOND 

STREET

O X F O R D   S T R E E T

W

A

R

D

O

U

R

S

T

R

E

E

T

R

O

A

D

TOTTENHAM 

COURT ROAD 

C

H

A

R

I

N

G

C

R

O

S

S

R

O

A

D

Uses as a % of current income1 

13%

Shops

17%

35%

Restaurants, cafés and leisure

Offices

Residential

R

E

G

E

N

T

S

T

R

E

E

T

35%

E

U

N

TESBURY        A V E

F

A

SH

PICCADILLY

CIRCUS

REGENT STRE E T

Y

L

D I L

A

C

P I C

COVENT

GARDEN

D

N

A

S T R

E

R

C

A

G

N

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L

LEICESTER

SQUARE

C

H

A

R

I

N

G

C

R

O

S

S

R

O

A

D

CHARING CROSS

GREEN

PARK

L

L

A

L   M

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P

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H

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ST JAMES’S 

PARK

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
EXCEPTIONAL PORTFOLIO CONTINUED 

009

100%  

  of our portfolio is between 5 and 10  
minutes’ walk of a Crossrail station

245m

passengers annually handled by the six 
stations closest to our villages

GOODGE
STREET

8m  

PASSENGERS

R

T

E   S

G

D

O

O

G

E

E

T

Charlotte 
Street
0.7 acres

O

N

T

T

T

E

H

A

M

C

O

U

R

T

R

O

A

D

OXFORD 
CIRCUS

99m  

PASSENGERS

BOND 
STREET

102m4  

PASSENGERS

O X F O R D   S T R E E T

W

A

R

D

O

U

R

S

T

R

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T

TOTTENHAM 
COURT ROAD 

37m  

PASSENGERS

108m4  

C

PASSENGERS

H

A

R

I

N

G

C

R
O

S

S

R
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A

D

Seven Dials
3.0 acres

Soho
1.3 acres

Carnaby
4.2 acres

R

E

G

E

N

T

S

T

R

E

E

T

Restaurants, cafés and leisure

Shops

Offices

Residential

E

U

N

Chinatown 
3.2 acres

TESBURY        A V E

F
A
SH
PICCADILLY
CIRCUS

LEICESTER
SQUARE

C
H
A
R

I

43m  

PASSENGERS

N
G

St Martin’s 
Courtyard2
1.9 acres

E

G

R

A

C

N

O

L

COVENT
GARDEN

15m  

PASSENGERS

Opera  
Quarter 
0.6 acres

REGENT STRE E T

43m  

PASSENGERS

C

R

O

S

S

R

O

A

D

Coliseum 
1.0 acre

D

N

A

S T R

Y

L

D I L

A

C

P I C

CHARING CROSS

GREEN

PARK

L

L

A

L   M

L

A

P

L

L

A

E   M

H

T

ST JAMES’S 

PARK

SHAFTESBURY ANNUAL REPORT 2015 STRATEGIC REPORT   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
010

west

east

CONTINUED Exceptional  
real estate portfolio   
in the heart of  
London’s West End

Accumulated over 29 years, our 
portfolio extends to 14 acres in the 
heart of the West End, together with 
a 50% interest in a further 1.9 acres 
in our Longmartin joint venture.  
It was independently valued at  
£3.1 billion at 30 September 20151.

 SEE PAGE 38 TO 40 FOR DETAILS OF THE VALUATION

We own nearly 600 buildings, mostly of “domestic” 
size, clustered in villages in iconic areas – Carnaby, 
Covent Garden, Chinatown, Soho and Charlotte 
Street – close to the West End’s world-class visitor 
attractions. 

The areas in which we invest are long-established, 
with street patterns generally laid out between 
1680 and 1720. Virtually all our holdings are within 
Conservation Areas and around 20% of our 
buildings are listed as being of special 
architectural interest. 

Ownerships across the West End are largely 
fragmented or held by the landed estates. This, 
together with an unwillingness by existing owners 
to sell properties in this prosperous area, would 
make it virtually impossible to replicate a portfolio 
of this size and concentration, and with a mix of 
uses such as ours, in our central locations.

1 Including our 50% share of property held in joint venture

EXCEPTIONAL PORTFOLIO CONTINUED 

011

With the benefit of our proven management strategies, 
our portfolio delivers sustainable growth in rents, 
through the cycles, which is fundamental to long-term 
value creation.
The key features of our portfolio are: 
Situated entirely in London’s  
West End 
•   Prosperous area with high footfall

•   Unrivalled visitor destination and popular 

business location

•   Benefits from the long-term growth of London’s 

economy, population and visitors

•   London’s “safe haven” status provides stability 

and resilience

•   Exceptional transport links – all our properties are 
close to major underground stations and the new 
West End Crossrail transport hubs

 SEE PAGE 13 FOR MORE INFORMATION ON LONDON AND THE WEST END

Clustered in iconic areas 
•   Concentration in renowned areas with high footfall

•   Allows us to adopt a comprehensive management 

strategy for each village

•   Our initiatives bring compound benefits to our 

nearby ownerships

 SEE PAGES 30 TO 31 FOR DETAILS OF OUR MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES

Focused on shops, restaurants, cafés 
and pubs (70% of current income) 
•   These uses have a long history, in the West End, of 
demand exceeding supply and low vacancy levels

•   Rental levels for these uses have historically not 

been cyclical in this location

•   As we provide this accommodation in shell form, 
there is limited obsolescence for us, as landlord

•   Upper floors are generally offices, residential or a 

mix of both

 SEE PAGES 20 TO 21 FOR WHY WE FOCUS ON THESE USES

SHAFTESBURY ANNUAL REPORT 2015 STRATEGIC REPORT  012

lifestyle

h i g h   s t y l e

Why London’s  
West End?    
Unrivalled visitor and  
business destination,  
bringing prosperity  
and resilience

London is one of the world’s 
principal global cities and is the 
largest city in Western Europe. It 
has an unrivalled variety of heritage 
and cultural attractions, which draw 
huge numbers of domestic and 
overseas’ visitors. It is also a  
world-class business location.

The city’s population is currently 8.6 million, and 
is expected to grow to more than 10 million by 
20361. Additionally, there is a similar, and growing, 
population in southern England who can easily 
commute or visit for a day. 

This global appeal brings prosperity to the city, 
giving it a broad economic base which is not  
reliant on the fortunes of the wider UK economy.

1  The London Plan, March 2015

2  Mastercard – Global City Index

3   Jones Lang LaSalle – Heart of London, New West End Company,  

Shaftesbury – London’s West End Review and Outlook, March 2015

4  The West End Partnership, The West End Vision 2030

5  Cushman & Wakefield, Capital Watch, Summer 2015

6  Crossrail

7   Harper Dennis Hobbs and The New West End Company, Crossrail visitor  

impact study,  September 2015

8  Arup, The Impact of Crossrail on Visitor Numbers in the West End, January 2014

EXCEPTIONAL PORTFOLIO CONTINUED 

013

The West End’s popularity

The West End’s variety of shops, restaurants, cafés, pubs and 
clubs, together with its 38 world-famous theatres, 30 museums, 
galleries, live entertainment, public spaces and parks, attract 390 
million visits annually3. In 2014, London was ranked as the world’s 
most popular city tourist destination, welcoming 18.7 million 
international visitors, up 8% from the previous year2. Visitor 
spending, in the West End, is estimated at £11 billion p.a.4

Generating 3% of the UK’s economic output (GVA)4, the City of 
Westminster is an economic powerhouse with one of the most 
dense employment concentrations in the world; it is estimated 
that there is a working population across the borough of over 
650,0001. It is home to a wide range of businesses and a large 
number of SMEs; over 80% of businesses employ fewer than ten 
people. The West End is also a popular place to live, with around 
59,000 residents4. 

 SEE PAGE 21 FOR WHY THIS LOCAL WORKING AND RESIDENT POPULATION IS IMPORTANT

Strong footfall and consumer spending, yet 
constrained supply of space

The large numbers of visitors, together with the working and 
resident populations, bring footfall and spending, which have 
shown long-term resilience. Availability of commercial space is 
constrained, planning regulations are tight and there is demand 
from a wide variety of occupiers. This structural imbalance in 
supply and demand is fundamental to our portfolio’s rental 
prospects and capital value, both of which have shown 
significantly greater long-term growth and stability through the 
property cycles than the wider real estate market. 

Exceptional and improving transport links

The West End is at the heart of the capital’s underground and bus 
network. The six underground stations closest to our villages 
handled 245 million passengers in 2014, an increase of 5% over 
2013. In recognition of the growing demands placed on the 
transport network, investment of £25.3 billion is forecast, over 
the next six years, to upgrade and expand the transport 
infrastructure, increasing capacity and improving reliability5.

Crossrail 

Crossrail is planned to open in 2018. It is estimated that this will:

•  Increase network capacity by around 10%6

•  Extend the West End’s provincial catchment area by 27%7

•  Shorten travel times

•   Treble passenger numbers at the Tottenham Court Road and 
Bond Street transport hubs by the mid 2020s8, materially 
changing footfall patterns in the vicinity

•  Increase retail and leisure spending in the West End

We expect to be a major beneficiary as all our properties are 
within ten minutes’ walk, and approximately 80% within five 
minutes, of the two West End Crossrail stations. 

Responding to the expected substantial increase in footfall 
around the new stations and in nearby streets, a number of 
improvements to the public realm are underway, or planned, to 
ease pavement congestion and provide stronger connections 
between retail, cultural and leisure attractions.

SHAFTESBURY ANNUAL REPORT 2015 STRATEGIC REPORT  014

SHAFTESBURY ANNUAL REPORT 2015  STRATEGIC REPORT  

Resilient 
Our objective  
is to deliver 
long-term 
outperformance 
in growth of 
rental income, 
capital values 
and shareholder 
returns 

We concentrate on locations 
which have an exceptional  
record of long-term prosperity, 
resilience and growth.

Key value drivers
Value driver 
Sustained demand 

Minimal vacancy  

Limited obsolescence 

Why is this important? 
 Fundamental to long-term growth 
in rental income and capital values

 Maximises income generated by the 
portfolio

Limits investment needed to 
maintain our portfolio

Cost control 

Maximises earnings 

  SEE PAGE 21 FOR HOW WE FOCUS LARGELY ON USES WHICH GIVE US LIMITED 
OBSOLESCENCE RISK

  SEE PAGE 53 FOR MORE INFORMATION ON COSTS IN THE CURRENT YEAR AND PAGE 4  
FOR DIVIDENDS OVER THE PAST FIVE YEARS

The associated principal risks are:

•   A sustained fall in visitor numbers and/or spending in the West 
End and our villages, leading to a reduction in tenant demand 
and occupancy levels e.g. as a result of terrorism, health 
concerns, long-term disruption to the transport network, or 
competing destinations

•  Regulatory risk, including changes in planning policies

•  Economic risks

  SEE PAGES 61 TO 63 FOR DETAILS OF OUR PRINCIPAL RISKS AND HOW WE MITIGATE THEM

  SEE PAGES 19 TO 31 FOR INFORMATION ON OUR BUSINESS MODEL

Sustainable rental growth

Sustainable rental growth is fundamental to long-term growth in 
income, earnings and capital values. We achieve this through:

•  Investing in popular locations

•   Focusing on retail and leisure uses which, in the West End, have 

a long history of sustained demand and rental growth

•   Improving our buildings and villages to create and foster 

distinctive, attractive and prosperous locations

  SEE PAGE 13 FOR THE WEST END’S POPULARITY

  SEE PAGES 20 TO 21 FOR OUR FOCUS ON RETAIL AND LEISURE USES

  SEE PAGE 19 FOR HOW WE CREATE AND DELIVER VALUE

         
OUR OBJECTIVE CONTINUED 

015

Growth in rents through the cycles

High occupancy

Our long-term management strategy creates strong tenant demand. 
Consequently, vacancy levels are typically low, with average EPRA 
vacancy in the wholly-owned portfolio over the past ten years of 
2.5%. At 30 September 2015, EPRA vacancy was 1.6%.

EPRA vacancy %2  

4   

3   

2   

1  

0   

10 year average: 2.5%

2006  2007  2008  2009  2010  2011 

2012  2013  2014  2015

  SEE PAGES 30 TO 31 FOR DETAILS ON OUR PROVEN MANAGEMENT STRATEGY  

  SEE PAGE 47 FOR MORE INFORMATION ON CURRENT VACANCY

Our strategy has delivered consistent growth in current income 
and rental values over many years. The 10-year cumulative annual 
growth rate in the current income and ERV of our portfolio has 
been 7.5% p.a. and 7.7% p.a. respectively, with growth in current 
income every year1. 

Over the past decade, the ERV of the portfolio has been, on 
average, 24% above current rents each year. The reversion 
currently stands at £25.2 million, 24.6% above current income.

Typically we crystallise the potential income into cash flow over  
a three-to-five year period. In measuring our success, achieving 
rents above ERV is a Key Performance Indicator (“KPI”). With 
every letting, lease renewal and rent review we aim to establish 
rental tones which exceed the ERV assessed by our external 
valuers. In doing so, we improve the reversionary potential by 
generating market rental evidence on individual properties and 
across our neighbouring holdings. It is this rental potential which 
delivers future income and capital growth.

Reversionary potential2  

 Current income (£m)

 ERV (£m)

2
7

6
6

4
5

8
5

0
8

8
7

0
6

3
6

8
6

8
2
1

9
1
1

3
0
1

0
0
1

2
9

4
8

8
7

6
8

1
8

6
0
1

4
9

2006  2007  2008  2009  2010 

2011 

2012 

2013  2014  2015

  SEE PAGE 40 FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE COMPONENTS OF THE CURRENT 
REVERSIONARY POTENTIAL

KPIs 
The key measures of our success, and how they link to remuneration, are set out below.

Specific measure
Commercial lettings/renewals/rent reviews to exceed ERVs 
assessed by our valuers in the previous year 

Result for year ended 30 September 2015
•  Transactions in the first half: +10.0% vs March 2014 ERV
•  Transactions in the second half: +12.1% vs September 2014 ERV
•  Transactions during the year: +8.1% above September 2014 

ERV

Let vacant space quickly

One month average letting time

These KPIs, along with other targets covering occupancy, ERV growth, operating costs, corporate social responsibility and delivering 
projects and transactions are used to determine executive and senior management annual bonuses.

  SEE PAGE 94 FOR OUR ACHIEVEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2015

1  Including the impact of acquisitions 
2  Including our 50% share of property held in joint venture 
3  Wholly-owned portfolio

SHAFTESBURY ANNUAL REPORT 2015 STRATEGIC REPORT   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
016

SHAFTESBURY ANNUAL REPORT 2015  STRATEGIC REPORT  

OUR OBJECTIVE CONTINUED 

tourists

s
l
a
c
o
l

OUR OBJECTIVE CONTINUED 

017

Long-term performance measures

Our performance against the long-term measures used in the LTIP is set out below.  
The LTIP measures performance over three years.

Measure
What does it measure?

Growth in EPRA NAV
Value creation

Total shareholder return
Returns to shareholders, taking into account 
share price movements and dividends in the 
period

Benchmark

Source

Performance

Cumulative Annualised Growth Rate vs Retail 
Price Index + 3%

FTSE 350 Real Estate Index

Our audited accounts and the ONS Retail 
Prices Index

Datastream

1 year

3 years

5 years

10 years

  3.8%

  5.1%

  21.9%

  20.4%

  16.0%

  5.9%

  9.4%

  6.0%

1 year

3 years

5 years

10 years

  36.7%

  24.3%

  81.7%
  79.6%

  134.7%

  117.3%

  42.0%

  281.9%

Comment

Outperformance over each period measured 

Outperformance over each period measured

  SEE PAGE 95 FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE LTIP

 Shaftesbury   

 Benchmark

SHAFTESBURY ANNUAL REPORT 2015 STRATEGIC REPORT  018

push

pull

How we  
create and  
deliver value

019

e   t h r o u g h
a l u
p it a l  g r o w t h

eliver sharehold e r  v
ends an d c a
divid

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In
v

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in L

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d

IMPROVE  
THE PUBLIC  
REALM

FOCUS ON  
RETAIL AND  
LEISURE

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r

n

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e

a

l

W

e

e

s

t

s

a

t

t

e

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n

d

CREATE DISTINCTIVE
RETAIL AND LEISURE
DESTINATIONS

ESTABLISH  
OWNERSHIP  
CLUSTERS

RECONFIGURE 
AND IMPROVE 
SPACE

g -te r m  proven
m e nt strategy

L

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PROMOTE OUR 
VILLAGES

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  FURTHER COMMENTARY ON OUR BUSINESS MODEL IS PROVIDED ON PAGES 20 TO 35

SHAFTESBURY ANNUAL REPORT 2015 STRATEGIC REPORT   
 
 
 
 
 
020

SHAFTESBURY ANNUAL REPORT 2015  STRATEGIC REPORT  

Shops, restaurants, cafés and 
pubs generate 70% of current 
income1

Careful selection of tenants  
new concepts and independents 
favoured

Strong demand, restricted  
supply and low vacancy 

Space provided in shell form  
so our obsolescence costs  
are limited

Growing importance of 
restaurants and leisure

Upper floors generally offices  
and residential

Mix of uses, 
focused  
on retail, 
restaurants 
and leisure

Shops, restaurants, cafés and pubs generate 
70% of current income1

We have one million sq. ft. of retail, restaurant and leisure space 
in our wholly-owned portfolio, which provides 70% of our 
current income1. It comprises 313 shops, mainly of medium or 
small size, and 257 restaurants, cafés and pubs. The choice of 
interesting shopping, dining and leisure concepts in our villages 
gives visitors an experience unmatched by competing destinations.

Careful selection of tenants - new concepts  
and independents favoured

The careful selection of retail, restaurant and leisure tenants is 
fundamental to our strategy. We favour new concepts and 
independent operators, to ensure our areas provide a different 
offer to traditional “high street” formats and locations. 

Our tenant selection focus is mid-market, innovative and 
accessible; our shops are neither luxury nor value-led and our 
restaurants typically are neither Michelin-starred nor low-end 
fast food. 

Strong demand, restricted supply and low 
vacancy 

In the West End, there is a long history of occupier demand for 
retail, restaurant and leisure space exceeding availability, which is 
often restricted by planning policies. 

As a result, rental levels for these uses, in our areas, historically 
have not been cyclical. Even in times of major financial 
uncertainty, rents for these uses have not recorded declines. Our 
vacancy levels are traditionally low, averaging 3.6% for retail and 
1.5% for restaurants, cafés, bars and leisure over the past ten 
years1,2. 

  SEE PAGES 46 TO 47 FOR INFORMATION ON CURRENT DEMAND AND VACANCY

MIX OF USES CONTINUED 

021

Limited obsolescence risk

Upper floors - a mix of offices and residential

Much of the space above our shops and restaurants consists of 
offices, residential, or a mix of both. A local working population 
and a residential community are essential elements of the 
character and economy of our areas, bringing added life and 
vibrancy, and providing customers for our shops, restaurants, 
cafés, and pubs. 

Over recent years, in response to the growing demand for 
residential accommodation in our lively, central locations, we 
have converted many of our smaller, poorer quality offices back 
to their original residential use. Consequently, our income from 
offices has reduced from 28% to 17% since 2005. At the same time, 
the income contribution from residential has increased from 6% to 
13%.  

  SEE PAGES 26 TO 27 FOR MORE INFORMATION ON OUR OFFICES AND APARTMENTS 

An important aspect of our retail, restaurant, café and leisure 
accommodation is that we provide it in shell form. Tenants are 
responsible for fit-out, with no capital contribution from us. At 
the end of the lease, we re-let the shell of space without incurring 
significant refurbishment costs, limiting our obsolescence risk.

Growing importance of restaurants and leisure

Restaurants and leisure are growing in importance, reflecting 
changing lifestyles and expectations of the huge numbers who 
visit, work, or reside in, the West End. This is reflected in our 
portfolio, where the contribution from these uses has grown 
from 27% to 35% of current income since 2005. Over the same 
period, the share of our income generated from retail has 
decreased from 39% to 35%.

  SEE PAGES 24 TO 25 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON OUR SHOPS, RESTAURANTS, CAFÉS, 
AND PUBS 

Evolution of uses over time  
% of current income1 

6

28

27

39

Residential

Offices

Restaurants, cafés and pubs

Shops

13

17

35

35

2005 

2015

1  Wholly-owned portfolio 
2  EPRA vacancy

SHAFTESBURY ANNUAL REPORT 2015 STRATEGIC REPORT   
022

n
i

g
u
l
p

 
023

chill out

024

SHAFTESBURY ANNUAL REPORT 2015  STRATEGIC REPORT  

MIX OF USES CONTINUED 

Retail  

Wholly-owned 
Shops  
313

Larger shops2 70 (62% of current income)
Smaller shops3 243 (38% of current income)

Area (sq.ft.) 
456,000
Weighted average  
unexpired lease term  
4 years
Current income  
£32.9m

Longmartin 
Shops  
22

Larger shops2 12 (67% of current income)
Smaller shops3 10 (33% of current income)

Area (sq.ft.) 
67,000
Weighted average  
unexpired lease term  
5 years
Current income  
£2.9m

Current income by village1

Carnaby   

Covent Garden   

Chinatown

1%

6%

17%

25%

51%

30%

Competitive rental levels 
compared with nearby streets  

Our 313 wholly-owned shops are occupied 
principally by fashion and lifestyle retailers. An 
important element of the character and mix in 
our villages is our ability to provide a wide 
range of shop sizes and rental tones across our 
many different buildings and streets. As well as 
providing shoppers with a variety of interesting 
formats, this offers great flexibility for retailers 
to grow, or open, new concepts within our 
areas. 
Our villages have high, and growing, footfall yet 
our rental levels remain competitive in relation 
to nearby streets.

Shorter, more flexible leases

Our retail leases are generally short, giving us 
the opportunity to refresh tenant mix, an 
important aspect of maintaining our villages’ 
appeal. Typical retail lease terms are:
•  Smaller shops: 3-5 years
•  Larger shops: 5-10 years
•   Short rent-free period to help cover the 

tenants’ fit-out period.

Sustained, broad-based demand

Our central, iconic retail destinations continue 
to attract good tenant demand, particularly 
from North American, European and UK concepts 
seeking to open flagships or concept stores. 
We have also had a number of existing tenants 
who have expanded, relocated, or taken 
second sites within our villages, particularly in 
Carnaby, our largest retail area. With this 
breadth of demand, we continue to introduce 
new operators to maintain a fresh and 
interesting retail mix across our areas.

During the year, we completed leasing and rent 
review transactions with a combined rental 
value of £8.9 million, equivalent to 27% of our 
current retail income. This included 34 new 
lettings, seventeen lease renewals and twelve 
rent reviews. Vacancy levels remain low and 
void periods are short. EPRA vacancy1 was 2.4% 
at year end, of which 0.2% was under offer. 

Our share of lettings and rent reviews in the 
Longmartin joint venture was £0.8 million.

  SEE DEMAND AND OCCUPANCY ON PAGES 46 TO 47 

Soho  

Charlotte Street

Larger retail developments

During the year, we completed the development 
of 7,500 sq. ft. of new retail space at our 
scheme on Foubert’s Place, Carnaby, which 
was let to an overseas’ brand making its debut 
in Europe. 

We shall commence our redevelopment of our 
large ownership on Charing Cross Road early in 
2016. Our plans include creating approximately 
32,000 sq. ft. of large, double-height retail 
units along a 330 foot frontage on this busy 
street, which we expect to be a major 
beneficiary of Crossrail footfall. We are making 
substantial improvements to the configuration 
of the space, which we plan to market on 
completion in 2017.

We have started to secure vacant possession 
of space ahead of our planned reconfiguration 
of the 21,000 sq. ft. Thomas Neal’s Warehouse, 
Seven Dials, to reduce the current sixteen units 
to fewer, larger units, or potentially a single 
unit. Works are expected to commence early in 
2016, with completion in mid-2017.

Our planning application for the reconfiguration 
and extension of 57 Broadwick Street has been 
submitted. Subject to consent, we expect to 
commence works in spring 2016 to convert 
offices into 11,000 sq. ft. of flagship retail 
space, at this gateway to Carnaby from Soho. 

  SEE PAGES 42 TO 43 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON 
THESE SCHEMES 

  SEE PAGES 20 TO 21 FOR WHY WE FOCUS ON RETAIL, 
RESTAURANTS AND LEISURE 

  SEE PAGE 13 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON CROSSRAIL

  SEE PAGES 142 TO 143 FOR RENTAL TONES ADOPTED BY 
THE VALUERS 

.

35%

of current  
income1

1 Wholly-owned portfolio  
2 Rent > £150,000 p.a. 
3 Rent < £150,000 p.a.

 
 
 
 
 
 
Carnaby   

Covent Garden   

Chinatown

Soho  

Charlotte Street

MIX OF USES CONTINUED 

025

Restaurants, 
cafés and 
pubs  

Current income by village1

Carnaby   

Covent Garden   

Chinatown

Soho  

Charlotte Street

5%

8%

16%

This included introducing nineteen new 
concepts in our villages, seven lease renewals 
and twenty three rent reviews. EPRA restaurant 
vacancy1 was 0.5% at 30 September 2015, half 
of which was under offer.

41%

30%

Our share of rent reviews in the Longmartin 
joint venture was £0.2 million.

  SEE DEMAND AND OCCUPANCY ON PAGES 46 TO 47

Wholly-owned 
Restaurants,  
cafés, and pubs  
257
Area (sq.ft.) 
559,000
Weighted average  
unexpired lease term  
11 years
Current income  
£34.0m

Longmartin 
Restaurants, cafés 
and pubs  
11
Area (sq.ft.) 
45,000
Weighted average  
unexpired lease term  
15 years
Current income  
£1.3m

Increasingly becoming a 
footfall driver
Eating out and socialising are ever-more popular. 
Consequently, the variety and quality of 
restaurants, cafés and pubs in the West End is 
increasingly becoming a footfall driver in its own 
right. With 257 wholly-owned restaurants, cafés 
and pubs, we are the largest provider of food and 
beverage space across the core West End, owning 
nearly one in five of the licenced premises.   

Long leases, but becoming 
more flexible for us, as landlord
Tenants invest considerable sums fitting out 
their space, sometimes spending the equivalent 
of 3-5 years’ rent and, therefore, we grant 
longer leases to provide them an extended 
period over which to amortise this cost. Typical 
restaurant lease terms are:
•   Historic leases (approximately 70%, by rent, of 
our leases): 25 years, five-yearly upward-only 
rent reviews and security of tenure on expiry. 
Often granted over whole buildings. 

•   New leases: 15 years, five-yearly upward-only 
rent reviews. There is no security of tenure 
on expiry and we also benefit from a 
turnover-related rental top-up. Leases 
extend only to operational space i.e. not 
upper floors.

Historically high demand, 
with low availability of space
Planning policy in the West End generally seeks to 
regulate the provision of new restaurant space, in 
the interests of preserving a balance of 
commercial uses and the amenity of local 
residents. This, together with reluctance by 
existing operators to relinquish their valuable 
sites, severely limits the supply of space. 

Tenant demand continues at historically high 
levels. In our sought-after locations, we regularly 
receive numerous competitive offers for available 
units and pre-letting is common. Our areas 
attract interest from independent operators, 
established street-food concepts, start-ups 
seeking their first site and existing small 
restaurant groups with new ideas and creative 
partners. With consumers keen to experience 
different concepts and tastes, these operators 
are particularly interesting and relevant to our 
villages, broadening our dining and leisure offer 
and bringing both customer and social media 
interest.

We have completed lettings, renewals and rent 
reviews with a rental value of £7.8 million in the 
year, representing 23% of our current restaurant 
and leisure income. 

Opportunities to add to, or 
reconfigure, our accommodation
Responding to the high level of demand, we 
continue to identify opportunities to secure 
vacant possession of restaurants which, in the 
past, had been let on long leases, providing 
tenants with the right to renew at the end of the 
term. This allows us to improve the configuration 
of space on the lower floors, attract new 
operators on more beneficial terms, and often 
release valuable upper floors for other uses. At 
30 September 2015, we had 16,000 sq. ft. of 
restaurant and café space where we were either 
making, or plan to make, improvements.

Our recently-created restaurant quarter in 
Carnaby includes Kingly Street, Kingly Court and 
Ganton Street. It is now widely recognised as a 
major and exciting dining hub, attracting footfall 
from a wide catchment, including Soho, Oxford 
Street, Regent Street and Mayfair. It complements 
Carnaby’s reputation as a retail destination. 

Having completed our large development 
scheme fronting Foubert’s Place and Kingly 
Street, Carnaby, two new restaurants have 
opened, anchoring the food offer at the 
northern end of Kingly Street. Importantly, 
almost all the frontages on Kingly Street are 
now in food and beverage use. 

We have made further improvements to Kingly 
Court in the year, and have introduced 
restaurants on the second floor. This lively 
destination now boasts nineteen restaurants 
and cafés, four bars and clubs and over 1,200 
covers, in an alfresco setting. 

Our Charing Cross Road/Chinatown scheme, set 
to commence in 2016, will create improved dining 
space by relocating restaurant and bar uses from 
Charing Cross Road, to provide 13,500 sq. ft. of 
large restaurant units, fronting Newport Place 
and Newport Court.

  SEE PAGES 42 TO 43 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON 
THESE SCHEMES 
  SEE PAGES 20 TO 21 FOR WHY WE FOCUS ON RETAIL, 
RESTAURANTS AND LEISURE 
  SEE PAGES 142 TO 143 FOR RENTAL TONES ADOPTED BY 

OUR VALUERS35%

of current  
income1

1 Wholly-owned portfolio

SHAFTESBURY ANNUAL REPORT 2015 STRATEGIC REPORT   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
026

SHAFTESBURY ANNUAL REPORT 2015  STRATEGIC REPORT  

MIX OF USES CONTINUED 

Offices  

Current income by village1

Carnaby   

Covent Garden   

Chinatown

2%

Soho  

Charlotte Street

8%

7%

18%

65%

Wholly-owned 
Area (sq.ft.) 
418,000
Weighted average 
unexpired lease term  
4 years
Current income  
£15.4m

Longmartin 
Area (sq.ft.) 
102,000
Weighted average 
unexpired lease term  
5 years
Current income  
£2.5m

Large provider of small office 
space in the core West End
We are one of the largest providers of small 
office space in the core West End. Our 418,000 
sq. ft. of office space in the wholly-owned 
portfolio is let to 294 tenants, of which 240 
occupy less than 2,000 sq. ft. The average 
letting is 1,400 sq. ft. at £46 per sq. ft., and the 
average ERV is £56 per sq. ft. The tone for our 
best offices is now £53 - £78 per sq. ft. Lease 
lengths are typically five years.

Constrained supply and strong 
demand
Over recent years, supply of small office space 
across the West End has reduced as a result of 
office-to-residential conversions and 
redevelopment of multi-let office buildings to 
create higher specification space with larger 
floor plates.

We are experiencing extremely strong demand 
for our smaller office accommodation, largely 
from the buoyant SME media, creative, fashion 
and IT sectors. These businesses traditionally 
have been based in Soho and Covent Garden. 
We also have strong interest for our larger floor 
plates from an increasing number of financial 
companies, who find our villages to be better 
value and more lively than their existing 
locations.

With occupier demand outstripping supply, 
rents have continued to rise, rent-free periods 
have reduced, and vacancy levels have been 
extremely low. When space does become 
available, pre-letting is commonplace. 

During the year, we completed new lettings, 
lease renewals and rent reviews in the 
wholly-owned portfolio, extending to 87,000 
sq. ft. and totalling £4.9 million, equivalent to 
32% of our current office income. This 
included letting 10,500 sq. ft. of newly-built 
office space in our development at 25 Kingly 
Street for £0.8 million. It also included 42 new 
leases, 23 renewals and four rent reviews. At 
year end we had just four office suites, totalling 
1,900 sq. ft., available to let. 

Our share of lettings in the Longmartin joint 
venture was £0.2 million.

  SEE DEMAND AND OCCUPANCY ON PAGES 46 TO 47 
  SEE PAGE 42 FOR DETAILS ON THE KINGLY STREET 
DEVELOPMENT  

Improving rental prospects

Responding to buoyant demand, we are keen, 
when opportunities arise, to reconfigure and 
upgrade our office space to ensure it meets 
the flexible working space standards expected 
by SMEs in our areas. At the same time, we 
improve its environmental performance, as we 
strive to minimise occupation costs for our 
tenants.

Our planning application for the 
reconfiguration of 57 Broadwick Street 
includes the refurbishment and extension of 
the existing offices to create 20,000 sq. ft. of 
modern, large-floor plate space. 

  SEE PAGE 43 FOR DETAILS ON THE SCHEME AT  
57 BROADWICK STREET

  SEE PAGES 142 TO 143 FOR RENTAL TONES ADOPTED BY 
OUR VALUERS 

 17%

of current  
income1

1 Wholly-owned portfolio

 
 
 
 
 
Carnaby   

Covent Garden   

Chinatown

Soho  

Charlotte Street

Residential  

Current income by village1

Carnaby   

Covent Garden   

Chinatown

Soho  

Charlotte Street

MIX OF USES CONTINUED 

027

4%

11%

20%

20%

45%

Reliable and growing cash flow
With its wide variety of attractions and lively 
atmosphere, the West End is a popular place to 
live, and we see sustained demand for our 
reasonably-priced apartments to rent. Our 528 
wholly-owned flats are mainly studios and one 
or two bedroom apartments. Mostly, they have 
been created from the conversion of small 
office accommodation, which could not be 
adapted to meet modern occupier 
requirements. We have secured a number of 
residential conversion planning consents which 
we could implement in the future.

Our residential accommodation, with its high 
occupancy levels, provides a reliable and 
growing income stream, presently representing 
13% of our current income. 

Preference to lease, rather 
than sell, apartments

The value of our buildings is weighted towards 
the retail, restaurant and leisure uses on the 
lower floors. We prefer to retain control over 
whole buildings to avoid compromising the 
management flexibility needed to realise the 
long-term potential in those valuable lower 
floors. Therefore, we choose not to sell our 
apartments, where, to do so, would 
compromise this flexibility. 

Flexible leases
Our apartments, which are rented unfurnished, 
typically are let on three-year tenancies with 
annual RPI rent reviews and mutual breaks on a 
rolling two-month basis after the first six months.

High occupancy levels
During the year, we completed 203 lettings and 
renewals in the wholly-owned portfolio, with a 
rental value totalling £5.6 million, representing 
45% of our current income from this use. 

Our share of residential letting activity in the 
Longmartin joint venture was £0.3 million. 

With continuing strong demand in our 
locations, residential vacancy levels have been 
low throughout the year. At 30 September 
2015, we had thirteen apartments available to 
let, whilst a further four were under offer. 
There were two vacant apartments in the 
Longmartin joint venture. 

We have a rolling refurbishment programme to 
ensure the accommodation we offer matches 
the standard of new-build rental flats, which 
are coming to the market in greater numbers 
in, and around, the West End. At year end, we 
were constructing, or upgrading, 46 
apartments in the wholly-owned portfolio and 
four flats in the Longmartin joint venture.

  SEE DEMAND AND OCCUPANCY ON PAGES 46 TO 47 

Wholly-owned 
Apartments  
528
Area (sq.ft.) 
308,000
Current income  
£12.4m

Longmartin 
Apartments  
75
Area (sq.ft.) 
55,000
Current income  
£1.2m

13%

1 Wholly-owned portfolio

of current  
income1

SHAFTESBURY ANNUAL REPORT 2015 STRATEGIC REPORT   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
028

SHAFTESBURY ANNUAL REPORT 2015  STRATEGIC REPORT  

wide

029

w
o
r
r
a
n

SHAFTESBURY ANNUAL REPORT 2015 STRATEGIC REPORT  030

SHAFTESBURY ANNUAL REPORT 2015  STRATEGIC REPORT  

•    Creating distinctive retail and 

leisure destinations which appeal 
both to tenants and their 
customers

•    Ownership clusters allow us to 

invest in, and holistically manage, 
areas over the long-term

•    Active refurbishment 

programme to improve our 
buildings, grow rents, and unlock 
value

•    Good initial returns and 

compound benefits

•    Promoting our villages as 

destinations with a wide variety  
of interesting, innovative and  
ever-changing shopping, dining 
and leisure choices

•    Investing in the public realm to 
create safe and welcoming areas

Proven 
management 
strategy to 
create and 
foster distinctive, 
attractive and  
prosperous 
locations

Creating distinctive retail and leisure 
destinations 

Our proven management strategy creates long-term prosperity 
by establishing and fostering distinctive and attractive 
destinations which appeal to visitors, occupiers and residents. 

Providing our retail, restaurant and leisure tenants with an 
environment where they can prosper is essential to the long-
term success of our business. 

We achieve this through:

•   Managing the long-term tenant mix strategy for these dominant 

uses, including clustering similar uses, concepts and brands

•   Encouraging new retail, restaurant and leisure formats to 
ensure our villages respond to ever-changing tastes and 
expectations

•  Managing planning uses to maximise rental and capital values

  SEE PAGES 20 TO 21 FOR MORE INFORMATION, AND WHY WE FOCUS ON RETAIL, 
RESTAURANTS AND LEISURE 

PROVEN MANAGEMENT STRATEGY  CONTINUED 

031

Ownership clusters allow holistic long-term 
management

Over the years, we have identified well-located areas where the 
footfall potential is good but rents are initially low, often because 
they have suffered from fragmented ownership, lack of 
investment, and the absence of a coherent strategy for uses and 
tenant mix.

We establish ownership clusters so that we can take a long-term 
holistic view in our investment and management strategies. This 
allows us to unlock rental and capital value potential whilst 
compounding the benefits of individual transactions, such as 
improved tenant quality and higher rental tones, across our 
nearby holdings.  

Active refurbishment programme to improve 
our buildings, grow rents, and unlock value

We estimate that the average age of our buildings is around 150 
years. In our experience, these buildings offer much greater 
flexibility than more modern buildings. Conservation and listed 
building legislation limits wholescale development in our areas. 
However, our skill is in bringing long-term sustainability to our 
historic buildings and areas through an active refurbishment and 
reconfiguration programme which improves our buildings, 
enhances their rental potential and values, and extends their 
useful lives. This often involves:

•  Maximising retail, restaurant and leisure space

•   Reconfiguring buildings to provide occupiers with more 

efficient trading space

•   Maintaining and improving buildings to ensure they are capable 

of meeting the needs of modern occupiers

•   Maximising environmental performance whilst maintaining  

buildings’ individual characters

•   Converting under-utilised space on upper floors to introduce 

more valuable uses and bring long-term economic sustainability 
to buildings as a whole

Typically, the duration of our numerous schemes is short and the 
costs are modest. Annual capital expenditure across our 
portfolio is normally less than 1% of portfolio value.

  SEE PAGES 42 TO 43 FOR DETAILS OF INVESTMENT IN OUR PORTFOLIO DURING THE YEAR

Promoting our villages as destinations with a 
wide variety of interesting, innovative and 
ever-changing choices

Whilst the West End attracts large numbers of visitors, we are not 
complacent. Despite the fact that our ownerships are in the 
heart of the West End, we do not assume people will necessarily 
visit, and spend in, our shops, restaurants, cafés and pubs. 
Therefore, we work closely with our tenants to promote their 
businesses, and our areas, to the West End’s wide domestic and 
international audience.

Our multi-channel marketing includes: 

•   Widely publicised initiatives such as shopping, street food and 

music events

•  Dressing our areas e.g. at Christmas and for Chinese New Year

•   An active digital strategy, including dedicated websites for our 

villages, and an extensive social media presence

We build on relationships with our existing tenants who are not 
only a great source of new ideas from their experiences 
elsewhere, but also have their own promotional and digital 
strategies which bring further footfall to our villages.

We invest considerable resources in promoting our areas to 
potential retail, restaurant and leisure operators. This includes 
active engagement with the trade press, research visits to UK and 
international cities, and attendance at trade events.

Investing in the public realm to create safe and 
welcoming areas 

We identify, promote and contribute to public realm improvements 
in our villages to ensure our streetscapes provide a safe and 
welcoming environment for tenants, their customers, and 
residents. In our experience, this is an important catalyst for 
increasing footfall. 

  SEE PAGE 43 FOR MORE INFORMATION ON IMPROVING THE PUBLIC REALM

SHAFTESBURY ANNUAL REPORT 2015 STRATEGIC REPORT   
 
032

fashion forward

v i n t a g e   i n s p i re d

033

Experienced 
management team 
with an innovative 
approach to long-term, 
sustainable income 
and value creation

•    Forensic knowledge of the 
West End and management 
through different property 
market cycles

•    Record of long-term 

outperformance against the 
wider real estate market

•    Relationships with key 

stakeholders

•   All ownerships within 15 
minutes’ walk of our office

Forensic knowledge of the West End

Our long-established team has a forensic knowledge of the West 
End and experience of management through different property 
market cycles. Our executive directors have an average length of 
service of nearly 22 years, and are supported by a senior 
management team with twelve years’ average service.

Our team of 25 staff is supported by a broad range of external 
advisors, many of whom have worked with us for much of 
Shaftesbury’s 29 years. Everybody involved with Shaftesbury 
– staff and advisors – shares a passion and enthusiasm for the 
West End and our locations.

  SEE PAGE 17 FOR OUR RECORD COMPARED WITH THE FTSE 350 REAL ESTATE SECTOR

  SEE PAGES 70 TO 71 FOR DIRECTOR BIOGRAPHIES

Relationships with key stakeholders

Based in Carnaby, we are within fifteen minutes’ walk of all our 
holdings. We maintain regular contact with tenants, community 
groups, neighbouring owners and other stakeholders, and are 
able to respond quickly to opportunities and issues as they arise. 

As a long-term investor in our areas, we are active in working 
with, and supporting, our local community to address issues and 
challenges of mutual interest and concern.

  SEE SUSTAINABILITY ON PAGES 146 TO 155

We also work closely with Westminster City Council and the 
London Borough of Camden to achieve our shared goal of a safe, 
lively and prosperous West End. We assist with the challenges of 
managing areas which attract huge numbers of visitors throughout 
the day and late into the night, every day of the week, whilst 
balancing the needs of local businesses and residents. 

v i n t a g e   i n s p i re d

SHAFTESBURY ANNUAL REPORT 2015 STRATEGIC REPORT  034

SHAFTESBURY ANNUAL REPORT 2015  STRATEGIC REPORT  

Robust  
Prudent 
financial 
management, a 
strong balance 
sheet and a  
tax-efficient 
structure

•  Investment in our portfolio 

funded through equity and debt

•   Prudent approach to gearing

•  Low risk debt structure 

 diversity of loans, lenders and 
maturities

•    Loan-to-value: 22.5% 

•    Weighted average maturity  

of debt: 10.2 years

•  Tax-efficient REIT structure

Sources of capital

Investment in our portfolio to enhance shareholder returns is 
funded through a combination of equity and debt, with equity 
providing the permanent capital to support our long-term strategy. 

Under REIT rules, we are required to distribute the majority of 
our recurring earnings. The importance of our ownership clusters 
in long-term value creation means that opportunities to recycle 
capital are limited. 

  SEE PAGES 30 TO 31 FOR WHY OWNERSHIP CLUSTERS ARE IMPORTANT OVER THE LONG TERM

Low-risk debt structure

Consistent with the long-term nature of our portfolio and secure 
income streams, our core debt finance is provided by long-term 
arrangements with covenant structures which do not restrict the 
active management of our assets. Medium-term revolving 
facilities provide us with flexibility in managing our resources and 
capacity to invest further in our existing portfolio, in particular 
allowing us to act swiftly when acquiring properties.

Our approach to gearing is prudent, ensuring we have:

Healthy interest cover

→ Year ended 30 September 2015:  

2.13 times

Low loan-to-value ratio

→ 30 September 2015: 22.5%

Spread of maturities and 
diversity of lenders

→ Earliest maturity: 2018. Latest 
maturity: 2035. Weighted 
average maturity at 30 
September 2015: 10.2 years

Limited exposure to interest 
rate movements

→ % of debt fixed at 30 September 

2015: 97.2%

Over the long term, we would expect debt to represent around 
one third of our invested capital, although we also consider other 
metrics, such as interest cover, when considering gearing levels.

  SEE FINANCING ANALYSIS ON PAGE 56

Tax-efficient REIT structure

As a REIT, we are a tax-efficient vehicle for many investors. We do 
not pay tax in respect of rental profits and chargeable gains 
relating to our property rental business. However, we are 
required to distribute at least 90% of the qualifying REIT income 
as a PID. This is treated as income for investors, and is taxed 
according to their own tax status. PIDs are subject to a 
withholding tax at basic rate income tax, except for certain 
classes of investors who can register to receive gross, rather than 
net, payments.

  SEE PAGE 141 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON OUR REIT STATUS, AND PAGE 54 FOR THE 
RECOMMENDED DIVIDEND

 
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SHAFTESBURY ANNUAL REPORT 2015 STRATEGIC REPORT  036

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SHAFTESBURY ANNUAL REPORT 2015  STRATEGIC REPORT  

Valuation  
Further strong 
growth in current 
rents, ERVs and 
capital values, 
underpinned by 
sustained high 
occupier and 
investor demand

•  Portfolio valued at £3.1 billion1

•   Capital value growth1,2: +18.0% 

Almost two thirds of our portfolio reversion arises 
from uses which historically have not suffered from 
cyclicality in demand, providing a secure platform 
for further growth in income.

Further strong valuation performance 

Our portfolio1 has been valued at 30 September 2015 at £3.13 
billion, producing a surplus on revaluation of £466.6 million. The 
ungeared like-for-like capital value return was 18.0%, with strong 
growth reported in each village. The like-for-like portfolio 
cumulative annual growth rate over three years has been 16.0%. 

•   ERV growth1,2: +7.0%

•    Equivalent yield: 3.61%  
(wholly-owned portfolio),  
3.75% (Longmartin)

•   Continued growth in actual and 

potential rents

•   ERV is now 24.6% above current 

rent1

1  Including our 50% share of the Longmartin joint venture 
2  Like-for-like

VALUATION CONTINUED 

039

Wholly-owned portfolio
Carnaby
Covent Garden
Chinatown
Soho
Charlotte Street

Longmartin joint venture1
Total portfolio2

FAIR VALUE
£m

% OF 
PORTFOLIO

CURRENT 
INCOME
£m

1,109.9
808.6
693.8
215.8
91.4
2,919.5
212.5

3,132.0

35%
26%
22%
7%
3%
93%
7%

34.6
26.7
23.3
7.3
2.8
94.7
7.9

100%

102.6

TOPPED-UP
INITIAL YIELD
%

EQUIVALENT 
YIELD
%

3.23%
3.06%
3.01%
3.12%
2.78%
3.11%
3.28%

3.69%
3.55%
3.56%
3.62%
3.52%
3.61%
3.75%

ERV
£m

45.7
32.8
27.3
8.8
3.9
118.5
9.3

127.8

  SEE PAGES 142 TO 143 FOR THE PORTFOLIO ANALYSIS AND THE KEY ASSUMPTIONS USED BY THE VALUERS IN THEIR VALUATIONS

VILLAGE

Carnaby

Covent Garden

Chinatown

Soho

Charlotte Street

Longmartin joint venture1

Total2

2015 CAPITAL GROWTH3

3-YEAR CAGR

21.0%

14.8%

17.3%

15.0%

20.3%

19.0%

18.0%

18.9%

14.0%

14.1%

14.8%

14.6%

16.9%

16.0%

Our capital growth over the year reflects:

•   Continuing strong occupier demand and low vacancy, which is 

DTZ, independent valuer of our wholly-owned portfolio, have 
noted that our portfolio has:

driving sustained growth in actual and prospective rents.

•   an unusual concentration of holdings in sought-after West End 

•   Improvements we make to the income potential of the 

accommodation we offer, including reconfiguration to create 
better, more efficient trading space and, where possible, the 
introduction of more valuable uses in our buildings. 

•   A reduction in yields investors are prepared to pay to secure 

assets in the extremely prosperous, resilient West End. Against 
a background of a scarcity of supply of properties to acquire, 
this strong investor appetite reflects a desire for assets which 
provide growing returns, particularly in an environment of 
low-cost finance.

The equivalent yield attributed by our valuers to our wholly-
owned portfolio at 30 September 2015 was 3.61%, a reduction of 
0.39% over the year. In the Longmartin joint venture, the 
reduction was 0.35%, bringing the equivalent yield to 3.75%. 

locations; and

•   a predominance of retail, restaurant, café and leisure uses, for 

which there continues to be strong occupier demand, as 
demonstrated by current, and historic, low vacancy levels 
throughout the portfolio.

They also comment on the extent to which, under RICS Valuation 
Professional Standards, they are guided to combine or “lot” parts 
of our portfolio. They continue to advise the Board that, in their 
view, some prospective purchasers may consider a wider 
combination of some parts of the portfolio, or the entire 
wholly-owned portfolio itself, to have a greater value than 
currently reflected in their valuation, prepared in accordance 
with RICS valuation standards.

  SEE PAGES 144 TO 145 FOR THE SUMMARY REPORT BY THE VALUER

1 Our 50% share 
2 Including our 50% share of the Longmartin joint venture 
3 Like-for-like 

SHAFTESBURY ANNUAL REPORT 2015 STRATEGIC REPORT   
040

SHAFTESBURY ANNUAL REPORT 2015  STRATEGIC REPORT  

VALUATION CONTINUED 

Continuing rental growth

We have, once again, seen growth in both actual and potential 
income this year, continuing our record of long-term sustainable 
rental growth, a key driver of long-term value creation. Over the 
year, our annualised current income1 has grown by £9.1 million 
from £93.5 million to £102.6 million, of which acquisitions 
contributed £0.6 million. The like-for-like increase was 9.1%. This 
included the lettings at our completed scheme fronting Foubert’s 
Place and Kingly Street, Carnaby, which totalled £2.4 million.

  SEE PAGE 15 FOR MORE DETAILS ON OUR RECORD OF SUSTAINABLE RENTAL GROWTH 
THROUGH THE CYCLES. 

  SEE PAGE 42 FOR DETAILS ON THIS SCHEME IN CARNABY 

Importantly, our valuers’ estimate of the rental value of our 
portfolio (“ERV”)1 increased by £9.2 million this year and now 
stands at £127.8 million (30.9.2014: £118.6 million). Excluding the 
impact of acquisitions, which contributed £1.0 million to the 
total, the like-for-like increase was £8.2 million (7.0%), reflecting 
good rental growth across all villages and uses. 

Like-for-like ERV growth1 (£m) 
+7.0%      

8.2 

1.0

Converting the reversionary potential into 
cash flow

The total reversion1 now stands at £25.2 million, 24.6% higher 
than the annualised current rent. Of this, £7.1 million is contracted 
and will be realised as rent-free periods expire. Vacant property, 
including schemes in hand, accounted for £7.3 million, which will 
be realised as schemes complete and units are let.

  SEE PAGE 46 FOR HOW OUR LEASING TRANSACTIONS HAVE EXCEEDED ERV AT SEPTEMBER 
2014 DURING THE YEAR 

 SEE PAGE 47 FOR VACANCY DETAILS 

Included in the total ERV is £1.3 million in respect of potential 
income from our schemes at 57 Broadwick Street, Carnaby, and 
Charing Cross Road/Chinatown2. This estimate of income is 
largely based on the existing space and does not fully take into 
account additional income which we expect to be generated by 
these schemes. 

 SEE PAGE 43 FOR DETAILS ON THESE SCHEMES 

£9.5 million of our reversionary potential should be realised 
through the normal cycle of rent reviews, lease renewals and 
lettings. Shops, restaurants, cafés and pubs account for 63% of 
this uncontracted reversion. In our experience, these uses have, 
in our locations, demonstrated a long history of sustained, 
non-cyclical demand. Together with a restricted supply of space, 
this underpins their growth prospects. Consequently, we remain 
confident that, through our proven long-term management 
strategy, we shall not only convert this potential additional 
income into cash flow, but also deliver further additional 
long-term sustained rental growth. With vacancy levels remaining 
low, where possible, we seek to secure vacant possession of 
under-rented space and, in re-letting, accelerate the realisation 
of this potential income. 

Reversionary potential1 (£m) 

7.3

1.3

7.1

9.5

127.8

118.6

127.8

102.6

2014

Acquisitions

Like-for-like 
growth

2015

Current 
income

Contracted Vacancy

Future 
schemes 

Under-
rented 
element

ERV

1 Including our 50% share of the Longmartin joint venture 
2 To the extent not accounted for within vacancy, in the case of Charing Cross Road/Chinatown 

 
 
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SHAFTESBURY ANNUAL REPORT 2015  STRATEGIC REPORT  

Investment in 
our portfolio  
High level of 
activity. Good 
progress has 
been made  
on our larger 
schemes   

•   Schemes undertaken during the 
year: 181,000 sq. ft. (10.4% of total 
floor area in the wholly-owned 
portfolio)

•   Development fronting Foubert’s 

Place and Kingly Street 
completed and let above ERV

•   Capital expenditure1: £24.7 million

•   Planning consent granted for our 
major 45,500 sq. ft. Charing Cross 
Road/Chinatown scheme 

•   Planning application made for 

our scheme at 57 Broadwick Street 

•   Seven properties acquired.  

Cost: £25.8m; further acquisitions 
since year end

We continue to progress a pipeline of new projects 
to improve our buildings, increase income and 
unlock value.

Continued high level of refurbishment activity 

A high level of management and refurbishment activity continues 
across our portfolio, with schemes undertaken during the year 
extending to 181,000 sq.ft. (10.4% of floor space in the wholly-
owned portfolio), at a cost1 of £24.7 million. With strong occupier 
demand for our properties, securing vacant possession of space 
provides opportunities to carry out asset management initiatives 
to deliver growth in rental income and values. We made 96 
planning applications during the year, including those for our 
Charing Cross Road/Chinatown, and 57 Broadwick Street, 
Carnaby schemes.

  SEE PAGE 31 FOR MORE INFORMATION ON HOW SCHEMES FORM AN IMPORTANT PART OF 
OUR MANAGEMENT STRATEGY

Our major scheme in Carnaby, fronting Foubert’s Place and Kingly 
Street, was our largest project completed in the year. This 
mixed-use development, which cost £15.7 million, comprised 
24,500 sq. ft. of retail, restaurant and office space, along with 
twelve apartments. Rents were £2.0 million above pre-scheme 
levels and 17.7% ahead of ERV at 30 September 2014. 

Other larger projects underway, or completed during the year, 
included further improvements to Kingly Court, reconfigurations 
of retail, restaurant and pub space, office refurbishments, 
residential conversions and refurbishments, and public realm 
improvements. 

  SEE PAGE 47 FOR DETAILS OF SCHEMES UNDERWAY AT YEAR END

1 Wholly-owned portfolio

INVESTMENT IN OUR PORTFOLIO CONTINUED 

043

Good progress with our important larger 
schemes

We continue to identify and progress a wide range of asset 
management opportunities across our portfolio, and have a number 
of schemes at various stages from initial ideas, seeking planning 
approval, awaiting vacant possession, or under construction. 

We are making good progress, with our important larger schemes:

Charing Cross Road/Chinatown 
During the summer, we were granted planning consent to reconfigure 
our substantial retail and restaurant ownership on the eastern 
boundary of Chinatown, with extensive frontages to Charing Cross 
Road, Newport Court and Newport Place. The scheme, totalling 
some 45,500 sq. ft., will create much improved space for occupiers. 
This includes a contiguous retail frontage on Charing Cross Road 
of some 330 feet, new restaurants in Newport Place and Newport 
Court, and a materially improved gateway into Chinatown. 

The scheme, expected to complete in mid-2017, will cost around 
£10 million and will significantly increase net property income 
from this property, once fully let. Works will commence early in 
2016 and we have started taking back space, with a view to 
securing vacant possession by the end of 2015.

  SEE PAGE 47 FOR DETAILS ON THIS SCHEME’S VACANCY AT YEAR END

57 Broadwick Street, Carnaby
We have submitted a planning application for the reconfiguration 
and extension of 57 Broadwick Street, a prominent building at the 
eastern gateway to Carnaby from Soho. Broadwick Street, 
already an important pedestrian route through Soho, linking 
Carnaby and Berwick Street, is expected to benefit from the 
opening of Tottenham Court Road Crossrail station’s western 
ticket hall on Dean Street, in 2018. Other nearby schemes, 
planned or underway, will, over the next five years, bring further 
active retail and restaurant frontages along the street and 
greater footfall. 

Our proposed scheme provides for:

•   The creation of flagship retail units, extending to 11,000 sq. ft. 

over the lower floors;

•   Refurbishment and extension of the remaining office space,  
to provide 20,000 sq. ft. of grade A accommodation; and

•  2,000 sq. ft. of residential accommodation

Subject to receiving consent, we expect to commence works 
during spring 2016, with completion in phases from late 2017, and 
at a cost currently estimated at £14 million. In the interim, we 
have extended the existing occupational leases to April 2016.

Thomas Neal’s Warehouse, Seven Dials
Having secured planning and Listed Building consents, we shall be 
reconfiguring the Thomas Neal’s Warehouse, to produce 21,000 
sq. ft. of flagship retail space. We expect this scheme to 
commence early in 2016, with completion in mid-2017. The 
project is expected to cost £2 million. It will also involve a loss of 
annual income, while works are carried out, of £0.8 million.

Investing in, and improving, the public realm

Investment in the public realm in and around our villages is an 
important catalyst for improving footfall. Examples during the 
year include:

•   Upgrading the streetscape along Upper St Martin’s Lane, 
improving the entrance to St Martin’s Courtyard and the 
southern gateway to Seven Dials

•   Resurfacing Carnaby Street and improvements to Foubert’s 
Place, the busiest route into Carnaby from Regent Street

We have also agreed to part-fund a scheme to improve 
Wellington and Russell Streets in the Opera Quarter and 
discussions for improvements to Rupert Street, south of 
Shaftesbury Avenue, continue. Plans are also being discussed 
with Westminster City Council to create a pedestrianised public 
square in Newport Court and improve Newport Place.

As part of the infrastructure improvements connected with Crossrail, 
Cambridge Circus is to be improved, in 2016, to relieve pedestrian 
congestion at this important and busy junction between Soho 
with Seven Dials. We anticipate this will encourage more footfall 
along Earlham Street, where we also expect to contribute to a 
major public realm improvement scheme, which we are optimistic 
will commence in 2016. This will bring material long-term benefits to 
our holdings around this important eastern gateway in to Seven Dials.

We continue to identify, and encourage, further public realm 
improvements across our villages.  

Acquisitions

We acquired seven properties during the year. Costing £25.8 million, 
these additions to our portfolio in Soho, Charlotte Street, Covent 
Garden and Carnaby comprised two shops, two restaurants, two 
cafés, a vacant pub, 4,950 sq. ft. of office space and eight apartments. 

These acquisitions, bought with an average net initial yield of 2.0%, 
complement our existing, extensive ownerships and offer the 
potential for good rental and capital growth through a combination 
of asset management and refurbishment schemes. Whilst we have 
longer-term asset management ambitions for these properties, in the 
short term we have already increased the income they generate 
by 20% and this will rise to approximately 40% once we have 
completed and let apartments which are currently being upgraded.

In December 2015, we expect to complete the forward-purchase 
of 6,500 sq. ft. of new retail and restaurant space on the ground 
floor and basement at 19-25 Broadwick Street, Soho. Completion 
of this purchase has been delayed by the vendor due to construction 
issues. We anticipate keen occupier interest once we have 
secured ownership.

The availability of assets to buy which meet our specific criteria 
continues to be limited as owners in our extremely prosperous and 
resilient areas, understandably, remain reluctant to sell. The timing 
of acquisitions is always unpredictable. Whilst there were no 
acquisitions in the second half of the year, since year end we have 
contracted to buy properties, totalling £22.1 million, which we 
had been investigating for some time.

SHAFTESBURY ANNUAL REPORT 2015 STRATEGIC REPORT  044

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046

SHAFTESBURY ANNUAL REPORT 2015  STRATEGIC REPORT  

Demand and 
occupancy 
Continuing 
strong demand 
for space in our 
carefully-curated 
locations, high 
occupancy levels 
and sustained 
growth in current 
and prospective 
rental income

Continued high level of leasing activity

It has been another busy year for lettings, lease renewals and rent 
reviews, with £27.3 million of transactions, equivalent to 28.8% of 
our current annualised income1. The total included £2.4 million from 
the letting of our large mixed-use scheme on Foubert’s Place and 
Kingly Street, Carnaby, 17.7% ahead of ERV at 30 September 2014.

Commercial 

Lettings and renewals

Rent reviews

£m

15.9

5.7

+8.3% vs September 2014 ERV

+24.8% vs previous rent 
(equivalent to 4.5% CAGR 
over five years)

21.6

+8.1% vs September 2014 ERV

Residential

Lettings and renewals

5.7

+3.4% vs prior rent2

Total

27.3

In addition, our share of leasing activity in the Longmartin joint 
venture was £1.6 million, with commercial lettings and reviews 
11.5%, on average, above last year’s ERV. The final phase of the St 
Martin’s Courtyard development was completed five years ago, 
and we are now managing the first rent reviews. 

•     £27.3 million leasing and rent 
review transactions in the year1

•    Commercial lettings, renewals 
and reviews up 8.1% vs 30 
September 2014 ERV

•     Development and refurbishment 
vacancy: 4.3% and set to grow  
as our major schemes commence 
in 2016

•     Available-to-let vacancy: 1.3%

1  Wholly-owned portfolio 
2  Excludes £1.9 million of lettings of newly-built apartments

 
 
 
DEMAND AND OCCUPANCY CONTINUED 

047

Vacancy at 30 September 20151

Held for, or under, refurbishment

ERV – £ million

Charing Cross Road/Chinatown scheme

Other schemes

Total 

Area – ‘000 sq. ft.

Available

ERV – £ million

Under offer

Available-to-let

EPRA vacancy

Area – ‘000 sq. ft.

RESTAURANTS, 
CAFÉS  

SHOPS

AND LEISURE

OFFICES

RESIDENTIAL

TOTAL

% OF 
TOTAL ERV

1.0

0.6

1.6

24

0.1

0.9

1.0

11

0.6

0.4

1.0

16

0.1

0.1

0.2

3

-

1.0

1.0

16

0.1

0.1

0.2

4

-

1.4

1.4

26

0.1

0.4

0.5

10

1.6

3.4

5.0

82

0.4

1.5

1.9

28

1.4%

2.9%

4.3%

0.3%

1.3%

1.6%

Low vacancy levels

Reflecting the strength of interest we have in our space, vacancy 
levels have remained low throughout the year, with an average 
EPRA vacancy of 2.1%. At 30 September 2015, EPRA vacancy in 
our wholly-owned portfolio amounted to £1.9 million, 
representing 1.6% of ERV, of which £0.4 million (0.3% of ERV) was 
under offer, leaving £1.5 million (1.3% of ERV) available to let. 

Our redevelopment and refurbishment programme continues 
apace and, at 30 September 2015, the ERV of schemes underway 
was £5.0 million (4.3% of ERV). This level will increase further as 
we start our important Charing Cross Road/Chinatown, Broadwick 
Street and Thomas Neal’s Warehouse schemes in 2016.

  SEE PAGE 43 FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THESE PLANNED SCHEMES 

Assets held for, or under, refurbishment included:
•   24,000 sq. ft. of retail and restaurant space at our major 

Charing Cross Road/Chinatown scheme (ERV: £1.6 million), 
where we have started securing vacant possession of space;  
•   Four shops in the Thomas Neal’s Warehouse (ERV: £0.2 million) 

in the lead up to our reconfiguration of the centre;

•   Five small shops (ERV < £150,000), with a total ERV of £0.4 million;
•  Five restaurants and cafés (ERV: £0.4 million); 
•  16,400 sq. ft. of office space (ERV £1.0 million); and
•   46 apartments under construction, or being upgraded  

(ERV: £1.4 million). 

Available-to-let vacancy comprised:
•   Two large shops (ERV: £0.4 million) and seven small shops (ERV: 
£0.5 million). Since year end we have let, or agreed terms on, 
three shops (ERV: £0.2 million);

•   One restaurant (ERV: £0.1 million), which has been placed under 

offer since year end; and

•   Office space totalling 1,900 sq. ft. with an ERV of £0.1 million, 

and thirteen apartments with an ERV of £0.4 million.

Space under offer at 30 September 2015 included: 

•   Three small shops;

•  Two restaurants;

•  2,400 sq. ft. of office space; and

•  Four apartments.

In addition, in the Longmartin joint venture, two apartments were 
available to let and there were four apartments, one office suite, 
and one shop being upgraded or reconfigured at year end. Our 
50% share of the vacancy in this joint venture was £0.4 million.

1  Wholly-owned portfolio 

SHAFTESBURY ANNUAL REPORT 2015 STRATEGIC REPORT   
 
048

SHAFTESBURY ANNUAL REPORT 2015  STRATEGIC REPORT  

Village  
summaries

Carnaby  
35% of our  
portfolio1

Covent Garden  
33% of our  
portfolio1

Carnaby covers 4.2 acres across 
thirteen streets to the east of 
Regent Street and south of Oxford 
Street. It is a popular destination 
attracting footfall estimated at over 
40 million people each year. It is 
internationally renowned for youth 
fashion, particularly new concepts 
and brands, and has become an 
increasingly vibrant restaurant and 
leisure destination. 62% of our 
office space is in Carnaby.

98 shops 

181,000 sq. ft.  

Covent Garden, with its historic street patterns and architecture, contains 
half of the West End’s theatres. It has a broad range of shops, restaurants, 
bars and cafés, giving it a distinctive and appealing atmosphere. There is 
also a long-established and flourishing residential community. Our wholly-
owned holdings in Covent Garden extend to 4.6 acres and include Seven 
Dials, and the restaurant districts of the Coliseum and Opera Quarter. This 
location also includes our 50% interest in the Longmartin joint venture. 
Footfall in Seven Dials is estimated at over 30 million people annually.

Wholly-owned

108 shops  

137,000 sq. ft.  

Longmartin2

22 shops

67,000 sq. ft.  

51 restaurants, cafés 
and pubs 
97,000 sq. ft.  

251,000 sq.ft. offices  
92 apartments 

54,000 sq. ft.  

84 restaurants, cafés  
and pubs
162,000 sq. ft.    
83,000  sq.ft. offices  
211 apartments

126,000 sq. ft.  

11 restaurants, cafés  
and pubs
45,000 sq. ft.  

102,000  sq.ft offices  
75 apartments

55,000 sq. ft.  

Percentage of village’s current income

7%

21%

31%

£34.6m

49%

10%

£26.7m

29%

15%

15%

37%

£7.9m3

31%

38%

17%

1 By value
2 Shaftesbury has a 50% interest in these units 
3 Our 50% share

  Shops

  Restaurants, cafés and leisure

  Offices

  Residential

VILLAGE SUMMARIES CONTINUED 

049

Chinatown  
22% of our  
portfolio1

Soho  
7% of our  
portfolio1

Chinatown, at the heart of the West 
End’s entertainment district, has the 
largest concentration of restaurants 
in the UK. The prosperity of this 
thriving destination is underpinned 
by the large number of visitors it 
attracts throughout the day, and 
into the night, seven days a week, 
estimated at over 50 million 
annually. Our holdings extend to 
3.2 acres.

Soho is a lively area with numerous 
cafés, bars, clubs, restaurants and 
quirky shops. Its distinctive 
atmosphere and nightlife create a 
popular destination for visitors. It 
is a renowned creative hub, with 
46,000 employed by the many 
small businesses situated here, 
typically in the media, fashion, 
creative and IT industries. It has a 
long-established residential 
community. 

Charlotte Street  
3% of our  
portfolio1

Charlotte Street is a busy and 
vibrant location, north of Oxford 
Street and close to Tottenham 
Court Road, which is a renowned 
restaurant destination. Its offices, 
dominated by creative, media and 
IT businesses, together with a 
large student population, add to 
the cosmopolitan feel of the area.

66 shops   

89,000 sq. ft.  

36 shops   

40,000 sq. ft.  

5 shops   

9,000 sq. ft.  

72 restaurants, cafés 
and pubs   
203,000 sq. ft.  

30 restaurants, cafés 
and pubs   
55,000 sq. ft.  

20 restaurants, cafés 
and pubs  
42,000 sq. ft.  

39,000  sq.ft. offices  
112 apartments

71,000 sq. ft.

35,000  sq.ft. offices  
67 apartments

36,000 sq. ft.  

10,000  sq.ft. offices  
46 apartments

21,000 sq. ft.  

Percentage of village’s current income

10%

5%

25%

£23.3m

19%

27%

£7.3m

16%

9%

19%

10%

£2.8m

60%

38%

62%

1 By value  

SHAFTESBURY ANNUAL REPORT 2015 STRATEGIC REPORT  050

h o t

051

co ld

052

SHAFTESBURY ANNUAL REPORT 2015  STRATEGIC REPORT  

+21.9%  
£8.69 

EPRA NAV

+23.8% 

Net Asset Value Return1  

+10.7%
£36.1m 

EPRA Earnings

+6.6%
13.0p 

EPRA EPS

+5.0%
13.75p 

Recommended total  
dividend for the year

22.5%

Loan-to-value

+1.7%
168.0p 

Basic EPS

+22.5%  
£8.32 

Diluted NAV

1  Based on EPRA NAV, before dividends

Results and 
finance 
It has been another 
year of good 
progress with 
further growth in 
net asset value, 
rents, earnings 
and dividends  

We completed the refinancing of our 2016 debt 
maturities, considerably lengthening the weighted 
average maturity profile, diversifying our sources 
of finance and increasing our financial resources. 
With substantial and secure resources, we are 
well-placed to continue growing, and investing in, 
our portfolio and executing our business strategy. 

Change of accounting policy for the 
Longmartin joint venture

The Group is adopting IFRS 11 ‘Joint Arrangements’ for the first 
time this year. This standard removes the proportionate 
consolidation option that was previously available under IAS 31 
‘Interests in Joint Ventures’ and instead requires us to account 
for the joint venture using the equity method. The consequence 
is that we now include the Group’s net equity interest in 
Longmartin as a single line item in both the consolidated balance 
sheet and consolidated income statement, rather than 
proportionally consolidating the Group’s share of assets, 
liabilities, income and expenses on a line-by-line basis. Loans, 
interest and management fees between the Group and 
Longmartin are no longer eliminated on consolidation. 

Whilst this change in accounting policy does not affect the net 
asset position nor profit after tax, it does alter the line-by-line 
analysis in the primary statements and the cash and cash 
equivalents reported in the Cash Flow Statement. The prior year 
comparatives have been restated accordingly, and the changes 
are summarised in note 2 to the Financial Statements. The 
following financial commentary is based on the IFRS position.

RESULTS AND FINANCE CONTINUED 

053

Income statement

Further growth in EPRA earnings
Profit after tax for the year was £467.3 million (2014: £440.4 
million), and included a valuation surplus of £432.0 million (2014: 
£394.0 million). As is usual practice in our sector, we produce an 
alternative measure for earnings, making standard adjustments 
as set out by EPRA in its Best Practice and Policy Recommendations. 
EPRA earnings are a measure of the level of recurring income 
arising from core operational activities. It excludes all items 
which are not relevant to the underlying performance, such as 
property and interest rate swap valuation movements.

EPRA earnings increased by 10.7% to £36.1 million (2014: £32.6 
million) and EPRA EPS was 13.0p, up 6.6% over the year (2014: 
12.2p). The smaller relative increase in EPRA EPS, compared with 
that for EPRA earnings, reflects the increased weighted average 
number of shares in issue this year, following our share placing in 
March 2014.

EPRA earnings

IFRS profit after tax

Adjusted for:

Change in value of investment 
properties 

Change in fair value of financial 
derivatives 

Adjustments in respect of the 
Longmartin joint venture:

Change in value of investment 
properties 

Deferred tax

EPRA earnings

EPRA EPS

2015
£m

467.3

As restated1
2014
£m

440.4

(432.0)

(394.0)

28.5

12.0

(34.6)

6.9

36.1

13.0p

(32.4)

6.6

32.6

12.2p

1 Restated for the change in accounting policy detailed on page 115 

Net property income
Rents receivable have increased by 7.6% to £91.8 million (2014: 
£85.3 million). The like-for-like growth of 5.5% largely reflects 
the continued crystallisation of the reversionary potential of our 
portfolio through lettings, renewals and rent reviews. Acquisitions 
contributed £1.9 million to the increase.
Rents receivable (£m)

4.6

1.9

85.3

2014

Acquisitions

 Underlying
growth

  SEE PAGE 46 FOR DETAILS ON LEASING ACTIVITY DURING THE YEAR 
  SEE PAGE 43 FOR ACQUISITIONS

91.8

2015

Irrecoverable property costs were £13.0 million (2014: £11.2 
million), representing 14.2% of rents receivable (2014: 13.1%). The 
increase is mainly due to costs associated with the large volume 
of leasing activity in the year, coupled with the high level of 
irrecoverable costs at our Charing Cross Road/Chinatown 
scheme. This block is let on a short-term basis ahead of 
commencement of our scheme in early 2016. As a result, income 
is low and there is a high level of irrecoverable costs. Excluding 
this property, irrecoverable costs were 13.0% of rents receivable 
(2014: 12.7%). 

Net property income was £78.8 million, up 6.3% on last year 
(2014: £74.1 million).

  SEE PAGE 43 FOR MORE INFORMATION ON OUR PLANNED CHINATOWN DEVELOPMENT

Administrative expenses
Administrative expenses, excluding the charge for equity-settled 
remuneration, increased by 3.8% to £11.0 million (2014: £10.6 
million). This includes a charge for annual bonuses of £2.2 million 
(2014: £2.6 million). The increase before bonuses was largely due to 
higher staff costs and an increase in occupation outgoings following 
our relocation to larger offices in Carnaby in February 2014. 

The charge for equity-settled remuneration was £3.0 million 
(2014: £3.2 million), which included a non-cash accounting 
provision of £2.3 million (2014: £2.7 million) and a charge for 
employer’s National Insurance of £0.7 million (2014: £0.5 million).

  SEE PAGES 94 TO 95 FOR DETAILS ON THE CURRENT YEAR ANNUAL BONUS AND SHARE 
OPTION VESTING

Revaluation surplus
Our portfolio delivered a valuation surplus of £432.0 million 
(2014: £394.0 million), principally driven by like-for-like ERV 
growth of 6.8% and yield compression of 39 basis points.

  SEE PORTFOLIO VALUATION ON PAGES 38 TO 40

Finance costs
Net finance costs (excluding the change in fair value of our 
interest rate swaps) increased by £1.2 million to £30.7 million 
(2014: £29.5 million). The increase is the result of higher average 
debt levels arising from acquisitions, capital expenditure and the 
cost of termination of interest rate swap contracts, partly offset 
by a lower blended cost of debt following our refinancing during 
the year. The total includes an accelerated write-off of 
unamortised deferred loan issue costs totalling £0.2 million.

Excluding interest rate swaps which were cancelled in the year at 
a cost of £28.1 million, the like-for-like fair value deficit on our 
interest rate swaps increased by £28.5 million to £79.2 million, 
following a fall in long-dated interest rates in the year. The Board 
keeps under review the Group’s interest rate hedging strategy, 
and the impact our derivatives have on the long-term financing 
of the business.  

  SEE PAGE 56 FOR DETAILS ON THE REFINANCING

SHAFTESBURY ANNUAL REPORT 2015 STRATEGIC REPORT  054

SHAFTESBURY ANNUAL REPORT 2015  STRATEGIC REPORT  

RESULTS AND FINANCE CONTINUED 

Longmartin profits
Our share of post-tax profit from the Longmartin joint venture 
increased by £2.1 million to £29.7 million (2014: £27.6 million) 
principally due to:

•   an increase in net property income of 5.4% to £5.9 million 

(2014: £5.6 million), driven by a like-for-like increase in rental 
income of 6.3%. 

•   a revaluation surplus of £34.6 million (2014: £32.4 million) with 

like-for-like ERV growth of 9.1% and equivalent yield compression 
of 35 basis points.

•   an increase in the tax charge of £0.3 million to £7.2 million 

(2014: £6.9 million), as a result of deferred tax on the revaluation 
surplus.

Tax
As a REIT, the Group’s activities are largely exempt from 
corporation tax and, as a result, there is no tax charge in the year 
(2014: £Nil).

Dividend growth

The Board is pleased to recommend a final dividend of 6.925p 
per share, an increase of 4.9% on last year’s final dividend of 
6.6p. Together with the interim dividend paid in July 2015, the 
total dividend for the year is 13.75p per share, an increase of 
0.65p, or 5.0% on 2014. 

We aim to maintain a steady growth in dividends, reflecting the 
long-term trend in our income and cash earnings. In determining 
this dividend level, the Board has taken into account the non-
cash accounting charge for equity-settled remuneration of £2.3 
million and the accelerated write-off of unamortised deferred 
issue costs, totalling £0.2 million, following the refinancing of our 
Nationwide bank facilities in the year; together these reduced 
EPRA earnings per share by 0.9 pence.

Having agreed with HM Revenue & Customs that the cost of 
terminating interest swaps in 2014 and 2015 was deductible 
against qualifying REIT income, dividends in respect of the 2015 
year are being paid entirely as ordinary dividends. We expect to 
start paying a PID again next year. 

    SEE PAGE 56 FOR DETAILS OF THE REFINANCING AND INTEREST RATE SWAP TERMINATION 

DURING THE YEAR

r
a
i
n

shine

RESULTS AND FINANCE CONTINUED 

055

shine

EPRA NAV (pence per share)

167

13

10

14

713

2014

EPRA 
earnings

Revaluation

Swap 
break 
costs 

Dividend

2015

869

Five year financial summaries can be found on our website.

Increased EPRA net asset value

EPRA NAV per share increased by £1.56 (21.9%) to £8.69 (2014: 
£7.13). This increase included contributions of £1.55 per share 
and 12p per share from the revaluations of the wholly-owned 
portfolio and the Longmartin joint venture property respectively. 
The cost of terminating interest rate swaps in March 2015, 
following the refinancing of one of our short-term revolving 
credit facilities, reduced NAV by 10p per share. EPRA profits of 
13.0p per share were matched by dividends paid. 

EPRA NAV

IFRS net assets

Effect of exercise of options

Diluted net assets

Adjusted for:

Fair value of financial 
instruments 

Adjustment in respect of the 
Longmartin joint venture:

Deferred tax

EPRA NAV

EPRA NAV per share

2015
£m

2,325.4

0.4

2,325.8

As restated1
2014
£m

1,893.2

0.4

1,893.6

79.2

78.8

22.6

2,427.6

£8.69

15.7

1,988.1

£7.13

1 Restated for the change in accounting policy detailed on page 115

SHAFTESBURY ANNUAL REPORT 2015 STRATEGIC REPORT   
056

SHAFTESBURY ANNUAL REPORT 2015  STRATEGIC REPORT  

RESULTS AND FINANCE CONTINUED 

Cash flows and net debt

Debt maturity profile (£m) 

Net debt increased by £84.8 million to £637.8 million over the 
year (2014: £553.0 million). The major cash flows were:

0
5
1

•  Operating cash inflow (£37.4 million)

•  Dividend payments (£39.5 million)

•  Acquisitions and capital expenditure (£50.9 million)

•  Interest rate swap termination costs (£28.1 million)

During the year, we completed the refinancing of our remaining 
2016 debt, arranging two secured term loans, totalling £250.0 
million, at a blended fixed interest rate of 3.51% p.a. The loans 
are repayable in full at maturity in March 2030 (£130.0 million) 
and July 2035 (£120.0 million). On drawing the loans, we 
cancelled two revolving credit facilities, totalling £150.0 million, 
which were due to expire in 2016. This added £100.0 million to 
our financial resources, of which £28.1 million was used to fund 
the termination of £70.0 million of interest rate swaps. Facility 
arrangement costs totalled £3.4 million. The balance was used to 
pay down revolving bank facilities, which are available to be 
re-drawn. 

    SEE PAGE 34 FOR WHY LONG-TERM DEBT IS A NATURAL FIT FOR OUR BUSINESS

Extended maturity and lower cost of debt
Our weighted average maturity of debt1 at 30 September 2015 
was 10.2 years (2014: 7.1 years) and our earliest debt maturity is 
now a £150 million revolving credit facility, which expires in 
November 2018.

Although net debt increased over the year by £84.8 million, 
at year end our loan-to-value ratio1 had fallen to 22.5% (2014: 
23.6%), largely as a result of growth in the value of our portfolio 
over the year. We had £150.3 million of committed undrawn 
facilities (2014: £139.4 million), which are available to fund further 
investment in our portfolio. Of our drawn debt, 97.2% was fixed 
or hedged1 (2014: 82.1%), although this level will fall to around 
80% as our undrawn variable-rate facilities are utilised. 

5
3
1

0
3
1

0
2
1

5
2
1

5
7

1
6

0
6

2016  2017  2018  2019  2020  2021  2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030  2031  2032 2033 2034 2035

Bank facilities

Long-term fixed debt

Longmartin fixed debt (our 50% share)

The weighted average cost of debt1 was 4.92%, 19 basis points 
lower than at 30 September 2014. The marginal cost of drawings 
under our committed facilities is around 1.5% (2014: 1.55%), and 
so, as further drawings are made, the average cost of debt will 
reduce. If our facilities had been fully drawn at 30 September 
2015, the weighted average cost of debt1 would have been 
4.32%. The average margin on our drawn variable-rate bank 
facilities has increased to 1.16% (2014: 1.11%) and this would rise 
further to 1.35% if all facilities were fully drawn (2014: 1.24%).

Total fixed debt2 

Drawn unhedged bank debt 

Total debt2

Undrawn facilities (floating rate)

Committed facilities

Loan-to-value2

Gearing4

Interest cover

% debt fixed

Weighted average cost of debt5

Weighted average debt maturity (years)

2015

Longmartin3
£m

Proportional 
consolidation
£m

60.0

-

60.0

-

60.0

28.2%

39.4%

2.1x

100.0%

4.43%

11.2

685.8

19.7

705.5

150.3

855.8

22.5%

29.1%

2.1x

97.2%

4.92%

10.2

IFRS
£m

625.8

19.7

645.5

150.3

795.8

22.1%

28.4%

2.1x

96.9%

4.96%

10.1

2014

Longmartin3
£m

Proportional 
consolidation
£m

60.0

-

60.0

-

60.0

33.7%

51.2%

2.0x

100.0%

4.43%

12.2

505.8

110.6

616.4

139.4

755.8

23.6%

31.0%

2.0x

82.1%

5.11%

7.1

IFRS
£m

445.8

110.6

556.4

139.4

695.8

22.9%

29.7%

2.0x

80.1%

5.18%

6.7

1 Including our 50% share of the Longmartin joint venture
2 Based on nominal value of debt
3 Shaftesbury Group’s 50% share. This loan is without recourse to Shaftesbury.
4 Based on EPRA net assets
5 Including non-utilisation fees on undrawn bank facilities

 
 
 
 
  
   
   
   
   
Bank facilities

Long-term fixed debt

Longmartin fixed debt (our 50% share)

057

Looking ahead 
The West End continues  
to flourish, benefiting from 
the long-term growth in 
London’s economy, 
population, and visitor 
numbers

Our exceptional portfolio, based in the busiest 
and liveliest parts of the West End, is focused on 
shops, restaurants, cafés and pubs. Extending to 
over 1 million sq. ft., these uses produce 70% of 
our rental income1. They have a long record of 
sustained demand and rental growth, unaffected 
by wider economic and property market cycles.

Strong demand

We continue to experience strong demand in each of our 
locations, and across all uses. Demand is broad-based, and we 
are seeing retailers and restaurateurs looking to secure footholds 
in our carefully-curated areas ahead of Crossrail opening in 2018. 
This demand is producing good rental growth and high 
occupancy levels. 

Intensive asset management 

Our portfolio is highly reversionary and we continue to identify 
and secure opportunities to take back space, often to carry out 
improvement projects, and, through re-letting, not only to 
convert the potential rent into actual income but also improve 
rental prospects. Our clusters of ownerships allow the benefits of 
improvements we make to be compounded across our adjacent, 
or nearby, holdings.

Opportunities to acquire new assets

The availability of assets to acquire in our locations, and which 
meet our strict criteria, continues to be constrained as owners, 
understandably, remain reluctant to sell. Although the timing of 
additions to our portfolio is impossible to predict, over the 
medium term, a steady flow of purchases are important in 
extending our ownership clusters and offering new marriage value 
possibilities. Having secured two acquisitions since September, we 
continue to appraise new opportunities.

Confidence in long-term prospects

The West End’s prosperity, which is not reliant on the fortunes of 
the UK economy, underpins the long-term demand for 
accommodation. Our holdings will continue to benefit from this 
demand, as well as the substantial investment the city attracts. 

We have a committed team with a forensic knowledge of the 
West End. Passion for this business, and the West End, is very 
much a part of our DNA. We remain confident that, with our 
innovative and successful strategy, our exceptional portfolio will 
continue to deliver growth in rental income, long-term values and 
returns for shareholders.

The Strategic Report on pages 1 to 68 was approved by the Board 
on 24 November 2015.

We are making good progress with our major schemes at Charing 
Cross Road/Chinatown, 57 Broadwick Street, Carnaby, and 
Thomas Neal’s Warehouse, Seven Dials. Works are planned to 
commence in 2016 with a view to completion over the second 
half of 2017, when we expect to see a material increase in net 
property income from these projects. 

Brian Bickell 
Chief Executive

Chris Ward 
Finance Director

1 Wholly-owned portfolio

SHAFTESBURY ANNUAL REPORT 2015 STRATEGIC REPORT    
   
   
   
   
058

o utsid e

i n s i d e

059

Management structure

As a foundation to effective day-to-day risk management, we 
encourage an open and honest culture within which staff can 
operate. Our management team, based in one office, within 
fifteen minutes’ walk of all our holdings, comprises four executive 
directors and 21 employees. This stable management team, with 
an average tenure of over 15 years, has an in-depth knowledge of 
our business and the West End. 

The Board’s attitude to risk is embedded in the business, with 
senior management having close involvement in all aspects of 
operations and significant decisions. This involvement extends to 
the Non-Executive Directors, who approve all transactions over a 
specified level. We hold regular portfolio tours for the Board, to 
instil a deep understanding of our business strategy and model. 

  SEE PAGE 33 FOR OUR MANAGEMENT TEAM’S EXPERIENCE

The senior management team below Board level is incentivised in 
the same way as executive directors to achieve the Group’s 
strategic goals of delivering long-term outperformance. 
Decisions are made for long-term benefit, rather than short-
term gain. Succession planning across the management team is 
monitored by the Board.

  DETAILS OF OUR ANNUAL BONUS TARGETS AND LTIP PERFORMANCE CRITERIA ARE SET OUT 
IN THE ANNUAL REMUNERATION REPORT ON PAGES 94 TO 95

Responsibilities

Board

Audit Committee

Executive management

 Overall responsibility for risk 
management. Reviews 
principal risks and 
uncertainties regularly, along 
with actions taken, where 
possible, to mitigate them.

Assurance of the internal 
controls and risk management 
process.

 Day-to-day management of 
risk. Design and implementation 
of the necessary systems of 
internal control.

Risk 
management 
The Board’s 
attitude to risk 
management  
is consistent 
with its low 
overall appetite 
for risk  

This report should be read in conjunction with the 
Viability Statement on page 66.

Overview

The Board structures the Group’s operations to minimise exposure 
to investment, operational and financial risks, and to ensure that 
there is a rigorous, regular review of risks and mitigation across its 
activities.

Important factors in the relative low risk of our business include:

•   The Group invests only in London’s West End, where there is a 

long history of resilience, stability and sustained occupier 
demand for our principal uses of retail, restaurants and leisure

•   With a diverse tenant base, there is limited exposure to any 

single tenant

•   The nature of our portfolio does not expose us to risks inherent 

in major speculative development schemes

•   We have a small and stable management team, based in one 

location, close to all our holdings

•   The Board manages our balance sheet on a conservative basis 
with moderate leverage, long-term finance, a spread of loan 
maturities, good interest cover and with the majority of interest 
costs fixed.

  SEE PAGES 8 TO 31 FOR MORE INFORMATION ON OUR BUSINESS STRATEGY AND MODEL 
AND PAGE 34 FOR INFORMATION ON OUR APPROACH TO FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT 

SHAFTESBURY ANNUAL REPORT 2015 STRATEGIC REPORT  060

SHAFTESBURY ANNUAL REPORT 2015  STRATEGIC REPORT  

RISK MANAGEMENT CONTINUED 

Operational and financial risks facing the Group are monitored 
through a process of regular assessment by the executive team. 
The aim of this assessment is to:

•  Provide reasonable assurance that material risks are identified

•  Ensure appropriate mitigation action is taken at an early stage

Risks are considered in terms of their impact and likelihood from 
operational, financial and reputational perspectives. Risks, and 
the controls in place to mitigate them, are formally reported, 
discussed and challenged, at meetings of the Audit Committee 
and Board. To the extent significant risks, failings or control 
weaknesses arise during the year, these are reported to the 
Board and appropriate action is taken to rectify the issue and 
implement controls to mitigate further occurrences.   

Having monitored the Group’s risk management and internal 
control system, and having reviewed the effectiveness of material 
controls, the Audit Committee has not identified any significant 
failings or weaknesses in the Group’s control structure during the 
year.

  SEE THE AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT ON PAGES 78 TO 81

Principal risks and uncertainties 

The Board has carried out a robust assessment of the principal 
risks faced by the business. The nature of these has remained 
unchanged over the year and relates to issues which might 
prevent us from achieving our long-term goals of creating 
sustainable revenue growth and increasing the value of the 
portfolio, or factors which could adversely impact shareholders’ 
investment in the business. These are set out on pages 61 to 63.

Risk management and internal control

The Board is responsible for determining, and keeping under 
review throughout the year, the nature and extent of the 
principal risks impacting the Group’s operations and maintaining 
the risk management framework and internal control systems. 
Such systems are designed to manage, rather than eliminate, the 
risks faced by the business and can provide only reasonable, not 
absolute, assurance against material misstatement or loss. Their 
adequacy and effectiveness are monitored through the risk 
management and audit processes which include financial and 
property management audits. 

The Group has established processes and procedures to identify, 
assess and manage the principal risks it faces. These processes 
and procedures were in place throughout the year and remained 
in place up to the date of the approval of the Annual Report and 
accord with the Financial Reporting Council’s Guidance on Risk 
Management, Internal Control and Related Financial and Business 
Reporting (2014).

The key elements of the Group’s procedures and internal 
financial control framework, which are monitored throughout the 
year, are:

•   Close involvement of the executive directors in all aspects of 

day-to-day operations, including regular meetings with 
employees to review all operational aspects of the business, 
including risks and controls

•  Clearly defined responsibilities and limits of authority

•   Defined schedule of matters for decision by the Board including 

significant acquisitions, disposals, major contracts, material 
refurbishment/development proposals and any other 
transaction outside the normal course of business

•  A comprehensive system of financial reporting and forecasting

•   The day-to-day management of the Group’s portfolio is 

outsourced to three managing agents. The Group monitors the 
performance of each managing agent and has established 
extensive financial and operational controls to ensure that each 
maintains an acceptable level of service and provides reliable 
financial and operational information. The managing agents share 
with the Group their internal control assessments. The Group 
periodically uses the services of an external consultant to review 
the managing agents’ operational processes and controls.

SHAFTESBURY ANNUAL REPORT 2015  STRATEGIC REPORT  

RISK MANAGEMENT CONTINUED 

061

Geographic concentration risk  
Risk of a sustained fall in visitor numbers  
and/or spending

RISK

POTENTIAL IMPACT

MITIGATION

Events which discourage 
visitors to the West End e.g. 

•  threats to security or public 

•  Reduced visitor numbers, 
spending and occupier 
demand

safety due to terrorism

•  Reduced rental income and/

•  Inherent risk given the 

geographic concentration 
of our investments in a high 
profile location

EVOLUTION OF RISK DURING 
THE YEAR

•  health concerns (e.g. 

pandemics)

•  Major, long-term disruption 

to the public transport 
network upon which the area 
depends 

or capital values

•  Terrorism and loss of rent 

•  Potential increased vacancy 
and declining profitability

• Damage to property

insurance

•  Close liaison with local 
bodies/authorities to 
maximise safety of visitors

•  Detailed emergency response 

plans 

Across the West End, visitor 
numbers, spending and 
occupier demand continue to 
be buoyant. The UK’s terrorism 
threat level remains severe

  SEE PAGE 13 FOR WHY WE FOCUS ON THE WEST END

Competing destinations lead 
to long-term decline in footfall 
in our villages

•  Reduced visitor numbers and 

•  Ensure our villages maintain a 

occupier demand

distinct identity

•  Reduced rental income and/

•  Management strategies to 

or capital values

•  Potential increased vacancy 
and declining profitability

create prosperous 
destinations within which 
tenants can operate

•  Seek out new concepts, brands 
and ideas to keep our villages 
vibrant and appealing 

•  Consistent strategy on tenant 
mix, which evolves over time

•  Marketing and promotion of 

our villages

•  KPI to deliver sustainable 

rental growth

•  Regular board monitoring of 

village performance and 
prospects

  SEE PAGES 30 TO 31 FOR DETAILS ON OUR PROVEN MANAGEMENT STRATEGY

Footfall and occupier demand 
across our villages remains 
strong. We continue to see 
sustained rental growth and 
low vacancy

062

SHAFTESBURY ANNUAL REPORT 2015  STRATEGIC REPORT  

RISK MANAGEMENT CONTINUED 

Regulatory risks  

RISK

POTENTIAL IMPACT

MITIGATION

EVOLUTION OF RISK DURING 
THE YEAR

All our properties are in the 
boroughs of Westminster and 
Camden. Changes to local 
policies, particularly planning 
and licensing, could have a 
significant impact on our ability 
to maximise the long-term 
potential of its assets

•  Limit our ability to optimise 

•  Ensure our properties are 

revenues

• Reduced profitability

• Reduced capital values

operated in compliance with 
local regulations

•  Make representations on 
proposed policy changes, 
to ensure our views and 
experience are considered

•  Mix of uses in our portfolio 
means we are not reliant on 
income from one particular 
use

There are no current 
indications that the evolution 
of the planning and licensing 
environments, either as a 
result of national or local 
legislation, will have a material 
impact on the Group’s business 
for the foreseeable future

  SEE PAGES 20 TO 27 FOR DETAILS ON OUR MIX OF USES

•  Potential decrease in 

•  Up-to-date Energy 

revenues and increased cost

•  Cost to improve buildings to 

Performance Certificates being 
obtained for all buildings

the required standard

•  Phased programme of 

improvements to future-proof 
buildings within the 
constraints of current listed 
building and conservation 
areas legislation

Our rolling programme 
of works is delivering 
performance above the 
minimum levels currently 
required under legislation

All our buildings are in 
Conservation Areas and 
many are listed. Legislation 
to improve environmental 
performance of buildings 
may restrict the future use 
of older buildings by making 
them subject to standards 
which cannot be met because 
the changes required would 
be inconsistent with existing 
legislation for listed buildings 
and Conservation Areas

  SEE SUSTAINABILITY ON PAGES 146 TO 155

together

 
Economic risks  
which may threaten our ability  
to meet our strategic objectives

RISK

Periods of economic 
uncertainty and lower 
confidence could reduce 
consumer spending, tenant 
profitability and occupier 
demand

POTENTIAL IMPACT

• Pressure on rents

• Declining profitability

• Reduced capital values

RISK MANAGEMENT CONTINUED 

063

MITIGATION

•  Focus on assets, locations 

and uses which have 
historically proved to be 
economically resilient and 
have demonstrated much 
lower valuation volatility than 
the wider market

•  Diverse tenant base with 

limited exposure to any one 
tenant

•  Tenant deposits held against 

unpaid rent obligations (at 30 
September 2015): £17.4m

EVOLUTION OF RISK DURING 
THE YEAR

The West End’s economy is 
buoyant and we continue to 
benefit from strong demand, 
footfall and rental growth. The 
Global and UK economies are 
forecast to deliver trend-level 
growth over the medium term, 
underpinning business and 
consumer confidence

   SEE PAGES 8 TO 13 FOR DETAILS ON OUR UNIQUE PORTFOLIO AND WHY WE INVEST IN THE WEST END

Decline in the UK real estate 
market due to macro-
economic factors e.g. global 
political landscape, currency 
expectations, bond yields, 
interest rate expectations, 
availability and cost of finance, 
relative attractiveness of 
property compared with other 
asset classes

• Reduced capital values

•  Focus on assets, locations 

•  Decrease in NAV, amplified 

by gearing

• Loan covenant defaults 

Interest rates have continued 
at historically low levels. 
Market sentiment is that 
increases will be moderate 
and gradual

and uses which have 
historically proved to be 
economically resilient and 
have demonstrated much 
lower valuation volatility than 
the wider market

•  Regular review of investment 
market conditions including 
bi-annual external valuations

•  Maintain conservative levels 

of leverage

•  Quarterly forecasts including 
covenant headroom review

•  Substantial pool of uncharged 

assets available to top up 
security held by lenders

  SEE PAGES 8 TO 13 FOR DETAILS ON OUR UNIQUE PORTFOLIO AND WHY WE INVEST IN THE WEST END. SEE ALSO PAGE 34 FOR OUR CONSERVATIVE APPROACH TO FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

alone

SHAFTESBURY ANNUAL REPORT 2015 STRATEGIC REPORT  064

kiss

065

m

a

k

e

u

p

066

SHAFTESBURY ANNUAL REPORT 2015  STRATEGIC REPORT  

Viability 
Statement

In accordance with provision C.2.2 of the 2014 
revision of the Code, the Board has assessed the 
prospects of the Company over a longer period 
than the twelve months that has in practice been 
the focus of the ‘Going Concern’ provision.    

The Board conducted the review for a five-year period, 
corresponding with the period covered by its current forecasts. 
These forecasts are updated quarterly and reflect the Group’s 
established strategy of investing in London’s West End, its existing 
investment commitments, available financial resources and 
long-term financing arrangements. They consider profits, cash 
flows, funding requirements and other key financial ratios over 
the period, as well as the headroom in the financial covenants 
contained in our various loan agreements. Important assumptions 
underlying the forecasts include:

Assumption
Crystallisation of the 
portfolio reversionary 
potential over the period 

The Group had undrawn 
committed loan facilities 
at 30 September 2015 
totalling £150.3 million, 
which comfortably 
exceeds the Group’s 
commitments over the 
assessment period. This 
assumes an ability to 
re-finance revolving credit 
facilities totalling £150.0 
million and £125.0 million 
which mature in 2018 and 
2020 respectively.

Comment
We have a long record of 
crystallising the independently-
assessed ERV of our portfolio over 
a three-to-five year period. 63% 
of the total portfolio reversion 
comes from shops, restaurants, 
cafés and pubs, the demand for 
which, in our locations, is not 
cyclical and has demonstrated 
sustained growth over many years.

   SEE DETAILS ON THE REVERSION ON PAGE 40

The Group maintains a prudent 
approach to gearing, with debt 
facilities which are largely fixed and 
long-term in nature. At 30 
September, our loan-to-value 
ratio was 22.5%.

The facilities which mature during 
the period of assessment represent 
18.8% and 15.7%, respectively, of 
our total committed debt facilities. 

The Board has reasonable confidence 
that we shall be able to refinance 
these facilities and intends to do 
so in advance of their contractual 
maturities. 

   SEE THE FINANCE REVIEW ON PAGE 56

The principal risks are set out on pages 61 to 63 and the most 
relevant potential impact of these risks on viability was 
considered to be:

•   A substantial and sustained decrease in visitor numbers to the 

West End and our villages which could result in reduced 
occupier demand, rental income and/or capital values, higher 
vacancy and declining profitability

•   Regulatory changes which reduce profitability and capital 

values

•   Changing economic conditions which reduce capital values, 

and put pressure on loan covenants

The Board overlaid the potential impact of the principal risks 
which could affect solvency or liquidity in “severe but plausible” 
scenarios onto the five-year forecasts and concluded that the 
business would remain viable. As part of this, they performed 
sensitivity analyses that flexed inputs to the forecasts including 
reduced income, profitability and capital values, both individually 
and in unison, to reflect these severe but plausible scenarios.  

Based on the results of the procedures outlined above, the 
Directors have a reasonable expectation that the Group will be 
able to continue in operation and meet its liabilities as they fall 
due over the five-year period of their assessment.

067

tranquil

t l e

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SHAFTESBURY ANNUAL REPORT 2015  STRATEGIC REPORT  

work

play

SHAFTESBURY  ANNUAL REPORT 2015 

069

Governance

Directors and officers  70

Corporate governance  72

Nomination Committee report  76

Audit Committee report  78

Remuneration report  82

Remuneration policy  84

Annual Remuneration report  92

Directors’ report  102

Directors’ responsibilities  104

Independent auditors’ report  105

070

SHAFTESBURY ANNUAL REPORT 2015  GOVERNANCE 

Directors and officers
Executive directors

Simon J Quayle, BSc, MRICS 
Executive director

Tom J C Welton, MRICS 
Executive director

Brian Bickell, FCA
Chief Executive

Responsible for the asset 
management and operational 
strategy in Carnaby, Soho and 
Charlotte Street 

Joined the Group in 1987

 Board appointment
Appointed Property Director 
on 1.10.1997 

External appointments
ZSL Development Strategy 
Board 

Responsible for the asset 
management and operational 
strategy in Covent Garden 
(including the Longmartin joint 
venture) and Chinatown 

Joined the Group in 1989

 Board appointment
Appointed Property Director 
on 1.10.1997 

Overall responsibility for 
implementing the Group’s 
strategy and day-to-day 
operations

Joined the Group in 1986

Christopher P A Ward,  
MA (Oxon), ACA 
Finance Director 

Responsible for implementation 
of the Group’s financial strategy 
and all aspects of accounting 
and taxation

 Board appointment
Appointed Finance Director on 
20.7.1987 and Chief Executive 
on 1.10.2011 

Joined the Group in 2012

 Board appointment
Appointed Finance Director 
on 9.1.2012

External appointments
Freehold

External appointments
Westway Trust

Chairman and  
non-executive directors

071

Left to right: Sally Walden, Hilary Riva, Oliver Marriott, Jill Little, Dermot Mathias and Jonathan Lane

Jonathan S Lane OBE, MA, 
FRICS
Non-executive Chairman and 
Chairman of the Nomination 
Committee 

 Board appointment
1986 as managing director

Experience
Chief Executive until 30.9.2011 

Executive Deputy Chairman 
from 1.10.2011 

Non-executive Chairman from 
8.2.2013

External appointments
Chairman of easyHotel plc

Chairman of The Tennis Foundation

Trustee of The Royal Theatrical 
Support Trust

Jill C Little*
Non-executive director and 
Senior Independent Director

 Board appointment 2010

Experience
John Lewis Partnership 1975 to 
2012. Merchandise director on the 
board 2002-2011 and Business and 
Development director 2011-2012 

External appointments
Chairman of the Commercial 
Group of the National Trust

Non-executive director of 
Houseology Limited

Consultant to a number of 
global retailers 

Sally E Walden*
Non-executive director and 
chairman of the Remuneration 
Committee

Board appointment 2012

Experience
From 1984 to 2009 with Fidelity 
International where she held senior 
positions in fund management

External appointments
Trustee of the Fidelity 
Foundation

Trustee of Wiltshire and 
Swindon Community Foundation

Dermot C A Mathias*
Non-executive director and 
Chairman of the Audit Committee

Board appointment 2012

Experience
Partner in the corporate finance 
department of BDO LLP from 1980 

Oliver J D Marriott*
Non-executive director

Board appointment 2009

Experience
Previously a financial journalist 
with roles as property editor 
on the Investors Chronicle and 
financial editor of The Times 

Former chairman of Churchbury 
Estates Limited and Ilex Limited

Secretary and registered 
office
Penny Thomas, LLB (Hons), 
FCIS
22 Ganton Street 
London W1F 7FD
Tel: 020 7333 8118 
email:  
shaftesbury@shaftesbury.co.uk
Registered number: 1999238

Non-executive director 
of P&O from 1985-1991

Hilary S Riva, OBE*
Non-executive director

Board appointment 2010

Experience
Chief Executive of the British 
Fashion Council from 2005-
2009 and remained in a 
non-executive capacity until 
November 2010 

Registrar
Equiniti Limited 
Aspect House 
Spencer Road 
Lancing 
West Sussex BN99 6DA 

Corporate website
www.shaftesbury.co.uk

Village websites
carnaby.co.uk
chinatownlondon.org
sevendials.co.uk
stmartinscourtyard.co.uk
berwickstreetlondon.co.uk

From 2002-2009 senior partner 
of the firm and chairman of the 
policy board of BDO International 

Previously managing director of 
a number of high street retailers 
including Top Shop and Warehouse

External appointments
Non-executive director 
of Rectory Homes Limited

Non-executive chairman 
of Red & Yellow Limited

External appointments
Non-executive director 
of London and Partners

Non-executive director 
of ASOS plc

*  Independent non-executive directors 
for the purposes of the UK Corporate 
Governance Code.

More detailed biographical information 
is available on our website. 

SHAFTESBURY ANNUAL REPORT 2015 GOVERNANCE 072

SHAFTESBURY ANNUAL REPORT 2015  GOVERNANCE 

Corporate governance
The Board is committed to 
maintaining high standards 
of corporate governance and 
transparency throughout all 
aspects of our business. 

The Group has continued to comply with the principles of the 
UK Corporate Governance Code published in 2014 with the 
exception that, owing to my previous tenure as an executive, 
I was not independent upon my appointment as Chairman. 

Our governance framework is built around our focused strategy 
of investing in the West End of London executed by an 
experienced management team. The Board monitors the risks 
faced by the business and ensures that there are appropriate 
controls to minimise such risks as far as possible.

The Board monitors activity across the Group’s portfolio, 
including larger projects and letting and tenancy transactions, 
the financial aspects of the business and the evolution and 
implementation of its sustainability strategies. The Board had a 
strategy day where it focused on societal, technological and 
economic changes which may, in the years ahead, influence the 
implementation of our long-term investment strategy.

The Remuneration Committee, led by Sally Walden, has 
undertaken a substantial review of the Group’s remuneration policy. 
This culminated in a proposal to shareholders for a binding vote at 
our 2016 AGM on a revised remuneration policy which includes a 
new LTIP for executives, incorporating a post-vesting holding 
period. 

The Audit Committee, led by Dermot Mathias, has tendered the 
Group’s external audit. Last year, we reported that, in view of the 
tenure of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (and their precedesor 
firms) since 1987 as our auditors and proposed legislation on 
auditor rotation, that we would tender our auditor appointment. 
The Committee recommended to the Board the appointment of 
Ernst & Young LLP as Group auditor at the conclusion of the 2015 
audit. Their re-appointment is proposed at the 2016 AGM. A 
considerable focus this year has also been on the risk profile of 
the Group and the new viability statement that your Board has 
made regarding the future prospects of your Group. 

Jonathan Lane OBE 
Chairman 

CORpORAtE GOVERNANCE CONTINUED 

073

Typically a Board meeting will be structured to receive 
reports from: 

Chief Executive  

 covering the general and local property 
market conditions, operational and 
financial overview, shareholder relations 
and sustainability

 Property Directors  

 asset management, schemes and 
acquisitions

Finance Director  

 published financial statements, 
financing, forecasts, performance and 
financial analysis

Company secretary  

 governance, regulation and sustainability

Strategic topic  

 Committee chairmen  

 relating to an aspect of the Group’s 
business and/or a visit to a part of the 
Group’s portfolio

 reports on activities at each committee 
meeting held immediately prior to the 
Board

Where possible, employees below Board level are invited to 
present to the Board on operational topics. Non-executive 
directors have direct and open access to employees below board 
level. During the year, the Board held a strategy day to consider 
particular topics in greater depth including a Board performance 
review. 

The company secretary is responsible for advising the Board, 
through the Chairman, on all governance matters.

The Board

The Board is responsible for the leadership of the Group and 
the long-term success of the business. It oversees the Group’s 
strategy and its implementation, ensuring that an appropriate 
financial and operational structure is in place and that risks are 
managed appropriately or mitigated. 

   SEE STRATEGIC REPORT ON PAGES 1 TO 68 

Jonathan Lane, as Chairman, is responsible for the leadership 
of the Board, ensuring it operates effectively and setting the 
agenda. Brian Bickell, as Chief Executive, is responsible for the 
Group’s day-to-day operations. There is a clear division of 
responsibilities between the two roles. The Board delegates 
responsibility, within specific parameters, to executive 
management to enable effective operation of the business. 

The Board has Audit, Remuneration and Nomination Committees. 
Their responsibilities are defined in terms of reference, which are 
available on the Group’s website. Committees comprise only 
independent non-executive directors, other than the Nomination 
Committee, which is chaired by Jonathan Lane (non-
independent Chairman) as permitted by the Code. The Board 
meets regularly with an annual cycle of topics to be considered 
including key management and financial updates as well as 
approval of significant acquisitions and refurbishment schemes. 

Strategy

Performance

Risk

Sustainability

Board

Audit  
Committee
• Financial reporting
•  Monitor external 

auditors

•  Risk and internal 

control

Remuneration 
Committee
•  Remuneration policy
•  Annual remuneration 
including bonus and 
LTIP awards

•  Set annual 

performance 
objectives

Nomination 
Committee
•  Succession planning
•  Recommend 

candidates to the 
Board

•  Board performance 

evaluation

• Diversity

   AUDIT COMMITTEE  
REPORT PAGES  
78 TO 81 

   REMUNERATION  
REPORT PAGES  
82 TO 101

   NOMINATION  
COMMITTEE REPORT  
REPORT PAGE 76 TO 77 

SHAFTESBURY ANNUAL REPORT 2015 GOVERNANCE 074

SHAFTESBURY ANNUAL REPORT 2015  GOVERNANCE 

CORpORAtE GOVERNANCE CONTINUED 

Board composition

Board performance evaluation

This year, the Board undertook an internal Board performance 
evaluation, having undertaken an externally-faciliated evaluation 
last year. The process took place in an open forum at the Board’s 
strategy day and covered:

•  The structure and content of board meetings. 

•   Time management, including the timing and frequency of 

meetings. Changes to the order of the agenda were suggested and 
a better balance during the two days of the Board and Committee 
meetings. It was agreed that the strategy day had been extremely 
valuable and should be repeated annually. 

•   Engagement with shareholders including greater involvement of 

non-executive directors in meetings with shareholders. 

•  The Board’s strategic focus.

The evaluation concluded that the Board was working cohesively 
and that there was a good quality of discussion at meetings. 

An important focus during this year, and for the year ahead, 
remains Board succession and executive development below 
Board level. 

The non-executive directors found that regular visits to the 
Group’s holdings, coupled with specific focus at each meeting on 
a village, were exceptionally valuable. 

A review of the performance of the directors and Chairman was 
also undertaken. 

The composition of the Board is important to ensure that there is 
effective leadership of the Group. There is a balance of executive 
and non-executive directors with a wide range of business skills, 
including property, finance, retail and fund management that 
contribute to the Group’s operations. Each of the non-executive 
directors, other than the Chairman, is considered by the Board 
to be independent. 

4

5

Executive directors

Independent non-executive  
directors

1

Chairman

Attendance by directors at scheduled Board meetings is set out 
below. Attendance at scheduled Committee meetings is set out 
in each Committee report. There was 100% attendance at Board 
and Committee meetings.

MEMBER

POSITION

Brian Bickell

Chief Executive

Simon Quayle

Property Director

Thomas Welton

Property Director

Christopher Ward Finance Director

Jonathan Lane

Chairman

Oliver Marriott

Non-executive director

Dermot Mathias

Non-executive director

NUMBER OF 
MEETINGS  
ATTENDED 
(5 HELD)

• • • • •

• • • • •

• • • • •

• • • • •

• • • • •

• • • • •

• • • • •

Jill Little

Senior Independent Director

• • • • •

Hilary Riva

Non-executive director

Sally Walden

Non-executive director

• • • • •

• • • • •

The non-executive directors met on a number of occasions 
during the year without management present. 

   COMMITTEE REPORTS ON PAGES 76 TO 101 

 
CORpORAtE GOVERNANCE CONTINUED 

075

Risk management and internal control

   SEE PAGE 59 TO 63 

Viability and going concern

   SEE PAGES 66 AND 114  

Remuneration

   SEE REMUNERATION REPORT ON PAGES 82 TO 101 

Relations with shareholders

The Board places great importance on regular contact with 
shareholders and potential investors, in order to communicate 
the Group’s strategy and its implementation. Investor relations is 
the responsibility of the Chief Executive. 

Annual and half year results are presented to formal meetings of 
real estate analysts. Dial-in and replay facilities are made 
available. Copies of these presentations are available on the 
corporate website from the time of the meeting. Analysts are 
encouraged to tour the portfolio, so they maintain a good 
understanding of the Group’s activities and long-term strategy. 

During the year, the Chief Executive and executive directors met 
around 200 UK and overseas institutional investors, comprising 
both current and potential shareholders. Meetings were held in 
the UK, Amsterdam, Paris and New York. Meetings comprised 
individual and group presentations and tours of the portfolio. The 
tours provide an opportunity to see the Group’s assets, 
understand management strategy, and also to meet members of 
the team below Board level. 

During the year, a tour of the portfolio was arranged for members 
of the UK Shareholders’ Association, which represents the 
interests of private investors. 

Meetings are offered to finance and debt providers. 

Feedback from these presentations and meetings is provided to 
the Board, together with published analyst comments on the 
Group. 

The AGM is an opportunity for shareholders to meet the Board 
and vote on the resolutions. All directors, including the chairs of 
the committees, are available at the AGM to answer shareholder 
questions. 

During the year, shareholders were consulted on the Group’s 
proposed changes to its remuneration policy. 

   SEE REMUNERATION REPORT ON PAGES 82 TO 101 

The corporate website, together with the websites and social 
media channels used to promote the villages, are important 
sources of information on the Group, explaining its philosophy, 
strategy, current activities and events across the villages.

   SEE LIST OF WEBSITES ON PAGE 71

SHAFTESBURY ANNUAL REPORT 2015 GOVERNANCE 076

SHAFTESBURY ANNUAL REPORT 2015  GOVERNANCE 

Nomination Committee report
Dear shareholder

The role of the Committee is to evaluate the balance of skills, experience 
and independence of board members and lead the process for board 
appointments. The Committee also recommends to the Board that all 
directors are subject to annual re-election, in line with the Code.

The Committee continues to monitor the composition of the Board so that future succession is managed effectively. After 29 years at 
the Company, I have asked the Committee to search for my successor. The Senior Independent Director is leading a process in 
accordance with the Code.  

We have focused on the Group’s medium-term succession planning for executive directors, senior staff and non-executive directors 
during the year. The Committee has oversight of the Group’s training and development processes below Board level to ensure all 
employees have appropriate skills and that they continue to develop in their roles.

An annual Board performance evaluation was internally facilitated this year. The process, conducted as part of a Board strategy day, 
concluded that the Board was working cohesively.

Jonathan Lane OBE 
Chairman – Nomination Committee 

Committee members and attendance

MEMBER

Jonathan Lane

Jill Little

Oliver Marriott

Dermot Mathias

Hilary Riva

Sally Walden

POSITION

Chairman 

Senior Independent Director 

Member

Member

Member

Member

Committee attendees by invitation only

ATTENDEES

Brian Bickell

POSITION

Chief Executive

Penny Thomas

Secretary to the Committee

Key activities during the year

NUMBER OF MEETINGS ATTENDED  
(5 HELD)

• • • • •

• • • • •

• • • • •

• • • • •

• • • • •

• • • • •

SUCCESSION

PERFORMANCE AND SKILLS

REAPPOINTMENT OF DIRECTORS

Succession planning for the Board and 
senior executives

Considered the Board and Committee 
performance evaluation results

Proposed to the Board directors for 
re-election 

Reviewed the skills of the directors for 
re-election

Reviewed training undertaken by 
directors

Reviewed the annual committee report

NOmiNAtiON COmmittEE REpORt CONTINUED 

077

Policy on diversity

Succession planning

All aspects of diversity, including but not limited to gender, are 
considered at every level of recruitment. All appointments to the 
Board are made on merit. The Board policy on diversity is to 
ensure its composition has an appropriate balance of skills and 
diversity to meet the requirements of the business. The Board 
considers that quotas are not appropriate in determining its 
composition and has therefore chosen not to set targets. 

The current Board composition has 30% female representation, 
which exceeds Lord Davies’ target for FTSE 100 company boards 
of 25% female by 2015. Gender diversity of the Board and 
Company is set out below, showing both number of employees 
(total 25) and percentage that this relates to.

Board

7
70%

Male 

Female 

3
30%

Senior Management

Male 

Female 

5
50%

5
50%

All employees  
(including executive directors)

Male 

Female 

11
44%

14
56%

The Board comprises a team of four executive directors, three of 
whom have an average length of service with the Company of 28 
years. Continuity of experience and knowledge, particularly of 
the unique environment of London’s West End, is important in 
our focused, long-term business. The executive team is 
complemented by six non-executive directors who have wide 
business experience and skills and a detailed understanding of 
the Group’s philosophy and strategy. 

A key responsibility of the Committee is to advise the Board on 
succession planning. The Committee ensures that evolution of 
the Board’s membership is planned and properly managed, and 
that in the event of unforeseen changes, management and 
oversight of the Group’s business and long-term strategy will not 
be disrupted.

The Committee also addresses continuity in, and development 
of, the executive management team below board level. 
Development of the Group’s employees is considered at each 
meeting of the Committee and a development programme has 
been introduced during the past two years. 

The Senior Independent Director is leading a process for the 
succession of the Chairman, in accordance with the Code.  

Directors standing for re-election

All directors will stand for re-election at the 2016 AGM. Following 
the annual Board performance reviews of individual directors, 
the Chairman considers that each director continues to operate 
as an effective member of the Board and has the skills, 
knowledge and experience that enables them to discharge their 
duties properly. On the advice of the Committee, the Board, 
therefore, recommends the re-election of each director standing 
for re-election. 

The tenure of independent non-executives at 30 September 
2015 is set out below. 

Oliver Marriott

Hilary Riva

Jill Little

Dermot Mathias

Sally Walden

6 years 2 months

5 years 9 months

5 years 9 months

3 years 

3 years

   SEE PAGES 70 TO 71 AND THE WEBSITE FOR BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION ON EACH DIRECTOR 

The Group supports initiatives to promote diversity within the 
property industry. Brian Bickell is a board member of Freehold, a 
forum for LGBT real estate professionals. The Group has 
committed to the RICS Inclusive Employer Quality Mark scheme 
which aims to drive behaviour changes by encouraging firms to 
look carefully at their employment practices and have inclusivity 
embedded in their operations. 

SHAFTESBURY ANNUAL REPORT 2015 GOVERNANCE  
 
 
 
 
 
078

SHAFTESBURY ANNUAL REPORT 2015  GOVERNANCE 

Audit Committee report
Dear shareholder

The Committee is tasked with reviewing and reporting to the Board on 
financial reporting, internal control and risk management, and reviews the 
performance, independence and effectiveness of the external auditors in 
carrying out the statutory audit. 

The Committee advises the Board on various statements made in the Annual Report, including those on viability, going concern, risk and 
controls and whether when read as a whole the Annual Report, is fair, balanced and understandable and provides the information necessary 
for shareholders to assess the Group’s performance, business model and strategy.

As we stated in last year’s report, and in accordance with emerging best practice, the Committee has carried out an audit tender process 
during the year. PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP will resign as auditors at the completion of this year’s audit and Ernst & Young LLP will 
be appointed by the Board. Their appointment will be subject to their re-appointment at the 2016 AGM. 

On behalf of the Board, I thank PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP for the high quality audit service they have provided to the Group 
since 1987. 

Dermot mathias 
Chairman - Audit Committee 

COMMITTEE MEMBERS AND ATTENDANCE

MEMBER

Dermot Mathias

Jill Little

Oliver Marriott

Hilary Riva

Sally Walden

POSITION

Chairman 

Senior Independent Director and member

Member

Member

Member

Dermot Mathias is the member of the Committee with recent and relevant financial experience. 

Committee attendees by invitation only

ATTENDEES

POSITION

Penny Thomas

Secretary to the Committee

Christopher Ward

Finance Director

Gareth Field

Robert Jessett

Senior members of the finance team

PricewaterhouseCoopers 
LLP

Independent auditors

At each meeting, the Committee has time with the auditors without management present.

NUMBER OF MEETINGS ATTENDED  
(3 HELD)

• • • 

• • • 

• • •

• • • 

• • • 

  AuDit COmmittEE REpORt CONTINUED 

079

Key activities during the year

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

AUDIT

MISCELLANEOUS

Reviewed and monitored the integrity of 
the published financial information 
including the year end results, preliminary 
announcement, Annual Report and half 
year results

Reviewed significant issues and areas of 
judgement which have the potential to 
have a material impact on the financial 
statements, making any consequent 
recommendations to the Board

Met with the Group’s valuers to discuss the 
valuation process and outcome

Considered emerging best practice in 
relation to corporate reporting

Advised the Board on the statement by 
directors that the Annual Report, when 
read as a whole, is fair, balanced and 
understandable and provides the 
information necessary for shareholders to 
assess the Group’s performance, business 
model and strategy 

Advised the Board on the Viability 
Statement 

Reviewed and approved the Committee 
Report

Planned for year end and reviewed the 
audit plan

Considered the independence and 
objectivity of the auditors

Reviewed the auditors’ performance

Tendered the Group audit and made a 
recommendation to the Board that Ernst 
& Young LLP be appointed

Approved non-audit assignments 
awarded to the external audit firm, and 
monitored audit/non-audit fees

Reviewed the whistle-blowing policy

Considered the need for an internal 
audit function

Reviewed the Committee’s performance

Considered the appropriateness of the 
going concern assumption

Carried out a robust assessment of the 
principal risks faced by the business

Reviewed the risk and internal control 
framework, including monitoring the 
Group’s risk management and internal 
controls systems and assessed the 
adequacy and effectiveness of controls 
and disclosures made in the annual 
report. The review covered all material 
controls, including financial, operational 
and compliance controls

  SHAFTESBURY ANNUAL REPORT 2015 GOVERNANCE 080

SHAFTESBURY ANNUAL REPORT 2015  GOVERNANCE 

AuDit COmmittEE REpORt CONTINUED 

Financial reporting and significant 
financial judgements

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

The directors are responsible for preparing the Annual Report. 
The Committee considered whether the Annual Report was fair, 
balanced and understandable and whether it provided the necessary 
information for shareholders to assess the Group’s performance, 
business model and strategy. In carrying out this exercise the 
Committee had regard to the systems and controls around the 
preparation of the accounts, the procedures to bring relevant 
information to the attention of the preparers of the accounts, 
the consistency of the reports and whether they are in accordance 
with the information provided to the Board during the year. It 
also considered whether the Annual Report had been written in 
straightforward language, without unnecessary repetition of 
information, and the use of any adjusted measures, eg EPRA 
measures, were adequately explained. 

The Committee was satisfied that, taken as a whole, the Annual 
Report is fair, balanced and understandable and included the 
necessary information as set out above. It confirmed this to the 
Board, whose statement in this regard is set out on page 104.

Consideration was also given to the Principal Risks and the 
Viability Statement, set out on pages 61 to 66. The Committee 
has reviewed the scenario analysis prepared by management 
including the assumptions made and has recommended the 
statement to the Board. 

The Committee considered the appropriateness of the 
accounting policies used in preparing the financial statements, 
and in particular, paid attention to matters it considered to be 
important by virtue of their impact on the Group’s results and 
remuneration, and those which involve a high level of complexity, 
judgement or estimation by management. The significant areas 
considered are set out below:

•  Valuation of investment properties 

•  Other areas of judgement

   In addition, the Committee has considered a number of other 
judgements which have been made by management, none of 
which were material in the context of the Group’s results or net 
assets. These include judgements concerning the charge for 
equity settled remuneration and the valuation of derivative 
financial instruments.

Going concern

The Committee reviewed whether it was appropriate to adopt the 
going concern assumption in the preparation of the results. In 
considering this, it reviews the Group’s five-year profit, cash flow 
and investment forecasts, availability of committed bank and debt 
facilities and expected headroom under the financial covenants in 
those facilities. Following the review, it recommended to the 
Board that it was appropriate to adopt the going concern basis. 

Management confirmed to the Committee that they were not 
aware of any material misstatements in the Annual Report and 
the auditors confirmed that they had found no material 
misstatements in the course of their work.

After reviewing the reports from management and, following its 
discussions with the auditors and valuers, the Committee is 
satisfied that the financial statements appropriately address the 
critical judgements and key estimates, both in respect of the 
amounts reported and the disclosures. The Committee is also 
satisfied that the processes used for determining the value of the 
assets and liabilities have been appropriately reviewed, 
challenged and are sufficiently robust.

Risk review process

As part of standing matters, the Committee and the Board 
reviewed the business risks and internal controls’ framework 
during the year. This review included testing by the external 
auditors and assurance from the Finance Director over certain 
key controls.

The Group’s internal control and risk management procedures, 
and its principal risks and uncertainties are reported in the 
Strategic Report.

   The valuation opinion is provided by independent external 

   SEE RISK MANAGEMENT ON PAGES 59 TO 63

valuers and is one of the critical components of the annual and 
half year financial results. It is inherently subjective, requiring 
significant judgement. As well as a detailed review of the valuations 
by management, members of the Committee met the Group’s 
valuers, without management present, before finalisation of the 
annual and half year results. At these meetings, they discussed the 
valuations, reviewed the key judgements and discussed whether 
there were any significant disagreements with management. They 
also discussed current market conditions, recent transactions 
in the market and any impact these have had on the valuation.

   The auditors use internal real estate specialists, who meet with 
the valuers as part of their audit and report their findings and 
conclusions to the Committee. The Board considered the 
valuation in detail at its meeting to approve the financial 
statements; as part of this the Group’s wholly-owned portfolio 
valuers presented their valuation opinion.

External auditors 

The Committee remains satisfied with the effectiveness of the 
external audit. 

The Committee tendered the Group audit during the year. The 
tender process involved a series of meetings with the Committee 
Chairman and management, including portfolio tours, and each 
candidate firm presented to the Committee and executive 
management. The Committee recommended to the Board that 
Ernst & Young LLP be appointed following the end of the financial 
year. The Board accepted this recommendation. 
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP will resign as auditors at the 
completion of this year’s audit and the Board will appoint Ernst & 
Young LLP. The Board will recommend that Ernst & Young LLP is 
re-appointed as Group auditor at the AGM in February 2016. 

In accordance with the current regulations, the Group will 
re-tender the audit every ten years.

AuDit COmmittEE REpORt CONTINUED 

081

Annual auditor assessment 

Annually, the Committee assesses the qualifications, expertise 
and resources, and independence of the Group’s external 
auditors, as well as the effectiveness of the audit process. It does 
this through discussion with the Finance Director, review of a 
detailed assessment questionnaire and confirmation from the 
external auditor. The Chairman of the Committee and the 
Finance Director meet with an independent partner from the 
external audit firm without the audit team present.

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP has confirmed to the Committee that: 

•   They have internal procedures in place to identify any aspects 

of non-audit work which could compromise their role as 
auditors and to ensure the objectivity of their audit report.

•   The total fees paid by the Group during the year do not 

represent a material part of their firm’s fee income.

•   They consider that they have maintained their audit 

independence throughout the year.

The Committee has completed its assessment of the external 
auditors for the year under review. It has satisfied itself as to 
their qualifications, expertise and resources and remains 
confident that their objectivity and independence are not in any 
way impaired by reason of the non-audit services which they 
provide to the Group. 

Internal audit

In view of the focused nature of the Group’s business, the close 
involvement of the executive directors in day-to-day decision 
making and relatively simple structure, together with the regular 
independent reviews of the processes and controls of managing 
agents, the Committee recommended to the Board that, at the 
present time, it considers there is no need to establish an 
internal audit function.

Award of non-audit assignments to the 
external audit firm

The policy of the Committee is that non-audit assignments are 
not awarded to the external audit firm if there is a risk that their 
audit independence and objectivity could be compromised and 
that, other than in exceptional circumstances, non-audit fees 
should not exceed audit and assurance fees. 

In addition, the award of any non-audit assignment to the 
Group’s auditors in excess of £25,000 is subject to the prior 
approval of the Committee. One assignment was approved during 
the year, under this policy, for the Group’s tax compliance work. 

Audit fees

Fees payable to the Group’s auditors for audit and non-audit 
services are set out below:

Audit of the parent company’s 
annual accounts 

Audit of the consolidated Group

total audit services 

Audit related assurance services – 
half year review 

Other assurance services

total assurance services 

total audit and assurance services 

Tax compliance services 

Tax advisory services

Services related to taxation 

Other non-audit services 

total fees related to taxation 
and other non-audit services 

total fees 

2015
£’000

58

98

156

21

-

21

177

39

39

78

-

78

255

2014
AS RE-STATED
£’000

56

93

149

20

-

20

169

32

69

101

7

108

277

Total fees related to taxation and other non-audit services 
represented 44% of the total fees for audit and assurance 
services (2014: 64%). Tax advisory services represent various 
assignments carried out during the year, none of which were 
individually significant. The comparative figures have been 
re-stated after the adoption of IFRS 11 ‘Joint Arrangements’ 
during the year. Further information on this is set out on page 115.

The audit fees for the Company and the Group are relatively low 
due primarily to the simple Group corporate structure.

SHAFTESBURY ANNUAL REPORT 2015 GOVERNANCE 082

SHAFTESBURY ANNUAL REPORT 2015  GOVERNANCE 

Remuneration report 
Dear shareholder 
Our remuneration policy sets out 
our approach to the reward of 
executive and non-executive 
directors. It reflects our aim that 
overall levels of executive 
remuneration should be fair whilst 
maintaining stability in the 
management of this long-term 
business. The policy we have 
operated throughout this financial 
year was approved by 
shareholders at the 2014 AGM.

Our strong results this year show a growth in 
portfolio value to £3.1 billion and growth in 
earnings and income resulting in a 5% increase in 
the annual dividend per share to 13.75p. TSR, 
which is one of the measures used in our LTIP, was 
36.7% for the year. Progress has been made 
during the year in advancing a number of 
schemes in the portfolio. The refinancing of debt 
facilities due to mature in 2016 was completed 
increasing the Group’s financial resources. 

Against the backdrop of this performance, the Committee’s main 
decisions related to:

Review of basic salaries
 Salaries were reviewed with effect from 1 December 2015 with 
average increases in the region of 2%, and in line, with salary 
increases for all employees.

Annual bonus awards
 Annual bonus awards were measured against our KPIs and other 
performance objectives which contribute to long-term 
shareholder value. The outcome of performance against these 
targets is 70%. However, the Committee took into account that 
the achievement of objectives was made in a year with a 
continuing buoyant West End economy and felt that an annual 
bonus award of 60% was more reasonable in the circumstances. 
The bonus payment equates to 75% of basic salary if taken entirely 
in shares, which are held in the Deferred Annual Share Bonus 
Scheme for three years, or 60% of basic salary if taken in cash.

Ltip
A grant of nil cost options was made in December 2014 at 125% of 
basic annual salary with a three year performance period 
commencing 1 October 2014. Vesting will be subject to the same 
performance criteria that have been applied since the scheme 
was approved by shareholders in 2006. Performance is measured 
by reference to TSR versus the FTSE 350 Real Estate Index and NAV 
growth. These performance measures incentivise the creation of 
value for shareholders and the increase in the value of the Group’s 
portfolio. The Committee believes that these performance targets 
remain appropriate and provide a consistent approach to 
measurement to determine vesting levels in the scheme. 

LTIP awards which were made in 2012 will vest in December 2015, 
based on a three year performance period which ended on 30 
September 2015. The TSR target was partially met and the NAV 
target was fully met. The total award vesting is 63.5%. 

Review of current arrangements
 As we reported in 2014, during 2015 we have carried out a review of 
our current LTIP arrangements, which are due to expire in 2016. 
As part of this work, we have reviewed our remuneration policy 
and made a number of changes. The principles of our policy remain 
the same, though we are aware that, in order to attract and retain 
employees, we need to remain competitive. 

The remuneration policy will be proposed to shareholders for a 
binding vote at the 2016 AGM.

REmuNERAtiON REpORt  CONTINUED 

083

Context for the group’s remuneration approach

The Group has 25 employees, including four executive 
directors. Of those four, three have an average length of 
service of 28 years. The combined holdings of these three 
executive directors stand at just over 2.6 million shares with a 
current market value of circa £25 million, which equates to 
individual holdings of between 21 and 26 times their annual 
salary. They have built up these substantial shareholdings 
mainly through the retention of shares awarded in employee 
share schemes, having taken their annual bonus in shares 
in nine out of the last ten years since the Deferred Annual 
Share Bonus scheme was introduced and retained shares 
from the LTIP. 

The Group’s small team of executive directors and key  
employees all have a close involvement in the continuing 
development, and implementation, of the Group’s 
management strategies. Consequently, the Committee 
considers it appropriate that, in setting objectives and 
measuring performance, emphasis is placed on team 
rather than individual performance. Average length of 
service below the Board is ten years. The stable 
management team has again had zero staff turnover and the 
total number of employees increased this year by two. 

The changes are summarised below. 

•  Renewal of Ltip
    Our current LTIP was approved in 2006 and is due to expire in 2016. 

The Committee believes that the current LTIP has been an 
important factor in incentivising and rewarding the strong 
performance delivered to shareholders over the life of the scheme. 
The Committee proposes essentially to renew the LTIP, retaining the 
existing structure, award size and performance targets. 

   The targets for the LTIP were reviewed by the Committee and 
have remained identical to those in the existing scheme which 
had been used for the last ten years. The Committee is 
convinced that these targets remain appropriate, as the 
Company is a long-term business, and feels that the targets 
remain stretching throughout the property cycle.

•   introduction of holding period
   The only material change is the introduction of a two-year 

post-vesting holding period, in line with best practice. 

•   Clawback and malus
   Clawback and malus provisions are included in the LTIP. 

The approval of the new plan rules is proposed as a separate item at 
the 2016 AGM and further information may be found in the notice of 
meeting. 

•   increasing the annual bonus opportunity to 150% of salary 
    In reviewing our remuneration policy, the Committee considered all 

aspects of the current remuneration package against best 
practice and market data. To ensure the remuneration package 
remains competitive in our talent markets, we are proposing to 
increase the maximum annual bonus opportunity for executive 
directors from 125% to 150% of salary. To receive the maximum, 
participants will still be required to defer all of the award into 
shares for three years. The maximum cash bonus will be 
unchanged at 100% of salary. Salary levels on which this bonus 
level is based are not excessive and the change is intended to 
increase the performance-related element of total potential 
remuneration, coupled with a demanding deferral period. The 
Committee will continue to operate the bonus in a robust manner 
against genuinely stretching performance targets. In recent years, 
bonus awards have been in the range of 40%-75%. 

The annual bonus scheme, and the LTIP are offered to all 
employees in the Company, and we use both schemes as a 
mechanism to encourage share ownership and alignment with 
shareholder interests.  

 •   increasing the share ownership guideline from 100% to 200% of salary 
   In line with current market practice, we propose to increase 

our shareholding guidelines for executive directors to a 
minimum of 200% of salary. 

Sally Walden 
Chairman – Remuneration Committee

SHAFTESBURY ANNUAL REPORT 2015 GOVERNANCE 084

SHAFTESBURY ANNUAL REPORT 2015  GOVERNANCE 

Remuneration policy
Set out below is the Group’s policy on directors’ remuneration, 
which will be proposed for a binding vote at the 2016 AGM. 
If approved, the policy will be effective from that date.

Changes to the remuneration policy 

The main changes to this remuneration policy, from the previous policy approved by shareholders at the 2014 AGM, and as described 
in the Chairman’s introductory statement, are as follows:

•  Increase in the maximum annual bonus (when taken in deferred shares) to 150% of salary;

•   Incorporation of the terms of the new 2016 Long Term Incentive Plan to include a two-year post vesting holding period; and 

•   Increase to the minimum shareholding requirement from 100% to 200% of salary.

Executive directors

ELEMENT

LINK WITH STRATEGY

OPERATION

MAXIMUM POTENTIAL VALUE

PERFORMANCE MEASURES AND PERFORMANCE PERIODS

Salary

Fixed remuneration at a level appropriate to 
skills, experience and complexity  
of the role

Salaries are normally reviewed annually with effect from 1 
December. Any increases are determined with reference to 
inflation and the salary increases for other employees, unless 
there is a change of role or responsibility or a new director is 
recruited (see recruitment policy) 

Sector and other relevant market data (eg against constituent 
companies of the FTSE 350 REIT Index) may be requested from 
remuneration advisors as required

The Committee recognises the importance of setting salaries at 
levels in the context of market median levels in the real estate 
sector, but which are not excessive in relation to the Group’s 
particular strategy and features. The emphasis in the Group’s 
remuneration policies is to place greater weight on 
performance-based rewards within the overall remuneration 
package

Annual bonus

To incentivise performance in the reporting year 
through the setting of targets at the beginning of 
the year. These annual targets are consistent 
with the Group’s long-term strategy

The opportunity to defer the bonus and take it in 
shares seeks to align directors’ interests with 
those of shareholders and discourage  
short-term decision making

Annual performance targets are set by the Committee at the 
beginning of the year and are linked to the Group’s strategy and 
key business objectives

At the end of the financial year, the Committee evaluates 
performance against these objectives, whilst also taking into 
account overall financial performance and future prospects. The 
Committee also satisfies itself that short-term targets have not 
been met at the expense of long-term goals 

Within the limits of the scheme, the Committee has discretion to 
adjust bonus outcomes (upwards or downwards) as it considers 
appropriate, to ensure alignment of pay with overall performance 
and market conditions

Minimum performance required for any part of the bonus to be 
earned is calibrated so as to be appropriately stretching and 
achievable

Where directors take all or part of the bonus as an award of 
shares (in the form of a conditional award of shares or a nil-cost 
option), these awards vest after a minimum of three years from 
grant under the Company’s deferred bonus plan. No further 
performance conditions apply. Awards may also, at the 
Committee’s discretion, be settled in cash

Malus and clawback provisions apply to all elements of the bonus 
(as described elsewhere in this section) 

The Committee does not specify a maximum salary or 

None

maximum salary increase

Further details on salary levels and any increases are provided 

in the Annual Remuneration Report

Directors have the choice to take a bonus in shares or cash, in 

Performance is assessed against a set of key financial and 

full or part as follows:

Up to 150% of salary if taken entirely in shares;

or 

Up to 100% of salary if taken entirely in cash

non-financial annual measures which may vary each year 

depending on the annual priorities of the business. 

Performance targets are set by the Committee.

Measures will be weighted in alignment with the Group’s strategy 

for each year. A substantial part of the total bonus will be based 

on quantitative KPIs. Further details of the measures, weightings 

and targets applicable for a given period are provided in the 

Annual Remuneration Report for that year

REmuNERAtiON pOLiCy CONTINUED 

085

Changes to the remuneration policy 

The main changes to this remuneration policy, from the previous policy approved by shareholders at the 2014 AGM, and as described 

in the Chairman’s introductory statement, are as follows:

•  Increase in the maximum annual bonus (when taken in deferred shares) to 150% of salary;

•   Incorporation of the terms of the new 2016 Long Term Incentive Plan to include a two-year post vesting holding period; and 

•   Increase to the minimum shareholding requirement from 100% to 200% of salary.

Executive directors

ELEMENT

LINK WITH STRATEGY

OPERATION

MAXIMUM POTENTIAL VALUE

PERFORMANCE MEASURES AND PERFORMANCE PERIODS

Salary

Fixed remuneration at a level appropriate to 

Salaries are normally reviewed annually with effect from 1 

skills, experience and complexity  

of the role

The Committee does not specify a maximum salary or 
maximum salary increase

None

Further details on salary levels and any increases are provided 
in the Annual Remuneration Report

Annual bonus

To incentivise performance in the reporting year 

Annual performance targets are set by the Committee at the 

through the setting of targets at the beginning of 

beginning of the year and are linked to the Group’s strategy and 

the year. These annual targets are consistent 

key business objectives

with the Group’s long-term strategy

At the end of the financial year, the Committee evaluates 

The opportunity to defer the bonus and take it in 

performance against these objectives, whilst also taking into 

shares seeks to align directors’ interests with 

account overall financial performance and future prospects. The 

those of shareholders and discourage  

Committee also satisfies itself that short-term targets have not 

short-term decision making

been met at the expense of long-term goals 

Directors have the choice to take a bonus in shares or cash, in 
full or part as follows:

Up to 150% of salary if taken entirely in shares;

or 

Up to 100% of salary if taken entirely in cash

Performance is assessed against a set of key financial and 
non-financial annual measures which may vary each year 
depending on the annual priorities of the business. 

Performance targets are set by the Committee.

Measures will be weighted in alignment with the Group’s strategy 
for each year. A substantial part of the total bonus will be based 
on quantitative KPIs. Further details of the measures, weightings 
and targets applicable for a given period are provided in the 
Annual Remuneration Report for that year

December. Any increases are determined with reference to 

inflation and the salary increases for other employees, unless 

there is a change of role or responsibility or a new director is 

recruited (see recruitment policy) 

Sector and other relevant market data (eg against constituent 

companies of the FTSE 350 REIT Index) may be requested from 

remuneration advisors as required

The Committee recognises the importance of setting salaries at 

levels in the context of market median levels in the real estate 

sector, but which are not excessive in relation to the Group’s 

particular strategy and features. The emphasis in the Group’s 

remuneration policies is to place greater weight on 

performance-based rewards within the overall remuneration 

package

Within the limits of the scheme, the Committee has discretion to 

adjust bonus outcomes (upwards or downwards) as it considers 

appropriate, to ensure alignment of pay with overall performance 

and market conditions

Minimum performance required for any part of the bonus to be 

earned is calibrated so as to be appropriately stretching and 

achievable

Where directors take all or part of the bonus as an award of 

shares (in the form of a conditional award of shares or a nil-cost 

option), these awards vest after a minimum of three years from 

grant under the Company’s deferred bonus plan. No further 

performance conditions apply. Awards may also, at the 

Committee’s discretion, be settled in cash

Malus and clawback provisions apply to all elements of the bonus 

(as described elsewhere in this section) 

SHAFTESBURY ANNUAL REPORT 2015 GOVERNANCE 086

SHAFTESBURY ANNUAL REPORT 2015  GOVERNANCE 

REmuNERAtiON pOLiCy CONTINUED 

Executive directors continued

ELEMENT

LINK WITH STRATEGY

OPERATION

MAXIMUM POTENTIAL VALUE

PERFORMANCE MEASURES AND PERFORMANCE PERIODS

Maximum value 150% of salary at date of grant in normal 

The awards will be subject to performance targets measured 

circumstances

Maximum value 200% of salary in exceptional circumstances 

such as executive recruitment (this has not been used to date)

value

over a three-year period. It is intended that these performance 

measures are aligned to strategic objectives and shareholder 

The current performance measures are:

•  TSR measured relative to a relevant index of peers; and

•  NAV growth

Threshold vesting is 25% of the award. The detailed targets are 

set out in the Annual Remuneration Report

The limits are as defined by HMRC from time  

None

None

There is no maximum value. Benefits are set at a level which the 

None

Committee determines is reasonable and appropriate 

The value may vary depending on service provided, cost and 

market conditions

Ltip

To incentivise and reward performance over the 
long-term, aligning directors’ interests with 
those of shareholders and to encourage the 
management of the Group’s business in 
accordance with its long-term strategy and 
goals

A new LTIP is to be put to shareholders for approval at the 2016 
AGM

Awards may be granted in the form of nil cost options, 
conditional share awards or, at the Committee’s discretion, be 
settled in cash

At the end of the performance period, performance against the 
targets is calculated, and the percentage of awards that will 
vest is determined

Unless the Committee determines otherwise, vested awards will 
then be subject to an additional holding period before 
participants are entitled to receive their shares. A holding 
period will normally last for two years, unless the Committee 
determines otherwise

Malus and clawback provisions apply to the LTIP (as described 
elsewhere in this section) 

All employee 
plans

Part of overall package for all employees, 
encouraging share ownership

Executive directors are eligible to participate in other share 
plans, which are offered on similar terms to all employees, for 
example Sharesave and SIP

pension

Part of overall package for executive directors 
providing comprehensive remuneration 
and retirement benefits

Contribution paid into a personal pension plan or taken as a 
cash equivalent, reduced for any resultant tax liability borne by 
the Group

to time 

25% of salary

Other benefits Part of overall package for executives providing 
comprehensive remuneration

Each executive director currently receives:

•  car allowance

•  private medical cover

•  life insurance

•  permanent health insurance

Other benefits may be provided if considered reasonable and 
appropriate by the Committee, including, but not limited to, 
housing allowance and relocation allowance

Notes to the table:

performance measures
1.     The performance measures set by the Committee for the 
annual bonus scheme reflect Group KPIs and short-term 
measures which are consistent with, and support, the Group’s 
strategic goals of long-term growth in rental income and net 
asset value. The Committee may make reasonable changes to 
the measures each year in order to ensure continued 
alignment with strategy.

2.   LTIP performance measures have been selected to align the 

interests of directors with those of shareholders. 
Performance targets are set by the Committee to be 
appropriately stretching and achievable taking into account 
the Group’s strategic priorities and the economic 
environment in which the Group operates.

3.   The Committee may amend or substitute any performance 
measure applicable to an LTIP award if an event occurs that 
causes the Committee to determine an amended, or 
substituted, measure would be more appropriate and not 
materially less difficult to satisfy. 

In addition to the above elements of remuneration, the Committee 
may consider it appropriate to grant an award under a different 
structure in order to facilitate the recruitment of an individual, 
exercising the discretion available under Listing Rule 9.4.2 R. Such 
discretion would only be used in the case of recruitment of an 
executive director for the buyout of existing incentive awards 
which would be forfeited on leaving a previous employer, in line 
with the terms of the recruitment policy.

 
REmuNERAtiON pOLiCy CONTINUED 

087

ELEMENT

LINK WITH STRATEGY

OPERATION

MAXIMUM POTENTIAL VALUE

PERFORMANCE MEASURES AND PERFORMANCE PERIODS

Maximum value 150% of salary at date of grant in normal 
circumstances

Maximum value 200% of salary in exceptional circumstances 
such as executive recruitment (this has not been used to date)

The awards will be subject to performance targets measured 
over a three-year period. It is intended that these performance 
measures are aligned to strategic objectives and shareholder 
value

The current performance measures are:

•  TSR measured relative to a relevant index of peers; and

•  NAV growth

Threshold vesting is 25% of the award. The detailed targets are 
set out in the Annual Remuneration Report

Ltip

To incentivise and reward performance over the 

A new LTIP is to be put to shareholders for approval at the 2016 

Executive directors continued

long-term, aligning directors’ interests with 

AGM

those of shareholders and to encourage the 

management of the Group’s business in 

accordance with its long-term strategy and 

goals

Awards may be granted in the form of nil cost options, 

conditional share awards or, at the Committee’s discretion, be 

settled in cash

vest is determined

At the end of the performance period, performance against the 

targets is calculated, and the percentage of awards that will 

Unless the Committee determines otherwise, vested awards will 

then be subject to an additional holding period before 

participants are entitled to receive their shares. A holding 

period will normally last for two years, unless the Committee 

determines otherwise

elsewhere in this section) 

Malus and clawback provisions apply to the LTIP (as described 

All employee 

Part of overall package for all employees, 

Executive directors are eligible to participate in other share 

plans

encouraging share ownership

plans, which are offered on similar terms to all employees, for 

The limits are as defined by HMRC from time  
to time 

example Sharesave and SIP

pension

Part of overall package for executive directors 

Contribution paid into a personal pension plan or taken as a 

25% of salary

providing comprehensive remuneration 

cash equivalent, reduced for any resultant tax liability borne by 

and retirement benefits

the Group

None

None

Other benefits Part of overall package for executives providing 

Each executive director currently receives:

comprehensive remuneration

There is no maximum value. Benefits are set at a level which the 
Committee determines is reasonable and appropriate 

None

The value may vary depending on service provided, cost and 
market conditions

•  car allowance

•  private medical cover

•  life insurance

•  permanent health insurance

Other benefits may be provided if considered reasonable and 

appropriate by the Committee, including, but not limited to, 

housing allowance and relocation allowance

The Committee reserves the right to make any remuneration 
payments, and payments for loss of office (including exercising 
any discretion available to it in connection with such payments), 
notwithstanding that they are not in line with the policy set out 
above where the terms of the payment were agreed: (i) before 
7 February 2014 (the date the Company’s first directors’ 
remuneration policy approved by shareholders in accordance 
with section 439A of the Companies Act came into effect); (ii) 
before the policy set out above came into effect, provided that 
the terms of the payment were consistent with the directors’ 
remuneration policy (approved by shareholders in accordance 
with section 439A of the Companies Act) in force at the time 
they were agreed; or (iii) at a time when the relevant individual 
was not a director of the Company and, in the opinion of the 

Committee, the payment was not in consideration for the 
individual becoming a director of the Company. For these 
purposes “payments” includes the Committee satisfying awards 
of variable remuneration and, in relation to an award over shares, 
the terms of the payment are “agreed” at the time the award is 
granted

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

SHAFTESBURY ANNUAL REPORT 2015 GOVERNANCE 088

SHAFTESBURY ANNUAL REPORT 2015  GOVERNANCE 

REmuNERAtiON pOLiCy CONTINUED 

Dividend equivalents for share-based awards 

Malus and clawback 

Awards granted under the Deferred Annual Share Bonus plan and 
the LTIP may incorporate the right to receive an amount (in cash 
or shares) equal to the dividends which would have been paid on 
the shares that vest in the period up to vesting (or, where LTIP 
awards are made subject to a holding period, the end of the 
holding period). This amount may be calculated assuming the 
dividends were reinvested in the Company’s shares on a 
cumulative basis. 

In the event of a material misstatement of the financial 
statements or gross misconduct, the Committee has discretion 
to exercise the following malus and clawback provisions in 
respect of the annual bonus and the LTIP. The Committee may:

•   reduce a bonus prior to payment; 

•   reduce the vesting of a deferred share award prior to vesting; 

•   for awards granted after March 2016, require, at any time prior 
to the fifth anniversary of grant, a participant to return the 
value of the cash bonus or deferred share awards he has 
received; 

•   reduce the vesting of an LTIP award prior to vesting; and/or

•   for LTIP awards granted after March 2016 require, at any time 
prior to the fifth anniversary of grant, a participant to return 
the value of the LTIP awards he has received. 

PERFORMANCE 
MEASURES AND  
PERFORMANCE 
PERIODS

Not applicable

MAXIMUM POTENTIAL 
VALUE

As with the policy for 
the executive 
directors, the policy 
does not specify a 
maximum fee or level 
of increase

Non-executive directors and Chairman

ELEMENT

LINK WITH STRATEGY

OPERATION

Fees and 
benefits

To provide  
market-competitive 
director fees 

Fees are normally reviewed every two years. 
Sector and other relevant market data (eg 
constituent companies in the FTSE 350 REIT 
Index) may be requested from remuneration 
advisors where required 

A further fee is payable to reflect the additional 
time commitment required for other Board 
duties, such as chairing Board committees or 
acting as Senior Independent Director

The fee paid to the Chairman is determined by 
the Committee and fees to non-executive 
directors are set by the Board

No director takes part in discussions regarding 
their own remuneration

Benefits may be provided to non-executive 
directors if considered reasonable and 
appropriate by the Board

As the same remuneration policy is applied to executive directors 
and all employees, the Committee did not consult employees 
when drawing up the Group’s policy.

Difference between policy for directors and 
employees

Pay and conditions throughout the Group are taken into 
consideration when setting remuneration policy. The Group’s 21 
employees below Board level are offered the same remuneration 
package elements as executive directors, though not all 
employees are eligible for all benefits provided to executive 
directors. Individual salary levels, percentage levels of awards in 
the annual bonus and LTIP vary according to employees’ level of 
responsibility and their contribution to the business. The same 
performance criteria, where appropriate, are applied to 
executive directors and other employees.

REmuNERAtiON pOLiCy CONTINUED 

089

Recruitment policy

Executive directors
A newly-appointed director’s remuneration would be proposed 
by the Committee and approved by the Board in line with the 
Group’s policy. The Group offers salary, benefits, annual bonus 
and awards under the LTIP. If the Group considered it appropriate 
to buy out any pre-existing variable pay arrangements of an 

incoming director, it would only be with replacement awards 
structured on a comparable basis eg in terms of vesting period, 
performance conditions etc. In doing so, the Committee would 
consider relevant factors when structuring such awards, including 
the likelihood of those pre-existing conditions being met. As 
stated on page 87, the Committee has the discretion to 
implement a one-off arrangement for the purposes of buy-out 
awards only, in accordance with Listing Rule 9.4.2 R.

External appointment

ELEMENT

Salary

Annual bonus

Ltip

All employee share  
plans, pension and  
other benefits

APPROACH

The salaries of new appointees will be determined by reference to relevant market 
data, experience and skills of the individual, internal relativities and their current 
salary. Where new appointees have initial salaries set below market, any shortfall will 
be managed with phased increases within three years, subject to the individual’s 
development in the role

In line with the limits set out in the policy table. For executive directors joining part 
way through a year, awards would be pro-rated. The Committee may determine 
different performance targets for the new recruit, to reflect the shortened period in 
role

MAXIMUM ANNUAL 
GRANT VALUE*

150% of salary

New appointees will be granted awards under the LTIP under the limits described in 
the policy table. The Committee may amend or alter the performance targets for the 
new recruit, as it considers appropriate

200% of salary

In line with the limits as described in the policy table

*excludes compensation for variable remuneration lost on leaving a former employer

internal appointment
In the event of appointing a new executive director by way of internal promotion, the policy will be consistent with that for external 
appointees as detailed above. Further detail on the policy for employees below board level is set out above.

Non-executive directors
Newly appointed non-executive directors are paid fees at a level consistent with existing non-executive directors. Fees would be paid 
pro-rata in their first year.

Loss of office payment

Provisions for payments on termination contained in executive directors’ service contracts are set out below:

DATE OF 
APPOINTMENT

DATE OF  
CURRENT  
CONTRACT

NOTICE PERIOD

TERMINATION ARRANGEMENTS

B Bickell

1.10.2011 

6.6.2011

One year’s notice

One year’s salary and benefits payable in event of termination 
without notice. Director’s duty to mitigate loss

S J Quayle

1.10.1997

8.10.1997

One year’s notice

Termination by payment of annual salary 

T J C Welton 1.10.1997

8.10.1997

One year’s notice

Termination by payment of annual salary

C P A Ward

9.1.2012

3.10.2011

One year’s notice

One year’s salary and benefits payable in event of termination 
without notice. Director’s duty to mitigate loss

Any new executive director would be appointed on the same loss 
of office terms as Brian Bickell and Christopher Ward, namely 
twelve months’ salary and benefits, with a duty to mitigate loss 
on termination.

The terms of appointment of non-executive directors are 
documented in letters of appointment. Non-executive directors 
have a one-month notice period and their appointment would 
terminate without compensation if not re-elected at an AGM.

All contracts are available for inspection at the Company’s 
registered office.

SHAFTESBURY ANNUAL REPORT 2015 GOVERNANCE 090

SHAFTESBURY ANNUAL REPORT 2015  GOVERNANCE 

REmuNERAtiON pOLiCy CONTINUED 

Approach to other remuneration payments on termination of employment and change of control

In addition to the contractual provisions regarding payment on termination set out above, the Group’s incentive plans and share 
schemes contain provisions for termination of employment.

COMPONENT

GOOD LEAVER*

BAD LEAVER*

CHANGE OF CONTROL**

Annual bonus May be eligible, at the discretion of the Committee, to 

receive an award based on the achievement of the 
performance targets and reduced pro-rata for time 
served in the year.  Paid in cash with no uplift

Deferred 
Annual Share 
Bonus plan

Awards vest on the normal vesting date unless the 
Committee determines the award should vest 
following cessation of employment

Ltip

Unvested awards will vest (and vested awards will be 
released from any holding period) at the same time  
as if the individual had not left the Group, unless the 
Committee determines the award should vest (and be 
released) following the cessation of employment*** 
The extent to which an unvested award vests will be 
determined by the Committee, taking into account 
normal performance conditions, and, unless the 
Committee determines otherwise, the proportion  
of the vesting period the participant has served 

Outstanding award 
forfeited

At the discretion of the 
Committee

Will receive the lower of 
the value of the original 
cash bonus (before any 
uplift for deferral) or the 
value of any deferred 
shares on the date of 
cessation

Outstanding unvested 
awards are forfeited

Awards vest at date of change of 
control

Awards vest (and are released) 
taking into account, in the case of 
unvested awards, the 
performance conditions and, 
unless the Committee determines 
otherwise, the proportion of the 
vesting period that has elapsed

All employee 
plans

In line with HMRC rules

In line with HMRC rules

In line with HMRC rules

*   

 Good leaver provisions relate to termination of office or employment by reason of death, disability, injury, retirement with the agreement of the Company, the participant’s 
office or employment being with a company or business which ceases to be a member of the Group or, in other exceptional circumstances, at the discretion of the 
Committee (including redundancy). Bad leaver provisions apply under all other circumstances. 

**    Alternatively, on a change of control, awards may be exchanged for equivalent awards of shares in a different company. In the event of a demerger, delisting, special dividend 

or other event which, in the Committee’s opinion, would materially affect the current or future value of the Company’s shares, the Committee may allow awards to vest and 
be released early on the same basis as for a change of control. Alternatively, in these circumstances or in the event of a variation of the Company’s share capital, the 
Committee may adjust the number of shares subject to an award. 

***   If a participant leaves during a holding period for any reason, his award will normally be released at the same time as if he had not left the Group, unless the Committee 

determines it should be released following his cessation of employment. However, if a participant is summarily dismissed, his award will immediately lapse.

The use of any discretion described above would be disclosed in the Annual Report for the relevant year.

Consideration of shareholder views 

Shareholding requirements

Shareholders, representing almost 55% of the Company’s issued 
share capital, have been given the opportunity to comment and 
question the Committee on the remuneration policy and the 
proposed changes. The Chairman of the Committee was available 
to discuss the policy with shareholders and governance bodies. 
Shareholder responses were reported to, and considered by, the 
Committee. 

Each executive director is required to build up and maintain a 
minimum shareholding in the Company equivalent to two years’ 
salary at date of appointment to the Board. Newly appointed 
executive directors are expected to accumulate a fixed 
shareholding to this value over a period of five years from the 
date of their appointment and may include shares subject to 
deferred bonus awards. Shares received under the LTIP and 
Deferred Annual Share Bonus Scheme, net of deductions for 
income tax and national insurance, are required to be retained 
until the minimum shareholding level is attained. There are no 
shareholding requirements for non-executive directors. 

External appointments

Executive directors are permitted to accept external appointments, 
with the prior approval of the Board, where there is no adverse 
impact on their role with the Group. Any fees arising from such 
appointments may be retained by the executive director where the 
appointment is unrelated to the Group’s business. 

REmuNERAtiON pOLiCy CONTINUED 

091

Potential remuneration for directors

The charts below set out the potential remuneration receivable 
by directors for below threshold, on-target and maximum 
performance. Potential reward opportunities are based on this 
policy and applied to salaries as at 1 December 2015. Note that 
the projected values exclude the impact of any share price 
movement or dividend accrual.

B Bickell (£’000)

665

100%

1,211

15%
30%

55%

2,120

35%

34%

31%

LTIP
Annual bonus
Fixed

Minimum

On-target

Maximum

SJ Quayle and TJC Welton (£’000)

474

100%

859

15%
30%

55%

1,500

34%

34%

32%

Minimum
Minimum

On-target
On-target

Maximum
Maximum

CPA Ward (£’000)

453

100%

830

15%
30%

55%

1,458

35%

34%

31%

Minimum

On-target

Maximum

The minimum scenario reflects salary, pension and benefits  
(ie fixed remuneration) which are the only elements of the 
executive directors’ remuneration packages not linked to  
future performance.

The on-target scenario reflects fixed remuneration as above,  
plus bonus payout of 75% of salary and LTIP threshold vesting  
at 25% of maximum award.

The maximum scenario reflects fixed remuneration, plus full 
payout of all incentives. It assumes a maximum bonus of 150%  
of salary which would be receivable fully in shares.

SHAFTESBURY ANNUAL REPORT 2015 GOVERNANCE 092

SHAFTESBURY ANNUAL REPORT 2015  GOVERNANCE 

Annual Remuneration report
Set out below is the Annual Remuneration Report on directors’ pay for the 
year ended 30 September 2015. This relates to the remuneration policy 
currently in operation which was approved by shareholders at the 2014 
AGM. This policy may be found on the Group’s website. 

The Committee determines executive directors’ remuneration in accordance 
with its terms of reference and the Group’s remuneration policy.

Committee members and attendance

MEMBER

Sally Walden

Jill Little

Oliver Marriott

Dermot Mathias

Hilary Riva

POSITION

Chairman

Member and Senior Independent Director 

Member

Member

Member

NUMBER OF MEETINGS ATTENDED (5 HELD) 

• • • • •

• • • • •

• • • • •

• • • • •

• • • • •

Committee attendees by invitation only

Advisor to the committee

ATTENDEES

Jonathan Lane

POSITION

Chairman

Brian Bickell

Chief Executive

Penny Thomas

Secretary to the Committee

The secretary attends all meetings and the Chief Executive  
and Chairman may be invited to attend meetings as required. 

Key committee activities during the year

POLICY

OPERATIONAL

During the year, the Committee appointed Deloitte LLP as 
independent advisor to the Committee, following a selection 
process. Deloitte LLP is a member of the Remuneration Consultants 
Group and voluntarily operates under the Code of Conduct in 
relation to executive remuneration consulting in the UK. The 
Committee is satisfied that the Deloitte LLP engagement partner 
and team, that provide remuneration advice to the Committee, do 
not have connections with the Group that may impair their 
objectivity and independence. The fees charged by Deloitte LLP for 
the provision of independent advice to the Committee during the 
financial year were £128,000 (excluding VAT). Deloitte LLP provided 
no other services to the Group during the year. 

ADVISORS AND PRACTICE

Appointment of advisor

Monitored remuneration 
advisor and fees

Monitored emerging best 
practice in remuneration and 
reporting

Annual review of remuneration 
policy and proposals for a new 
remuneration policy 

Consulted with shareholders on 
the proposed new remuneration 
policy 

Remuneration review including 
proposing a new LTIP and changes 
to the annual bonus scheme

Determined pay and benefits for the executive 
directors and company secretary and monitored the 
relationship between pay and benefits of other 
employees and executive directors

Operation of the annual bonus scheme (including setting 
of performance objectives) for the executive directors, 
the company secretary and employees for the year ahead

Determined awards under the annual bonus scheme for 
executive directors and the company secretary and 
monitored the relationship between awards for other 
employees and executive directors

Ratified LTIP vesting calculated by reference to the 
degree of attainment of performance conditions set at 
the date of award

Determined annual LTIP awards and performance 
conditions for the performance period commencing 
1 October 2014

Reviewed the Annual Remuneration Report for 
inclusion in the annual report

ANNuAL REmuNERAtiON REpORt CONTINUED 

093

Single total figure of remuneration for executive directors (audited)

The table below sets out a single figure for the total remuneration received by each executive director for the year ended 
30 September 2015 and the prior year:

SALARy

2015 
£’000

2014 
£’000

BENEFitS 2
2015 
£’000

2014 
£’000

pENSiON  
BENEFit 3
2015 
£’000

2014 
£’000

B Bickell1

S J Quayle

T J C Welton

C P A Ward

473

333

333

323

421

323

323

296

59

53

40

34

60

55

54

30

104

73

73

76

92

71

71

70

ANNuAL  
BONuS 4

Ltip 5

OtHER 6

tOtAL

2015 
£’000

2014 
£’000

2015 
£’000

356

251

251

246

431

305

305

281

598

423

423

369

2014 
£’000

440

313

313

273

2015 
£’000

2014 
£’000

2015 
£’000

2014 
£’000

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1,591 1,455

1,134 1,068

1,121 1,067

1,049

951

1. Brian Bickell’s salary was reduced in 2014 by £38,000 reflecting one month of unpaid leave taken during the year. 
2. Benefits comprise car benefit, permanent health insurance, life insurance and health insurance. 
3. Pension contribution is 25% of salary and may be taken in cash (in part or entirely). The cash equivalent is reduced by any resultant tax liability borne by the Group.
4.  Payment for performance in respect of the relevant financial year. For 2015, the executive directors received bonuses of 75% of salary in shares or 60% of salary in cash. Each 

director has elected to take their 2015 bonus entirely in shares, which are deferred for a period of three years. No further performance criteria apply.

5.  Reflects the vesting of shares in the LTIP in respect of performance for the relevant financial year. 63.5% of LTIP awards granted in December 2012 will vest on 6 December 

2015. The TSR performance condition for the three-year performance period to 30.9.2015 was partially met and resulted in vesting of 27% of this 50% element of the award. 
NAV performance was met and resulted in full vesting of this 50% element of the award. The value of these awards has been calculated by multiplying the number of shares that 
will vest by the three-month average share price to 30 September 2015 of £8.974. The 2014 estimated figure has been restated to reflect actual share price at the date of 
vesting. The value of dividends paid, or to be paid, on vested shares is also included. 

6.  This relates to sharesave options which have been valued based on the monthly savings amount and the discount provided of 20%. The 2014 figures have been restated as last 

year the figures included the LTIP dividend equivalent (now included in the LTIP figure) and the Deferred Annual Share Bonus dividend figure which is not required to be 
included.

Single total figure of remuneration for non-executive directors (audited)

The table below sets out a single figure for the total remuneration received by each non-executive director for the year ended 
30 September 2015 and the prior year:

J S Lane

J C Little

O J D Marriott

D C A Mathias

H S Riva

S E Walden

W G McQueen2

FEE

2015  
£’000

125

2014  
£’000

125

53

53

53

53

53

-

53

53

53

53

53

19

COmmittEE CHAiR FEES

OtHER1

2015 
£’000

2014  
£’000

-

8

-

8

-

8

-

-

8

-

5

-

5

3

2015  
£’000

22

-

-

-

-

-

-

2014  
£’000

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

tOtAL

2015  
£’000

147

2014  
£’000

125

61

53

61

53

61

-

61

53

58

53

58

22

1   Other includes dividend equivalents paid in the year on vested LTIP shares. These relate to Jonathan Lane’s previous role as an executive director. 

2  Gordon McQueen retired from the Board on 7 February 2014. 

SHAFTESBURY ANNUAL REPORT 2015 GOVERNANCE 094

SHAFTESBURY ANNUAL REPORT 2015  GOVERNANCE 

ANNuAL REmuNERAtiON REpORt CONTINUED 

Annual bonus achievements for year ended 30 September 2015

Retrospective disclosure of the extent to which the targets for the 2015 annual bonus have been met is provided below. 

MEASURE

WEIGHTING TARGET

ACHIEVEMENT

COMMENT

portfolio performance

•   Achieve growth in ERVs1

20% Extent by which commercial lettings or  

lease renewals exceed valuer’s ERV in 
previous year:

Minimum - 3% 
Maximum - 5%

Commercial lettings 
exceeded previous year ERV 
on average by 8.1%2

PERCENTAGE 
AWARDED

40% 

Annual growth in Group total ERV  
(like-for-like):

Annual growth in total ERV 
6.8%

Minimum - 3%  
Maximum - 5%

•   Let vacant space on 

a timely basis1

10% Complete lettings within target 
periods set by use (range 1 – 4 
months)

Average void period 
(measured from date space 
became available to let): 

•   Effectively achieve 

10% ERV of space available to let not to 

exceed 3% of Group ERV (measured 
quarterly)

1 month

Average EPRA vacancy 
during year: 2.1% of Group 
ERV2

10% Ratio of property outgoings to gross 

Ratio for year2: 12.8%

rents receivable not to exceed rolling 
three year average (like-for-like)

Rolling three-year average:2 
12.6%

full lettings

•   Manage property 
expenses as a 
percentage of 
rental income

Sustainability 
performance

10% Maintain relative rankings in key 

indices:

• DJSI 
• GRESB

DJSI score decreased from 
65 (2013 benchmark) to 61, 
GRESB improved peer 
group ranking to 2 from 3 
and achieved a “green star” 
rating 

Operational objectives 
which were targeted for 
completion during the year 
were substantially fully met 

In the case of 
targets over 
more than 
one year, 
progress 
against 
milestones 
was demon-
strated

5%

25%

70% 

Deliver projects/
transactions successfully

40% Specific operational objectives to be 
met during the year critical to:

•  progressing key long-term property 

projects

•  maintaining long-term stability in the 

Group’s financing arrangements

100%

maximum performance 
target 

Actual performance as a % 
of maximum  
(see below for the actual 
amount awarded and 
explanatory note)

1 Group KPIs

2 Wholly-owned portfolio

Note: The Group is a long-term business and looks to maintain a consistent approach to target setting for both annual and long-term 
incentives. The Committee is mindful that annual bonus awards should fairly reflect performance in the round. The formulaic outturn 
of quantitative targets is therefore considered in the context of factors such as the buoyancy of occupier demand in the wider West 
End market and progression against longer-term strategic goals, to ensure the level of bonus is appropriate.  Whilst the achievement 
against the targets was 70%, the Committee felt that a more reasonable award in view of these external factors was 60%.  Accordingly 
a bonus of 75% of salary is payable in deferred shares or 60% of salary if taken entirely in cash.  All the executive directors elected to 
take their bonus in shares which equates to an award of 75% out of a maximum opportunity of 125% of salary.

 
ANNuAL REmuNERAtiON REpORt CONTINUED 

095

LTIP vesting in performance period to 30 September 2015

Awards of nil cost options are made by the Committee based on a multiple of salary divided by the average share price over five days 
prior to the date of grant. Vesting of these options is determined by performance over a three-year period. As a long-term business, 
a consistent approach to target setting is taken. The performance criteria are, and have been, applied consistently since the current 
LTIP was approved by shareholders in 2006 and are set out below. This table also provides details of the awards vesting in respect of 
the financial year. 

ANNUALISED TSR OF THE COMPANY’S SHARES LESS  
ANNUALISED TSR OF THE FTSE 350 REAL ESTATE INDEX

RELEVANT AWARDS VESTING

Less than 0% pa

0% pa

Between 0% pa and 5.5% pa

5.5% pa or more

0%

20%

Pro-rata on a straight line basis between 20% and 100%

100%

Performance in three-year period to 30 September 2015*:  
22.04% pa and outperformed the benchmark by 0.5% pa

Vesting outcome (for this half of the award) 
27% of maximum

ANNUALISED NAV GROWTH LESS ANNUALISED RPI GROWTH,  
OVER THE PERFORMANCE PERIOD

RELEVANT AWARDS VESTING 

Less than 3% pa

3% pa

Between 3% pa and 7% pa

7% pa or more

0%

30%

Pro-rata on a straight line basis between 30% and 100%

100%

Performance in three year period to 30 September 2015:  
20.4% pa

Vesting outcome (for this half of the award) 
100% of maximum

* Calculated using the three-month average TSR in the periods before grant and vesting.

Historic LTIP vesting performance

Vesting %

100

0
0
1

7
.
6
7

0
5

0
5

50

0
5

0
5

TSR

NAV

5
.
3
6

0

2009  2010 

2011 

2012  2013  2014  2015

Year of vesting

SHAFTESBURY ANNUAL REPORT 2015 GOVERNANCE  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
096

SHAFTESBURY ANNUAL REPORT 2015  GOVERNANCE 

ANNuAL REmuNERAtiON REpORt CONTINUED 

Share scheme interests awarded during the year (audited)

B Bickell

S J Quayle

T J C Welton

C P A Ward

SCHEME

LTIP1 
Deferred Annual Share Bonus Scheme2

LTIP1 
Deferred Annual Share Bonus Scheme2

LTIP1 
Deferred Annual Share Bonus Scheme2

LTIP1 
Deferred Annual Share Bonus Scheme2

FACE VALUE AT  
DATE OF AWARD £’000

591
431

417
305

417
305

408
281

1.  Awards of nil cost options were made at 125% of salary. The face value is calculated using the average share price used to determine the number of shares awarded, being 

796.6p (the average share price over the five days prior to the date of grant, 8.12.14).The LTIP performance period is 1.10.2014 to 30.9.2017 and the level of threshold vesting is 
set out on page 95. Performance measures are set out on page 95.

2.  Deferred Annual Share Bonus Scheme relates to the annual bonus in respect of the year ended 30.9.2014 taken in shares. The face value is calculated using the price paid to 

acquire the shares, being 780p. No further performance criteria are applied to share awards under this scheme.

Directors’ shareholdings and share scheme interests (audited)

SHARES

OWNED OUTRIGHT DEFERRED SHARES1

OPTIONS  
VESTED 
BUT NOT EXERCISED

SHARES UNDER 
OPTION NOT VESTED 
AND SUBJECT TO 
PERFORMANCE 
CRITERIA1

SHARESAVE

SHAREHOLDING 
REQUIREMENT MET2

130,409

92,295

92,295

75,410

-

-

-

-

269,720

190,545

190,545

175,225

6,383

6,383

6,383

6,547

 Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Executive director 

B Bickell

S J Quayle

T J C Welton

C P A Ward

Non-executive director

J S Lane

J C Little

O J D Marriott

H S Riva

D C A Mathias

S E Walden

982,743

922,789

738,232

27,606

1,075,000

5,367

5,000

10,479

16,208

20,000

There have been no changes in directors’ shareholdings between 30 September 2015 and the date of this report.

1.  On exercise or vesting, deferred shares and LTIP nil cost options are subject to income tax and national insurance. The number that will actually be transferred will be reduced 

if directors sell sufficient shares to meet their income tax and employees’ national insurance liability.

2.  100% of salary at date of appointment to the Board, to be accumulated over five years. For Christopher Ward, 100% of salary equates to 54,000 shares from the date of his 

appointment in January 2012. For the other executive directors their holdings (based on 30.9.2015 share price) are in excess of 20 times annual salary. It is proposed to increase 
the shareholding requirement with effect from the 2016 AGM to 200%.

Additional details on the share awards summarised in this table are provided below, with further explanation on the operation of the 
plans set out in the Policy Table. 

 
ANNuAL REmuNERAtiON REpORt CONTINUED 

097

1. Deferred Annual Share Bonus Scheme

ENTITLEMENT TO ORDINARY SHARES

MARKET 
PRICE ON 
DATE OF 
GRANT 
£

DATE OF GRANT

B Bickell

S J Quayle

T J C Welton

C P A Ward

21.12.2011

10.12.2012

17.12.2013

22.12.2014

21.12.2011

10.12.2012

17.12.2013

22.12.2014

21.12.2011

10.12.2012

17.12.2013

22.12.2014

10.12.2012

17.12.2013

22.12.2014

J S Lane2

21.12.2011

4.64

5.56

5.98

7.80

4.64

5.56

5.98

7.80

4.64

5.56

5.98

7.80

5.56

5.98

7.80

4.64

AT
1.10.2014

52,335

38,867

36,238

-

127,440

50,590

27,569

25,651

-

103,810

49,719

27,569

25,651

-

102,939

16,948

22,394

-

39,342

103,866

AWARDED 
IN YEAR1

-

-

-

55,304

55,304

-

-

-

39,075

39,075

-

-

-

39,075

39,075

-

-

36,068

36,068

DELIVERED 
IN YEAR

52,335

-

-

-

52,335

50,590

-

-

-

50,590

49,719

-

-

-

49,719

-

-

-

-

-

103,866

At 
30.9.2015

-

38,867

36,238

55,304

130,409

-

27,569

25,651

39,075

92,295

-

27,569

25,651

39,075

92,295

16,948

22,394

36,068

75,410

-

1. In respect of the annual bonus for the year ended 30 September 2014. 

2. Jonathan Lane’s interests relate to awards made whilst an executive director.  

Shares are held in an employee benefit trust which at 30 September 2015 held 439,249 shares.

SHAFTESBURY ANNUAL REPORT 2015 GOVERNANCE 098

SHAFTESBURY ANNUAL REPORT 2015  GOVERNANCE 

ANNuAL REmuNERAtiON REpORt CONTINUED 

2. Ltip

NUMBER OF ORDINARY SHARES UNDER OPTION

MARKET
PRICE OF
SHARE ON
GRANT 
£

DATE 
OF  
GRANT

AT
1.10.2014

GRANTED
DURING 
YEAR

VESTED 
AND
EXERCISED
DURING 
YEAR

LAPSED
DURING 
YEAR

At
30.9.2015

MARKET
PRICE OF 
SHARE ON 
DATE OF 
EXERCISE
£

PERFORMANCE  
PERIOD

EXERCISE 
PERIOD

B Bickell

7.12.2011

4.99

108,150

6.12.2012

5.55 100,600

20.12.2013

6.06

94,900

-

-

-

8.12.2014

7.78

-

74,220

54,075 54,075

-

7.80

1.10.2011-30.9.2014 12.2014-6.2015

-

-

-

- 100,600

-

-

94,900

74,220

-

-

-

1.10.2012-30.9.2015 12.2015-6.2016

1.10.2013-30.9.2016 12.2016-6.2017

1.10.2014-30.9.2017 12.2017-6.2018

303,650

74,220

54,075 54,075

269,720

S J Quayle

7.12.2011

6.12.2012

4.99

5.55

76,750

71,200

20.12.2013

6.06

67,000

-

-

-

8.12.2014

7.78

-

52,345

38,375 38,375

-

7.80

1.10.2011-30.9.2014 12.2014-6.2015

-

-

-

-

-

-

71,200

67,000

52,345

-

-

-

1.10.2012-30.9.2015 12.2015-6.2016

1.10.2013-30.9.2016 12.2016-6.2017

1.10.2014-30.9.2017 12.2017-6.2018

214,950

52,345

38,375 38,375 190,545

T J C Welton

7.12.2011

6.12.2012

4.99

5.55

76,750

71,200

20.12.2013

6.06

67,000

-

-

-

8.12.2014

7.78

-

52,345

38,375 38,375

-

7.80

1.10.2011-30.9.2014 12.2014-6.2015

-

-

-

-

-

-

71,200

67,000

52,345

-

-

-

1.10.2012-30.9.2015 12.2015-6.2016

1.10.2013-30.9.2016 12.2016-6.2017

1.10.2014-30.9.2017 12.2017-6.2018

214,950

52,345

38,375 38,375 190,545

C P A Ward

17.1.2012

4.91

65,800

6.12.2012

20.12.2013

8.12.2014

5.55

6.06

7.78

62,150

61,900

-

51,175

-

-

-

32,900 32,900

-

7.95

1.10.2011-30.9.2014

1.2015-7.2015

-

-

-

-

-

-

62,150

61,900

51,175

-

-

-

1.10.2012-30.9.2015 12.2015-6.2016

1.10.2013-30.9.2016 12.2016-6.2017

1.10.2014-30.9.2017 12.2017-6.2018

189,850

51,175

32,900 32,900

175,225

J S Lane1

7.12.2011

4.99

19,953

-

9,976

9,977

-

7.80

1.10.2011-30.9.2014 12.2014-6.2015

Of the options granted on 6 December 2012, 63.5% will vest on 7 December 2015. The TSR performance condition over the three 
years ended 30 September 2015 was partially met and resulted in 27% vesting for that element, whilst NAV performance resulted in 
100% vesting for that element.

1. Jonathan Lane’s interest relates to options granted during his tenure as an executive director. 

ANNuAL REmuNERAtiON REpORt CONTINUED 

099

3. Sharesave
Options are granted at a 20% discount to the market price on date of grant up to the maximum monthly savings amount permitted by 
HMRC over three or five years. All directors have opted for five-year savings contracts. 

NUMBER OF ORDINARY SHARES UNDER OPTION

DATE 
OF GRANT

AT 
1.10.2014

GRANTED 
DURING 
YEAR

LAPSED
DURING 
YEAR

EXERCISED 
DURING
YEAR

At 
30.9.2015

OPTION 
PRICE 
£

B Bickell

S J Quayle

T J C Welton

C P A Ward

8.7.2011
2.7.2014

8.7.2011
2.7.2014

8.7.2011
2.7.2014

5.7.2012
2.7.2014

3,595
2,788

6,383

3,595
2,788

6,383

3,595
2,788

6,383

3,759
2,788

6,547

-
-

-

-
-

-

-
-

-

-
-

-

-
-

-

-
-

-

-
-

-

-
-

-

-
-

-

-
-

-

-
-

-

-
-

-

3,595
2,788

6,383

3,595
2,788

6,383

3,595
2,788

6,383

3,759
2,788

6,547

4.29
5.38

-

4.29
5.38

-

4.29
5.38

-

3.99
5.38

-

MARKET 
VALUE OF 
SHARE ON 
DATE OF  
EXERCISE
£

-
-

-

-
-

-

-
-

-

-
-

-

EXERCISE
PERIOD

8.2016-1.2017
8.2019-1.2020

8.2016-1.2017
8.2019-1.2020

8.2016-1.2017
8.2019-1.2020

8.2017-1.2018
8.2019-1.2020

HMRC increased the monthly savings limit under sharesave plans to £500 from April 2014. Under the rules of sharesave, all employees 
must be invited to participate on similar terms. In July 2014, the executive directors entered a new savings contract under sharesave 
for an additional £250 per month, and received a grant of options which become exercisable in July 2019. However, the exercise of 
these options will be subject to approval by shareholders to increase the amount executive directors may save under sharesave 
according to our approved policy, in line with revised HMRC limits. This amendment will be made in the policy report, which is subject 
to a shareholder vote. This will be at the 2016 AGM and, therefore, prior to the exercise of these options. 

Percentage change in Chief Executive remuneration 

The table below shows the percentage change in Chief Executive remuneration from the prior year compared to the average 
percentage change in remuneration for all other employees. To provide a meaningful comparison, the analysis for other employees is 
based on a like-for-like group of employees, ie the same individuals appear in the 2014 and 2015 group and the 2014 figures have been 
restated on that basis. 

Base salary1

Taxable benefits

Annual bonus

Total

CHiEF EXECutiVE

OtHER EmpLOyEES

CHANGE

2.8%

(1.7)%

(17.9)%

(6.6)%

CHANGE

6.0%

11.1%

(11.9)%

(1.5)%

1.  The figure for Brian Bickell in 2014 is the full annual salary rather than the salary received during the year and reported in the single figure remuneration table on page 93. The 

full annual salary figure is provided here to permit comparison between the change in Chief Executive’s remuneration and that of other employees. 

SHAFTESBURY ANNUAL REPORT 2015 GOVERNANCE  
 
100

SHAFTESBURY ANNUAL REPORT 2015  GOVERNANCE 

ANNuAL REmuNERAtiON REpORt CONTINUED 

Relative importance of spend on pay

Employee costs
Dividends paid

£38.3m

£36.5m

£10.0m

£10.2m

2015

2014

Review of past performance 

The chart below shows the TSR for the Company compared with the FTSE 350 Real Estate Index, of which the Company is a 
constituent, over seven years. The Committee uses this index as one measure of performance for awards of shares under the LTIP, as 
it considers this is an appropriate measure against which the relative performance of the Company should be compared for the 
purposes of considering executive directors’ remuneration. 

The table below the chart details the Chief Executive’s single figure remuneration over the same period.

Seven-year TSR chart to 30 September 2015 

Value of £100 invested  
at 30 September 2008

350

300

250

200

150

100

50

0

£330

Shaftesbury
FTSE 350 Real Estate Index

£161

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

Seven-year chief executive single figure remuneration1

Chief Executive single figure of remuneration (£’000)

Annual bonus payout (% maximum)

Long-term incentive award vesting (% maximum)

1. 2009-2011: Jonathan Lane; 2012-2015: Brian Bickell

Shareholder voting 

2009

850

50%

50%

2010

1,013

50%

50%

2011

1,650

90%

2012

1,198

40%

76.7%

100%

2013

1,075

40%

50%

2014

1,455

75%

50%

2015

1,591

60%

63.5%

At the 2015 AGM, there was an advisory vote on the Annual Remuneration Report. There was no policy vote. 

Voting by shareholders representing 85% of the issued share capital was as follows: 

Remuneration Report

FOR

235,381,012

% FOR

99.7%

AGAINST

% AGAINST

WITHHELD

TOTAL VOTES

765,291

0.3%

1,493,004 237,639,307

ANNuAL REmuNERAtiON REpORt CONTINUED 

101

Statement of implementation of remuneration for the year ending 30 September 2016 

Executive directors’ salaries from 1 December 2015
The Committee recommended general increases in line with RPI for executive directors and employees with effect from 1 December 2015. 

B Bickell

S J Quayle

T J C Welton

C P A Ward

1.12.2015  
£’000 

485

342

342

335

1.12.2014  
£’000 

475

335

335

328

INCREASE

2%

2%

2%

2%

Pension and benefits are as described in the policy table. 

LTIP awards will be made under the existing LTIP. Each executive director will receive an award of nil cost options to the value of 125% 
of salary under the LTIP in December 2015, in respect of the performance period 1 October 2015 to 30 September 2018. The 
performance measures will be as set out on page 95 and are the same targets used in each year since the plan was approved in 2006.

Executive directors will be eligible for a maximum bonus of up to 150% of salary (if taken in shares) and 100% of salary (if taken in cash), in 
accordance with the Remuneration Policy on pages 84 to 91 if approved at the 2016 AGM. Disclosure of annual bonus targets for the year 
ending 30 September 2016 is deemed to be commercially sensitive and therefore the actual targets are not set out in this report, 
other than as contained in the remuneration policy. Performance against all targets will be disclosed retrospectively, provided they 
are not commercially sensitive. 

MEASURE

WEIGHTING TARGET OR REASON FOR NON-DISCLOSURE

Achieve growth in ERVs*

Let vacant space on a timely basis*

Effectively achieve full lettings

Manage property expenses as 
a percentage of rental income

20%
10%
10%
10%

The Committee considers detailed disclosure of management targets regarding the 
achievement of rental levels, the speed of completing letting or delivery of specific 
projects or transactions would be prejudicial to the interests of shareholders. As a 
consequence of the geographic concentration of the Group’s portfolio, disclosure 
of such targets could have a material adverse impact on the Group’s position when 
negotiating transactions with current or potential tenants or other counterparties

Corporate responsibility 
performance

Deliver projects/transactions 
successfully

*Group KPIs. 

10% To match baseline year (2013) corporate responsibility scores (GRESB ranked 3 out  

of 10 in peer group, EPRA silver sustainability reporting)

40% Specific operational objectives to be met during the year critical to progressing 

long-term property projects and financing

Non-executive directors’ fees from 1 December 2015
Non-executive director fees are reviewed every two years. The previous review was undertaken in 2013. Fees have been reviewed with 
effect from 1 December 2015: 

FROM 1.12.2015
SENIOR 
INDEPENDENT 
DIRECTOR FEE1
£ 

COMMITTEE 
CHAIR FEE  
£

-

10,000

-

-

-

-

-

-

10,000

-

-

10,000

BASE FEE
£ 

130,000

55,000

55,000

55,000

55,000

55,000

TOTAL FEE
£

130,000

65,000

65,000

55,000

55,000

65,000

BASE FEE
£ 

125,000

52,500

52,500

52,500

52,500

52,500

FROM 1.12.2014

INDEPENDENT 
DIRECTOR FEE1
£ 

COMMITTEE 
CHAIR FEE  
£

-

8,250

-

-

-

-

-

-

8,250

-

-

8,250

TOTAL FEE
£

125,000

60,750

60,750

52,500

52,500

60,750

J S Lane

J C Little

D C A Mathias

O J D Marriott

H S Riva

S E Walden

1. Fee is only payable if the Senior Independent Director is not the chair of any other committee.

Sally Walden 
Chairman - Remuneration Committee

SHAFTESBURY ANNUAL REPORT 2015 GOVERNANCE  
 
102

SHAFTESBURY ANNUAL REPORT 2015  GOVERNANCE 

Directors’ report
The directors present their report  
and the audited consolidated  
financial statements for the year  
ended 30 September 2015. 

Strategic report

   SEE STRATEGIC REPORT PAGES 1 TO 68

Results and dividends

The results for the year ended 30 September 2015 are set out in 
the Group Statement of Comprehensive Income on page 110.

An interim dividend of 6.825p per ordinary share was paid on 3 
July 2015 (2014: 6.5p).

The directors recommend a final dividend in respect of the year 
ended 30 September 2015 of 6.925p per ordinary share (2014: 
6.6p), making a total dividend for the year of 13.75p per ordinary 
share (2014: 13.1p). If authorised at the 2016 AGM, the dividend 
will be paid on 12 February 2016 to members on the register at 
the close of business on 22 January 2016. The dividend will be 
paid entirely as an ordinary dividend. 

   SEE PAGE 141 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE EFFECT OF OUR REIT STATUS ON THE 
PAYMENT OF DIVIDENDS

   SEE PAGE 54 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON WHY THE DIVIDEND IS BEING PAID AS AN 
ORDINARY DIVIDEND

Share capital

During the year, a total of 312,123 ordinary shares were issued at 
either nil cost or £3.99 on the exercise of employee share 
options. At 30 September 2015, the Company’s issued share 
capital comprised 278,176,382 ordinary shares of 25p each. 

The Company has one class of ordinary shares. All shares rank 
equally and are fully paid. No person holds shares carrying 
special rights with regard to control of the Company. There are 
neither restrictions on the transfer of shares nor on the size of 
a holding, which are both governed by the Articles of Association 
and prevailing legislation. The directors are not aware of any 
agreements between holders of shares in the Company that may 
result in restrictions on the transfer of shares or on voting rights.

Directors

The Company’s rules governing the appointment and 
replacement of directors are contained in its Articles of 
Association. Changes to the Articles of Association are only 
permitted in accordance with legislation and must be approved 
by a special resolution of shareholders.

Details of the directors of the Company who served throughout 
the year ended 30 September 2015 and up to the date of the 
financial statements, their interests in the ordinary share capital 
of the Company and details of options granted under the Group’s 
share schemes are set out in the Annual Remuneration Report on 
pages 92 to 101. 

No member of the Board had a material interest in any contract 
of significance with the Company, or any of its subsidiaries, at any 
time during the year.

Substantial shareholdings

At 24 November 2015, the Company had been notified, in 
accordance with the UK Listing Authority’s Disclosure Rules and 
Transparency Rules, that the following eight shareholders held, or 
were beneficially interested in, 3% or more of the Company’s 
issued share capital amounting to a total of almost 55%:

Invesco Limited

BlackRock Inc

Norges Bank

Ameriprise Financial Inc

Standard Life Investments Limited

F&C Asset Management plc

Royal London Asset Management Limited

Stichting Pensioenfonds ABP

ISSUED SHARE 
CAPITAL 
%

13.59

9.45

9.02

5.00

4.97

4.97

4.37

3.56

DiRECtORS’ REpORt CONTINUED 

103

Purchase of own shares

Independent auditors

The Company was granted authority at the 2015 AGM to make 
market purchases of its own ordinary shares. This authority will 
expire at the conclusion of the 2016 AGM and a resolution will be 
proposed to seek further authority. No ordinary shares were 
purchased under this authority during the year or in the period 
from 1 October 2015 to 24 November 2015. 

A resolution for the re-appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as 
auditors to the Company will be proposed at the 2016 AGM. The 
Board, on the advice of the Audit Committee, recommends their 
appointment. 

   SEE PAGE 80 FOR MORE DETAIL ON THE TENDER PROCESS WHICH RESULTED IN ERNST & 
YOUNG LLP’S APPOINTMENT

Directors’ indemnities and directors’ and 
officers’ liability insurance 

The Company’s agreement to indemnify each director against any 
liability incurred by the director in the course of their office to 
the extent permitted by law remains in force. 

The Group maintains Directors’ and Officers’ Liability Insurance. 

Financial instruments

   SEE PAGES 132 TO 133

Change of control

The Longmartin joint venture and a number of debt financing 
agreements contain clauses which take effect, alter or terminate 
the agreement upon a change of control of the Group. 

The Group’s share schemes contain provisions relating to the 
vesting and exercising of options in the event of a change of 
control of the Group. 

2016 annual general meeting

The 2016 AGM will include resolutions dealing with authority to issue 
shares, disapplication of pre-emption rights, authority to purchase 
the Company’s own shares and authority to call a general meeting 
on not less than 14 days’ notice. The resolutions are set out in the 
Notice of Meeting, together with explanatory notes which are 
contained in a separate circular to shareholders which accompanies 
this Annual Report. 

Disclosure of information to auditors

Each director has confirmed that:

a)   so far as they are aware, there is no relevant audit information 

of which the Company’s auditors are unaware; and

b)   they have taken all the steps that they ought to have taken as 
a director in order to make themself aware of any relevant 
audit information and to establish that the Company’s 
auditors are aware of that information.

This confirmation is given in accordance with section 418 of the 
Companies Act 2006.

Authorisation of directors’ conflicts of interests

Directors are required to notify the Company of any conflict or 
potential conflict of interest and make an annual declaration. The 
Board confirms that no conflicts have been identified or notified 
to the Company during the year and, accordingly, the Board has 
not authorised any conflicts of interest as permitted by the 
Company’s Articles of Association. 

By Order of the Board

penny thomas 
Company Secretary

24 November 2015

Employment and environmental matters

   SEE NOMINATION COMMITTEE REPORT ON PAGES 76 TO 77 AND SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 
ON PAGES 146 TO 155

Greenhouse Gas Reporting 

The Group’s carbon emissions are immaterial. However, in 
compliance with legislation, they are set out in the sustainability 
report on pages 147 to 148. 

SHAFTESBURY ANNUAL REPORT 2015 GOVERNANCE 104

SHAFTESBURY ANNUAL REPORT 2015  GOVERNANCE 

Directors’ 
responsibilities
The directors are responsible for 
preparing the Annual Report, the 
Remuneration Report and the 
financial statements in accordance 
with applicable law and regulations. 

Company law requires the directors to prepare financial 
statements for each financial year. Under that law the directors 
have prepared the Group and Parent Company financial 
statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting 
Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the European Union. Under 
company law the directors must not approve the financial 
statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair 
view of the state of affairs of the Group and the Company and of 
the profit or loss of the Group for that period. In preparing these 
financial statements, the directors are required to:

•   select suitable accounting policies and then apply them 

consistently;

•   make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable 

and prudent;

•   state whether applicable IFRSs as adopted by the European 

Union have been followed, subject to any material departures 
disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and

•   prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis 
unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Company will 
continue in business.

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

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

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

Each of the directors, whose names and functions are listed on 
pages 70 to 71 confirm that, to the best of their knowledge:

•   the Group financial statements, which have been prepared in 
accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the EU, give a true and 
fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit of 
the Group; and

•   the Strategic Report contained on pages 1 to 68 of the Annual 

Report includes a fair review of the development and 
performance of the business and the position of the Group, 
together with a description of the principal risks and 
uncertainties that it faces.

105

materiality

•   Overall Group materiality: £30.8 

million which represents 1% of total 
assets.

•   Specific Group materiality: £3.4 
million which represents 5% of 
profit before tax excluding 
investment property valuation 
movements and net finance costs. 
The specific Group materiality has 
been applied to certain revenue 
and expense line items and related 
working capital balances.

Audit scope

•   The Group audit team carries out 

the statutory audits of all 
components within the Group and 
the consolidation.

Area of focus

•   Valuation of investment properties.

Independent 
auditors’ report
To the members 
of Shaftesbury PLC

Report on the financial statements

Our audit approach

Overview

Our opinion

in our opinion:
•   Shaftesbury PLC’s Group financial statements and Company 

financial statements (the “financial statements”) give a true and 
fair view of the state of the Group’s and of the Company’s 
affairs as at 30 September 2015 and of the Group’s profit and 
the Group’s and the Company’s cash flows for the year then 
ended;

materiality

•   the Group financial statements have been properly prepared in 
accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards 
(“IFRSs”) as adopted by the European Union;

Audit scope

Areas 
of focus

•   the Company financial statements have been properly prepared 
in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the European Union 
and as applied in accordance with the provisions of the 
Companies Act 2006; and

•   the financial statements have been prepared in accordance 
with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 and, as 
regards the Group financial statements, Article 4 of the IAS 
Regulation.

What we have audited

The financial statements, included within the Annual Report, 
comprise:

•   the Group and Company Balance Sheets as at 30 September 2015;

•   the Group Statement of Comprehensive Income for the year 

then ended;

•   the Group and Company Cash Flow Statements for the year 

then ended;

•   the Group and Company Statements of Changes in Equity for 

the year then ended; and

•   the notes to the financial statements, which include a summary of 
significant accounting policies and other explanatory information.

Certain required disclosures have been presented elsewhere in 
the Annual Report, rather than in the notes to the financial 
statements. These are cross-referenced from the financial 
statements and are identified as audited.

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

the scope of our audit and our area of focus
We conducted our audit in accordance with International 
Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland) (“ISAs (UK & Ireland)”).

We designed our audit by determining materiality and assessing 
the risks of material misstatement in the financial statements. 
In particular, we looked at where the directors made subjective 
judgements, for example in respect of significant accounting 
estimates that involved making assumptions and considering 
future events that are inherently uncertain. As in all of our audits 
we also addressed the risk of management override of internal 
controls, including evaluating whether there was evidence of bias 
by the directors that represented a risk of material misstatement 
due to fraud. 

The risk of material misstatement that had the greatest effect on 
our audit, including the allocation of our resources and effort, is 
identified as an “area of focus” in the table that follows. We have 
also set out how we tailored our audit to address this specific 
area in order to provide an opinion on the financial statements as 
a whole, and any comments we make on the results of our 
procedures should be read in this context. This is not a complete 
list of all risks identified by our audit.

SHAFTESBURY ANNUAL REPORT 2015 GOVERNANCE   
 
106

SHAFTESBURY ANNUAL REPORT 2015  GOVERNANCE 

iNDEpENDENt AuDitORS’ REpORt CONTINUED 

AREA OF FOCUS

Valuation of investment properties

Refer to pages 78 to 81 (Audit Committee Report), pages 125 to 126  
(Notes to the financial statements – note 12) and pages 115 to 121 
(Significant Accounting Policies).

The valuation of the Group’s investment properties is the key 
component of the net asset value and of the Group’s result for the 
year. The Group’s investment properties were held at £2,908.0m as 
at 30 September 2015 with a gain in revaluation of investment 
property of £432.0m (2014 as restated: £394.0m). In addition, the 
Group financial statements reflect £215.0m of investment properties 
representing the Group’s 50% share of its joint venture and a gain in 
revaluation of these properties of £34.6m (2014: £32.4m).

The valuations are carried out by third party valuers in accordance with 
the RICS Valuation - Professional Standards and IFRS 13. A summary of 
the third party valuer’s report covering the wholly-owned portfolio 
can be found on pages 144 to 145 of the Annual Report. 

The Group’s investment properties are carried at fair value using a 
market approach. There are significant judgements and estimates to 
be made in relation to the valuation of the Group’s investment 
properties. Where available, the valuations take into account evidence 
of market transactions for properties and locations comparable to 
those of the Group.

The Group’s portfolio comprises retail, restaurants, offices and 
residential property focused solely in the West End of London. Where 
the Group owns a significant number of properties in close proximity, 
these valuations are performed on a lotted basis (as allowed by the 
provisions of the RICS Valuation – Professional Standards). This 
reflects the manner considered most likely to be adopted in the case 
of an actual sale and reflects that a potential purchaser could 
capitalise on the estate management advantages and opportunities 
available from the comprehensive ownership.

As a result the range of variables to be taken into account when 
making the key judgements and assumptions associated with the 
revaluation is narrower than for some other property companies. 

The most significant judgements and estimates affecting the 
valuations included assumptions regarding yield movements and 
estimated rental value (“ERV”) growth, both of which have moved 
favourably reflecting the buoyancy of the central London property 
market. We focused our work on these key judgements as well as on 
the robustness of the valuation process in general.

The existence of significant estimation uncertainty, coupled with the 
fact that only a small percentage difference in individual property 
valuations when aggregated could result in a material misstatement, 
is why we gave specific audit focus and attention to this area.  

HOW OUR AUDIT ADDRESSED THE AREA OF FOCUS

The valuers used by the Group, DTZ, for the wholly-owned portfolio 
and Knight Frank for the joint venture portfolio, are well-known firms, 
with considerable experience of the Group’s market. We assessed the 
competence, capabilities and objectivity of the firms, and verified 
their qualifications. We also discussed the scope of their work and 
reviewed the terms of their engagement in order to check that there 
were no unusual terms or fee arrangements. Based on this work, we 
were satisfied that the firms remain independent and competent, and 
that the scope of their work was appropriate.

We agreed the data inputs underpinning the investment property 
valuation for a sample of properties, including rental income, 
acquisitions and capital expenditure, by agreeing them to the 
underlying property records held by the Group to assess the 
reliability, completeness and accuracy of the underlying data. The 
underlying property records were assessed for reliability by reviewing 
signed and approved lease contracts or sale/purchase contracts and 
by reviewing approved third party invoices. All leases and contracts 
are held by independent lawyers. 

We met with the external valuers independently of management and 
obtained the valuation reports to discuss and challenge the 
assumptions used and the reasons behind the significant movements 
in the valuations. These related primarily to yield compression and 
ERV growth. 

We involved our internal valuation specialists to compare the 
valuations of each property to our independently formed market 
expectations and challenged any differences. In doing this we used 
evidence of comparable market transactions and focused in 
particular on properties where the growth in capital values was higher 
or lower than our expectations based on market indices. Generally, 
we found the assumptions and valuations to be in line with our 
expectations. Where assumptions did not fall within our expected 
range, we assessed whether additional evidence presented in arriving 
at the final valuations was appropriate. Variances were predominantly 
due to rent reviews or new lettings at higher rents or movements in 
ERV and yield to reflect market transactions in close proximity. We 
verified the movements to supporting documentation.

We discussed the upward movements in the valuation with the 
Directors and Audit Committee and found they were able to provide 
explanations and refer to appropriate supporting evidence.

How we tailored the audit scope

We tailored the scope of our audit to ensure that we performed 
enough work to be able to give an opinion on the financial 
statements as a whole, taking into account the structure of the 
Group, the accounting processes and controls, and the industry 
in which the Group operates.

The Group’s properties are combined into five ‘villages’ spread 
across seven statutory entities. The Group financial statements 
are a consolidation of the seven entities, the parent company 
and two holding companies, and include the Group’s joint venture 
on an equity accounting basis.

All parts of the Group, including the joint venture, were identified 
as requiring an audit of their complete financial information, 
either due to their size or their risk characteristics. Entities 
holding investment properties (including the joint venture) were 
considered relevant due to the significant judgement around the 
investment property valuation. Holding companies were 
considered relevant due to third party borrowings which are 
material in size and nature. This work, all of which was carried 
out by the Group audit team, together with additional 
procedures performed on the consolidation, gave us sufficient 
appropriate audit evidence for our opinion on the Group financial 
statements as a whole.

 
iNDEpENDENt AuDitORS’ REpORt CONTINUED 

107

Materiality

The scope of our audit was influenced by our application of 
materiality. We set certain quantitative thresholds for materiality. 
These, together with qualitative considerations, helped us to 
determine the scope of our audit and the nature, timing and 
extent of our audit procedures on the individual financial 
statement line items and disclosures. It also helped in evaluating 
the effect of misstatements, both individually and on the 
financial statements as a whole. 

Based on our professional judgement, we determined materiality 
for the financial statements as a whole as follows:

Overall Group 
materiality

How we 
determined it

Specific 
materiality

How we 
determined it

Rationale for 
benchmarks 
applied

£30.8 million (2014: £22.0 million)

1% of total assets

£3.4 million (2014: £3.3 million)

Consistent with last year, 5% of profit before 
tax before net finance costs and investment 
property valuation movements 

As explained above, the key area of focus in 
the audit is the valuation of investment properties 
and the balance sheet as a whole. Given this, 
we set an overall Group materiality level based 
on total assets. In addition, a number of key 
performance indicators of the Group are driven 
by income statement items and we therefore 
also applied a lower specific materiality to 
evaluate certain revenue and expense line 
items and related working capital balances

We agreed with the Audit Committee that we would report to 
them misstatements identified during our audit above £1.5 million 
(2014: £1.1 million) for financial statement line items where overall 
materiality applied and £170,000 (2014: £165,000) for line items 
where specific materiality applied as well as misstatements 
below these amounts that, in our view, warranted reporting for 
qualitative reasons.

Going concern

Under the Listing Rules we are required to review the directors’ 
statement, set out on page 114, in relation to going concern. We have 
nothing to report having performed our review.

Under ISAs (UK & Ireland) we are also required to report to you if we 
have anything material to add or to draw attention to in relation to the 
directors’ statement about whether they considered it appropriate to 
adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements. 
We have nothing material to add or to draw attention to.

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

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

Other required reporting

Consistency of other information

Companies Act 2006 opinions
In our opinion:

•   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 information given in the Corporate Governance Statement 
set out on page 75 with respect to internal control and risk 
management systems and about share capital structures is 
consistent with the financial statements.

iSAs (uK & ireland) reporting
Under ISAs (UK & Ireland) we are required to report to you if, 
in our opinion:

•   Information in the Annual Report is:

  -  materially inconsistent with the information in the audited 

financial statements; or

  -  apparently materially incorrect based on, or materially 

inconsistent with, our knowledge of the Group and Company 
acquired in the course of performing our audit; or

  -  otherwise misleading.

We have no exceptions to report.

•   the statement given by the directors on page 104, in accordance 
with provision C.1.1 of the UK Corporate Governance Code (the 
“Code”), that they consider the Annual Report taken as a whole 
to be fair, balanced and understandable and provides the 
information necessary for members to assess the Group’s and 
Company’s performance, business model and strategy is 
materially inconsistent with our knowledge of the Group and 
Company acquired in the course of performing our audit.

We have no exceptions to report.

•   the section of the Annual Report on pages 78 to 81, as required 
by provision C.3.8 of the Code, describing the work of the Audit 
Committee does not appropriately address matters 
communicated by us to the Audit Committee.

We have no exceptions to report. 

The directors’ assessment of the prospects of 
the Group and of the principal risks that would 
threaten the solvency or liquidity of the Group

Under ISAs (UK & Ireland) we are required to report to you if we have 
anything material to add or to draw attention to in relation to:

•   the directors’ confirmation in the Annual Report, in accordance 
with Provision C.2.1 of the Code, that they have carried out a 
robust assessment of the principal risks facing the Group, 
including those that would threaten its business model, future 
performance, solvency or liquidity.

We have nothing material to add or to draw attention to.

SHAFTESBURY ANNUAL REPORT 2015 GOVERNANCE 108

SHAFTESBURY ANNUAL REPORT 2015  GOVERNANCE 

iNDEpENDENt AuDitORS’ REpORt CONTINUED 

•   the disclosures in the Annual Report that describe those risks 

and explain how they are being managed or mitigated.

We have nothing material to add or to draw attention to.

Responsibilities for the financial 
statements and the audit

•   the directors’ explanation in the Annual Report, in accordance with 

Provision C.2.2 of the Code, as to how they have assessed the 
prospects of the Group, over what period they have done so and 
why they consider that period to be appropriate, and their 
statement as to whether they have a reasonable expectation that 
the Group will be able to continue in operation and meet its 
liabilities as they fall due over the period of their assessment, 
including any related disclosures drawing attention to any necessary 
qualifications or assumptions. 

We have nothing material to add or to draw attention to.

Under the Listing Rules we are required to review the directors’ 
statement that they have carried out a robust assessment of the 
principal risks facing the Group and the directors’ statement in 
relation to the longer-term viability of the Group, set out on 
pages 59 to 66. Our review was substantially less in scope than an 
audit and only consisted of making inquiries and considering the 
directors’ process supporting their statements; checking that the 
statements are in alignment with the relevant provisions of the 
Code; and considering whether the statements are consistent 
with the knowledge acquired by us in the course of performing 
our audit. We have nothing to report having performed our 
review.

Adequacy of accounting records and 
information and explanations received

Under the Companies Act 2006 we are required to report to you 
if, in our opinion:
•   we have not received all the information and explanations we 

require for our audit; or

•   adequate accounting records have not been kept by the 

Company, or returns adequate for our audit have not been 
received from branches not visited by us; or

•   the Company financial statements and the part of the 

Directors’ Remuneration Report to be audited are not in 
agreement with the accounting records and returns.

We have no exceptions to report arising from this responsibility.

Directors’ remuneration

Directors’ remuneration report - Companies Act 2006 opinion
In our opinion, the part of the Directors’ Remuneration Report to 
be audited has been properly prepared in accordance with the 
Companies Act 2006.

Other Companies Act 2006 reporting
Under the Companies Act 2006 we are required to report to you 
if, in our opinion, certain disclosures of directors’ remuneration 
specified by law are not made. We have no exceptions to report 
arising from this responsibility.  

Corporate governance statement

Under the Companies Act 2006 we are required to report to you 
if, in our opinion, a corporate governance statement has not 
been prepared by the Company. We have no exceptions to 
report arising from this responsibility. 

Under the Listing Rules we are required to review the part of the 
Corporate Governance Statement relating to ten further 
provisions of the Code. We have nothing to report having 
performed our review. 

Our responsibilities and those of the directors

As explained more fully in the Directors’ Responsibilities 
Statement set out on page 104, the directors are responsible for 
the preparation of the financial statements and for being 
satisfied that they give a true and fair view.

Our responsibility is to audit and express an opinion on the 
financial statements in accordance with applicable law and ISAs 
(UK & Ireland). Those standards require us to comply with the 
Auditing Practices Board’s Ethical Standards for Auditors.

This report, including the opinions, has been prepared for and 
only for the Company’s members as a body in accordance with 
Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006 and for no other 
purpose. We do not, in giving these opinions, accept or assume 
responsibility for any other purpose or to any other person to 
whom this report is shown or into whose hands it may come save 
where expressly agreed by our prior consent in writing.

What an audit of financial statements involves

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

•   the reasonableness of significant accounting estimates made by 

the directors; and

•   the overall presentation of the financial statements.

We primarily focus our work in these areas by assessing the directors’ 
judgements against available evidence, forming our own judgements, 
and evaluating the disclosures in the financial statements.

We test and examine information, using sampling and other 
auditing techniques, to the extent we consider necessary to 
provide a reasonable basis for us to draw conclusions. We obtain 
audit evidence through testing the effectiveness of controls, 
substantive procedures or a combination of both. 

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

Andrew paynter (Senior Statutory Auditor) 
For and on behalf of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP 
Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditors

London 
24 November 2015

SHAFTESBURY  ANNUAL REPORT 2015 

109

Financial  
statements

Group statement of  
comprehensive income  110
Balance sheets  111
Cash flow statements  112
Statements of changes in equity  113

Notes to the financial statements  114

110

Group statement of comprehensive income 
For the year ended 30 September 2015

Revenue 

Property charges

Net property income

Administrative expenses

Charge for annual bonuses

Charge in respect of equity settled remuneration

Total administrative expenses

Operating profit before investment property valuation movements

Net surplus on revaluation of investment properties

Operating profit

Finance income

Finance costs

Change in fair value of derivative financial instruments

Net finance costs

Share of post-tax profit from joint venture

Profit before tax

Tax charge for the year

Profit and total comprehensive income for the year

Earnings per share:

Basic

Diluted

EPRA

Please see page 156 for an explanation of the EPRA measures used in these financial statements.

NOTES

4

5

7

12

6

8

20

14

9

10

2015
£M

98.7

(19.9)

78.8

(8.8)

(2.2)

(3.0)

(14.0)

64.8

432.0

496.8

0.1

(30.8)

(28.5)

(59.2)

29.7

467.3

-

467.3

AS RESTATED
2014
£M

91.2

(17.1)

74.1

(8.0)

(2.6)

(3.2)

(13.8)

60.3

394.0

454.3

0.1

(29.6)

(12.0)

(41.5)

27.6

440.4

-

440.4

168.0p

167.4p

13.0p

165.2p

164.6p

12.2p

SHAFTESBURY ANNUAL REPORT 2015 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  111

2014
£M

-

-

59.0

1.6

-

786.0

846.6

COMPANY

2015
£M

-

-

59.0

1.5

-

997.9

Balance sheets 
As at 30 September 2015

GROUP
AS RESTATED
2014
£M

2015
£M

AS RESTATED
2013
£M

NOTES

Non-current assets

Investment properties

Accrued income

Investment in joint venture

Property, plant and equipment

Other receivables

Investment in subsidiaries 

Current assets

Trade and other receivables

Cash and cash equivalents

Total assets

Current liabilities

Trade and other payables

Non-current liabilities

Borrowings

Derivative financial instruments

Total liabilities

Net assets

Equity

Share capital

Share premium

Share based payments reserve

Retained earnings

Total equity

Net asset value per share:

Basic

Diluted

EPRA

12

13

14

17

15

16

17

18

19

20

22

23

23

23

24

2,908.0

2,425.5

1,901.4

9.5

129.6

1.5

3.7

-

7.5

101.5

1.6

1.5

-

6.2

76.6

0.6

-

-

3,052.3

2,537.6

1,984.8

1,058.4

21.7

7.7

21.4

3.4

17.4

0.5

118.2

425.0

-                      -

3,081.7

2,562.4

2,002.7

1,176.6

1,271.6

36.8

36.7

30.5

6.8

8.9

640.3

79.2

756.3

553.7

78.8

669.2

545.7

95.8

672.0

267.9

79.2

353.9

429.9

78.8

517.6

2,325.4

1,893.2

1,330.7

822.7

754.0

69.6

124.7

4.0

624.4

822.7

69.5

124.6

4.0

555.9

754.0

69.6

124.7

4.0

2,127.1

2,325.4

£8.36

£8.32

£8.69

69.5

124.6

4.0

1,695.1

1,893.2

£6.81

£6.79

£7.13

63.1

124.3

3.0

1,140.3

1,330.7

£5.27

£5.26

£5.67

On behalf of the Board who approved and authorised for issue the financial statements on pages 110 to 139 on 24 November 2015.

Brian Bickell  
Chief Executive   

Christopher Ward 
Finance Director

SHAFTESBURY ANNUAL REPORT 2015 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS   
 
 
 
 
112

Cash flow statements 
For the year ended 30 September 2015

Cash flows from operating activities

Cash generated from operating activities

Interest received

Interest paid

Net cash generated from operating activities

Cash flows from investing activities

Investment property acquisitions

Capital expenditure on investment properties

Purchase of property, plant and equipment

Dividends received from joint venture

Net cash used in investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities

Net proceeds from share placing

Proceeds from exercise of share options

Repayment of borrowings

Proceeds from secured term loans

Increase in cash held in restricted accounts and deposits

Facility arrangement costs

Termination of derivative financial instruments

Equity dividends paid

Decrease in loans to subsidiaries

Decrease/(increase) in loans to joint venture

Net cash from financing activities

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year

GROUP

2015
£M

AS RESTATED
2014
£M

67.4

0.1

(30.1)

37.4

(25.8)

(25.1)

(0.3)

1.6

(49.6)

-

0.1

(160.9)

250.0

(2.2)

(3.4)

(28.1)

(39.5)

-

0.5

16.5

4.3

3.4

7.7

64.6

0.1

(27.5)

37.2

(105.8)

(23.8)

(1.4)

2.7

(128.3)

153.2

-

(123.6)

134.8

(1.5)

(4.2)

(29.0)

(33.8)

-

(1.9)

94.0

2.9

0.5

3.4

COMPANY

2015
£M

(11.2)

0.1

(21.1)

(32.2)

-

-

(0.3)

1.6

1.3

-

0.1

2014
£M

(9.2)

-

(26.3)

(35.5)

-

-

(1.4)

2.7

1.3

153.2

-

(162.8)

(122.8)

-

-

-

(28.1)

(39.5)

260.7

0.5

30.9

-

-

-

-

-

(2.2)

(29.0)

(33.8)

70.7

(1.9)

34.2

-

-

-

NOTES

25

26

26

17

26

20

11

17

17

SHAFTESBURY ANNUAL REPORT 2015 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  Statements of changes in equity 
For the year ended 30 September 2015

113

SHARE 
CAPITAL
£M

MERGER 
RESERVE
£M

SHARE
PREMIUM
£M

NOTES

SHARE 
BASED
PAYMENTS
RESERVE
£M

RETAINED
EARNINGS
£M

TOTAL 
EQUITY
£M

Group

At 1 October 2013

Profit and total comprehensive income for the year

Transactions with owners:

Dividends paid during the year 

Shares issued in connection with share placing

Transfer to retained earnings

Transaction costs associated with share placing

Shares issued in connection with the exercise of share options

Fair value of share based payments

Transfer in respect of options exercised

At 30 September 2014

Profit and total comprehensive income for the year

Transactions with owners:

Dividends paid during the year 

Shares issued in connection with the exercise of share 
options

Fair value of share based payments

Transfer in respect of options exercised

At 30 September 2015

Company

At 1 October 2013

Profit and total comprehensive income for the year 

Transactions with owners:

Dividends paid during the year 

Shares issued in connection with share placing

Transfer to retained earnings

Transactions costs associated with share placing

Shares issued in connection with the exercise of share options

Fair value of share based payments

Transfer in respect of options exercised

At 30 September 2014

Profit and total comprehensive income for the year 

Transactions with owners:

Dividends paid during the year 

Shares issued in connection with the exercise of share 
options

Fair value of share based payments

Transfer in respect of options exercised

At 30 September 2015

11

22

22

7

11

22

7

11

22

22

7

11

22

7

63.1

-

-

-

-

-

6.3

150.3

-

-

0.1

-

-

69.5

-

-

0.1

-

-

69.6

63.1

-

-

(150.3)

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

6.3

150.3

-

-

0.1

-

-

69.5

-

-

0.1

-

-

69.6

(150.3)

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

124.3

3.0

1,140.3

1,330.7

-

-

-

-

-

0.3

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

2.7

(1.7)

440.4

440.4

(33.9)

-

150.3

(3.4)

(0.3)

-

1.7

(33.9)

156.6

-

(3.4)

0.1

2.7

-

124.6

4.0

1,695.1

1,893.2

-

-

0.1

-

-

124.7

-

-

-

2.2

(2.2)

4.0

467.3

467.3

(37.5)

(37.5)

-

-

2.2

0.2

2.2

-

2,127.1

2,325.4

124.3

3.0

423.3

-

-

-

-

-

0.3

-

-

124.6

-

-

0.1

-

-

124.7

-

-

-

-

-

-

2.7

(1.7)

4.0

-

-

-

2.2

(2.2)

4.0

613.7

18.2

(33.9)

156.6

-

(3.4)

0.1

2.7

-

754.0

103.8

18.2

(33.9)

-

150.3

(3.4)

(0.3)

-

1.7

555.9

103.8

(37.5)

(37.5)

-

-

2.2

0.2

2.2

-

624.4

822.7

SHAFTESBURY ANNUAL REPORT 2015 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  114

Notes to the financial statements  
For the year ended 30 September 2015

1.  General information

General information

The consolidated financial statements of the Group for the year ended 30 September 2015 (presented in pounds sterling) were 
approved by the Board for issue on 24 November 2015.

The nature of the Group’s operations and its principal activities are set out in the Strategic Report on pages 8 to 34.

The Company is a public limited company which is listed on the London Stock Exchange and is incorporated and domiciled in the UK. 
The address of the registered office is given on page 71.

Basis of preparation

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with IFRS as adopted by the European Union, IFRS Interpretations 
Committee (IFRIC) and those parts of the Companies Act 2006 applicable to companies reporting under IFRS. 

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention as modified by the revaluation of investment 
properties and the measurement of derivative financial instruments at fair value through the Statement of Comprehensive Income. 

The Company has not presented its own Statement of Comprehensive Income, as permitted by Section 408 of the Companies Act 
2006. The Company made a profit of £103.8 million (2014: £18.2 million) in the year. 

Going concern

The Group’s business activities, together with the factors affecting performance, financial position and future development are set out 
in the Strategic Report on pages 8 to 34. The financial position of the Group including cash flow, liquidity, borrowings, undrawn 
facilities and debt maturity analysis is set out on pages 52 to 56. The directors have a reasonable expectation that the Group has 
adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Therefore, they continue to adopt the going 
concern basis in preparing the financial statements.

Critical judgements, assumptions and estimates

The Group’s significant accounting policies are stated in note 2. Not all of these significant accounting policies require the directors to 
make difficult, subjective or complex judgements or estimates. However the directors consider the valuation of investment properties 
to be critical because of the level of complexity, judgement or estimation involved and its impact on the financial statements. These 
judgements involve assumptions or estimates in respect of future events. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

The Group uses the valuations performed by its external valuers, DTZ Debenham Tie Leung Limited, as the basis for the fair value of 
its investment properties. Knight Frank LLP value the investment properties owned by the Longmartin Joint Venture.

The valuation of the Group’s property portfolio is inherently subjective due to, among other factors, the individual nature of each 
property, its location and the expected future rental income. As a result, the valuations the Group places on its property portfolio  
are subject to a degree of uncertainty and are made on the basis of assumptions which may not prove to be accurate, particularly in 
periods of volatility or low transaction flow in the commercial property market. DTZ Debenham Tie Leung Limited and Knight Frank LLP 
make a number of assumptions in forming their opinion on the valuation of our investment properties, which are detailed in the Basis 
of Valuation on pages 142 to 143. These assumptions are in accordance with the RICS Valuation Standards. However, if any assumptions 
made by the external valuers prove to be incorrect, this may mean that the value of the Group’s properties differs from their valuation 
reported in the financial statements, which could have a material effect on the Group’s financial position.

SHAFTESBURY ANNUAL REPORT 2015 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED 

115

2.  Accounting policies 

New accounting standards and interpretations 

a)   The following new standards and amendments to standards are mandatory for the first time for the financial year ending 

30 September 2015:

STANDARD OR INTERPRETATION

IFRS 10 Consolidated financial statements

IFRS 11 Joint arrangements

IFRS 12 Disclosure of interests in other entities

IAS 27 (revised 2011) Separate financial statements

Amendments to IFRS 10,11 and 12 on transition guidance

Amendments to IFRS 10, 12 and IAS 27 on consolidation for investment entities

IAS 28 (revised 2011) Associates and joint ventures 

Amendments to IAS 32 Financial instruments asset and liability offsetting 

Amendment to IAS 36 Impairment of assets on recoverable amount disclosures

Amendment to IAS 39 Financial instruments: Recognition and measurement, 
on novation of derivatives and hedge accounting 

EFFECTIVE FROM

1 January 2014

1 January 2014

1 January 2014

1 January 2014

1 January 2014

1 January 2014

1 January 2014

1 January 2014

1 January 2014

1 January 2014

The only new standard or amendment to have a material impact on the Group is IFRS 11 Joint arrangements.

IFRS 11 Joint arrangements - IAS 31, Interests in Joint Ventures has been replaced by IFRS 11 Joint arrangements. The Group has joint 
control over Longmartin Properties Limited by virtue of its 50% share in the equity shares of the company and requirement for 
unanimous consent by both parties over decisions related to the relevant activities of the arrangement. As a result the Group has 
assessed Longmartin Properties Limited to be a joint venture under IFRS 11.

Under IAS 31 the Group accounted for its share of its joint venture’s results and balance sheet using proportional consolidation. IFRS 11 
precludes the use of proportional consolidation, with equity accounting being the only permitted option. The Group’s net interest in 
its joint venture is now disclosed as a single line item in both the Group Statement of Comprehensive Income and Group Balance 
Sheet. Accompanied by this the Group Cash Flow Statement excludes cash flows generated by the joint venture but now includes 
loans received/(advanced) and dividends received in separate line items. 

The impact on the Group Statement of Comprehensive Income and the Group Balance Sheet is purely presentational and does not 
affect the Group’s reported net assets nor profit after tax. Cash and cash equivalents in the Group Cash Flow Statement are reduced 
by the Group’s share of cash held in the joint venture.

As the impact of the transition to IFRS 11 has a material impact on the presentation of the Group’s financial statements the prior year 
figures have been restated. The tables below show the impact of the change in accounting policy on the Group Statement of 
Comprehensive Income, the Group Balance Sheet and Group Cash Flow Statement.

Apart from IFRS 11, no material changes to accounting policies arose as a result of these new standards and amendments.

SHAFTESBURY ANNUAL REPORT 2015 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  116

2.  Accounting policies continued

Impact on Group Statement of Comprehensive Income

Revenue 

Property charges

Net property income

Administrative expenses

Charge for annual bonuses 

Charge in respect of equity settled remuneration

Total administrative expenses

Operating profit before investment property valuation movements

Net surplus on revaluation of investment properties

Operating profit

Finance income

Finance costs

Change in fair value of derivative financial instruments

Net finance costs

Share of post-tax profit from joint venture

Profit before tax

Tax charge for the year

Profit and total comprehensive income for the year

Impact on Group Balance Sheet

30 SEPTEMBER 2014

Non-current assets

Investment properties

Accrued income

Investment in joint venture

Property, plant and equipment

Other receivables*

Current assets

Trade and other receivables

Cash and cash equivalents

Total assets

Current liabilities

Trade and other payables

Non-current liabilities

Borrowings

Derivative financial instruments

Deferred tax liabilities 

Total liabilities

AS PREVIOUSLY 
STATED 
 YEAR ENDED 
30.9.2014
£M

IFRS 11 
ADJUSTMENTS
£M

 AS RESTATED 
YEAR 
ENDED 
30.9.2014
£M

98.2

(18.5)

79.7

(8.2)

(2.6)

(3.2)

(14.0)

65.7

426.4

492.1

-

(32.8)

(12.0)

(44.8)

-

447.3

(6.9)

440.4

(7.0)

1.4

(5.6)

0.2

-

-

0.2

(5.4)

(32.4)

(37.8)

0.1

3.2

-

3.3

27.6

(6.9)

6.9

-

91.2

(17.1)

74.1

(8.0)

(2.6)

(3.2)

(13.8)

60.3

394.0

454.3

0.1

(29.6)

(12.0)

(41.5)

27.6

440.4

-

440.4

AS PREVIOUSLY 
STATED 
30.9.2014
£M

IFRS 11 
ADJUSTMENTS
£M

 AS RESTATED 
30.9.2014
£M

2,605.1

10.3

-

1.6

-

(179.6)

(2.8)

101.5

-

1.5

2,425.5

7.5

101.5

1.6

1.5

2,617.0

(79.4)

2,537.6

21.2

7.7

0.2

(4.3)

21.4

3.4

2,645.9

(83.5)

2,562.4

39.8

(3.1)

36.7

618.4

78.8

15.7

752.7

(64.7)

-

(15.7)

(83.5)

553.7

78.8

-

669.2

Net assets

1,893.2

-

1,893.2

*Adjustment relates to the reclassification of cash held on deposit, see note 17 for further details.

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED SHAFTESBURY ANNUAL REPORT 2015 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED 

117

AS PREVIOUSLY 
STATED  

30.9.2013
£M

IFRS 11 
ADJUSTMENTS
£M

AS RESTATED 
30.9.2013
£M

2,046.6

(145.2)

1,901.4

9.3

-

0.6

(3.1)

76.6

-

6.2

76.6

0.6

2,056.5

(71.7)

1,984.8

19.7

5.7

(2.3)

(5.2)

17.4

0.5

2,081.9

(79.2)

2,002.7

35.8

(5.3)

30.5

610.5

95.8

9.1

751.2

(64.8)

-

(9.1)

545.7

95.8

-

(79.2)

672.0

30 SEPTEMBER 2013

Non-current assets

Investment properties

Accrued income

Investment in joint venture

Property, plant and equipment

Current assets

Trade and other receivables

Cash and cash equivalents

Total assets

Current liabilities

Trade and other payables

Non-current liabilities

Borrowings

Derivative financial instruments

Deferred tax liabilities 

Total liabilities

Net assets

1,330.7

-

1,330.7

SHAFTESBURY ANNUAL REPORT 2015 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  118

2.  Accounting policies continued

Impact on Group Cash Flow Statement

Cash flows from operating activities

Cash generated from operating activities

Interest received

Interest paid

Corporation tax

Net cash generated from operating activities

Cash flows from investing activities

Investment property acquisitions

Capital expenditure on investment properties

Purchase of property, plant and equipment

Dividends received from joint venture

Net cash used in investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities

Net proceeds from share placing

Repayment of borrowings

Proceeds from secured term loan

Increase in cash held in restricted accounts and deposits*

Facility arrangement costs

Termination of derivative financial instrument

Payment of head lease liabilities

Equity dividends paid

Increase in loans to joint venture

Net cash from financing activities

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year

 AS PREVIOUSLY 
STATED 
YEAR ENDED  
30.9.2014
£M

IFRS 11 
ADJUSTMENTS
£M

 AS RESTATED 
YEAR  ENDED 
30.9.2014
£M

71.4

-

(30.3)

(0.3)

40.8

(108.0)

(26.3)

(1.4)

-

(135.7)

153.2

(123.6)

134.8

-

(4.2)

(29.0)

(0.5)

(33.8)

-

96.9

2.0

5.7

7.7

(6.8)

0.1

2.8

0.3

(3.6)

2.2

2.5

-

2.7

7.4

-

-

-

(1.5)

-

-

0.5

-

(1.9)

(2.9)

0.9

(5.2)

(4.3)

64.6

0.1

(27.5)

-

37.2

(105.8)

(23.8)

(1.4)

2.7

(128.3)

153.2

(123.6)

134.8

(1.5)

(4.2)

(29.0)

-

(33.8)

(1.9)

94.0

2.9

0.5

3.4

*Adjustment relates to the reclassification of cash held on deposit, see note 17 for further details.

b)   The following Annual Improvements that are relevant to the Group are not yet effective in the year ending 30 September 2015 and 

are not expected to have a significant impact on the Group’s financial statements:

STANDARD OR INTERPRETATION

Annual Improvements 2011-2013

EFFECTIVE FROM

1 January 2015

c)    There are no other IFRSs or IFRIC interpretations that are not yet effective that would be expected to have a material impact on 

the Group.

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED SHAFTESBURY ANNUAL REPORT 2015 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED 

119

2.  Accounting policies continued

Basis of consolidation

The consolidated financial statements incorporate the audited financial statements of the Company and its subsidiaries, together with 
the Group’s share of the results and net assets of its joint venture, prepared up to the Balance Sheet date.

Subsidiaries

Subsidiaries are those entities controlled by the Company. Control exists where the Company has the power, directly or indirectly, to 
direct the financial and operating activities of an entity so as to obtain benefits from its activities.

All intercompany transactions and balances are eliminated on consolidation. The accounting policies of the subsidiaries are consistent 
with those adopted by the Group.

In the Company’s Balance Sheet, investments in subsidiaries are included at cost less any provision in respect of permanent impairment loss.

Joint ventures

Joint ventures are those entities over which the Group has joint control, established by contractual agreement. Investments in joint 
ventures are accounted for using the equity method. On initial recognition the investment is recognised at cost, and the carrying 
amount is subsequently increased or decreased to recognise the Group’s share of the profit or loss and dividends of the joint venture 
after the date of acquisition. The Group’s investment in joint ventures is presented separately on the Balance Sheet and the Group’s 
share of the joint venture’s post-tax profit or loss for the year is also presented separately in the Statement of Comprehensive Income.

Where there is an indication that the Group’s investment in joint ventures may be impaired the Group evaluates the recoverable 
amount of its investment, being the higher of the joint venture’s fair value less costs to sell and value in use. If the recoverable amount 
is lower than the carrying value an impairment loss is recognised in the Statement of Comprehensive Income.

If the Group’s share of losses in a joint venture equals or exceeds its investment in the joint venture, the Group does not recognise 
further losses, unless it has legal or constructive obligations to make payments on behalf of the joint venture.

In the Company’s Balance Sheet, the investment in joint venture is stated at cost less any provisions for permanent impairment loss. 

Acquisitions

Where properties are acquired through corporate acquisitions and there are no significant assets (other than investment property) 
and liabilities, and without a business being acquired, the acquisition is treated as an asset acquisition. In all other cases, the 
acquisition is treated as a business combination.

Investment properties

Investment properties are properties owned or leased by the Group which are held to generate rental income or long-term capital 
appreciation or both. 

Investment properties are initially recognised on acquisition at cost, including related acquisition costs, and are revalued annually to 
reflect fair value. Fair value is determined either by external professional valuers or by the directors in the case of properties sold 
shortly after the period end. The fair value, as determined by the valuers, is reduced for any unamortised lease incentive balances 
held at the Balance Sheet date.

In the case of investment properties which are leasehold interests, such leases are accounted for as finance leases and recognised as 
an asset and an obligation to pay future minimum lease payments. The investment property asset is held in the Balance Sheet at fair 
value, gross of the finance lease liability. 

Gains or losses arising on the revaluation of investment properties are included in the Statement of Comprehensive Income in the 
accounting period in which they arise. Depreciation is not provided in respect of investment properties.

Additions to properties include costs of a capital nature only. Expenditure is classified as capital when it results in identifiable future 
economic benefits which are expected to accrue to the Group. All other property expenditure is written-off in the Statement of 
Comprehensive Income as incurred.

Amounts received by way of compensation for dilapidations from tenants vacating properties are credited against the cost of 
reinstatement works. Where the Group has no intention of carrying out such works, the amounts received are credited to the 
Statement of Comprehensive Income.

Purchases and sales of investment properties are recognised in the financial statements on the date at which there is a legally binding 
and unconditional contract.

SHAFTESBURY ANNUAL REPORT 2015 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  120

2.  Accounting policies continued

Derivative financial instruments

Derivative financial instruments, comprising interest rate swaps for hedging purposes, are initially recognised at cost and are 
subsequently measured at fair value being the estimated amount that the Group would receive or pay to terminate the agreement at 
the balance sheet date, taking into account current interest rate expectations and the current credit rating of the counterparties. The 
gain or loss at each fair value remeasurement is recognised in the Group Statement of Comprehensive Income. Amounts payable or 
receivable under such arrangements are included within finance costs or income, recognised on an accruals basis.

Borrowings and costs of raising finance

Borrowings are initially recognised at fair value net of transaction costs incurred and are subsequently stated at amortised cost. 
Expenses and discounts relating to the issue of long-term debt are deducted from the proceeds and written-off in the Statement of 
Comprehensive Income over the life of the debt instrument using an effective yield method. Any premium arising on the issue of 
long-term debt is added to the proceeds and credited to the Statement of Comprehensive Income over the life of the debt 
instrument using an effective interest method.

Trade receivables and payables 

Trade receivables and trade payables are recognised at fair value and subsequently held at amortised cost. 

In the case of trade receivables a provision for impairment is established when there is objective evidence that the Group will not be 
able to collect all amounts due according to the original terms of the receivables. 

Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash in hand and on-demand bank deposits. Where such deposits can be offset against any 
amounts owing to the same bank in accordance with its loan agreement, and in the event of settlement the Group intends to settle as 
a net liability, they are deducted from that loan liability.

Cash which is held on deposit that has certain conditions restricting its use is assessed to determine whether it meets the IFRS 
criteria of cash and cash equivalents. Where it does not meet the definition of being available on demand, liquid or readily convertible, 
it is classified as other receivables.

Share capital

Share capital is classified as equity when there is no obligation to transfer cash or other assets. Incremental costs directly attributable 
to the issue of new shares are shown in equity as a deduction, net of tax, from retained earnings.

Revenue

Revenue comprises rents receivable from tenants under operating leases, recognised on an accruals basis, and recoverable expenses 
incurred on behalf of tenants. Rents are recognised on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. Value added tax is excluded 
from all amounts. Income arising as a result of rent reviews is recognised when agreement of new terms is reasonably certain.

Premiums receivable from tenants to surrender their lease obligations are recognised in the Statement of Comprehensive Income, 
unless they arise in connection with a value-enhancing project in which case they are deducted from project costs.

The cost of any incentives given to lessees to enter into leases is spread over the period from the lease commencement date, to the 
earlier of its expiry date or to the date of the first break option, on a straight-line basis. Lease incentives are usually in the form of rent 
free periods.

Property charges

Irrecoverable property costs are charged to the Statement of Comprehensive Income when they arise.

Premiums payable to tenants in connection with the surrender of their lease obligations are recognised immediately in the Statement 
of Comprehensive Income, unless they arise in connection with a value-enhancing project in which case they are capitalised.

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED SHAFTESBURY ANNUAL REPORT 2015 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED 

121

2.  Accounting policies continued

Employee benefits

(i)  Share based remuneration

     The cost of granting share options and other share based remuneration to employees is recognised in the Statement of 

Comprehensive Income based on the fair value at the date of grant.

     The fair value of the net asset value (non-market based) vesting condition is calculated when the options are granted using the 

modified binomial option pricing model. At the end of each reporting period, the directors review their estimates of the number of 
options that are expected to vest based on actual and forecast net asset values. The impact of the revision to original estimates, if 
any, is recognised in the Statement of Comprehensive Income, with a corresponding adjustment to equity. 

     The fair value of the total shareholder return (market based) vesting condition is calculated when the options are granted using the 

Monte Carlo simulation option pricing model, using various assumptions as set out in note 29. The fair value is charged on a 
straight-line basis over the vesting period. No adjustment is made to the original estimate for market based conditions after the 
date of grant regardless of whether the options vest or not.

     The amount charged in the Statement of Comprehensive Income is credited to the share based payments reserve. Following the 
exercise of share options, the charges previously recognised in respect of these options are released from the share based 
payments reserve to retained earnings. 

(ii)  Pension contributions

    Payments to defined contribution plans are charged as an expense to the Statement of Comprehensive Income as they fall due.

Leases

The Group as lessor

Operating leases - all of the Group’s leases to its tenants fall within the definition of operating leases, as substantially all the risk and 
rewards of ownership are retained by the Group.

Long leaseholds - where the Group grants residential long leasehold interests to tenants, as substantially all the risks and rewards of 
ownership are transferred to the tenant, the property is not recognised as an investment property.

3.  Segmental information
The chief operating decision maker has been identified as the Board, which is responsible for reviewing the Group’s internal reporting 
in order to assess performance and the allocation of resources.

The Group’s properties, which are all located in London’s West End, are managed as a single portfolio. Its properties, which are of a 
similar type, are combined into villages. All of the villages are geographically close to each other and have similar economic features 
and risks.

For the purposes of IFRS 8, each village is considered to be a separate operating segment. However, in view of the similar 
characteristics of each village, and the reporting of all investment, income and expenditure to the Board at an overall Group level, the 
aggregation criteria set out in IFRS 8 have been applied to give one reportable segment.

The Board assesses the performance of the reportable segment based on net property income and investment property valuation. All 
financial information provided to the Board is prepared on a basis consistent with these financial statements and, as the Group has 
only one reportable segment, the measures used in assessing the business are set out in the Group Statement of Comprehensive 
Income.

4.  Revenue 

Rents receivable

Recoverable property expenses

Rents receivable includes lease incentives recognised of £2.4 million (2014 as restated £1.6 million).

2015
£M

91.8

6.9

98.7

AS RESTATED
2014
£M

85.3

5.9

91.2

SHAFTESBURY ANNUAL REPORT 2015 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  122

5.  Property charges

Property operating costs

Fees payable to managing agents

Letting, rent review, and lease renewal costs

Village promotion costs

Property outgoings

Recoverable property expenses

6.  Operating profit

The following items have been (credited)/charged in arriving at operating profit:

Administrative fees receivable from joint venture

Depreciation

Operating lease rentals - office premises

AUDITOR REMUNERATION

Audit of the Company

Audit of the consolidated Group

Total audit services

Audit related assurance services, including the interim review

Total audit and assurance services

Tax compliance services

Tax advisory services

Services related to taxation

Other non-audit services

Total fees related to taxation and other non-audit services

Total fees 

2015
£M

6.1

2.1

3.0

1.8

13.0

6.9

19.9

2015
£M

(0.4)

0.4

0.4

AS RESTATED
2014
£M

4.8

1.9

3.1

1.4

11.2

5.9

17.1

AS RESTATED
2014
£M

(0.4)

0.4

0.4

2015
£000

AS RESTATED
2014
£000

58

98

156

21

177

39

39

78

-

78

255

56

93

149

20

169

32

69

101

7

108

277

Total fees related to taxation and other non-audit services represented 44% (2014: 64%) of the total fees for audit and assurance 
services. Tax advisory services represent various assignments carried out during the year, none of which were individually significant. 

The audit fees for the Company and the Group are relatively low due primarily to the simple Group corporate structure.

EMPLOYEE COSTS (GROUP)

Wages and salaries

Annual bonuses (including social security costs)

Social security costs

Other pension costs

Equity settled remuneration (see note 7)

2015
£M

3.9

2.2

0.5

0.4

3.0

10.0

2014 
£M

3.6

2.6

0.5

0.3

3.2

10.2

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED SHAFTESBURY ANNUAL REPORT 2015 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  6.  Operating profit continued

AVERAGE MONTHLY NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES (GROUP)

Executive directors

Head office and property management

Estate management

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED 

123

2015
NUMBER

2014 
NUMBER

4

18

1

23

4

17

2

23

A summary of directors’ emoluments, including the disclosures required by the Companies Act 2006, is set out in the Annual Remuneration 
Report on pages 92 to 101.

7.  Charge in respect of equity settled remuneration

Charge for share based remuneration

Employer’s national insurance in respect of share awards and share options vested or expected to vest

2015
£M

2.3

0.7

3.0

2014
£M

2.7

0.5

3.2

Included in the charge for share based remuneration is £2.2 million (2014: £2.7 million) for the fair value of share options.

A summary of the principal assumptions made at the last grant date are set out in note 29.

8.  Finance costs

Debenture stock interest and amortisation

Bank and other interest

Facility arrangement cost amortisation

Facility arrangement costs written-off on refinancing 

Amounts payable under derivative financial instruments

2015
£M

5.0

15.6

0.8

0.2

9.2

30.8 

AS RESTATED
2014
£M

5.0

11.2

0.8

0.3

12.3

29.6

9.  Tax charge for the year
The Group’s wholly-owned business is subject to taxation as a REIT. Under the REIT regime, income from its rental business (calculated 
by reference to tax rather than accounting rules) and chargeable gains from the sale of its investment properties are exempt from 
corporation tax. 

SHAFTESBURY ANNUAL REPORT 2015 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  124

10.  Earnings per share
The calculations below are in accordance with the EPRA Best Practice Recommendations.

2015

WEIGHTED
AVERAGE
NUMBER OF
ORDINARY
SHARES
MILLION

EARNINGS
PER SHARE
PENCE 

278.1

168.0

AS RESTATED  
2014

WEIGHTED
AVERAGE
NUMBER OF
ORDINARY
SHARES
MILLION

EARNINGS
PER SHARE
PENCE

266.6

165.2

PROFIT
AFTER
TAX 
£M

440.4

(155.3)

(394.0)

(12.4)

(32.4)

10.2

12.0

2.5

13.0

167.4

6.6

32.6

440.4

266.6

267.6

(147.8)

(12.2)

4.5

2.5

12.2

164.6

278.1

279.2

PROFIT
AFTER
TAX 
£M

467.3

(432.0)

(34.6)

28.5

6.9

36.1

467.3

Basic

EPRA adjustments:

Investment property valuation movements – 
wholly-owned portfolio

Investment property valuation movements – 
joint venture

Movement in fair value of derivative financial 
instruments

Deferred tax on property valuations and capital 
allowances – joint venture

EPRA

Diluted

The difference between the weighted average and diluted weighted average number of ordinary shares arises from the potentially 
dilutive effect of outstanding options granted over ordinary shares.

11.  Dividends paid

Final dividend paid in respect of:

Year ended 30 September 2014 at 6.60p per share

Year ended 30 September 2013 at 6.25p per share

Interim dividend paid in respect of:

Six months ended 31 March 2015 at 6.825p per share

Six months ended 31 March 2014 at 6.50p per share

Dividends for the year

Timing difference on payment of withholding tax

Dividends cash paid

2015
£M

18.5

-

19.0

-

37.5

2.0

39.5

2014
£M

-

15.9

-

18.0

33.9

(0.1)

33.8

A final dividend of 6.925p per share was recommended by the Board on 24 November 2015. Subject to approval by shareholders at 
the 2016 AGM, the final dividend will be paid on 12 February 2016 to shareholders on the register at 22 January 2016. The dividend will 
be paid entirely as an ordinary dividend. The dividend totalling £19.3 million will be accounted for as an appropriation of revenue 
reserves in the year ending 30 September 2016.

The trustee of the Company’s Employee Benefit Trust waived dividends in respect of 439,250 (2014: 497,891) ordinary shares during 
the year.

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED SHAFTESBURY ANNUAL REPORT 2015 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  12.  Investment properties

Property reconciliation 

At 1 October

Acquisitions 

Refurbishment and other capital expenditure

Net surplus on revaluation of investment properties

Book value at 30 September

Fair value at 30 September:

Properties valued by DTZ Debenham Tie Leung Limited

Less: Lease incentives recognised to date (note 13)

Book value at 30 September

The investment properties valuation comprises:

Freehold properties

Leasehold properties

External valuers

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED 

125

2015
£M

AS RESTATED
2014
£M

2,425.5

1,901.4

25.8

24.7

432.0

105.7

24.4

394.0

2,908.0

2,425.5

2,919.5

2,434.6

(11.5)

(9.1)

2,908.0

2,425.5

2015
£M

AS RESTATED
2014
£M

2,691.4

2,238.6

228.1

196.0

2,919.5

2,434.6

Investment properties were subject to external valuation as at 30 September 2015 by qualified professional valuers, being members of 
the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, working for DTZ Debenham Tie Leung Limited, Chartered Surveyors, acting in the 
capacity of external valuers. 

All properties were valued on the basis of fair value and highest and best use in accordance with the RICS Valuation Standards - Professional 
Standards 2014 and IFRS 13. When considering the highest and best use a valuer considers its actual and potential uses which are physically, 
legally and financially viable. Where the highest and best use differs from the existing use, the valuer considers the use a market participant 
would have in mind when formulating the price it would bid and reflects the cost and likelihood of achieving that use.

The external valuations use information provided by the Group, such as tenancy information and capital expenditure expectations. The 
valuers, in forming their opinion make a series of assumptions. The assumptions are typically market related, such as yields and rental values, 
and are based on the valuers’ professional judgement and market observations. The major inputs to the external valuation are reviewed by 
the senior management team. In addition, the valuers meet with external auditors and members of the Audit Committee. Further details of 
the Audit Committee’s responsibilities in relation to valuations can be found in the Audit Committee Report on pages 79 to 80.

A summary of the DTZ Debenham Tie Leung Limited report can be found on pages 144 to 145.

External valuation fees

Annual and half year valuations

Bank security valuations

2015
£M

0.3

0.4

0.7

2014
£M

0.3

0.2

0.5

Fees were agreed at fixed amounts in advance of the valuations being carried out. DTZ Debenham Tie Leung Limited was not engaged 
by the Group in any capacity other than as valuers during the year. The fees payable by the Group to the valuer do not constitute a 
significant part of their fee income.

SHAFTESBURY ANNUAL REPORT 2015 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  126

12.  Investment properties continued

Fair value measurements using unobservable inputs (level 3)

The Group’s investment properties are reported under IFRS 13 ‘Fair value measurement’ which uses the following hierarchy to 
determine the valuation basis of assets or liabilities:

HIERARCHY

DESCRIPTION

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Inputs other than quoted prices included within level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, 
either directly (that is, as prices) or indirectly (that is, derived from prices).

Inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data (that is, unobservable 
inputs). Discounted cash flows are used to determine fair values of these instruments.

The fair value of the Group’s investment properties has primarily been determined using a Market Approach, which provides an 
indication of value by comparing the subject asset with identical or similar assets for which price information is available. There are a 
number of assumptions that are made in deriving the fair value, including equivalent yields and ERVs. Equivalent yields are based on 
current market prices, depending on, inter alia, the location and use of the property. ERVs are calculated using a number of factors 
which include current rental income, market comparatives, occupancy and timing of rent reviews. Whilst there is market evidence for 
these inputs, and recent transaction prices for similar properties, there is still a significant element of estimation and judgement. As a 
result of adjustments made to market observable data, these significant inputs are deemed unobservable.

The Group considers all of its investment properties to fall within Level 3. The Group’s policy is to recognise transfers between fair 
value hierarchy levels as at the date of the event or change in circumstances that caused the transfer. There have been no transfers 
during the year.

The key assumptions made by the valuers are set out in the Basis of Valuation on pages 142 to 143.

Sensitivity analysis

As noted in the critical judgements, assumptions and estimates section of note 1 on page 114, the valuation of the Group’s property 
portfolio is inherently subjective. As a result, the valuations the Group places on its property portfolio are subject to a degree of 
uncertainty and are made on the basis of assumptions which may not prove to be accurate, particularly in periods of volatility or low 
transaction flow in the commercial property market.

The Group’s properties are all located in the West End and are virtually all multi-use buildings, usually configured with commercial 
uses on the lower floors and office and/or residential uses on the upper floors DTZ Debenham Tie Leung Limited value properties in 
their entirety and not by use. Consequently the sensitivity analysis below has been performed on the Group’s portfolio as a whole. 

Increase/(decrease) in the fair value of investment properties

CHANGE IN ERV

 CHANGE IN 
 EQUIVALENT YIELDS

+5.0% 
£M

134.3

-5.0%
£M

(129.0)

+0.25%
£M

(191.8)

-0.25%
£M

220.0

These key unobservable inputs are inter-dependent. All other factors being equal, a higher equivalent yield would lead to a decrease 
in the valuation of a property, and an increase in the ERV would increase the capital value, and vice versa. 

At 30 September 2015, the Group had capital commitments of £16.4 million (2014 as restated £15.0 million).

13.  Accrued income

Accrued income in respect of lease incentives recognised to date 

Less: included in trade and other receivables (note 16)

2015
£M

11.5

(2.0)

9.5

AS RESTATED
2014
£M

9.1

(1.6)

7.5

The unamortised amount of lease incentives is allocated between amounts to be charged against rental income within one year of the 
Balance Sheet date and amounts which will be charged against rental income in subsequent years.

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED SHAFTESBURY ANNUAL REPORT 2015 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS   
14.  Investment in joint venture

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED 

127

Group

At 1 October

Share of profits 

Dividends received

Book value 30 September

Company

Shares at cost

1 October and 30 September

2015
£M

101.5

29.7

(1.6)

129.6

2015
£M

2014
£M

76.6

27.6

(2.7)

101.5

2014
£M

59.0

59.0

The Company owns 7,782,100 B ordinary £1 shares in Longmartin Properties Limited, representing 50% of that company’s issued share 
capital. The company is incorporated in Great Britain and registered in England and Wales and is engaged in property investment in 
London.

Longmartin Properties Limited’s principal place of business is the same as the Group, as set out on page 71.

Control of Longmartin Properties Limited is shared equally with The Mercers’ Company, which owns 50% of its issued share capital.

The summarised Statement of Comprehensive Income and Balance Sheet are presented below:

Statement of Comprehensive Income

Rents receivable (adjusted for lease incentives)

Recoverable property expenses

Revenue from properties

Property outgoings

Recoverable property expenses

Property charges

Net property income

Administrative expenses

Operating profit before investment property valuation movements

Net surplus on revaluation of investment properties

Operating profit

Net finance costs

Profit before tax

Current tax

Deferred tax

Tax charge for the year 

Profit and total comprehensive income for the year

2015
£M

13.4

1.6

15.0

(1.6)

(1.6)

(3.2)

11.8

(0.6)

11.2

69.2

80.4

(6.6)

73.8

(0.6)

(13.8)

(14.4)

59.4

2014
£M

12.6

1.4

14.0

(1.4)

(1.4)

(2.8)

11.2

(0.6)

10.6

64.8

75.4

(6.4)

69.0

(0.6)

(13.2)

(13.8)

55.2

Profit attributable to the Group

29.7

27.6

SHAFTESBURY ANNUAL REPORT 2015 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  128

14.  Investment in joint venture continued

Balance Sheet

Non-current assets

Investment properties at book value

Accrued income

Cash and cash equivalents

Current assets

Total assets

Current liabilities

Non-current liabilities

Secured term loan

Other non-current liabilities

Total liabilities

Net assets 

Net assets attributable to the Group

15.  Investment in subsidiaries

Shares in Group undertakings

At 1 October

Additional share capital issued by subsidiary 

At 30 September

2015
£M

2014
£M

430.0

4.4

434.4

5.9

3.5

359.2

5.6

364.8

5.7

3.3

443.8

373.8

9.8

10.0

120.0

54.8

184.6

259.2

120.0

40.8

170.8

203.0

129.6

101.5

2015
£M

786.0

211.9

997.9

2014
£M

626.0

160.0

786.0

During the year Shaftesbury AV Investment Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, issued 211.9 million ordinary shares of 
£1 each to the Company at par value.

The full list of the Company’s subsidiary undertakings is presented below. Except where indicated otherwise, the Company owns, 
directly, all of the ordinary issued share capital:

Carnaby Estate Holdings Limited
Carnaby Investments Limited
Carnaby Property Investments Limited*
Charlotte Street Estate Holdings Limited
Chinatown Estate Holdings Limited
Chinatown Property Investments Limited*
Covent Garden Estate Holdings Limited
Covent Garden Property Investments Limited*
Shaftesbury AV Investment Limited
Shaftesbury AV Limited*
Shaftesbury Carnaby Limited
Shaftesbury Charlotte Street Limited
Shaftesbury Chinatown Limited

Shaftesbury CL Investment Limited
Shaftesbury CL Limited*
Shaftesbury Covent Garden Limited
Shaftesbury Investments 1 Limited
Shaftesbury Investments 2 Limited
Shaftesbury Investments 4 Limited
Shaftesbury Investments 5 Limited
Shaftesbury Investments 6 Limited
Shaftesbury Investments 7 Limited
Shaftesbury Investments 8 Limited
Shaftesbury Investments 9 Limited
Shaftesbury Investments 10 Limited
Shaftesbury Soho Limited

* The share capital of these subsidiaries are held by other Group companies.

All of the companies are either engaged in property investment or dormant. They are incorporated in Great Britain and are registered 
in England and Wales. 

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED SHAFTESBURY ANNUAL REPORT 2015 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED 

129

16.  Trade and other receivables

Amounts due from tenants

Provision for doubtful debts 

Accrued income in respect of lease incentives (note 13)

Amounts due from subsidiaries

Amounts due from joint venture

Other receivables and prepayments

GROUP

 COMPANY

2015
£M

11.3

(0.6)

10.7

2.0

-

1.4

7.6

21.7

AS RESTATED 
2014
£M

2015
£M

2014
£M

11.5

(0.4)

11.1

1.6

-

1.9

6.8

21.4

-

-

-

-

116.1

1.4

0.7

118.2

-

-

-

-

422.4

1.9

0.7

425.0

Amounts due from tenants at each year end included amounts contractually due and invoiced on 29 September in respect of rents 
and service charge contributions in advance for the period 29 September to 24 December. As at 30 September 2015, amounts due 
from tenants which were more than 90 days overdue, relating to accommodation and services provided up to 28 September 2015, 
totalled £1.9 million (2014: £1.0 million) and are considered to be past due. Provisions against these overdue amounts totalled £0.5 
million (2014: £0.3 million). The remaining balance is not considered to be impaired.

At 30 September 2015, cash deposits totalling £17.4 million (2014 as restated £15.1 million) were held against tenants’ rent payment 
obligations. The deposits are held in bank accounts administered by the Group’s managing agents.

17.  Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at 30 September 2015 were £7.7 million (2014 as restated £3.4 million). 

Other receivables of £3.7 million at 30 September 2015 relates to cash held on deposit, that have certain conditions restricting their 
use. Holding cash in restricted accounts does not prevent the Group from earning returns by placing these monies in interest bearing 
accounts or on deposit. £1.5 million of cash and cash equivalents in the prior year has been reclassified to other receivables to reflect 
this presentational change.

18.  Trade and other payables

Rents and service charges invoiced in advance

Trade payables and accruals in respect of capital expenditure

Other payables and accruals

 GROUP 

COMPANY

2015
£M

20.7

1.9

14.2

36.8

AS RESTATED 
2014
£M

18.9

2.3

15.5

36.7

2015
£M

-

-

6.8

6.8

2014
£M

-

-

8.9

8.9

SHAFTESBURY ANNUAL REPORT 2015 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  130

19.  Borrowings

Group

Debenture Stock 

Secured bank loans

Secured term loans

Debenture and secured loans

Company

Debenture Stock 

Secured bank loans

Debenture and bank borrowings

Net debt (Group)

Nominal borrowings - gross

Cash balances set-off against certain borrowings

Cash and cash equivalents (note 17)

2015

UNAMORTISED
PREMIUM
AND ISSUE
COSTS
£M

NOMINAL
VALUE
£M

61.0

199.7

384.8

645.5

61.0

207.0

268.0

2.2

(2.3)

(5.1)

(5.2)

2.2

(2.3)

(0.1)

AS RESTATED  
2014

UNAMORTISED
PREMIUM
AND ISSUE
COSTS
£M

NOMINAL
VALUE
£M

61.0

360.6

134.8

556.4

61.0

369.8

430.8

2.3

(3.2)

(1.8)

(2.7)

2.3

(3.2)

(0.9)

BOOK
VALUE
£M

63.3

357.4

133.0

553.7

63.3

366.6

429.9

BOOK
VALUE
£M

63.2

197.4

379.7

640.3

63.2

204.7

267.9

2015
£M

652.8

(7.3)

645.5

(7.7)

637.8

AS RESTATED
2014
£M

565.5

(9.1)

556.4

(3.4)

553.0

Debenture and bank borrowings are secured by fixed charges over certain investment properties held by subsidiaries and by floating 
charges over the assets of the Company and certain subsidiaries. Certain cash balances in the subsidiaries are available for set-off 
against certain bank indebtedness owing by the parent undertaking. Two of the Company’s subsidiaries each have secured term loans. 
Both entities have granted fixed charges over certain of their investment properties and cash balances, and floating charges over their 
assets as security for their respective loans. Additionally, the two shareholders of their subsidiaries have granted a charge over the 
shares in these companies.

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED SHAFTESBURY ANNUAL REPORT 2015 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED 

131

19.  Borrowings continued

Availability and maturity of group borrowings

Repayable between 1 and 2 years 

Repayable between 2 and 5 years 

Repayable between 5 and 10 years

Repayable between 10 and 15 years

 2015 FACILITIES

AS RESTATED  
2014 FACILITIES

COMMITTED
£M

UNDRAWN
£M

COMMITTED
£M

UNDRAWN
£M

-

275.0

136.0

384.8

795.8

-

150.3

-

-

150.3

150.0

150.0

261.0

134.8

695.8

50.0

58.3

31.1

-

139.4

Interest rate profile of interest bearing borrowings (Group) 

Floating rate borrowings

LIBOR-linked loans (including margin)

Hedged borrowings

Interest rate swaps (including margin)

Total bank borrowings

Fixed rate borrowings

Secured term loans 

8.5% First Mortgage Debenture Stock - book value

Weighted average cost of drawn borrowings

 2015

 AS RESTATED  

2014

DEBT
£M

INTEREST
RATE 

DEBT
£M

INTEREST
RATE 

19.7

1.75%

110.6

1.66%

180.0

199.7

384.8 

63.2

6.01%

5.59%

3.85%

7.93%

4.78%

250.0

360.6

134.8

63.3

6.06%

4.71%

4.47%

7.93%

5.02%

The Group also incurs non-utilisation fees on undrawn facilities. At 30 September 2015, the weighted average charge on the undrawn 
facilities of £150.3 million (2014: £139.4 million) was 0.70% (2014: 0.46%).

At 30 September 2015, the weighted average credit margin on the Group’s current bank facilities was:

Drawn facilities

If facilities were fully drawn

2015

1.16%

1.35%

2014

1.11%

1.24%

The Group has in place interest rate swaps to hedge £180.0 million of floating rate bank debt, at fixed rates in the range 4.64% to 
5.16%, with a weighted average rate at 30 September 2015 of 4.85%. The swaps, which are settled against three month LIBOR, expire 
between August 2028 and November 2038. If mutual break or counterparty early termination options are exercised the weighted 
average term is 4.1 years (2014: 4.9 years).

SHAFTESBURY ANNUAL REPORT 2015 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  132

20.  Financial instruments

CATEGORIES OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

Group

Interest rate swaps

Financial assets: receivables and cash and cash equivalents

Trade and other receivables (note 16)

Loan receivable from joint venture (note 16)

Other receivables (note 17)

Cash and cash equivalents (note 17)

Financial liabilities at amortised cost

Trade and other payables - due within one year (note 18)

Interest bearing borrowings (note 19) 

Net financial instruments

Company

Interest rate swaps

Financial assets: loans and receivables

Loans receivable from subsidiaries (note 16)

Loan receivable from joint venture (note 16)

Financial liabilities at amortised cost

Trade and other payables - due within one year (note 18)

Interest bearing borrowings (note 19) 

Net financial instruments

2015
BOOK
VALUE
£M

AS RESTATED 
2014
BOOK
VALUE
£M

(79.2)

(78.8)

10.7

1.4

3.7

7.7

23.5

(16.1)

(640.3)

(656.4)

(712.1)

11.1

1.9

1.5

3.4

17.9

(17.8)

(553.7)

(571.5)

(632.4)

(79.2)

(78.8)

116.1

1.4

117.5

(6.8)

(267.9)

(274.7)

(236.4)

422.4

1.9

424.3

(8.9)

(429.9)

(438.8)

(93.3)

Other receivables relates to cash held on deposit, that have certain conditions restricting their use which are due between 2 May 
2029 and 31 July 2035.

The Group’s trade and other payables are all due within one year (2014: all due within one year).

Fair value of derivative financial instruments (group and company)

Interest rate swaps

At 1 October - deficit

Swap contracts terminated

Fair value deficit charged to the Statement of Comprehensive Income

At 30 September - deficit

2015
£M

(78.8)

28.1

(28.5)

(79.2)

2014
£M

(95.8)

29.0

(12.0)

(78.8)

Changes in the fair value of the Group’s interest rate swaps, which are not held for speculative purposes, are reflected in the 
Statement of Comprehensive Income as the Group has chosen not to adopt hedge accounting under the provisions of IAS 39 
‘Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement’. 

The extent to which the fair value deficit will crystallise will depend on the course of interest rates over the life of the swaps. The 
weighted average maturity of the swaps at the Balance Sheet date is set out in note 19. During the year the Group terminated interest 
rate swaps with a notional principal of £70.0 million at a cost of £28.1 million.

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED SHAFTESBURY ANNUAL REPORT 2015 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED 

133

20.  Financial instruments continued
The fair value of the Group’s interest rate swaps has been estimated using the mid-point of the relevant yield curve prevailing at the 
reporting date, and represents the net present value of the differences between the contractual rate and the valuation rate through 
to the contracted expiry date of the swap contract. The valuation technique falls within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy (see note 12 
for definition). The swaps are valued by J.C Rathbone Associates Limited.

The 8.5% Mortgage Debenture Stock 2024 and the Group’s secured term loans are held at amortised cost in the Balance Sheet. The 
fair value of liability in excess of book value which is not recognised in the reported results for the year is £39.1 million (2014 as 
restated £22.3 million). The fair values have been calculated based on a discounted cash flow model using the relevant reference gilt 
and appropriate market spread. The valuation technique falls within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy (see note 12 for definition).

The Company is not obliged to redeem the £61.0 million (nominal) of Debenture Stock in issue in advance of its redemption date of 31 
March 2024, when repayment will be at par value. The Group also has no obligation to repay its secured term loans in advance of their 
maturities on 2 May 2029, 19 March 2030, and 31 July 2035. 

Other financial instruments

The fair values of the Group’s and Company’s cash and cash equivalents, trade and other receivables, interest bearing borrowings 
(other than the 8.5% Mortgage Debenture Stock 2024 and its secured term loans), and trade and other payables are not materially 
different from the values at which they are carried in the financial statements. 

Cash outflows attributable to financial instruments and interest-bearing borrowings (group)

The tables below summarise the Group’s undiscounted contractual cash flows arising on financial instruments and financial liabilities 
based on conditions existing at the Balance Sheet date.

30 SEPTEMBER 2015

Financial instruments

Interest rate swaps 

Financial liabilities

Interest bearing borrowings:

Principal (note 19)

Interest

Total

30 SEPTEMBER 2014

Financial instruments

Interest rate swaps

Financial liabilities

Interest bearing borrowings:

Principal (note 19)

Interest

Total

BOOK
VALUE
£M

CONTRACTUAL
CASH FLOWS
£M

<1 
YEAR
£M

1-2
YEARS
£M

2-5
YEARS
£M

5-10
YEARS
£M

>10 
YEARS
£M

79.2

95.1

6.4

7.1

17.7

24.7

39.2

640.3

-

645.5

294.3

719.5

1,034.9

BOOK
VALUE
£M

CONTRACTUAL
CASH FLOWS
£M

-

23.5

29.9

<1 
YEAR
£M

-

23.5

30.6

AS RESTATED

1-2
YEARS
£M

124.7

69.0

211.4

2-5
YEARS
£M

136.0

92.7

253.4

5-10
YEARS
£M

384.8

85.6

509.6

>10 
YEARS
£M

78.8

96.7

9.1

8.8

19.6

26.0

33.2

553.7

-

632.5

556.4

164.4

817.5

-

17.2

26.3

100.0

17.2

126.0

91.8

46.3

157.7

229.8

56.1

311.9

134.8

27.6

195.6

The prior year figure for the book value of the interest rate swaps has been corrected by £1.3 million in the table above to amend a 
disclosure inconsistency in the equivalent table in the 2014 Annual Report.

SHAFTESBURY ANNUAL REPORT 2015 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  134

21.  Management of financial risk

Credit risk

Credit risk refers to the risk that a counterparty will default on their contractual obligations resulting in financial loss to the Group.

The Group reviews the creditworthiness of potential tenants prior to entering into contractual arrangements. Where appropriate, 
tenants are required to provide cash deposits to mitigate the potential loss in the event of default. Deposits held are referred to in 
note 16. The Group has a large and diverse tenant base so that tenant credit risk is widely spread.

Provision is made in full where recovery of financial assets is, in the opinion of the directors, uncertain. The carrying amount of 
financial assets, net of provisions for impairment, represents the Group’s maximum exposure to credit risk. Financial instruments that 
are neither past due nor impaired are expected to be fully recoverable.

The Group tends to hold minimal cash balances, utilising overdraft and loan facilities for its day-to-day cash requirements. Where 
cash deposits are held, they are placed with one of the Group’s existing facility providers.

Liquidity risk

The Board keeps under review the Group’s funding requirements, available facilities and covenant compliance to ensure it has 
sufficient funds available to meet its existing commitments and to extend its portfolio through investment and acquisition of 
additional properties. The Group’s policies regarding finance and its current financial position are set out in the Strategic Report on 
pages 34 and 56. 

Market risk

Market risk arises from the Group’s use of interest bearing financial instruments, and is the risk that future cash flows from financial 
instruments will fluctuate due to changes in interest rates and credit costs. The Group’s policy is to minimise market risk through 
long-term fixed rate debt, long-term committed bank facilities and the use of long-term interest rate swaps on a large portion of its 
floating rate bank debt. The Board keeps under review the Group’s market risk, particularly in light of expectations of future interest 
rate movements. 

Details of the Group’s interest and hedging arrangements are set out in note 20.

Interest rate sensitivity

The sensitivity analysis below has been determined based on the exposure to interest rates on its unhedged LIBOR-linked borrowings 
and a change in the long-term interest rates against which the fair value of swaps is calculated at the Balance Sheet date. It represents 
the directors’ assessment of possible changes in interest rates and the potential impact on the Group’s results and equity.

 MOVEMENT IN MARKET RATES
+0.5%
£M

+1.0% 
£M

-0.5%
£M

(Increase)/decrease in finance costs before fair valuation of interest rate swaps

Decrease/(increase) in fair value deficit of interest rate swaps

Increase/(decrease) in profit and shareholders’ equity

(0.2)

35.6

35.4

(0.1)

17.8

17.7

0.1

(17.8)

(17.7)

This sensitivity analysis does not take into account valuation movements on the Group’s investment properties as a result of 
movements in long-term interest rates, which would be reflected in the Statement of Comprehensive Income.

Capital risk management

The capital structure of the Group consists of equity and net borrowings, including cash held on deposit. The type and maturity of the 
Group’s borrowings is set out in note 19 and the Group’s equity structure is set out in the Statement of Changes in Equity. The Group 
regularly reviews its covenant compliance.

The Group’s capital management objectives are to continue as a going concern and to provide enhanced shareholder returns whilst 
maintaining an appropriate risk reward balance to accommodate changing financial and operating market cycles. The Group’s capital 
structure such as levels of gearing and loan-to-value ratios are discussed in the Strategic Report on pages 34 and 56.

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED SHAFTESBURY ANNUAL REPORT 2015 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED 

135

22.  Share capital

Allotted and fully paid (ordinary 25p shares)

At 1 October 

Issued in connection with the exercise of share options

Issued in connection with share placing

At 30 September 

2015
NUMBER
MILLION

2014
NUMBER
MILLION

277.9

0.3

-

278.2

252.3

0.3

25.3

277.9

2015
£M

69.5

0.1

-

69.6

2014
£M

63.1

0.1

6.3

69.5

The Company’s Articles of Association contain provisions which set out the circumstances in which shareholders can exercise control 
over the issue of shares.

The following options to subscribe for ordinary shares granted to executive directors and employees under the Company’s share 
option schemes were outstanding at 30 September 2015:

NUMBER
OF SHARES
UNDER 
OPTION
OUTSTANDING
1.10.2014

DATE OF GRANT

Sharesave Scheme

AWARDED

EXERCISED

LAPSED

16,537

27,964

39,305

-

-

-

-

19,270

-

(16,687)

-

-

-

-

-

-

8.7.2011

5.7.2012

2.7.2014

3.7.2015

LTIP

7.12.2011

17.1.2012

6.12.2012*

20.12.2013

8.12.2014

525,660

65,800

570,862

462,500

-

-

-

-

-

416,450

(262,536)

(263,124)

(32,900)

(32,900)

-

-

-

(537)

570,325

-

-

462,500

416,450

1,708,628

435,720

(312,123)

(296,561)

1,535,664

NUMBER
OF SHARES
UNDER 
OPTION
OUTSTANDING
30.9.2015

16,537

11,277

39,305

19,270

-

-

EXERCISABLE
30.9.2015

OPTION
EXERCISE
PRICE

EXERCISE
PERIOD

£4.29

£3.99

2016

2017

£5.38

2017-2019

£6.94

2018-2020

Nil cost

2014-2015

Nil cost

2015

Nil cost

2015-2016

Nil cost

2016-2017

Nil cost

2017-2018

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

*  362,156 options over ordinary shares will vest in December 2015, following satisfaction of performance targets in respect of the 

three years ended 30 September 2015.

The weighted average remaining life of share options outstanding at 30 September 2015 is 1.1 years (2014: 1.2 years).

The weighted average exercise price of share options outstanding at 30 September 2015 was £0.30 (2014: £0.23).

For share options exercised during the year the weighted average share price at the date of exercise was:

SCHEME

LTIP

Sharesave 

DATE OF 
GRANT

DATE OF 
EXERCISE

NUMBER OF 
SHARES

7.12.2011
7.12.2011
16.1.2012

5.7.2012
5.7.2012

8.12.2014
22.4.2015
19.1.2015

3.8.2015
8.8.2015

258,927
3,609
32,900

14,432
2,255

WEIGHTED 
AVERAGE  
PRICE AT 
EXERCISE

£7.80
£8.47
£7.95

£9.33
£8.93

A summary of the rules of the schemes referred to above is set out in the Remuneration Report on pages 86 to 88. The remuneration 
policy, which includes more detail, is available on the Group’s website.

SHAFTESBURY ANNUAL REPORT 2015 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  136

23.  Reserves
The Statement of Changes in Equity is set out on page 113.

The following describes the nature and purpose of each of the reserves within equity.

RESERVE

DESCRIPTION AND PURPOSE

Share premium

Merger reserve

Share premium is the amount by which the fair value of the consideration received for ordinary shares 
exceeds the nominal value of shares issued, net of expenses.

The merger reserve is used where more than 90% of the shares in a subsidiary are acquired and the 
consideration includes the issue of new shares by the Company, thereby attracting merger relief under the 
Companies Act 2006.

Share based 
payments reserve

The equity settled remuneration expense charged to the Statement of Comprehensive Income is credited to 
the share based payments reserve. Upon exercise of options, the expense previously recognised is transferred 
to retained earnings.

Retained earnings

Cumulative gains and losses recognised in the Statement of Comprehensive Income. Transfers from the share 
based payments reserve and merger reserve are also credited to this account.

24.  Net asset value per share
The calculations below are in accordance with the EPRA Best Practice Recommendations.

Basic

Additional equity if all vested share options are 
exercised

Diluted

Fair value deficit in respect of Debenture and 
secured term loans

1.2

279.4

0.4

2,325.8

(39.1)

EPRA triple net

2,286.7

279.4

Fair value deficit in respect of Debenture and 
secured term loans

Fair value of derivative financial instruments

Deferred tax on property valuations and capital 
allowances – joint venture

39.1

79.2

22.6

EPRA 

2,427.6

279.4

2015

NET
ASSETS
£M

NUMBER
OF ORDINARY
SHARES
MILLION

NET
ASSET
VALUE PER
SHARE
£ 

2,325.4

278.2

8.36

AS RESTATED  
2014

NUMBER
OF ORDINARY
SHARES
MILLION

NET
ASSET
VALUE PER
SHARE 
£

277.9

6.81

1.1

279.0

279.0

279.0

6.79

(0.08)

6.71

0.08

0.28

0.06

7.13

NET
ASSETS
£M

1,893.2

0.4

8.32

1,893.6

(0.14)

8.18

0.14

0.29

0.08

8.69

(22.3)

1,871.3

22.3

78.8

15.7

1,988.1

The calculations of diluted net asset value per share show the potentially dilutive effect of options granted over ordinary shares 
outstanding at the Balance Sheet date and include the increase in shareholders’ equity which would arise on the exercise of those 
options.

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED SHAFTESBURY ANNUAL REPORT 2015 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  25.  Cash flows from operating activities

 GROUP

 COMPANY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED 

137

OPERATING ACTIVITIES

Profit before tax

Adjusted for:

Lease incentives recognised (note 4)

Charge for share based remuneration (note 7)

Depreciation and losses on disposals (note 6)

2015
£M

467.3

AS RESTATED 
2014
£M

440.4

(2.4)

2.3

0.4

(1.6)

2.7

0.4

Investment property valuation movements (note 12)

(432.0)

(394.0)

2015
£M

103.8

-

2.3

0.4

-

Net finance costs

59.2

41.5

50.0

Administrative charges, finance charges, and dividends received from 
subsidiaries settled through inter-company indebtedness

Dividends received from joint venture

Share of profit from joint venture (note 14)

Cash flows from operations before changes in working capital

Changes in working capital:

Change in trade and other receivables

Change in trade and other payables

Cash generated from operating activities

26.  Movement in borrowings 

-

-

(29.7)

65.1

(0.5)

2.8

67.4

-

-

(27.6)

61.8

(1.8)

4.6

64.6

(165.6)

(1.6)

-

(10.7)

(0.2)

(0.3)

(11.2)

2014
£M

18.2

-

2.7

0.4

-

39.1

(68.3)

(2.7)

-

(10.6)

-

1.4

(9.2)

Group

8.5% First Mortgage Debenture Stock 2024

Secured bank loans

Secured term loans

Facility arrangement costs

Year ended 30 September 2014 - as restated

Company

8.5% First Mortgage Debenture Stock 2024

Secured bank loans

Facility arrangement costs

Year ended 30 September 2014

AS RESTATED
1.10.2014
£M

CASH
FLOWS
£M

NON-CASH
ITEMS
£M

30.9.2015
£M

(63.3)

(360.6)

(134.8)

5.0

(553.7)

(545.7)

(63.3)

(369.8)

3.2

(429.9)

(554.1)

-

160.9

(250.0)

3.4

(85.7)

(7.0)

-

162.8

-

162.8

125.0

0.1

-

-

(1.0)

(0.9)

(1.0)

0.1

-

(0.9)

(0.8)

(0.8)

(63.2)

(199.7)

(384.8)

7.4

(640.3)

(553.7)

(63.2)

(207.0)

2.3

(267.9)

(429.9)

SHAFTESBURY ANNUAL REPORT 2015 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS   
138

27.  Operating leases

The group as lessor

Future aggregate minimum rentals receivable under non-cancellable operating leases based on contracted rental income at the year end:

Not later than one year

Later than one year but not later than five years

Later than five years but not later than ten years

Later than ten years

2015
£M

80.3

221.4

143.8

108.6

554.1

AS RESTATED
2014
£M

72.7

196.4

131.3

100.3

500.7

The Group has over 1,500 leases granted to its tenants. These vary depending on the individual tenant and the respective property 
and demise. Typical lease terms are set out in the Strategic Report on pages 24 to 27.

The company as a lessee

Future aggregate minimum payments in respect of a non-cancellable operating lease based on annual amounts payable at the year end:

Not later than one year

Later than one year but not later than five years

Later than five years but not later than ten years

Later than ten years

2015
£M

0.4

1.6

2.0

1.4

5.4

2014
£M

0.4

1.6

2.0

1.8

5.8

The Company leases its head office accommodation from a wholly-owned subsidiary. 

28.  Related party transactions 
During the year, the Company received administrative fees, dividends and interest from its wholly-owned subsidiaries. The Company 
also received interest on a loan and administrative fees from the Longmartin joint venture. The Company leases its office 
accommodation from a wholly-owned subsidiary. These transactions are summarised below:

Transactions with subsidiaries:

Administrative fees receivable

Dividends receivable

Interest receivable

Rent payable

2015
£M

11.1

134.7

20.4

0.4

2014
£M

11.1

30.9

26.4

0.2

Net amounts receivable from subsidiaries

116.1

422.4

Transactions with joint venture:

Administrative fees receivable

Dividends receivable

Interest receivable

Amount due from joint venture

0.4

1.6

0.1

1.4

0.4

2.7

0.1

1.9

All amounts are unsecured and are repayable on demand.

Directors are considered the only key management personnel. Apart from the directors’ remuneration set out in the Annual 
Remuneration Report on pages 92 to 101, there were no other transactions with directors.

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED SHAFTESBURY ANNUAL REPORT 2015 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED 

139

29.  Share based remuneration
The fair value of option grants is measured by Lane Clark & Peacock LLP, Actuaries & Consultants, using a combination of Monte Carlo 
simulation and modified binomial models, and taking into account the terms and conditions upon which awards were granted. The fair 
value is recognised over the expected vesting period. For the grant made during the year, the main inputs and assumptions of the 
models, and the resulting fair values, are as follows:

Grant date

Share price at date of grant

Exercise price

Expected life - years

Performance condition

Assumed return volatility per annum - TSR performance condition

Assumed dividend yield per annum

Risk free discount rate per annum - TSR performance condition

Assumed index return volatility* - TSR performance condition

Assumed correlation between the Company’s shares and those in the index* - TSR performance 
condition

Basis of option pricing:

NAV performance condition

TSR performance condition

Fair values: 
NAV 
TSR

2006 LTIP 

8.12.14

£7.93

£Nil

3

NAV and TSR

18%

1.65%

0.98%

17%

0.83

Modified binomial

Monte Carlo

£7.54
£4.41

* The index is the FTSE 350 Real Estate Index.

The assumed volatility was determined taking into account factors including the historical volatility of the Shaftesbury PLC share price. 
Actual future volatility may differ, potentially significantly, from historic volatility.

The vesting conditions relating to options granted under the 2006 LTIP are described in the Annual Remuneration Report on page 95.

SHAFTESBURY ANNUAL REPORT 2015 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS   
140

SHAFTESBURY ANNUAL REPORT 2015  

Other  
information

Shareholder information  141

Portfolio analysis  142

Basis of valuation  142

Summary Report by the Valuers  144

Sustainability  146

Glossary of terms  156

Other  

information

Shareholder information  141

Portfolio analysis  142

Basis of valuation  142

Summary Report by the Valuers  144

Sustainability  146

Glossary of terms  156

SHAFTESBURY  ANNUAL REPORT 2015 

141141

Shareholder information

Corporate timetable 
Annual General Meeting 

AGM statement 

5 February 2016

5 February 2016

2016 half year results to be announced* 

May 2016

*  We no longer issue a hard copy of our half year statement to 
shareholders. The statement is issued electronically and is 
available on our website. 

    See the website for dates of all future company announcements.

Dividends and Debenture Interest 
Proposed 2015 final dividend: 

  Ex-dividend 

  Record date 

  Payment date 

2016 interim dividend to be paid 

Debenture stock interest to be paid 

 21 January 2016

22 January 2016

12 February 2016

July 2016

31 March 2016 and 
30 September 2016

Effect of REIT status on payment of dividends
REITs do not pay UK corporation tax in respect of rental profits and 
chargeable gains relating to property rental business. However, REITs 
are required to distribute at least 90% of their qualifying income 
(broadly calculated using the UK tax rules) as a PID.

Certain categories of shareholder may be able to receive the PID 
element of their dividends gross, without deduction of withholding 
tax. Categories which may claim this exemption include: UK 
companies, charities, local authorities, UK pension schemes and 
managers of PEPs, ISAs and Child Trust Funds. 

Further information and the forms for completion to apply for PIDs to 
be paid gross are available on the Group’s website or from the 
registrar. The deadline for completed forms to be with the registrar 
for payment of the 2015 final dividend is 22 January 2016. 

Where the Group pays an ordinary dividend, in addition to the PID, this 
will be treated in the same way as dividends from non-REIT companies.

  SEE PAGE 54 FOR DETAILS OF CURRENT YEAR DIVIDENDS

Registrar
Equiniti Limited maintains the Group’s Register or Members. They 
may be contacted at:

Equiniti Limited 
Aspect House 
Spencer Road 
Lancing 
West Sussex, BN99 6DA

Telephone 0371 384 2294 (International +44 121 415 7047).  
Lines open 8.30am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday.

Shareholder accounts may be accessed online through  
www.shareview.co.uk. This gives secure access to account 
information instructions. There is also a Shareview dealing  
service which is a simple and convenient way to buy or sell  
shares in the Group.

         
142

SHAFTESBURY ANNUAL REPORT 2015  OTHER INFORMATION   

Portfolio analysis 

AT 30 SEPTEMBER 2015

Portfolio

Fair value 

Shops

Restaurants,  
cafés and pubs

% of total fair value

Current income

ERV

Number

Area – sq. ft.

% of current income 

% of ERV

Average unexpired lease length – years 

Number

Area – sq. ft.

% of current income 

% of ERV 

Offices

Area – sq. ft.

Average unexpired lease length – years

Residential

% of current income

% of ERV 

Average unexpired lease length – years 

Number

Area – sq. ft.

% of current passing rent

% of ERV 

1 Shaftesbury Group’s 50% share

Basis of valuation 

AT 30 SEPTEMBER 2015 

Overall initial yield 

Initial yield ignoring contractual rent-free periods

Overall equivalent yield

Tone of retail equivalent yields 

Tone of retail ERVs - ITZA £ per sq. ft.

Tone of restaurant equivalent yields 

Tone of restaurant ERVs - £ per sq. ft.

Tone of office equivalent yields

Tone of office ERVs - £ per sq. ft.

Average residential ERVs - £ per sq. ft. per annum

7

8

9

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

TOTAL

100%

£102.6m

£127.8m

NOTE

CARNABY

COVENT
GARDEN

CHINATOWN

SOHO

STREET

PORTFOLIO

LONGMARTIN

PORTFOLIO

CHARLOTTE

WHOLLY

OWNED

1

2

3

4

4

5

4

4

5

4

4

5

4

4

£1,109.9m

£808.6m

£693.8m

£215.8m

£91.4m

£2,919.5m

£212.5m1

£3,132.0m

35%

£34.6m

£45.7m

98

26%

£26.7m

£32.8m

108

22%

£23.3m

£27.3m

66

7%

£7.3m

£8.8m

36

3%

£2.8m

£3.9m

93%

£94.7m

£118.5m

313

7%

£7.9m1

£9.3m1

22

181,000

137,000

89,000

40,000

9,000

456,000

67,000

49%

46%

4

51

31%

32%

4

84

25%

28%

5

72

27%

26%

4

30

97,000

162,000

203,000

55,000

42,000

559,000

45,000

15%

15%

11

38%

34%

10

60%

57%

12

38%

35%

9

251,000

83,000

39,000

35,000

10,000

418,000

102,000

29%

33%

4

92

10%

15%

4

211

5%

5%

2

112

16%

19%

3

67

54,000

126,000

71,000

36,000

21,000

308,000

55,000

7%

6%

21%

19%

10%

10%

19%

20%

NOTE

CARNABY

COVENT 
GARDEN

2.96%

3.06%

3.55%

CHINATOWN

3.00%

3.01%

3.56%

SOHO

3.03%

3.12%

3.62%

2.83%

3.23%

3.69%

3.35 - 4.25% 3.60 - 5.25% 3.50 - 4.50% 3.80 - 4.75%

£120 - £485 

£75 - £475

£140 - £340

£120 - £250

3.75 - 5.00% 3.50 - 4.50% 3.50 - 3.75% 3.75 - 4.10%

£105 - £125

£55 - £179

£200 - £390
ITZA

£85 - £112
(£240 ITZA)

4.00 - 4.50% 4.00 - 4.25% 4.25 - 4.75% 4.40 - 4.50%

£55 - £78

£50 - £63

£43 - £53

£45 - £65

£48

£50

£40

£48

£50

£47

£46

37%

37%

5

11

17%

15%

15

31%

35%

5

75

15%

13%

5

9%

8%

3

20

62%

54%

10

10%

10%

4

46

19%

28%

35%

35%

4

257

35%

32%

11

17%

21%

4

528

13%

12%

WHOLLY 

OWNED 

2.91%

3.11%

3.61%

STREET

PORTFOLIO

LONGMARTIN

CHARLOTTE

2.66%

2.78%

3.52%

4.25 - 4.75%

£93 - £168

3.60 - 4.25%

£75 - £100

4.50 - 5.00% 

£45 - £55

3.19%

3.28%

3.75%

3.25 - 4.15%

£78 - £608

3.85 - 4.15%

£90 - £133

4.00 - 4.50%

£48 - £75

SHAFTESBURY ANNUAL REPORT 2015  OTHER INFORMATION   

143

CHARLOTTE
STREET

WHOLLY
OWNED
PORTFOLIO

LONGMARTIN

TOTAL
PORTFOLIO

1. 

Notes

AT 30 SEPTEMBER 2015

Portfolio

Fair value 

NOTE

CARNABY

CHINATOWN

SOHO

Shops

Restaurants,  

cafés and pubs

Residential

% of total fair value

Current income

ERV

Number

Area – sq. ft.

% of current income 

% of ERV

Number

Area – sq. ft.

% of current income 

% of ERV 

Average unexpired lease length – years 

Average unexpired lease length – years

Average unexpired lease length – years 

% of current income

% of ERV 

Number

Area – sq. ft.

% of current passing rent

% of ERV 

1 Shaftesbury Group’s 50% share

Basis of valuation 

AT 30 SEPTEMBER 2015 

Overall initial yield 

Initial yield ignoring contractual rent-free periods

Overall equivalent yield

Tone of retail equivalent yields 

Tone of retail ERVs - ITZA £ per sq. ft.

Tone of restaurant equivalent yields 

Tone of restaurant ERVs - £ per sq. ft.

Tone of office equivalent yields

Tone of office ERVs - £ per sq. ft.

1

2

3

4

4

5

4

4

5

4

4

5

4

4

7

8

9

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

COVENT

GARDEN

26%

£26.7m

£32.8m

108

31%

32%

4

84

38%

34%

10

10%

15%

4

211

21%

19%

35%

£34.6m

£45.7m

98

49%

46%

4

51

15%

15%

11

29%

33%

4

92

7%

6%

25%

28%

5

72

60%

57%

12

5%

5%

2

112

10%

10%

27%

26%

4

30

38%

35%

9

16%

19%

3

67

19%

20%

NOTE

CARNABY

CHINATOWN

COVENT 

GARDEN

2.96%

3.06%

3.55%

2.83%

3.23%

3.69%

3.00%

3.01%

3.56%

SOHO

3.03%

3.12%

3.62%

3.35 - 4.25% 3.60 - 5.25% 3.50 - 4.50% 3.80 - 4.75%

£120 - £485 

£75 - £475

£140 - £340

£120 - £250

3.75 - 5.00% 3.50 - 4.50% 3.50 - 3.75% 3.75 - 4.10%

£105 - £125

£55 - £179

£200 - £390

ITZA

£85 - £112

(£240 ITZA)

4.00 - 4.50% 4.00 - 4.25% 4.25 - 4.75% 4.40 - 4.50%

£55 - £78

£50 - £63

£43 - £53

£45 - £65

£1,109.9m

£808.6m

£693.8m

£215.8m

£91.4m

£2,919.5m

£212.5m1

£3,132.0m

22%

£23.3m

£27.3m

66

7%

£7.3m

£8.8m

36

3%

£2.8m

£3.9m

5

93%

£94.7m

£118.5m

313

7%

£7.9m1

£9.3m1

22

100%

£102.6m

£127.8m

181,000

137,000

89,000

40,000

9,000

456,000

67,000

9%

8%

3

20

35%

35%

4

257

37%

37%

5

11

Offices

Area – sq. ft.

251,000

83,000

39,000

35,000

10,000

418,000

102,000

97,000

162,000

203,000

55,000

42,000

559,000

45,000

62%

54%

10

35%

32%

11

17%

15%

15

54,000

126,000

71,000

36,000

21,000

308,000

55,000

10%

10%

4

46

17%

21%

4

528

31%

35%

5

75

19%

28%

13%

12%

15%

13%

CHARLOTTE
STREET

WHOLLY 
OWNED 
PORTFOLIO

2.91%

3.11%

3.61%

2.66%

2.78%

3.52%

4.25 - 4.75%

£93 - £168

3.60 - 4.25%

£75 - £100

LONGMARTIN

3.19%

3.28%

3.75%

3.25 - 4.15%

£78 - £608

3.85 - 4.15%

£90 - £133

4.50 - 5.00% 

£45 - £55

4.00 - 4.50%

£48 - £75

Average residential ERVs - £ per sq. ft. per annum

£48

£50

£40

£48

£50

£47

£46

 The fair values at 30 September 2015 (the “valuation date”) 
shown in respect of the individual villages are, in each case, the 
aggregate of the fair values of several different property interests 
located within close proximity which, for the purpose of this 
analysis, are combined to create each village. The different 
interests within each village were not valued as a single lot.

2.   Current income includes total annual actual and ‘estimated income’ 

reserved by leases. No rent is attributed to leases which were 
subject to rent-free periods at the valuation date. Current income 
does not reflect any ground rents, head rents nor rent charges and 
estimated irrecoverable outgoings at the valuation date. ‘Estimated 
income’ refers to gross estimated rental values in respect of rent 
reviews outstanding at the valuation date and, where appropriate, 
ERV in respect of lease renewals outstanding at the valuation date 
where the fair value reflects terms for a renewed lease.

3.   ERV is the respective valuers’ opinion of the rental value of the 

properties, or parts thereof, reflecting the terms of the relevant 
leases or, if appropriate, reflecting the fact that certain of the 
properties, or parts thereof, have been valued on the basis of 
vacant possession and the assumed grant of a new lease. Where 
appropriate, ERV assumes completion of developments which are 
reflected in the valuations. ERV does not reflect any ground rents, 
head rents nor rent charges and estimated irrecoverable outgoings. 

4.   The percentage of current income and the percentage of ERV in 
each of the use sectors are expressed as a percentage of total 
income and total ERV for each village.

5.   Average unexpired lease length has been calculated by weighting 
the leases in terms of current rent reserved under the relevant 
leases and, where relevant, by reference to tenants’ options to 
determine leases in advance of expiry through effluxion of time.

6.   Where mixed uses occur within single leases, for the purpose of 
this analysis, the majority use by rental value has been adopted.

7. 

 The initial yield is the net initial income at the valuation date 
expressed as a percentage of the gross valuation. Yields reflect net 
income after deduction of any ground rents, head rents and rent 
charges and estimated irrecoverable outgoings at the valuation date.

8.   The initial yield ignoring contractual rent free periods has been 

calculated as if the contracted rent is payable from the valuation date 
and as if any future stepped rental uplifts under leases had occurred.

9. 

 Equivalent yield is the internal rate of return, being the discount 
rate which needs to be applied to the expected flow of income 
so that the total amount of income so discounted at this rate 
equals the capital outlay at values current at the valuation date. 
The equivalent yield shown for each village has been calculated 
by merging together the cash flows and fair values of each of the 
different interests within each village and represents the average 
equivalent yield attributable to each village from this approach.

10.  The tone of rental values and yields is the range of rental values 

or yields attributed to the majority of the properties.

11.   All commercial floor areas are net lettable. All residential floor 

areas are gross internal. 

12.   For presentation purposes some percentages have been 

rounded to the nearest integer.

13.   The analysis includes accommodation which is awaiting or 

undergoing refurbishment or development and is not available for 
occupation at the date of valuation. 

144

SHAFTESBURY ANNUAL REPORT 2015  OTHER INFORMATION   

Summary Report by the Valuers
To the Directors of Shaftesbury PLC

In accordance with your instructions, we have undertaken a 
valuation of the various commercial and residential freehold and 
long leasehold property interests as at 30th September 2015 (the 
“date of valuation”) held by Shaftesbury Carnaby Limited, 
Shaftesbury Covent Garden Limited, Shaftesbury Chinatown 
Limited, Shaftesbury Soho Limited, Shaftesbury AV Limited and 
Shaftesbury CL Limited, which are subsidiary companies 
(collectively referred to as the “Subsidiary Companies”) of 
Shaftesbury PLC (the “Company”), as referred to in our Valuation 
Reports dated 16 November 2015 (“our Reports”). Our Reports 
were prepared for accounts purposes.

DTZ was a UGL Company until 5 November 2014. In UGL’s financial 
year ending 30 June 2014, the proportion of fees payable by the 
Company to the total fee income of UGL was less than 5%. The 
DTZ group became a stand-alone, private global property 
services company on 5 November 2014, following the sale to a 
consortium of investors led by TPG Capital Management. On 1 
September 2015, DTZ acquired C&W and the combined group 
now trades under the C&W brand. C&W’s financial year end is 31 
December. We anticipate that the proportion of fees payable by 
the Company to the C&W group in the financial year to 31 
December 2015 will remain at less than 5%.

All properties have been subject to external inspections between 
January and October 2015 and a number were subject to internal 
inspections.

We confirm that the valuations have been prepared in 
accordance with the appropriate sections of the RICS 
Professional Standards (“PS”), RICS Global Valuation Practice 
Statements (“VPS”), RICS Global Valuation Practice Guidance - 
Applications (“VPGAs”) and United Kingdom Valuation Standards 
(“UKVS”) contained within the RICS Valuation - Professional 
Standards 2014, (the “Red Book”). It follows that the valuations 
are compliant with International Valuation Standards. We confirm 
that we have sufficient current knowledge of the relevant 
markets, and the skills and understanding to undertake these 
valuations competently. We also confirm that, where more than 
one valuer has contributed to the valuations, the requirements of 
VS 2.3.7 of the Red Book have been satisfied. Finally, we confirm 
that we have undertaken the valuations acting as External 
Valuers, qualified for the purpose of the valuations.

In accordance with PS 2.8 and UKVS 4, we are required to make 
certain disclosures in connection with this valuation instruction 
and our relationship with the Company and the Subsidiary 
Companies. Charles Smith is the signatory of our Reports. This is 
the fifth time that he has been signatory of valuation reports 
addressed to the Subsidiary Companies. DTZ Debenham Tie 
Leung (“DTZ”) has been carrying out this valuation instruction for 
the Company, and now the Subsidiary Companies, for a 
continuous period since 1996. As well as preparing our Reports, 
we also undertake valuations of certain of the properties 
referred to in our Reports for other purposes, such as secured 
lending and for inclusion in shareholders’ circulars. 

On 2 September 2015, DTZ and Cushman & Wakefield (“C&W”) 
combined under a common brand. Notwithstanding our new 
branding, our legal entities have not changed, including their 
names. Prior to 2 September 2015, there had been no fee-
earning instructions between DTZ and the Company or the 
Subsidiary Companies, other than valuation instructions, for in 
excess of three years. Prior to 2 September 2015, C&W were 
appointed as retail agents by Shaftesbury Soho Limited and 
Shaftesbury Carnaby Limited and these instructions have 
continued since then.

In accordance with the provisions of VPGA 8 of the Red Book, in 
undertaking our valuations, we have lotted together certain individual 
properties to form a separate property (a “Property” or “Properties”) 
in the manner we consider to be most likely to be adopted in the case 
of an actual sale. We consider that lotting the properties together on 
the basis reflected in our valuations would allow a purchaser to 
capitalise on the estate management advantages and opportunities 
available from such comprehensive ownership.

A high proportion of the total value of the Subsidiary Companies’ 
properties and Properties is accounted for by properties and 
Properties situated in adjacent and/or adjoining locations in four 
specific areas of the West End of London: Carnaby Street and its 
environs, Chinatown and the adjoining area immediately west of 
Wardour Street (south of its junction with Shaftesbury Avenue), 
and the areas around Seven Dials in the western part of Covent 
Garden and a block of properties to the east of the Central 
Covent Garden Piazza with its main frontage to Wellington Street. 
These areas are all dominated by retail and restaurant uses. In 
our opinion, at the date of valuation, this particular unusual 
confluence of ownership and use characteristics may cause 
some prospective purchasers to regard parts of the portfolio 
when combined as having a greater value than the aggregate of 
the individual values of the combined properties and Properties 
which make up those parts.

As required by the provisions of the Red Book, in undertaking our 
valuations, we have valued each property or Property separately, 
rather than valuing the portfolio as a whole or in combinations of 
parts. The “total” valuation figure below is the aggregated value 
of the separate properties or Properties within the various 
categories of tenure referred to below.

All valuations were on the basis of Fair Value. We have assessed 
Fair Value in accordance with VPS 4.1.5. of the Red Book. Our 
opinion of the Fair Value of each of the properties or Properties 
has been primarily derived using comparable recent market 
transactions on arm’s length terms.

We have not made any allowance for vendor’s sale costs nor for 
any tax liabilities which may arise upon the disposal of any of the 
properties or Properties. We have made deductions to reflect 
purchasers’ normal acquisition costs.

A full explanation of the Assumptions made in our valuations and 
details of the sources of information are contained within our 
Reports.

SHAFTESBURY ANNUAL REPORT 2015  OTHER INFORMATION   

SUMMARY REPORT BY THE VALUER CONTINUED 

145

A long lease is one with an unexpired term in excess of 50 years.

The contents of our Reports are confidential to Shaftesbury PLC, 
Shaftesbury Covent Garden Limited, Shaftesbury Carnaby 
Limited, Shaftesbury Chinatown Limited, Shaftesbury Soho 
Limited, Shaftesbury AV Limited and Shaftesbury CL Limited, for 
the specific purpose to which they refer and are for their use 
only. Consequently, and in accordance with current practice, no 
responsibility is accepted to any other party in respect of the 
whole or any part of the contents of our Reports or this summary 
report. Before our Reports or this summary report, or any part 
thereof, are reproduced or referred to, in any document, circular 
or statement, and before their contents, or any part thereof, are 
disclosed orally or otherwise to a third party, the valuer’s written 
approval as to the form and context of such publication or 
disclosure must first be obtained. For the avoidance of doubt, 
such approval is required whether or not DTZ Debenham Tie 
Leung is referred to by name and whether or not the contents of 
our Reports or this summary report are combined with others. 

Charles Smith MRICS 
International Director 
RICS Registered Valuer

For and on behalf of 
DTZ Debenham Tie Leung Limited 
125 Old Broad Street 
London EC2N 1AR

As of 2 September, 2015, DTZ Debenham Tie Leung and Cushman 
& Wakefield have combined under a new common brand. 
Notwithstanding our new branding, our underlying legal entities 
have not changed, including their names.

We have measured certain of the properties, or parts of 
properties, either on site or by scaling from floor plans. The 
Company, its managing agents or professional advisers have 
provided us with the floor areas of the remaining properties or 
parts of properties.

We have read the majority of the leases and related documents 
provided to us in respect of the commercial properties. Where we 
have not read leases, we have relied on tenancy information provided 
by the Company, its managing agents or professional advisers.

Certain properties were subject to works of repair or refurbishment 
at 30th September 2015, or were subject to outstanding retentions 
and fees in respect of projects already completed at that date. In 
these instances, the Company advised us of the amount of the 
outstanding costs. The costs will be borne by the Company as they 
are not recoverable from tenants. We have reflected these costs in 
our valuations. The total amount of such costs is £11,362,000 and 
details of the individual sums are included in our Reports.

As referred to above, we have lotted together certain individual 
properties to form a number of separate Properties. In the case of 
three Properties which comprise a number of individual properties, 
the majority of such properties are held freehold but certain of 
them are held on long leases. In order to divide our valuation of 
these Properties between the categories of freehold and long 
leasehold, we have undertaken notional apportionments of value 
between the freehold elements and the long leasehold elements 
which together comprise the relevant Properties. The amounts 
arising from these notional apportionments of value have been 
included in the figures representing the freehold and long leasehold 
categories below. The amounts arising from the notional 
apportionments do not themselves represent the Fair Value of the 
two elements.

The Subsidiary Companies own a number of properties on a 
freehold basis where they also hold long leasehold interests 
within the freehold and have not merged the interests. For the 
purposes of the freehold/long leasehold split below, we have 
included such properties within the freehold category.

Having regard to the foregoing, we are of the opinion that the 
aggregates of the Fair Values, as at 30th September 2015, of the 
freehold and long leasehold property interests owned by the 
Company and the Subsidiary Companies, subject to the 
Assumptions and comments in our Reports dated 16 November 
2015, were as follows:-

Freehold 
Properties

£2,691,420,000

(Two billion, six hundred and ninety-one 
million, four hundred and twenty thousand 
pounds) 

Long leasehold 
Properties

£228,100,000

(Two hundred and twenty-eight million, one         
hundred thousand pounds)   

Total

£2,919,520,000

(Two billion, nine hundred and nineteen 
million, five hundred and twenty thousand 
pounds)

146

SHAFTESBURY ANNUAL REPORT 2015  OTHER INFORMATION   

Sustainability 
This is a condensed version of the report 
which is available on our website

Our approach to sustainability and corporate 
responsibility is embedded within the day-to-day 
management of our portfolio and our business. 

All our buildings are in conservation areas and around 25% are 
listed. Within the often strict constraints imposed by legislation 
which govern these designations, we improve and maintain our 
buildings, with the aim of maximising their environmental 
performance. Our management strategy also extends the 
economic useful lives of our buildings through changes of use 
and reconfiguration, so they continue to meet the expectations 
of modern occupiers. In our view, this emphasis on restoration 
and repair has less environmental impact than demolition and 
development. 

We also recognise that while the West End is a busy and lively 
place, there are social issues in the community we work in and 
the problems common in city centres, such as noise and rough 
sleeping. We concentrate our social investment activities on 
supporting organisations that tackle these problems in the West 
End. Our commitment is to be a good long-term, socially 
responsible neighbour and investor in our area, integrated into 
the community. We measure our involvement in accordance with 
the London Benchmarking Group methodology.

We have made a commitment to support the United Nations 
Global Compact and its ten principles in the areas of human 
rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption. We have 
reviewed our policies to reflect this commitment and are 
implementing programmes internally and throughout our 
supply chain and engaging with our principal suppliers.

To assist in our ongoing commitment to improving our performance 
and understanding of the sustainability issues that affect our buildings, 
we have become members of the Better Building Partnership. This 
enables us to engage with peer group companies and begin to 
benchmark our performance against others in our sector. We have 
also joined Wild West End, a biodiversity initiative in conjunction 
with other landowners in the West End. The aim is to create a 
network of green infrastructure in London’s West End for both 
environmental and community benefit. 

A highlight of this year was our performance in the Global Real 
Estate Sustainability Benchmark where, for the first time, we 
achieved Green Star status. Going forward, we aim to build on 
our progress throughout our operations, in particular with major 
refurbishments planned within the portfolio.

This report forms part of our UNGC Communication on 
Progress against the ten principles. More detail on our 
strategy and data performance can be found on our website.

Brian Bickell,  
Chief Executive 
24 November 2015

SHAFTESBURY ANNUAL REPORT 2015  OTHER INFORMATION   

SUSTAINABILITY  CONTINUED 

147

Sustainability indices

In order to measure and benchmark our performance against our peers we have continued to participate 
in the key sector indices. We have maintained or improved our relative performance this year.

GRESB Green Star Scored 
72 (2014: 57), and was 2  
out of 6 in our peer group  
(2014: 3 out of 8).

Silver award winner for 
sustainability reporting  
(2014: silver).

Continued listing in  
the FTSE4Good

Listed on Dow Jones 
Sustainability Index for eighth 
year. Scored 61 (68 in 2014).

Continued Member of 
Ethibel Excellence

CDP – Continued listing on 
Carbon Disclosure Project 
scoring 94 (2014: 84%) for 
disclosure and a grade C  
for performance (2014: B)

Environment

Energy performance 

Overall, energy consumption for the wholly-owned portfolio, 
Longmartin and the head office increased by 6% with small 
increases throughout the portfolio that can primarily be 
attributed to increased tenant activity and, changes resulting 
from new acquisitions and building refurbishment.

A comparison of like-for-like performance between 2014 and 
2015 shows that the portfolio as a whole has a year-on-year 
increase of just over 4% which reflects increased activity in the 
portfolio.

We continue to purchase green tariff electricity throughout the 
portfolio with the majority of the villages making purchases with 
at least 40% renewable proportion, which is above the electricity 
supply industry average.

Absolute energy consumption within operational control

Usage (KWh) 

Total

217

3,270,051

3,043,584

3,159,818

3,270,522

3,460,978

6.0%

TOTAL 
NUMBER OF 
PROPERTIES

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2014-2015  
% CHANGE

Like-for-like energy consumption within operational control

Usage (KWh)

Total

201(214)

201(219)

3,253,724

3,391,546

137,823

4.2%

NUMBER OF 
PROPERTIES 
REPORTED ON 
2014  (TOTAL 
PROPERTIES)

NUMBER OF 
PROPERTIES 
REPORTED ON 
2015 (TOTAL 
PROPERTIES)

2014

2015

DIFFERENCE

2014–2015  
CHANGE

148

SHAFTESBURY ANNUAL REPORT 2015  OTHER INFORMATION   

SUSTAINABILITY  CONTINUED 

Greenhouse gas emissions 

For the year ended 30 September 2015 we have again followed 
the 2013 UK Government environmental reporting guidance and 
used 2015 UK Government’s Conversion Factors for Company 
Reporting. Greenhouse gas emissions are reported using the 
following parameters to determine what is included within the 
reporting boundaries in terms of landlord and tenant 
consumption:

Scope 1 – direct emissions includes whole building gas data in 
Opera Quarter and Longmartin. Fugitive emissions from air 
conditioning are included where it is the landlord’s responsibility 
within the common parts. There are no company vehicles to 
report within Scope 1.

Scope 2 – indirect energy emissions include purchased 
electricity for the head office and landlord controlled common 

areas and a small number of buildings where the occupied areas 
and common parts are on the same meter. Electricity used in 
refurbishment projects has also been recorded. 

Scope 3 – other indirect emissions, which includes emissions 
associated with electricity losses and generation. It also includes 
business air travel and rail, but no other business travel as, given 
the central London location of the group’s operations, this is 
considered negligible.

Greenhouse gas emissions for the portfolio, head office and 
refurbishment sites (tCO2e) show a 6.7% decrease for Scope 2 
emissions and no change for Scope 1 emissions. 

Data for the previous year is restated for electricity and gas 
consumed in Longmartin. This equates to a net increase of 59 
tonnes for 2014. Data is also restated for buildings in Carnaby due 
to a change in metering and equates to an increase of 42 tonnes.

Absolute Scope 1 GHG emissions

SCOPE1

Total

Absolute Scope 2 GHG Emissions

SCOPE 2

Total

Absolute Scope 3 emissions
SCOPE 3

Total

Like for Like Scope 1 GHG emissions
SCOPE 1

Total

Like for Like Scope 2 GHG emissions
SCOPE 2

Total

2012

68

2012

1,250

2012

112

2013

99

2013

1,196

2013

175

2014

42

2014

76

2014

1,559

2014

187

2015

76

2014-2015 
CHANGE

0.0%

2015

1,455

2014-2015
CHANGE

-6.7%

2015 % DIFFERENCE

147

-21.8%

2015

DIFFERENCE % DIFFERENCE

52

9

22.0

2014

1,495

2015

DIFFERENCE % DIFFERENCE

1,438

-56.5

-3.8%

All emisssions above are in Tonnes CO2e
The chosen emissions intensity is common parts floor areas, which has been measured in 62 of the 135 reported properties with 
common parts only and the emissions intensity figure has been obtained of 50 kgCO2e/m2 (0.050 tonnes CO2e/m2), a small increase 
over last year’s 46 kgCO2e/m2 (0.046 tonnes CO2e/m2).

GHG Intensity by floor area 

Total

62

38,460

3,573

385,524

108

NUMBER OF 
PROPERTIES

COMMON 
PARTS FLOOR 
AREA FT²

FLOOR  

AREA M2

KWH 
(ELECTRICITY)

CONSUMPTION 
INTENSITY

KG CO2E/M²
50

Assurance statement

Our greenhouse gas emissions data has been subject to an 
independent assurance process. A full copy of the verification 
opinion statement, including the scope and basis of the work, can 
be found on our website. 

“We have conducted a verification of the greenhouse gas data 
reported by the above entity in its Annual Report for the year 
ended 30 September 2015. We have not rechecked prior year 
data that is reported. On the basis of the verification work 
undertaken (which is reported in Annex 2 of the full statement) 
nothing has come to our attention to suggest that this data is 
not fairly stated, with the exception of a small number of 
non-material issues.” Planet & Prosperity Limited.

SHAFTESBURY ANNUAL REPORT 2015  OTHER INFORMATION   

SUSTAINABILITY  CONTINUED 

149

Waste 

We manage tenant generated waste in 
Carnaby, Seven Dials and Longmartin. We 
exceeded our target recycling rate with 
47% recycled at Carnaby and Seven Dials 

and 39% at Longmartin. The improved 
performance at Longmartin can be 
attributed to a proactive tenant 
engagement programme addressing waste 
management and recycling. In both 
Carnaby and Longmartin we encourage 

composting food waste by our restaurant 
tenants, although the take-up is variable, 
and is an area for future focus. Residual 
waste is sent to an energy from waste 
scheme rather than landfill.

Absolute waste within operational control

2012

574

TOTAL RECYCLED
2013

2014

2015

2012

515

776

1,060

1,240

ENERGY FROM WASTE

2013

964

2014

1,081

2015

1,286

Totals 
(tonnes)

31.6% 34.8% 40.4% 44.9% 68.3%

65.1% 56.3% 54.5%

Our refurbishment projects on average diverted over 97% from landfill. 

2012

-

-

COMPOSTED
2014

2013

2015

13

63

3.2%

0.5%

-

-

Water 

Overall consumption across the portfolio has decreased although 
there have been changes in individual properties reported for 
Carnaby due to a significant review of the data collection process. 

At Longmartin the quality of data collection is improving with 

actual meter readings available for the second half of the year. The 
relatively high consumption results from tenant uses such as 
showers, toilets and kitchens. Installation of more efficient 
appliances is being researched for 2016.

In Chinatown the small volume of water usage for steam cleaning 
in South Service Yard remained consistent.

Absolute water consumption with operational control

TOTAL USAGE (M3)

Totals

2012

3,618

2013

3,775

2014

2015

2014 - 2015 
CHANGE

43,134

42,993

-0.3%

Like-for-like water consumption within operational control  
PROPERTIES 
REPORTED ON 
2014

PROPERTIES 
REPORTED ON 
2015

TOTAL USAGE 
(M³) 2014

TOTAL USAGE 
(M³) 2015

DIFFERENCE

2014 - 2015 
DIFFERENCE

Total

9(15) 

9 (10) 

10,478

6,985

-3,493

-33.3%

Building Certifications

EPC totals (total count of EPC assessments)

 EPC grade A-E

 EPC grade F-G

 EPC grade - not yet assessed

585 

279

347 

31%

17%

52%

EPC grade (number of refurbishment  
schemes achieving grade)

 EPC grade B

 EPC grade C

 EPC grade D

2

1

1

1

12

70% of the commercial portfolio, based 
on lettable floor area of buildings, now has 
an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) 
with the breakdown opposite. 

The Energy Act 2011 requires that, by 
2016, buildings at the time of letting 
should be an EPC of grade E or above. 
There are still a proportion of our 
properties under the threshold or not yet 
assessed. The majority of those that have 
not been assessed are under long term 
leases which have not undergone a lease 
transaction since 2008 and therefore not 
triggered the requirement for an EPC. 

Properties with grades F and G are being 
progressively addressed as part of the 
ongoing refurbishment programme when 
vacant possession is obtained. Our 
objective is to improve the EPC rating of 
the refurbished property. Out of 14 EPCs 
obtained, a significant majority (92%) 
achieved a grade C or above. 

 
150

SHAFTESBURY ANNUAL REPORT 2015  OTHER INFORMATION   

SUSTAINABILITY  CONTINUED 

Timber

Our approach is to reuse timber where possible. Timber features 
such as windows, joists, floorboards, staircases and paneling 

are retained where possible. For the small volume of timber 
purchased, over 74% was sustainably sourced with full chain of 
custody and 40% was Forest Stewardship Council certified which 
is in line with our targets. 

Volume Timber Purchased (m³)

% Sustainably Sourced (with Chain of Custody)

% Forest Stewardship Council Certification

2012

200

63

36

2013

248

64

46

2014

190

83

50

2015

285

74

41

Biodiversity 

We recognise the importance of promoting biodiversity and 
believe that being in an urban area makes the need for green 
spaces and the connections between these spaces important for 
wildlife to survive.

A number of the West End’s property owners are working 
together in a collaboration to install a combination of green 
roofs, green walls, planters, street trees and flower boxes across 
buildings and public realm to create a network of ‘stepping 
stones’ through the West End.

The aim is to increase habitat diversity and encourage a variety of 
birds and insects to the area.

As part of the initial stages of the project, we have undertaken an 
inventory of all the existing habitats within our portfolio which 
are quantified below. 

Further initiatives for next year include the installation of planters 
on service roofs in Carnaby and Seven Dials and introducing 
window boxes and hanging baskets to Charlotte Street to 
increase the habitat provision.

Total

BIRD BOX

21

GREEN  
WALL

6

GREEN  
ROOF

HANGING 
BASKETS

8

46

INSECT  
HOME

2

PLANTERS

96

TREES

13

WINDOW 
BOXES

823

BEE HIVES

3

A further endorsement of our biodiversity activities was the 
award of an eFIG (trade association of the interior landscape 
design industry) Silver Leaf Award for the design and 
implementation of the green roof at our head office in Ganton 
Street.

Stakeholders and our local community

We continue our approach to engagement with our 
key stakeholder groups: employees, tenants, 
lenders and insurers, investors and analysts, local 
government, regulators, local communities and 
suppliers. 

We have over 800 commercial tenants. We aim for each tenant 
to have direct contact with at least one director and/or member 
of the property team and in addition full time estate managers 
are available to deal with day-to-day concerns. In 2014, a formal 
customer satisfaction survey was carried out of our tenants in 
Carnaby and Seven Dials with a 34% response rate. The feedback 
was largely positive and where any matter was identified the 
agent responsible for that village followed up with the tenants. 
The exercise will be repeated in the coming year in Carnaby and 
Seven Dials and will be extended to other villages.

We provide subsidised membership of the Sustainable Restaurant 
Association for new restaurant tenants. Fourteen tenants have 
signed up for this year.

An online Building Guide for commercial tenants is under 
development with its launch planned for 2016. The Guide will cover 
all management issues relevant to the tenants, such as emergency 
response, fire protection and will also include sustainability advice 
such as optimising recycling within the portfolio.

SHAFTESBURY ANNUAL REPORT 2015  OTHER INFORMATION   

SUSTAINABILITY  CONTINUED 

151

TENANT SATISFACTION SURVEY RESULTS

PROPERTY NAME

Carnaby - Residential

Carnaby - Office

Carnaby - Retail

Carnaby - Restaurant 

Overall average: 71% 

PROPERTY NAME

Seven Dials - Residential

Seven Dials - Office

Seven Dials - Retail

Seven Dials - Restaurant 

Overall average: 77% 

Community

Our long term prosperity depends on the success 
of London’s West End as a destination for domestic 
and overseas visitors and businesses. 

What we contribute

 Cash

 Staff time

London is one of the world’s principal global cities and is the largest 
city in Western Europe. It has as unrivaled variety of heritage and 
cultural attractions, which draw huge numbers of domestic and 
overseas visitors. It is also a world-class business location.

 In kind contributions

 In kind

 Management costs

How we contribute

 Charitable gifts 

  Community investment 

  Commercial initiatives in 
the community 

What we support

 Education 

 Health 

  Economic development 

 Environment 

  Arts/culture 

  Social welfare 

Our engagement is aligned with the areas in which our villages 
are situated and in the aspects that benefit the West End as a 
community, (to live and work) and a visitor destination. We work 
closely with a number of organisations based in the West End 
based in the community, leisure or arts which allows them to be 
located close to the areas in which they operate. 

We have continued our membership of the London 
Benchmarking Group. Our LBG contribution measured in 
accordance with the criteria equated to £515,000. Our s106 
contributions1 were £272,000 giving an overall total of community 
investment of £787,000. This equates to 2.2% of EPRA pre-tax 
profit. We assisted in providing leverage of £113,000. 

LBG
£515,000

s106
£272,000

1 S106 contributions relate to payments required to be made by a company to 
a local council under planning regulations.

AVERAGE 
RATING

% SATISFIED

3.8

3.9

3.5

3.9

75%

74%

58%

78%

AVERAGE 
RATING

% SATISFIED

3.4

4.2

3.6

3.7

56%

100%

68%

83%

5.12%

8.7%

6.1%

18.1%

62.0%

0.87%

30.8%

68.4%

27.7%

10.0%

51.3%

4.1%

5.0%

1.9%

 
152

SHAFTESBURY ANNUAL REPORT 2015  OTHER INFORMATION   

SUSTAINABILITY  CONTINUED 

Charity Partners

Last year we trialled a charity partner initiative in Seven Dials. By 
selecting one organisation to focus on each year, we provide 
targeted assistance and make a real difference to the 
organisations we work with. 

This year we have a charity partner in each of our main villages. 
The charity selected has a link to the village or local community 
within which it is situated and may have a secondary link in that it 
tackles a social issue or supports the uses of our buildings. We 
partner with the charity at events in that village, using these as 
platforms to raise funds and promote awareness of their cause. 
We also promote them on our village websites. 

Our partners this year, and the work they do, are set out below.

Seven Dials and St Martin’s Courtyard

Carnaby

By helping people to cope with the physical impacts of being 
homeless along with helping them to rebuild their lives. The 
Connection strives to provide help to over 200 people in central 
London everyday by engaging each person with activity programmes 
and specialist support including day and night centre services for 
all age groups, employment and training programs and 
resettlement support. 

Trekstock gives young adults living with cancer an authentic voice 
to ensure they have age-appropriate information and support. 
Trekstock was selected, because as tenants in Carnaby, we work 
closely with them on their fundrasing activities.

Soho

Chinatown

(cid:12050)(cid:2324)(cid:1025)(cid:5527)

Chinese Community Centre

The London Chinese Community Centre (LCCC) is committed to 
maintaining and developing services and activities to improve the 
quality of life and wellbeing of the Chinese community, particularly 
those who are disadvantaged. The LCCC services include Community 
Development Services: offering various English, Computer, Arts 
and Cultural classes; Information & Advice Services; Elderly 
Health Improvement Service; and a Youth Club;

 The House of St Barnabas’s vision is to create a society where 
lasting employment is a reality for those affected by 
homelessness and social exclusion. 

The House of St Barnabas runs an Employment Academy for 
those affected by homelessness to give them skills in the catering 
and hospitality industry. 

A detailed list of the other organisations we work with and 
support is contained in the full version of this report on our 
website.

 
  
 
SHAFTESBURY ANNUAL REPORT 2015  OTHER INFORMATION   

SUSTAINABILITY  CONTINUED 

153

Employees

We employ 25 staff including 
executive directors. Every 
employee is important and their 
experience and contributions to 
the business play a key part in 
the delivery of our strategy. 
There continue to be five women 
in senior executive positions 
(50% of executive staff excluding 
directors) and three female 
non-executive directors.

We believe that training and development 
of our staff is essential. This year our staff 
underwent an average of 20 hours training 
per employee. All staff also underwent a 
personal development review. We offer 
flexible working and 12% of employees 
currently work part-time.

Health and Safety

The Board has overall responsibility 
for health and safety. 

Managing agents oversee day-to-day health 
and safety matters throughout the portfolio. 
In our refurbishment sites, responsibility 
for health and safety is identified within 
all pre-tender documentation and is 
monitored by site and project managers. 

We continued to maintain our record of 
no reportable health and safety incidents 
throughout the portfolio. The Accident 
Frequency Rate for Shaftesbury employees 
was zero (2014 – zero) and there were no 
health and safety prosecutions, enforcement 
actions or fatalities in 2015.

Percentage of female staff overall

Percentage of female staff in senior 
positions

Percentage of female board members

Average training hours per employee

Number of staff receiving performance 
reviews 

Average length of service

Staff turnover

2012

45%

50%

20%

15

2013

52%

50%

27%

15

2014

52%

50%

30%

30

2015

56%

50%

30%

20

100%

100%

100%

100%

13

0

12

0

12

0

12

0

Absenteeism average per employee

5 days

4 days

1.4 days

2 days

Proportion of staff with flexible working

13%

13%

13%

12%

Number of reportable injuries

Work related fatalities

Number of Enforcement Agency 
prosecutions or fines

Number of prohibition notices

Employee accidents and incidents

Number of employee days off work from injury

2012

2013

2014

2015

0

0

0

1

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

154

SHAFTESBURY ANNUAL REPORT 2015  OTHER INFORMATION   

SUSTAINABILITY  CONTINUED 

Performance against targets

OBJECTIVE 

Environment

ACHIEVED IN 2015

TARGETS FOR 2016

Aim for legal environmental compliance 

No legal non-compliances have been 
reported

Aim for legal compliance 

Invest in brownfield sites only

100% regeneration of central London sites

Continue to achieve 100% use and 
regeneration of brownfield sites as our 
portfolio expands

Operate in an environmentally sustainable 
manner throughout our activities

Timber to be sourced where possible 
from well-managed sources, certified 
by third party certification schemes

For 83% of refurbishment schemes, a 
minimum of 50% of façade and a minimum 
of 80% of primary structure was retained

Of the EPCs obtained 92% were a grade 
C or above post refurbishment

No new commercial schemes were in progress 
so no BREEAM assessments were required

Extend the useful life of buildings and 
improve their sustainability by raising the 
EPC rating of properties being refurbished 
according to predetermined targets

Aim for BREEAM Very Good for all new 
commercial developments and selected 
non-domestic refurbishment schemes

Reuse of timber maximised throughout all 
schemes

Continue to maximise the proportion 
of timber that is reused

74% of timber has been confirmed as 
sustainably sourced with full Chain of Custody 
and 40% using Forest Stewardship Council 
timber

Source a minimum of 60% of all timber 
from certified sources and ensure all 
timber is purchased from legal sources

Monitor and, where possible, reduce 
energy consumption in common parts. 
Investigate opportunities for the use 
of renewable energy

Absolute energy consumption increased 
throughout the wholly owned and managed 
portfolio by 6% as a result of increased 
activity across the portfolio.

Achieve a year on year 3% energy 
reduction throughout the portfolio

Purchase green electricity where costs 
are within 5% of brown electricity 

Manage construction waste to ensure 
legal compliance and maximise re-use 
and/or recycling of non-hazardous waste

Portfolio waste: Recycle a minimum 
of 40% at Carnaby and Seven Dials 
and divert 90% from landfill Recycle 
a minimum of 30% at Longmartin and 
divert 90% from landfill

Improve biodiversity appropriate to 
the Group’s urban location

40% of the portfolio sourced 100% renewable 
energy and 40% sourced energy from suppliers 
with above average renewable sources 

All the schemes that reported achieved 
target of a minimum of 80% recycled 
construction and demolition waste. An 
average of 97% of waste by weight was 
diverted from landfill. 

Aim to reuse or recycle a minimum of 
80% non hazardous demolition and 
construction waste.

In Carnaby and Seven Dials 47% of tenants’ 
waste was recycled and the remainder was 
diverted from landfill to energy from waste

Recycle 40% of tenants’ waste at Carnaby, 
Seven Dials and Longmartin and divert a 
minimum of 90% of waste from landfill

At Longmartin 39% of tenants’ waste was 
recycled, including food waste composted, 
and the remaining waste was diverted from 
landfill to energy from waste

Joined the Wild West End and continuing to 
maximise the benefits of using planters and 
other features through appropriate species 
selection

Continue membership of Wild West End 
and increase number of biodiversity 
features throughout the portfolio

SHAFTESBURY ANNUAL REPORT 2015  OTHER INFORMATION   

SUSTAINABILITY  CONTINUED 

155

OBJECTIVE 

ACHIEVED IN 2015

TARGETS FOR 2016

Stakeholders and our local community

Maintain membership of various 
benchmarking indices

Membership of DJSI, Carbon Disclosure 
Project and FTSE4Good. Participated in 
GRESB and achieved Green Star Status. EPRA 
Sustainability reporting Silver award against 
EPRA reporting requirements

Signatory to UN Global Compact

Continue participation in UNGC, GRESB, 
FTSE4Good, Carbon Disclosure Project 
and others 

Continue to support local community 
groups and be proactive in identifying 
and working with charitable and other 
organisations

Membership of the London Benchmarking 
Group and adoption of their methodology 
for reporting community involvement has 
continued.

Continue membership of London 
Benchmarking Group and further develop 
benchmarking measurements for 
reporting

Contribution to community and stakeholders 
(including Section 106 payments) equates to 
2.2% of EPRA pre tax earnings

Continue to maintain regular liaison 
with tenants

Undertook tenant satisfaction surveys in 
Seven Dials and Carnaby with a 74% overall 
satisfaction rate

Repeat tenant satisfaction surveys for 
Seven Dials and Carnaby and extend to 
other parts of the portfolio

Ongoing subsidised offer of membership to 
the Sustainable Restaurant Association which 
is included within the Heads of Terms of the 
leases as a requirement for all new tenants

100% of eligible schemes were registered 
87% of schemes achieved the target score 
on the first visit. The overall average for the 
sites visited was 34 out of 50

Continue to achieve 30 out of 50  
(above a ‘satisfactory’ score). 

Ensure all refurbishment schemes above 
a specified value are registered with the 
Considerate Constructors’ Scheme and 
continue to achieve 30 out of 50 (above 
a ‘satisfactory’ score)

Employees

Ensure there are no reportable health 
and safety accidents/incidents 
throughout the portfolio

No reportable health and safety accidents 
recorded in a refurbishment project or in 
the day-to-day management of the portfolio

Aim for no reportable accidents and 
incidents throughout the Group’s 
activities

Comply in all respects with key 
applicable employment legislation 

56% of staff are female of which 50% are 
in senior positions and 30% of the board 
are female

Again the company has had no staff turnover

Continue to measure and improve 
relevant employment metrics and adhere 
to the Principles of the RICS Inclusive 
Employer Quality Mark

156

SHAFTESBURY ANNUAL REPORT 2015  OTHER INFORMATION   

Glossary of terms

Capital value return
The valuation movement and realised 
surpluses or deficits arising from the 
Group’s investment portfolio expressed as 
a percentage return on the valuation at 
the beginning of the period adjusted for 
acquisitions and capital expenditure.

Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR)
The year-on-year growth rate of an 
investment over a specified period of time.

Conservation area
A conservation area is an area of special 
architectural interest, the character or 
appearance of which it is desirable to 
preserve or enhance. In dealing with 
development in conservation areas, the 
general aim of authorities is to ensure that 
the quality of townscape is preserved or 
enhanced, though legislation gives 
protection to individual buildings 
considered to be of particular heritage, 
significance and value to an area.

EPRA adjustments
Standard adjustments to calculate EPS 
and NAV as set out by EPRA in its Best 
Practice and Policy Recommendations.

EPRA EPS
EPRA EPS is the level of recurring income 
arising from core operational activities. It 
excludes all items which are not relevant 
to the underlying and recurring portfolio 
performance.

EPRA NAV
EPRA NAV aims to provide a consistent 
long-term performance measure, by 
adjusting reported net assets for items 
that are not expected to crystallise in 
normal circumstances, such as the fair 
value of derivative financial instruments 
and deferred tax on property valuation 
surpluses. EPRA NAV includes the 
potentially dilutive effect of outstanding 
options granted over ordinary shares.

Equivalent yield
Equivalent yield is the internal rate of 
return from an investment property, 
based on the gross outlays for the 
purchase of a property (including 
purchase costs), reflecting reversions to 
current market rent, and such items as 
voids and non-recoverable expenditure 
but disregarding potential changes in 
market rents.

European Public Real Estate 
Association (EPRA)
EPRA develops policies for standards of 
reporting disclosure, ethics and industry 
practices. 

Estimated rental value (ERV)
ERV is the market rental value of 
properties owned by the Group, 
estimated by the Group’s valuers.

Fair value
The amount at which an asset or liability 
could be exchanged between two 
knowledgeable willing unconnected 
parties in an arm’s length transaction at 
the valuation date.

Gearing
Nominal value of Group borrowings 
expressed as a percentage of EPRA net 
assets.

Initial yield
The initial yield is the net initial income at 
the date of valuation expressed as a 
percentage of the gross valuation. Yields 
reflect net income after deduction of any 
ground rents, head rents, rent charges 
and estimated irrecoverable outgoings.

Interest cover
The interest cover is a measure of the 
number of times the Group can make 
interest payments with its operating profit 
before investment property disposals and 
valuation movements. 

EPRA net assets
Net assets used in the EPRA NAV 
calculation, including additional equity if 
all vested share options were exercised.

Like-for-like portfolio
The like-for-like portfolio includes all 
properties that have been held 
throughout the accounting period.

EPRA triple net asset value
EPRA NAV incorporating the fair value of 
debt which is not included in the reported 
net assets.

Loan-to-value
Nominal value of borrowings expressed as 
a percentage of the fair value of property 
assets.

EPRA vacancy
The rental value of vacant property 
available expressed as a percentage of 
ERV of the total portfolio.

Long Term Incentive Plan (LTIP)
An arrangement under which an employee is 
awarded options in the Company at nil cost, 
subject to a period of continued 
employment and the attainment of NAV and 
TSR targets over a three-year vesting period.

Net asset value (NAV) 
Equity shareholders’ funds divided by the 
number of ordinary shares at the balance 
sheet date.

Net asset value return
The change in EPRA NAV per ordinary share 
plus dividends paid per ordinary share 
expressed as a percentage of the EPRA NAV 
per share at the beginning of the period.

Property Income Distribution (PID)
A PID is a distribution by a REIT to its 
shareholders paid out of qualifying profits. 
A REIT is required to distribute at least 
90% of its qualifying profits as a PID to its 
shareholders.

Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT)
A REIT is a tax designation for an entity or 
group investing in real estate that reduces 
or eliminates corporation tax on rental 
profits and chargeable gains relating to the 
rental business, providing certain criteria 
obligations set out in tax legislation are met.

The Office of National Statistics (ONS)
The ONS is the executive office of the UK 
Statistics Authority, a non-ministerial 
department which reports directly to the UK 
Parliament. It is charged with the collection 
and publication of statistics related to the 
economy, population and society of the UK.

Topped up initial yield
An adjusted initial yield which assumes 
rent free periods or other unexpired lease 
incentives, such as discounted rent 
periods and step ups, have expired.

Total property return
Net property income and the valuation 
movement and realised surpluses or 
deficits arising from the portfolio for the 
year expressed as percentage return on 
the valuation at the beginning of the 
period adjusted for acquisitions and 
capital expenditure.

Total Shareholder Return (TSR)
The change in the market price of an 
ordinary share plus dividends reinvested 
expressed as a percentage of the share 
price at the beginning of the period.

Contents

Strategic report
Financial highlights  4

Chairman’s statement  5

Exceptional portfolio  8

Our objective 14

Governance 
Directors and officers  70

Corporate governance  72

Nomination Committee report  76

Audit Committee report  78

How we create and deliver value  19

Remuneration report  82

Mix of uses  20

Retail  24

Remuneration policy  84

Annual Remuneration report  92

Restaurants, cafés and pubs  25

Directors’ report  102

Offices  26

Residential  27

Proven management strategy  30

Experienced management team  33

Robust balance sheet  34

Valuation  38

Directors’ responsibilities  104

Independent auditors’ report  105

Financial statements 
Group statement of  
comprehensive income  110

Investment in our portfolio  42

Balance sheets  111

Demand and occupancy  46

Cash flow statements  112

Village summaries  48

Results and finance  52

Looking ahead  57

Risk management  59

Viability Statement  66

Statements of changes in equity  113

Notes to the financial statements  114

Other information 
Shareholder information  141

Portfolio analysis  142

Basis of valuation  142

Summary report by the valuer  144

Sustainability  146

Glossary of terms  156

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Shaftesbury PLC 
22 Ganton Street 
Carnaby 
London W1F 7FD

T: 020 7333 8118

shaftesbury.co.uk

ANNUAL REPORT 2015