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Shaftesbury PLC

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FY2019 Annual Report · Shaftesbury PLC
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making great places even better

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Annual Report 2019

 
 
 
Shaftesbury Annual Report 2019

Shaftesbury is a real estate investment trust which 
invests exclusively in the liveliest parts of London’s 
West End. Focused on food, beverage, retail and 
leisure uses, our portfolio is clustered mainly in 
Carnaby, Seven Dials and Chinatown, but also 
includes substantial ownerships in east and west 
Covent Garden, Soho and Fitzrovia.

Our purpose

Our culture

Our values

To curate vibrant and  
thriving villages in the heart  
of London’s West End. 

Our open and inclusive 
culture is one of tradition  
and innovation. 

At its core is a holistic approach to 
making great places even better for 
t(cid:731)e (cid:725)enefit of our sta(cid:734)e(cid:731)o(cid:735)ders(cid:671) 
through fostering our areas and 
providing vibrant and inspiring 
e(cid:747)(cid:739)eriences for (cid:745)isitors(cid:671) occu(cid:739)iers(cid:671) 
their customers and residents. 

(cid:692)cross t(cid:731)e (cid:725)usiness(cid:671) (cid:746)e forge (cid:735)asting 
re(cid:735)ations(cid:731)i(cid:739)s and (cid:739)artners(cid:731)i(cid:739)s(cid:671) 
(cid:725)ased on res(cid:739)ect(cid:671) integrity and 
trans(cid:739)arency(cid:673) (cid:714)e em(cid:725)race c(cid:731)ange(cid:671) 
seek challenge and look to evolve 
and improve. 

(cid:714)e (cid:746)e(cid:735)come ne(cid:746) (cid:739)eo(cid:739)(cid:735)e(cid:671) (cid:725)usinesses(cid:671) 
ideas and perspectives – everyone 
has a voice and an impact.

(cid:693)y com(cid:725)ining our strengt(cid:731)s(cid:671) (cid:746)e 
ac(cid:731)ie(cid:745)e success (cid:725)eyond (cid:739)rofit to(cid:685)

• make a positive difference; 

(cid:997)  de(cid:735)i(cid:745)er sustaina(cid:725)(cid:735)e(cid:671) (cid:735)ong(cid:672)term 

(cid:725)enefits for our sta(cid:734)e(cid:731)o(cid:735)ders and 
our people;

(cid:997)  (cid:725)ui(cid:735)d a t(cid:731)ri(cid:745)ing (cid:746)or(cid:734)ing cu(cid:735)ture(cid:686) and

(cid:997)   ma(cid:734)e a (cid:739)ositi(cid:745)e(cid:671) (cid:735)ong(cid:672)(cid:735)asting 

contribution to London’s West End.

 Page 36

  Human

 • Approachable 
 • Honest and open 
 • Fair and respectful 
 • Inclusive 

  Original

 •  Finding and nurturing talent 

and new ideas

 • Unique curation of our villages 
 • Creative thinking

   Community minded
 •  Embedded in the local 

community

•  Connecting people and 

businesses
 • (cid:707)ublic benefit

  Responsible

 • Committed to the West End 
 • Cultivating and fostering 
 • Sustainable

  Long term

 • Long-term partnerships 
• Long-term careers 
• Making great places even better

These values are fundamental 
to our (cid:725)e(cid:731)a(cid:745)iour(cid:671) decision ma(cid:734)ing 
and the delivery both of our 
purpose and strategic objectives. 

 Pages 36 to 45

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Iconic villages

CARNABY

COVENT GARDEN

CHINATOWN

SOHO

FITZROVIA

Mix of uses
Food, beverage  
and leisure

15.2 acres

and 1.9 acres owned in  
joint venture

1.9m sq ft

commercial and residential 
space and 0.3m sq ft in  
joint venture

c. 600

buildings

          Retail 

            (cid:706)ffices 

     Residential

(cid:664) of (cid:746)(cid:731)o(cid:735)(cid:735)y(cid:672)o(cid:746)ned (cid:739)ortfo(cid:735)io E(cid:709)(cid:713)

38%

31%

19%

12%

0.7m 
sq ft

0.4m 
sq ft

0.4m  
sq ft

0.4m
sq ft

Talented and experienced team

34  

employees

68%  

female

32%  

male

Strategic report
2019 summary   
1  
Our long-term business
2 
 Chief executive’s statement 
3 
 Business model and strategy
6 
 Exceptional portfolio in the heart of London’s West End
8 
 Holistic long-term village curation
16 
17 
 Focus on food, beverage, retail and leisure
25  Promoting our villages
 Measuring success
26 
29  Sustainability
31  Stakeholders
32  Environment
34  Social
36  Our people and culture - the ‘Shaftesbury Way’
48  Portfolio valuation report
51  Portfolio activity report
54  Financial report
58  Risk management
60  Principal risks and uncertainties
62  Viability statement

 Nomination committee report 

Governance 
63  Our people
65  Our board
66  Governance at a glance
68  Corporate governance
75 
78  Audit committee report 
82 
84 
85  Remuneration policy 
86 
95  Directors’ report 
97 
98 

 Directors’ responsibilities
 Independent auditor’s report

 Annual remuneration report 

 Directors’ remuneration report 
 Remuneration at a glance

Financial statements 
102   Group statement of comprehensive income
103  Balance sheets
104  Cash flow statements
105   Statements of changes in equity
106   Notes to the financial statements

Other information
124   Alternative Performance Measures (APMs)
126  Portfolio analysis
126  Basis of valuation 
128   Summary report by the valuers
130   Non-financial information statement
130  Shareholder information
131  Glossary of terms

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11 years  

average length of service

1
11

shaftesbury.co.uk  
follow @shaftesburyplc 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
     
 
Shaftesbury Annual Report 2019

Strategic report 

Our long-term business

Impossible-to-replicate 
portfolio 

Long-term growth 
prospects 

•  Clustered in the busiest parts of the 

West End

•  (cid:697)ocused on uses (cid:746)it(cid:731) a (cid:735)ong (cid:731)istory of 

occupier demand exceeding availability

•  Sma(cid:735)(cid:735) to medium(cid:672)si(cid:749)ed s(cid:739)ace (cid:746)it(cid:731) 

competitive rental levels

Proven active 
management strategy 
to create value 
•  (cid:703)ong record of sustained gro(cid:746)t(cid:731) in 

rental income

•  (cid:703)ong(cid:672)term out(cid:739)erformance against 

 •  (cid:693)enefit from gro(cid:746)t(cid:731) in (cid:703)ondon(cid:990)s 

(cid:739)o(cid:739)u(cid:735)ation(cid:671) (cid:746)or(cid:734)force and (cid:745)isitor num(cid:725)ers

•  Highly reversionary

•  Consistent record of converting rental 

t(cid:731)e (cid:746)ider rea(cid:735) estate sector

potential into contracted income

•  Pi(cid:739)e(cid:735)ine of (cid:745)a(cid:735)ue(cid:672)accreti(cid:745)e sc(cid:731)emes

Pages 8 to 15

Pages 15, 49 to 50

Pages 6 to 7, 49, 52, 94

Experienced and 
innovative 
management team  
•  (cid:697)orensic (cid:734)no(cid:746)(cid:735)edge of t(cid:731)e (cid:714)est End 

property and occupier markets

•  Skilled in adapting our space to meet 

occupiers’ evolving needs

Socially responsible 

•  Sustainable reuse of buildings

•  Strong re(cid:735)ations(cid:731)i(cid:739)s (cid:746)it(cid:731) occu(cid:739)iers(cid:671) 
local authorities and communities

•  Open and inclusive culture

Resilience, stability and 
low risk 
•  (cid:703)ong(cid:672)term out(cid:739)erformance t(cid:731)roug(cid:731) 

economic and property cycles

•  (cid:703)ong(cid:672)term gro(cid:746)t(cid:731) in (cid:739)ortfo(cid:735)io (cid:745)a(cid:735)ue 

and total shareholder returns

•  (cid:698)ro(cid:746)ing di(cid:745)idends

•  (cid:711)a(cid:747)(cid:672)efficient (cid:709)E(cid:700)(cid:711) structure and 

conser(cid:745)ati(cid:745)e financing

Pages 4, 8, 63 to 65

Pages 29 to 35, 52

Pages 8, 55, 56, 94, 130

10 year performance

210.3% 

Total Shareholder Return

13.5% pa 

Total Accounting Return1,5,6

11.4% pa

EPRA NAV growth1,5,6

4.2% pa 

Growth in annualised  
current income2,3,6

4.8% pa 

ERV growth2,3,6 

6.9% pa 

Growth in rental income6 

5.3% pa  

Dividend per share growth6

2.9%  

Average EPRA vacancy2,4

5.8%  

Average ERV of space under 
refurbishment2,4

1  An alternative performance measure: see page 124
2  Wholly-owned portfolio
3  Like-for-like
4  % of total ERV
5  No IFRS equivalent has been presented because these are “per share” metrics, for which there is no equivalent under IFRS
6  Compound annual growth

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Shaftesbury Annual Report 2019

Strategic report

Chief executive’s statement

 In a year dominated by domestic political 
uncertainties and a slowing national economy, 
the qualities of our portfolio, business model 
and proven strategy, together, have delivered 
a resilient performance. 

Highlights of the year

•  (cid:705)et (cid:739)ro(cid:739)erty income(cid:685) (cid:757)(cid:684)(cid:683)(cid:673)(cid:675)m (cid:670)(cid:679)(cid:673)(cid:680)(cid:664) 

•  Profi t for t(cid:731)e year(cid:685) (cid:757)(cid:677)(cid:681)(cid:673)(cid:675)m 

•  EPRA earnings1(cid:685) (cid:757)(cid:680)(cid:679)(cid:673)(cid:681)m ((cid:670)(cid:680)(cid:673)(cid:681)(cid:664)) 

•  Commercial leasing activity2(cid:685) (cid:670)(cid:678)(cid:673)(cid:677)(cid:664) (cid:745)s (cid:677)(cid:675)(cid:676)(cid:683) E(cid:709)(cid:713)

•  (cid:712)nder(cid:735)ying a(cid:745)erage occu(cid:739)ancy(cid:685) (cid:684)(cid:682)(cid:664)

•  (cid:713)a(cid:735)ue(cid:672)en(cid:731)ancing asset management sc(cid:731)emes 

across (cid:677)(cid:679)(cid:676)(cid:671)(cid:681)(cid:675)(cid:675) s(cid:740)(cid:673) ft(cid:673) of s(cid:739)ace2

•  P(cid:735)anning consent for (cid:682)(cid:677) (cid:693)road(cid:746)ic(cid:734) Street sc(cid:731)eme 

secured and (cid:746)or(cid:734)s commenced

•  Seven Dials Market opened in Thomas Neal’s 

Warehouse

•  Centra(cid:735) Cross no(cid:746) (cid:684)(cid:678)(cid:664) (cid:735)et or under offer

•  (cid:714)(cid:731)o(cid:735)(cid:735)y(cid:672)o(cid:746)ned (cid:739)ortfo(cid:735)io (cid:745)a(cid:735)uation(cid:685) (cid:757)(cid:678)(cid:673)(cid:683)(cid:725)n ((cid:672)(cid:675)(cid:673)(cid:677)(cid:664))3

(cid:672) E(cid:709)(cid:713) gro(cid:746)t(cid:731)3(cid:685) (cid:678)(cid:673)(cid:677)(cid:664)
(cid:672) (cid:709)e(cid:745)ersionary (cid:739)otentia(cid:735)(cid:685) (cid:757)(cid:678)(cid:677)(cid:673)(cid:681)m

• Longmartin(cid:680) (cid:739)ro(cid:739)erty (cid:745)a(cid:735)uation(cid:685) (cid:757)(cid:675)(cid:673)(cid:677)(cid:725)n ((cid:672)(cid:683)(cid:673)(cid:680)(cid:664))3

•  (cid:705)et assets(cid:685) (cid:757)(cid:678)(cid:673)(cid:675)(cid:725)n ((cid:672)(cid:675)(cid:673)(cid:684)(cid:664))

•  EPRA NAV per share1(cid:685) (cid:757)(cid:684)(cid:673)(cid:683)(cid:677) ((cid:672)(cid:675)(cid:673)(cid:684)(cid:664))

•  (cid:711)(cid:731)ree(cid:672)year strategic (cid:739)eo(cid:739)(cid:735)e (cid:739)(cid:735)an im(cid:739)(cid:735)emented

•  Community in(cid:745)estment(cid:685) (cid:757)(cid:675)(cid:673)(cid:683)m ((cid:676)(cid:673)(cid:680)(cid:664) of EP(cid:709)(cid:692) earnings)

•  (cid:697)or t(cid:731)e t(cid:731)ird year(cid:671) to(cid:739) of t(cid:731)e (cid:697)(cid:711)SE (cid:677)(cid:680)(cid:675) in t(cid:731)e 

(cid:699)am(cid:739)ton(cid:672)(cid:692)(cid:735)e(cid:747)ander re(cid:745)ie(cid:746) for t(cid:731)e (cid:731)ig(cid:731)est fema(cid:735)e 
representation on the executive committee and 
direct reports

1  An alternative performance measure: see page 124
2  Wholly-owned portfolio
3  Like-for-like
4  % of total ERV, excluding assets held for, or undergoing, refurbishment
5  Our 50% share
6  New West End Company

Our carefully-curated and managed locations continue to enjoy sustained, 
broad-based occupier demand for space, attracted by the popular, lively and 
distinctive West End destinations we create and the millions who visit throughout 
the year. 

Profi t for the year ended 30 September 2019 amounted to £26.0 million. 
EPRA earnings1 grew by 5.6% over the year to £54.6 million, and EPRA 
earnings per share1 increased by 4.1% to 17.8 pence. The principal driver 
of this growth was a 4.5% increase in net property income to £98.0 million.

At 30 September 2019, EPRA NAV1 stood at £9.82, down 9 pence per share 
(0.9%) over the year. This decrease was the result of defi cits arising from 
revaluations of the combined portfolio, net of disposal profi ts, totalling 
£31.7 million, equivalent to 10 pence per share. The valuation of our 
wholly-owned portfolio was broadly fl at, showing a like-for-like decline 
of just 0.2%. Property owned by our Longmartin joint venture fell in value 
by 8.5%, principally due to a 19.4% write down of its retail, principally large 
shops on Long Acre, where the valuers advise, over the year, ERVs have 
fallen by 14% and yields have moved out by 25 basis points.  

We have continued our long record of converting our portfolio’s reversionary 
potential into contracted income. The cash fl ow and earnings this generates 
supports long-term shareholder value creation and a growing dividend 
stream. The Board is recommending a fi nal dividend of 9.0p, an increase 
on last year’s fi nal dividend of 5.9%. This will bring the total dividend for 
the year to 17.7p, up 5.4% on 2018. 

Economic backdrop
Uncertainties stemming from Brexit and the political impasse in Parliament, 
which have continued throughout the year, are weighing on UK business 
and consumer confi dence, resulting in low levels of growth and investment 
nationally. At the same time, trends in consumer spending patterns and 
structural changes in traditional, national retailing, resulting from developments 
in technology and logistics, continue to have a signifi cant impact on retailers’ 
space requirements and their appetite to take on new commitments.

London’s status as a global destination for business and visitors, and the 
breadth and scale of its economy, means it is not solely reliant on the 
fortunes of the UK economy. Its unique features, and those of the West End 
in particular, underpin the resilience of our portfolio and continue to provide 
a considerable degree of insulation from national economic headwinds.

Our portfolio benefi ts from the West End’s exceptional volume of daily 
visitors, unmatched by any other UK location. With an estimated 200+ 
million visits per year, its catchment comprises a huge local workforce, 
nearly nine million Londoners and a similar number in the Home Counties 
who can easily visit for a day, as well as domestic and international tourists. 
This creates a seven-days-a-week trading environment for our occupiers, 
with access to an affl  uent, diverse customer base.  

The West End continues to attract huge investment in its infrastructure and 
buildings by public bodies and landowners, as well as from businesses who 
are based here. We benefi t from these commitments by others, which are 
bringing public realm and environmental improvements, modern offi  ces to 
support the growth of the local working population, more hotels and new 
shopping and leisure choices, all of which will enhance the West End’s appeal 
and footfall. The current plans for the Oxford Street District, alone, are 
expected to deliver £2.9 billion of new investment over the next three years6.

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Shaftesbury Annual Report 2019

Strategic report Chief executive’s statement

Occupational market trends 
(cid:697)ood(cid:671) (cid:725)e(cid:745)erage(cid:671) retai(cid:735) and (cid:735)eisure(cid:772) ((cid:681)(cid:684)(cid:664) of E(cid:709)(cid:713))
Trading conditions in our locations remain good. Our food, beverage and 
retail tenants are, on average, reporting year-on-year turnover growth.  
In common with businesses generally, cost pressure and staff shortages 
continue to present operational challenges.

Our high-footfall and spending locations continue to attract robust demand 
for space from a wide range of domestic and international occupiers. This is 
in contrast to declining interest reported across high streets and shopping 
centres, as national retail and restaurant chains reduce their trading space, 
or abandon under-performing locations. We have been largely unaffected 
by widely-reported national retail and restaurant restructurings and failures, 
with tenant insolvencies during the year accounting for less than 2% of ERV. 
Where space has been handed back, it has re-let well. 

We have a reputation as an innovative landlord with a consistent approach 
to curating our villages and a focus on creating an environment in which  
our tenants can prosper. Our proven strategy is based on a dynamic mix  
of uses, with careful occupier selection focused on a differentiated, 
mid-market offer, rather than formulaic formats or high-end brands.  
The success of our areas owes much to our preference for introducing 
interesting new concepts over covenant-led criteria, and brands that are 
creative, forward-thinking and adapt to fast-moving trends. Our ownership 
clusters give occupiers confidence that our strategy and standards will be 
rigorously maintained, unlike streets with competing owners and no clear 
direction.   

An important aspect of our strategy, which is much valued by our tenants, is 
the promotion of our locations to the widest audience. Working closely with 
occupiers, our events, marketing and social media campaigns raise the 
profile and awareness of our areas with the aim of growing visitor numbers 
and spending, benefiting their businesses. We are currently trialling a data 
capture project in Seven Dials which will provide us with greater insight on 
trading conditions, footfall patterns and visitor demographics. This 
information, which will be shared with our occupiers, will be useful in both 
targeting our consumer marketing and our tenant selection process.   

Across our streets, retail rental levels are generally modest in relation to 
those nearby, and the space we provide is generally smaller, resulting in 
lower fit out and accommodation costs for occupiers.

(cid:706)ffices and residentia(cid:735)(cid:772) ((cid:678)(cid:676)(cid:664) of E(cid:709)(cid:713))
Demand for the office accommodation we provide remains good. Our lively 
locations and competitive rents particularly attract smaller businesses from 
across the creative sectors. Occupancy is high and we have seen rental 
growth over the year. Responding to growing demand for self-contained, 
“plug and play” space, this year, we have successfully trialled a fitted and 
cabled concept, let on short, simple and flexible leases.   

With negligible vacancy throughout the year, our residential portfolio of  
610 studios and small apartments continues to deliver reliable cash flows.

(cid:679)
(cid:679)

Evolution of our portfolio
Our strategy has always focused on constantly adapting our buildings, through 
reconfiguration or change of use, enabling us to provide accommodation which 
meets both current occupier requirements and anticipates market trends. We 
are always keen to take back under-utilised space in our buildings, often radically 
changing how that space is used, enhancing its long-term income prospects.

Examples include:
•  Kingly Court, which, during our 22-year ownership, has changed from small 
offices and workshops, first to a retail-led courtyard and now to a vibrant 
dining hub; 

•  In Chinatown, for many years we have been introducing alternative uses  
in under-utilised upper floors, whilst improving trading space on lower 
trading floors;

•  Demand for very small, inflexible offices has been in long-term decline,  
so we have responded by converting low-grade space, which cannot be 
brought up to modern standards, to residential accommodation for rent, 
to meet growing numbers seeking to live in our lively locations;

•  Across the portfolio, we continually respond to trends in food, beverage 

and retail and occupier space requirements, either increasing or reducing 
trading area by combining or dividing units, or adding or removing first 
floors and basements.  

Whilst we continue to have retailers upsizing, renewing leases early or opening 
concepts in other of our villages, this year it has become increasingly apparent 
that a growing number now prefer to operate from smaller space, reducing 
their overheads and rent commitments. The flexibility afforded by our buildings, 
and our long experience and skills in adapting space, mean we are able to 
meet this current change in appetite for larger space by reducing the size of 
our bigger shops, where appropriate. During the year, we completed schemes 
to repurpose or resize retail space across 49,000 sq. ft., and, currently, we 
have identified a further 23,000 sq. ft., subject to planning consents.    

In response to the growing interest and spending on eating out and 
socialising, which are an important part of any visit to the West End, over 
recent years, our strategy has been to increase the number of interesting 
casual dining and leisure concepts in our popular and busy locations.  
Our 315 restaurants, cafés, pubs and bars are important drivers of footfall, 
dwell-time and trading in our villages and now account for 38% of our ERV2, 
up from 27% ten years ago. Over that same period, the proportion of ERV 
from retail2 has fallen from 45% to 31%. 

Portfolio activity
This has been another busy year for leasing activity, with commercial and 
residential transactions2 of £33.5 million, an increase of £2.1 million over last 
year. On average, commercial rents achieved exceeded ERVs twelve months 
earlier by 3.2%, while lease incentives have remained broadly unchanged. 
Average letting times in the year have been largely in line with last year and 
underlying occupancy remains around 97%.

During the year, capital investment in our portfolio2 totalled £30.9 million, as 
we progressed a number of refurbishment schemes, which will deliver both 
individual and compound long-term benefits to our holdings. At 30 September 
2019, projects underway2 accounted for 10.4% of portfolio ERV. This included 
4.1% at our larger scheme at 72 Broadwick Street, Carnaby, which is due to 
complete in phases from late 2020. Other schemes accounted for £9.4 
million of portfolio ERV, of which £7.7 million is expected to complete in the 
coming year. Whilst this will increase EPRA vacancy in the short term, once let, 
they will make an important contribution to earnings over the medium term.   

General uncertainty has led to an even greater reluctance of owners to sell 
their buildings. In the absence of financial pressures, they prefer to hold 
assets which offer long-term security and good growth prospects. Despite 
the low levels of investment market activity, we have secured acquisitions 
totalling £47.0 million, and have taken advantage of investor demand to sell 
two non-core assets, realising net proceeds of £14.3 million, 24.3% above 
their previous valuation.    

Shaftesbury Annual Report 2019

Strategic report 

Chief executive’s statement

En(cid:745)ironment(cid:671) socia(cid:735) and go(cid:745)ernance
We have always sought to be a good corporate citizen. As a substantial 
landowner in high-profi le parts of the West End, we have responsibilities 
to our wide range of stakeholders. This year, we have undertaken extensive 
work, involving all our staff  and the Board, to defi ne the “Shaftesbury Way”. 
This articulates our purpose, values and culture and has been valuable in 
engaging the entire team in thinking about who we are, what we stand for, 
how we are perceived by our stakeholders, and what they expect from us. 
It has also identifi ed the things we do well and what we can do better. 
Importantly, it has been a cornerstone of the staff  engagement and 
development programmes we have started this year.

We are conscious that we must maintain our eff orts to minimize the 
environmental impact of our business and portfolio of mainly older buildings. 
Their heritage is important to the fabric and ambience of the West End and 
we continue to address and improve their energy performance. We are now 
turning our attention to our occupiers and how they use the space we provide. 
We aim to help them address sustainability in their businesses, harnessing our 
particular knowledge and experience, so they meet our expectations as 
responsible property owners. We also coordinate our eff orts with neighbouring 
owners and local authorities to tackle wider West End issues, such as air quality, 
congestion and biodiversity. 

Our ethos has always been to be an engaged, open, and long-term, trusted 
and supportive neighbour, helping to address social and other issues which 
can have an adverse impact on the local community. Our annual community 
partners’ breakfast drew 36 local groups and organisations, with whom we work 
closely and support throughout the year. 

Looking ahead   
The mood of uncertainty, which has grown since the 2016 EU referendum, may 
yet take some time to improve, and current forecasts for the national economy 
do not show any sign of return to confi dence and optimism amongst businesses 
and consumers. The structural changes facing national retail are unlikely to 
abate, tempering retailer demand for space other than in the busiest locations.

By their nature, qualities and international appeal, London and the West End are 
much less aff ected by current national concerns, and their prospects for long-term 
growth and investment remain strongly positive. Our villages, in the popular heart 
of the West End, provide a character and variety which traditional high streets and 
shopping centres are unable to match, attracting exceptional footfall and seven- 
days-a week trading. Our skill in curating distinctive, prosperous destinations, 
which combine authentic experiences and innovative choices, is complemented 
by our long experience in continually adapting our buildings to meet trends in 
demand, occupier requirements and stringent environmental standards.

Our proven strategy, an impossible-to-replicate resilient portfolio, stable long-term 
fi nancing and, most importantly, an experienced, enthusiastic and entrepreneurial 
team, guided by a responsible culture and embedded values, together provide 
the ingredients for the continued long-term success of this business. 

Brian Bickell
25 November 2019

Areas of focus for the coming year

•  Continue to de(cid:735)i(cid:745)er gro(cid:746)t(cid:731) in E(cid:709)(cid:713)s

•  Convert portfolio reversionary potential 
into contracted income and cas(cid:731) (cid:1026) o(cid:746)

•  Maximise portfolio occupancy

•  See(cid:734) out ne(cid:746) food(cid:671) (cid:725)e(cid:745)erage(cid:671) retai(cid:735) and 
leisure concepts to bring to our villages

•  Progress sc(cid:731)eme at (cid:682)(cid:677) (cid:693)road(cid:746)ic(cid:734) Street

•  Ensure t(cid:731)e si(cid:749)e and confi guration of s(cid:739)ace 
(cid:746)e offer re(cid:1026) ects occu(cid:739)ier re(cid:740)uirements

•  Identify opportunities to repurpose space 

to introduce alternative uses

•  Identify potential public realm 

improvements

•  Deliver on strategic people plan priorities

•  Improve portfolio sustainability and energy 

effi ciency

•  Aim for BREEAM Very Good ratings for all 

sc(cid:731)emes o(cid:745)er (cid:757)(cid:676) mi(cid:735)(cid:735)ion

•  Increase tenant engagement on 

sustainability goals

•  Maintain rankings in key ESG indices

•  Continue investing in our local 

communities

2019 General Election and Brexit 
A General Election was announced in early November, which is to be held on 12 December 2019. The UK’s departure from the EU has been postponed 
until 31 January 2020. The outcome of the election will determine the next stages of the Brexit process. 

An agreement has been reached between the Government and the EU on the terms on which the UK will leave the EU, but the legislation to enact 
it cannot be passed until the new Parliament sits after the election. The agreement provides for a transition period to 31 December 2020, but 
extendable to 31 December 2022 if both parties agree, during which the UK’s future trading and other arrangements are to be negotiated.

At the time of preparing this Annual Report, there remains a risk of a “no-deal” Brexit, which could result in short-term disruption to business supply 
chains. It may also have a negative impact on sterling and business and consumer confi dence. Other than the non-binding political declaration now 
agreed between the parties, the detail and implications of the UK’s future arrangements with the EU will not become clear until negotiations have 
progressed. The parties have stated a desire to conclude those negotiations by December 2020.  

Principal risks and uncertainties: pages 60 to 61

(cid:680)
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Shaftesbury Annual Report 2019

Strategic report 

Business model and strategy
Our purpose
To curate vibrant and thriving villages              in the heart of London’s West End

our  
resources

our  
activities

 Exceptional portfolio

          Pages 8 to 15

 Experienced team

          Pages 63 to 65

 Stakeholder relationships

          Page 31

 Financial resources

          Page 57

Underpinned by

Forensic knowledge  
of the West End
          Pages 63 to 65

Effective governance  
and risk management

          Pages 58 to 59 and 63 to 94

Culture and values

          Pages 36 to 45

Prudent 
financial  
management

          Page 57

Reuse  
and improve  
buildings
          Page 52

Holistic   
long-term  
village 
curation
          Page 16

Invest  
exclusively in  
the West End
          Pages 8 to 15

Invest  
in staff  
welfare and  
development
          Pages 36 to 47

Focus  
on food,  
beverage,  
retail and  
leisure

          Page 17

Focus on  
sustainability 
and 
stakeholders

          Pages 29 to 35

(cid:681)
(cid:681)

 
 
 
 
 
 
Business model and strategy

Our purpose

To curate vibrant and thriving villages              in the heart of London’s West End

Shaftesbury Annual Report 2019

Strategic report 

Business model and strategy

creating value 
through. . .

Growing 
footfall and 
spending

Space which 
meets needs 
of occupiers

Sustained
demand

High
occupancy

. . .  to meet our 

long-term strategic 
objectives

 Long-term growth in rents 
and portfolio value

 Grow recurring earnings 
an(cid:727) cas(cid:731) (cid:1026) o(cid:746)

 Attract, develop and retain 
talented people

 Minimise environmental 
impact

Extending 
useful life
of buildings

Developing
 and innovative 
team

 Deliver sustainable, long-term 
(cid:725)enefi ts for o(cid:744)r sta(cid:734)e(cid:731)ol(cid:727)ers 

   Positive, long-lasting 
contribution to 
London’s West End

Value creation and success against our long-term objectives 
are measured using (cid:702)(cid:707)(cid:700)s(cid:671) which are re(cid:1026) ected in remuneration

          Pages 26 to 28

(cid:682)
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Shaftesbury Annual Report 2019

Strategic report 

Exceptional portfolio in 
the heart of London’s West End
Since the early 1990s, we have invested 
exclusively in the heart of London’s West End, 
concentrating on iconic, high-footfall locations.

Mi(cid:747)ed(cid:672)use (cid:725)ui(cid:735)dings (cid:746)it(cid:731) 
considerable management 
(cid:1026) e(cid:747)i(cid:725)i(cid:735)ity
Our areas are long-established, with street patterns 
generally laid out between 1680 and 1720. Our 
wholly-owned portfolio is all within Conservation Areas 
and around 20% of our buildings are listed as being of 
special architectural interest. As a consequence, there 
is limited opportunity for large-scale redevelopment to 
increase the supply of new accommodation materially, 
particularly at lower-fl oor levels. However, our portfolio of 
mostly smaller, mixed-use buildings provides considerable 
management fl exibility, including the ability to reconfi gure 
space and change uses, enabling our accommodation 
to adapt to changing occupier demand. Signifi cantly, 
with our focus on uses which reduce our exposure to 
obsolescence, capital expenditure is modest, an 
important factor in long-term shareholder value creation. 

 Focus on food, beverage, retail and leisure: page 17

Portfolio activity report: page 51

Impossible to replicate
The buildings we seek to acquire are typically in 
long-term private ownership and existing owners are 
reluctant to sell. Consequently, it would be virtually 
impossible, now, to replicate a portfolio such as ours in 
the West End.

Portfolio valuation: page 49

Sustained renta(cid:735) gro(cid:746)t(cid:731) and 
(cid:735)ong(cid:672)term out(cid:739)erformance
Our investment strategy was born out of our experience 
in the severe property recession of 1990 to 1993. In contrast 
to national conditions, our then modest holdings in 
Chinatown saw sustained tenant demand, and resilient 
rental levels and cash fl ows. Capital values declined 
much less, and recovered more quickly, than the wider 
London or UK market in that challenging period. We 
saw similar economic performance in the global 
fi nancial crisis of 2007 to 2010.

Since we adopted this strategy, we have identifi ed 
well-located areas in the West End, where footfall 
potential is good but rents are low, often because 
they have suff ered from fragmented ownership, lack 
of investment and the absence of a coherent strategy 
for uses and tenant mix. Our mixed-use portfolio has 
grown to c. 600 buildings close to the West End’s major 
employment locations, transport hubs and visitor 
attractions. Underwritten by an exceptionally resilient 
location, it has delivered sustained rental growth and 
long-term outperformance in capital values and total 
shareholder returns. 

Why London’s West End?: page 15

Com(cid:739)ounded (cid:725)enefi ts of 
o(cid:746)ners(cid:731)i(cid:739) c(cid:735)usters
We take a long-term view in our investment and 
management strategies. Establishing ownership clusters 
enables us to unlock rental and capital value potential 
whilst compounding the benefi ts of individual 
improvements we make, such as enhanced tenant mix, 
improved footfall and spending, and higher rental 
tones, across our nearby holdings. 

Holistic long-term village curation: page 16 

Food, beverage and leisure

Retail

(cid:706)ffi ces

  Residential

38%

31%

19%

12%

£149.7m ERV3 

1   Combined portfolio, including our 50% share of the Longmartin joint venture
2   By value
3   Wholly-owned portfolio

(cid:683)
(cid:683)(cid:683)(cid:683)

1

(cid:757)(cid:679)(cid:673)(cid:675)(cid:725)n

CARNABY
(cid:679)(cid:673)(cid:683) (cid:692)C(cid:709)ES 

page 10

36%

of portfolio2 

COVENT 
GARDEN
(cid:679)(cid:673)(cid:683) (cid:692)C(cid:709)ES 

page 11

26%

of portfolio2 

CHINATOWN
3.2 ACRES 

page 12

21%

of portfolio2 

SOHO
(cid:676)(cid:673)(cid:680) (cid:692)C(cid:709)ES 

page 13

8%

of portfolio2

FITZROVIA
0.9 ACRES 

page 14

4%

of portfolio2 

LONGMARTIN
1.9 ACRES 

page 11

5%

of portfolio2 

H I G H   H O L B O R N

GOODGE STREET

OXFORD STREET

TOTTENHAM COURT ROAD

REGENT STREET

BRUTON STREET

SHAFTESBURY AVENUE

PICCADILLY

LONG ACRE

STRAND

HAYMARKET

DRURY LANE

CHARING CROSS ROAD

TRAFALGAR SQUARE

HIGH HOLBORN

MONMOUTH STREET

THE THAMES

BT TOWER

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C E N T R E       P O I N T

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

C O M E     T O  

                       CARNABY ST

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AFTESBU R Y  A

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PICCADILLY 

CIRCUS

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H H

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OPERA HOUSE

CENTRE POINT

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ENGLISH 

NATIONAL

OPERA

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TRAFALGAR 

SQUARE

THE THAMES

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Shaftesbury Annual Report 2019

Strategic report

Exceptional portfolio in the heart of London’s West End

BT TOWER

T

GOODGE STREET
T
E
E

O

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N

R

T

E   S

Over 33 years to accumulate 

and virtually impossible to replicate

15.2 acres and 1.9 acres owned 

in joint venture

G

D

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c. 600 buildings3

iconic, high footfall locations

clustered in 

FITZROVIA

E

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C E N T R E

P O I N T

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

OXFORD 
CIRCUS

C O M E T O

L

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CARNABYST

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CARNABY

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CENTRE POINT

TOTTENHAM 
COURT ROAD

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ROYAL
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OPERA
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AFTESBU R Y

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CHINATOWN

LEICESTER
SQUARE

PICCADILLY CIRCUS

PICCADILLY 
CIRCUS

H
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1.9 million sq ft 

of commercial and residential space and 
0.3m sq ft held in joint venture

ENGLISH
NATIONAL
OPERA

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COLISEUM

TRAFALGAR 
SQUARE

CHARING CROSS

100% of our portfolio is close to an 

Underground/Elizabeth Line station

THE THAMES

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SHAFTESBURY AVENUE

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CHARING CROSS ROAD

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Shaftesbury Annual Report 2019

Strategic report 

Carnaby
36% of combined portfolio1

Carnaby is an iconic shopping and 
dining destination, a few minutes from 
both Oxford Circus and Piccadilly Circus. 
Famous for its history as the centre of 
“Swinging Sixties London”, Carnaby has 
reinvented itself throughout the decades. 
Today, its 14 streets are filled with an eclectic 
mix of shops, restaurants, cafés and bars, and 
attract footfall estimated at over 40 million 
people each year. Our ownership covers 4.8 acres.

Carnaby’s shops showcase international and 
British labels, from flagships to independent 
brands and new concepts. It is also home to  
a large cluster of restaurants, cafés and bars, 
centred on Kingly Court and Kingly Street,  
with an all-day offer. 

1 By value
2 Wholly-owned portfolio

Food, beverage  
and leisure

% of ERV

Retail 

            (cid:706)ffices 

Residential

23%

40%

31%

6%

167,000
sq ft

178,000
sq ft

271,000  
sq ft

69,000
sq ft

Portfolio analysis: page 126

£60.8m ERV2

carnaby.co.uk
follow carnabylondon

central hub and icon of London 
and is now at the centre of the 

“  Carnaby has always been a 
green London movement ”

     Jaime Winstone, Actor

10

 
   
  
    
 
Shaftesbury Annual Report 2019

Strategic report

“ Seven Dials is full of 

independent brands 
and boutiques. A well-
travelled person who 
knows more about 
design tends to gravitate 
towards Seven Dials as 
they want to fi nd 

exclusive products ”

     Gautam Sinha, Nappa Dori

Covent Garden
31% of combined portfolio1,2

Famous for its historic street patterns 
and architecture, and home to half of 
London’s West End theatres, Covent 
Garden is a popular destination for 
visitors and Londoners. It also has a 
(cid:1026) ourishing residential communit(cid:748)(cid:673) 
Our wholly-owned holdings, extending to 
4.8 acres, are centred on Seven Dials but 
also include the Coliseum and Opera 
Quarter restaurant districts, in west and 
east Covent Garden. 

Seven Dials is a historic village in north 
Covent Garden, close to Soho and the 
Tottenham Court Road transport hub. 

Attracting estimated annual footfall of 
over 30 million, its seven interconnecting 
streets showcase a wide range of 
independent boutiques, international 
fashion labels, heritage brands, as well 
as a diverse selection of interesting 
restaurants, cafés and bars.  

The Longmartin joint venture, in which 
we own 50%, owns a 1.9 acre cluster 
of mixed-use buildings, centred on 
St Martin’s Courtyard in Covent Garden. 
This off ers a range of fashion, beauty, 
lifestyle and wellbeing brands, alongside 
9 restaurants, 102,000 sq. ft. of offi  ce 
space and 75 apartments. 

Food, beverage 
and leisure
% of ERV3

       Retail

          (cid:706)ffi ces

       Residential

37%

31%

14%

18%

203,000
sq ft

130,000
sq ft

88,000 
sq ft

135,000
sq ft

£39.0m ERV3

Portfolio analysis: page 126

sevendials.co.uk
stmartinscourtyard.co.uk  
follow @shaftesburyplc 

1  By value
2 % includes our 50% share of property held by Longmartin 
3 Wholly-owned portfolio

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Shaftesbury Annual Report 2019

Strategic report

Chinatown 
21% of combined portfolio1

Chinatown is a bustling village with  
a large far-eastern community at 
the heart of London’s West End 
entertainment district, next to 
Leicester Square and Shaftesbury 
Avenue, and close to Piccadilly Circus. 
Its large concentration of restaurants and 
cafés offers an evolving mix of traditional 
and modern Chinese and pan-Asian 
culture and cuisines.  

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.  
We are the dominant owner, with  
holdings extending to 3.2 acres.

Food, beverage  
and leisure

% of ERV

63%

                 Retail 

     (cid:706)ffices 

  Residential

20%

3%

14%

213,000
sq ft

79,000
sq ft

26,000  
sq ft

100,000
sq ft

Portfolio analysis: page 126

£31.8m ERV2

c(cid:731)inato(cid:746)n(cid:673)co(cid:673)u(cid:734)
follow C(cid:731)inato(cid:746)n(cid:703)ondon

1 By value
2 Wholly-owned portfolio

“  As Chinatown is London’s 

only destination where 
the East truly meets the 
West, it is the perfect fit 

for our brand ”

     Emily Foo, co-founder of Taiyakiya

12

 
   
  
   
 
 
 
 
including wonderful neighbouring Swedish 
fashion businesses, makes it the perfect setting 

“ Berwick Street’s varied and cutting-edge shops, 
for our fi rst London Söderberg café ”

      Åsa Penman, Söderberg

Soho
 8% of combined portfolio1

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South of Oxford Street and between 
Carnaby and Seven Dials, Soho is 
home to many creative businesses, 
independent boutiques, iconic 
restaurants, cafés, bars, and clubs. 
It has a large residential community. 
By day, Soho off ers a wide variety of 
independent, quirky shops and is a hub for 
creativity with many small businesses, typically 
in the media, tech and fashion sectors. 

In the evening and night-time, its distinctive 
atmosphere and proximity to the West End’s 
main leisure and cultural attractions, makes 
it a popular destination both for visitors and 
the West End’s large working population. 

Extending to 1.5 acres, our holdings in Soho 
are centred on Berwick Street, Broadwick 
Street and Brewer Street.

1 By value
2 Wholly-owned portfolio

Food, beverage 
and leisure

% of ERV

       Retail

          (cid:706)ffi ces

       Residential

38%

29%

18%

15%

63,000
sq ft

43,000
sq ft

40,000 
sq ft

37,000
sq ft

£12.1m ERV2

thisissoho.co.uk
follow thisissoho

Portfolio analysis: page 126

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Shaftesbury Annual Report 2019

Strategic report

Fitzrovia 
4% of combined portfolio1

To the north of Oxford Street and close 
to Tottenham Court Road, Fitzrovia is 
London’s oldest dining district, 
renowned for its abundance of small 
restaurants, bistros, cafés, pubs and 
bars. Its large residential, student and 
working populations add to the area’s 
buzz and cosmopolitan feel.
Our ownerships extend to 0.9 acres on, or 
close to, Charlotte Street and Goodge Street.

Food, beverage  
and leisure 

                 Retail 

% of ERV

       (cid:706)ffices 

       Residential

50%

16%

8%

26%

51,000
sq ft

16,000
sq ft

10,000  
sq ft

27,000
sq ft

£6.0m ERV2

1 By value
2 Wholly-owned portfolio

Portfolio analysis: page 126

“  It’s been great to see Fitzrovia develop  

into the cool “neighbourhood” it is now.  
It has its own, quite chilled, vibe and is 
becoming a real foodie hotspot, with 
independent restaurants and bars  

popping up all over ”

     Ben Tish, Norma London

(cid:676)(cid:679)

 
Shaftesbury Annual Report 2019

Strategic report 

Exceptional portfolio in the heart of London’s West End

Why London’s West End

London

The West End

8.9 million 
London’s population1

c. 23% 
contribution to UK GVA2

350 million domestic 
and international visits3 in 2018

19.1 million overseas visits 
to London3 in 2018

(cid:706)ne of t(cid:731)e (cid:746)or(cid:735)d(cid:990)s (cid:739)rinci(cid:739)a(cid:735) cities
The largest city in Western Europe, London is a global creative, fi nancial and 
commercial centre and one of the world’s most popular visitor destinations. 
Its economy generates nearly 23% of UK Gross Value Added (GVA), and is 
expected to grow at a faster rate than the wider UK economy over the 
coming years. 

(cid:698)ro(cid:746)t(cid:731) in (cid:739)o(cid:739)u(cid:735)ation and (cid:745)isitor num(cid:725)ers
Greater London’s population, currently 8.9 million, is expected to grow by 11% 
to 10 million by 2030. Additionally, there is a similar, and growing, population in 
southern England which can easily commute or visit. 

Its outstanding cultural off er, heritage, education facilities and experience 
continues to draw huge numbers of visitors. 2018 saw an estimated 350 
million domestic and international visits to London with a combined spend 
of £29 billion. With 19.1 million international visitors, it was ranked the third 
most popular tourist city destination4 in 2018 and forecasts3 point to growth 
of around 25% by 2025.   

This global appeal brings prosperity and gives London a broad and resilient 
visitor and leisure economic base which is not reliant solely on the fortunes 
of the wider UK economy. 

1  Draft London Plan
2  Offi  ce for National Statistics
3  London & Partners
4  Mastercard Global Destination Cities Index 2019
5  City of Westminster
6 New West End Company
7  Transport for London

>200 million 
annual visits to the West End6

c.700,000 working population in 
the City of Westminster5

>3% of UK GVA produced within the 
City of Westminster2

>225 million passengers use the 
six Underground stations closest to our 
villages7

Se(cid:745)en(cid:672)days(cid:672)a(cid:672)(cid:746)ee(cid:734) footfa(cid:735)(cid:735) and s(cid:739)ending
At the heart of central London, the West End is a vibrant and popular destination 
with estimated visits of over 200 million annually. 

Drawing visitors from around the world, it provides an all-round experience, 
from its unrivalled concentration of entertainment and cultural attractions, 
historic buildings and public spaces, to its world–class variety of shopping and 
some of London’s best and most-innovative restaurants, cafés, bars and clubs. 

The West End is a location for a wide range of global, national and local 
businesses, and a popular place to live. The City of Westminster, alone, 
accounts for over 14% of London’s economic output and more than 3% of 
UK GVA. It is the largest employment centre in the UK with a working 
population of over 700,000. 

Together with the West End’s visitors, and its residential community, this 
brings seven-days-a-week footfall and spending, both of which have shown 
long-term resilient growth.

Constrained availability of space 
Availability of commercial space in the West End is constrained, planning 
regulations are restrictive and there is demand from a wide variety of national 
and international occupiers. This structural imbalance between supply and 
demand is fundamental to our portfolio’s rental prospects and capital value, 
both of which have shown signifi cantly greater long-term growth and 
stability through the economic cycles than the wider real estate market. 

(cid:692)t t(cid:731)e (cid:731)eart of (cid:703)ondon(cid:990)s trans(cid:739)ort net(cid:746)or(cid:734)
The West End is at the heart of London’s transport network. The six 
underground stations closest to our villages handle over 225 million 
passengers annually7. Over the longer term, our portfolio is also uniquely 
well-placed to benefi t from increased visits, spending and materially 
changing footfall patterns resulting from the opening of the Elizabeth Line. 
This will expand London’s rail capacity, bringing an additional 1.5 million people 
within 45 minutes of the West End. Having been delayed further, current 
expectations are that initial services will commence in 2021 at the earliest. 

(cid:676)(cid:680)
(cid:676)(cid:680)

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Shaftesbury Annual Report 2019
Shaftesbury Annual Report 2019
Shaftesbury Annual Report 2019

Strategic report 
Strategic report 
Strategic report 

Holistic long-term village curation
Our strategy is to encourage footfall to, and spending in, our 
areas to provide our restaurants, cafés, pubs and shops 
with an environment within which they can prosper. 

This drives sustained occupier demand and high occupancy levels, which 
supports our ability to deliver long-term income growth. Key aspects to our 
management strategy are set out below.

Ownership 
clusters

Tenant 
selection

Improving 
our buildings 
and the 
public realm

(cid:694)om(cid:739)o(cid:744)n(cid:727)in(cid:730) (cid:725)enefi ts 
of individual transactions 
across nearby holdings

Providing visitors with an 
interesting experience

Unlocking value, improving 
long-term sustainability and 
creating welcoming areas

          Page 8

 Pages 18 to 21

Pages 52 to 53

Promoting our 
villages

Engagement 
with local 
community and 
stakeholders

Forensic 
knowledge of 
the West End

Raising awareness to drive 
footfall and spending

Understanding local 
expectations and 
supporting the West End 

Experience through 
economic cycles

Pages 24 to 25

Pages 31, 34 to 35 

Pages 63 to 65

(cid:676)(cid:681)(cid:676)(cid:681)
(cid:676)(cid:681)
(cid:676)(cid:681)(cid:676)(cid:681)(cid:676)(cid:681)(cid:676)(cid:681)(cid:676)(cid:681)
(cid:676)(cid:681)

Shaftesbury Annual Report 2019

Strategic report

Focus on food, beverage, retail and leisure
Dining, socialising and shopping are important elements 
of the West End’s economy. 

(cid:695)i(cid:745)ersifi ed mi(cid:747) of income streams
Providing a diversifi ed mix of income streams, our mixed-use portfolio 
comprises restaurants, shops, cafés, bars and pubs over lower fl oors with 
offi  ces and residential on upper fl oors. Our 1.1 million sq. ft. of food, 
beverage, retail and leisure space provides 70% of our annualised current 
income1 and 69% of ERV1. Currently, it comprises 315 restaurants, cafés and 
pubs and 293 shops, mostly of medium or small size.

(cid:698)ro(cid:746)ing interest and s(cid:739)ending on food and 
beverage
Over recent years, our strategy has been to increase the number of interesting 
casual dining and leisure concepts in our popular, high-footfall locations to 
meet growing interest and spending on food and beverage by the West 
End’s large, relatively affl  uent, customer base. Food, beverage and leisure 
now accounts for 38% of our ERV, up from 27% ten years ago. Over that 
same period, the proportion of ERV from retail has fallen from 45% to 31%. 

(cid:703)ong(cid:672)term gro(cid:746)t(cid:731) and sta(cid:725)i(cid:735)ity t(cid:731)roug(cid:731) 
economic cycles 
In our areas, there is a long history of occupier demand exceeding the 
availability of space, which often is restricted by listed building and conservation 
area legislation. This is particularly the case for restaurants, pubs and bars, 
which are also subject to local planning and licensing restrictions. 
Consequently, occupancy is generally high and rental levels for these uses 
have not demonstrated cyclical volatility, resulting in greater long-term growth 
and stability through economic cycles than the wider real estate market. 

Over the past ten years, these uses have delivered like-for-like annualised 
ERV growth of 3.9%. Over the same period, vacancy levels for these uses 
have averaged 2.6% of ERV1,2,3.

(cid:709)estaurants(cid:671) retai(cid:735) and (cid:735)eisure(cid:685) (cid:735)i(cid:734)e(cid:672)for(cid:672)(cid:735)i(cid:734)e E(cid:709)(cid:713) gro(cid:746)t(cid:731)(cid:779)
160

140

120

100

80
2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

    ERV (cumulative, re-based to 100 at 30 September 2009) 

EPRA vacancy: page 51

Limited obsolescence 
We provide food, beverage, retail and leisure accommodation in shell form only. 
Occupiers are responsible for their fi t-out, normally with no capital contribution 
from us. When tenants vacate, we re-let the shell of space usually without 
incurring signifi cant refurbishment costs, limiting portfolio obsolescence. 

(cid:712)(cid:739)(cid:739)er (cid:1026) oors (cid:672) a mi(cid:747) of offi ces and residentia(cid:735)
Typically, our upper fl oors comprise small offi  ces, residential, or a mix of 
both. A local working population and a residential community are important 
elements of the character and economy of our areas, bringing added life 
and vibrancy, and providing a regular customer base. 

Offi  ces: page 22; residential: page 23

E(cid:745)o(cid:735)ution of uses o(cid:745)er time ((cid:664) of E(cid:709)(cid:713)(cid:779))

9

19

45

27

2009 

Residential

Offi  ces

Shops

Food, beverage and leisure

12

19

31

38

2019

Preference for mid(cid:672)mar(cid:734)et(cid:671) inno(cid:745)ati(cid:745)e 
concepts
Careful tenant selection is critical to ensure our areas remain distinctive, 
lively and popular, attracting growing footfall and spending. We favour new 
concepts, independent operators and international brands making their UK 
debut, and prefer mid-market, innovative formats, rather than formulaic 
national chains. The combination of high footfall, modest rental levels, the 
consistent curation and promotion of our villages, and the small to medium-
sized accommodation we provide is important in providing occupiers with 
the ingredients to trade prosperously.

Food, beverage and leisure: page 18; retail: page 20

1  Wholly-owned portfolio 
2  EPRA vacancy 
3   Excluding larger schemes at 30 Sept 2017 and 2018

(cid:676)(cid:681)(cid:676)(cid:681)

(cid:676)(cid:682)
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Shaftesbury Annual Report 2019 Strategic report
Strategic report

Food, beverage and leisure
We are the largest single provider of dining 
and leisure space in the West End, curating 
high(cid:672)profi le and bus(cid:748) destinations such as 
Chinatown, Kingly Court, Neal’s Yard and 
Opera Quarter.  

(cid:678)(cid:683)(cid:664)   of our portfolio2

restaurants, cafés, pubs and bars

(cid:678)(cid:676)(cid:680)
“

(cid:700) (cid:735)o(cid:745)e t(cid:731)e (cid:725)u(cid:749)(cid:749) of (cid:702)ing(cid:735)y Court(cid:673) (cid:716)ou 
immediately feel transformed to another 
(cid:746)or(cid:735)d(cid:673) (cid:697)or me(cid:671) t(cid:731)e courtyard reminds 
me of my (cid:731)ome in (cid:700)ndia in t(cid:731)e summer(cid:671) 
on t(cid:731)e second (cid:1026) oor (cid:746)it(cid:731) a(cid:735)(cid:735) t(cid:731)e (cid:746)indo(cid:746)s 
o(cid:739)ened(cid:673) (cid:700)n (cid:746)inter(cid:671) t(cid:731)e roof and (cid:725)eautifu(cid:735) 
(cid:735)ig(cid:731)ts remind me of t(cid:731)e (cid:746)inter mar(cid:740)uees 
of my fami(cid:735)y (cid:746)eddings(cid:673) (cid:700)t fi ts so (cid:746)e(cid:735)(cid:735) 
(cid:746)it(cid:731) t(cid:731)e food (cid:746)e ser(cid:745)e 

“

(cid:692)sma (cid:702)(cid:731)an(cid:671) (cid:695)ar(cid:733)ee(cid:735)ing E(cid:747)(cid:739)ress

(cid:697)it(cid:749)ro(cid:745)ia 5%
Soho 8%

C(cid:731)inato(cid:746)n 35%

1 All data relates to wholly-owned portfolio
2 % of ERV
3 As at 30 September 2019
4 Leasing activity during the year ended 30 September 2019

(cid:757)(cid:680)(cid:681)(cid:673)(cid:680)mERV by village

(cid:676)(cid:683)
(cid:676)(cid:683)(cid:676)(cid:683)

(cid:675)(cid:673)(cid:682)m s(cid:740) ft

9 years (cid:746)eig(cid:731)ted a(cid:745)erage une(cid:747)(cid:739)ired 
lease term

(cid:677)(cid:673)(cid:680)(cid:664) EPRA vacancy(cid:677)(cid:671)(cid:678)
(cid:757)(cid:684)(cid:673)(cid:684)m (cid:735)ettings(cid:674)rent re(cid:745)ie(cid:746)s(cid:679)
(17.5% of restaurant, café and leisure ERV)

(cid:676)(cid:681) ne(cid:746) (cid:735)ettings
(cid:683) (cid:735)ease rene(cid:746)a(cid:735)s
(cid:678)(cid:681) rent re(cid:745)ie(cid:746)s sett(cid:735)ed

Carnaby 26%

Covent Garden 26%

 
Evolution of restaurant leases
Restaurant tenants invest considerable sums fi tting out their space, 
sometimes spending the equivalent of 3 to 5 years’ rent and, therefore, 
we grant longer leases than for shops, to provide an extended period 
over which occupiers can amortise this cost.

Historically, leases were often granted over whole buildings and provided 
tenants with renewal rights on expiry. We fi nd that upper fl oors often are 
now under-utilised and, where opportunities arise, we seek to negotiate 
the surrender of these leases to secure vacant possession. This allows us 
to improve the confi guration of space on the lower fl oors, attract new 
operators on more benefi cial terms, and often release valuable upper 
fl oors for other uses.

In recent years we have also reduced the term of leases we grant and 
introduced more fl exibility at expiry and, now, we include turnover-related 
rental top-ups, giving us the higher of market rent and a percentage of 
sales. This continues to provide a useful contribution to both income and 
earnings, as well as providing us with useful commercial data. At 30 
September 2019, the proportion of our restaurants under historical leases 
was 49% (2018: 54%), over a third of which are in Chinatown, providing us 
with further opportunities to add value and fl exibility over the coming years. 

Typical restaurant lease terms

Historical Leases

New Leases

Term

Rent reviews

Security of tenure on expiry

Turnover-related top-up

Space leases typically 
granted over

Proportion of our restaurant 
leases (by ERV)

Incentives

25 years

Five-yearly, 
upward-only

Yes

No

Whole buildings

49%

N/A

15 years

Five-yearly, 
upward-only

No

Yes

Operational space only 
(i.e. not upper fl oors)

51%

Short rent-free period 
to help cover tenant 
fi t-out time. No 
contribution to fi t-out 
costs

Shaftesbury Annual Report 2019

Strategic report (cid:697)ood(cid:671) (cid:725)e(cid:745)erage and (cid:735)eisure
Strategic report

(cid:699)a(cid:735)o effect on footfa(cid:735)(cid:735)(cid:671) d(cid:746)e(cid:735)(cid:735)(cid:672)time and trading 
At the centre of London’s food scene, the West End has a wide choice of 
high quality, creative and accessible dining experiences, from breakfast 
through to late night dining. 

We are the largest single provider of food and beverage space in the West 
End, curating high-profi le and busy destinations such as Chinatown, Kingly 
Court, Neal’s Yard and Opera Quarter. In our experience, a strong food and 
beverage off er has a halo eff ect on footfall, encouraging new customers to 
visit, increasing dwell time and driving improved trading in our villages. 

Evolution of uses: page 17

Adding variety to our offer
The majority of our restaurants provide casual dining, with a focus on 
ambience, quality and experience, often with an all-day off er. Always 
looking to add more variety to our existing off er, we favour mid-market 
and distinctive formats, often supporting new independent concepts or 
international entrants, rather than formulaic chains. In assessing new 
tenants, we consider a number of factors including their plans for fi t-out, 
service and social media, and, crucially, whether we would like to eat or 
drink there. In many cases, successful occupiers will look to us for further 
space, often for new concepts.

Constrained availability of space
Availability of restaurant space remains constrained by local planning and 
licensing policies, which restrict large-scale increases in these uses, whether 
by development, extension of existing space, or conversion from other uses. 
Existing operators are generally reluctant to relinquish their valuable sites, 
other than for signifi cant premiums. 

Healthy occupier demand
Against this backdrop of limited availability of space, occupier demand 
remains healthy, buoyed by the potential to trade profi tably seven-days-
a-week in our high footfall villages. 

During the year, we concluded lettings and rent reviews with a rental value 
of £9.9 million. These included Seven Dials Market, which opened in Thomas 
Neal’s Warehouse, a 23,000 sq. ft. Victorian warehouse in the heart of 
Seven Dials. The concept is an innovative hybrid, providing an exciting 
line-up of street food concepts with their fi rst “bricks and mortar” space, 
a bar, bookshop and a market selling fresh produce. This has increased the 
casual food and beverage off er in Seven Dials, further improving this 
popular and distinctive village destination.

Pages 38 to 39

Occupancy levels are high, and with tenants ensuring they preserve their 
valuable occupation rights, our bad debt history is negligible. Many national 
casual dining chains, suff ering from reduced consumer spending outside of 
London and poor site selection, are closing units. In contrast, the incidence 
of concepts not succeeding in our villages is low, refl ecting the prosperity of 
our locations, careful tenant selection, and the holistic curation of our areas. 
Where concepts fail, usually the space re-lets quickly, often with the incumbent 
receiving a substantial premium for the lease from the new operator.

At 30 September 2019, EPRA vacancy for our food, beverage and leisure 
space was 2.5%, of which 1.6% was under off er. Much of this space was in 
recently completed schemes.

Portfolio activity report: page 51

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Shaftesbury Annual Report 2019 Strategic report
Strategic report 

Retail
Our shops, mainly clustered in Carnaby, 
Seven Dials and Soho, make an important 
contribution to the West End’s reputation as 
a leading global retail destination.   

31%

of our portfolio2

(cid:714)e se(cid:735)ected Se(cid:745)en (cid:695)ia(cid:735)s for our fi rst 

(cid:739)ermanent store (cid:725)ecause (cid:746)e (cid:746)anted 

293shops
“

an attracti(cid:745)e (cid:731)ig(cid:731)(cid:672)footfa(cid:735)(cid:735) (cid:735)ocation to 
dis(cid:739)(cid:735)ay our fantastic acti(cid:745)e(cid:746)ear (cid:735)a(cid:725)e(cid:735)s for 
our loyal customers to discover in person. 
The space combines the choice of 
e(cid:672)commerce (cid:746)it(cid:731) t(cid:731)e e(cid:747)(cid:739)erience of 
(cid:739)(cid:731)ysica(cid:735) retai(cid:735) and (cid:746)i(cid:735)(cid:735) offer Se(cid:745)en (cid:695)ia(cid:735)s 
(cid:745)isitors com(cid:739)(cid:735)ete (cid:725)rand ta(cid:734)eo(cid:745)ers(cid:671) 

“

hosting talks and running clubs  
(cid:692)(cid:735)e(cid:747)andra (cid:713)ant(cid:731)ournout(cid:671) Managing (cid:695)irector of (cid:697)as(cid:731)ercise

(cid:697)it(cid:749)ro(cid:745)ia 2%

Soho 8%

 Bond  Street6

James Street W C2

Oxford Street6

Regent Street6

Covent Garden Market  

Long Acre

Carnaby Street

Neal Street

Foubert's Place

Floral Street

Monmouth Street

Newburgh Street

Berwick Street 

Earlham Street

(cid:675)(cid:673)(cid:679)m s(cid:740) ft

3 years (cid:746)eig(cid:731)ted a(cid:745)erage 
unexpired lease term

(cid:681)(cid:673)(cid:683)(cid:664) EPRA vacancy(cid:677)(cid:671)(cid:678)
(cid:757)(cid:676)(cid:677)(cid:673)(cid:680)m (cid:735)ettings(cid:674)rent re(cid:745)ie(cid:746)s(cid:679)
(26.6% of retail ERV)

(cid:678)(cid:682) ne(cid:746) (cid:735)ettings
(cid:677)(cid:683) (cid:735)ease rene(cid:746)a(cid:735)s
13 rent re(cid:745)ie(cid:746)s sett(cid:735)ed

Carnaby 51%

C(cid:731)inato(cid:746)n 13%

(cid:757)(cid:679)(cid:682)(cid:673)(cid:675)m

ERV by village

Covent Garden 26%

1 All data relates to wholly-owned portfolio
2 % of ERV
3 As at 30 September 2019
4 Leasing activity during the year ended 30 September 2019
5  Source: Cushman & Wakefi eld, published information and 

company data

6 Based on 30 ft zones

20
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Shaftesbury Annual Report 2019

Strategic report Retail

(cid:714)ide range of s(cid:731)o(cid:739) si(cid:749)es and com(cid:739)etiti(cid:745)e 
rents
A key element of the character of our villages is the wide range of shop sizes 
across our buildings and streets, from boutiques to larger fl agships. Of our 
293 shops, 67% by number are small to medium-sized (ERV < £150,000) and 
provide 33% of retail ERV. 96 shops are larger (ERV > £150,000) and provide 
67% of ERV. This allows us to provide a variety of rental levels and retail 
formats, from start-ups to more established operators, whilst off ering 
retailers fl exibility to expand or introduce new concepts within our villages. 

Importantly, rental tones in our high-footfall and spending locations are
competitive compared with nearby streets.

West End retail rental tones(cid:680) ((cid:739)rime (cid:749)one (cid:692) (cid:739)er s(cid:740)(cid:673)ft(cid:673))
2,250

  Shaftesbury streets

1,300

925

750 650 600 540

400 375

250 240 220 200

195

 Bond  Street6
James Street W C2

Oxford Street6

Covent Garden Market  
Regent Street6

Long Acre
Carnaby Street

Neal Street
Foubert's Place

Floral Street
Monmouth Street

Newburgh Street

Berwick Street 

Earlham Street

E(cid:745)er(cid:672)e(cid:745)o(cid:735)(cid:745)ing retai(cid:735) strategy
Ensuring our villages have a fresh and diff erentiated retail mix is fundamental 
in ensuring we create and maintain distinctive locations. As with our food, 
beverage and leisure space, tenant selection is critical. We target brands 
with new concepts, or fi rst stores and fl agships, rather than national chains 
found in shopping centres and high streets. Many of our retailers are 
independents, an important factor in making our villages distinctive 
destinations. There is a current trend away from “fast fashion”, with our 
visitors preferring experience, wellness, sustainable products and brands 
with an authentic ethical purpose. 

Aspects we consider when assessing whether a brand will benefi t our 
villages include:
•  Whether it fi ts the village’s distinct brand identity;
•  How interesting their product is and what experience their customers 
will have;
•  Its social story including business transparency, supply chain ethics, 
carbon footprint, and price of production; and
•  How it will promote its story and use digital media channels.
In researching new ideas and concepts, we travel to see other cities and 
their brands, attend trade shows and meet retailers, many of which view our 
areas in the West End as ideal places to launch their international business. 
Also, through building long-term relationships with our tenants, we are 
well-placed to help them expand or introduce new concepts in our areas.

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Good leasing activity and high occupancy 
Interest in our areas is robust, with retailers attracted by high footfall, the mix 
of retail and food and beverage, the aff ordability of our rents, the marketing 
support we off er and our approach to the curation of our villages. 

Despite well-publicised headwinds being faced by the retail sector, leasing 
activity during the year has been good, occupancy is high and the level of 
lease incentives has remained stable. 

During the year, we concluded 78 lettings, renewals and rent reviews, with a 
combined rental value of £12.5 million. At 30 September 2019, EPRA vacancy 
was 6.8% of retail ERV, and comprised eleven available shops (4.0% of ERV) 
and six units which were under off er (2.8% of ERV). Importantly, we have a 
number of retailers which recently have upsized, renewed leases, sometimes 
ahead of lease expiry, or opened concepts in our other villages, demonstrating 
their confi dence in continued profi table trading in our locations.

We are seeing growing demand for retailers requiring smaller shops. This is 
driven by a lower overall commitment in rent and fi t out together with less 
need for storage space due to more-effi  cient stock replacement models. 
Our skill in the reconfi guration and repurposing of space to alternative uses 
is allowing us to respond to this changing demand. Examples include splitting 
space into smaller shops and taking back space, particularly basements and 
fi rst fl oors, where, subject to planning, we can introduce often more valuable 
alternative uses, such as restaurants, live entertainment space or offi  ces. 

We expect retail headwinds to prevail for some time and occupiers are likely 
to become ever-more discerning over the locations and stores they choose. 
With the combination of our high footfall streets, modest rents, fl exible 
approach to leasing and reputation for encouraging innovation, we are 
well-placed to weather these challenges.

Portfolio activity report: page 51

(cid:700)m(cid:739)ortance of (cid:1026) e(cid:747)i(cid:725)(cid:735)e (cid:735)easing a(cid:739)(cid:739)roac(cid:731)
Given the negative retail news backdrop, retailers are innovating and 
modifying their strategies more quickly, to respond to ever-changing 
consumer trends. Consequently, our fl exible approach to leasing is 
becoming ever-more important. Our typical retail leases have always 
been relatively short, allowing us to keep the brand line-up fresh and 
interesting. We trial new concepts through pop-ups and short-term 
leases. As well as adding interest to our areas, this provides the 
opportunity to assess performance and the value they add to 
our streets. Often, these convert into longer leases.

Typical lease terms
Smaller shops: 3-5 years

Larger shops: 5-10 years

Short rent-free period to help cover tenant fi t-out periods.

21
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Shaftesbury Annual Report 2019

Strategic report 
Strategic report

(cid:706)ffi ces
We are an important provider of 
small(cid:671) (cid:1026) e(cid:747)ible o(cid:729)fi ce space in the 
West End.

19%of our portfolio2

(cid:675)(cid:673)(cid:679)m s(cid:740) ft

3 years 

(cid:746)eig(cid:731)ted a(cid:745)erage 
unexpired lease term

(cid:757)(cid:678)(cid:673)(cid:683)m 
(cid:735)ettings(cid:674)rent re(cid:745)ie(cid:746)s(cid:679)
(cid:667)(cid:676)(cid:678)(cid:673)(cid:681)(cid:664) o(cid:729) o(cid:729)fi ce (cid:696)(cid:709)(cid:713)(cid:668)

2.9%
EPRA vacancy (cid:677)(cid:671)(cid:678)

(cid:676)(cid:680) 

(cid:735)ease rene(cid:746)a(cid:735)s

29

ne(cid:746) (cid:735)ettings

(cid:681)

rent re(cid:745)ie(cid:746)s sett(cid:735)ed

Important source of customers
Offi  ces are an intrinsic part of the mix of uses in our villages, 
bringing a working population which is an important source 
of customers for our restaurants, cafés, pubs, bars and shops.

At 30 September 2019, our wholly-owned portfolio included 
435,000 sq. ft. of offi  ce space, a net decrease of 31,000 sq. ft. 
during the year, predominantly due to securing planning 
consent to convert space into restaurant and leisure uses at 
72 Broadwick Street.

Read more on 72 Broadwick Street on page 52

Typically, our space is occupied by small and medium-sized 
businesses in the media, creative, fashion and tech sectors. 
These have traditionally found their natural home in Carnaby, 
Soho and Covent Garden, and are attracted by the vibrant 
locations, fl exibility and aff ordable accommodation we provide, 
together with the community of similar businesses in this creative 
part of London. Our tenants’ staff  benefi t from privilege cards, 
off ering discounts in our shops, restaurants and cafés.

Sma(cid:735)(cid:735)(cid:671) (cid:1026) e(cid:747)i(cid:725)(cid:735)e and afforda(cid:725)(cid:735)e s(cid:739)ace
Our offi  ce space is generally small, aff ordable, and mostly situated 
above our restaurants, cafés and shops. We can off er a range of 
offi  ce sizes, allowing our occupiers to grow within our portfolio.

Our average letting is 1,400 sq. ft. at £59 per sq. ft. (2018: £57 per 
sq. ft.) and average ERV is £65 per sq. ft. (2018: £64 per sq. ft.). 

Despite the growth in co-working space in the West End, 
demand for our smaller, self-contained space remains good. 
Responding to growing demand for fl exible “plug and play” 
space, we have successfully trialled a workspace concept during 
the year, the key aspects of which are:

• Short and simple leases;
• Fitted and cabled space;
• Fixed costs; and
• Flexible lease terms, starting at two years.

High occupancy
Demand for our offi  ce accommodation is good, rental levels 
and incentives are fi rm and occupancy is high. During the year, 
we completed lettings, renewals and rent reviews with a rental 
value of £3.8 million. Retention rates have been good, with 
fi fteen leases being renewed during the year. 

At 30 September 2019, offi  ce vacancy was £0.8 million, 
representing 2.9% of offi  ce ERV, of which half was under off er.

Portfolio activity report: page 51

(cid:697)it(cid:749)ro(cid:745)ia 1%
Soho 8%

C(cid:731)inato(cid:746)n 4%

Covent Garden 20%

Carnaby 67%

Typical lease terms
Smaller offi ces: 3-5 years

Larger offi ces: 5-10 years, with break options at year 5

Incentives: Short rent-free period. No contribution to fi t-out costs

(cid:757)(cid:677)(cid:682)(cid:673)(cid:684)mERV by village

1 All data relates to wholly-owned portfolio
2 % of ERV
3 As at 30 September 2019
4 Leasing activity during the year ended 30 September 2019

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Shaftesbury Annual Report 2019

Strategic report
Strategic report

Residential
Demand to rent our mid-market 
apartments - mainly studios 
and one or two bedroom (cid:1026) ats 
– remains good. 

12%of our portfolio2

(cid:681)(cid:676)(cid:675)apartments
(cid:675)(cid:673)(cid:679)m s(cid:740) ft

(cid:675)(cid:673)(cid:680)(cid:664) EPRA vacancy(cid:677)(cid:671)(cid:678)

212 ne(cid:746) (cid:735)ettings

Mid(cid:672)mar(cid:734)et accommodation
Our 610 mid-market fl ats are mainly studios and one or 
two-bedroom apartments, many of which have been created 
from the conversion of small offi  ce accommodation back to its 
original residential use. We have a number of further planning 
consents for residential conversion, which we could implement 
in the future.

Our tenants are typically international students or people 
working in London, often for a few years only, who like the 
convenience, vibrancy and bustle of the West End.

We let our apartments unfurnished, on three-year Assured 
Shorthold Tenancies. These leases are fl exible, including rolling 
mutual break options after six months, and provide for annual 
RPI rent increases. In our experience, there is a high incidence 
of leases that renew at the end of the term.

(cid:699)ig(cid:731) occu(cid:739)ancy and sta(cid:725)(cid:735)e cas(cid:731) (cid:1026) o(cid:746)
Demand for our apartments remains good, resulting in high 
occupancy levels and a stable cash fl ow. Lettings and renewals 
with a rental value of £7.3 million were completed during the 
year, with rents being achieved marginally above existing levels. 
At 30 September 2019 only three apartments were available, all 
of which were under off er.

We continue our rolling programme to upgrade our apartments, 
in order to ensure their specifi cation remains competitive and 
maintain our high occupancy rates.

Portfolio activity report: page 51

Preference to (cid:735)ease(cid:671) not se(cid:735)(cid:735)(cid:671) our 
apartments
Most of the value of our buildings is in the commercial uses on 
the lower fl oors. Consequently, we prefer to lease, rather than 
sell, our apartments in order to retain control over whole 
buildings to realise the long-term potential in those valuable 
lower fl oors. 

Typical lease terms
Three year Assured Shorthold Tenancies

(cid:757)(cid:682)(cid:673)(cid:678)m lettings and 
rene(cid:746)a(cid:735)s(cid:679) (39.9% of 
residential ERV)

(cid:679)(cid:678) (cid:735)ease rene(cid:746)a(cid:735)s

Let unfurnished

Annual RPI uplifts

Mutual break options on a rolling two-month basis after the 
fi rst six months

(cid:697)it(cid:749)ro(cid:745)ia 8%

Soho 10%

Carnaby 20%

(cid:757)(cid:676)(cid:683)(cid:673)(cid:678)m

ERV by village

C(cid:731)inato(cid:746)n 24%

Covent Garden 38%

1 All data relates to wholly-owned portfolio
2 % of ERV
3 As at 30 September 2019
4 Leasing activity during the year ended 30 September 2019

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Shaftesbury Annual Report 2019

Strategic report 

1

2

3

4

5

1 Festival 30, Seven Dials 
2 International Women’s Day, Seven Dials 
3 Soho Music Month, Carnaby 
4 Chinese New Year, Chinatown 
5 Christmas lights launch, Seven Dials

(cid:677)(cid:679)
(cid:677)(cid:679)

Shaftesbury Annual Report 2019

Strategic report 

Promoting our villages
Our promotional activities 
are focused on improving 
awareness of our villages to 
drive footfall and spending 
and, in turn, help our tenants 
trade profi tabl(cid:748)(cid:673) 

We never assume that visitors to the West End will know of, nor come to our 
villages. To raise awareness, we use targeted marketing strategies to tell the 
story of our villages, including why consumers actively seek to spend time 
in these vibrant areas and the unique experiences they provide, which are 
generally not available on the high street or in shopping centres. 

Our integrated marketing strategy includes trade and consumer press, digital 
and social media platforms and events. Our marketing partners, which 
include the Evening Standard, Time Out and London & Partners, as well 
as social media infl uencers, help further increase our promotional reach. 
Brand messages are tailored for each village to refl ect their heritage, 
personality and target audience, be it domestic and international consumers 
or potential occupiers. A key aspect of our strategy is collaboration with 
our occupiers to help promote their brands and new product launches. 

Throughout the year, we organise events and campaigns which highlight the 
culture and history of individual villages, their shopping and dining off er, and 
our charity and community initiatives. Our occupiers help bring these to life, 
using their own marketing channels and, often, arranging their own related 
activities. 

Examples of events and campaigns in the year include:

• Festival 30:  a one-day festival, celebrating the 30th anniversary of the 

iconic sundial in the heart of Seven Dials, which off ered a range of activities, 
arts, workshops, food and community activities.

• Contemplate: a fi ve-day art exhibition in Chinatown, demystifying lesser-

known ingredients in Far Eastern cuisine. 

• Carnaby Feels the Love: a campaign that has run throughout the year, 

championing sustainability, charity and community initiatives. 

• Blue Turtle: An initiative focused on reducing the consumption of single-use 
plastic products and waste, and the sustainable sourcing of seafood. As part 
of this, 45 of Carnaby’s restaurants have been recognised for improving 
practice and working towards being ocean friendly.

• Soho Music Month: a free music and culture festival celebrating Carnaby’s 

and Soho’s heritage and music scene. 

(cid:677)(cid:680)
(cid:677)(cid:680)

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Shaftesbury Annual Report 2019

Strategic report 

Measuring success
(cid:714)e use a balance o(cid:729) financial and non(cid:672)financial metrics to 
measure our performance. These include both long-term 
performance and operational measures, aligned with our 
long-term strategy. A number of these metrics help 
determine executive and staff remuneration.

Alignment with strategy and link to remuneration

Strategic o(cid:725)(cid:733)ecti(cid:745)es to de(cid:735)i(cid:745)er a (cid:739)ositi(cid:745)e(cid:671) (cid:735)ong(cid:672)(cid:735)asting contri(cid:725)ution to (cid:703)ondon(cid:990)s (cid:714)est End

1

(cid:703)ong(cid:672)term 
gro(cid:746)t(cid:731) in 
rents and 
portfolio 
value

2

(cid:698)ro(cid:746)  
recurring 
earnings  
and cash  
(cid:1026)o(cid:746)

3

(cid:692)ttract(cid:671)  
develop and 
retain  
talented 
people

(cid:679)

Minimise  
environmental  
impact

(cid:680)

Deliver 
sustaina(cid:725)(cid:735)e(cid:671) 
(cid:735)ong(cid:672)term 
(cid:725)enefits for 
our stake(cid:672)
holders  

(cid:702) (cid:702)P(cid:700)

R

*

Remuneration

Metric  
introduced  
in 2019

Business model and strategy; pages 6 to 7

Total Shareholder Return (%)

Total Accounting Return1 (%)

EPRA NAV1 growth (%)

1

2 3 (cid:679) (cid:680) (cid:702) R

1

2 3 (cid:679) (cid:680) (cid:702) * R

1

2 3 (cid:679) (cid:680) (cid:702) R

  Shaftesbury        

  Benchmark

23.8 23.1

  Shaftesbury 

  Benchmark

21.9

  Shaftesbury        

  Benchmark

36.7

24.1

7.5

6.5

3.6

4.1

-9.9

-9.4

6.9

2.4

13.5

3.8

8.9

8.7

5.3

5.8

2.5

0.8

7.2

6.9

6.3

4.1

5.4

5.0

3.8

2.2

-0.9

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

Measures shareholder value creation, 
taking into account share price 
movements and dividends in the period. 
We benchmark against the FTSE 350 
REIT Index.

Over the long term, we have outperformed 
the sector. However, over each of the past 
two years we have underperformed with 
our share price falling from a premium to 
a discount to EPRA NAV. Over five years, 
TSR was 45.3%, outperforming the 
benchmark by 16.3 percentage points. 

Performance over three years relative to 
the benchmark is a measure in the LTIP 
scheme. 

  LTIP vesting: page 90

Overall measure of performance, taking 
into account growth in EPRA NAV plus 
dividends paid, as a ratio of EPRA NAV at the 
start of the period. For the benchmark above, 
we have used a market capital-weighted 
index of FTSE 350 REITs. 

In 2019, TAR was 0.8%, following a decrease 
in the portfolio valuation in the year, 
underperforming the benchmark by 1.7 
percentage points. Over five years, TAR was 
8.3% pa, compared with the benchmark 
(10.4% pa), and is stated after exceptional 
refinancing costs which reduced EPRA NAV 
by 44 pence per share between 2016 and 2017.

For our LTIP, we measure TAR over three 
years relative to the benchmark. 

  LTIP: page 87

(cid:677)(cid:681)
(cid:677)(cid:681)

Traditional real estate measure of value 
creation. The benchmark is RPI plus 3%.

Following a decrease in the valuation of 
our properties, EPRA NAV declined by 
0.9% this year, underperforming the 
benchmark by 6.3 percentage points. 
Performance over five years, after 
exceptional refinancing costs in 2016 and 
2017, was 6.6% pa, 1.1 percentage points 
above the benchmark.

For our LTIP, we benchmark three-year 
growth in EPRA NAV on an absolute 
basis against the benchmark.

  LTIP vesting: page 90

Shaftesbury Annual Report 2019

Strategic report

Measuring success

Rental growth
Commercial leasing vs ERV2 (%)

1

2

(cid:702) *

R

8.1

7.7

6.7

5.1

 3.2

Like-for-like ERV growth4 (%)

Net property income (£m)

Income

1

2 (cid:702) R

7.0

5.7

3.5

2.4

2.7

2 (cid:702) * R

88.3

84.1

78.8

98.0

93.8

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

Our strategy has delivered sustained growth 
in annualised current income and rental 
values over many years. Through our leasing 
activity, we convert previously assessed 
rental potential into contracted income, 
whilst establishing new rental levels which 
provide evidence for leasing negotiations 
and for our valuers in assessing ERVs.  

Commercial leasing transactions in 2019 
were concluded 3.2% above ERV at 
September 2018.

Wholly-owned portfolio leasing performance 
against previous year ERV is a performance 
criterion for the annual bonus. 

   Portfolio activity report: page 51; 
Annual bonus: page 89

Occupancy
Underlying EPRA vacancy2,3 (%)

1

2 (cid:702) R

2.9

3.1

2.1

1.9

2.3

Measures growth in the rental potential 
of our portfolio. Typically, our portfolio’s 
reversion is crystallised into contracted 
income over three to fi ve years. 
Importantly, the level of lease incentives 
granted to tenants remains modest. These 
are mostly in the form of rent-free periods.

Like-for-like ERV growth is an annual bonus 
metric. In 2019, it was 2.7% for the combined 
portfolio, with the wholly-owned portfolio 
delivering 3.2% and Longmartin’s portfolio 
declining by 3.5%.

   Portfolio valuation: page 48; Annual bonus: 
page 89

Growth in net property income is a key 
driver of earnings and dividends. This year, 
it increased by 4.5% to £98.0 million. The 
relative increases in rental income and 
associated property outgoings are assessed 
as a bonus metric. In 2019, the ratio of 
property outgoings to rental income fell 
from 16.8% to 16.5%. 

Financial report: page 55; Annual bonus: page 89

Average time to let2,3 (months) 

1

2 (cid:702) * R

2.5

2.6

1.5

1.2

1.0

Energy performance
% of demises2 with EPC rating A-E 

1 (cid:679) (cid:680) *

74

67

78

81

52

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

High occupancy and letting property quickly are key factors in sustaining good cash fl ows from 
our portfolio. For the wholly-owned portfolio, both average EPRA vacancy (measured quarterly) 
and letting times are KPIs for the annual bonus. During 2019, average EPRA vacancy was 3.1%, 
marginally higher than in 2018. Average letting time, measured from the date space becomes 
available to let, was 2.6 months, broadly in line with 2018.

Vacancy comparatives have been restated to present quarterly averages each year, rather than 
the year end position, and to exclude exceptional larger schemes. This presentation matches 
the vacancy KPI calculation for the annual bonus scheme. 

Portfolio activity report: page 51; Annual bonus: page 89

1  Alternative performance measure: page 124
2  Wholly-owned portfolio
3  Excluding exceptional larger schemes. See portfolio activity report: page 51
4  Including our 50% share of Longmartin

(cid:677)(cid:682)
(cid:677)(cid:682)

Improving the energy performance of our 
space is an important factor in minimising 
the environmental impact of our operations. 
We aim to improve energy performance with 
each refurbishment scheme. This year, the 
number of demises with an EPC rating of 
at least E has increased by three 
percentage points to 81%.

Environment: page 32

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Shaftesbury Annual Report 2019

Strategic report 

Measuring success

Financial management
Loan-to-value2,4,5 (%)

(cid:680)

22.1

26.7

24.1

Interest cover4,5 (x)

Blended cost of debt3,4,5 (%)

2 (cid:680)

2.6

2.7

2 (cid:680)

5.0

4.5

23.9

22.6

2.3

2.1

2.1

3.2

3.2

3.2

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

We operate with conservative leverage levels with long-term fixed interest arrangements forming the core of our debt finance. Loan-to-value 
increased in 2019 to 23.9%, resulting from the combination of further investment in our portfolio, funded by net debt, and the decrease in the 
portfolio valuation. 

Interest on our drawn debt facilities is fixed and, accordingly, the blended cost of debt has remained at 3.2% in 2019. However, with growing 
operating profit before investment property disposals and valuation movements, interest cover has increased from 2.6x to 2.7x. 

  Financial report: page 57; portfolio valuation: page 48

Other operational measures
In addition to our KPIs, other operational metrics we monitor in assessing the performance of the business include:

Portfolio management

Growth in annualised current income

1

Page 49

Wholly-owned portfolio

Combined portfolio1

Reversionary potential

1

Page 49

Wholly-owned portfolio

Combined portfolio1

ERV of space undergoing refurbishment4

(cid:680)1

Page 52

Our people

Staff retention

3

Page 46

Training (hours per employee)

3

Page 46

Financial

EPRA earnings per share5

2

Page 54

Sustainability and stakeholders

GRESB rating

(cid:679) R

(cid:702)

Page 29

EPRA Sustainability BPR rating

(cid:679) R

(cid:702)

Page 29

London Benchmarking Group contribution as a % of EPRA earnings

(cid:680)

Page 34

Annual bonus: page 89

1  Including our 50% share of Longmartin debt 
2  Based on net debt 
3  Including non-utilisation fees on undrawn bank facilities 
4  Wholly-owned portfolio
5  Alternative performance measure: page 124

(cid:677)(cid:683)
(cid:677)(cid:683)

2019

2.4%

1.8%

27.8%

28.2%

10.4%

2019

97%

20

2019

17.8p

2019

75%

Gold

1.5%

2018

6.2%

5.1%

26.7%

26.7%

7.6%

2018

100%

19

2018

17.1p

2018

69%

Gold

1.7%

Shaftesbury Annual Report 2019

Strategic report 

Sustainability

 We have supported the UN Global Compact principles of 
sustainability since 2015 and, this year, we are integrating 
the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into our 
sustainability strategy. 

We have mapped our strategy against the SDGs during the 
course of this year and will continue to integrate them into 
our processes. The relevant SDG icons are highlighted in the 
following sections where they apply.

UN Global Compact and the SDGs 
We support the ten principles of the UN Global Compact on 
human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption. The 
2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by all 
United Nations Member States in 2015, provides a shared 
blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, 
now and into the future. At its heart are the seventeen SDGs, 
which are an urgent call for action by all countries, developed 
and developing, in a global partnership. They recognise that 
ending poverty and other deprivations must go hand-in-hand 
with strategies that improve health and education, reduce 
inequality, and spur economic growth, all while tackling climate 
change and working to preserve our oceans and forests. The 
UK is a signatory to these goals. The UK Government has 
developed its own agenda for delivering these goals and 
companies are encouraged to adopt this framework.  

Sustainability Committee
Our Sustainability Committee, chaired by the Chief Executive, 
meets quarterly and is responsible for setting the sustainability 
policy and strategy across the Group. The Committee is 
advised by an external consultancy, which provides 
independent review and analysis of our actions and policies. 
This information is reported to the Executive Committee and 
the Board. 

Modern Slavery and human rights
We have policies in place which address human rights, 
modern slavery and the ethical conduct of our business. Our 
sustainability policies and our supplier code of conduct are 
provided to our key suppliers, who are required to adhere to 
the same high standards we set for ourselves. Our Modern 
Slavery statement is available on our website. We require that 
workers in our supply chain are paid a London Living Wage. 
We have signed up to the Living Wage Foundation. 

(cid:700)ndustry recognition(cid:674)a(cid:746)ards 

Climate change
Climate change is an increasingly signifi cant issue for society.  
The UK Government has an objective of achieving net zero 
carbon by 2050. As the owner of a portfolio of buildings in 
central London, we recognise the need to respond to this 
challenge, with Building Regulations and MEES having an 
important role. 

Our strategy to maintain and refurbish existing buildings is an 
intrinsically sustainable approach. It conserves embodied 
energy within existing materials and avoids unnecessary waste, 
materials and energy required to construct new properties. We 
acknowledge that there is much more to do to meet the 
challenges of climate change.  

With over 800 commercial tenancies, we are in a good position 
to infl uence and support our tenants’ own sustainability 
strategies. We report on our own impact, but are aware that 
our tenants’ activities can have a much greater contribution on 
our environment. We have engaged more widely this year 
through both the Blue Turtle initiative and the use of a new 
tenant portal in Seven Dials. Both initiatives will be expanded 
and used to help guide our tenants’ sustainability activities. We 
will seek to increase engagement with our tenants, to ensure 
that we are all working together to address these issues in 2020 
and beyond.  

Waste and single-use plastic: page 33

Sustainability data report
Our Sustainability Data Report is available on our 
website. It provides a full update on progress 
against our sustainability targets and associated 
data for the year ending 30 September 2019.  

The report also contains our UN Global Compact 
Communication on Progress.

Continued 
inclusion in the 
FTSE4Good 2018 
top 89% percentile

GRESB Green Star 
- score 75 

Gold award winner 
for sustainability 
reporting - third 
successive year 

Continued 
Member of Ethibel 
Excellence, Europe

ISS ESG prime status 
(formerly Oekom)

CDP - Continued 
inclusion on Carbon 
Disclosure Project 
scoring a grade C 
in 2018 

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Shaftesbury Annual Report 2019

Strategic report 

1  Community Breakfast 2019 
2  Silver Sunday Tea Dance for Westminster over 65s 
3  Launch of DEFRA’s Bees’ Needs Week in Carnabee 

1

2

3

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Shaftesbury Annual Report 2019

Strategic report 

Stakeholders
We are committed to stakeholder 
engagement as a core component of our 
business and sustainability strategies.  

We view engagement with our stakeholders as a continuous dialogue which enables us to 
work collaboratively to support and align our business goals and activities.  

We engage with our many stakeholder groups in a variety of formal and informal ways. 
Engagement ranges from meetings with shareholders, local groups and employees to 
communication with our suppliers and occupiers, to provide advice, fi nancial and in-kind 
support. By working together with external stakeholder partners, we are able to identify and 
address issues by bringing together the expertise, knowledge and passion of many 
organisations and individuals. 

Shareholders

Open and transparent 
engagement through tours and 
shareholder meetings.  Corporate 
governance is an important part of 
our day-to-day operations.  

Page 74

Occupiers

Employees

Visitors
Shareholders

Create prosperous locations, 
supporting business and providing 
amenity for residents. We 
encourage occupiers to be aligned 
with our sustainability goals.

Continual investment to support 
their development. Purpose and 
values articulated and embedded 
in the business. Development of a 
Strategic People Plan.  

Pages 16 and 33

Pages 36 to 47

Foster distinctive, lively locations, 
which are an important part of the 
West End’s global appeal.

Page 16

Suppliers
and advisors

Local
authorities

Local 
community

Supplier code of conduct sets out 
the values and behaviours we 
expect of our supply chain.

Page 29

Work closely with Westminster 
City Council and Camden Council 
on a wide range of initiatives to 
support their policies and goals, 
including improving the public 
realm.  
Page 53

Understand its needs and be 
part of our community.  Provide 
opportunities to link our community 
partners and help them raise 
awareness of their causes and 
contribute through advice, and 
fi nancial or in-(cid:734)in(cid:727) s(cid:744)(cid:739)(cid:739)ort(cid:673)  

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Shaftesbury Annual Report 2019

Strategic report 

Environment

 At the heart of our environmental sustainability 
strategy is extending the useful lives of our 
heritage buildings, through refurbishment and 
change of use.  

We have long been committed to operating in a sustainable way. At the core 
of our sustainability strategy is reusing and improving, rather than redeveloping 
buildings. In doing so, we extend their useful economic lives, while preserving 
the West End’s rich heritage for future generations. 

BREEAM
In order to ensure that we meet environmental standards for good building 
design and operation, we follow BREEAM principles when we refurbish a 
building. For all refurbishment projects with a value over £1 million, we aim 
to achieve a BREEAM certification of Very Good. Since we introduced this 
requirement, we have had 19 schemes certified, extending to approximately 
10% of the portfolio. We have a number of other schemes which should be 
completed in the year ahead which will increase this percentage.  

EPCs
All buildings, other than listed buildings, are required to have an energy 
performance certificate to measure their efficiency. Under MEES 
regulations, all demised areas are required to have an EPC of grade E or 
above. Set out below is the current status of commercial and residential 
demises in our portfolio. 

  A-E grade        
  F or G grade
  Unassessed        

9%

10%

1,488
demises

81%

The majority of properties assessed as F and G grade or unassessed are 
currently occupied. We have a programme of improvement to address the 
small number of residential properties which need to be upgraded by 2020. 
For commercial properties, there is a requirement that all properties 
should be at least a grade E by 2023. As part of the ongoing refurbishment 
programme, when they become vacant, we will undertake works to improve 
their ratings. 

Energy and (cid:746)ater consum(cid:739)tion and 
greenhouse gas emissions
Our direct energy consumption is relatively low, as the majority relates to 
the, usually, small common parts of buildings. There is a trend towards the 
collection of whole building data which we are working towards. For the full 
report on GHG see page 96. We have seen an overall reduction in GHG 
emissions of 10% across the portfolio during the year. 

We have committed to developing Science Based Targets for the reduction 
of emissions to reach the Government’s target of net zero carbon by 2050, 
in line with the Paris Agreement.  

All the energy we use in our common parts is from 100% renewable 
sources. Our Carnaby Christmas decorations this year are also powered 
using renewable energy.  

As with landlord purchased energy, our water consumption only relates to 
common parts and is a relatively low figure. We intend to engage with our 
tenants to identify ways in which to expand monitoring and identify 
opportunities to reduce water consumption.

Our water fountain in Kingly Court has saved over 75,000 500 ml single-use 
plastic bottles since it was installed in June 2018. 

Biodiversity
The West End of London is an urban landscape. The biodiversity and urban 
greening in our areas is important for visitors and those working and living in 
our areas, from a health and wellbeing perspective as well as improving the 
environment for local wildlife. Activities this year included:
•  supporting WWF’s Earth Hour in Carnaby with a themed arch and 
encouraging our tenants to show their commitment to action on 
environmental issues.

•  supporting the launch of Defra’s Bees’ Needs Week campaign and providing 

a retail unit for Defra to promote the importance of pollinators  
in the ecosystem. For the third year running, we have been awarded Defra’s 
Bees’ Needs Champion for our work in this area.  

•  opening our roof terrace as part of Open Roof Weekend, for the Mayor of 
London’s National Park City Festival. Over 350 people visited during the 
weekend.  

•  our employees picking litter up from the Thames as part of a community 

day, in partnership with Thames 21 conservation charity.

Our Bees’ Needs Champion Award

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Shaftesbury Annual Report 2019

Strategic report

Environment

Wild West End
Wild West End is a collaboration with a number of other West End 
landowners to promote biodiversity. Its objective is to encourage birds, 
bees and bats back into London’s West End. Since the partnership 
undertook its 2016 baseline study, the number of green installations, 
across all its members, has increased from by 22% to 309. 

In September 2019, Wild West End received the Biodiversity and 
Environmental Net Gain award at the Institute of Environmental 
Management and Assessment’s Sustainability Awards. The project was 
commended by the judges as ’really imaginative– a well thought-out 
programme, with a highly diverse set of parameters considered’.

See www.wildwestend.london

A rare sighting of the tiny Firecrest, a scarce migrant bird and winter 
visitor to the UK, in Kingly Court, Carnaby.

(cid:714)aste and sing(cid:735)e(cid:672)use (cid:739)(cid:735)astic
Reduction in waste, and particularly single-use plastic, is an important 
priority for us. We recycled and composted 59% of waste in Carnaby and 
Seven Dials during the year. The recycling rate across the portfolio is 44.5%. 
We have introduced a trial of coff ee cup recycling in Carnaby and are 
monitoring its usage.  

Blue Turtle initiative
Climate change, ocean degradation and plastic pollution are recognised as 
the most signifi cant and growing threats to ocean health. To help prevent 
these impacts, it is essential that we engage with our occupiers and 
encourage them to consider better use of resources towards a more 
environmentally friendly lifestyle.  

Blue Turtle is an initiative, we developed during the year, in partnership with 
ocean conservation charity, Project Zero. It is working to improve environmental 
sustainability in our cafés and restaurants, by enhancing awareness of the 
environmental consequences of their operations and how they can adapt 
their businesses. The initiative, which started in Carnaby, will now be rolled 
out to other locations.

Businesses participate in the Blue Turtle initiative by making a pledge and 
by auditing their own practices through an online toolkit. Their participation 
encourages them to commit and set targets against the Blue Turtle Criteria. 
Participants who commit to improve their practices gain the Blue Turtle 
Commitment Mark, which they can display within their premises and online 
channels.

Since it was launched in June 2019, over 45 Carnaby cafés, restaurants and 
pubs have made a pledge and 17 Carnaby businesses have been awarded the 
Blue Turtle mark, signifying their commitment towards being ocean-friendly. 

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Health and safety
The Board has overall responsibility for health and safety. In our refurbishment 
projects, responsibility for health and safety is identifi ed in all pre-tender 
documentation and is monitored by site and project managers. Managing 
agents oversee day-to-day health and safety matters throughout the portfolio.  

There were no reportable health and safety incidents in the portfolio during 
the year. The accident frequency rate for employees was zero (2018: zero) 
and there were no health and safety prosecutions, enforcement actions or 
fatalities. 

Our Blue Turtle logo

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Shaftesbury Annual Report 2019

Strategic report 

Social

Our values recognise the importance we place on being  
community minded; of playing an integral part in our villages. 

We work with not-for-profit organisations, charities, educational 
establishments and other local community groups, recognising that our 
long-term support enables them to make a difference in their activities.  
Our support takes a variety of forms: money, in-kind donations through 
space; advice and time given by employees, both volunteering or through 
working with community groups.

Our strategy is set by the Community Investment Committee, chaired by 
Andrew Price, with employees from across the Company. We focus on areas 
where investment has the ability to influence and impact our villages. 
Activities during the year have included:

•  our annual community breakfast which brings together our stakeholders  
in an informal atmosphere together with local councillors and an external 
speaker enables networking between over 36 stakeholder groups. 

•   introduced volunteering leave for employees, with take-up of 74 hours. 
•  GivX award recognising the level of community giving.
•  installation of Good Box tap donation points where contactless payments 

make instant donations.  These were used for Tap London (homeless 
Christmas campaign), The Fawcett Society and ZSL for its People For 
Wildlife pop-up.  

•   co-sponsor of the Sir Simon Milton Foundation annual tea dance  

(part of Silver Sunday) for 1,000 Westminster residents aged 65 and over.
•  Soho Music Month had an educational element as part of the month long 

activities. This involved working with young people for their ONC Advanced 
Project Management certification.

•  in collaboration with London College of Fashion, we provided two recent 
tailoring graduates with studio space in Carnaby, using this space as a 
launch for their fledgling businesses (see Kingly Street Tailors opposite).

•   we sponsor a daytime outreach worker from the Connection at St 

Martin-in-the-Fields, a charity tackling homelessness.

Other organisations we have supported during the year:

Youth/education
• Young Westminster Foundation 

•  So(cid:731)o Paris(cid:731) Primary sc(cid:731)oo(cid:735) (t(cid:731)e on(cid:735)y sc(cid:731)oo(cid:735) in So(cid:731)o) 

•  Stage (cid:706)ne (su(cid:739)(cid:739)orting t(cid:731)e future of commercia(cid:735) t(cid:731)eatre 

t(cid:731)roug(cid:731) education)

Social issues
•  (cid:699)ouse of St (cid:693)arna(cid:725)as ((cid:725)rea(cid:734)ing t(cid:731)e cyc(cid:735)e of 

(cid:731)ome(cid:735)essness)

•  (cid:703)and(cid:692)id (t(cid:731)e (cid:739)ro(cid:739)erty industry(cid:990)s c(cid:731)arity focusing on 

(cid:731)e(cid:735)(cid:739)ing (cid:731)ome(cid:735)ess yout(cid:731)s)

Community groups
•  West End Community Trust

•  St Anne’s Church

•  Chinese Information and Advice Centre

Industry groups
•  (cid:697)ree(cid:731)o(cid:735)d ((cid:703)(cid:698)(cid:693)(cid:711) rea(cid:735) estate (cid:739)rofessiona(cid:735) net(cid:746)or(cid:734))

•  Pat(cid:731)(cid:746)ays to Pro(cid:739)erty (raising a(cid:746)areness of (cid:739)ro(cid:739)erty as a 

career)

•  (cid:709)ea(cid:735) Estate (cid:693)a(cid:735)ance (addressing gender im(cid:725)a(cid:735)ance in t(cid:731)e 

(cid:739)ro(cid:739)erty sector)

 Environmental/biodiversity
•  (cid:717)oo(cid:735)ogica(cid:735) Society of (cid:703)ondon ((cid:717)S(cid:703))

•  we sponsored Pride in London and provided a pop-up shop for the  

•  P(cid:731)oeni(cid:747) (cid:698)ardens  (a community garden c(cid:735)ose to Se(cid:745)en (cid:695)ia(cid:735)s)

month leading up to the event in July 2019.

•  we fund the part-time advisory post at the Chinese Community Centre.

We often link our community support with marketing and events so that 
community groups are able to leverage from these activities to raise the 
profile of their organisations and funds at the same time. We may also 
provide short-term space as part of the activity.   

In 2019, our contribution totalled £0.82 million, equivalent to 1.5% of EPRA 
earnings, as set out opposite. We measure this in accordance with LBG, a 
recognised benchmark.   

(cid:699)o(cid:746) (cid:746)e contri(cid:725)ute(cid:685) 

(cid:714)(cid:731)at (cid:746)e su(cid:739)(cid:739)ort(cid:685)

9%

10%

3%

24%

25%

41%

£0.82m

£0.82m

7%

31%

25%

  Money        
  Time
  In-kind contributions        
  Management costs

(cid:678)(cid:679)
(cid:678)(cid:679)

14%

11%

  Education        
  Health
  Environments        
  Art/culture
  Social welfare
  Emergency relief        
  Other

 
 
Shaftesbury Annual Report 2019

Strategic report

Social

Kingly Street Tailors
Following a competitive process for recent tailoring 
graduates of the London College of Fashion, judges 
including Harold Tillman, Mark Powell and Tom Horne, 
selected two tailors who were awarded incubator 
space in Kingly Street studios. Joshua Millard and 
Sarah Hollebon have emerging businesses in women’s 
tailoring.  

The collaboration with London College of Fashion 
also includes mentoring and business support from 
the college.  

Tailoring is an important part of the heritage of 
Carnaby and Soho and this helps ensure the 
continuation of the talent development pipeline. 

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S(cid:731)aftes(cid:725)ury (cid:692)nnua(cid:735) (cid:709)e(cid:739)ort (cid:677)(cid:675)(cid:676)(cid:683)
Shaftesbury Annual Report 2019

Strategic report 

Our people and culture - the ‘Shaftesbury Way’

At the heart of Shaftesbury is our team, who share a  
passion and ambition for making great places even 

better. We are committed to building upon our working culture, 
developing a diverse and inclusive team from the widest talent 
pools and making Shaftesbury a great place to work.  

Our purpose: 

To curate vibrant and 
thriving villages in the 
heart of London’s West End 

Our values:

   Human

  Original

   Community minded

  Responsible

  Long term

 Read more on our values: pages 37 to 45

(cid:706)ur (cid:739)ur(cid:739)ose(cid:671) cu(cid:735)ture and (cid:745)a(cid:735)ues
This year we articulated our purpose and values, with input from everyone 
in the business, as well as listening to what our key stakeholders said about 
working with us. We believed we had a good sense of what was distinct 
about Shaftesbury’s culture and ways of working and this came through 
strongly in the process, which we undertook with an independent facilitator. 
Our process included:

•  Employee and Board workshops to explore, discuss and define the culture 
at Shaftesbury. The focus was on how people experience, and think about, 
Shaftesbury’s culture today, as well as to indicate aspects of the culture that 
they felt might need to change or develop in the future.

•  External stakeholder interviews, conducted independently, to gather 
insights on the Company’s purpose, values, team and ways of working.
•  Working sessions with our internal culture group, made up of a cross-
section of employees, to gain input and feedback at each stage of the 
process.

•  Regular Board updates and opportunities to input, with final sign-off and 

approval of our purpose statement and values.

•  Distillation of our learning from the process to describe what kind of 

business we are, called the ‘Shaftesbury Way’.

The Shaftesbury Way
We have a small, diverse team of talented people, united by a shared 
ambition to make our great places better for the benefit of our multiple 
stakeholders. Our collective desire is to cultivate and foster environments  
to provide vibrant and inspiring experiences for visitors, occupiers, their 
customers and residents. Our culture is one of tradition and innovation.  
We act with courtesy, respect and integrity, embrace change, seek 
challenge, and look to the future to evolve and improve. We are inclusive, 
encouraging difference and openly welcoming new people, ideas and 
perspectives to enable everyone to be themselves, have a voice, and make 
an impact. We combine our strengths to achieve success beyond profit: 
making a positive difference and delivering sustainable, long-term results  
for our stakeholders, communities and each other. Together, we aim to 
make a positive, lasting contribution to London’s West End. 

Next steps
The next stage of this process, one that is a priority for the coming year, is 
to fully embed our values into all aspects of our employment proposition 
and practice. This includes reviewing how we develop, motivate, recognise 
and reward our team and how we recruit and induct new team members. 

(cid:678)(cid:681)
(cid:678)(cid:681)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Shaftesbury Annual Report 2019

Strategic report

Human

We build relationships based 
on openness, empathy, trust and 
respect, showing interest and 
care for those with whom we 
work. We welcome diff erence 
and encourage diversity.

A variety of backgrounds, 
experiences, characteristics 
and preferences leads 
to wider perspectives, 
increased creativity, better 
decision-making and inclusive 
spaces where people feel 
welcome. 

Outside of our workplace, we 
promote the diversity agenda 
including gender, ethnicity, 
social background and 
orientation. 

We have been a corporate 
sponsor of Pride in London 
for four years. As part of Pride 
Jubilee celebrations, this year, 
we provided a free-of-charge 
pop-up shop, which raised 
£68,000 in sales, as well as offi  ce 
space leading up to Pride day.

Our culture and values: page 36

(cid:678)(cid:682)
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(cid:678)(cid:683)(cid:678)(cid:683)

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Original

From fi nding and nurturing 
new talent to challenging and 
evolving our thinking, we think 
creatively and encourage new 
ideas from our people, business 
partners and communities. 

Originality is an important 
aspect in the unique curation of 
our villages, including the events 
we organise, public art, and the 
occupiers we choose, where 
innovative concepts are 
favoured over predictable 
formats found elsewhere.

For example, this year we selected 
Kerb to open Seven Dials Market 
in Thomas Neal’s Warehouse. 
Having previously curated street 
food markets, this is Kerb’s fi rst 
“bricks and mortar” space. 
As well as off ering a number 
of diff erent food choices, their 
innovative approach to the 
curation of this space includes 
London’s fi rst cheese conveyor 
belt restaurant (left), which 
off ers over 25 diff erent cheeses, 
all sourced from around the UK, 
paired with condiments and 
small-producer wines. 

Our culture and values: page 36
Holistic long-term village curation: page 16
Focus on food, beverage, retail and leisure: 
page 17 

3939

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Community  
minded

As a responsible, long-term 
investor in our areas, being a 
good neighbour and focusing on 
local issues is essential. We work 
with, and support, our local 
communities to address issues 
and challenges, promote public 
realm improvements and create 
vibrant places. 

In the summer, we collaborated 
with the Seven Dials Trust to 
mark the 30th anniversary of 
the iconic sundial pillar in the 
centre of Seven Dials. Visitors 
enjoyed live entertainment, 
theatre, arts, crafts, al fresco 
dining and cocktails across the 
seven interconnecting streets, 
including a pop-up lawn around 
the Dial.

Our culture and values: page 36 
Stakeholders: page 31
Promoting our villages: pages 24 to 25

(cid:679)(cid:675)(cid:679)(cid:675)

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(cid:679)(cid:676)(cid:679)(cid:676)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Responsible

We are committed to London’s 
West End and see ourselves as 
long-term custodians of the 
areas in which we invest. We 
hold ourselves accountable to  
a wide-range of stakeholders. 

We invest in staff wellbeing and 
development, cultivate 
relationships with our business 
partners and stakeholders, 
holistically curate our villages and 
behave in a socially-responsible 
manner.

During the year we collaborated 
with ocean conservation charity 
Project Zero to reduce the use of 
single-use plastics and promote 
sustainably-sourced seafood. 
Our innovative Christmas 
decorations in Carnaby, made 
from recycled and reusable 
materials and powered by 
renewable energy, raise 
awareness of the need to 
protect and restore the ocean 
by mitigating the damaging 
effects of climate change and 
plastic pollution. 

Our culture and values: page 36 
Holistic long-term village curation: page 16
Environment: page 33
Stakeholders: page 31

(cid:679)(cid:677)

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(cid:679)(cid:678)(cid:679)(cid:678)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
44

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Long term

As custodians, we take a 
long-term, holistic approach to 
our villages. We seek to make a 
positive, long-lasting 
contribution to the West End. 

Across the business, our decision 
making is forward-looking, 
focused on long-term benefi ts 
rather than short-term gains. 

Shaftesbury was founded in 
1986 with a modest ownership 
in Chinatown. Over 33 years, 
we have grown our Chinatown 
holdings to 3.2 acres. During this 
period of ownership, we have 
worked with other stakeholders 
in delivering fi ve separate public 
realm schemes, helping maintain 
this village as a busy, vibrant 
destination. Our curation of this 
area is one of respect for its 
historical heritage and evolution 
to showcase the breadth and 
diversity of regional Chinese 
cuisine, alongside Far-Eastern 
concepts.

Our culture and values: page 36
Holistic long-term village curation: page 16

(cid:679)(cid:680)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Shaftesbury Annual Report 2019

Strategic report Our people and culture 

34members 

of staff

2:1

3%employee 

turnover

female:male
ratio

(cid:710)taff a(cid:730)e (cid:739)rofi le

Headcount 29

Headcount 34
8%

10%

73%

17%

2017

59%

33%

2019

  ages 59+ 
  ages 37 – 58 
  ages 24 – 36 

30%female 

representation
on the Board

67%female 

representation
on the Executive
Committee1

Employee engagement
We are committed to gaining regular feedback from our team and to 
listening to their perspectives about what we are getting right and where 
we can improve. In November 2018, we conducted an employee survey via 
the Best Companies Group “Best Places to Work in Property” survey, with 
over 90% of our employees taking part. The survey provided evaluation 
across a number of metrics including overall engagement, leadership and 
planning, culture and communication, role satisfaction, work environment, 
training and development, and pay and benefi ts.

Our results were positive, with strength in the overall engagement, 
leadership and planning and role satisfaction categories. 

100% of respondents said:

“I understand the long-term strategy of this organisation”

“I am very satisfi ed with my employer”

“I am proud to work for this organisation”

“I would recommend working here to a friend”

The responses for training and development were positive at 80%, but 
indicated an area for focus and opportunity, which has been factored into 
our strategic people plan and priorities for the year. 

We have continued to have a very low level of employee turnover, with 
only one leaver this year. The stability of our team, with an average length 
of service of 10.5 years, refl ects the positive feedback from this survey. 

1 Excluding executive directors

Strategic People Plan 
This year we developed the Shaftesbury Strategic People Plan 2021, working 
with an HR consultant to provide independent challenge. Our strategic intent 
is to be a great place to work; attracting, growing and retaining the best talent. 

The plan focuses on fi ve strategic pillars:

Engagement 
•  Understanding and driving high levels of employee engagement, with an 

active culture of listening and responding to employee needs and 
perspectives.  

Experience 
•  To be recognised for providing a distinctive and positive employee 

experience, aligned with our purpose and values.

People development and capability
•  Having the right organisation structure, capability and skills in place to drive 
business growth, with a committed leadership team which is equipped to 
lead the business and develop emerging talent for future leadership roles. 

People performance 
•  To embed a culture of regular development and performance discussions. 

Sustaina(cid:725)(cid:735)e (cid:746)or(cid:734)force 
•  To have a healthier, more inclusive and more sustainable working 

environment, where employees feel they make a diff erence in their roles.

We have shared our strategic plan across the business, developed a strategic 
delivery roadmap, and are regularly monitoring progress against our targets 
and priorities. 

Developing talent for the future 
We remain committed to our outsourced business model, operating with a 
small team and a wider group of external advisors and partners. However, as 
part of our strategic people plan, we have recognised the importance of a 
pipeline of talent and, during the year, we have recruited a number of 
people, taking our headcount to 34 at 30 September 2019. Together with 
recruitment in 2018, the age profi le of our workforce has shifted over the 
past two years (see chart left).  

We support everyone in the business to grow and develop. During the year, 
we have invested further in employee development, delivering nearly 700 
hours of training across our team, including ‘Leading Self’, a nine-month 
leadership programme for a cohort of rising talent. 

For the third year running, 
we were top of the FTSE 250 
in the Hampton-Alexander 
review for the highest 
female representation on 
the executive committee 
and direct reports.

(cid:679)(cid:681)
(cid:679)(cid:681)

(cid:679)(cid:682)

Shaftesbury Annual Report 2019

Strategic report Our people and culture

Em(cid:739)(cid:735)oyee (cid:746)e(cid:735)(cid:735)(cid:725)eing
Fostering employee wellbeing is good for our people and can be a core 
enabler both of employee engagement and organisational performance. 
The fast-changing world of work and the fl uctuating demands it can place 
on our employees, and our business, means that our grasp of health and 
wellbeing needs to constantly evolve so we can understand the impact on 
our people. Consequently, this is a priority for us and, this year, we have 
introduced a number of employee wellbeing initiatives to support them. 

Working with the Feelgood Company, we have off ered everyone the 
opportunity to attend a series of one-hour workshops, delivered to 
support our team to be healthy and fi t, with optimum levels of energy 
and resilience. These workshops were tailored to address the challenges 
presented by working life and to off er an opportunity to refl ect on physical 
and mental health, as well as to consider nutrition, to ensure we can each 
be at our best. The workshops provided strategies to support people to 
perform at their best in work and life and to put into practice new habits 
to boost energy, both emotionally and physically. 

We also reviewed our working policies, introducing fl exible hours and a 
working-from-home policy as part of our employee off er. Our private 
health care scheme includes the provision of mental health counselling 
support.

(cid:709)e(cid:746)arding (cid:739)erformance 
We are committed to rewarding performance, off ering competitive base 
salaries and benefi ts packages. This year we completed a comprehensive 
pay benchmarking process to ensure that we understand our position 
within the market place and are aware of any trends in remuneration in 
the sector. Our reward philosophy is based on team performance and 
our incentive schemes aim to focus everyone on the achievement of 
our strategic objectives. 

Read more on reward scheme structures: page 85

Developing a diverse and inclusive team
We are committed to developing a diverse and inclusive team from the 
widest talent pools as we believe this promotes employee recruitment, 
engagement and productivity, and encourages collaboration and innovation, 
underpinned by respect and equal opportunities for all. Diversity is all 
about the rich mix of visible and non-visible diff erences and backgrounds 
we aim for in our team and which is ingrained in our culture. Inclusion 
means creating a collaborative environment that is open to diff erent ideas, 
perspectives and styles of thinking, where all our people feel they can be 
themselves, and where everyone can contribute fully to the Company’s 
success. Our commitment extends to the standards we expect of 
businesses with which we engage to provide advice and services.  

In the year ahead, we will be reviewing our diversity and inclusion practices 
and we will specifi cally be looking at how we can attract more BAME 
candidates to apply for our positions, as well as considering how we 
can provide more opportunities for young people from disadvantaged 
backgrounds to develop careers either with us or within the real estate 
sector. 

  Read more on diversity and our progress against the recommendations 
for the Hampton-Alexander Review: page 77

(cid:679)(cid:682)

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“ I am proud to 
organisation”

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Shaftesbury Annual Report 2019

Strategic report 

Portfolio valuation report

  Wholly-owned    

  Longmartin2 

Portfolio valuation1

£4.0bn

combined

£3.8bn
((cid:684)(cid:680)(cid:664))

£0.2bn
((cid:680)(cid:664))

Valuation growth1,3

-0.2% -0.6%

combined

-8.5%

ERV growth3 

3.2% 2.7%combined

-3.5%

Reversionary potential

£32.6m £35.1mcombined

£2.5m

1   An alternative performance measure: page 124
2 Our 50% share
3 Like-for-like

(cid:679)(cid:683)
(cid:679)(cid:683)

Combined portfolio

Our combined portfolio comprises properties which are wholly owned by 
the Group and our 50% share of property held in the Longmartin joint 
venture. The financial statements, prepared under IFRS, include the Group’s 
interest in this joint venture as one-line items in the Income Statement and 
Balance Sheet. The combined portfolio valuation is reconciled to the 
valuation in the financial statements in note 25 to the financial statements. 

At 30 September 2019, our combined portfolio1  was valued at £4.0 billion. On a 
like-for-like basis, the valuation has declined by 0.6%, with the wholly-owned 
portfolio (95% of the combined portfolio) declining by 0.2% and Longmartin’s 
property (5% of the combined portfolio) showing a decrease of 8.5%. 

% of  
combined 
portfolio
%

95%

5%

100%

Valuation
£m

3,784.2

209.0

3,993.2

Valuation 
growth3
% 

(0.2)%

(8.5)%

(0.6)%

ERV growth3
% 

3.2%

(3.5)%

2.7%

Wholly-owned portfolio

Longmartin2

Combined1

In the analysis below, we have provided separate narratives on the 
wholly-owned portfolio and Longmartin. We believe this presentation provides 
a clearer analysis of the Group’s portfolio and performance for stakeholders. 

Wholly-owned portfolio

At 30 September 2019, the valuation of the wholly-owned portfolio  
was £3.8 billion. On a like-for-like basis, the valuation declined by 0.2%, 
principally due to an overall increase in the portfolio equivalent yield of six 
basis points to 3.47% (2018: 3.41%). The impact of this was largely offset by 
improvements made through asset management initiatives, which resulted 
in continued growth in both contracted income and estimated rental values. 
After allowing for acquisitions, disposals and capital expenditure, the 
revaluation deficit was £15.3 million. 

Valuation
£m

1,437.7

Carnaby

Covent Garden

1,036.5

Chinatown

Soho

Fitzrovia

843.9

314.1

152.0

Annualised 
current 
income
£m

% of 
portfolio

38%

28%

22%

8%

4%

44.4

30.3

26.8

10.7

4.9

Topped-up 
net initial 
yield
% 

Equivalent 
yield
% 

2.98%

2.75%

2.89%

2.97%

2.73%

3.67%

3.28%

3.35%

3.45%

3.40%

ERV
£m

60.8

39.0

31.8

12.1

6.0

3,784.2

100%

117.1

149.7

2.89%

3.47%

Village

Carnaby

Covent Garden

Chinatown

Soho

Fitzrovia

    2019 valuation growth1,3

5-year CAGR3

-1.3%

 -0.1%

 0.8%

 6.7%

 5.8%

 6.1%

               3.1%

 8.1%

-2.4%

-0.2%

 7.3%

 6.4%

                
 
Shaftesbury Annual Report 2019

Strategic report

Portfolio valuation report

The increase in the equivalent yield was predominantly due to: 
•  yield expansion of up to twenty basis points in respect of larger shops, 
mainly in Carnaby Street. Despite continuing demand for space in this 
street, and further rental growth during the year, this yield adjustment 
refl ects a market-wide shift in sentiment with general uncertainty around 
occupier demand for even the best-located larger shops, where overall 
rents and fi t-out commitments are higher; and 

•  a softening in the capital value of our mid-market residential 

accommodation in certain villages of up to 4%, averaging 2.3% across the 
portfolio. The average capital value of our residential is now £1,480 per sq. 
ft. (2018: £1,510 per sq. ft.).

Read more on how we are responding to changing demand for 
larger shops by repurposing our space on page 21

Residential: page 23

The availability of properties to buy in our locations and which meet our 
strict criteria continues to be exceptionally limited. Existing owners, who 
typically are private, rather than institutional investors, remain reluctant to 
dispose of assets which off er security, high occupancy, reliable cash fl ow 
and long-term growth prospects. When assets do become available, there 
is strong domestic and international appetite, particularly for lot sizes up 
to £25 million and where there are asset management opportunities.

Cushman & Wakefi eld, independent valuer of our wholly-owned portfolio, 
has continued to note that: 

•  our portfolio is unusual in its substantial number of predominantly 

restaurant, leisure and retail properties in adjacent, or adjoining, locations 
in London’s West End; and

•  there is a long record of strong occupier demand for these uses in this 
location and, as a result, high occupancy levels, which underpin the 
long-term prospects for rental growth.

Consequently, they have reiterated to the Board that some prospective 
purchasers may recognise the rare and compelling opportunity to acquire, 
in a single transaction, substantial parts of the portfolio, or the portfolio 
in its entirety. Such parties may consider a combination of some, or all, 
parts of the portfolio to have a greater value than currently refl ected in 
the valuation included in these results, which has been prepared in 
accordance with RICS guidelines.

(cid:698)ro(cid:746)ing re(cid:745)ersionary (cid:739)otentia(cid:735)

  Annualised current income (£m) 
  ERV (£m)

150

144

134

129

27.8%

119

110

98

93

85

77

67

74

76

80

86

101

105

95

113

117

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

Despite an increased level of space undergoing refurbishment during 
the year, annualised current income has grown, on a like-for-like basis, 
by 2.4% to £117.1 million (2018: £113.4 million). 

Portfolio activity report: page 52

(cid:692)nnua(cid:735)ised current income ((cid:757)m)

2.8

117.1

113.4

1.0

(0.1)

2.4%

Sustained renta(cid:735) gro(cid:746)t(cid:731)
Over many years, our operationally-focused village management strategies 
have delivered sustained growth in both contracted and potential income; 
key drivers of long-term value creation. In our leasing activity, we aim to 
convert the portfolio’s reversionary potential into contracted income and 
cash fl ow, whilst establishing new rental tones, the benefi t of which is often 
compounded across nearby holdings. The 10-year like-for-like compound 
annual growth rate in annualised current income and ERV of our portfolio 
has been 4.2% p.a. and 4.8% p.a. respectively, with growth every year.  

100

2018

Acquisitions

Disposals

Like-for-like
growth

2019

(cid:679)(cid:684)
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Shaftesbury Annual Report 2019

Strategic report 

Portfolio valuation report

The ERV of our wholly-owned portfolio is based on current, proven rental 
tones. Importantly, the modest level of lease incentives granted to tenants, 
usually in the form of rent-free periods, has remained largely unchanged 
during the year. 

At 30 September 2019, ERV was assessed by our valuers at £149.7 million,  
up £6.0 million over the year, following growth in every village. Across the 
portfolio, like-for-like growth was 3.2%, which included a contribution of 
1.1% from 72 Broadwick Street, reflecting its increased rental potential as  
a result of the refurbishment scheme which is now underway.

 Portfolio activity report: page 52

E(cid:709)(cid:713) ((cid:757)m)

4.6

149.7

1.9

143.7

(0.5)

3.2%

Longmartin valuation

In the narrative below, all figures represent our 50% share.

At 30 September 2019, Longmartin’s long leasehold property was valued at 
£209.0 million, £15.6 million lower than at 30 September 2018. After allowing 
for capital expenditure in the year, the valuation decrease was 8.5%, equating 
to a revaluation deficit of £19.2 million, largely due to a further write-down in 
the value of retail space, which represents 37% of Longmartin’s portfolio.

% of 
portfolio
£m

Annualised 
current 
income
£m

Valuation
£m

Retail

77.2

Non-retail

131.8

37%

63%

209.0

100%

2.6

4.9

7.5

Valuation 
growth1,2
%

ERV 
growth2
% 

ERV
£m

3.5 (19.4)% (10.3)%

6.5

(0.6)%

0.8%

10.0

(8.5)%

(3.5)%

Change in 
equivalent 
yield 
(basis 
points) 

+25

+3

+12

Retail
At 30 September 2019, the valuation of Longmartin’s retail space was £77.2 
million (2018: £95.3 million), down 19.4% over the year, after allowing for 
capital expenditure. The majority of this space is on Long Acre, a “high 
street” which is characterised by large retail units, relatively high rental 
tones and overall rents, and where ownerships are fragmented. Occupier 
demand for these larger shops has declined and there has been a 
noticeable increase in the availability of space on Long Acre during the year.

Over the year, annualised current retail income has fallen by £0.2 million to 
£2.6 million (2018: £2.8 million), largely due to retail space on Long Acre 
which has become vacant and is now under refurbishment.

 Portfolio activity report: page 53

The ERV of Longmartin’s retail space decreased, on a like-for-like basis, 
during the year, by 10.3% from £3.9 million to £3.5 million. This follows a 
decline of 5.6% in 2018. On Long Acre, the decline was 14%, with the range 
of zone A rents now £550-£600 per sq. ft., down from £618 - £650 a year ago.

Reflecting increased availability and current uncertainty over occupier 
demand, the valuers have increased the equivalent yield attributed to Long 
Acre retail by 35 basis points. When combined with retail not on Long Acre, 
the overall retail equivalent yield has increased to 3.89% (2018: 3.64%).  

(cid:705)on(cid:672)retai(cid:735)
At 30 September 2019, the valuation of Longmartin’s non-retail space, 
comprising restaurants, offices and residential, was £131.8 million (2018: 
£129.3 million). After allowing for capital expenditure in the year, the 
like-for-like valuation decrease was 0.6%, reflecting a small increase  
in the average equivalent yield, largely offset by rental growth. 

Current annualised income for the non-retail space decreased over  
the year from £5.3 million to £4.9 million, as a result of our restaurant 
reconfiguration scheme in St Martin’s Courtyard, together with rent  
free periods following recent lettings.

 Portfolio activity report: page 53

The ERV of non-retail space has increased on a like-for-like basis, during 
the year, by 0.8% to £6.5 million. The rental value of restaurants has grown 
by 3.2%, reflecting improvements we are making, whilst the ERV of offices 
and residential has been largely unchanged.

On average, the equivalent yield attributed to non-retail space was 3.97%, 
three basis points higher over the year (2018: 3.94%). 

130

2018

Acquisitions

Disposals

Like-for-like 
growth

2019

The portfolio’s total reversionary potential is now £32.6 million, 27.8% above 
annualised current income. We aim to crystallise this rental potential into 
contracted income over three to five years. 

Com(cid:739)onents of t(cid:731)e re(cid:745)ersion ((cid:757))

117.1

5.9

A

5.5

B

149.7

5.7

D

15.5

C

50

Annualised  
current 
income

Contracted

EPRA  
vacancy

Asset 
management 
schemes  
underway

Under  
rented leases

ERV

(cid:699)o(cid:746) it (cid:746)i(cid:735)(cid:735) (cid:725)e rea(cid:735)ised
A  On expiry of 

rent-free periods 
or contractual 
increases in rent

B  On letting space 
available at 30 
September 2019

C  On completion and 
letting of schemes 
in progress at 30  
September 2019

D  Through the normal 
cycle of rent reviews, 
lease renewals and 
lettings. Typically 
realised over a  
3-5 year period.

1  Alternative performance measure: page 124
2  Like-for-like

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Shaftesbury Annual Report 2019

Strategic report 

Portfolio activity report

Leasing activity during the year1
  Residential
  Commercial     

£7.3m

+0.2%

vs previous rent

Total
£33.5m
2018: £31.4m

+3.2%

vs 9/18 ERV

£26.2m

EPRA vacancy1,2

(cid:679)(cid:673)(cid:681)(cid:664)E(cid:709)(cid:713)(cid:685) (cid:757)(cid:681)(cid:673)(cid:681)m

(cid:678)(cid:673)(cid:682)(cid:664)E(cid:709)(cid:713)(cid:685) (cid:757)(cid:680)(cid:673)(cid:680)m

2018

2019

Schemes across1

241,600 sq ft

Capital expenditure1

£30.9 million

Projects underway1,2

(cid:682)(cid:673)(cid:681)(cid:664)E(cid:709)(cid:713)(cid:685) (cid:757)(cid:676)(cid:675)(cid:673)(cid:684)m

(cid:676)(cid:675)(cid:673)(cid:679)(cid:664)E(cid:709)(cid:713)(cid:685) (cid:757)(cid:676)(cid:680)(cid:673)(cid:680)m

2018

2019

Acquisitions1

£47.0 million

1   Wholly-owned portfolio
2 % of total ERV
3 2019: Central Cross; 2018: Central Cross and Thomas Neal’s Warehouse

Leasing activity

During the year, occupier demand has been robust and occupancy levels 
have remained high.  

We continue to convert our portfolio’s reversionary potential into contracted 
income, whilst delivering further long-term growth in rental values. In the 
year to 30 September 2019, we concluded leasing transactions in the 
wholly-owned portfolio with a rental value of £33.5 million (2018: £31.4 
million), equating to 22.4% of total ERV. 

Commercial leasing activity totalled £26.2 million, 3.2% above ERV at 
30 September 2018. This included lettings and renewals with a rental value 
of £15.6 million, 3.4% over 2018 ERV and rent reviews (rental value: £10.6 
million) concluded 19.5% ahead of passing rents. Residential lettings and 
renewals amounted to £7.3 million, with rents being achieved marginally 
above previous levels.

Vacancy

During the year, EPRA vacancy1 has decreased by 0.9% to 3.7% of ERV. 

EPRA vacancy1 at 30 September 2019

Food, 
beverage 
and leisure
£m

% of total ERV

Shops
£m

Offi ces
£m

Residential
£m

Total
£m

2019
%

2018
%

Larger schemes3

-

0.8

-

Underlying 
vacancy
Available-to-let

Under offer

Total

Area (‘000 sq. ft.)

0.5

0.9

1.4

1.4

16

1.6

0.8

2.4

3.2

46

0.4

0.4

0.8

0.8

12

-

-

0.1

0.1

0.1

1

0.8

0.5% 1.9%

2.5

2.2

4.7

5.5

75

1.7% 1.4%

1.5% 1.3%

3.2% 2.7%

3.7% 4.6%

100

Larger schemes3
Having concluded lettings at Thomas Neal’s Warehouse in Seven Dials, and Central 
Cross, larger scheme vacancy has fallen by 1.4% to 0.5% of total ERV during 
the year.

At 30 September 2019, just two shops (ERV: £0.8 million) remained available 
at Central Cross, of which one was under off er (ERV: £0.5 million). 

Underlying vacancy
 At 30 September 2019, available-to-let vacancy totalled £2.5 million, 
representing 1.7% of ERV (2018: 1.4%). This comprised one restaurant and 
three cafés (ERV £0.5 million), fi ve large and fi ve small shops (combined ERV: 
£1.6 million) and 6,800 sq. ft. of offi  ce space (ERV: £0.4 million).

Space with a rental value of £2.2 million (1.5% of ERV) was under off er (2018: 
1.3%). This included eight restaurants and cafés (ERV: £0.9 million), fi ve shops 
(ERV: £0.8 million), 5,500 sq. ft. of offi  ces (ERV: £0.4 million) and three apartments.

(cid:680)(cid:676)
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Shaftesbury Annual Report 2019

Strategic report Portfolio activity report

Asset management
Sustainable reuse of buildings
With conservation area status and listed building legislation limiting 
wholescale development in our areas, our strategy is to carefully manage, 
reuse and adapt existing buildings. Through refurbishment, reconfiguration 
and change of use, we improve our assets by:

•  extending their useful economic lives;
•  improving income and rental prospects;
•  enhancing environmental performance; and
•  making our accommodation more attractive to occupiers. 
Our reconfiguration and refurbishment schemes often involve a 
combination of maximising trading space across the lower floors, whilst 
converting under-utilised space on upper floors to introduce alternative, 
more valuable uses. Currently, we are responding to greater occupier 
interest for smaller shops, where possible, by reconfiguring units and 
introducing different, equally valuable uses for the space this releases.

Annual capital expenditure is generally modest at around 1% of portfolio 
value. Often, the loss of income during works being carried out is a  
relatively large part of the overall cost of a scheme.

 Mixed-use buildings with considerable management flexibility: page 8

 Limited obsolescence: page 17

In minimising our environmental impact, key scheme objectives include:
•  reusing materials on site;
•  using sustainably-sourced new materials; 
•  improving the energy performance of our accommodation; and
•  achieving a BREEAM “Very Good” rating on all our larger projects. 

 Environment: page 32

Schemes
High levels of asset management and refurbishment activity continue across 
our portfolio. Capital expenditure during the year totalled £30.9 million, 
representing 0.8% of wholly-owned portfolio value, with schemes extending 
to 241,600 sq. ft. (12.6% of wholly-owned floor space). This included our 
80,000 sq. ft. project at 72 Broadwick Street, Carnaby. 

At any one time, we have schemes at various stages, from initial ideas, 
seeking planning approval, awaiting vacant possession or under construction. 
As part of this continuing activity, during the year, we submitted 108 
planning applications, an important ingredient in securing the pipeline  
of activity.

We continue to identify opportunities to implement further asset 
management initiatives to improve the rental prospects and value of 
buildings across our portfolio, the timing of which often depends on  
when we can secure vacant possession of space.

Pro(cid:733)ects under(cid:746)ay at year end
At 30 September 2019, vacant space held for, or under, refurbishment1 
extended to 213,000 sq. ft., and represented 10.4% of total ERV, an increase 
from 7.6% a year ago.

Space held for or undergoing refurbishment1 at  
30 September 2019

Food, 
beverage  
and leisure
£m

Shops
£m

Offices
£m

Residential
£m

72 Broadwick Street

Other schemes

Area (’000 sq. ft.)

3.5

1.9

5.4

73

0.4

2.4

2.8

27

1.5

4.0

5.5

77

0.7

1.1

1.8

36

% of total ERV

Total
£m

6.1

9.4

2019
%

2018
%

4.1% 2.8%

6.3% 4.8%

15.5

10.4% 7.6%

213

175

(cid:682)(cid:677) (cid:693)road(cid:746)ic(cid:734) Street(cid:671) Carna(cid:725)y
 Having secured planning consent earlier in the year, we have now 
commenced works on our 80,000 sq. ft. mixed-use scheme to: 

•  introduce new retail, restaurant and leisure uses;
•  relocate the office and residential entrances to allow activation  

of the commercial frontage on Broadwick Street;
•   extend and refurbish the remaining office space; and 
•  reconstruct the residential accommodation, increasing the number  

of apartments from eleven to fifteen.

The project’s ERV is £6.1 million (4.1% of portfolio ERV), up £2.1 million  
over the year, which reflects the planning consent secured in the year and 
incorporation of additional lower floor space into the design. Its estimated 
total cost is £32.1 million, of which £6.0 million had been incurred by  
30 September 2019. Completion is anticipated in phases from late 2020. 

Other schemes
At 30 September 2019, we had 52 schemes underway, extending to 133,000 
sq. ft. and representing 6.3% of ERV. These included 26,700 sq. ft. of 
restaurants and cafés (ERV: £1.9 million), 23,800 sq. ft. of shops  
(ERV: £2.4 million), 60,100 sq. ft. of office accommodation (ERV: £4.0 million) 
and 36 apartments being created or upgraded (ERV: £1.1 million). 

During the year, new schemes with an ERV of £5.6 million commenced, 
whilst schemes with an ERV of £3.0 million completed and are now largely 
income-producing or under offer.

 Projects with an ERV of £7.7 million are expected to complete in the coming 
year, of which £5.0 million is anticipated in the first half of the year. In the 
short term, these will increase EPRA vacancy, but will provide a useful 
contribution to income and earnings over the medium term. 

1   Wholly-owned portfolio

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Shaftesbury Annual Report 2019

Strategic report

Portfolio activity report

Other than 72 Broadwick Street, our medium-sized schemes underway at 
30 September 2019 included:

Scheme

Description

1 Gerrard Place, 
Chinatown

Reconfi guration to create two 
restaurants, including active 
frontage in Horse & Dolphin 
Yard, and 9 apartments

1 Little Marlborough 
Street, Carnaby

Offi ce extension and 
refurbishment

45/49 Charing Cross 
Road, Chinatown

Reconfi guration and extension 
to provide new fl agship 
restaurant space and fi ve 
apartments at this gateway 
to Chinatown

16-20 Short’s Gardens, 
Seven Dials

Offi ce reconfi guration and 
refurbishment

50 Marshall Street, 
Carnaby

Creation of retail unit and 
refurbishment/extension of 
offi ce space

Estimated 
cost
£m

Cost to 
complete
£m

Estimated 
completion

6.4

2.1

Q1 2020

2.7

4.0

2.1

4.9

0.1

Q1 2020

1.6

Q2 2020 

1.9

Q3 2020

4.3

Q4 2020

Longmartin asset management
In the narrative below, all fi gures (except areas) represent our 50% share.

During the year, lettings and rent reviews with a rental value of £1.4 million 
were concluded (2018: £1.4 million). This included a new lease to Dishoom, 
to combine two restaurants, fronting Upper St Martin’s Lane and backing 
on to St Martin’s Courtyard, to create a 10,000 sq. ft. fl agship unit, which 
will further enhance the courtyard’s dining off er.

At 30 September 2019, the ERV of Longmartin’s vacant space was £0.9 
million (2018: £0.7 million) and included a prominent fl agship unit at the 
corner of Upper St Martin’s Lane and Long Acre, together with 5,900 sq. ft. 
of offi  ce space at the recently completed Sussex House scheme (ERV: £0.6 
million), all of which was under off er. Other vacancy included 8,800 sq. ft. of 
offi  ce accommodation, which was under off er (ERV: £0.2 million), two small 
shops (ERV: £0.1 million) and one apartment. 

Capital expenditure in the year was £3.7 million. At 30 September 2019, 
the ERV of space under refurbishment was £1.0 million (2018: £0.9 million), 
the majority of which relates to:

•  two large adjoining shops on Long Acre (ERV: £0.6 million), which have 

become vacant and where plans are being prepared to reconfi gure the 
combined space to reduce the retail element and introduce alternative 
uses at fi rst fl oor; and

•  a scheme to reconfi gure the north side of St Martin’s Courtyard to create 
three restaurants (ERV: £0.3 million), each with outside seating, which is 
currently expected to complete in late 2019. 

Public realm improvements

We continue to identify and contribute to public realm improvements in our 
villages. In our experience, creating safe and welcoming environments is an 
important catalyst for long-term growth in footfall and spending. 

In the coming year, London Borough of Camden plans to improve the 
northern entrance to Seven Dials on Shaftesbury Avenue, at the junction 
with Monmouth Street and Neal Street. Complementing their existing 
junction improvement works, the scheme will involve repaving, de-cluttering 
the pavement and improved lighting and should increase footfall into Seven 
Dials, particularly from Tottenham Court Road once the Elizabeth Line 
opens. We are expecting to contribute £0.4 million to this scheme.

Improvements to Rupert Street, south of Shaftesbury Avenue, are planned 
next year by Westminster City Council after Chinese New Year celebrations 
in February 2020. Here, the pavement on the east side will be signifi cantly 
widened and de-cluttered, with lighting and signage mounted on buildings 
wherever possible. Our contribution to this is anticipated to be £0.5 million. 

Acquisitions 

When seeking out new acquisitions, we remain disciplined, concentrating 
on buildings:

•  in, and around, our areas; 
•  which have a predominance of, or potential for, restaurant, leisure and 

retail uses; and 

•  which off er the potential for future rental growth, either individually or 

through combination with our existing ownerships. 

During the year, we acquired fi ve properties at a total cost of £47.0 million. 
Located in Carnaby, Fitzrovia, Soho and Seven Dials, these comprised a pub 
(4,000 sq. ft.), two restaurants (4,000 sq. ft.), four shops (10,000 sq. ft.) and 
3,300 sq. ft. of offi  ce accommodation. 

(cid:684)(cid:675)(cid:672)(cid:676)(cid:675)(cid:679) (cid:693)er(cid:746)ic(cid:734) Street
The vendor currently expects to be in a position to complete the sale of 
this long leasehold interest to us by 30 April 2020. Since 30 September 
2019, a reduction in the purchase price, from £38.5 million to £36.0 million 
(exclusive of purchase costs), has been agreed.

Read more on availability of properties to buy: page 49

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Shaftesbury Annual Report 2019

Strategic report 

Financial report

(cid:707)resentation of financial 
information
EPRA measures
As is usual practice in our sector, we produce alternative measures for 
certain indicators, including earnings, earnings per share and NAV, making 
adjustments set out by EPRA in its Best Practices Recommendations. These 
recommendations are designed to make the financial statements of public 
real estate companies more comparable across Europe, enhancing the 
transparency and coherence of the sector. These measures are reconciled 
to IFRS in note 25 to the financial statements.

Investment properties and debt
The financial statements, prepared under IFRS, include the Group’s interest 
in its joint venture as one-line items in the Income Statement and Balance 
Sheet. The analysis that follows is based on the IFRS financial statements.

The Board considers the valuation of properties and our debt position on 
both IFRS and proportionally consolidated bases, including our 50% share 
of investment property and debt in the joint venture. This is reflected in the 
valuation and capital structure analyses on pages 48 and 57. We consider 
that this presentation is useful for stakeholders. Measures presented on  
a proportionally consolidated basis are alternative performance measures 
(APMs) as they are not defined under IFRS. 

Further details on APMs used, and how they reconcile to IFRS, are set out 
on page 124.

Income statement

Net property income

Administrative expenses 

Valuation (deficits)/gains and disposal profits 

Operating profit

Net finance costs

Share of Longmartin post-tax results

Profit before tax

Tax

Reported earnings for the year

Basic earnings per share

EPRA earnings1

EPRA earnings per share1

2019 
£m

98.0

(15.2)

(12.5)

70.3

(30.5)

(13.8)

26.0

-

26.0

8.5p

54.6

17.8p

2018 
£m

93.8

(13.7)

127.7

207.8

(31.2)

(1.1)

175.5

-

175.5

58.1p

51.7

17.1p

Profit after tax for the year was £26.0 million (2018: £175.5 million) and basic 
earnings per share was 8.5p (2018: 58.1p). The decrease in profit after tax 
was largely due to:

•  a revaluation deficit, net of disposal profits, which reduced profits, this year, 

by £12.5 million, compared with a surplus of £127.7 million in 2018; and 
•  an increase in our share of the post-tax losses from the Longmartin joint 
venture, as a result of the reduction in the valuation of its investment 
property. 

These reductions were partly offset by higher operating profit before 
investment property disposals and valuation movements and lower net 
finance costs, which, together, increased profit after tax by £3.4 million.

 Portfolio valuation: page 48

EPRA earnings1
EPRA earnings are a measure of the level of underlying operating results 
and an indication of the extent to which current dividend payments are 
supported by recurring earnings. In our case, EPRA earnings exclude portfolio 
valuation movements, profits on disposal of investment properties and 
deferred tax arising in the Longmartin joint venture. 

EPRA earnings increased by 5.6% to £54.6 million (2018: £51.7 million) 
resulting in EPRA EPS of 17.8p, 4.1% above last year (2018: 17.1p). The smaller 
relative increase in EPRA EPS, compared with that for EPRA earnings, is  
due to the larger weighted average number of shares in issue following  
the equity placing in December 2017.

The increase in earnings was due to: 

•  an increase in net property income resulting from the continued 

conversion of our reversionary potential into contracted income; and

•  a reduction in net finance costs, due to increased interest income received 
in the period, together with lower loan issue cost amortisation, following  
an accelerated write-off of costs in 2018. 

These were partly offset by:

•  higher employee costs, which increased administrative expenses; and
•  lower net property income in the Longmartin joint venture as a result  

of development schemes and vacancy.

EPRA earnings1 ((cid:757)m)

4.2

51.7

0.7

54.6

(1.5)

(0.5)

20

2018

Admin costs

Longmartin 

2019

Net property  
income

Net finance  
costs 

1   An alternative performance measure: page 124

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Shaftesbury Annual Report 2019

Strategic report

Financial report

(cid:706)(cid:739)erating (cid:739)rofi t (cid:725)efore in(cid:745)estment (cid:739)ro(cid:739)erty 
disposals and valuation movements
Rental income increased by 4.0% (£4.5 million) to £117.3 million (2018: £112.8 
million). The like-for-like increase was 4.9%, as we continue to crystallise 
the reversionary potential of our portfolio. Acquisitions added £1.8 million, 
whilst disposals reduced rental income by £0.4 million. Having secured 
vacant possession at 72 Broadwick Street in September 2018, this scheme 
was not income-producing during the year, having contributed short-term 
income of £2.3 million to rental income in 2018. 

Portfolio activity: page 52

(cid:709)enta(cid:735) income ((cid:757)m)

112.8

1.8

(2.3)

(0.4)

4.9%

5.4

117.3

70

2018

72 Broadwick
Street

Acquisitions

Disposals

Like-for-like
 growth

2019

After irrecoverable property charges of £19.3 million (2018: £19.0 million), 
representing 16.5% of rental income (2018: 16.8%), net property income 
was £98.0 million, up 4.5% over the year (2018: £93.8 million).

Administrative expenses totalled £15.2 million (2018: £13.7 million). This 
increase was largely due to additional employee costs as a result of higher 
headcount, together with an increase in performance-related compensation. 
The total expense includes a non-cash accounting charge for equity-settled 
remuneration of £1.2 million (2018: £0.6 million) and a bonus cost of £2.6 
million (2018: £2.2 million).

Annual remuneration report: page 89

Excluding employee costs, other administrative expenses were unchanged 
at £5.2 million (2018: £5.2 million). 

(cid:713)a(cid:735)uation defi cit and dis(cid:739)osa(cid:735) (cid:739)rofi ts
The revaluation defi cit in the year amounted to £15.3 million (2018: surplus 
of £123.1 million), representing a like-for-like valuation decrease1 of 0.2%, 
largely due to average yield expansion of six basis points (2018: fi ve basis 
points yield compression), largely off set by like-for-like ERV growth of 3.2% 
(2018: 2.6%).

During the year, we sold two non-core properties. Net proceeds, after sale 
costs, were £14.3 million, 24.3% above book value, representing a surplus of 
£2.8 million. Disposal gains in 2018 were £4.6 million.

Portfolio valuation: page 48

(cid:705)et fi nance costs
Net fi nance costs of £30.5 million (2018: £31.2 million) included interest 
income of £1.0 million (2018: £0.8 million). The charge in 2018 included an 
accelerated write-off  of previously unamortised loan issue costs, totalling 
£0.3 million, following refi nancing activity in February 2018. 

S(cid:731)are of (cid:703)ongmartin (cid:739)ost(cid:672)ta(cid:747) resu(cid:735)ts
Revaluation defi cits resulted in the Longmartin joint venture reporting 
post-tax losses in both 2018 and 2019. Our share of the revaluation defi cit in 
2019 was £19.2 million (2018: £5.0 million). Excluding these revaluation losses, 
and our share of the related deferred tax credits totalling £3.1 million (2018: 
£1.1 million), our share of EPRA earnings1 from Longmartin decreased by £0.5 
million to £2.3 million (2018: £2.8 million), due to lower net property income 
as a result of development schemes and vacancy on Long Acre. 

Portfolio valuation: page 50

Portfolio activity: page 53

Tax
The Group’s tax strategy is to account for tax on an accurate and timely 
basis. Our appetite for tax risk is low and we structure our aff airs based on 
sound commercial principles, rather than engaging in aggressive tax planning. 
We maintain an open dialogue with HMRC with a view to identifying and 
solving issues promptly. During the year, HMRC confi rmed our status as a 
‘low risk’ taxpayer. Our detailed tax strategy is available on our website.

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 (2018: £Nil). 

As with most businesses, we do collect and pay other taxes and levies e.g. 
payroll taxes, VAT, stamp duty land tax, business rates, and withholding tax 
on Property Income Distributions. During the year, the total amount paid in 
respect of these taxes amounted to £23.5 million (2018: £29.2 million). In 
addition, our share of taxes, including corporation tax, levied on, or 
collected by, Longmartin was £1.6 million (2018: £1.8 million).

Dividends

As a REIT, we are required to distribute a minimum of 90% of net rental 
income, calculated by reference to tax rather than accounting rules, as a 
PID. Notwithstanding this, our dividend policy is to maintain steady growth in 
dividends, refl ecting the long-term trend in our income and EPRA earnings, 
adjusted to add back the non-cash accounting charge for equity-settled 
remuneration. To the extent that dividends for a year exceed the amount 
available to distribute as a PID, we pay the balance as ordinary dividends. 
Principal risks and uncertainties, including those which might aff ect income 
and earnings, are set out on pages 60 to 61.

The Board monitors the Group’s ability to pay dividends out of available 
resources and distributable reserves. Our forecasts take into consideration 
future liquidity requirements, which include prospective dividend payments. 
At 30 September 2019, we had distributable reserves of £228.4 million. It is 
our policy, where possible, for subsidiary companies to distribute the majority 
of their distributable profi ts to Shaftesbury PLC annually. Currently, there 
are no restrictions on any subsidiaries’ ability to distribute profi ts.

The Board has recommended a fi nal dividend of 9.0p per share, an increase 
of 5.9% on last year’s fi nal dividend of 8.5p. If approved at the 2020 AGM, 
the total dividend for the year will be 17.7p per share, an increase of 5.4% on 
last year (16.8p).

(cid:680)(cid:680)
(cid:680)(cid:680)

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Shaftesbury Annual Report 2019

Strategic report Financial report

This increase reflects growth in EPRA earnings1, as discussed above. Total 
dividends for the year are covered 1.01 times by EPRA earnings per share1 
and 1.03 times by adjusted earnings per share1, after adding back the 
non-cash accounting share option charge of £1.2 million (2018: £0.6 million).

The total distribution for the year will be £54.4 million, 5.4% higher than last 
year (2018: £51.6 million) and is fully covered by adjusted EPRA earnings1 of 
£54.6 million.

If approved at the 2020 AGM, the final dividend will be paid on 14 February 
2020, with 5.25p as a PID and 3.75p as an ordinary dividend. 

Dividends vs adjusted earnings1 ((cid:739)ence (cid:739)er s(cid:731)are)

Dividends 5-year CAGR: 6.2%

  Dividends
  Adjusted EPS1

EPRA NAV1
EPRA NAV makes adjustments to reported NAV to provide a measure of the 
fair value of net assets on a long-term basis. Assets and liabilities which are 
not expected to crystallise in normal circumstances are excluded. In our 
case, the calculation excludes deferred tax related to property valuation 
surpluses and deficits in the Longmartin joint venture. 

Total accounting return measures shareholder value creation, taking into 
account the growth in EPRA NAV together with dividends paid.

EPRA NAV per share decreased during the year by 9p (0.9%) to £9.82 (2018: 
£9.91), principally due to the revaluation deficits, both in the wholly-owned 
portfolio and Longmartin, less disposal profits. Together, these reduced 
EPRA NAV by 10p per share. EPRA earnings1 of 17.8p per share were largely 
offset by dividends paid (17.2p per share). 

EPRA NAV1 ((cid:739)ence (cid:739)er s(cid:731)are)

17.3

17.7

18.2

991

18

(17)

982

(10)

16.7

16.0

16.8

14.7

14.7

13.75

13.9

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

900

2018

EPRA  
earnings

Dividends

Net revaluation 
movements 

2019

Balance Sheet

Investment properties

Investment in joint venture

Net debt

Other net assets

Net assets

EPRA NAV per share1

Total accounting return1

2019 
£m

3,765.9

127.6

(905.8)

19.5

3,007.2

£9.82

0.8%

2018 
£m

3,714.8

143.9

(841.3)

15.6

3,033.0

£9.91

5.8%

(cid:694)as(cid:731) (cid:1026)o(cid:746)s an(cid:727) net (cid:727)e(cid:725)t

Net debt increased by £64.5 million to £905.8 million (2018: £841.3 million). 
The major cash flows were:
•  Acquisitions and capital expenditure totalling £75.4 million.
•  Net disposal proceeds of £14.3 million.
•  Operating cash inflow totalling £50.6 million.
•  Dividends paid amounting to £52.9 million.

(cid:705)et de(cid:725)t ((cid:757)m)

61.1

1.1

905.8

Net assets 
At 30 September 2019, net assets were £3,007.2 million. The decrease 
during the year of £25.8 million, from £3,033.0 million, followed dividends 
paid, amounting to £52.9 million, profit after tax for the year of £26.0 million 
and credits for share-based remuneration of £1.1 million.

(50.6)

841.3

52.9

700

2018

Operating  
cash inflow

Dividends

Net portfolio 
investment

Other

2019

1   An alternative performance measure: page 124

(cid:680)(cid:681)
(cid:680)(cid:681)

Shaftesbury Annual Report 2019

Strategic report

Financial report

Capital structure

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

Investment in our portfolio is funded through a combination of equity and 
debt, with equity providing the permanent capital to support our long-term 
strategy. Debt provides capital for investment in our portfolio. 

We seek to minimise fi nancing risk and whilst we do not set out loan-to-
value targets, over the long term, we would expect debt to represent 
around one third of our invested capital. Typically, when prospective 
fi nancial ratios, including gearing, approach the upper limit of our tolerance, 
we look to secure additional equity funding to provide fi nancial capacity for 
continued investment in our portfolio. 

The summary below is presented both with and without our proportional 
share of Longmartin’s net debt.

Presentation of fi nancial information: page 54 

Finance summary

Net debt

- reported under IFRS

- proportionally consolidated1,5

Resources

Cash (IFRS)

Undrawn fl oating rate facilities (£m)

2019
£m

   905.8

965.2

54.0

225.0

279.0

(82.4)

196.6

2018
£m

841.3

900.0

118.5

225.0

343.5

(92.7)

250.8

•  Conservative leverage

•  Spread of maturities 

and sources of fi nance

We use debt to enhance, not drive, 
returns.

Available resources

Commitments7

Reduces refi nancing risk.

Uncommitted resources

•  Long-term arrangements 
form the core of our debt 
fi nance

Consistent with the long-term 
nature of our portfolio and secure 
income streams.

•  Medium-term revolving 

facilities 

Provide fl exibility and the ability to 
act swiftly when acquiring 
properties.

•  Majority of interest fi xed

Limits exposure to interest rate risk.

Sources of debt
   Bonds (fi xed rate)   
   Revolving bank facilities (variable rate)
  Term loans (fi xed rate)      

Wholly-owned
business
2019

Including 
Longmartin
2019

Wholly-owned 
business
2018

Including 
Longmartin
2018

Loan-to-value4,5

Gearing3,4,5

Interest cover5

% drawn debt fi xed

Blended cost of debt2,5

Marginal cost of undrawn fl oating 
rate facilities 

23.9%

31.9%

2.7x

100%

3.2%

1.6%

24.2%

31.9%

2.7x

100%

3.2%

1.6%

22.6%

29.5%

2.6x

100%

3.2%

1.6%

22.8%

29.5%

2.6x

100%

3.2%

1.6%

Weighted average maturity (years)

9.3

9.2

10.3

10.2

19%

32%

49%

At 30 September 2019, net debt was £905.8 million (2018: £841.3 million) 
and our loan-to-value ratio5 increased to 23.9% (2018: 22.6%) as a result 
of investment in our portfolio during the year and the impact of the 
revaluation defi cits. 

Portfolio valuation: page 48; portfolio activity: pages 52 to 53 

Available resources totalled £279.0 million (2018: £343.5 million), of which 
£82.4 million is earmarked for existing commitments. On a pro-forma basis, 
taking this expenditure into account, our loan-to-value ratio5 would be 
25.6%.

The blended cost of debt5 was 3.2% (2018: 3.2%) and the marginal cost of 
drawing on our committed revolving credit facilities was 1.6% (2018: 1.6%). 

(cid:695)e(cid:725)t maturity (cid:739)rofi (cid:735)e ((cid:757)m)

  Bank facilities (variable) 
 Bonds (fi xed)
 Term loan (fi xed) 
  JV term loan6 (fi xed, our 50% share)

290

285

125

100

60

135 130

120

2019 

2022 2023

2026 2027

2029 2030 2031

2035

1   Including our 50% share of Longmartin debt. See presentation of fi nancial information on 

page 54.

2  Including non-utilisation fees on undrawn bank facilities.
3  Based on EPRA net assets.
4  Based on net debt.
5  Alternative performance measure: page 124. 
6   Shaftesbury Group’s 50% share; non-recourse to Shaftesbury. 
7   Capital commitments (wholly-owned portfolio). 2018 included expected scheme 

commitments at 72 Broadwick Street. 

(cid:680)(cid:682)
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Shaftesbury Annual Report 2019

Strategic report 

Risk management

Context and risk appetite
We invest exclusively in London’s West End, a location which has shown 
significantly greater long-term growth and economic stability through  
the property cycles than the wider real estate market. Our strategy has 
delivered long-term success for the Group. However, inevitably this 
geographic concentration is a high inherent risk and there are certain 
external factors which we cannot control. 

In executing our strategy, we seek to minimise exposure to operational, 
reputational and financial risks, recognising that our appetite to risk varies 
across different elements of our strategy, as follows: 

High

Medium

Low

Development 
risk

Letting  
risk

Financing  
risk

Compliance 
risk

Reputation 
risk

Important factors contributing to the relatively low risk of our business include:
•  An experienced executive and senior leadership team, with an average 

tenure of 16 years, which has an in-depth knowledge of our business and 
the West End property market. We are based in one location, close to all 
our holdings;

 Pages 63 to 65

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

speculative development schemes;

 Page 8

•  Our diverse tenant base limits exposure to any single occupier;
•  Our Balance Sheet is managed 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; 

 Page 57

•  A culture which encourages open dialogue within the management team 

and with the wide range of external advisors employed in running the business;

 Page 36

•  A simple group structure; and
•  A governance framework which includes clearly defined responsibilities and 

limits of authority.

 Page 70

The Board’s attitude to risk is embedded in the business, with executive 
directors closely involved in all aspects of operations and significant 
decisions. Non-executive directors approve capital, debt and non-routine 
transactions above a relatively low specified level. 

Senior management and executive directors share the same incentive 
targets and benefits, which are set to achieve the Group’s purpose and 
long-term strategic objectives, and encourage decisions to be made on the 
basis of long-term benefit, rather than short-term gain. 

(cid:680)(cid:683)
(cid:680)(cid:683)

Monitoring and managing risk
Roles and responsibilities in managing our risk and controls framework  
are summarised below.

Risk is considered as follows:
•  Daily at an operational level by senior management;
•  Weekly at executive director meetings;
•  Monthly at the Executive Committee meetings; and
•  Bi-annually (or as needed) by the Risk Committee.

The Board has overall responsibility for risk management and the systems  
of internal control. 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.

On a day-to-day basis, risks are dealt with as they arise and, where 
significant, are discussed more widely with the executive team. This ensures 
an awareness of the risks identified and solutions adopted. Issues that have 
arisen and how risks have changed are key inputs from executive 
management to the Risk Committee. 

The day-to-day management of the Group’s portfolio is outsourced to two 
managing agents. The Group monitors their performance 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 their internal control assessments 
with the Group.

 Assurance: page 59

The Risk Committee, comprising executive directors and members of the 
senior leadership team, co-ordinates and develops the risk management 
and controls framework. It meets twice a year, or more frequently as 
needed, and reports to the Audit Committee and Board. Its key activities 
include:
•  Reviewing and assessing the Group’s risk register;
•  Reviewing principal risks and uncertainties, including new/emerging risks;
•  Providing support to the Board to define risk appetite;
•  Assessing and reviewing the Group’s control environment; and
•  Assessing the effectiveness of the Group’s controls.

Assessing risk and internal controls
Significant risks and mitigating controls are detailed in the risk register. 

Risks are considered in terms of the likelihood of occurrence and their 
potential impact on the business. In assessing impact, a number of criteria 
are considered including the effect on our strategic objectives, operational 
or financial matters, our reputation, stakeholder relationships, health and 
safety, environmental matters and regulatory issues. Risks are assessed on 
both gross (assuming no controls are in place) and residual (after mitigation) 
bases. 

To the extent that significant risks, failings or control weaknesses arise, 
appropriate action is taken to rectify the issue and implement controls to 
mitigate further occurrences. Such occurrences are reported to the Audit 
Committee. 

The Group’s processes and procedures to identify, assess, and manage its 
principal risks and uncertainties were in place throughout the year and 
remained in place up to the date of the approval of the Annual Report.

 
 
 
 
 
 
Shaftesbury Annual Report 2019

Strategic report

Risk management

Top down
Oversight, assessment and 
mitigation at a Group level

Board
•  Overall responsibility for risk management and internal control
•  Determines the risk appetite
•  Reviews principal and emerging risks

Risk committee
•  Co-ordinate and develop the risk 
management process
•  Consider strategic and emerging risks 
and internal controls

Audit committee

•  Monitor the eff ectiveness of the risk 
management process and internal 
control framework

Identifi cation, assessment 
and mitigation at an 
operational level

Bottom up

Executive management
  •  Day-to-day monitoring of risk 
  •  Design and implementation of controls

Assurance

•  Internal audit reviews
•  Review of the eff ectiveness of controls
•  Observations from the external auditor

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Assurance
Effectiveness of controls
During the year, external assurance reviews have been carried out on the 
eff ectiveness of controls in the following areas:

•  portfolio investment;
•  refurbishment and reconfi guration scheme management; and 
•  tax procedures in relation to the prevention of the facilitation of tax evasion. 

Executive management have also assessed the eff ectiveness of key controls 
not covered by these external reviews. 

(cid:692)d(cid:745)isory re(cid:745)ie(cid:746) of (cid:739)rocedures
Procedures and controls over tax processes, GDPR and processes at one of 
our managing agents have been externally reviewed during the year. 

Findings from these reviews were reported to the Audit Committee. Whilst 
they did not identify any signifi cant issues or control failings, a small number 
of recommendations for improvements were made and these have been 
addressed or are being considered by management, with oversight by the 
Risk Committee.  

Whilst the programme for reviewing processes and controls in the coming 
year is currently being fi nalised, a review of the purchases and payments 
cycle is currently underway. In addition, we anticipate an external review of 
the eff ectiveness of tax controls and an advisory review of the rent cycle 
processes.  

(cid:680)(cid:684)
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Shaftesbury Annual Report 2019

Strategic report 

Principal risks and uncertainties

The Board has carried out a robust assessment of the principal and 
emerging risks and uncertainties which might prevent the Group achieving 
its strategic objectives. These risks and uncertainties, their mitigation and 
the evolution of risk during the year are set out below. They are largely 
consistent with those reported in 2018. 

Other risks discussed, but, through mitigation, currently are not considered 
to be principal risks or uncertainties included:

Market

•  Failure to adapt to changing market conditions or 

competition.

•  Failure to anticipate changes in occupier profitability.

Reputation

•  Misconduct or poor operational standards by third 

party agents. 

Governance, 
data and 
internal 
control

•  Damage to reputation with local stakeholders and 

communities.

•  Significant cyber security breach leading to disruption 

and/or loss of data.

•  Expulsion from REIT regime through non-compliance.
•  Health and safety matters.
•  Failure to meet our environmental, social and 
governance (ESG) responsibility objectives.

•  Failure to meet financial or tax compliance obligations.

People

•  Attracting, retaining and developing talented people. 
•  Succession planning.

New and emerging risks discussed by the Risk Committee and the Board 
included: 
•  Impact of climate change.
•  Failure to anticipate or understand changes in consumer and occupier 

trends in food, beverage and retail. 

•  Failure to effectively use, store and manage data.
•  Failure to meet stakeholder ESG expectations. 
Additionally, other issues discussed included competing locations and the 
impact of CVA’s on leasing negotiations. 

Climate change is expected to have a growing impact on our weather over 
the medium term, which is likely to present local, national and global 
challenges for all businesses and society generally. We have in place a 
number of measures to minimise the environmental impact of our business. 
This risk will now be considered at each Risk Committee meeting.

To tackle some of these emerging issues, we: 

•  have increased staffing levels; 
•  are carrying out a commercial data pilot in Seven Dials; 
•  are assessing our IT strategy; and 
•  continue to consider future consumer trends and technological disruption.

This report should be read in conjunction with the viability statement on 
page 62. 

Reduction of spending and/
or footfall in our areas
Footfall and customer spending are important 
ingredients for the success of our restaurant, 
leisure and retail tenants.

Potential causes
•  Fall in the popularity of the West End and 

particularly our areas leading to decreasing 
visitor numbers.

•  Changes in consumer tastes, habits and 

spending power.

•  Terrorism or the threat of terrorism.
•  Competing destinations.

Consequences
•  Reduced tenant profitability.
•  Reduced occupier demand. 
•  Higher vacancy.
•  Reduced rental income and declining earnings.
•  Reduced ERV, capital values and NAV (amplified 

by gearing).

Mitigation
•  Focus on areas and uses which have a long 

history of growth and resilience.

•  Ensure our areas maintain a distinct identity.
•  Seek out new concepts, brands and ideas to 

keep our areas vibrant and appealing.

•  Active promotion of our areas.
•  Tourism and retail/leisure spending in the West 

End are not solely reliant on the wider UK 
economy.

•  Regular Board monitoring of performance and 

prospects.

•  KPI to deliver sustained rental growth.

Strategic objectives 
Link to business 
model 

  1

2

5

A,B,C

Evolution of risk 

Residual risk  
within appetite

Strategic objectives

1

(cid:703)ong(cid:672)term 
gro(cid:746)t(cid:731) in 
rents and 
portfolio  
value

2
(cid:698)ro(cid:746)  
recurring 
earnings  
and cash  
(cid:1026)o(cid:746)

3
(cid:692)ttract(cid:671)  
develop and 
retain  
talented 
people

(cid:679)
Minimise  
environmental  
impact

(cid:680)
Deliver  
sustaina(cid:725)(cid:735)e(cid:671) 
(cid:735)ong(cid:672)term 
(cid:725)enefits for our 
stakeholders

Link to business model
A   Invest exclusively in the West End
B   Holistic long-term village curation
C   Focus on food, beverage, retail and leisure 
D   Focus on sustainability and stakeholders
E 
Invest in staff welfare and development
F   Reuse and improve buildings
G   Prudent financial management

  Evolution of risk
Risk increased
Risk unchanged
Risk decreased

 Pages 6 to 7 

 Pages 6 to 7 

(cid:681)(cid:675)
(cid:681)(cid:675)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Shaftesbury Annual Report 2019

Strategic report

Principal risks and uncertainties

Changes in regulatory 
environment
All our properties are in the boroughs of 
Westminster and Camden, so changes to local 
policies may limit our ability to maximise the 
long-term potential of our portfolio. Increasing 
national regulation, including corporate social 
responsibility targets and obligations raise costs 
and, in extremis, could limit the ability to 
maximise values and income.    

Potential causes
•  Unfavourable changes to national or local 

planning and licensing policies. 

•  Tenants acting outside of planning/licensing 

consents.

•  Growing complexity and level of sustainability 

regulation.

•  Increased stakeholder focus on ESG.

Consequences
•  Ability to maximise the growth prospects of our 

assets limited.

•  Reduced occupier demand.
•  Increased costs.
•  Reduced earnings.
•  Decrease in property values and NAV (amplifi ed 

by gearing).

Mitigation
•  Ensure our properties are operated in 

compliance with local and national regulations.

•  Make representations on proposed policy 

changes, to ensure our views and experience 
are considered.

•  Use of specialist advisors on planning and licensing.
•  Monitoring of tenant compliance with planning 

consents and licences.

Macroeconomic factors
Impact of economic and political uncertainty. 

Potential causes
•  Macroeconomic shocks or events.
•  2019 general election.
•  Uncertainty on the timing and terms of Brexit.
•  Upward cost pressures.

Consequences
•  Lower consumer confi dence.
•  Reduced visitor numbers.
•  Reduced tenant profi tability.
•  Reduced occupier demand. 
•  Pressure on rents. 
•  Higher vacancy.
•  Reduced rental income and declining earnings.
•  Reduced ERV, capital values and NAV (amplifi ed 

by gearing).

•  Depending upon the terms of Brexit, lower 
availability of labour, occupier supply chain 
disruption and higher import costs.

Mitigation
•  Focus on locations and uses which historically 

have proved to be economically resilient.

•  Tourism and retail/leisure spending in the West 
End are not reliant on the wider UK economy.

•  Active promotion of our areas. 
•  Diverse tenant base with limited exposure to any 

one tenant.

•  Tenant deposits held against unpaid rent 

obligations at 30 September 2019: £20.7 million.

General election 2019 and Brexit: page 5

Decline in the UK real estate 
market
Changes to macroeconomic outlook. 

Potential causes
•  Changes to political landscape.
•  Increasing bond yields and cost of fi nance.
•  Reduced availability of capital and fi nance.
•  Lower relative attractiveness of property 

compared with other asset classes.

•  Changing overseas investor perception of UK 

real estate.

Consequences
•  Reduced property values.
•  Decrease in NAV (amplifi ed by gearing).
•  Risk of loan covenant breaches.
•  Ability to raise new debt funding curtailed.

Mitigation
•  Focus on assets, locations and uses where there 
is a structural imbalance between availability of 
space and demand, and which historically have 
demonstrated much lower valuation volatility 
than the wider UK property market.

•  Regular review of investment market conditions 

including bi-annual external valuations.

•  Conservative levels of leverage.
•  Spread of sources of fi nance and loan 

maturities.

•  Quarterly forecasts including covenant 

headroom review.

•  Pool of uncharged assets available to top up 

security held by lenders.

Capital structure: page 57

•  Sustainability targets included in remuneration, 

Strategic objectives 

including for each refurbishment or 
reconfi guration scheme appraisal.

•  Recruitment of a head of sustainability.

Portfolio activity report: page 52

Link to business
model 

Evolution of risk 

Strategic objectives 

  1

2 4 5

Link to business
model 

Evolution of risk 

B,C,D,E

Residual risk  
within appetite

  1

2

5

A,B,C,F

 The increased rating 
refl ects continued 
uncertainty as our EU 
departure 
approaches.

Strategic objectives 

  1

2

5

Link to business
model 

Evolution of risk 

A,B,F

 Risk increase 
refl ects growing 
macroeconomic 
uncertainty. 

Residual risk  
within appetite

Risk level increased to 
refl ect impact of 
building performance 
and environmental 
regulation.

Residual risk  
within appetite

(cid:681)(cid:676)
(cid:681)(cid:676)

01
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Shaftesbury Annual Report 2019

Strategic report 

Viability statement
(cid:711)he directors ha(cid:745)e assessed the (cid:698)roup(cid:990)s (cid:745)iabilit(cid:748) and confirm 
that they have a reasonable expectation that the Group will be 
able to continue in operation and meet its liabilities as they fall 
due o(cid:745)er the fi(cid:745)e(cid:672)(cid:748)ear period to (cid:710)eptember (cid:677)(cid:675)(cid:677)(cid:679)(cid:673) 

Our investment strategy is focused on food, beverage, retail and leisure, 
uses which, in the West End, have a long record of resilience and growth. 
Our management strategy has delivered high occupancy and sustained 
income growth over the long term as set out on page 49. A fall in income 
would result in lower earnings. If sustained, this could lead to reduced 
dividends but would not threaten the Group’s viability unless loan  
covenants were breached. See page 55 for information on our dividend 
policy.

A reduction in capital values might curtail the ability to raise new debt 
funding, but would not present a viability risk if loan-to-value covenants 
continued to be satisfied. See page 57 for more on our prudent approach 
to financial management. Loan-to-value and interest cover ratios are set 
out on page 57.  

The sensitivity analyses modelled asset value declines of up to 50%, 
resulting from increasing equivalent yields, together with decreases in ERVs.  
In unison, we considered decreases in net property income of up to 50%, 
alongside an increase in interest rates of up to 5%. Whilst these scenarios 
would present significant challenges over the five-year period, our 
assessment is that they would not threaten the viability of the Group.  

The Strategic Report on pages 1 to 62 was approved by the Board on  
25 November 2019.

Brian Bickell 
Chief Executive 

Chris Ward 
Finance Director

Period of assessment
The five-year assessment period reflects lease lengths or rent review 
patterns across a large part of our portfolio, and corresponds with the 
Group’s current forecast period. Typical lease terms are set out on pages 19 
to 23. Whilst the directors consider prospects over a longer period in the 
execution of our strategy, we consider this assessment horizon strikes the 
optimum balance between planning for the longer term and the 
progressively unreliable nature of forecasting in later years. The directors 
confirm that they have no reason to expect a material change in the Group’s 
viability immediately following the end of the five-year assessment period.

Assessment process
Our forecasts are updated at least half-yearly and reflect the Group’s 
established strategy of long-term investment in London’s West End, existing 
commitments, available financial resources, and long-term financing 
arrangements. They consider profits, cash flows, and other key financial 
ratios over the period, as well as the headroom in the financial covenants 
contained in the Group’s various loan agreements.  

In its assessment, the Board considered a five-year review of the Group’s 
viability, prepared by senior management. The base case scenario was the 
latest five-year forecast. The key forecast assumptions were:

•  continued crystallisation of the portfolio reversionary potential over the 

period. ERVs are based on current, proven rental tones, and do not assume 
any further growth. Our long record of converting ERV into contracted 
income and cash flow, typically over a three-to-five year period, is set out 
on page 50.

•  no further acquisitions or capital expenditure, other than that which had 

been committed or approved by the Board. 

•  no new debt facilities are raised and no debt refinancing takes place, other 
than refinancing bank facilities totalling £125 million and £100 million which 
mature in 2022 and 2023 respectively. These facilities represent 18% of our 
total committed debt arrangements. 

The review considered the potential impact of the principal risks which 
could affect solvency or liquidity in ‘severe but plausible’ scenarios, and 
particularly those risks which could result in reduced income, profitability 
and capital values, including macroeconomic uncertainties and the 
potential impact of a no deal Brexit. 

Sensitivity analyses were prepared which flexed the key inputs, both 
individually and in unison.

 See pages 60 to 61 for principal risks and uncertainties.

(cid:681)(cid:677)
(cid:681)(cid:677)

 
 
 
Shaftesbury Annual Report 2019

Governance

Our people
Senior leadership team
The Executive Committee comprises the executive directors and the senior leadership team.

Julia Wilkinson 
Group Restaurant Strategy Executive

Joined: 1997

Julia is a chartered surveyor and leads 
the Group restaurant and leisure 
leasing strategy. 

Charles Owen 
Portfolio Executive 

Joined: 2012

Charles is a chartered surveyor 
and is responsible for the asset 
management of the Covent Garden 
portfolio. 

Charles is a member of the 
Community Investment and 
Risk Committees. 

Karen Baines 
Head of Group Marketing & 
Communications

Joined: 2016

Karen is responsible for the 
Group-wide strategic marketing 
and PR for consumer, trade and 
corporate communications.

Penny Thomas
Company Secretary

Joined: 2005

Penny leads on company secretarial 
activities within the Group, advising 
the Board on governance. Penny is a 
chartered secretary and is responsible 
for compliance, company secretarial 
and group-wide sustainability. She also 
acts as secretary to the Board and its 
Committees. Penny is a member of 
our Sustainability, Risk, Pension and 
Community Investment Committees. 

Penny is a Trustee of the Soho Square 
Garden Committee.

Andrew Price
Portfolio Executive 

Joined: 2001

Andrew is a chartered surveyor and is 
responsible for the Group-wide 
acquisitions strategy and Chinatown 
asset management. 

Andrew chairs the Community 
Investment Committee and is a 
member of our Pension and Risk 
Committees. 

Sam Bain-Mollinson
Head of Retail

Joined: 2011

Sam is a chartered surveyor and is 
responsible for the Group retail 
strategy and leasing.

(cid:681)(cid:678)
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Shaftesbury Annual Report 2019

Governance

Executive directors 
Left to right

Tom Welton 
Brian Bickell 
Simon Quayle
Chris Ward

Non-executive 
directors 
Left to right

Dermot Mathias 
Jennelle Tilling
Sally Walden
Jonathan Nicholls 
Jill Little
Richard Akers 

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Shaftesbury Annual Report 2019

Governance

Our board
Executive directors

Brian Bickell 
Chief Executive
Appointed to the Board: July 1987

Relevant experience and contribution
Brian was appointed Chief Executive in 2011, 
having joined Shaftesbury in 1986 and was 
appointed Finance Director in 1987. As Chief 
Executive, Brian is responsible for implementing 
strategy and the day-to-day operations of the 
Group. Brian is a chartered accountant.
Brian has a long tenure with Shaftesbury and 
extensive experience within the property 
sector. Brian has a proven record of driving 
strategy, delivering success and setting an 
open and transparent culture. 

Current external appointments
Director of Longmartin Properties Limited, 
Board member of Westminster Property 
Association, and Board member of Freehold. 
A trustee of Young Westminster Foundation. 

Simon Quayle
Executive Director
Appointed to the Board: October 1997

Relevant experience and contribution
Simon joined Shaftesbury in 1987, and was 
appointed Property Director in 1997. Simon 
is a chartered surveyor and is responsible for 
the asset management and operational strategy 
in Carnaby, Soho and Fitzrovia. 
Simon’s long tenure with the Group and 
knowledge of the West End property market 
means that he has valuable knowledge and 
insight to promote and contribute to our 
villages and the Group’s strategy. 

Current external appointments
Member of the Strategy Board for ZSL, and a 
Member of Council for Sustainable Business.

Tom Welton 
Executive Director
Appointed to the Board: October 1997

Relevant experience and contribution
Tom joined the Group in 1989 and was 
appointed Property Director in 1997. Tom is 
a chartered surveyor and is responsible for 
the asset management and operational 
strategy in Covent Garden and Chinatown. 
Tom’s commercial experience and knowledge 
of the Group, and the West End property 
market, contributes value to our villages and 
the Group’s strategy.

Current external appointments
Director of Longmartin Properties Limited.

Chris Ward 
Finance Director 
Appointed to the Board: January 2012 

Relevant experience and contribution
Chris joined the Group in 2012 as Finance 
Director, having previously spent nine years 
with Redevco as Finance Director of the UK 
and Nordic countries. Chris is a chartered 
accountant and is responsible for fi nancial 
accounting, tax and IT matters. 
Chris has fi nancial and real estate experience, 
which contributes to Group strategy.

Non-executive directors

Jonathan Nicholls  N
Chairman
Appointed to the Board: September 2016

Sally Walden  A R N
Non-executive director
Appointed to the Board: October 2012

Relevant experience and contribution
Jonathan was fi nance director of Hanson plc 
between 1998 and 2006, and of Old Mutual plc 
between 2006 and 2008. 
Jonathan has been non-executive director and 
chairman of the audit committee of Great 
Portland Estates plc (2009 to 2016), SIG Plc 
(2009 to 2017) and DS Smith plc (2009 to 2019), 
where he was also Senior Independent Director 
between 2013 and 2019. 
Jonathan has over 20 years’ experience of 
public company boards and their operations. 
He also has over 21 years of experience in the 
property sector. and is a chartered accountant. 

Current external appointments
Chairman of Ibstock plc.

Richard Akers  A R N
Senior Independent Director
Appointed to the Board: November 2017

Relevant experience and contribution
Prior to joining the Board, Richard was a senior 
executive of Land Securities Group PLC from 
1995 and joined the main board in 2005 as 
managing director of the Retail Portfolio. 
Richard is a chartered surveyor and provides 
a broad range of real estate knowledge and 
experience at board level. 
Richard was appointed Senior Independent 
Director and designated non-executive director 
for employee engagement in February 2019.

Current external appointments
Non-executive director, senior independent 
director and chairman of the remuneration 
committee and safety, health and 
environmental committee of Barratt 
Developments PLC. Non-executive director 
of The Unite Group plc, and member of the 
advisory board of Battersea Power Station 
Development Company Limited.

Jill Little
Non-executive director 
Appointed to the Board: February 2010
Will retire from the Board in February 2020

Relevant experience and contribution
Jill worked with the John Lewis Partnership 
from 1975 to 2012. Jill has extensive experience 
in the retail sector, as well as strong 
communication and management skills. 

Current external appointments
Chairman of the Commercial Group of the 
National Trust, non-executive director of 
Joules Group Plc, Nobia AB and Loungers PLC.

Relevant experience and contribution
From 1984 to 2009, Sally held senior fund 
management roles in Fidelity International, 
and has broad experience within the fi nancial 
markets and fund management. Sally has good 
experience in remuneration. 

Current external appointments
Trustee of the Fidelity Foundation and director 
of the Pantry Partnership.

Dermot Mathias  A R N
Non-executive director 
Appointed to the Board: October 2012

Relevant experience and contribution
Dermot was a partner in the corporate fi nance 
department of BDO LLP from 1980, and from 
2004 to 2010 was senior partner of BDO and 
chairman of the Policy Board of BDO 
International.
As a chartered accountant, Dermot provides 
recent and relevant fi nancial experience to the 
board and the audit committee. In addition, 
Dermot brings extensive experience in 
leadership and management. 

Current external appointments
Non-executive director and chairman of the 
audit committee of JTC PLC, governor of 
Activate Learning.

Jennelle Tilling  A R N
Non-executive director
Appointed to the Board: January 2019

Relevant experience and contribution
Jennelle joined the Board in 2019, and has over 
25 years’ experience of consumer marketing, 
digital and innovation within food retail brands. 
Jennelle held a variety of senior marketing roles 
over 17 years at Yum! Restaurants, and is the 
Founder and Chief Brand Strategist at 
Marketing with Insight.
Jennelle has a wide range of experience in 
consumer marketing, digital and innovation 
which complements the skills on the Board. 

Current external appointments
Non-executive director of Camelot and 
non-executive director of Butchies. Fellow 
of The Marketing Society, member and past 
president of Women in Advertising and 
Communications London and a mentor to 
The Marketing Academy. 

Key to Committee Membership

A Audit Committee
R Remuneration Committee
N Nomination Committee
Committee Chair

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Shaftesbury Annual Report 2019

Governance

Governance at a glance 
UK Corporate Governance Code 20161

Full compliance see page 68

Leadership

Sets out the Group’s governance structure 
and the function and operation of the 
Board

The Chairman and non-executive directors
•  Independent Chairman 
•   Meetings of non-executive directors held without 

executives after each Board meeting
•  Senior Independent Director identified

Effectiveness

Explains the procedures in place and the 
steps taken to ensure the Board and its 
Committees function effectively

Re-election and commitment
•   All directors stand for annual re-election
•   Three non-executive directors have more than six years’ 

service and are subject to rigorous review

•   Engagement with largest shareholders on extension of 

tenure of Jill Little for a further year

•   Time commitment considered when electing and re-electing 

directors

Accountability

Explains the role of the Board and Audit Committee 
in maintaining effective risk management and 
internal control procedures

Financial and business reporting
•   Annual report which is fair, balanced and understandable 

- page 80

•   Auditor’s report - pages 98 to 101
•   Business model description - pages 6 to 7
•   Going concern - page 95

Remuneration

Describes the Group’s approach to 
executive directors remuneration and 
how it is implemented 

The level and components of 
remuneration
•  Directors’ Remuneration Report - pages 82 to 94

Relations with 
shareholders

An overview of the actions taken 
to engage with shareholders

Dialogue with shareholders
•   Over 200 meetings with investors and potential investors in 

the year, including portfolio tours - page 74

•   Chairman and Senior Independent Director available to 

shareholders

•   Regular updates on shareholder meetings provided to Board

1   Available at www.frc.org.uk

66
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Shaftesbury Annual Report 2019

Governance Governance at a glance

The role of the Board
•     Leadership of the Company
•     Meets fi ve times a year
•     Schedule of matters reserved for the Board
•     Directors & Offi  cer’s insurance and deeds of indemnity

Division of responsibilities
•  Separation of roles of Chairman and Chief Executive
•  Statement of division of responsibilities 

Composition of the Board
•   Independent Chairman 
•   Balance of four executive directors, fi ve 
independent non-executive directors 
and Chairman

•   All directors have recent and relevant 

experience - page 65

Development and 
evaluation
•   Induction of new non-

executive director - page 76
•   Directors’ training monitored 
and updates on regulatory 
and legislative changes 
provided

•   Internal Board performance 

evaluation - page 73

Appointments 
to the Board
•   Succession planning
•   Nomination 

Committee report - 
pages 75 to 77

•   Independent non-
executive directors

•   Non-executive 

director search - 
page 76

Information 
and support
•   Company Secretary 
advises the Board 
through the Chairman
•   Access to independent 

professional advice

•   Good information fl ows 
between management 
and the Board 

Risk management and internal control
•  Robust assessment of principal risks - pages 60 to 61
•   Eff ectiveness of risk management and internal control systems 

- pages 58 to 59

•   Viability statement - page 62

Audit Committee and auditors
•   Audit Committee report - pages 78 to 81
•   Whistleblowing policy - page 78
•   Review of need for internal audit function - page 81
•   Recent and relevant fi nancial experience

Procedure
•   Remuneration policy approved by shareholders at 2019 AGM - page 85
•  Directors’ Remuneration Report - pages 82 to 94
•   No director is involved in setting their own remuneration
•   Committee Chairman engages with shareholders

Constructive use of general meetings
•   Accessible AGM with voting on a poll, separate resolutions and proxy voting (for, against or withheld)
•   Committee Chairs available at AGM to answer questions
•   Notice sent out at least 20 working days before meeting

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Shaftesbury Annual Report 2019

Governance

Corporate governance 

    Dear shareholder
 Governance underpins the way in which our 
business is managed, encompassing culture, 
values and corporate behaviour, and is an 
important ingredient of our long-term success.

Compliance with the UK 
Corporate Governance Code
The Company has complied in full with the main and supporting 
principles of the UK Corporate Governance Code 2016 (the “Code”) 
during the year. Their application is contained in the rest of the 
governance section. Where appropriate further information is given 
on the Code provisions and how they are applied. The UK Corporate 
Governance Code 2018 (the “2018 Code”) applies to the Company 
from 1 October 2019, our preparatory work has continued this year, 
and we shall report against this in our 2020 Annual Report. 

Board composition and changes
A number of changes to the Board took place during the year.

Hilary Riva retired from the Board at the conclusion of the 2019 AGM,  
having completed nine years’ service.

Jill Little also reached nine years’ service at the 2019 AGM. In order to 
maintain Board continuity, and having carried out a rigorous review of her 
independence and consulted major shareholders, she was re-appointed  
for a further year. She stood down from the Audit, Remuneration and 
Nomination Committees, and as Senior Independent Director, to focus  
on her Board role. Jill will now retire at the 2020 AGM. In her ten years  
as a non-executive director, she spent five years as our Senior Independent 
Director and four years as chair of the Remuneration Committee. Throughout, 
she has been a voice of challenge, wisdom, advice and support. On behalf 
of the Board I would like to thank Jill for her invaluable wisdom and counsel.

I am pleased to present the 2019 Corporate Governance Report. Our focus 
on culture and stakeholder engagement has been a key theme for the 
Board this year. 

Richard Akers became our Senior Independent Director at the 2019 AGM, 
and also took on the additional role as designated non-executive for 
employee engagement.

The executive directors and employees are tasked with running the 
business day-to-day. The Board’s role is to oversee their activities, 
promoting the long-term success of the Company and generating value not 
just for shareholders, but a wide audience of stakeholders. Oversight 
extends beyond challenging and supporting executive directors to regular 
contact and dialogue with our other 30 employees. 

My role as Chairman is to ensure the Board carries out its responsibilities 
effectively, that it works cohesively and it has a range of skills and 
experience to support the delivery of our corporate purpose and aims.

This is the last year we will report under the 2016 UK Corporate Governance 
Code. We have already implemented some of the aspects of the 2018 UK 
Corporate Governance Code, which is applicable from 1 October 2019, 
including:

•  updated terms of reference for each of our Board committees;
•  updated Board Diversity Policy;
•  Directors’ Remuneration Policy updated for directors’ pension contribution 

parity with employees; 

•  two-year post-vesting holding period in the LTIP;
•  designated non-executive director for employee engagement; and 
•  initiating an extensive project across the business, with input from external 

stakeholders, to articulate our corporate purpose, culture and values.

Jennelle Tilling joined the Board in January 2019. We have already benefited 
from her extensive experience gained in her career in consumer marketing and 
food retail brands, complementing the Board’s existing skills. The recruitment 
process we undertook is set out in the Nomination Committee report.

 Nomination committee report: pages 75 to 77

Shareholder litigation
As announced on 11 June 2019, the Board has been served with legal 
proceedings issued by companies controlled by Sam Tak Lee, who is the 
beneficial owner of 26.32% of our share capital. The proceedings concern 
allegations and claims relating to the equity placing conducted by the 
Company in December 2017, challenging both the rationale for the equity 
placing and the way in which shares were allocated. The claimants are 
seeking damages for their alleged losses in the region of £10 million plus 
interest and costs.

The Board considers the claims have no merit and intends to defend the 
allegations robustly. We are advised that the case is likely to be heard in 
Court in 2021.

In connection with this dispute, Mr Lee voted against a number of resolutions 
at the 2019 AGM. He has chosen not to respond to, or declined numerous 
invitations to engage directly with the Board.

 Significant votes against at our AGM: page 74

68
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Key focus for 2020
•  External review of Board performance

•  Board succession planning

•  Implementing the recommendations of the 2018 Code

•  Continuing investment in our employees

•   Encourage and grow initiatives in stakeholder engagement and 

environmental sustainability

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Shaftesbury Annual Report 2019

Governance Corporate governance

People and culture
An important part of planning for the future is to ensure that, as our business 
continues to grow and evolve, we recognise and articulate our values and 
culture which have underpinned our success for over 30 years. This process, 
which has involved all our employees, has demonstrated the open, 
collaborative culture embedded in our business, and their infectious 
enthusiasm and commitment, which are clearly evident to our wide range of 
stakeholders.

Our people and culture: pages 36 to 47

Engaging with our shareholders and 
stakeholders
We maintain a regular dialogue with shareholders throughout the year. The 
management team are available to meet shareholders following annual and 
half year results announcements, and encourage tours of our portfolio to 
explain the very granular nature of our asset management activity. Feedback 
from these shareholder events is provided to the Board.

We have a wide range of stakeholders, from our commercial and residential 
occupiers, to our advisors and our supply chain, the local community in 
which we invest and also work, our local authorities, neighbouring landowners 
and industry groups. Each of these groups plays an important role in 
supporting the delivery of our corporate purpose and delivering a positive, 
lasting contribution to London’s West End.

All Board members will attend the AGM and Committee chairs are available 
to shareholders to answer questions.

Thank you for your continuing support. 

Jonathan Nicholls
Chairman

25 November 2019

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Shaftesbury Annual Report 2019 Governance Corporate Governance Leadership
Shaftesbury Annual Report 2019

Leadership

Corporate governance 
Leadership 
Our balanced and experienced 
Board delivers and drives our 
strategy 

Our governance structure is set out on page 71. The Board is responsible 
for corporate governance and has established this structure to enable 
eff ective leadership and oversight of the Company’s activities. As 
recommended by the Code, the Board has a majority of independent 
non-executive directors who provide relevant advice and challenge to 
the executive directors. 

The Board meets regularly and there is an annual cycle of topics it 
considers, including updates on key management, fi nancial, and 
operational matters and approval of signifi cant acquisitions and 
refurbishment schemes. Non-executive directors meet after each 
Board meeting without management present. 

Committee Chairs provide a detailed update to the Board after each 
Committee meeting, and all Committee minutes are circulated to the 
Board. 

Senior employees below Board level are invited to present to the Board 
on operational topics during the course of the year. This enables 
non-executive directors to have direct and open access to our senior 
leadership team. 

The Executive Committee comprises executive directors and the senior 
leadership team. Its role is to oversee operational matters and 
contribute to the longer-term evolution of our strategy. It provides 
senior employees below Board level with greater engagement and 
experience in the management of the business. We continue to evolve 
the Executive Committee’s role and responsibilities. 

Board meeting attendance 

Number of meetings held

5

Jonathan Nicholls

Brian Bickell

Simon Quayle

Tom Welton

Chris Ward

Richard Akers

Jill Little

Dermot Mathias

Sally Walden

Jennelle Tilling1

Hilary Riva2

1  Jennelle Tilling joined the Board on 1 January 2019 and could have attended a  
  maximum of four meetings

2  Hilary Riva retired from the Board on 8 February 2019 and could have attended a  
  maximum of two meetings

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Shaftesbury Annual Report 2019

Governance Corporate Governance Leadership

Leadership

Chairman 
Jonathan Nicholls
Responsible for the leadership 
of the Board and its overall 
eff ectiveness and individual 
director performance. 

Chief Executive 
Brian Bickell
Responsible for the day-to-day 
running of the business. 
Recommends the Company 
strategy and commercial 
objectives to the Board. Overall 
responsibility for the executive 
team and implementing the 
Board’s decisions. 

Other executive directors 
Simon Quayle, Tom Welton, 
Chris Ward
Each have specifi c areas of 
executive responsibility relating 
to the say-to-day running of the 
business. 

Independent non-executive 
directors 
Richard Akers, Sally 
Walden, Dermot Mathias, 
Jennelle Tilling, Jill Little
Hold management to account 
and constructively challenge the 
executive directors. Provide 
strategic guidance and off er 
specialist advice. 

Senior Independent Director 
Richard Akers
Provides a sounding board for the Chairman 
and support to the Chairman in the delivery 
of his responsibilities. Available to 
shareholders as an alternative channel of 
communication to the Chairman.

Designated non-executive director 
for employee engagement 
Richard Akers
Ensures that the views and interests of 
the employees are considered in the 
Board discussions and decision-making. 

Board
Ten directors (Chairman, four executive 
(cid:727)irectors an(cid:727) fi (cid:745)e in(cid:727)e(cid:739)en(cid:727)ent 
non-executive directors)
Provide leadership to promote the long-term 
sustainable success of the Company. 

Accountable to shareholders, to ensure the 
Company generates value to shareholders and 
contributes to wider society. 

Review the Company’s purpose, values and 
strategy and alignment with the Company 
culture. 

Review the performance of the Group. 

Company Secretary 
Penny Thomas
Advises the Board on governance, and 
ensures a good information fl ow between 
the Executive Committee and Board. Acts 
as Secretary to all Board Committees. 

Audit Committee

Remuneration Committee

Nomination Committee

Disclosure Committee

Chairman: Dermot Mathias

Chairman: Sally Walden

Membership: four
non-executive directors 
Monitors the integrity of the 
fi nancial statements and all 
fi nancial reporting. Oversees the 
Group’s risks and controls, and 
maintains the relationship with 
the external auditor.

Membership: four
non-executive directors 
Determines the policy for 
executive director remuneration 
and quantum, including bonus 
and LTIP awards. Responsible for 
setting annual performance 
objectives. 

Chairman: Jonathan 
Nicholls

Membership: four
non-executive directors 
and the Chairman
Leads the process on board 
appointments, and ensures 
succession planning for the 
Board and senior executives. 
Leads the annual board 
performance evaluation. 

Chairman: Jonathan 
Nicholls 

Membership: Chairman, 
Chief Executive, Finance 
Director and Company 
Secretary
Assists and informs the 
decisions of the Board 
concerning the identifi cation 
of inside information, and 
considers related disclosure 
requirements. 

Chairman: Brian Bickell
Responsible for oversight of operational matters and contributes to the long-term evolution of strategy. 

Executive Committee

Sustainability Committee

Risk Committee

Chairman: Brian Bickell
Sets the Sustainability Policy and 
strategy across the Group.

Chairman: Chris Ward
Assesses the Group’s principal 
risks, and ensures eff ective risk 
management and internal 
controls. 

Community Investment 
Committee

Chairman: Andrew Price
Sets the strategy for community 
investment. 

Pensions Committee

Chairman: Chris Ward
Oversight of the governance of 
the Shaftesbury pension 
scheme. 

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Shaftesbury Annual Report 2019

Governance Corporate Governance Leadership

Leadership

Culture and values
The Board has an important role in defi ning our corporate culture which 
underpins the success of our business and is embedded throughout our 
business model.

The Board has an open and transparent culture which is facilitated and 
monitored by the Chairman. This is particularly evident in Board meetings 
where discussion is constructive and open. 

Following Hilary Riva’s retirement from the Board in February, Richard Akers 
took on the role of the designated non-executive director for employee 
engagement. The Board felt that out of the possible options recommended 
by the 2018 Code, the designated non-executive director was the best fi t, 
due to our open culture. We have a small number of employees in an open 
plan offi  ce, which the non-executive directors visit throughout the year. This 
provides all non-executive directors with the opportunity to maintain close 
involvement and a regular dialogue with employees. This links through to 
our value of being human, with all our Board members being approachable, 
visible and open. The Board felt that expanding the role of the Senior 
Independent Director to cover employee engagement would work well. 

To ensure that the Board are kept updated on employee development, 
Chris Ward was nominated the executive director sponsor for our 
“Leading Self” nine-month leadership programme.

Culture and values: page 36

Effectiveness
In accordance with the Code, all directors are subject to annual re-election, 
and at least half the Board, excluding the Chairman, are independent 
non-executive directors. 

Independence of directors: page 73

The Board believes that it, and its Committees, have the appropriate 
combination of skills, experience and knowledge to enable them to carry 
out their duties eff ectively. The Nomination Committee keeps under review 
the tenure of all directors, Board diversity and the eff ectiveness of 
individual directors. 

All our non-executive directors are considered to be independent by the 
Board. Jill Little had reached nine years’ service as a non-executive director 
in February 2019, at which point the Code no longer deems her to be 
independent. Due to Jill’s tenure, the Board reviewed her independence. 
Based on Jill’s external appointments, and contribution to the Board, she 
was considered to continue to be independent and would remain on the 
Board for a further year, and retire at the conclusion of the 2020 AGM. 
However, in line with good governance, she stepped down as Senior 
Independent Director and from the Board’s Committees in February 2019. As 
reported last year, we consulted with investors on extending Jill’s tenure, and 
no concerns were raised. Jill was re-elected as a director at the 2019 AGM. 

All Committees have terms of reference, which are available on our website. 
These have been updated during the year to ensure that they comply with 
the 2018 Code. 

The Board recognise the importance of all directors being able to dedicate 
suffi  cient time to eff ectively discharge their duties and responsibilities. 
The commitment expected is considered by the Board on each director 
appointment. Directors undertake additional external appointments, which 
are periodically reviewed by the Nomination Committee and the Board. The 
Board is satisfi ed that each has suffi  cient time to carry out their responsibilities. 

Key activities supporting the Shaftesbury 
strategy
The governance structure assists the Board with the delivery of our strategy 
and is central to our daily operations. Our structure ensures that the culture 
and values of good governance go beyond the boardroom and is embraced 
by all employees. 

Our people and culture: pages 36 to 47

The table below highlights the areas of Board focus during the year and how 
it links to our strategic objectives. 

Focus area

Activities

Strategy and 
operations

Pages 1 to 28

Purpose 
and values

Page 36

Employees 
and culture

Pages 36 to 47

Finance

Link to 
strategic
priorities

2

1

4

Reviewed the retail and leisure occupier market 
and their customers, and trends in the food and 
beverage market

Reviewed and discussed portfolio activity to ensure 
decisions are made focusing on the long term, 
including any environmental effects

Reviewed marketing strategies across the villages

Reviewed the Company purpose statement and 
values, following employee workshops

1 3

Received an update on employee views and 
engagement

3

Approved a three-year strategic people plan

Established a culture group across the Company 
with an executive director sponsor

Designated non-executive director attended 
meetings with employees on culture

Approved full year results, half year results, trading 
update and the annual report

2 5

Reviewed the key risks to the Group and the 
controls in place for their mitigation

Considered and monitored the Group’s risk appetite 
and principal risks and uncertainties

Approved the viability and going concern statements

Pages 54 to 57

Reviewed and approved the tax strategy

Governance 

Reviewed and approved the Modern Slavery 
statement

3

Reviewed the 2018 Code and ongoing preparatory 
work to ensure compliance

Reviewed the results from the Board performance 
evaluation

Approved updated Committees’ terms of reference 

Approved a new Board Diversity Policy

Reviewed the whistleblowing policy

Pages 66 to 74

Feedback from shareholder engagement

In all its activities, the Board considers its statutory duties and the interests 
of its key stakeholders, including employees, shareholders and the local 
community.

Key

1

2

3

4

5

Long-term growth in rents and portfolio value
Grow recurring earnings and cash fl ow
Attract, develop and retain talented people
Minimise environmental impact
Deliver sustainable, long-term benefi ts for our stakeholders

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Shaftesbury Annual Report 2019

Governance Corporate Governance Leadership

Leadership

Independence of directors

Chairman
Executive directors 
 Independent non-executive directors

1

5

4

Directors’ skills

Property

Food, 
beverage, 
retail

Finance and 
reporting

Remuneration

Investor 
engagement

Marketing

Executive directors

Brian Bickell

Simon Quayle

Tom Welton

Chris Ward

Non-executive directors 

Jonathan Nicholls

Jill Little 

Sally Walden

Dermot Mathias

Richard Akers

Jennelle Tilling

•

•

•

•

•

•

Tenure of directors

Executive directors 
 Non-executive directors

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

Board performance evaluation
A full externally-facilitated evaluation last took place in 2017. As a result 
of that review, non-executive directors now meet without the executives 
present at every Board meeting. Additionally, we have streamlined the 
volume and format of the information sent to the Board. 

An internal questionnaire-based evaluation, led by the Chairman and 
supported by the Company Secretary, has been undertaken for the last 
two years. Each director was invited to comment on the operations and 
performance of the Board, its Committees and their fellow directors. The 
results were collated by the Company Secretary and feedback was provided 
by the Chairman at the September meeting of the Board. The Chairman 
reviewed the performance of the non-executive directors, with input 
received from all directors. The Senior Independent Director undertook 
a review of the Chairman’s performance, with contributions from the 
other directors, and provided feedback on his performance to the Board 
as a whole.

As part of the 2019 evaluation, the Board considered the objectives from 
2018, set out below. Good progress has been made during the year and 
these objectives remain the Board’s focus for the year ahead and in 
particular, stakeholder engagement feedback.

Area of Focus

Objective

Performance

Director succession

To clarify the succession 
plans in place for both 
the executive and non-
executive directors. 

Director succession planning 
has been a key focus for the 
Nomination Committee during the 
year. In addition, we have worked 
alongside an external consultant, 
who has provided guidance for 
succession planning below the 
Board. This has included enhancing 
employee development to better 
equip our pipeline of talent to grow 
in the business.

•

•

Stakeholder 
engagement

To further report on the 
stakeholder engagement 
and reporting to the 
Board.

Developing reporting to the Board 
on stakeholder engagement with the 
local community, our suppliers and 
occupiers. 

The 2019 evaluation concluded that the Board and its Committees worked 
well together and that it operates with high levels of transparency and 
openness. 

An externally facilitated board evaluation will be undertaken in 2020. 

Jennelle Tilling 2019

Richard Akers 2017

Jonathan Nicholls 2016

Sally Walden 2012

Dermot Mathias 2012

Chris Ward 2012

Jill Little 2010

Year 1
Independent 
externally 
facilitated 
review

Tom Welton 1997

Simon Quayle 1997

Brian Bickell 1987

Year 3
Internal review 
to focus on 
progress against 
years 1 and 2

Year 2
Internal review 
to monitor 
progress and 
any new issues 
raised

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Shaftesbury Annual Report 2019

Governance Corporate Governance Leadership

Leadership

Signifi cant (cid:745)otes against at our (cid:692)nnua(cid:735) 
General Meeting 
At the 2019 AGM, the nine resolutions set out below received votes against 
in excess of 20%, which under the Investment Association guidance is a 
substantial vote against: 

•  Ordinary resolution – approval of the remuneration policy,
•  Ordinary resolution – approval of the annual remuneration report,
•  Ordinary resolutions – re-election of Jonathan Nicholls, Brian Bickell and 

Chris Ward,

•  Ordinary resolution – authority to allot shares,
•  Special resolutions – authority to allot shares on a non-pre-emptive basis,
•  Special resolution – authority to call general meeting on less than 14 days’ 

notice.

The combined holdings controlled by Sam Tak Lee totalling 25.02% at that 
time (PEL (UK) Limited, Orosi (UK) Limited and Orosi (UK) 2 Limited, 
subsequently transferred to another company controlled by him, Veloqx 
(Jersey) Limited), voted against these resolutions. As a result, the special 
resolutions to disapply the requirement to allot shares on a pre-emptive 
basis and to enable general meetings to be called on less than 14 days’ 
notice were not passed. Mr Sam Tak Lee did not vote on any other resolution 
put to shareholders, all of which were passed with in excess of 99% of those 
voting in favour. 

Under the 2018 Code, companies are expected to engage with shareholders 
who cast large votes against a resolution, to understand the reasons for 
their voting. The votes against these resolutions followed this shareholder’s 
request to circulate a letter to our shareholders under the authority of 
Section 314 of the Companies Act 2006. 

As referred to in our announcement to the London Stock Exchange on 31 
July 2019, since the 2019 AGM, the Board has continued its attempts 
to engage with Mr Lee, without success. 

Shareholder litigation: page 68

The Board considers that the authorities sought by the pre-emption 
resolutions continue to be in the best interests of the Company, and will be 
proposing them at the 2020 AGM for consideration by all shareholders.

Relations with shareholders
The Board considers regular contact with all of our shareholders to be 
an important aspect of corporate governance. All directors are keen to 
understand the views of our shareholders and potential investors. The Chief 
Executive takes responsibility for investor relations, alongside the Chairman 
and the Senior Independent Director. 

During the year, the Chief Executive and executive directors held over 
200 meetings with UK and overseas institutional investors, comprising 
both current and potential shareholders as well as equity market analysts. 
Meetings involved either group or individual presentations and tours of 
the portfolio. Tours provide an opportunity to see our villages, understand 
management strategy, and to meet the senior leadership team. Feedback 
from these meetings is provided to the Board. 

All directors were present at the 2019 AGM, which provided shareholders 
with an opportunity to meet the Board. At our 2020 AGM we will be 
introducing online voting for all resolutions. 

Live video webcasts with replay facilities are available for the annual and half 
year results presentations to analysts. 

During the year, we have undertaken a number of engagement activities 
with major shareholders and corporate governance agencies, including:

•  consultation on extension of tenure of Jill Little, and
•  off ered general engagement meetings with the Chairman.

In addition to regular portfolio tours, a timeline of the diff erent investor 
relations activities undertaken during the year is set out below. 

November 2018

Real estate conference

Results for the year ended 30 September 2018

Analyst presentation

December 2018

Year end results investor meetings

European Public Real Estate conference

February 2019

Annual General Meeting

Trading update statement

March 2019

Property sector conference

UK Shareholder Association tour

April 2019

May 2019

Investor roadshow

Interim results 

Analyst presentation

Property seminar

June 2019

Interim results investor roadshows

Investor conference

July 2019

Investor Roadshow

September 2019

Seven Dials analyst presentation

UK Shareholder Association meeting

Trading update statement

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Shaftesbury Annual Report 2019

Governance

Effectiveness

Nomination committee report

 Having the right individuals on 
our Board, and ensuring there 
are suitable plans for succession, 
are key to delivering on our 
long-term strategic objectives.

Committee members and meeting 
attendance 

Jonathan Nicholls (Chairman)

Number of meetings 
attended (2 held)

Richard Akers

Dermot Mathias

Sally Walden

Jill Little1

Jennelle Tilling2

Hilary Riva3

I am pleased to present our report for 2019. I chair the Committee, 
and all other members are independent non-executive directors.

We welcomed Jennelle Tilling to the Board in January 2019 as an 
independent non-executive director. Jill Little will retire from the Board at 
the conclusion of our AGM in January 2020, having been on the Board for 
nine years. Throughout the year the Committee focused on succession 
planning, both for the Board as well as across the Company. We updated 
our Diversity Policy which was recommended to the Board for approval.

Non-executive director induction: page 76

Committee activities and focus 
during 2019
•   Recommended the extension of Jill Little’s tenure until the 2020 

AGM.

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a maximum of one meeting. 

•   Recommended to the Board the appointment of Jennelle Tilling.

•   Recommended to the Board the change of role of Richard Akers to 

03

2   Jennelle Tilling joined the Committee on 1 January 2019 and could have attended 

Senior Independent Director.

a maximum of one meeting. 

3   Hilary Riva retired from the Board on 8 February 2019 and could have attended 

a maximum of one meeting. 

Key responsibilities 
•   Ensure that there are suffi  cient plans in place for the orderly 
and eff ective succession of the Board and senior leadership 
team.

•  Monitor the size, structure, composition and diversity of the  
  Board and its Committees.

•   Keep under consideration directors’ skills, experience, and 

independence.

•   Non-executive director succession planning. 

•   Updated Diversity Policy for approval by the Board. 

•  Oversight of development plans for employees.

•  Updated terms of reference.

•    Approved the Nomination Report for inclusion in the 2019 Annual 

Report.

Key focus for 2020
•  Succession of non-executive directors

•  Employee development

•   Lead the process for Board appointments.

•  Continuing work on culture and embedding into the Company 

•   Review the time commitment expected from directors, and 
ensure the Board undertakes an eff ectiveness review of the 
Board, its Committees and the individual directors.

•   External board performance evaluation

•   Diversity

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Shaftesbury Annual Report 2019

Governance Nomination committee report

Effectiveness

Succession planning and talent 
management
The Committee focuses on orderly succession planning for our Board and 
talent development to ensure that there is a pipeline of able and 
experienced people in the business for potential future leadership roles. In 
the 2019 Board performance evaluation, there was a general consensus that 
this should continue to be a focus for the Committee and the Board. 

The Committee ensures that the evolution of the Board’s membership is 
planned and properly managed, and that, in the event of unforeseen 
changes, management and oversight of the business and long-term strategy 
would not be disrupted.

In considering executive director succession, we address continuity in, and 
development of, the management team below Board level. Current 
executive directors have a long tenure. Whilst there are no vacancies at 
Board level, we recognise that it is important to develop our talent below 
the Board. Our development planning encourages employees to fulfi l their 
potential and grow in their roles. 

Further information on our employee development programmes can be 
found on page 46.

Non-executive director induction
I joined Shaftesbury in January 2019 and received a tailored induction 
programme from the Chairman and Company Secretary. This 
induction included meetings with the Chairman, Chief Executive, 
Finance Director, and the Chairs of all Board Committees. These 
meetings provided an opportunity to discuss Board strategy, priorities 
and future plans. I was also taken on tours of the Shaftesbury portfolio 
with the Property Directors to understand the individual strategies for 
each village in addition to meeting a wide range of advisers. 

Given the size and structure of Shaftesbury, I have met with the 
employees and gained an understanding of the people and culture 
that make up this unique business. 

I have over 25 years’ experience within consumer marketing, digital 
and innovation, having worked with leading global FMCG and food 
retail brands across the UK and internationally. I am the Founder and 
Chief Brand Strategist at Marketing with Insight, a brand consultancy 
specialising in retail, food and beverage strategy. I feel that my 
extensive knowledge and experience of marketing will complement 
the strength and skills currently on the Board. 

Developing talent for the future: page 46

Our people and culture: pages 36 to 47

Jennelle Tilling

Non-executive director succession
As announced in the 2018 Annual Report, on the recommendation of the 
Committee, Jill Little will retire from the Board at the 2020 AGM. 

Jennelle Tilling was appointed to the Board in January 2019. The external 
search agency, Russell Reynolds, was engaged for the search for a new 
non-executive director. They are a signatory to the Voluntary Code of 
Conduct, and have no other connection with the Company or with 
individual directors. 

When we started the process of searching for a new non-executive director, 
there was a fi rst round interview with Jill Little, the Senior Independent 
Director at that time, and me, to ensure that candidates would have the 
relevant skills and experience to bring to the Board. Following this, a shortlist 
was circulated to the Committee and the candidates met with the Chief 
Executive. A fi nal recommendation was made to the Board, and Jennelle’s 
appointment was proposed and approved at the 2019 AGM by shareholders. 

Whilst we considered Jill to be independent, following the recommendation 
last year to extend Jill’s term of appointment for an additional year, the 
Committee decided that Jill should step down from all Committees and as 
Senior Independent Director. The Committee recommended to the Board 
that Richard Akers be appointed as Senior Independent Director in her 
place. We decided that the role of the Senior Independent Director would 
include the position of designated non-executive for employee engagement, 
to refl ect the importance of this area. The Committee felt that due to 
Richard’s external experience, he would be well suited to this position. 

Dermot Mathias and Sally Walden have been on the Board more than six 
years, so the Committee has undertaken a review of their contribution to 
the Board. The Committee concluded that both Dermot and Sally continue 
to bring to the Board the appropriate range of skills and expertise to 
operate eff ectively and maintain their independence. The Committee 
recommended to the Board the re-election of all directors, other than 
Jill Little at the 2020 AGM.

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Shaftesbury Annual Report 2019

Governance Nomination committee report

Effectiveness

Directors

7 (70%)

male

3 (30%)

female

Senior leadership team 
excluding executive directors

2 (33%)

male

4 (67% )

female

All employees

Diversity
The Board recognises the importance of diversity, both in its membership, 
and the Company’s employees. It has a clear policy to promote diversity 
across the business, which is available on our website. The Board feels that 
a group that is diverse in its nature, in respect of gender, race, religious 
beliefs, social background and personal and professional experiences is able 
to provide more scrutiny and challenge, as well as diff ering perspectives.

The Board considers that quotas are not appropriate in determining its 
composition and has, therefore, chosen not to set formal targets but keeps 
diversity under consideration in all aspects of Board composition. The 
Group is a signatory to the 30% Club which is a campaign to achieve a 
minimum of 30% women on FTSE 350 boards. It also seeks to develop a 
diverse talent pool. Our Board has achieved the 30% target of women on 
the board. 67% of our senior leadership team are female.

Diversity includes but is not limited to gender, and is considered at every 
level of recruitment. All appointments are made on merit and based on 
objective criteria. 

For the third year running, we were top of the FTSE 250 in the Hampton-
Alexander review for the highest female representation on the executive 
committee and direct reports. The Hampton-Alexander review, which is an 
independent, business-led initiative supported by the Government, aims to 
increase the number of women in leadership positions in FTSE 350 
companies. 

We support initiatives to promote diversity within the real estate sector. Our 
Chief Executive is a board member of Freehold, a forum for LGBT real 
estate professionals. 

We follow the RICS Inclusive Employer Quality Mark scheme which aims to 
drive behaviour changes by encouraging businesses in the real estate sector 
to look carefully at their employment practices and to ensure inclusivity is 
embedded in their operations. During the year, we have appointed three 
permanent employees and four interim employees and these principles 
have been applied in the recruitment process. 

We are a member of Real Estate Balance whose objective is to achieve a 
better gender balance at board and executive management level, in the real 
estate industry, by supporting the development of a female talent pipeline 
across the sector. 

I would like to thank my fellow Committee members and senior 
management for their dedication and support throughout the year. 

Jonathan Nicholls
Chairman of the Nomination Committee

25 November 2019

11 (32%)

male

23 (68%)

female

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Shaftesbury Annual Report 2019

Governance

Accountability

Audit committee report 

 Maintaining oversight of our risks 
and ensuring the integrity of our 
business and our fi nancial 
statements is essential 
for the Company. 

I am pleased to present to you the Audit Committee Report for 2019. 

Our Committee is composed solely of independent non-executive 
directors, with a good diversity of experience, including property, retail and 
fi nance. For the purpose of the Code, I satisfy the requirement of having 
appropriate recent and relevant fi nancial experience. I am a chartered 
accountant with many years of senior fi nancial experience. 

At my request, all meetings, or parts of meetings, are attended by the external 
auditor, the Chairman and members of the senior management team. 

The Committee meets with the external auditor and the valuers, without 
management present, to discuss any matters they may wish to raise. The 
Committee is satisfi ed that both the external auditor and valuers remain 
independent and objective in their work.

The Committee receives comprehensive reports for consideration, on 
a timely basis, in advance of meetings. This facilitates a good quality of 
discussion and level of challenge by the Committee. 

Throughout the year, I meet with executive directors, as appropriate, to 
obtain a good understanding of key issues aff ecting the Group which helps 
me in my oversight of the agenda and discussions at Committee meetings.

Risk, control and assurance
The Risk Committee evaluates the risk and control arrangements aff ecting the 
Group, reporting to the Audit Committee.

Whilst we do not have a formal internal audit function, throughout the year 
we have considered external reviews to provide assurance on certain of the 
existing risk and control arrangements. Reviews this year, and anticipated 
work for the coming year, are set out in the following report. 

Whistleblowing
Under the 2018 Code, the responsibility for whistleblowing now resides with 
the Board, and widens the remit from fi nancial to all aspects of the business. 
The Committee will review the whistleblowing policy on an annual basis, and 
report to the Board on its conclusions and highlight any concerns, including 
any whistleblowing incidents. There have been no incidents reported during 
the course of the year. 

I would like to thank the other members of the Committee, management 
and our external auditors for their support during the year.

Dermot Mathias
Chairman of the Audit Committee

25 November 2019

Committee members and meeting 
attendance 

Number of meetings 
attended (3 held)

Dermot Mathias (Chairman)

Richard Akers

Sally Walden

Jill Little1

Jennelle Tilling2

Hilary Riva3

1   Jill Little retired from the Committee on 8 February 2019 and could have attended 

a maximum of one meeting.

2   Jennelle Tilling joined the Committee on 1 January 2019 and could have attended 

a maximum of two meetings. 

3   Hilary Riva retired from the Board on 8 February 2019 and could have atttended 

a maximum of one meeting.

Key responsibilities 
•  Review the work of the external auditor and valuers and any 

signifi cant fi nancial judgements made by management.

•  Monitor the reporting process and fi nancial management.

•  Review the integrity of the full and half year fi nancial statements, 

including consideration of material estimates and areas of 
judgement exercised in their preparation.

•  Advise 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 
performance, business model and strategy.

•  Responsible for the relationship with the external auditor and 
consider the re-appointment of the external auditor, their 
reports to the Committee, performance, objectivity and 
independence, and non-audit services.

•  Review the risk management framework and ensure that risks 
are carefully identifi ed and assessed, and that systems of risk 
management and internal control are in place and eff ective. 

•  Consider the need for an internal audit function.

•  Review the whistleblowing arrangements.

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Shaftesbury Annual Report 2019

Governance Audit committee report

Accountability

Committee activities and focus 
during 2019

Financial Reporting
•  Annual Report and Half Year Results

•  Viability statement and going concern

•   Ensured that the Annual Report was fair, balanced and  

understandable

Audit
•   Independence, objectivity and eff ectiveness of the external auditor

•  Audit fees and non-audit fees

•  Audit plan and strategy

Controls and Assurance
•   Reviewed risk management, controls, and principal risks    

and uncertainties

•   Assurance over eff ectiveness of internal controls

•  Updated whistleblowing policy

•  Considered need for internal audit

Governance
•  Updated terms of reference

•   Approved the Audit Committee Report for inclusion in the Annual 

Report

Key focus for 2020
•   Review of the eff ectiveness of our tax controls

•   Review the eff ectiveness of our managing agents procedures

•   Review our rent and purchases cycles

Financial Reporting
The Committee reviewed the content and tone of the annual and half year 
fi nancial results. The Finance Director provided a commentary on the draft 
results, fi nancial position, key estimates and judgements.

The executive directors confi rmed to the Committee that they were not 
aware of any material misstatements in the half year and annual results and 
the external auditors confi rmed that they found no material misstatements 
in the course of their work. 

After reviewing the reports from management and, following discussions 
with the external auditor and valuers, the Committee was satisfi ed that:
•  the fi nancial statements appropriately addressed the critical judgements 
and key estimates, both in respect of the amounts reported and the 
disclosures;

•  the processes used for determining the value of the assets and liabilities 

had been appropriately reviewed, challenged and were suffi  ciently robust; 
and 

•  the Group has adopted appropriate accounting policies.

2019 Annual Report

Valuation of investment properties
The valuations provided by external valuers are signifi cant components of 
the annual and half year results. External valuations are subjective and 
require signifi cant estimates to be made including, but not limited to, 
market yields and ERVs. At 30 September 2019, the valuation of investment 
properties was £3.78 billion. Additionally, our share of the valuation of 
investment properties held in the joint venture was £209.0 million. Further 
information on the approach taken by the valuers in valuing investment 
properties and a sensitivity analysis on equivalent yields and ERV are set out 
in note 11 to the fi nancial statements. 

In reviewing the valuations, the Committee considered:
•  an analysis and commentary by management;
•  presentations from Cushman & Wakefi eld, valuer of the wholly-owned 
portfolio, and Knight Frank, who value the Longmartin joint venture’s 
investment properties, which included comparable evidence for the key 
assumptions adopted; and

•  an assessment by the external auditor, who used its in-house real estate 

valuers as part of its audit.

The Committee was satisfi ed with the assumptions and estimates used in 
the valuation. 

Other estimates
Whilst not material in the context of the Group’s assets or net assets, the 
Committee reviewed estimates made by management in preparing the 
fi nancial results, including the charge for share-based remuneration, 
and was satisfi ed with the assumptions adopted.

The Committee also considered revenue recognition and the use of 
judgements and estimates in preparing fi nancial information and were 
satisfi ed that there were no material transactions which involved a high 
degree of judgement or estimation. 

In addition, the Committee reviewed the shareholder litigation referred 
to on page 68 and was satisfi ed that this had been accounted for and 
disclosed appropriately, in accordance with IFRS. 

The above description of signifi cant estimates should be read in 
conjunction with the Independent Auditor’s Report and the signifi cant 
accounting policies disclosed in the notes to the fi nancial statements, 
particularly note 3 which describes signifi cant estimates and assumptions. 

Independent auditor’s report: pages 98 to 101

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Shaftesbury Annual Report 2019

Governance Audit committee report

Accountability

External valuers
The Committee monitored the objectivity and independence of Cushman & 
Wakefi eld and Knight Frank and met without management present. The 
valuers have confi rmed that they are appropriately qualifi ed to carry out the 
valuations and that fees they receive are not a material part of their overall 
fee income. Further details in respect of the valuers, including fees for 
valuation and non-valuation services, are given in note 11 to the fi nancial 
statements. The Committee remains satisfi ed that the valuers are objective 
and independent. 

External auditors
The Company has complied with the provisions of the Statutory Audit Services 
for Large Companies Market Investigation (Mandatory Use of Competitive 
Tender Processes and Audit Committee Responsibilities) Order 2014. 

This is the fi rst year that Daniel Saunders has been the lead audit partner 
from Ernst & Young LLP (“EY”), following the retirement of the previous lead 
audit partner at the conclusion of the 2018 audit. 

EY was appointed as external auditor after the appointment went out to 
tender in 2014. EY is subject to ongoing monitoring of their eff ectiveness. 

Annually, the Committee assesses the qualifi cations, expertise, resources, 
and independence of the Group’s external auditors, as well as the 
eff ectiveness of the audit process. It does this through discussion with the 
Finance Director, review of a detailed assessment questionnaire and 
confi rmations from the external auditor. The Chairman of the Committee 
and the Finance Director met with an independent review partner from EY. 

EY has confi rmed to the Committee that: 
•  it has internal procedures in place to identify any aspects of non-audit work 
which could compromise its role as auditor and to ensure the objectivity of 
its audit report;

•  the total fees paid by the Group during the year do not represent a material 

part of its fi rm’s fee income; and

•  it considers that it has maintained audit independence throughout the year. 

The Committee’s relationship with the external auditor is one of openness 
and professionalism. From its discussions during the year, it considers that 
the auditor provides appropriate professional challenge and reports its 
fi ndings in a frank and honest manner.

The Committee remains satisfi ed with the eff ectiveness of the external 
audit and the interaction between the auditors and the Committee. Also, it 
is satisfi ed as to the auditor’s qualifi cations, expertise and resources and 
remains confi dent that its objectivity and independence are not in any way 
impaired by the provision of non-audit services. This will continue to be 
reviewed by the Committee on an annual basis. 

Fair, balanced and understandable 
On behalf of the Board, the Committee discussed a report from the 
Finance Director covering the systems and controls around the preparation 
of the fi nancial statements and whether the Annual Report:

•  was open and honest, reporting challenges alongside successes and 

opportunities;

•  provided clear explanations of KPIs and their link to the strategy; 
•  explained our business model, strategy and accounting policies simply, 

using clear language;

•  included clear signposts to additional information; and
•  was in accordance with the information provided to the Board during 

the year. 

The Committee considered whether the Annual Report:

•  was a fair, balanced and understandable assessment of the Company’s 

position and prospects;

•  provided the necessary information for shareholders to assess the Group’s 

performance, business model and strategy; and

•  had been written in straightforward language, without unnecessary 

repetition, and that the use of Alternative Performance Measures had been 
adequately explained and reconciled to the fi nancial statements and not 
given more prominence than a corresponding measure under IFRS. 

The Committee reported to the Board that, in its view, the Annual Report 
was fair, balanced and understandable. 

Directors’ responsibilities statement: page 97

Viability statement
At the request of the Board, the Committee reviewed the viability statement 
and the period for which the Board should assess the prospects of the 
Group. We continue to adopt a fi ve-year assessment period. The 
Committee discussed the viability assessment, prepared by management, 
which included, inter alia:

•  stress testing in severe but plausible scenarios, particularly in respect of 

loan covenant compliance; and 

•  an assessment of investment commitments alongside liquidity and fi nancing 

capacity. 

The Committee was satisfi ed that the fi ve-year assessment period remained 
appropriate and recommended the viability statement to the Board. 

Viability statement: page 62

Going concern
The Committee reviewed whether it was appropriate to adopt the going 
concern basis in the preparation of the results. In considering this, it 
reviewed the Group’s fi ve-year forecasts, availability of liquidity and 
expected headroom under the fi nancial covenants in debt arrangements. 
Following the review, it recommended to the Board that it was appropriate 
to adopt the going concern basis. 

Going concern: page 95

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Shaftesbury Annual Report 2019

Governance Audit committee report

Accountability

Internal audit 
The Committee reviews the need for an internal audit function annually. 
The Committee has advised the Board that it considers that there is no 
need to establish an internal audit function. This assessment is based on the 
focused nature of the Group’s business, the close involvement of the 
executive directors in day-to-day decision making, and the relatively simple 
Group structure. 

As referred to above, to provide further assurance the Group engaged 
external advisors to carry out targeted reviews. These reviews 
supplemented the existing risk management and internal control 
arrangements undertaken by management and the Risk Committee. In 2019, 
the eff ectiveness of the controls of the following areas were completed:

•  portfolio investments;
•  refurbishment and reconfi guration scheme management; and
•  tax procedures in relation to the prevention of the facilitation of tax evasion.

Process reviews were also undertaken externally over the Senior Accounting 
Offi  cer tax regime, the General Data Protection Regulation, and the 
processes of one of our managing agents. The results of these reviews were 
reported to the Committee for their consideration and input. An external 
review of the purchasing cycle is currently being carried out and the 
fi ndings will be reported to the Committee in due course. 

The fi ndings from external reviews are made available to EY.

Audit fees 
Fees payable to the auditor for audit and non-audit services are set out in 
note 7 to the Financial Statements on page 108. 

Total fees related to non-audit services represented 16% of the total fees 
for audit services (2018: 18%). 

The auditor was also paid £33,400 (2018: £31,400) for its audit of Longmartin 
Properties Limited. The Company’s 50% share of this was £16,700 (2018: 
£15,700).

The Committee’s policy is that non-audit assignments are not awarded to 
the external audit fi rm if there is a risk that audit independence and 
objectivity could be compromised. Our non-audit work policy was updated 
this year to ensure that, other than in exceptional circumstances, non-audit 
fees should not exceed 70% of audit and assurance fees over a rolling 
three-year period. The award of any non-audit assignment to the auditors 
in excess of £25,000 is subject to the prior approval of the Committee. Our 
executive directors have authority to approve non-audit assignments to the 
auditors under £25,000, however, if this reaches a cumulative amount of 
£100,000 in a year (including the half year review), the authority for the 
executive directors falls to £5,000. This was reviewed by the Committee and 
approved by the Board. 

Risk management and internal control
Risks and internal controls are monitored by management on a day-to-day 
basis. The Risk Committee, chaired by our Finance Director, formally 
assesses strategic and emerging risks and the eff ectiveness of key controls, 
reporting to the Committee. 

This year, to supplement the work by management, controls over certain of 
our processes were reviewed externally. The outcomes of these reviews 
were reported to the Committee (see internal audit).

The external auditors review procedures and controls as part of their work 
and comment, where appropriate, to the Committee. 

The Committee remains satisfi ed that there is a robust review of risks and 
that the controls over the signifi cant risks operate eff ectively. 

Risk management and internal control: pages 58 to 59

Principal risks and uncertainties: pages 60 to 61

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Shaftesbury Annual Report 2019

Governance

Remuneration 

Directors’ remuneration report 

 Our remuneration supports the 
strategy and long-term success 
of the business, balancing reward 
and performance. 

I am pleased to present our 2019 Directors’ Remuneration Report. 

Our remuneration policy was approved by shareholders at the 2019 AGM 
and applied from the conclusion of the meeting. The summary on page 85 
sets out our approach to the remuneration and reward of executive and 
non-executive directors. Our aim is to provide a remuneration structure 
which is fair, with incentives aligned to our strategy and long-term objectives, and 
which encourages executive continuity and behaviours in line with our culture 
and values. 

The annual remuneration report, summarises the remuneration outcomes 
in respect of the reporting year and the proposed executive director 
remuneration for the year ahead. This report will be subject to an advisory 
shareholder vote at the 2020 AGM. 

Annual remuneration report: pages 86 to 94

Pay and performance in 2019
At the beginning of each year, we set fi nancial and operational targets for 
the annual bonus scheme which align with our long-term strategy. Where 
projects extend for periods beyond the fi nancial year, annual targets are set 
to assess progress towards achieving the ultimate objectives. In setting 
targets, we use the Group’s KPIs which drive value through the delivery of 
long-term rental growth. 

In a challenging economic environment, our performance against our 
annual objectives has been good. However, with lower growth in the 
valuation of our portfolio together with weaker equity market sentiment, 
this year we have not met our three-year LTIP objectives. The outcomes for 
the variable pay elements of executive director remuneration were:

 Annual bonus: Performance against our targets was 57.5% of the 
maximum potential award and is disclosed in more detail on page 89. 
Each executive director has elected to receive his award solely in the form 
of deferred shares, and will, therefore, receive an award under the 
Deferred Annual Share Bonus Scheme of 86.25% of salary in December 
2019, which will vest in December 2022.

 LTIP: Vesting of awards made in 2016 are measured on a three-year 
performance period which ended on 30 September 2019. Annualised TSR 
of -2.3% and growth in NAV of 3.4% were both below the relevant 
benchmark, resulting in zero vesting.

Post-employment shareholding 
requirements
As noted in last year’s report, during the year the Committee reviewed the 
operation of our shareholding guidelines in the context of changes to the 
2018 Code, which will apply to us from 1 October 2019, and emerging 
investor expectations in respect to post-employment requirements. 

Committee members and meeting 
attendance 

Number of meetings 
attended (4 held)

Sally Walden (Chairman)

Richard Akers

Dermot Mathias

Jill Little1

Jennelle Tilling2

Hilary Riva3

1   Jill Little resigned from the Committee on 8 February 2019 and could have attended 

a maximum of two meetings. 

2   Jennelle Tilling joined the Committee on 1 January 2019 and could have attended 

a maximum of two meetings.

3   Hilary Riva retired from the Board on 8 February 2019 and could have attended 

a maximum of two meetings. 

Key responsibilities 
• Determine the terms of employment and remuneration for 

executive directors and senior management. 

• Ensure that the executive directors are remunerated fairly 

and responsibly with the long-term interests of the Company 
in mind.

• Consider the appropriateness of the directors’ remuneration 

framework against arrangements for other employees. 

• Review and approve the performance targets and outcomes 

for the annual bonus schemes and LTIP. 

• Review the remuneration policy every three years. 
• Ensure that the remuneration report and disclosure of director 
remuneration is simple to read and understandable, accurate and 
complete. 

Committee activities and focus 
during 2019
• Reviewed the 2018 annual bonus outcomes.
• Ratifi ed the 2018 LTIP vesting and approved LTIP grants.
•  Put the Remuneration Policy for approval at the AGM.
•  Reviewed the 2019 salaries of the executive directors.
• Set 2019 annual bonus and LTIP targets.
•  Reviewed the eff ectiveness of the Committee’s advisers and 

monitored their fees.

•  Approved the Committee report for inclusion in the Annual Report.
• Updated terms of reference.

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Shaftesbury Annual Report 2019

Governance Directors’ remuneration report

Remuneration 

Context for our approach to 
remuneration
We have 34 permanent employees, including four executive directors. 
The combined holdings of the executive directors is 3.4 million shares 
(market value at 30 September 2019 of circa £31 million). This 
equates to individual holdings of between 4 and 28 times their annual 
salary. These substantial holdings have been built up over a number 
of years through a combination of:

•   taking the annual bonus in shares through the Deferred Annual 

Share Bonus Scheme; 

•   retaining shares from the LTIP; and

•   acquiring shares for cash.
Our executive directors and key employees all have a close 
involvement and direct impact on the continuing development 
and implementation of the Group’s strategy. 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 of the executive directors is 26 years and 
members of the executive committee (excluding executive directors) 
is 11 years.

Alignment with employees
We off er remuneration packages to all employees which are market 
competitive and align with the same structure as executive directors. 
All employees: 

•   participate in the LTIP and the annual bonus scheme;

•   have the opportunity to defer their annual bonus into shares; 

•   are eligible to participate in Sharesave, and receive health and life 

insurance; and 

•   receive pension contributions of 17.5% of salary, which is signifi cantly 

above typical market levels. 

Key focus for 2020
•   Continue to monitor the development of best practice in post-

employment shareholding guidelines.

•   Monitor the impact of the 2018 Code on executive director 

remuneration.

•   Oversight of remuneration policies and procedures throughout 

the Company and ensure that are aligned with the corporate culture.

Under our current remuneration policy, executive directors are expected to 
build up a shareholding of 200% of salary, to be accumulated over fi ve years 
from appointment, by retaining any shares received under the LTIP and 
Deferred Annual Share Bonus Scheme until the minimum shareholding level is 
attained. 

With eff ect from 1 October 2019, executive directors will be expected to 
retain this minimum level of shareholding (or, if lower, their actual shareholding) 
for a period of two years from the date of cessation of their employment. 
The requirement shall apply to shares received from the vesting of 
company share awards after the eff ective date of this new policy. 
Appropriate mechanisms will be put in place to support compliance. 

Pension alignment 
The Committee supports the 2018 Code principle that executive pensions 
should be aligned with the wider workforce and, as a result, our new 
Remuneration Policy, approved earlier this year, reduced the maximum 
pension contribution (or a cash allowance in lieu) for any new executive 
director appointment to 17.5% of salary, the rate which matches that 
received by all employees below Board level. 

We believe our policy to reduce the pension provision for newly appointed 
directors is an eff ective and proportionate route to achieving alignment in 
pension provision over time. We will keep this approach under review as 
expectations and practice continue to evolve.

The year ahead
Salaries of executive directors were reviewed in the context of an average 
increase for all other employees of 8.1%. The Committee determined 
increases of circa 3% for the Chief Executive and Property Directors. The 
Finance Director was awarded an increase of 6.9% recognising his 
increased seniority and responsibilities associated with the role. All 
increases are eff ective from 1 December 2019.

We have set the 2020 annual bonus targets and, in view of the increasing 
importance of sustainability to our stakeholders, have increased this 
element from 10% to 20%. The element attributed to property projects has 
been reduced from 40% to 25% and there is a new element for internal 
corporate projects representing 5%. 

An LTIP award will be made in December 2019 at 125% of salary. Subject to 
performance against the targets over a three year performance period, 
awards will vest in December 2022, and be released in December 2024 
following a two-year post-vesting holding period.

Last year, we introduced Total Accounting Return (TAR) into our LTIP to sit 
alongside Net Asset Value growth and Total Shareholder Return, each 
constituting one third of the award. We will retain this approach for this 
year’s award.

The TAR component is based on performance relative to a peer group of 
FTSE 350 REITs and, following a review, we will be making a minor amendment 
to the calibration of the measure. For last year’s award, vesting will be based 
on the ranked position of Shaftesbury’s TAR against the peer group. For this 
year’s award, and in future, vesting will be based on Shaftesbury’s TAR 
relative to a market-capitalisation weighted index of the FTSE 350 REITs. 
The Committee believes that measuring performance in this way provides a 
fairer, more relevant, and less volatile, performance benchmark and is 
consistent with the relative TAR measure typically operated by other listed 
property companies. The Committee is satisfi ed that 2% outperformance 
against the index for maximum vesting is appropriately stretching and no less 
challenging than our previous approach.

I would like to thank my fellow Committee members, senior management 
and external consultants for their support during the year. 

Sally Walden
Chairman of the Remuneration Committee 

25 November 2019

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Shaftesbury Annual Report 2019

Governance

Remuneration 

Remuneration at a glance

SALARY

+

BENEFITS

+

PENSION
CONTRIBUTION

+

ANNUAL BONUS

+

LTIP

=

TOTAL
REMUNERATION

Fixed pay

Performance-related pay

Performance-related pay framework 2020

5% 
corporate

to 15

p
U

20% 

environmental
sustainability

17.5% 
ERV growth
(KPI)

33.3% 

TSR measured relative to 
FTSE 350 REIT Index

0 % i

f takeninsh

a

r

e

17.5% 

convert ERV’s
to contractual
income (KPI)

s

Annual 
bonus
Up to 100% of 
salary if taken 
in cash

5% 
growing net 
property 
income 
(KPI)

of15
ard
w
a
m
u
m

i

x

a

M

25% 

specifi c projects

10% 

occupancy 
(KPI)

33.3% 

NAV growth measured 
on an absolute basis

umstances

0 % o f salaryoth

e

r

LTIP
Awards of 125% 

t

h

a

n

i

n

e
x
c
e

ptionalcirc

33.3% 

TAR measured against a 
market capitalisation 
weighted index of FTSE 
350 REITs

2019 Group performance

2019 Key remuneration metrics

Net property 
income

£98.0m  
+4.5% 
Dividends per 
share

EPRA earnings1

£54.6m 
+5.6% 
EPRA NAV 
per share1

17.7p 
+5.4% 

£9.82
-0.9%

1    An alternative performance measure (APM). See page 124 
2  Like-for-like. See Glossary on page 131

ERV growth2

2.7%

Portfolio 
valuation1,2
£4.0bn 
-0.6%
TSR 
(Shaftesbury)

2.4%

versus FTSE 350 Real 
Estate Index +6.9%

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LTIP vesting

0%
Salary increase
all employees

Annual bonus 
awards
57.5%
Average salary 
increase for 
directors
3.8%
Percentage of employees 
granted LTIP options

8.1%

100%

Shaftesbury Annual Report 2019

Governance

Remuneration 

Remuneration policy
Our remuneration policy was approved by 
shareholders at the AGM on 8 February 2019.

A summary of the remuneration policy for executive directors is set out below for information purposes only. 
The full policy was included in the 2018 Annual Report and is reproduced on our website.

Element

Operation / Performance measures

Salary

Annual 
bonus

LTIP

Salaries are normally reviewed annually with effect from 1 December. Any increases are determined with reference to infl ation 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 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 fi nancial year, the Committee evaluates performance against these objectives, whilst also taking into account overall fi nancial 
performance and future prospects. The Committee also satisfi es itself that short-term targets have not been met at the expense of long-term goals 
Performance is assessed against a set of key fi nancial and non-fi nancial annual measures which may vary each year depending on the 
annual priorities of the business and prevailing market conditions
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 are provided in the Annual Remuneration Report 
following the end of the performance year
Within the parameters 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 Group’s Deferred Annual Share 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 

Awards may be granted in the form of nil cost options, conditional share awards or, at the Committee’s discretion, be settled in cash 
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:
• Total accounting return (TAR) measured against a market capitalisation weighted index of FTSE 350 REITs
• TSR measured relative to a relevant index of peers; and
• Net asset value growth measured relative to RPI
Threshold vesting will be no higher than 25% of each performance measure. The detailed targets are set out in the Annual Remuneration 
Report
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 

Maximum potential value

The Committee does not 
specify a maximum salary or 
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 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

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)

All 
employee 
plans

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

The limits are as defi ned by 
HMRC from time to time

Pension

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

Other 
benefi ts

Each executive director currently receives:
• a car allowance
• private medical cover
• life insurance
• permanent health insurance
Other benefi ts may be provided if considered reasonable and appropriate by the Committee, including, but not limited to, housing allowance 
and relocation allowance

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17.5% of salary for any 
executive director appointed 
after 8 February 2019 
25% of salary for any 
executive director appointed 
prior to 8 February 2019 

There is no maximum 
value. Benefi ts are set at a 
level which the Committee 
determines is reasonable 
and appropriate
The value may vary depending 
on service provided, cost and 
market conditions

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Shaftesbury Annual Report 2019

Governance

Remuneration 

Annual remuneration report
Set out below is the annual remuneration report 
on directors’ pay for the year ended 30 September 
2019. The report details how we will apply the 
remuneration policy for the year ahead and 
how we implemented it during the year. 

Statement of implementation of remuneration for year ending 30 September 
2020 
Executive directors’ salaries from 1 December 2019

Brian Bickell

Simon Quayle

Tom Welton

Chris Ward

1.12.2019
£’000 

1.12.2018 
£’000 

525

370

370

385

 510

 360

 360

 360

This compares to an average increase across the employee population (excluding executive directors) of 8.1% and infl ation (CPIH) of 1.5%.

2020 annual bonus targets
Maximum bonus of up to 150% of salary if taken entirely in shares and 100% 
of salary if taken in cash.

The Committee considers specifi c disclosure of annual targets regarding 
the achievement of rental levels, the speed of completing lettings or 
delivery of specifi c 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 an adverse impact on the Group’s position when negotiating 
transactions with current or potential tenants or other parties.

Disclosure of annual bonus targets for the year ending 30 September 2020 
is therefore deemed to be commercially sensitive. The targets will be 
disclosed retrospectively next year, provided they are no longer 
commercially sensitive. 

Measure

Rental growth (KPI)

Deliver growth in ERVs

Convert ERVs to contractual income (KPI)

Commercial lettings/reviews/renewals at or above valuers’ ERVs 
twelve months earlier (measured half yearly)

Growing net property income (KPI)

Net property income growth to at least track growth in rental income

Occupancy (KPI)

Maximise portfolio occupancy

Let vacant property quickly (excluding larger schemes) 

Portfolio, sustainability and corporate

Portfolio projects

Environmental sustainability

Internal corporate projects 

Increase

2.9%

2.8%

2.8%

6.9%

Percentage 
weighting

17.5%

17.5%

5%

5%

5%

25%

20%

5%

86
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Shaftesbury Annual Report 2019

Governance Annual remuneration report

Remuneration 

LTIP
LTIP awards of 125% of salary will be granted in December 2019. Performance will be measured over a three-year period which commenced on 1 October 
2019. A two-year post-vesting holding period will apply to these awards.

The vesting of this award will be subject to three performance measures, equally weighted, as shown in the following tables: 

Annualised TSR of the company’s shares less 
annualised TSR of the FTSE 350 REIT index

Vesting schedule (for this component)

Less than 0% pa

0% pa

Between 0% pa and 5.5% pa

5.5% pa or more

0%

25%

Pro-rata on a straight line basis between 25% and 100%

100%

Annualised net asset value growth less annualised RPI growth

Vesting schedule (for this component)

Less than 3% pa

3% pa

Between 3% pa and 7% pa

7% pa or more

0%

25%

Pro-rata on a straight line basis between 25% and 100%

100%

TAR relative to market cap-weighted index of FTSE 350 REITs1

Vesting schedule (for this component)

Below index

Equal to index

0%

25%

Between index and index +2% per annum

Pro-rata on a straight line basis between 25% and 100%

Index +2% per annum or above

100%

1   TAR measures growth in EPRA NAV plus any dividends (or other distributions to shareholders which reduce NAV) paid during the period expressed as a percentage of EPRA NAV at the start of 

the year. 

Non-executive directors’ fees from 1 December 2019
Non-executive director fees are reviewed every two years. Following the most recent review, taking into account market data, the following changes were 
agreed and will take eff ect from 1 December 2019: 

Fees for the Chairman will be increased from £225,000 to £235,000 per annum.

Fees for non-executive directors will be increased from £57,000 to £60,000 per annum. 

There is an additional fee of £10,000 where a non-executive director chairs a committee and for the Senior Independent Director (if not already in receipt 
of a Committee Chairman fee), both of which will be increased to £15,000. The Chairman does not receive an additional fee for chairing the Nomination 
Committee. 

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Shaftesbury Annual Report 2019

Governance

Annual remuneration report

Remuneration 

Remuneration for year ending 30 September 2019
Sing(cid:735)e tota(cid:735) fi gure of remuneration for e(cid:747)ecuti(cid:745)e directors (audited)

Salary

2019
£’000

508

359

359

358

2018
£’000

498

352

352

348

Benefi ts1

2019
£’000

2018 
£’000

23

57

45

44

55

49

40

40

Pension 
benefi t2

Annual 
bonus3

LTIP4

Total

2019
£’000

112

79

79

80

2018
£’000

109

77

77

78

2019 
£’000

2018 
£’000

2019 
£’000

440

311

311

311

394

278

278

275

0

0

0

0

2018 
£’000

135

95

95

92

2019 
£’000

1,083

806

794

793

2018
£’000

1,191

851

842

833

Brian Bickell

Simon Quayle

Tom Welton

Chris Ward

1    Benefi ts comprise car allowance, permanent health insurance, life insurance, health insurance and Sharesave options which have been valued based on the monthly savings amount and the 

discount on the option price of 20% at grant

2  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
3   Payment for performance in respect of the relevant fi nancial year. For 2019, each executive director could have received a bonus of 86.25% of salary in shares or 57.5% of salary in cash. Each 

director has elected to take their 2019 bonus entirely in shares, which are deferred for a period of three years. No further performance criteria apply

4   Refl ects the vesting of shares in the LTIP in respect of performance for the relevant fi nancial year. The TSR and NAV performance conditions for the three-year performance period to 

30.9.2019 were not met and none of the awards vested. The 2018 estimated fi gure has been restated to refl ect actual share price at the date of vesting together with the value of dividends 
paid during the year on vested shares

Sing(cid:735)e tota(cid:735) fi gure of remuneration for non(cid:672)e(cid:747)ecuti(cid:745)e directors (audited)

Jonathan Nicholls

Richard Akers

Jill Little

Hilary Riva2

Dermot Mathias

Sally Walden

Jennelle Tilling3

Fee

2019
£’000

225

57

57

 20

57

57

43

2018 
£’000

213

48

57

57

57

57

-

Committee chair/ 
senior independent 
director1 fees
2019
£’000

2018 
£’000

-

6

4 

-

10

10

-

-

-

10

-

10

10

-

Total

2019
£’000

225

63

61

20

67

67

43

2018 
£’000

213

48

67

57

67

67

-

1  Fee is only payable if the Senior Independent Director is not the chair of any other Committee 
2  Retired from the board on 8 February 2019
3  Joined the board on 1 January 2019

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Shaftesbury Annual Report 2019

Governance

Annual remuneration report

Remuneration 

Annual bonus outcome for year ended 30 September 2019
Retrospective disclosure of the targets for the 2019 annual bonus scorecard is provided below. Each executive director has elected to receive his award 
solely in deferred shares under the Deferred Annual Share Bonus Scheme, which will vest in December 2022. 

Measure

Rental growth (KPI)
Deliver growth in ERVs
(includes Longmartin)

Convert ERVs to contractual income (KPI)
Commercial lettings/reviews/renewals at or above 
valuers’ ERVs: measured as transactions in the 
fi rst half year against ERV at 31.3.2018 and then 
in the second half of the year against ERV at 
30.9.2018

Weighting

Target range

17.5%

3% to 7%

17.5%

3% to 7%

Achievement against target

2.7%

5.25%

Percentage 
achieved

0%

11.4%

Grow net property income (KPI)

5%

+1% to -1%

-2.4%

5%

Percentage increase in property outgoings 
compared to percentage increase in rental 
income

Occupancy 

Maximise portfolio occupancy measured by 
average quarterly EPRA vacancy (excluding larger 
schemes)1 (KPI)

Average time to let across uses (months)1,2 (KPI)

Corporate 
responsibility performance (KPI)

Specifi c projects

0%

3.4%

10%

27.6%

5%

1.5% to 3%

3.1%

5%

10%

40%

1.5 months to 4 months

2.6 months

Company retained its sustainability reporting EPRA Gold award and its GRESB “green star” 
rating both of which measure the transparency of reporting 

This component of the bonus measures specifi c strategic and operational objectives to be met 
during the year critical to progressing key long-term projects and larger schemes, to deliver 
long-term value for shareholders. Some measures relate to projects with a duration of more 
than one year. It is not always feasible to provide a detailed disclosure of performance for 
these projects as the identifi cation and achievement of these targets is commercially sensitive. 
In the opinion of the Committee, public disclosure could compromise ongoing commercial 
negotiations and ultimately shareholder value. 

In assessing this year’s performance against objectives, the Committee considered key 
achievements during 2019 which determined the outcome for this component including: 

•  Covent Garden: Thomas Neal’s Warehouse - a letting was completed to Kerb, to open Seven 

Dials Market, 

•  Carnaby: secured planning consent for 72 Broadwick Street scheme and works underway,

•  Despite signifi cant business uncertainty, identifi ed and executed a number of opportunities 

for lease restructurings across the portfolio, 

•  Undertook a review of property costs, resulting in identifi cation and initial delivery of cost 

effi ciencies across the portfolio 

Further detailed discussion of strategic and operational performance during the year is set out 
on pages 1 to 62 of this annual report

Total

100%

57.5%

1 Wholly-owned portfolio
2 Based on weighted averages across uses

Measuring success: pages 26 to 28

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Shaftesbury Annual Report 2019

Governance

Annual remuneration report

Remuneration 

Committee’s exercise of discretion
The Committee believes that annual bonus awards should fairly refl ect overall performance in the context of prevailing general economic and property 
market conditions and exercises discretion, where appropriate, to take account of overall fi nancial performance and future prospects of the Company. 

The Committee has not exercised discretion in the award of bonuses for the year ended 30 September 2019. The table below shows historic exercise of 
discretion by the Committee. 

Year

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

Actual bonus percentage potential 
according to achievement table

Bonus percentage after exercise of 
discretion by remuneration committee

70%

82%

55%

52.5%

57.5%

Reduced to 60%

Reduced to 60%

No change at 55%

No change at 52.5%

No change at 57.5%

LTIP vesting for the performance period to 30 September 2019
The detailed performance against targets which resulted in zero vesting of the LTIP in 2019 is as follows: 

Historic LTIP vesting performance
Vesting %

100

100

63.5

50

50

22.5

0

2013 
Year of vesting

2014 

2015 

2016 

2017

2018

2019

TSR
NAV

Annualised TSR of the 
company’s shares less 
annualised TSR of the 
FTSE 350 REIT index

Less than 0% pa

0% pa

Between 0% pa 
and 5.5% pa

Award vesting 
criteria

0%

25%

Pro-rata on a straight line 
basis between 25% and 
100%

Performance

Performance in three-year period 
to 30 September 2019: -2.3% 
pa. Underperformed benchmark 
by 5.3% pa

Vesting outcome (for this half of 
the award) is zero

5.5% pa or more

100%

Annualised NAV 
growth less 
annualised RPI 
growth

Less than 3% pa

3% pa

Between 3% pa 
and 7% pa

Award vesting 
criteria

0%

25%

Pro-rata on a straight line 
basis between 25% and 
100%

Performance

Performance in three year period 
to 30 September 2019: 3.4%pa 
RPI growth: 3.3% pa

Vesting outcome (for this half of 
the award) is zero

7% pa or more

100%

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Historic LTIP vesting performance

Shaftesbury Annual Report 2019

Governance

Annual remuneration report

Remuneration 

Share scheme interests awarded during the year (audited)

Brian Bickell

Simon Quayle

Tom Welton

Chris Ward

Scheme

Deferred Annual Share Bonus Scheme1
LTIP2

Deferred Annual Share Bonus Scheme1
LTIP2

Deferred Annual Share Bonus Scheme1
LTIP2

Deferred Annual Share Bonus Scheme1
LTIP2

Face value at 
date of award 
£’000

394
638

278
450

278
450

275
450

1   Deferred Annual Share Bonus Scheme: Directors elected to take their annual bonus for the year ended 30.9.2018 in shares which were purchased in the market. The face value is calculated 

using the price paid per share of of £8.6966. No further performance criteria are applied to share awards under this scheme

2   LTIP: Awards of nil cost options were made by the Committee at 125% of salary. The face value is calculated using the average share price over the fi ve days prior, up to and including 3.12.2018, 

to determine the number of shares awarded, being £8.89. There is a three-year performance period with a two-year post-vesting holding period

For the 2018 award, vesting of the TAR measure is based on the ranked position of Shaftesbury TAR against the constituents of the FTSE 350 REIT index, 
with threshold vesting for median ranking and maximum vesting for upper quartile ranking (see page 98 of the 2018 report).

Directors’ shareholdings and share scheme interests at 30 September 2019 (audited)

Shares under 
option not vested 
and subject to 
performance 
criteria3

Shares vested 
and subject 
to two year 
post-vesting 
holding period

202,670

143,070

143,070

142,015

14,718

10,379

10,379

10,151

Deferred 
shares3

134,704

95,065

95,065

93,216

Sharesave

4,286

4,286

4,286

2,519

Shares
owned 
outright

Shareholding 
requirement 
met1

Value of shares 
owned outright 
as a percentage 
of salary2

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

2,255%

2,781%

2,262%

434%

Executive director

Brian Bickell

Simon Quayle

Tom Welton

Chris Ward

Non-executive director

Jonathan Nicholls

Richard Akers

Jill Little

Dermot Mathias

Sally Walden

Jennelle Tilling

Hilary Riva4

1,265,800

1,102,052

896,170

172,090

30,000

9,000

8,364

16,208

60,000

-

20,068

1   Based on share price at 30.9.2019 of £9.085 and salary as at 1.12.2018
2   Under the remuneration policy, executive directors are expected to build up a shareholding of 200% of salary (as at the date of appointment to the Board), to be accumulated over fi ve 

years from appointment 

3  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 suffi  cient shares to meet their income tax and employees’ national insurance liability
4 Retired from the Board on 8.2.2019 and shareholding stated as at that date 

There have been no changes in directors’ shareholdings between 30 September 2019 and the date of this report.

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 
Remuneration Policy table. 

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Shaftesbury Annual Report 2019

Governance

Annual remuneration report

Remuneration 

1. Deferred Annual Share Bonus Scheme

Brian Bickell

Simon Quayle

Tom Welton

Chris Ward 

Date 
of grant

12.12.2016

12.12.2017

3.12.2018 

12.12.2016

12.12.2017

3.12.2018

12.12.2016

12.12.2017

3.12.2018

12.12.2016

12.12.2017

3.12.2018

Market price 
on date of grant 
£

8.95

9.996  

8.65

8.95

9.996

8.65

8.95

9.996

8.65

8.95

9.996

8.65

Entitlement to ordinary shares

At
1.10.2018

Awarded 
in year

48,988

40,440

-

89,428

34,544

28,556

-

63,100

34,544  

 28,556   

-

63,100

33,387

28,226  

-

61,613

-

-

45,276  

45,276

-

-

 31,965

31,965

-

 -

 31,965  

31,965

-

-

 31,603  

31,603

At 
30.9.2019

48,988

 40,440

45,276

134,704

34,544

28,556

31,965

95,065

34,544

 28,566

31,965

95,065

33,387

 28,226

31,603

93,216

2. LTIP
Nil cost options are granted subject a three year performance period. Any award that vests is then subject to a two year post-vesting holding period. 

Number of ordinary shares under option

Brian Bickell

Simon Quayle

Tom Welton

Chris Ward

Date
of grant

12.12.20161

12.12.2017

4.12.2018

12.12.20161

12.12.2017

4.12.2018

12.12.20161

12.12.2017

4.12.2018

12.12.2016 1

12.12.2017

4.12.2018 

Market
price of
share on
grant
£

8.95

9.97

8.67

8.95

9.97

8.67

8.95

9.97

8.67

8.95

9.97  

8.67

At
1.10.2018

67,850

63,110

-

130,960

47,900

44,550

-

92,450

47,900

44,550

-

92,450

47,350

44,045 

-

91,395

Granted
during
year

-

-

71,710 

71,710

-

-

50,620

50,620

-

-

50,620

50,620

-

-

50,620

50,620

At
30.9.2019

67,850

63,110

71,710

202,670

47,900

44,550

50,620

143,070

47,900

44,550

50,620

143,070

47,350

44,045

50,620

142,015

1 As described on page 90, the TSR and NAV performance conditions over the three years ended 30.9.2019 have not been met. These awards will therefore lapse.

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Shaftesbury Annual Report 2019

Governance

Annual remuneration report

Remuneration 

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 
fi ve years. Participants have six months from the date of vesting to exercise. 

Brian Bickell

Simon Quayle

Tom Welton

Chris Ward

Date
of grant

1.7.2016

28.6.2019

1.7.2016

28.6.2019

1.7.2016

28.6.2019

30.6.2017

28.6.2019

At
1.10.2018

Granted
during
year

At
30.9.2019

2,024  

- 

2,024

2,024  

-

2,024

2,024  

-

2,024

 1,162  

-

1,162

-

2,262

2,262

-

2,262

2,262

- 

2,262

2,262

-

1,357

1,357

 2,024

 2,262

4,286

2,024 

2,262

4,286

 2,024

2,262

4,286

 1,162

1,357

2,519

Option
price
£

 7.41

6.63

Vesting 
date

1.8.2021

1.8.2024

 7.41 

6.63

1.8.2021

1.8.2024

 7.41

6.63

 7.74

6.63

1.8.2021

1.8.2024

1.8.2020

1.8.2022

Percentage change in Chief Executive 
remuneration compared to average 
percentage change in remuneration for 
all other employees 

Relative importance of spend on pay (£m)

54.4

51.6

Base salary

Taxable benefi ts

Annual bonus

Total

Chief Executive
change

Other employees
change

2.0%

1.2%

11.7%

6.2%

4.2%

4.6%

14.2%

8.0%

The analysis for other employees is based on a like-for-like group of 
employees, i.e. the same individuals appear in the 2018 and 2019 fi gures 
and the 2018 comparatives have been restated on that basis.

Annual bonus fi gures refl ect the extent to which individuals choose to take 
annual bonuses as deferred shares in the Deferred Annual Share Bonus 
Scheme, which attract a 50% uplift in value. 

Note that there is no requirement to disclose a CEO pay ratio as the 
number of employees (34) falls signifi cantly below the threshold of 
250 employees for disclosure under this provision.

10.0

8.5

2019

2018

Employee costs
Dividends

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Shaftesbury Annual Report 2019

Governance

Annual remuneration report

Remuneration 

Review of past performance 
The chart below shows the TSR for the Company compared with the FTSE 350 REIT Index, of which the Company is a constituent, over ten 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. 

Ten-year TSR chart to September 2019
400

350

300

250

200

150

100

50

0
2009 

Shaftesbury

FTSE 350 REIT

210%

133%

2010

2011

 2012 

2013 

2014 

2015 

2016 

2017 

2018

2019

Source: Datastream as at 30 September 2019

(cid:711)en(cid:672)year c(cid:731)ief e(cid:747)ecuti(cid:745)e sing(cid:735)e tota(cid:735) fi gure of remuneration1

Chief Executive single total fi gure of remuneration (£’000)

Annual bonus payout² (% maximum)

Long-term incentive award vesting (% maximum)

2010

1,013

50%

50%

2011

1,650

90%

76.7%

2012

1,198

40%

100%

2013

1,075

40%

50%

2014

1,455

75%

50%

2015

1,523

60%

63.5%

2016

1,954

60%

100%

2017

1,830

55%

100%

2018

1,191

52.5%

22.5%

2019

1,083

57.5%

0%

1 2010-2011: Jonathan Lane, 2012-2019: Brian Bickell
2 Based on award in cash. See page 88 for details of award taken in shares

Shareholder voting 
At the 2019 AGM, shareholders voted on the Directors’ Remuneration Policy and on the Annual Remuneration Report. Voting by shareholders representing 
90.76% of the issued share capital on the resolutions was as follows: 

Directors’ Remuneration Policy 

Annual Remuneration Report

For

197,412,262

197,983,949

% For

70.76

70.98

Against

81,571,987

80,930,767

% Against

29.24

29.02

Total votes

278,984,249

278,914,716

Withheld

712,552

782,086

The Committee notes that both of these resolutions received signifi cant votes (defi ned as above 20%) against.

See signifi cant votes against at our AGM: page 74 

On behalf of the Board

Sally Walden
Chairman of the Remuneration Committee 

25 November 2019

Advisor to the Committee
Deloitte LLP act as independent advisor to the Committee. They are 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 satisfi ed 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 fi nancial year were £32,000 (excluding VAT). 
Deloitte LLP provided no other services to the Group during the year.

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Shaftesbury Annual Report 2019

Governance

Directors’ report 
The directors present their report on the affairs of the 
group and the audited consolidated fi nancial 
statements for the year ended 30 September 2019. 

UK Corporate Governance Code
The Company has applied and complied with the provisions of the Code 
throughout the Company’s fi nancial year. This is the last year that the 
Company will report against the Code as the 2018 Code came into eff ect 
for the Company on 1 October 2019. The 2020 Annual Report will be the 
fi rst report which will apply and comply with the provisions of the 2018 UK 
Corporate Governance Code. 

Strategic report
The Strategic Report is incorporated into this report by reference.

Strategic report: pages 1 to 62

Corporate governance and diversity 
statements
The corporate governance and diversity statements are incorporated into 
this report by reference. 

Corporate governance: pages 63 to 101

Results and dividends
The results for the year ended 30 September 2019 are set out in the Group 
Statement of Comprehensive Income.

Group statement of comprehensive income: page 102

An interim dividend of 8.7 pence per ordinary share was paid on 6 July 2019 
(2018: 8.3p).

The directors recommend a fi nal dividend in respect of the year ended 30 
September 2019 of 9.0 pence per ordinary share (2018: 8.5p), making a total 
dividend for the year of 17.7 pence per ordinary share (2018: 16.8p). If 
authorised at the 2020 AGM, the dividend will be paid on 14 February 2020 
to members on the register at the close of business on 17 January 2020. 
The dividend will be paid partly as a PID (5.25 pence) and partly as an 
ordinary dividend (3.75 pence). The 2020 AGM will be held on 31 January 
2020 at 11:00 am at the Ham Yard Hotel, 1 Ham Yard, London, W1D 7DT. 

Share capital
During the year, 110,428 ordinary shares were issued at nil cost on the 
exercise of LTIP options, and £5.38, £6.94, £7.41 and £7.74 on the exercise of 
sharesave options. At 30 September 2019, the Company’s issued share 
capital comprised 307,412,615 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 no restrictions on the transfer of shares, 
on voting rights, or on the size of a holding, which are 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 and directors’ shareholdings
Rules governing the appointment and replacement of directors are 
contained in the 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 which is in line with the 
Code and the Company’s Articles of Association. 

Details of the directors who served during the year ended 30 September 2019 
and up to the date of the fi nancial 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 Directors’ Remuneration Report. 

Directors’ remuneration report: pages 82 to 94

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

The Board manages the business of the Company under the powers set out 
in the Articles of Association. These powers include the directors’ ability to 
issue or buy back shares. 

Going concern
The directors confi rm that they have a reasonable expectation that the 
Company has adequate resources to continue in operation for at least 12 
months from the date of signing these fi nancial statements.

Viability statement

Viability statement: page 62

Purchase of own shares
The Company was granted authority at the 2019 AGM to make market 
purchases of its own ordinary shares. This authority will expire at the 
conclusion of the 2020 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 2019 to 25 November 2019. 

Major shareholders
Information provided to the Company pursuant to the FCA’s DTRs is 
published on a Regulatory Information Service and on the Company’s 
website. As at 25 November 2019, the following information has been 
received in accordance with DTR 5, from holders of notifi able interests in 
the Company’s issued share capital. 

Notifi able 
interests

Veloqx (Jersey) Limited 
as trustee of the Veloqx 
settlement (Sam Tak Lee)

Ordinary 
shares

% of capital 

disclosed1 Nature of holding

80,888,951

26.32

Indirect

Norges Bank

77,034,285

25.06

Direct

1 As at date of notifi cation

Directors’ indemnities and directors’ and 
offi cers(cid:990) (cid:735)ia(cid:725)i(cid:735)ity insurance 
The Company’s agreement to indemnify each director against any liability 
incurred in the course of their offi  ce to the extent permitted by law remains 
in force. 

The Group maintains Directors’ and Offi  cers’ Liability Insurance. 

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Shaftesbury Annual Report 2019

Governance Directors’ report 

Financial instruments
Details in relation to financial instruments are incorporated into this report by 
reference. 

 Financial instruments: pages 114 to 116

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

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

(cid:692)ut(cid:731)orisation of directors(cid:990) con(cid:1026)icts 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 during the year and, 
accordingly, the Board has not authorised any conflicts of interest as 
permitted by the Articles of Association. 

Employment, human rights and 
environmental matters
 Our people and culture pages 36 to 47

 Sustainability and stakeholders: pages 29 to 35

Independent auditors
A resolution for the re-appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as auditors to the 
Company will be proposed at the 2020 AGM. The Board, on the advice of 
the Audit Committee, recommends their re-appointment. 

2020 annual general meeting
The 2020 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 in a separate circular to 
shareholders which accompanies this Annual Report. The Notice of Meeting 
and Annual Report are available on the Company’s website.

Political donations
The Company did not make any political donations during the year (2018: nil).

Events after the balance sheet date
There were no significant events occurring after the reporting period, but before 
the financial statements were authorised for issue on 25 November 2019. 

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 auditors are unaware; and
 they have taken all reasonable steps to ascertain any relevant audit 
information and ensure the auditors are aware of such information.

b)  

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

Greenhouse gas reporting 
We report our greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) in accordance with UK 
legislation. The figures relate to landlord controlled common parts such as 
staircases. The numbers are therefore minimal. 

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Overall, energy consumption has remained consistent year on year 
reflecting fluctuations in tenant numbers and occupancy. A total of 
4,382,587 kWh has been consumed in the portfolio (2018: 4,432,716 kWh). 
Due to the increased use of renewable energy in the national grid, GHG in 
the portfolio decreased by over 7% from 1,164 tonnes to 1,077 tonnes. 

Energy efficiency measures taken by the Company include the installation 
of light-emitting diode lights, improvements as part of refurbishment and 
actions to respond to ESOS. 

Absolute Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions1

Scope 1

Total tCO2e

Scope 2

Total tCO2e

2019

191

 2019

886

2018

223

2018

941

Change

-14.25%

Change

-5.9%

1   For the reporting year we have again followed the UK Government environmental reporting 
guidance and used the 2017 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. 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 includes purchased electricity for the head office and 
landlord controlled common parts 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. 

We are reporting on two emission intensities this year: performance against 
turnover and common parts floor areas. For common parts floor areas this 
relates to 126 reported properties. The emissions intensity figure was 46.39 
CO2e/m2 (0.046 tonnes CO2e/m2), a small increase from last year’s 46.01 
kgCO2e/m² (0.046 tonnes CO2e/m2). Against turnover, the intensity has 
decreased from 9.5 tonnes per £million of total revenue to 8.5 tonnes per 
£million of total revenue. 

The scope 2 total above differs from 876 tCO2e reported last year, due to 
restatements within the portfolio. 

Carbon Smart has conducted the verification of Shaftesbury’s GHG 
emissions assertions for the period 1 October 2018 to 30 September 2019 
through which it is confirmed that the reported emissions for scope 1, 2 and 
3 have received limited verification in accordance with the requirements of 
the ISO 14064 – part 3 standard. The boundary of the verification included 
the landlord areas from the properties where Shaftesbury has sole 
ownership and operational control. The verification engagement assessed 
the year-on-year performance change, the intensity metric (tCO2e/annual 
turnover) compared to financial year 2018 as well as the restatement of 
emissions (scope 1, 2 and 3) for the 2018 reporting year. 

Based on the verification procedures detailed in the full statement, Carbon 
Smart found no evidence to suggest that Shaftesbury’s GHG inventory is not 
materially correct and prepared in accordance with the internal reporting 
methodologies and WBCSD & WRI GHG corporate and scope 3 standards.

Full details are available in the Sustainability Data Report on our website. 

By Order of the Board

Penny Thomas 
Company Secretary
Shaftesbury PLC  
Incorporated, registered and domiciled  
in England and Wales number 1999238 
22 Ganton Street 
Carnaby 
London W1F 7FD

25 November 2019

 
 
Shaftesbury Annual Report 2019

Governance

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

Directors’ responsibility statement under the 
Disclosure and Transparency Rules
Each of the directors, whose names and functions are listed on page 65 
confi rm that, to the best of their knowledge:

•  the Group fi nancial statements, which have been prepared in accordance 
with IFRSs as adopted by the EU give a true and fair view of the assets, 
liabilities, fi nancial position and profi t of the Group;

•  the Company fi nancial statements, which have been prepared in 

accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the EU give a true and fair view of the 
assets, liabilities, fi nancial position and profi t of the Company; and 
•  the Strategic Report contained on pages 1 to 62 of the Annual Report 

includes a fair review of the development and performance of the business 
and the position of the Group and Company, together with a description of 
the principal risks and uncertainties that they face.

Directors’ statement under the Code
Each of the directors confi rm that, to the best of their knowledge, 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.

This directors’ responsibilities statement was approved by the Board and 
signed on its behalf by:

Brian Bickell 
Chief Executive 

25 November 2019   

Chris Ward
Finance Director

25 November 2019 

Company law requires the directors to prepare fi nancial statements for 
each fi nancial year. Under that law the directors are required to prepare the 
Group fi nancial statements in accordance with International Financial 
Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the European Union (EU) and 
Article 4 of the IAS Regulation and have also elected to prepare the Parent 
Company fi nancial statements in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the 
EU. Under company law the directors must not approve the fi nancial 
statements unless they are satisfi ed that they give a true and fair view of the 
state of aff airs of the Group and the Company and of the profi t or loss of 
the Group for that period. In preparing these fi nancial statements, the 
directors are required to:

•  select suitable accounting policies in accordance with IAS8 ‘Accounting 

Policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates and Errors’ and then apply them 
consistently;

•  make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable and 

prudent;

•  present information, including accounting policies, in a manner that 

provides relevant, reliable, comparable and understandable information; 

•  provide additional disclosures when compliance with the specifi c 

requirements of IFRSs as adopted by the EU is insuffi  cient to enable users 
to understand the impact of particular transactions, other events and 
conditions on the Group’s and Company’s fi nancial position and 
performance;

•  state that the Group and Company has complied with IFRSs as adopted by 
the EU, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the 
fi nancial statements; and

•  prepare the fi nancial statements on the going concern basis unless it is 

inappropriate to do so.

The directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that 
are suffi  cient to show and explain the Group’s and Company’s transactions 
and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the fi nancial position of 
the Company and the Group and enable them to ensure that the fi nancial 
statements and the Directors’ Remuneration Report comply with the 
Companies Act 2006 and, as regards the Group fi nancial 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.

A copy of the fi nancial statements of the Group is placed on the Company’s 
website. The directors are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of 
the Company’s website.

Information published on the internet is accessible in many countries with 
diff erent legal requirements. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing 
the preparation and dissemination of fi nancial statements may diff er from 
legislation in other jurisdictions.

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Shaftesbury Annual Report 2019

Governance

 Independent Auditor’s Report  
To the members of Shaftesbury PLC
Opinion
In our opinion:
•  Shaftesbury PLC’s Group financial statements and Parent company 

(‘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 2019 and of the Group’s profit for the year then ended;

•  the Group financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance 
with International Financial Reporting Standards (‘IFRSs’) as adopted by the 
European Union;

•  the Company financial statements have been properly prepared in 

accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the European Union 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.

We have audited the financial statements of Shaftesbury PLC which comprise:

Balance sheet

Statement of comprehensive income

Cash flow statement

Statement of changes in equity

Related notes 1 to 29 to the financial statements, 
including a summary of significant accounting policies

Group

Company

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation 
is applicable law and IFRSs as adopted by the European Union. The Company 
financial statements have been prepared in accordance with IFRSs as 
adopted by the European Union and as applied in accordance with the 
provisions of the Companies Act 2006.

Basis for opinion 
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on 
Auditing (UK) (‘ISAs (UK)’) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under 
those standards are further described in the Auditor’s responsibilities for 
the audit of the financial statements section of our report below. We are 
independent of the Group and Company in accordance with the ethical 
requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in 
the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical Standard as applied to listed public 
interest entities, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in 
accordance with these requirements.

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and 
appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Conclusions relating to principal risks, 
going concern and viability statement
We have nothing to report in respect of the following information in the 
annual report, in relation to which the ISAs (UK) require us to report to you 
whether we have anything material to add or draw attention to:
•  the disclosures in the annual report set out on pages 60 and 61 that describe 

the principal risks and explain how they are being managed or mitigated;
•  the directors’ confirmation set out on page 60 in the annual report that 

they have carried out a robust assessment of the principal risks facing the 
entity, including those that would threaten its business model, future 
performance, solvency or liquidity;

•  the directors’ statement set out on page 106 in the financial statements about 
whether they considered it appropriate to adopt the going concern basis of 
accounting in preparing them, and their identification of any material 
uncertainties to the entity’s ability to continue to do so over a period of at 
least twelve months from the date of approval of the financial statements

98
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•  whether the directors’ statement in relation to going concern required 

under the Listing Rules in accordance with Listing Rule 9.8.6R(3) is materially 
inconsistent with our knowledge obtained in the audit; or 

•  the directors’ explanation set out on page 62 in the annual report as to how 
they have assessed the prospects of the entity, 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 entity 
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.

Overview of our audit approach
Key audit 
matters

within the Longmartin joint venture)

•  The valuation of investment property (including properties 

Audit scope

•  Revenue recognition including the timing of revenue 

recognition, and the treatment of rents and incentives 

•  Litigation and claims

•  The group operates in London’s West End and consists of a 
single reporting segment across twelve statutory entities. All 
of the Group’s Companies were included in the scope of the 
audit. The Group audit team performed direct testing of the 
Longmartin joint venture balances which are included within the 
group. The Group audit scope is consistent with the prior year.

Materiality

•  Overall Group Materiality: £40m which represents 1% of 

total assets.

•  Specific Group Materiality: £4.0m which represents 5% of 
operating profit before investment property valuation 
movements and net finance costs.

Key audit matters
Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgment, were 
of most significance in our audit of the financial statements of the current 
period and include the most significant assessed risks of material 
misstatement (whether or not due to fraud) that we identified. These 
matters included those which had the greatest effect on: the overall audit 
strategy, the allocation of resources in the audit; and directing the efforts of 
the engagement team. These matters were addressed in the context of our 
audit of the financial statements as a whole, and in our opinion thereon, and 
we do not provide a separate opinion on these matters.

Risk: The valuation of investment property 
£3,765.9m (plus £213.1m being the Group’s share in the Longmartin joint venture)

Refer to the Audit Committee Report (page 79); Accounting policies (page 
123); and Note 11 of the Consolidated Financial Statements (pages 108 to 109)

The valuation of investment property (including properties held in the 
Longmartin joint venture) requires significant judgement and estimates by 
management and the external valuers. Any input inaccuracies or unreasonable 
bases used in these judgements (such as in respect of estimated rental value 
and yield profile applied) could result in a material misstatement of the balance 
sheet and in the statement of comprehensive income. 

There is also a risk that management may unduly influence the significant 
judgements and estimates in respect of property valuations in order to 
achieve property valuation and other performance targets to meet market 
expectations or bonus targets.

Our response to the risk 
Our audit procedures around the valuation of investment property included:
•  We obtained an understanding of the Group’s controls over data used in 

the valuation of the investment property portfolio, including management’s 
review of the valuations, to ensure the controls were designed and 
implemented correctly.

•  We evaluated the competence of the external valuers which included 

consideration of their qualifications and expertise, as well as their independence.

Shaftesbury Annual Report 2019

Governance

 Independent Auditor’s Report 

•  We performed testing over the inputs to the valuations. For a sample of 

properties, we tested the contracted rent and key lease terms used by the 
valuers back to lease agreements.

18

82

  Fair value of investment properties 
tested by audit team Chartered 
Surveyors
  Fair value of investment properties 
tested by analytical procedures

•  The Group audit team includes Chartered Surveyors who tested a sample 
of properties. They challenged the valuation approach and assumptions. 
The sample size they tested accounted for 82% of the fair value of 
investment properties (including investment properties held in the 
Longmartin joint venture). Our Chartered Surveyors compared the 
equivalent yields applied to each property to an expected range of yields 
taking into account market data and asset specifi c considerations. They also 
considered whether the other assumptions applied by the external valuers, 
such as the estimated rental values, tenant incentives and development 
costs to complete were supported by available data such as recent lettings 
and occupancy levels.

1

•  Together with our Chartered Surveyors, we looked for contra indicators for 

the estimated rental values and yields adopted.

5

•  We searched the tenant base to confi rm there was not a concentration of 

4

higher risk of failure tenants.

•  In respect of the properties not in the sample tested by our Chartered 

Surveyors (18% of the fair value), we performed detailed analytical 
procedures on a property-by-property basis. This involved forming an 
expectation of the fair value of each property in the portfolio by reference 
to relevant external market data relating to capital growth rates. We 
investigated further the valuations of those properties which were not in 
line with our initial expectations which included further discussions with 
management and the external valuers and, where appropriate, involvement 
of our Chartered Surveyors. 

•  We made enquiries of the external valuers and inspected their terms of 

reference to confi rm that they had not been subject to undue infl uence or 
direction from management.

•  We utilised our detailed analytical procedures and work of the Chartered 

Surveyors described above in order to assess for evidence of undue 
management infl uence.

•  We performed site visits accompanied by our Chartered Surveyors for a 
sample of properties (focusing primarily on properties under signifi cant 
refurbishment) which enabled us to assess the stage of completion of, and 
gain specifi c insights into, these refurbishments. 

•  For properties under signifi cant refurbishment, we vouched the costs 

incurred to date, and agreed the cost to complete estimates to approved 
budgets and contractual arrangements. We met with property surveyors to 
discuss the project costs and risks associated with the signifi cant projects.
•  Together with our Chartered Surveyors, we met with the external valuers to 

discuss the fi ndings from our audit work described above and to seek 
further explanations as required. We also discussed the impact of current 
market conditions on the property valuations. 

Key observations communicated to the Audit Committee
We have audited the inputs, assumptions and reviewed the methodology 
used by the external valuers. We conclude that the inputs and methodology 
applied are reasonable and that the external valuations are an appropriate 
assessment of the fair value of investment properties at 30 September 2019.

We did not identify any exceptions or material errors in the input testing for 
the sample we tested.

We conclude that the valuation of each of the assets in the sample tested 
by our Chartered Surveyors are within a reasonable range.

We conclude that management provided an appropriate level of review and 
challenge over the valuations but we did not identify evidence of undue 
management infl uence or bias.

Risk: Revenue recognition, including the 
timing of revenue recognition, and the 
treatment of rents and incentives
£117.3m of rents receivable (FY18: £112.8m)
Refer to the Accounting policies (page 122); and Note 5 of the Consolidated 
Financial Statements (page 107)

Market expectations and profi t based targets may place pressure on 
management to distort revenue recognition. This may result in 
overstatement or deferral of revenues to assist in meeting current or future 
targets or expectations.

In order to distort rental income, management could manipulate the 
deferred revenue balance or the IFRS rent adjustment for lease incentives.

Our response to the risk 
We performed detailed testing for a sample of leases by agreeing the annual 
rent back to the terms of the lease agreements.

•  For a sample of leases, we tested that the lease income, including the 

treatment of lease incentives, is on a straight-line basis, and in accordance 
with SIC-15 Operating Leases – Incentives.

•  We verifi ed the completeness of the lease incentives recorded. For a 

sample of leases, we read the terms to identify rent free periods and other 
incentives. We verifi ed that these incentives in our sample were correctly 
recorded in the rent free asset and that income was correctly straight-
lined. 

•  We performed substantive analytical procedures and found that the 

revenue recognised by the Group and each of the operating companies 
was materially consistent with our expectations developed from rents in the 
tenancy schedules.

•  We performed analytical procedures to confi rm the deferred income 
balance is materially within our expectations. We substantively tested a 
sample of balances by agreeing the timing of rent recognised to invoices or 
rent agreements.

•  We considered the decline in the UK retail and restaurant sector and 

assessed the impact on the Group’s fi nancial statements. We obtained a list 
of known Creditors Voluntary Arrangements and other information about 
retailer health and compared to Shaftesbury’s tenant list to identify tenants 
at risk of non-payment of rental amounts. We obtained the aged debtors 
listing for the Group and the Longmartin joint venture to identify aged 
debtors. We tested recoverability of the aged debtors by agreeing to 
subsequent cash receipts. We enquired with and challenged management 
regarding the appropriateness of the provision for doubtful debts. We also 
considered the recoverability of other tenant related balances including 
lease incentive assets and prepaid letting costs.

•  We evaluated whether the revenue recognition policies adopted complied 

with IFRSs as adopted by the European Union.

•  We performed audit procedures specifi cally designed to address the risk of 
management override of controls including journal entry testing to confi rm 
the processing and timing of journals to record revenue is consistent with 
our expectations.

Key observations communicated to the Audit Committee
We audited the timing of revenue recognition, treatment of rents and 
incentives, and assessed the risk of management override. 

We have assessed the recoverability of the aged debtors and tenant related 
balances including lease incentive assets and prepaid letting costs, and 
concluded that the provision for doubtful debts is reasonable. 

Based upon the audit procedures performed, we conclude that revenue 
has been recognised on an appropriate basis in the year.

The procedures we carried out over revenue recognition apply to all the 
Group’s revenue and the revenue in the Longmartin joint venture.

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Shaftesbury Annual Report 2019

Governance  Independent Auditor’s Report  

Risk: Litigation and claims
Refer to Corporate Governance (page 68) and Note 27 of the Consolidated 
Financial Statements (page 121).

Judgement is required in assessing the recognition of a provision or disclosure 
of a contingent liability in relation to a claim brought against the Group.

This is a new key audit matter in the year because of a claim brought against 
the Group which resulted in our audit procedures requiring increased 
involvement of senior members of the audit team.

Our response to the risk 
•  We understood the nature of the claim, and judgements made in respect of 

it, by reading claim documents, and corroborated our understanding 
through inquiry with management and the Group’s external legal counsel.
•  We evaluated the judgements made in preparing the financial statements 

relevant to whether a provision should be recognised or a disclosure should 
be made of a contingent liability as a result of the claim. 

•  We verified that appropriate disclosure had been made in the Consolidated 

Financial Statements to meet the requirements of IFRS.

Key observations reported to the Audit Committee
We conclude that management have accounted for the claim appropriately 
and have presented a contingent liability disclosure in accordance with IAS 37.

An overview of the scope of our audit
Our assessment of audit risk, our evaluation of materiality and our allocation 
of performance materiality determine our audit scope for each entity within 
the Group. Taken together, this enables us to form an opinion on the 
consolidated financial statements. We take into account size, risk profile, the 
organisation of the Group, effectiveness of group-wide controls and 
changes in the business environment when assessing the level of work to be 
performed at each entity.

Our application of materiality
We apply the concept of materiality in planning and performing the audit, in 
evaluating the effect of identified misstatements on the audit and in forming 
our audit opinion. 

The table below sets out the materiality, performance materiality and 
threshold for reporting audit differences applied on our audit: 

Basis

Materiality

Perfor-
mance 
Materiality

Audit  
Differences

Overall

Specific

Applicable for account 
balances not related to 
investment properties, 
loans and borrowings.

1% of total assets

5% of operating profit 
before investment 
property valuation 
movements and net 
finance costs

£40m

£4m

£30m

£3m

£2m

£0.2m

Materiality
The magnitude of an omission or misstatement that, individually or in the 
aggregate, could reasonably be expected to influence the economic 
decisions of the users of the financial statements. Materiality provides a 
basis for determining the nature and extent of our audit procedures.

When establishing our overall audit strategy, we determined a magnitude of 
uncorrected misstatements that we judged would be material for the financial 
statements as a whole. We determined that total assets would be the most 
appropriate basis for determining overall materiality given that key users of the 
Group’s financial statements are primarily focussed on the valuation of the 
Group’s assets; primarily the investment property portfolio. This provided a 
basis for determining the nature, timing and extent of risk assessment 
procedures, identifying and assessing the risk of material misstatement and 
determining the nature, timing and extent of further audit procedures. For 
planning purposes this was initially based on the total assets as at 31 March 2019.

We assessed that for account balances not related to investment properties 
(either wholly owned or within the joint venture), loans and borrowings, a 
misstatement of less than overall materiality for the financial statements 
could influence the economic decisions of users. We have determined that 
specific materiality for these areas should be based on operating profit 
before investment property valuation movements and net finance costs.  
We believe that it is appropriate to use a profit-based measure for specific 
materiality as profit is also a focus of users of the financial statements.

During the course of our audit, we reassessed initial materiality. There has 
been no change in our overall materiality or in our materiality threshold as 
at 30 September 2019.

In the prior year audit we adopted an overall materiality of £40m based on 
1% of total assets. We also applied a specific materiality of £4m based on 
5% of operating profit before investment property valuation movements 
and net finance costs.

Performance materiality
The application of materiality at the individual account or balance level. It is set 
at an amount to reduce to an appropriately low level the probability that the 
aggregate of uncorrected and undetected misstatements exceeds materiality.

On the basis of our risk assessments, together with our assessment of the 
Group’s overall control environment, our judgement was that overall performance 
materiality and specific performance materiality (i.e. our tolerance for 
misstatement in an individual account or balance) for the Group should be 
75% (2018: 75%) of the respective materiality. Our objective in adopting this 
approach is to confirm that total detected and undetected audit differences 
do not exceed our materiality for the financial statements as a whole.

Reporting threshold
An amount below which identified misstatements are considered as being 
clearly trivial.

We agreed with the Audit Committee that we would report to the Committee 
any uncorrected audit differences on investment property valuations in 
excess of £2m, as well as uncorrected audit differences in excess of £0.2m 
that relate to our specific testing of the other account balances not related  
to investment properties, loans and borrowings. These are set at 5% of their 
respective materiality. We also agreed to report differences below that 
threshold that, in our view, warranted reporting on qualitative grounds.

We evaluate any uncorrected misstatements against both the quantitative 
measures of materiality discussed above and in light of other relevant 
qualitative considerations in forming our opinion.

Other information 
The other information comprises the information included in the annual 
report including the Strategic report, Governance and Other information set 
out on pages 1 to 97 and 124 to 132, other than the financial statements and 
our auditor’s report thereon. The directors are responsible for the other 
information. 

Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other 
information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in this 
report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. 

In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our responsibility is 
to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other 
information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our 
knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially 
misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material 
misstatements, we are required to determine whether there is a material 
misstatement in the financial statements or a material misstatement of the 
other information. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude 
that there is a material misstatement of the other information, we are 
required to report that fact.

We have nothing to report in this regard.
•  In this context, we also have nothing to report in regard to our responsibility 
to specifically address the following items in the other information and to 
report as uncorrected material misstatements of the other information 
where we conclude that those items meet the following conditions:

100
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Shaftesbury Annual Report 2019

Governance

 Independent Auditor’s Report 

•  Fair, balanced and understandable set out on page 80 – the statement 
given by the directors that they consider the annual report and fi nancial 
statements 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, is materially inconsistent with 
our knowledge obtained in the audit; or 

•  Audit committee reporting set out on pages 78 to 81 – the section 

describing the work of the audit committee does not appropriately address 
matters communicated by us to the audit committee; or

•  Directors’ statement of compliance with the UK Corporate Governance 
Code set out on page 68 – the parts of the directors’ statement required 
under the Listing Rules relating to the company’s compliance with the UK 
Corporate Governance Code containing provisions specifi ed for review by 
the auditor in accordance with Listing Rule 9.8.10R(2) do not properly disclose 
a departure from a relevant provision of the UK Corporate Governance Code.

Opinions on other matters prescribed 
by the Companies Act 2006
In our opinion, the part of the directors’ remuneration report to be audited 
has been properly prepared in accordance with the Companies Act 2006.

In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit:
•  the information given in the strategic report and the directors’ report for 

the fi nancial year for which the fi nancial statements are prepared is 
consistent with the fi nancial statements; and 

•  the strategic report and the directors’ report have been prepared in 

accordance with applicable legal requirements.

Matters on which we are required to 
report by exception
In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the Group and the Company 
and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identifi ed 
material misstatements in the strategic report or the directors’ report.

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to 
which the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:
•  adequate accounting records have not been kept by the parent company, 
or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from branches 
not visited by us; or

•  the parent company fi nancial statements and the part of the Directors’ 
Remuneration Report to be audited are not in agreement with the 
accounting records and returns; or

•  certain disclosures of directors’ remuneration specifi ed by law are not made; or
•  we have not received all the information and explanations we require for 

our audit.

Responsibilities of directors
As explained more fully in the directors’ responsibilities statement set out 
on page 97, the directors are responsible for the preparation of the fi nancial 
statements and for being satisfi ed that they give a true and fair view, and for 
such internal control as the directors determine is necessary to enable the 
preparation of fi nancial statements that are free from material 
misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. 

In preparing the fi nancial statements, the directors are responsible for 
assessing the Group and Company’s ability to continue as a going concern, 
disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the 
going concern basis of accounting unless the directors either intend to 
liquidate the Group or the Company or to cease operations, or have no 
realistic alternative but to do so.

Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit 
of t(cid:731)e fi nancial statements 
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the 
fi nancial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, 
whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes 
our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a 
guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always 
detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from 
fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the 
aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to infl uence the economic 
decisions of users taken on the basis of these fi nancial statements. 

Explanation as to what extent the audit 
was considered capable of detecting 
irregularities, including fraud
The objectives of our audit, in respect to fraud, are; to identify and assess 
the risks of material misstatement of the fi nancial statements due to fraud; 
to obtain suffi  cient appropriate audit evidence regarding the assessed risks 
of material misstatement due to fraud, through designing and implementing 
appropriate responses; and to respond appropriately to fraud or suspected 
fraud identifi ed during the audit. However, the primary responsibility for the 
prevention and detection of fraud rests with both those charged with 
governance of the entity and management. 

Our approach was as follows: 
•  We obtained an understanding of the legal and regulatory frameworks that 

are applicable to the Group and determined that the most signifi cant 
frameworks which are directly relevant to specifi c assertions in the fi nancial 
statements are those that relate to the reporting framework (IFRSs, the 
Companies Act 2006 and UK Corporate Governance Code) and the relevant 
tax regulations in the United Kingdom, including the UK REIT regulations.
•  We understood how Shaftesbury PLC is complying with those frameworks 

through enquiry with management, and by identifying the Company’s policies 
and procedures regarding compliance with laws and regulations. We also 
identifi ed those members of management who have the primary responsibility 
for ensuring compliance with laws and regulations, and for reporting any 
known instances of non-compliance to those charged with governance.

•  We assessed the susceptibility of the Group’s fi nancial statements to 

material misstatement, including how fraud might occur, by reviewing the 
Company’s risk register and enquiry with management and the Audit 
Committee during the planning and execution phases of our audit.

•  Based on this understanding we designed our audit procedures to identify 
non-compliance with such laws and regulations. Our procedures involved 
the following:
– Inquire of members of senior management, and when appropriate, those 
charged with governance regarding their knowledge of any non-compliance 
or potential non-compliance with laws and regulations that could aff ect 
the fi nancial statements.

– Reading minutes of meetings of those charged with governance. 
– Obtaining and reading correspondence from legal and regulatory bodies 

including HMRC. 

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the fi nancial 
statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council’s website at 
https://www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part 
of our auditor’s report.

Other matters we are required to address
•  We were appointed by the Company on 15 October 2015 to audit the 

fi nancial statements for the year ended 30 September 2016 and 
subsequent fi nancial periods. The period of total uninterrupted 
engagement including previous renewals and reappointments is 4 years, 
covering the years ended 30 September 2016 to 30 September 2019. Our 
audit engagement letter was refreshed on 30 October 2017.

•  The non-audit services prohibited by the FRC’s Ethical Standard were not 

provided to the Group or the Company and we remain independent of the 
Group and the Company in conducting the audit.

•  The audit opinion is consistent with the additional report to the audit 

committee explaining the results of our audit.

Use of our report
This report is made solely to the company’s members, as a body, in accordance 
with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been 
undertaken so that we might state to the company’s members those matters 
we are required to state to them in an auditor’s report and for no other 
purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume 
responsibility to anyone other than the company and the company’s members 
as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

Daniel Saunders (Senior statutory auditor)
for and on behalf of Ernst & Young LLP, Statutory Auditor

London
25 November 2019

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Shaftesbury Annual Report 2019

Financial statements

Group statement of comprehensive income
For the year ended 30 September 2019

Revenue 

Property charges

Net property income

Administrative expenses

Operating profit before investment property disposals and valuation movements

Profit on disposal of investment properties

Net revaluation (deficit)/surplus on investment properties

Operating profit

Finance income

Finance costs

Share of post-tax loss 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

See page 124 for an explanation of the EPRA measures used in these financial statements.

Notes

5

6

7

8

11

9

13

10

25

2019
£m

126.9

(28.9)

98.0

(15.2)

82.8

2.8

(15.3)

70.3

1.0

(31.5)

(13.8)

26.0

-

26.0

8.5p

8.5p

17.8p

2018
£m

122.1

(28.3)

93.8

(13.7)

80.1

4.6

123.1

207.8

0.8

(32.0)

(1.1)

175.5

-

175.5

58.1p

58.0p

17.1p

102
102

Shaftesbury Annual Report 2019

Financial statements

Balance sheets
As at 30 September 2019

Group

2019
£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

Total liabilities

Net assets

Equity

Share capital

Share premium

Share-based payments reserve

Retained earnings

Total equity

11

12

13

16

14

15

16

17

18

20

21

21

21

2018
£m

3,714.8

9.9

143.9

1.3

3.7

-

3,765.9

13.1

127.6

1.4

3.7

-

3,911.7

3,873.6

35.1

54.0

4,000.8

30.3

118.5

4,022.4

43.8

40.8

949.8

993.6

948.6

989.4

Company

2019
£m

-

-

59.0

1.4

-

1,238.3

1,298.7

47.8

36.9

1,383.4

10.4

(1.3)

9.1

2018
£m

-

-

59.0

1.3

-

1,160.9

1,221.2

51.2

100.6

1,373.0

6.6

(1.8)

4.8

3,007.2

3,033.0

1,374.3

1,368.2

76.9

378.6

1.3

2,550.4

3,007.2

76.8

378.4

1.2

2,576.6

3,033.0

76.9

378.6

1.3

917.5

76.8

378.4

1.2

911.8

1,374.3

1,368.2

The Company made a profi t of £57.9 million (2018: £73.5 million) in the year. 

On behalf of the Board who approved and authorised for issue the fi nancial statements on pages 102 to 123 on 25 November 2019.

Brian Bickell  
Chief Executive 

Chris Ward
Finance Director

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Shaftesbury Annual Report 2019

Financial statements

(cid:694)as(cid:731) (cid:1026)o(cid:746) statements
For the year ended 30 September 2019

Operating activities

Cash generated from operating activities

Interest received

Interest paid

Net cash from/(used in) operating activities

Investing activities

Investment property acquisitions

Investment property disposals

Capital expenditure on investment properties

Purchase of property, plant and equipment

Dividends received from joint venture

Increase in loans to joint venture

Amounts received from subsidiaries

Amounts provided to subsidiaries

Net cash (used in)/from investing activities

Financing activities

Proceeds from exercise of share options

Proceeds from share placing

Share placing costs

Proceeds from borrowings

Repayment of borrowings

Loan issue costs

Equity dividends paid

Net cash (used in)/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

2019
£m

79.8

1.0

(30.2)

50.6

(47.2)

14.3

(28.2)

(0.5)

2.5

(3.3)

-

-

2018
£m

76.5

0.8

(31.0)

46.3

(167.8)

13.3

(26.6)

(0.4)

3.0

(3.0)

-

-

(62.4)

(181.5)

0.2

-

-

-

-

-

(52.9)

(52.7)

(64.5)

118.5

54.0

0.1

265.2

(4.8)

72.0

(72.0)

(1.8)

(50.6)

208.1

72.9

45.6

118.5

Company

2019
£m

(16.4)

0.9

(1.5)

(17.0)

-

-

-

(0.5)

2.5

(3.3)

67.4

(60.1)

6.0

0.2

-

-

-

-

-

(52.9)

(52.7)

(63.7)

100.6

36.9

2018 
£m

(15.9)

0.7

(1.8)

(17.0)

-

-

-

(0.4)

3.0

(3.0)

73.0

(188.9)

(116.3)

0.1

265.2

(4.8)

72.0

(72.0)

(1.8)

(50.6)

208.1

74.8

25.8

100.6

Notes

24

8

20

20

23

16

16

104
104

Shaftesbury Annual Report 2019

Financial statements

Statements of changes in equity
For the year ended 30 September 2019

Share 
capital
£m

Share
premium
£m

Notes

Share-based
payments
reserve
£m

Retained
earnings
£m

Total 
equity
£m

378.4

1.2

2,576.6

3,033.0

Group

At 1 October 2018

Profi t and total comprehensive income for the year

Dividends paid

Exercise of share options

Share-based payments

Release on exercise of share options

At 30 September 2019

At 1 October 2017

Profi t and total comprehensive income for the year

Dividends paid 

Share placing

Exercise of share options

Share-based payments

Release on exercise of share options

At 30 September 2018

Company

At 1 October 2018

Profi t and total comprehensive income for the year 

Dividends paid 

Exercise of share options

Share-based payments

Release on exercise of share options

At 30 September 2019

At 1 October 2017

Profi t and total comprehensive income for the year 

Dividends paid 

Share placing

Exercise of share options

Share-based payments

Release on exercise of share options

At 30 September 2018

23

20

23

20

20

23

20

23

20

20

76.8

-

-

0.1

-

-

76.9

69.8

-

-

6.9

0.1

-

-

-

-

0.2

-

-

378.6

124.9

-

-

253.5

-

-

-

76.8

378.4

76.8

-

-

0.1

-

-

76.9

69.8

-

-

6.9

0.1

-

-

378.4

-

-

0.2

-

-

378.6

124.9

-

-

253.5

-

-

-

76.8

378.4

The Company’s distributable reserves are disclosed in note 21 to the fi nancial statements.

105
105

-

-

-

0.9

(0.8)

1.3

3.0

-

-

-

-

0.8

(2.6)

1.2

1.2

-

-

-

0.9

(0.8)

1.3

3.0

-

-

-

-

0.8

(2.6)

1.2

26.0

(52.9)

(0.1)

-

0.8

26.0

(52.9)

0.2

0.9

-

2,550.4

3,007.2

2,449.2

2,646.9

175.5

(50.6)

-

(0.1)

-

2.6

175.5

(50.6)

260.4

-

0.8

-

2,576.6

3,033.0

911.8

57.9

(52.9)

(0.1)

-

0.8

917.5

886.4

73.5

(50.6)

-

(0.1)

-

2.6

1,368.2

57.9

(52.9)

0.2

0.9

-

1,374.3

1,084.1

73.5

(50.6)

260.4

-

0.8

-

911.8

1,368.2

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Shaftesbury Annual Report 2019

Financial statements

Notes to t(cid:731)e financial statements
For the year ended 30 September 2019

1 Basis of preparation
Shaftesbury PLC (“the Company”) is a public company limited by shares, 
incorporated, registered and domiciled in England and Wales. It is listed on 
the London Stock Exchange. The address of the registered office and its 
registered number are given on page 96.

The financial statements of the Company, and the consolidated financial 
statements of the Company and its subsidiaries, (collectively, “the Group”) 
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 in Pounds Sterling and under the 
historical cost convention as modified by the revaluation of investment 
properties. 

The Company is the ultimate parent company of the Group. 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 £57.9 million (2018: £73.5 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 1 to 62. The financial position of the Group 
including cash flow, liquidity, borrowings, undrawn facilities and debt 
maturity analysis is set out on pages 56 to 57. The directors have a 
reasonable expectation that the Group has adequate resources to continue 
in operational existence for at least 12 months from the date these financial 
statements were approved. Therefore, they continue to adopt the going 
concern basis in preparing the financial statements.

2 Changes in accounting policies
The Group’s significant accounting policies are disclosed in note 29. The 
accounting policies and methods of computation used are consistent with 
those of the previous financial year, with the exception of new standards 
and amendments to standards which became effective in the financial year.

New standards adopted during the year
The following standards and amendments to existing standards were 
relevant to the Group, adopted from 1 October 2018, and did not have a 
material impact on the financial statements. 

Annual Improvements 2014-2016 
IFRS 2 (amendment) – Classification of share-based payment transactions 
IAS 40 (amendment) – Transfers of investment property

IFRS 9 – Financial Instruments
This standard deals with, amongst other things, the classification and 
measurement of financial instruments. The main area applicable to the 
Group is the method for assessing any impairment provisions, given the 
requirement to use a forward-looking expected credit loss model. The 
material financial assets subject to the new expected credit loss model 
include cash and cash equivalents, trade receivables, amounts due from 
joint venture and amounts due from subsidiaries (Company only). Following 
adoption of the standard, the accounting policies and disclosures have 
been updated in line with the new IFRS 9 requirements. There was no 
material impact to the amounts recognised in the financial statements. The 
standard was adopted retrospectively, without restating the comparative 
balances for classification, measurement and impairment.

IFRS 15 – Revenue from contracts with customers
This standard is based on the principle that revenue is recognised when 
control passes to a customer. For the Group it is applicable to service 
charge income and proceeds from the disposal of investment properties. It 
does not include rental income, which falls within the scope of IAS 17 – 
Leases (IFRS 16 – Leases from 1 October 2019). Following the Group’s 

assessment of the standard, its adoption did not have a material impact to 
the amounts recognised in the financial statements. The accounting policies 
and disclosures have been updated in line with the new IFRS 15 
requirements. The standard was adopted on a modified retrospective basis, 
therefore comparative balances have not been restated.

Standards relevant to the Group but not yet effective
The following standard and amendments to existing standards were in issue 
at the Balance Sheet date, are not yet effective, and have not been adopted 
early. They are not expected to have a significant impact on the Group’s 
financial statements.

IFRS 9 (amendment) – Prepayment features with negative compensation 
IAS 28 (amendment) – Long-term interest in associates and joint ventures 
Annual Improvements 2015-2017

IFRS 16 – Leases (effective from 1 October 2019)
For operating leases in excess of one year, this standard requires lessees to 
recognise a right-of-use asset and a related lease liability representing the 
obligation to make lease payments. The right-of-use asset is assessed for 
impairment annually and is amortised on a straight-line basis. The lease 
liability is amortised using the effective interest method. Lessor accounting 
is substantially unchanged from current accounting. Therefore, since the 
Group is primarily a lessor, this standard does not significantly impact the 
Group’s financial statements. However, for the Company, it will result in the 
recognition of a right-to-use asset and corresponding lease liability for its 
head office, which we estimate at approximately £4.5 million, in the year 
when the standard becomes effective.

(cid:678) Significant (cid:733)udgements(cid:671) assum(cid:739)tions and 
key estimates
The preparation of the financial statements in accordance with IFRS 
requires the directors to make judgements and estimates about the 
carrying amounts of assets and liabilities, in applying the Group’s accounting 
policies. The judgements and estimates are based on historical experience 
and other relevant factors, including expectations of future events, and are 
reviewed on a continual basis. Although the estimates are made using the 
directors’ best knowledge of the amount, event or actions, actual results 
may differ from the original estimates. 

Significant area of estimation uncertainty 
The investment property portfolio is valued by independent third party valuers. 
Cushman & Wakefield value the properties owned by the Group, and Knight 
Frank LLP value the properties owned by the Longmartin joint venture. 

Values are 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. Cushman & 
Wakefield 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 126 to 127. These assumptions are 
in accordance with the RICS Valuation - Global 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. See note 11 for further information. 

(cid:692)rea of (cid:733)udgement
The directors considered the contingent liability arising from litigation from a 
shareholder and whether a provision should be recognised. The contingent 
liability is disclosed in note 27. Otherwise, the directors did not make any 
significant judgements in the preparation of these financial statements.

106
106

Shaftesbury Annual Report 2019

Financial statements

(cid:705)otes to t(cid:731)e fi nancia(cid:735) statements

4 Segmental information
IFRS 8 requires operating segments to be reported in a manner consistent with the internal fi nancial reporting reviewed by the chief operating decision 
maker. The chief operating decision maker of the Group is the Board. The Board is responsible for reviewing the Group’s internal reporting in order to 
assess performance. 

The information reviewed by the Board is prepared on a basis consistent with these fi nancial statements. That is, the information is provided at a Group 
level and includes both the IFRS reported results and EPRA measures (see page 124 for an explanation on the EPRA measures used in these fi nancial 
statements). 

The Group’s properties are all located in London’s West End, and are all of a similar type. The properties are typically mixed-use buildings with restaurants, 
leisure and retail on the lower fl oors and small offi  ces and apartments on the upper fl oors. As the properties share similar economic characteristics we 
consider them to be one operating segment. As such, no segmental information is presented. 

5 Revenue 

Rental income
Service charge income

2019
£m

117.3
9.6
126.9

2018
£m

112.8
9.3
122.1

Rental income includes a net increase of £2.3 million from tenant lease incentives (2018: £0.5 million net increase). Included within service charge income is 
£2.1 million (2018: £1.8 million) of amounts that were deferred at the previous year end. Amounts deferred at the end of the year relate to service charges 
invoiced in advance for the period 29 September to 24 December.

6 Property charges

Property operating costs
Vacant property costs
Fees payable to managing agents
Letting, rent review, and lease renewal costs
Marketing and events expenditure
Property outgoings
Service charge expenses

7 Administrative expenses

Group and Company

Employee costs
Depreciation
Other head offi ce costs

Less: administrative fees received from the joint venture

Employee costs (including the directors)

Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Other pension costs
Equity-settled remuneration

2019
£m

7.3
2.0
2.7
3.4
3.9
19.3
9.6
28.9

2019
£m

10.0
0.4
4.9
15.3
(0.1)
15.2

2019
£m

7.2
0.9
0.4
1.5
10.0

2018
£m

7.6
1.4
2.6
3.6
3.8
19.0
9.3
28.3

2018 
£m

8.5
0.4
4.9
13.8
(0.1)
13.7

2018 
£m

6.6
0.8
0.3
0.8
8.5

Included within equity-settled remuneration is a charge of £1.2 million (2018: £0.6 million) for the LTIP and SAYE schemes. Note 22 includes a summary of 
the principal assumptions made at the last grant dates for these schemes. Details of the employee costs for the Group’s key management personnel are set 
out in note 28.

Average monthly number of employees

Executive directors
Head offi ce and property management
Estate management

107
107

2019
number

2018 
number

4
27
1
32

4
25
1
30

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03

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Shaftesbury Annual Report 2019

Financial statements (cid:705)otes to t(cid:731)e financia(cid:735) statements

7 Administrative expenses continued

Auditor remuneration

Audit of the Company
Audit of the Group
Total fees for audit services
Audit related assurance services - half year review
Other assurance services
Total fees for non-audit services
Total fees 

2019
£000

71
128
199
26
5
31
230

2018
£000

61
116
177
22
10
32
209

The auditor provided no taxation services to the Group in 2019 (2018: nil). Total fees for non-audit services represented 16% (2018: 18%) of the total fees for 
audit services. 

(cid:683) Profit on dis(cid:739)osa(cid:735) of in(cid:745)estment (cid:739)ro(cid:739)erties

Net sale proceeds
Book value at date of sale

9 Finance costs

Mortgage bond interest
Bank and other interest
Issue cost amortisation

2019
£m

14.3
(11.5)
2.8

2019
£m

13.9
16.4
1.2
31.5

2018
£m

13.3
(8.7)
4.6

2018
£m

13.9
16.5
1.6
32.0

10 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. 

11 Investment properties

At 1 October
Acquisitions 
Disposals
Refurbishment and other capital expenditure
Net revaluation (deficit)/surplus on investment properties
Book value at 30 September

Fair value at 30 September:
Core properties valued by Cushman & Wakefield
Non-core properties valued by Cushman & Wakefield
Lease incentives and costs included in receivables
Book value at 30 September

The investment properties valuation comprises: 

Freehold properties
Leasehold properties

108
108

2019
£m

3,714.8
47.0
(11.5)
30.9
(15.3)
3,765.9

3,784.2
-
(18.3)
3,765.9

2019
£m

3,531.2
253.0
3,784.2

2018
£m

3,407.3
167.8
(8.7)
25.3
123.1
3,714.8

3,724.6
2.4
(12.2)
3,714.8

2018
£m

3,495.3
231.7
3,727.0

Shaftesbury Annual Report 2019

Financial statements

(cid:705)otes to t(cid:731)e fi nancia(cid:735) statements

11 Investment properties continued
Investment properties were valued at 30 September 2019 by professionally qualifi ed external valuers. The Group’s wholly-owned portfolio is valued by 
Cushman & Wakefi eld, members of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).

All properties were valued on the basis of fair value and highest and best use, in accordance with IFRS 13 and the RICS Valuation - Global Standards, which 
incorporate the International Valuation Standards and the RICS UK Valuation Standards edition current at the valuation date. When considering a property’s 
highest and best use, the valuer considers its actual and potential uses which are physically, legally and fi nancially viable. Where the highest and best use 
diff ers from the existing use, the valuer considers the use a market participant would have in mind when formulating the price it would bid and refl ects the 
cost and likelihood of achieving that use.

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 similar assets for which price information is available. The external valuer uses information provided by the Group, such as 
tenancy information and capital expenditure expectations. In deriving fair value, the valuer also makes a series of assumptions, using professional judgement 
and market observations. The key assumptions are the equivalent yields and estimated future rental income (ERVs), as set out in the Basis of Valuation on 
pages 126 to 127. Equivalent yields are based on current market prices, depending on, inter alia, the location and use of the properties. ERVs are calculated 
using a number of factors which include current rental income, market comparatives and occupancy levels. Whilst there is market evidence for these 
inputs, and recent transaction prices for similar properties, there is still a signifi cant element of estimation and judgement. As a result of adjustments made 
by the valuers to market observable data, these signifi cant inputs are deemed unobservable.

Since the key inputs to the valuation are unobservable, the Group considers all its investment properties fall within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy in IFRS 
13. The Group’s policy is to recognise transfers between 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 (2018: none).

The major inputs to the external valuation are reviewed by the senior management team. In addition, the valuer meets with the external auditor and 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 
78 to 80.

A summary of the Cushman & Wakefi eld report can be found on pages 128 to 129.

Fees were agreed at fi xed amounts in advance of the valuations being carried out. During the year, Cushman & Wakefi eld acted as letting agents for 
Shaftesbury Covent Garden Limited and Shaftesbury CL Limited, rent review surveyors for Shaftesbury CL Limited and provided other advice to 
Shaftesbury PLC. Non valuation fees represented 36% of total fees for the valuation of the Group’s investment properties. Fees payable by the Group to 
Cushman & Wakefi eld do not constitute a signifi cant part of their fee income.

Sensitivity analysis
As noted in the signifi cant judgements, assumptions and key estimates section on page 106, 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 fl ow in the commercial property market.

The Group’s properties are all located in London’s West End and are virtually all multi-use buildings, usually confi gured with commercial uses on the lower 
fl oors and offi  ce and/or residential uses on the upper fl oors. Cushman & Wakefi eld 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

-5.0%
£m

(171.0)

Change in ERV
-2.5%
£m

+2.5% 
£m

(85.8)

89.4

+5.0%
£m

178.8

Change in equivalent yields
+0.5%
£m

-0.25%
£m

313.0

(500.1)

-0.5%
£m

684.5

+1.0%
£m

(883.3)

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 2019, the Group had capital commitments of £82.4 million (2018: £58.7 million). This included £39.0 million (2018: £39.0 million) relating to 
the forward purchase of a long leasehold interest and £43.4 million (2018: £19.7 million) relating to future capital expenditure for the enhancement of the 
Group’s investment properties. See pages 51 to 53 for a discussion of the Group’s property activity during the year. 

Details of the restrictions on the Group’s investment properties are set out in note 18.

12 Accrued income

Accrued income in respect of lease incentives 
Less: included in trade and other receivables (note 15)

2019
£m

16.1
(3.0)
13.1

2018
£m

12.2
(2.3)
9.9

109
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Shaftesbury Annual Report 2019

Financial statements (cid:705)otes to t(cid:731)e financia(cid:735) statements

(cid:676)(cid:678) (cid:700)n(cid:745)estment in (cid:733)oint (cid:745)enture

Group
At 1 October
Share of losses
Dividends received
Book value at 30 September

Company
Shares at cost
At 1 October and 30 September

2019
£m

143.9
(13.8)
(2.5)
127.6

2019
£m

59.0

2018
£m

148.0
(1.1)
(3.0)
143.9

2018
£m

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 and registered office is the same as the Group, as set out on page 96. Control of Longmartin Properties Limited is 
shared equally with The Mercers’ Company, which owns 50% of its issued share capital.

At 30 September 2019, the joint venture had capital commitments of £5.2 million (2018: £10.4 million) relating to future capital expenditure for the 
enhancement of its investment properties, of which, 50% relates to the Group.

The summarised Statement of Comprehensive Income and Balance Sheet used for consolidation purposes are presented below:

Statement of Comprehensive Income
Rental income
Service charge income
Revenue from properties
Property outgoings
Service charge expenses
Property charges
Net property income
Administrative expenses
Operating profit before investment property valuation movements
Net revaluation deficit on investment properties
Operating (loss)/profit
Finance costs
Loss before tax
Current tax
Deferred tax
Tax credit for the year 
Loss and total comprehensive loss for the year

Loss attributable to the Group

Balance Sheet
Non-current assets
Investment properties at book value
Accrued income 
Other receivables

Cash and cash equivalents
Other 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

110
110

2019
£m

15.0
1.8
16.8
(2.2)
(1.8)
(4.0)
12.8
(0.2)
12.6
(38.5)
(25.9)
(6.8)
(32.7)
(1.2)
6.3
5.1
(27.6)

(13.8)

2019
£m

426.3
1.7
1.3
429.3

1.2
4.1
434.6

21.7

120.0
37.7
179.4
255.2

127.6

2018
£m

16.1
1.5
17.6
(1.8)
(1.5)
(3.3)
14.3
(0.4)
13.9
(10.0)
3.9
(6.8)
(2.9)
(1.5)
2.3
0.8
(2.1)

(1.1)

2018
£m

457.4
2.1
1.3
460.8

2.6
3.9
467.3

15.5

120.0
43.9
179.4
287.9

143.9

Shaftesbury Annual Report 2019

Financial statements

(cid:705)otes to t(cid:731)e fi nancia(cid:735) statements

14 Investment in subsidiaries

Shares in Group undertakings
At 1 October
Additional share capital issued by subsidiaries 
Impairment of shares in subsidiary
At 30 September

2019
£m

1,160.9
77.4
-
1,238.3

2018
£m

619.6
554.7
(13.4)
1,160.9

A number of subsidiaries issued share capital to the Company in both 2019 and 2018. All transactions were settled through intercompany indebtedness. 

In 2018, Shaftesbury Charlotte Street Limited distributed £13.4 million to the Company following a capital reduction. Following this, the Company impaired 
its investment in this subsidiary.

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:

Active subsidiaries:
Shaftesbury Carnaby PLC
Shaftesbury Covent Garden Limited
Shaftesbury Chinatown PLC
Shaftesbury Soho Limited
Shaftesbury AV Investment Limited
Dormant subsidiaries:
Carnaby Estate Holdings Limited
Carnaby Investments Limited
Carnaby Property Investments Limited1
Chinatown Estate Holdings Limited
Chinatown Property Investments Limited1
Covent Garden Estate Holdings Limited
Shaftesbury Covent Garden Property Investments Limited1
Shaftesbury Charlotte Street Limited
Charlotte Street Estate Holdings Limited
Chinatown London Limited

Shaftesbury AV Limited1
Shaftesbury CL Investment Limited
Shaftesbury CL Limited1
Helcon Limited2
Shaftesbury West End 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

1.  100% of the share capital of these subsidiaries is held by other Group companies.
2.  This subsidiary is in the process of being voluntarily wound up in order to simplify the Group structure.

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. The registered offi  ce of the subsidiaries is the same as the Group, as set out on page 96.

15 Trade and other receivables

Trade receivables
Provision for expected credit losses

Accrued income in respect of lease incentives (note 12)
Amounts due from subsidiaries
Amounts due from joint venture
Other taxation and social security
Prepayments
Other receivables

Group

Company

2019
£m

18.3
(1.5)
16.8
3.0
-
7.2
-
7.6
0.5
35.1

2018
£m

16.2
(1.2)
15.0
2.3
-
3.9
-
9.0
0.1
30.3

2019
£m

-
-
-
-
37.5
7.2
2.0
0.6
0.5
47.8

2018
£m

-
-
-
-
46.6
3.9
-
0.7
-
51.2

Trade receivables represent amounts due from tenants. Within this balance is £3.4 million (2018: £2.6 million) owed for service charges.

Provisions against tenant receivables are calculated using a forward-looking expected credit loss model. In determining the provision, the Group considers 
both recent payment history and future expectations of possible default in order to recognise a lifetime expected credit loss allowance. At 30 September 
2019, amounts due from tenants which were more than 90 days overdue totalled £2.7 million (2018: £2.6 million). Provisions against these overdue amounts 
totalled £1.5 million (2018: £1.0 million). The remaining balance is not considered to be impaired.

Cash deposits totalling £20.7 million (2018: £20.6 million) were held against tenants’ rent payment obligations. The deposits are held in bank accounts 
administered by the Group’s managing agents and are not included within the Group Balance Sheet.

111
111

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Shaftesbury Annual Report 2019

Financial statements (cid:705)otes to t(cid:731)e financia(cid:735) statements

16 Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at 30 September 2019, comprising cash at bank, were £54.0 million (2018: £118.5 million) for the Group and £36.9 million (2018: 
£100.6 million) for the Company.

Non-current other receivables include £3.7 million at 30 September 2019 (2018: £3.7 million) which relate to cash held on deposit as security for certain 
secured term loans, and where there are certain conditions restricting their use. 

17 Trade and other payables

Deferred rental income
Accruals and deferred service charge income

Trade payables and accruals in respect of capital expenditure
Amounts due to subsidiaries
Other taxation and social security
Other payables and accruals

Group

Company

2019
£m

23.0
5.1
28.1
3.5
-
2.9
9.3
43.8

2018
£m

22.2
3.0
25.2
2.7
-
5.1
7.8
40.8

2019
£m

-
-
-
-
5.5
1.2
3.7
10.4

2018
£m

-
-
-
-
2.8
1.3
2.5
6.6

Following the adoption of IFRS 15, the amounts included in the table above for deferred rental income and accruals and deferred service charge income 
have been disaggregated and disclosed separately. The 2018 figures have been restated accordingly. This had no impact on the net assets nor profit after 
tax reported for that year.

18 Borrowings

Group

Mortgage bonds
Secured bank facilities
Secured term loans
Total Group borrowings

Nominal
value
£m

575.0
-
384.8
959.8

2019

Unamortised
issue costs
£m

(4.9)
(1.3)
(3.8)
(10.0)

Book
value
£m

570.1
(1.3)
381.0
949.8

Nominal
value
£m

575.0
-
384.8
959.8

2018
Unamortised
issue costs
£m

(5.3)
(1.8)
(4.1)
(11.2)

Book
value
£m

569.7
(1.8)
380.7
948.6

Details of the Group’s current financial position are discussed on page 57. 

At 30 September 2019, there were no drawings against the Group’s secured bank facilities (2018: none). The Group is still able to benefit from these 
committed revolving facilities, and as such, unamortised issue costs of £1.3 million (2018: £1.8 million) continue to be carried in the Balance Sheet. 

The Group’s borrowings are secured by fixed charges over certain investment properties held by subsidiaries, with a carrying value of £3,088.9 million (2018: 
£3,151.4 million), and by floating charges over the assets of the Company and/or certain subsidiaries. To the extent there is a fixed charge over a property, 
consent is needed from the relevant lender for the fixed charge to be removed, for example, in the case of a disposal of that property. There are currently 
no restrictions on the remittance of income from investment properties.

Net debt reconciliation

Non-current borrowings
Mortgage bonds
Secured term loans
Loan issue costs

Loan issue costs1
Cash & cash equivalents (note 16)
Net debt at 30 September 2019
Net debt at 30 September 2018

1.  Loan issue costs are eliminated in the calculation of net debt.

Cash flows

1.10.2018
£m

Inflows
£m

Outflows
£m

Non-cash items
£m 

30.9.2019
£m

575.0
384.8
(11.2)
948.6

11.2
(118.5)
841.3
914.2

-
-
-
-

-
(97.8)
(97.8)
(286.9)

-
-
-
-

-
162.3
162.3
214.0

-
-
1.2
1.2

(1.2)
-
-
-

575.0
384.8
(10.0)
949.8

10.0
(54.0)
905.8
841.3

112
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Shaftesbury Annual Report 2019

Financial statements

(cid:705)otes to t(cid:731)e fi nancia(cid:735) statements

18 Borrowings continued

Availability and maturity of borrowings 

Repayable between 1 and 5 years
Repayable between 5 and 10 years
Repayable after 10 years

Committed
£m

225.0
424.8
535.0
1,184.8

2019

Drawn
£m

-
424.8
535.0
959.8

Undrawn
£m

225.0
-
-
225.0

Committed
£m

225.0
290.0
669.8
1,184.8

2018

Drawn
£m

-
290.0
669.8
959.8

(cid:700)nterest rate (cid:739)rofi (cid:735)e of interest (cid:725)earing (cid:725)orro(cid:746)ings

Fixed rate borrowings
Secured term loans 
Mortgage bonds 2027
Mortgage bonds 2031
Weighted average cost of drawn borrowings

2019

2018

Debt
£m

384.8
290.0
285.0

Interest
rate 

3.85%
2.35%
2.49%
2.99%

Debt
£m

384.8
290.0
285.0

Undrawn
£m

225.0
-
-
225.0

Interest
rate 

3.85%
2.35%
2.49%
2.99%

The Group and Company also incur non-utilisation fees on undrawn facilities. At 30 September 2019, the weighted average charge on the undrawn facilities 
of £225.0 million (2018: £225.0 million) for the Group and Company was 0.66% (2018: 0.66%).

The weighted average credit margin on the Group and Company’s secured bank facilities was 1.46% (2018: 1.46%).

Company

Secured bank facilities
Total Company borrowings

Nominal
value
£m
-
-

2019

Unamortised
issue costs
£m
(1.3)
(1.3)

Book
value
£m
(1.3)
(1.3)

Nominal
value
£m
-
-

2018
Unamortised
issue costs
£m
(1.8)
(1.8)

Book
value
£m
(1.8)
(1.8)

At 30 September 2019, there were no drawings against the Company’s secured bank facilities (2018: £Nil). The Company is still able to benefi t from these 
committed revolving credit facilities, and as such, unamortised issue costs of £1.3 million (2018: £1.8 million) continue to be carried in the Balance Sheet.

Net debt reconciliation 

Non-current borrowings
Secured bank facilities
Loan issue costs

Loan issue costs1
Cash & cash equivalents (note 16)
Net debt at 30 September 2019
Net debt at 30 September 2018

1.  Loan issue costs are eliminated in the calculation of net debt.

Availability and maturity of borrowings 

Repayable between 1 and 5 years

Cash fl ows

1.10.2018
£m

Infl ows
£m

Outfl ows
£m

Non-cash items 
£m

30.9.2019
£m

-
(1.8)
(1.8)

1.8
(100.6)
(100.6)
(25.8)

-
-
-

-
(71.0)
(71.0)
(342.0)

-
-
-

-
134.7
134.7
267.2

-
0.5
0.5

(0.5)
-
-
-

-
(1.3)
(1.3)

1.3
(36.9)
(36.9)
(100.6)

Committed
£m
225.0

2019

Drawn
£m
-

Undrawn
£m
225.0

Committed
£m
225.0

2018

Drawn
£m
-

Undrawn
£m
225.0

113
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Shaftesbury Annual Report 2019

Financial statements (cid:705)otes to t(cid:731)e financia(cid:735) statements

19 Financial instruments

Categories of financial instruments (book value)

Group
Financial assets
Trade and other receivables (note 15)
Amounts due from the joint venture (note 15)
Other receivables (note 16)
Cash and cash equivalents (note 16)
Current other receivables (note 15)

Financial liabilities 
Trade and other payables - due within one year (note 17)
Interest bearing borrowings (note 18) 

Net financial instruments

Company
Financial assets
Amounts due from subsidiaries (note 15)
Amounts due from the joint venture (note 15)
Cash and cash equivalents (note 16)
Current other receivables (note 15)

Financial liabilities
Trade and other payables - due within one year (note 17)
Amounts due to subsidiaries (note 17)
Interest bearing borrowings (note 18) 

Net financial instruments

2019
£m

16.8
7.2
3.7
54.0
0.5
82.2

(12.8)
(949.8)
(962.6)
(880.4)

37.5
7.2
36.9
0.5
82.1

(3.7)
(5.5)
1.3
(7.9)
74.2

2018 
£m

15.0
3.9
3.7
118.5
-
141.1

(10.5)
(948.6)
(959.1)
(818.0)

46.6
3.9
100.6
-
151.1

(2.5)
(2.8)
1.8
(3.5)
147.6

Other receivables relate to cash held on deposit, which have certain conditions restricting their use which are due between 2029 and 2035. 

(cid:706)t(cid:731)er financia(cid:735) instruments
The Group’s mortgage bonds and secured term loans are held at amortised cost in the Balance Sheet. The fair value of these financial instruments is 
£1,042.9 million (2018: £955.2 million). The difference between the fair value and the book value is not recognised in the reported results for the year. 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 in IFRS 13.

The fair values of the Group’s and Company’s cash and cash equivalents, and those financial instruments included within trade and other receivables, 
interest bearing borrowings (excluding the mortgage bonds and the secured term loans), and trade and other payables are not materially different from the 
values at which they are carried in the financial statements. 

114
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Shaftesbury Annual Report 2019

Financial statements

(cid:705)otes to t(cid:731)e fi nancia(cid:735) statements

19 Financial instruments continued

Contractua(cid:735) cas(cid:731) (cid:1026) o(cid:746)s
The tables below summarise the undiscounted contractual cash fl ows arising on interest bearing fi nancial liabilities based on conditions existing at the 
Balance Sheet date. The Group has no obligation to repay its mortgage bonds or secured term loans in advance of their maturities between 2027 and 2035.

Group 

30 September 2019

Financial liabilities
Interest bearing borrowings:
Principal (note 18)
Interest
Total

30 September 2018

Financial liabilities
Interest bearing borrowings:
Principal (note 18)
Interest
Total

Company

30 September 2019

Financial liabilities
Interest bearing borrowings:
Principal (note 18)
Interest
Total

30 September 2018

Financial liabilities
Interest bearing borrowings:
Principal (note 18)
Interest
Total

Book
value
£m

949.8
3.0
952.8

Book
value
£m

948.6
3.0
951.6

Book
value
£m

(1.3)
0.1
(1.2)

Book
value
£m

(1.8)
0.1
(1.7)

Contractual
cash fl ows
£m

959.8
314.1
1,273.9

Contractual
cash fl ows
£m

959.8
342.9
1,302.7

Contractual
cash fl ows
£m

-
0.1
0.1

Contractual
cash fl ows
£m

-
-
-

<1 
year
£m

-
28.7
28.7

<1 
year
£m

-
28.7
28.7

<1 
year
£m

-
0.1
0.1

<1 
year
£m

-
-
-

1-2
years
£m

-
28.7
28.7

1-2
years
£m

-
28.7
28.7

1-2
years
£m

-
-
-

1-2
years
£m

-
-
-

2-5
years
£m

-
86.2
86.2

2-5
years
£m

-
86.2
86.2

2-5
years
£m

-
-
-

2-5
years
£m

-
-
-

5-10
years
£m

424.8
127.4
552.2

5-10
years
£m

290.0
136.8
426.8

5-10
years
£m

-
-
-

5-10
years
£m

-
-
-

>10 
years
£m

535.0
43.1
578.1

>10 
years
£m

669.8
62.5
732.3

>10 
years
£m

-
-
-

>10 
years
£m

-
-
-

Interest of £0.1 million at 30 September 2018 for the Company was paid within one year of that date.

Management of fi nancia(cid:735) ris(cid:734)s ((cid:698)rou(cid:739) and Com(cid:739)any)
An overview of the Group’s risk management policies and the principal risks and uncertainties is set out on pages 58 to 61. The disclosure below provides 
further detail regarding fi nancial risk management. 

Credit risk
Credit risk refers to the risk that a counterparty will default on their contractual obligations resulting in fi nancial loss to the Group.

The Group reviews the creditworthiness of potential tenants prior to entering into contractual arrangements. The Group has a large and diverse tenant 
base so that tenant credit risk is widely spread. Where appropriate, tenants are required to provide cash deposits to mitigate the potential loss in the event 
of default. Tenant deposits are referred to in note 15. 

Provision is made in full where recovery of fi nancial assets is, in the opinion of the directors, uncertain. The carrying amount of fi nancial assets, net of 
provisions for impairment, represents the Group’s maximum exposure to credit risk. Financial assets that are neither past due nor impaired are expected to 
be fully recoverable. Details of the provisions for impairment for the Group’s trade receivables are included in note 15.

Where cash is deposited with banks or fi nancial institutions, the Group considers the counterparty credit rating and places amounts with diff erent banks or 
fi nancial institutions to spread counterparty credit risk. Deposits and liquidity requirements are reviewed on a weekly basis.

115
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Shaftesbury Annual Report 2019

Financial statements (cid:705)otes to t(cid:731)e financia(cid:735) statements

19 Financial instruments continued
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 capital structure and a 
summary of its funding strategy is set out in the Strategic Report on page 57. 

Market risk
Interest rate 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 interest rate risk through long-term fixed rate debt. At 30 
September 2019, the Group’s drawn borrowings consisted entirely of fixed rate debt. Given this, the Group’s exposure to changes in long-term interest rates 
and the potential impact on the Group’s results and financial position is considered to be insignificant. The Board keeps under review the Group’s interest 
rate risk, particularly in light of expectations of future interest rate movements. 

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 18 and the Group’s equity structure is set out in the Statement of Changes in Equity. The Group regularly reviews its loan 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 ratio are discussed in the Strategic Report on page 57.

20 Share capital 

Allotted and fully paid (ordinary 25p shares)
At 1 October 
Exercise of share options
Share placing
At 30 September 

2019
number
million

307.3
0.1
-
307.4

2018
number
million

279.0
0.4
27.9
307.3

2019
£m

76.8
0.1
-
76.9

2018
£m

69.8
0.1
6.9
76.8

In 2018, 27,855,508 ordinary 25p shares were issued at £9.52 per share, raising £265.2 million. Transaction costs in connection with the issue, which 
amounted to £4.8 million, have been charged against share premium in accordance with the Companies Act 2006.

In respect of the equity issue, Invesco Asset Management Limited and Orosi (UK) Limited were related parties of Shaftesbury PLC for the purposes of the 
Listing Rules and participated in the equity placing in respect of 1,050,000 and 6,864,368 placing shares respectively, for a total consideration of 
approximately £9.996 million and £65.349 million respectively. These transactions were disclosed via the Regulatory News Service on 6 December 2017, in 
accordance with LR11.1.10R, and Shaftesbury PLC received written confirmation from its sponsor that the terms of the transactions were fair and reasonable 
as far as Shaftesbury PLC’s shareholders were concerned.

21 Reserves
The Statement of Changes in Equity is set out on page 105.

The following describes the nature and purpose of each of the reserves within equity:

Reserve
Share premium
Share-based payments reserve
Retained earnings

Description and purpose
Amount by which the fair value of the consideration received for ordinary shares exceeds the nominal value of shares issued, net of expenses.
Reserve used to recognise the value of equity-settled remuneration provided to employees.
Cumulative gains and losses recognised in the Statement of Comprehensive Income, net of dividends and adjustments for equity-settled remuneration.

The Company’s retained earnings at 30 September 2019 include amounts distributable of £228.4 million (2018: £222.2 million). 

116
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Shaftesbury Annual Report 2019

Financial statements

(cid:705)otes to t(cid:731)e fi nancia(cid:735) statements

22 Share-based remuneration
The Group operates a long-term incentive plan (LTIP), sharesave scheme (SAYE) and a deferred annual share bonus scheme (DASBS). A summary of the 
rules of the schemes is set out in the Remuneration Report on page 85.

LTIP and SAYE schemes
The following share options granted to executive directors and employees were outstanding at 30 September 2019:

Awarded

Exercised

Lapsed

At
30.9.2019

Exercisable
30.9.2019

Option
exercise
price

Weighted 
average price 
at exercise

Date of grant

SAYE
02.07.2014
03.07.2015
01.07.2016
30.06.2017
29.06.2018
28.06.2019

LTIP 2016 scheme
02.12.2015
08.02.2016
12.12.2016*
12.12.2017

LTIP 2018 scheme
04.12.2018

At
1.10.2018

23,419
6,050
20,640
14,953
12,831
-

138,800
224,225
406,621
400,195

-
-
-
-
-
26,998

-
-
-
-

(23,419)
(1,260)
(8,496)
(355)
-
-

(43,977)
(4,826)
(14,550)
(13,545)

-
(36)
-
(2,201)
(2,376)
-

(90,546)
(173,772)
(471)
(7,624)

-
4,754
12,144
12,397
10,455
26,998

4,277
45,627
391,600
379,026

Exercise
period

2019
2018-2020
2019-2021
2020-2022
2021-2023
2022-2024

2018-2019
2020-2021
2019-2022
2020-2023

£7.84
£9.07
£7.69
£9.07
-
-

£8.78
£8.65
£9.07
£9.07

-

2021-2024

-
-
-
-
-
-

4,277
-
-
-

-
4,277

£5.38
£6.94
£7.41
£7.74
£7.57
£6.63

Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil

Nil

-
1,247,734

456,470
483,468

-
(110,428)

(18,280)
(295,306)

438,190
1,325,468

* 391,600 share options will lapse at the vesting date in December 2019.

Weighted average exercise price
Weighted average remaining contractual life

At
1.10.2018

£0.43
2.6 years

Awarded

Exercised

£0.37

£1.82

Lapsed

£0.12

At
30.9.2019

£0.36
2.7 years

The fair value of option grants is measured by Lane Clark & Peacock LLP, Actuaries & Consultants. For the grants made during the year, the main inputs and 
assumptions, and the resulting fair values, are as follows:

Grant date
Share price at date of grant
Exercise price
Expected life of award (years)
Share return volatility (per annum)
Risk free discount rate (per annum)
Index return volatility (FTSE 350 REIT Index)
Correlation between the Company’s shares and those in the FTSE 350 REIT Index
Dividend yield

Fair values:
SAYE
No holding period
Contingent holding period
Two year holding period

SAYE 3 Year

SAYE 5 Year

28.6.19
£8.03
£6.63
3
14%
0.6%
-
-
2.1%

LTIP
 (TSR)

-
£4.61
£4.52
£4.38

28.6.19
£8.03
£6.63
5
15%
0.6%
-
-
2.1%

LTIP 
(NAV)

-
£8.65
£8.48
£8.22

LTIP

4.12.18
£8.65
Nil
3 or 5
16%
0.8%
18%
81%
-

LTIP 
(TAR)

-
£8.65
£8.48
£8.22

SAYE 3 
Year

SAYE 5 
Year

£1.36
-
-
-

£1.45
-
-
-

The assumed volatility was determined taking into account factors including the historical volatility of the Company share price. Actual future volatility may 
diff er, potentially signifi cantly, from historic volatility. 

The vesting conditions relating to options granted under the 2016 LTIP are described in the Annual Remuneration Report on page 90.

117
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Shaftesbury Annual Report 2019

Financial statements (cid:705)otes to t(cid:731)e financia(cid:735) statements

22 Share-based remuneration continued

Deferred annual share bonus scheme

At 1 October
Awarded
Exercised
At 30 September

23 Dividends

Final dividend for:
Year ended 30 September 2018
Year ended 30 September 2017
Interim dividend for:
Year ended 30 September 2019
Year ended 30 September 2018
Dividends paid in the year

2019
Shares

598,868
205,640
(188,466)
616,042

2018
Shares

597,351
208,914
(207,397)
598,868

2019
£m

26.2
-

26.7
-
52.9

2018
£m

-
25.1

-
25.5
50.6

Pence per share

PID

-
-

8.7p
8.3p

Ordinary

8.5p
8.1p

-
-

A final dividend of 9.0p per share was recommended by the Board on 25 November 2019. Subject to approval by shareholders at the 2020 AGM, the final 
dividend will be paid on 14 February 2020 to shareholders on the register at 17 January 2020. 5.25p of the dividend will be paid as a PID and 3.75p will be 
paid as an ordinary dividend. The dividend totalling £27.7 million will be accounted for as an appropriation of revenue reserves in the year ending 30 
September 2020. See page 55 of the Strategic Report for commentary on dividends.

The trustee of the Company’s Employee Benefit Trust waived dividends in respect of 616,042 (2018: 598,868) ordinary shares during the year.

(cid:677)(cid:679) Cas(cid:731) (cid:1026)o(cid:746)s from o(cid:739)erating acti(cid:745)ities

Operating activities

Profit before tax
Adjusted for:
Lease incentives recognised (note 5)
Share-based payments
Depreciation (note 7)
Net revaluation deficit/(surplus) on investment properties (note 11)
Profit on disposal of investment properties (note 8)
Net finance costs
Administrative charges, finance charges, and dividends received from subsidiaries settled through 
intercompany indebtedness
Impairment of subsidiary (note 14)
Dividends received from joint venture (note 13)
Share of post-tax loss from joint venture (note 13)
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

See note 18 for the cash flow movement in net debt.

Group

Company

2019
£m

26.0

(2.3)
0.9
0.4
15.3
(2.8)
30.5
-

-
-
13.8
81.8

(4.1)
2.1
79.8

2018
£m

175.5

(0.5)
0.8
0.4
(123.1)
(4.6)
31.2
-

-
-
1.1
80.8

(5.1)
0.8
76.5

2019
£m

57.9

-
0.9
0.4
-
-
0.9
(71.9)

-
(2.5)
-
(14.3)

(2.3)
0.2
(16.4)

2018
£m

73.5

-
0.8
0.4
-
-
1.7
(100.0)

13.4
(3.0)
-
(13.2)

0.1
(2.8)
(15.9)

118
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Shaftesbury Annual Report 2019

Financial statements

(cid:705)otes to t(cid:731)e fi nancia(cid:735) statements

25 Performance measures

Earnings per share

Basic
Dilutive effect of share options
Diluted

1. Weighted average

Profi t
after tax 
£m

26.0
-
26.0

2019
Number 
of shares1
million

307.4
0.2
307.6

EPRA earnings per share
The calculations below are in accordance with the EPRA Best Practice Recommendations.

Basic
EPRA adjustments:
   Net revaluation defi cit/(surplus) on investment properties (note 11)
  Profi t on disposal of investment properties (note 8)
Adjustments in respect of the joint venture:
  Investment property valuation defi cit
  Deferred tax 
EPRA earnings

1. Weighted average

(cid:692)d(cid:733)usted earnings (cid:739)er s(cid:731)are

EPRA earnings
Charge for share options (note 7)
Adjusted earnings

1. Weighted average

Profi t
after tax 
£m

26.0

15.3
(2.8)

19.2
(3.1)
54.6

Profi t
after tax 
£m

54.6
1.2
55.8

2019
Number 
of shares1
million

307.4

307.4

2019
Number 
of shares1
million

307.4

307.4

Net asset value per share
The calculations below are in accordance with the EPRA Best Practice Recommendations.

Basic
Dilutive effect of share options
Diluted
Deferred tax1
EPRA NAV
Deferred tax1
Difference between fair value and carrying value of debt:
Secured term loans1
Mortgage bonds
EPRA NNNAV

2019
Number
of ordinary
shares
million

307.4
0.3
307.7

307.7

307.7

Net
assets
£m

3,007.2
0.5
3,007.7
13.6
3,021.3
(13.6)

(75.8)
(17.9)
2,914.0

Earnings
per share
pence 

8.5
-
8.5

Earnings
per share
pence 

8.5

5.0
(0.9)

6.2
(1.0)
17.8

Earnings
per share
pence 

17.8
0.4
18.2

Net asset
value per
share
£ 

9.78

9.77
0.05
9.82
(0.05)

(0.24)
(0.06)
9.47

Profi t
after tax 
£m

175.5
-
175.5

Profi t
after tax 
£m

175.5

(123.1)
(4.6)

5.0
(1.1)
51.7

Profi t
after tax 
£m

51.7
0.6
52.3

Net
assets
£m

3,033.0
0.5
3,033.5
16.7
3,050.2
(16.7)

(34.5)
32.0
3,031.0

2018

Number 
of shares1
million

302.1
0.3
302.4

2018

Number 
of shares1
million

302.1

302.1

2018

Number 
of shares1
million

302.1

302.1

2018

Number
of ordinary
shares
million

307.3
0.4
307.7

307.7

307.7

Earnings
per share
pence

58.1
(0.1)
58.0

Earnings
per share
pence

58.1

(40.7)
(1.5)

1.6
(0.4)
17.1

Earnings
per share
pence

17.1
0.2
17.3

Net asset
value per
share 
£

9.87

9.86
0.05
9.91
(0.05)

(0.11)
0.10
9.85

1. Includes our 50% share of deferred tax and fair value of secured term loans in the joint venture.

The calculations of diluted net asset value per share show the potentially dilutive eff ect of share options outstanding at the Balance Sheet date and include 
the increase in shareholders’ equity which would arise on the exercise of those options.

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Shaftesbury Annual Report 2019

Financial statements (cid:705)otes to t(cid:731)e financia(cid:735) statements

25 Performance measures continued

(cid:711)ota(cid:735) accounting return ((cid:711)(cid:692)(cid:709))

Opening EPRA NAV (A)
Closing EPRA NAV
(Decrease)/increase in the year
Dividends paid in the year
TAR (B)
TAR % (B/A)

Combined portfolio  

Combined portfolio valuation
Wholly-owned portfolio valuation (note 11)
Joint venture valuation

Combined portfolio revaluation (deficits)/surplus and profits on disposal
Wholly-owned portfolio revaluation (deficit)/surplus (note 11)
Joint venture revaluation deficit (note 13)

Profit on disposal of investment properties (note 8)

Financing ratios

Loan-to-value and gearing
Nominal value of debt
Cash and cash equivalents
Net debt (A)
Fair value of investment properties (B)
Loan-to-value (A/B)

EPRA net assets (C)
Gearing (A/C)

Interest cover
Operating profit before investment property disposals and 
valuation movements (A)

Finance costs
Finance income
Net finance costs (B)
Interest cover (A/B)

Wholly-
owned 
business
£m

959.8
(54.0)
905.8
3,784.2
23.9%

82.8

31.5
(1.0)
30.5
2.7x

2019

Share 
of joint 
venture
£m

60.0
(0.6)
59.4
209.0
28.4%

6.3

3.0
-
3.0
2.1x

Wholly-
owned 
business
£m

959.8
(118.5)
841.3
3,727.0
22.6%

80.1

32.0
(0.8)
31.2
2.6x

Total
£m

1,019.8
(54.6)
965.2
3,993.2
24.2%

3,021.2
31.9%

89.1

34.5
(1.0)
33.5
2.7x

2019
pence

991.0
982.0
(9.0)
17.2
8.2
0.8%

2019
£m

3,784.2
209.0
3,993.2

(15.3)
(19.2)
(34.5)
2.8
(31.7)

2018

Share 
of joint 
venture
£m

60.0
(1.3)
58.7
224.6
26.1%

7.0

2.8
-
2.8
2.5x

2018
pence

952.0
991.0
39.0
16.4
55.4
5.8%

2018
£m

3,727.0
224.6
3,951.6

123.1
(5.0)
118.1
4.6
122.7

Total
£m

1,019.8
(119.8)
900.0
3,951.6
22.8%

3,050.2
29.5%

87.1

34.8
(0.8)
34.0
2.6x

For the wholly-owned group, the blended cost of debt is 3.2% (2018: 3.2%). This is calculated using the cost of drawn borrowings of 3.0% (2018: 3.0%) plus 
the cost of commitment fees on undrawn bank facilities of 0.7% (2018: 0.7%). At 30 September 2019, the undrawn bank facilities totalled £225.0 million 
(2018: £225.0 million). 

For total debt, the blended cost of debt is 3.2% (2018: 3.2%) and includes the impact of our share of debt in our joint venture of £60 million (2018: £60 
million), upon which interest is charged at 4.4% (2018: 4.4%).

See pages 54 and 56 in the Strategic Report for explanations of why we use these performance measures.

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Shaftesbury Annual Report 2019

Financial statements

(cid:705)otes to t(cid:731)e fi nancia(cid:735) statements

26 Operating leases

The Group as a 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 fi ve years
Later than fi ve years but not later than ten years
Later than ten years

2019
£m

110.2
274.6
163.7
166.1
714.6

2018
£m

104.8
262.7
155.9
145.1
668.5

The Group has over 1,250 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 19 to 23.

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 fi ve years
Later than fi ve years but not later than ten years
Later than ten years

2019
£m

0.6
2.3
2.6
-
5.5

2018
£m

0.4
1.6
2.0
0.2
4.2

The Company leases its head offi  ce accommodation from a wholly-owned subsidiary. 

27 Contingent liability
As announced on 11 June 2019, the Company has been served with legal proceedings issued by companies controlled by Mr Samuel Tak Lee. The 
proceedings concern allegations and claims relating to the equity placing conducted by the Company in December 2017. Mr Lee currently has an interest 
in approximately 26.32% of the Company’s share capital. The claimants are seeking damages for their alleged losses in the region of £10.4 million. 

The Board considers the claims to have no merit and intends to defend the allegations robustly. The legal process is expected to take place over the next 
18 months. 

28 Related party transactions 
During the year, the Company received administrative fees, dividends and interest from its subsidiaries. The Company leases its offi  ce accommodation from 
a subsidiary and paid interest on amounts due to subsidiaries. The Company also received interest on a loan and administrative fees from the joint venture. 
These transactions are summarised below:

Transactions with subsidiaries:
Administrative fees receivable
Dividends receivable
Interest receivable
Interest payable
Rents payable

Amounts due from subsidiaries
Amounts due to subsidiaries

Transactions with the joint venture:
Administrative fees receivable
Dividends receivable
Interest receivable

Amounts due from joint venture

2019
£m

11.8
58.0
2.1
0.1
0.4

37.6
(5.5)

0.1
2.5
0.3

7.2

2018
£m

10.5
83.8
6.3
0.6
0.4

46.6
(2.8)

0.1
3.0
0.1

3.9

All amounts are unsecured, repayable on demand and bear a market rate of interest. Directors are considered the only key management personnel. Apart 
from the directors’ remuneration set out in the Annual Remuneration Report on pages 86 to 94, and below, there were no other transactions with 
directors. 

See note 20 for disclosure of related party transactions regarding the share placing in the prior year.

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Shaftesbury Annual Report 2019

Financial statements (cid:705)otes to t(cid:731)e financia(cid:735) statements

28 Related party transactions continued

Remuneration of key management personnel
The remuneration of the directors, who are the key management personnel of the Group, is set out below. Further information regarding the remuneration 
of individual directors is given in the Annual Remuneration Report on pages 86 to 94. 

Directors’ emoluments

Short-term employee benefits
Other long-term benefits
Share-based payments

2019
£m

3.0
0.9
0.9
4.8

2018 
£m

2.9
0.8
0.4
4.1

(cid:677)(cid:684) Significant accounting (cid:739)o(cid:735)icies

Basis of consolidation
The Group financial statements consolidate the financial statements of the Company and its subsidiaries.

Subsidiaries are those entities controlled by the Company. Control exists when the Company is exposed to variable returns and has the ability to affect 
those returns through its power over the entity. 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 impairment loss.

Net property income
Rental income arises from operating leases granted to tenants. It is recognised on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. Rental income uplifts 
arising as a result of rent reviews are recognised when agreement of terms is reasonably certain. 

The cost of lease incentives offered to tenants to enter into a lease, typically initial rent-free periods, is recognised on a straight-line basis over the 
non-cancellable period of the lease, being the earlier of its expiry date or the date of the first break option. 

Payments received from tenants to surrender their lease obligations are recognised immediately in the Group Statement of Comprehensive Income.

The Group’s revenue from contracts with customers, as defined in IFRS 15, includes service charge income. Service charge income is recognised as income 
over time in the year in which the services are rendered. Revenue is recognised over time because the tenants benefit from the services as soon as they 
are rendered by the Group. The actual services provided each reporting period are determined using costs incurred as the input method. As the Group 
acts as a principal, service charge income is shown gross in the financial statements.

Irrecoverable property costs, including vacant costs and other property expenditure, are expensed to the Statement of Comprehensive Income in the year 
to which they relate. Initial direct costs incurred in arranging an operating lease are added to the carrying value of investment properties, and are 
subsequently recognised as an expense over the lease term on the same basis as the lease income.  

Em(cid:739)(cid:735)oyee (cid:725)enefits
Share option schemes
The Company administers a long-term incentive plan (LTIP) and a sharesave scheme (SAYE). The cost of granting share options to employees under these 
schemes is recognised in the Statement of Comprehensive Income based on the fair value at the date of grant. The expense is recognised on a straight-line 
basis over the vesting period based on the number of options that are expected to vest.

The fair value of the long-term incentive plan is calculated using the modified binomial pricing model and the Monte Carlo simulation pricing model for the 
non-market based and market based conditions respectively. At each reporting period, the non-market based condition is reassessed and the impact, if 
any, of a revision to original estimates is recognised in the Statement of Comprehensive Income. 

The fair value of the sharesave scheme is calculated using a modified binomial pricing model. 

Deferred annual share bonus scheme
Under the Company’s annual bonus scheme, employees have the option to take their annual bonus in either cash, or shares. Where employees opt to take 
the bonus in cash, it is expensed to the Statement of Comprehensive Income in the year in which it relates. 

Where employees opt to take all, or part, of their bonus in shares, the Company offers a matching award of up to 50%, subject to continued employment 
throughout the performance period. The cost of the matching award is recognised on a straight-line basis over the performance period. The remaining 
expense is recognised in the year to which it relates. Leaver provisions during the performance period are set out in the Remuneration Policy which is 
available on the Company’s website. 

Pension contributions
Payments to defined contribution plans are charged as an expense to the Statement of Comprehensive Income as they fall due.

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Shaftesbury Annual Report 2019

Financial statements

(cid:705)otes to t(cid:731)e fi nancia(cid:735) statements

(cid:677)(cid:684) Signifi cant accounting (cid:739)o(cid:735)icies continued

Investment properties
Investment properties are initially recognised on acquisition at cost, including related acquisition costs, when the Group assumes control of the property. 
Investment properties are revalued annually to refl ect 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 adjusted for unamortised lease incentive and letting 
cost balances.

Gains or losses arising on the revaluation of investment properties are included in the Statement of Comprehensive Income. Depreciation is not provided 
in respect of investment properties.

Additions to properties include costs of a capital nature only. Expenditure is classifi ed as capital when it results in future economic benefi ts which are 
expected to accrue to the Group. All other property expenditure is written-off  in the Statement of Comprehensive Income as incurred.

Premiums payable to tenants in connection with the surrender of their lease obligations are capitalised if they arise in connection with a value-enhancing 
project, otherwise they are recognised immediately in the Statement of Comprehensive Income.

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.

Disposals of investment properties are recognised in the period when control of the property transfers to the buyer. Typically, disposal will either occur on 
unconditional exchange of contracts or completion. Where completion is expected to occur signifi cantly after exchange, or where the Group continues to 
have signifi cant outstanding obligations after exchange of contracts, control will not usually transfer until completion. Any gain or loss on disposal, being the 
diff erence between the net disposal proceeds and the carrying value of the property, is included in the Statement of Comprehensive Income in the period 
in which the property is derecognised.

All of the Group’s leases to its tenants are operating leases except where the Group grants long leasehold interests to tenants, in which case, as substantially 
all the risks and rewards of ownership are transferred to the tenant, the property is not recognised as an investment property.

Acquisitions
Where properties are acquired through corporate acquisitions and there are no signifi cant 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.

Joint ventures
Joint ventures are those entities over which the Group has joint control, established by contractual agreement. The Group has one joint venture, the 
investment in which is accounted for using the equity method. On initial recognition the investment was recognised at cost. Subsequently, the carrying 
amount is increased or decreased to recognise the Group’s share of the profi t or loss of, and dividends from, the joint venture. The Group’s investment in 
the joint venture is presented separately on the Balance Sheet and the Group’s share of the joint venture’s post-tax profi t 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 its joint venture 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 the 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 its joint venture is stated at cost less any provision for impairment loss. 

Trade receivables and payables 
Trade receivables and trade payables are recognised at fair value and subsequently held at amortised cost, less any provision for impairment in respect of 
trade receivables. The Group assesses expected credit losses for trade receivables on a forward-looking basis.

Tenant lease incentives are included in current trade and other receivables when the amounts to be charged against rental income fall within one year of 
the Balance Sheet date. Amounts which will be charged against rental income in more than one year are included in non-current assets.

Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash in hand and on-demand bank deposits. 

Cash held on deposit which has certain conditions restricting its use and is not available on demand, liquid or readily convertible, is classifi ed within other 
receivables.

(cid:693)orro(cid:746)ings and costs of raising fi nance
Borrowings are initially recognised at fair value net of transaction costs incurred and are subsequently held at amortised cost. Issue costs and premiums 
are written-off  to the Statement of Comprehensive Income using an eff ective interest rate method.

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Shaftesbury Annual Report 2019

Other information

Alternative Performance Measures 
(APMs)

The Group has applied the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) guidelines on alternative performance measures in these annual results. An 
APM is a financial measure of historical or future financial performance, position or cash flows of the Group which is not a measure defined or specified in 
IFRS.

Set out below is a summary of APMs used in this Annual Report – some of which are EPRA performance measures, which are a set of standard disclosures 
for the property industry, as defined by EPRA in its Best Practice Recommendations.   

APM

Nearest IFRS measure

EPRA earnings and earnings per share

Adjusted earnings per share
Net asset value per share
Diluted net asset value per share
EPRA net assets and NAV
EPRA triple net assets
EPRA triple NAV (NNNAV)
Total Accounting Return
Combined portfolio
Combined portfolio revaluation
Valuation growth/decline/decrease
Net debt
Loan-to-value (LTV)
Gearing
Blended cost of debt
Interest cover

Profit and total comprehensive income for the year 
Basic earnings per share
Basic earnings per share
Net assets attributable to shareholders
Net assets attributable to shareholders
Net assets
Net assets
Net assets
N/A
Investment properties
Net surplus/deficit on revaluation of investment properties
Net surplus/deficit on revaluation of investment properties
Borrowings less cash and cash equivalents
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A

Where this report uses like-for-like comparisons, these are defined within the Glossary.

Explanation and reconciliation

Note 25 and Strategic Report (page 54)

Note 25 and Strategic Report (page 56)
Note 25
Note 25
Note 25 and Strategic Report (page 56)
Below and note 25
Below and note 25
Note 25 and Strategic Report (page 56)
Note 25 and Strategic Report (page 48)
Note 25 and Strategic Report (page 48)
Strategic Report (pages 48 and 50)
Note 25 and Strategic Report (pages 54 and 57)
Note 25 and Strategic Report (pages 54 and 57)
Note 25 and Strategic Report (pages 54 and 57)
Note 25 and Strategic Report (pages 54 and 57)
Note 25 and Strategic Report (pages 54 and 57)

EPRA Measures 
The following is a summary of the EPRA performance measures included in this Annual Report. The measures are defined in the Glossary.

Measure

Earnings

Earnings per share
Net assets
NAV per share
Triple net assets
Triple NAV (NNNAV)
Net Initial Yield (NIY)

Topped-up NIY
Vacancy
Cost ratio

Definition

Earnings from operational activities, excluding fair value movements in respect of properties, 
profits on disposal of investment properties and deferred tax arising in our joint venture
EPRA earnings per weighted average number of ordinary shares
Net assets adjusted to remove deferred tax arising in our joint venture
Diluted EPRA net assets per share
EPRA net assets adjusted to include the fair value of debt
Diluted triple net assets per share
Current annualised rental income less non-recoverable property costs as a % of property 
valuation plus assumed purchasers’ costs
NIY adjusted to reflect expiry of rent-free periods and stepped rents
ERV of vacant space as a % of ERV of all properties
Total costs as a % of gross rental income - including direct vacancy cost 
Total costs as a % of gross rental income - excluding direct vacancy cost

Page

119

119
119
119
119
119
127

127
51
125
125

2019

£54.6m

17.8p
£3,021.3m
£9.82
£2,914.0m
£9.47
2.70%

2.89%
3.7%
28.6%
26.8%

2018

£51.7m

17.1p
£3,050.2m
£9.91
£3,031.0m
£9.85
2.68%

2.84%
4.6%
28.0%
26.6%

As disclosed in note 4 to the financial statements, the Group’s properties are all located in London’s West End, and are all of a similar type. The properties 
are typically mixed-use buildings with restaurants, leisure and retail on the lower floors and small offices and apartments on the upper floors. As the 
properties share similar economic characteristics we consider them to be one operating segment. Like-for-like calculations of growth in values and rents 
are therefore stated on an aggregated basis.

124
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Shaftesbury Annual Report 2019

Other information

Alternative Performance Measures

EPRA cost ratio

Gross rental income
Revenue
Less: service charge income
Share of joint venture rental income

Cost 
Property charges
Less: service charge expenses
Share of joint venture property expenses
Administrative expenses
Share of joint venture administrative expenses
Total costs
Vacant property costs
Share of joint venture vacant property costs
Total costs excluding vacant property costs

EPRA cost ratio (including vacant property costs)
EPRA cost ratio (excluding vacant property costs)

Note: We do not capitalise property nor administrative expenses. 

Note

5
5
13

6
6
13

13

6

2019
£m

126.9
(9.6)
7.5
124.8

28.9
(9.6)
1.1
15.2
0.1
35.7
(2.0)
(0.3)
33.4

28.6%
26.8%

2018
£m

122.1
(9.3)
8.1
120.9

28.3
(9.3)
0.9
13.7
0.2
33.8
(1.4)
(0.3)
32.1

28.0%
26.6%

Investment properties
Whilst our portfolio is geographically concentrated in London’s West End, it 
is granular in nature, with c. 600, generally small buildings, often clustered in 
contiguous blocks. It is not practical to provide detailed property-by-
property information recommended by EPRA’s BPR. However, an analysis of 
our portfolio, split by destination and occupier use, is set out on pages 126 
to 127. 

We own 100% of our properties, except for property held by our 
Longmartin joint venture, in which we have a 50% interest. The breakdown 
of our wholly-owned portfolio between freehold and long leasehold 
ownership is set out on page 108.

At 30 September 2019, we had 843 commercial and 555 residential leases, 
with no individual tenant representing a material amount of our current 
annualised income. The ten largest commercial tenants represented just 
9.8% of current annualised income. As our tenant base is so granular, we do 
not believe listing the top ten tenants, nor a detailed analysis of tenant 
business sector is useful. However, the analysis on pages 126 to 127 sets out 
details of income and rental values by destination and occupier use.

EPRA vacancy by occupier use is set out on page 51.

Like-for-like growth in annualised current income and ERV is set out on 
pages 49 and 50. Like-for-like growth in rental income is set out on page 55. 

Development disclosures
Our wholly-owned portfolio is all within Conservation Areas and around 
20% of our buildings are listed. We do not carry out material speculative 
developments. Our capital expenditure commitments are low, representing 
an average of around 1.0% of portfolio value p.a.. Included in this are 
numerous small schemes, and no one scheme is material. 

At 30 September 2019, we had one larger scheme, details of which are set 
out on page 52. An overview of assets held for, or undergoing, 
refurbishment is set out on pages 52 to 53. 

EPRA capital expenditure

Group
Acquisitions
Investment property capital expenditure
- On acquisitions during the year
- On like-for-like portfolio
Joint venture (our 50% share)
Investment property capital expenditure

2019
£m

47.0

-
30.9

3.7
81.6

2018
£m

167.8

1.3
24.0

2.4
195.5

Details of acquisitions and capital expenditure in the year are set out on 
pages 52 to 53.

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Shaftesbury Annual Report 2019

Other information

Portfolio analysis 

At 30 September 2019

Portfolio

Food, beverage and 
leisure

Shops

Offices

Residential

Fair value (£m) 
% of total fair value
Current income (£m)
ERV (£m)

Number
Area – sq. ft.
% of current income 
% of ERV
Average unexpired lease length – years 

Number
Area – sq. ft.
% of current income 
% of ERV 
Average unexpired lease length – years

Area – sq. ft.
% 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 2019

Overall initial yield 

Topped-up initial yield

Overall equivalent yield

Tone of restaurant equivalent yields 

Tone of restaurant ERVs - £ per sq. ft.

Tone of retail equivalent yields 

Tone of retail ERVs - ITZA £ per sq. ft.

Tone of office equivalent yields

Tone of office ERVs - £ per sq. ft.

Average residential ERVs - £ per sq. ft. per annum

Carnaby

1,437.7
36%
44.4
60.8

68
167,000
23%
23%
9

101
178,000
43%
40%
3

271,000
28%
31%
3

113
69,000
6%
6%

Covent 
Garden

1,036.5
26%
30.3
39.0

98
203,000
40%
37%
8

98
130,000
28%
31%
4

88,000
11%
14%
4

219
135,000
21%
18%

Chinatown

843.9
21%
26.8
31.8

92
213,000
66%
63%
10

49
79,000
17%
20%
4

26,000
3%
3%
3

154
100,000
14%
14%

Soho

314.1
8%
10.7
12.1

33
63,000
40%
38%
9

35
43,000
27%
29%
3

40,000
16%
18%
2

68
37,000
17%
15%

Carnaby

2.72%

2.98%

3.67%

Covent 
Garden

2.55%

2.75%

3.28%

Chinatown

2.78%

2.89%

3.35%

Soho

2.85%

2.97%

3.45%

3.40%-3.85%

3.35%-3.90%

3.40%-3.75%

3.40%-3.75%

£120-£155

£60-£200

£270-£428 (ZA)

£120-£145

3.35%-3.75%

3.00%-3.90%

3.40%-4.25%

3.50%-4.25%

£125-£540

£110-£480

£150-£375

£165-£305

4.00%-4.50%

4.00%-4.25%

4.25%-4.50%

4.25%-4.50%

£58-£90

£53

£50-£70

£51

£43-£65

£44

£53-£73

£49

Note

1

2
3

4
4
5

4
4
5

4
4
5

4
4

Note

7

8

9

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

126
126

Fitzrovia

152.0

4%

4.9

6.0

24

49%

50%

7

10

16%

16%

4

7%

8%

1

56

27,000

28%

26%

51,000

697,000

42,000

16,000

446,000

69,000

10,000

435,000

102,000

368,000

55,000

Wholly- 

owned 

portfolio

3,784.2

95%

117.1

149.7

315

40%

38%

9

293

30%

31%

3

16%

19%

3

610

14%

12%

Wholly- 

owned 

portfolio

2.70%

2.89%

3.47%

Longmartin1

209.0

5%

7.5

10.0

9

13%

15%

13

21

34%

35%

3

36%

36%

4

75

17%

14%

Longmartin

2.96%

3.17%

3.94%

4.00%-4.25%

£115-£145

3.75%-4.25%

£94-£600

4.00%-4.50%

£63-£80

£51

Fitzrovia

2.73%

2.73%

3.40%

3.35%-3.65%

£90-£125

3.40%-4.35%

£100-£215

4.00%-4.35%

£48-£60

£57

At 30 September 2019

Portfolio

Food, beverage and 

Number

leisure

Shops

Offi ces

Residential

1  Shaftesbury Group’s 50% share

Average unexpired lease length – years 

Fair value (£m) 

% of total fair value

Current income (£m)

ERV (£m)

Area – sq. ft.

% of current income 

% of ERV

Number

Area – sq. ft.

% of current income 

% of ERV 

Area – sq. ft.

% of current income

% of ERV 

Average unexpired lease length – years

Average unexpired lease length – years 

Number

Area – sq. ft.

% of current passing rent

% of ERV 

Note

Carnaby

1,437.7

Covent 

Garden

1,036.5

Chinatown

843.9

36%

44.4

60.8

68

23%

23%

9

101

43%

40%

3

28%

31%

3

113

6%

6%

167,000

203,000

213,000

63,000

178,000

130,000

79,000

43,000

271,000

88,000

26,000

40,000

69,000

135,000

100,000

37,000

21%

26.8

31.8

92

66%

63%

10

49

17%

20%

4

3%

3%

3

154

14%

14%

26%

30.3

39.0

98

40%

37%

8

98

28%

31%

4

11%

14%

4

219

21%

18%

Soho

314.1

8%

10.7

12.1

33

40%

38%

9

35

27%

29%

3

16%

18%

2

68

17%

15%

1

2

3

4

4

5

4

4

5

4

4

5

4

4

At 30 September 2019

Overall initial yield 

Topped-up initial yield

Overall equivalent yield

Tone of restaurant equivalent yields 

Tone of restaurant ERVs - £ per sq. ft.

Tone of retail equivalent yields 

Tone of retail ERVs - ITZA £ per sq. ft.

Tone of offi ce equivalent yields

Tone of offi ce ERVs - £ per sq. ft.

Average residential ERVs - £ per sq. ft. per annum

Note

7

8

9

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

Carnaby

2.72%

2.98%

3.67%

Covent 

Garden

2.55%

2.75%

3.28%

Chinatown

2.78%

2.89%

3.35%

Soho

2.85%

2.97%

3.45%

3.40%-3.85%

3.35%-3.90%

3.40%-3.75%

3.40%-3.75%

£120-£155

£60-£200

£270-£428 (ZA)

£120-£145

3.35%-3.75%

3.00%-3.90%

3.40%-4.25%

3.50%-4.25%

£125-£540

£110-£480

£150-£375

£165-£305

4.00%-4.50%

4.00%-4.25%

4.25%-4.50%

4.25%-4.50%

£58-£90

£53

£50-£70

£51

£43-£65

£44

£53-£73

£49

Shaftesbury Annual Report 2019

Other information

Fitzrovia

152.0
4%
4.9
6.0

24
51,000
49%
50%
7

10
16,000
16%
16%
4

10,000
7%
8%
1

56
27,000
28%
26%

Fitzrovia

2.73%

2.73%

3.40%

3.35%-3.65%

£90-£125

3.40%-4.35%

£100-£215

4.00%-4.35%

£48-£60

£57

Wholly- 
owned 
portfolio

3,784.2
95%
117.1
149.7

315
697,000
40%
38%
9

293
446,000
30%
31%
3

435,000
16%
19%
3

610
368,000
14%
12%

Wholly- 
owned 
portfolio

2.70%

2.89%

3.47%

Longmartin1

209.0
5%
7.5
10.0

9
42,000
13%
15%
13

21
69,000
34%
35%
3

102,000
36%
36%
4

75
55,000
17%
14%

Longmartin

2.96%

3.17%

3.94%

4.00%-4.25%

£115-£145

3.75%-4.25%

£94-£600

4.00%-4.50%

£63-£80

£51

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Notes

1. 

 The fair values at 30 September 2019 (the “valuation date”) shown in respect 
of the individual villages are, in each case, the aggregate of the fair values of 
several diff erent property interests located within close proximity which, for 
the purpose of this analysis, are combined to create each village. The 
diff erent interests within each village were not valued as a single lot.

2.   Current income includes total annualised 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 refl ect 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 refl ects terms for a renewed lease.

3.   ERV is the respective valuers’ opinion of the rental value of the properties, or 
parts thereof, refl ecting the terms of the relevant leases or, if appropriate, 
refl ecting 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 refl ected in the valuations. ERV does not refl ect 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 effl  uxion 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.

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7.   The initial yield is the net initial income at the valuation date expressed as a 
percentage of the gross valuation. Yields refl ect net income after deduction 
of any ground rents, head rents and rent charges and estimated 
irrecoverable outgoings at the valuation date.

8.   The topped-up 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 fl ow of income so that the total amount 
of income discounted at this rate equals the capital outlay at values current 
as of the valuation date. The equivalent yield shown for each village has been 
calculated by merging together the cash fl ows and fair values of each of the 
diff erent 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 fl oor areas are net lettable. All residential fl oor 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. 

127
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Shaftesbury Annual Report 2019

Other information

Summary report by the valuers
To the directors of Shaftesbury PLC 

In accordance with your instructions, which were confirmed in our letter 
dated 9th April 2019 (the “Engagement”) we have undertaken a valuation of 
the various commercial and residential freehold and long leasehold property 
interests as at 30th September 2019 (the “Valuation Date”) held by Shaftesbury 
Carnaby PLC, Shaftesbury Covent Garden Limited, Shaftesbury Chinatown 
PLC, Shaftesbury Soho Limited, Shaftesbury AV Limited, Shaftesbury CL 
Limited and Shaftesbury West End 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 22 November 
2019 (“our Reports”). Our Reports were prepared for accounts purposes.

All properties have been subject to external inspections between February 
and October 2019 and a number were subject to internal inspections.

We confirm that the valuations and Reports have been prepared in 
accordance with the RICS Valuation – Global Standards which incorporate 
the international Valuation Standards (“IVS”) and the RICS Valuation UK 
National Supplement (the “RICS Red Book”) edition current at the Valuation 
Date. It follows that the valuations are compliant with IVS. We confirm that 
all valuers who have contributed to the valuations have complied with the 
requirements of PS 1 of the RICS Red Book. We confirm that we have 
sufficient current knowledge of the relevant markets, and the skills and 
understanding to undertake the valuations competently. We confirm that 
Charles Smith has overall responsibility for the valuations and is in a position 
to provide an objective and unbiased valuation and is competent to undertake 
the valuations. Finally, we confirm that we have undertaken the valuations 
acting as an External Valuer as defined in the RICS Red Book.

In accordance with PS 2.5 and UK VPS 3, 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 has been 
the signatory of valuation reports addressed to the Company and the 
Subsidiary Companies since 2013. Cushman & Wakefield Debenham Tie 
Leung Limited (“C&W”) 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 1st September 2015, DTZ acquired Cushman & Wakefield and the 
combined group now trades under the Cushman & Wakefield brand. 
Cushman & Wakefield’s financial year end is 31st December. The proportion 
of fees payable by the Company to the Cushman & Wakefield group in the 
financial year to 31st December 2018 was less than 5%. We anticipate that 
the proportion of fees payable by the Company to the Cushman & 
Wakefield group in the financial year to 31st December 2019 will remain at 
less than 5%.

Prior to 1st 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 four years. Prior to 1st September 
2015, Cushman & Wakefield were appointed as retail agents by Shaftesbury 
Soho Limited and Shaftesbury Carnaby PLC; this instruction ceased in 2017. 
In 2018, Cushman & Wakefield acted as letting agents on behalf of Shaftesbury 
Chinatown PLC in respect of restaurant accommodation in the property 
known as Central Cross. Cushman & Wakefield are currently retained by 
Shaftesbury Covent Garden Limited and Shaftesbury CL Limited to provide 
retail letting and professional advice.

In accordance with the provisions of VPS1 item 3 d) and VPGA 9 of the RICS 
Red Book edition current at the Valuation Date, in undertaking our valuations 
we have lotted together certain individual properties to form a separate 
property (each referred to as a “Property”, collectively as the “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 Valuation Date, 
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 RICS 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 VPS4 item 7 of the RICS Red Book. Under these provisions, 
the term “Fair Value” means the definition adopted by the International 
Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”) in IFRS 13, namely “The price that 
would be received to sell an asset, or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly 
transaction between market participants at the measurement date”.

Under IFRS 13, The Fair Value Hierarchy, the properties we have valued are 
designated as Level 3 inputs. Level 3 inputs have been designated as 
unobservable inputs. Unobservable inputs are used to measure fair value to 
the extent that relevant observable inputs are not available, thereby allowing 
for situations in which there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or 
liability at the measurement date. An entity develops unobservable inputs 
using the best information available in the circumstances, which might 
include the entity’s own data, taking into account all information about 
market participant assumptions that is reasonably available. [IFRS 13:87-89].

Our opinion of the Fair Value of each of the properties and 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.

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Shaftesbury Annual Report 2019

Other information

Summary report by the valuers

The contents of our Reports, including this summary report, are confi dential 
to Shaftesbury PLC, Shaftesbury Covent Garden Limited, Shaftesbury 
Carnaby PLC, Shaftesbury Chinatown PLC, Shaftesbury Soho Limited, 
Shaftesbury AV Limited, Shaftesbury CL Limited and Shaftesbury West End 
Limited, for their sole use only and for the Purpose of Valuation as stated 
in our Reports (“Purpose of Valuation”).

You must not disclose the contents of our Reports to a third party in any 
way, including where we are not referred to by name or if our Reports or 
this summary report are to be combined with other reports, documents 
or information, without fi rst obtaining our written approval to the form and 
context of the proposed disclosure in accordance with the terms of the 
Engagement. We will not approve any disclosure that does not refer 
adequately to the terms of the Engagement.

Our Reports or this summary report or any part of it may not be modifi ed, 
altered (including altering the context in which the summary report is 
displayed) or reproduced without our prior written consent. Any person 
who breaches this provision shall indemnify us against all claims, costs, 
losses and expenses that we may suff er as a result of such breach.

We hereby exclude all liability arising from use of and/or reliance on our 
Reports or this summary report by any person or persons except as 
otherwise set out in the terms of the Engagement.

Our Reports and this summary report may be relied upon only in 
connection with the Purpose of Valuation stated and only by you.

Yours faithfully

Charles Smith MRICS
International Partner
RICS Registered Valuer

For and on behalf of 
Cushman & Wakefi eld Debenham Tie Leung Limited

A full explanation of the Assumptions made in our valuations and details of 
the sources of information are contained within our Reports.

The Company, its managing agents or professional advisers have provided 
us with the fl oor areas of the properties or parts of properties.

We have read some 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 2019, 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 refl ected these costs in our valuations. The total amount of such costs 
is £43,511,000 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 fi ve 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 fi gures 
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 2019, 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 22 November 2019, were as follows:

Freehold Properties

Long leasehold 
Properties

Total

£3,531,180,000 
(Three billion, fi ve hundred and thirty-one million, one 
hundred and eighty thousand pounds)
£253,035,000
(Two hundred and fi fty-three million, thirty-fi ve thousand 
pounds)
£3,784,215,000 
(Three billion, seven hundred and eighty-four million, two 
hundred and fi fteen thousand pounds)

A long lease is one with an unexpired term in excess of 50 years.

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Shaftesbury Annual Report 2019

Other information

Non-financial information statement 

We are not required to comply with the new non-financial reporting requirements contained in sections 414CA and 414CB of the Companies Act 2006. 
However the table below, and information it refers to, is intended to help stakeholders understand our position on key non-financial matters. This builds  
on existing reporting that we already do under the following frameworks: Carbon Disclosure Project, Disclosure and Transparency Rules, Guidance on the 
Strategic Report (UK Financial Reporting Council), UN Global Compact, UN Sustainable Development Goals and UN Guiding Principles. 

Reporting  
requirement

Environmental 
matters

Employees

Related sustainability goal

The environmentally sustainable re-use and 
management of existing buildings

Policies and standards which  
govern our approach1, 2

Sustainability policy 

Further information

Sustainability, pages 29 to 35

Environment, pages 32 to 33

Greenhouse gas reporting, page 96

A fair and ethical framework for employees and 
our supply chain

Anti-bullying and harassment policy

Our people, pages 36 to 47

Disability policy

Equal opportunities policy

Health and safety policy

Diversity and inclusion, pages 47 and 77

Health and safety, page 33

Nomination Committee report, pages 75 to 77

Human rights

A fair and ethical framework for  
employees and our supply chain

Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement

Modern slavery and human rights, page 29

Statement of data protection principles

Sustainability and stakeholders, pages 29 to 35

Sustainability policy 

Social matters

Invest in our local community

A fair and ethical framework for employees and 
our supply chain

Community Investment Committee Terms of 
Reference

Social, pages 34 to 35

Sustainability, pages 29 to 35

Sustainability policy

Supplier Code of Conduct

Anti-corruption  
and anti-bribery

A fair and ethical framework for employees and 
our supply chain

Bribery and anti-corruption policy

Audit Committee report, pages 78 to 81

Whistleblowing policy

Money laundering policy

Modern slavery and human rights, page 29

1  Certain group policies and internal guidelines are not published externally
2  Further information is available on our website, including our Supplier Code of Conduct and our Sustainability Policy

Shareholder information

Corporate Timetable
Financial Calendar
Annual General Meeting and AGM statement
2020 half year results

Dividends and bond interest
Proposed 2019 final dividend: 
  Ex-dividend
  Record date
  Payment date
2020 interim dividend to be paid
Bond interest

Further information and the forms for completion to apply for PIDs to be 
paid gross are available on our website or from the registrar. 

31 January 2020
May 2020

Where we pay an ordinary dividend this will be treated in the same way as 
dividends from non-REIT companies. The 2019 final dividend will be paid 
5.25 pence as a PID and 3.75 pence as an ordinary dividend. 

16 January 2020
17 January 2020
14 February 2020
July 2020
31 March and 
30 September 2020

Registrar
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 (excluding public holidays in England 
and Wales).

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 Company.

Effect of REIT status on payment of dividends
As a REIT, we do not pay UK corporation 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 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.

Secretary and registered office
Penny Thomas LLB (Hons), FCIS 
22 Ganton Street 
Carnaby  
London  W1F 7FD

130
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Shaftesbury Annual Report 2019

Other information

Glossary of terms

2018 Code
The FRC’s UK Corporate Governance Code 2018, 
which will apply to the Company from 1 October 
2019. 

Compound Annual Growth Rate 
(CAGR)
The year-on-year growth rate of an investment 
over a specifi ed period of time. 

Alternative Performance Measure 
(APM)
A fi nancial measure of historical or future 
fi nancial performance, position or cash fl ows of 
the Group which is not a measure defi ned or 
specifi ed in IFRS. 

Annualised current income
Total annualised actual and ‘estimated income’ 
reserved by leases at a valuation date. No rent is 
attributed to leases which were subject to 
rent-free periods at that date. It does not refl ect 
any ground rents, head rents nor rent charges 
and estimated irrecoverable outgoings at the 
valuation date. ‘Estimated income’ refers to gross 
ERVs 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 refl ects terms 
for a renewed lease. 

Like-for-like growth in annualised current income 
is the change during a period, adjusted to remove 
the impact of acquisitions and disposals, 
expressed as a percentage of annualised current 
income at the start of the period. 

Conservation Area
A protected area of special architectural interest, 
the character or appearance of which is 
desirable to preserve or enhance. 

CPI
Consumer Price Index.

Diluted net asset value per share
Net asset value per share taking into account the 
dilutive eff ect of potential vesting of share 
options. 

DTR
The Financial Conduct Authority’s Disclosure and 
Transparency Rules.

Energy Performance Certifi cate (EPC)
An asset rating setting out how energy effi  cient a 
building is, rated by its carbon dioxide emission 
on a scale of A to G, with A being the most energy 
effi  cient. 

EPRA
European Public Real Estate Association. 

Annual General Meeting (AGM)
Our AGM will be held on 31 January 2020 at Ham 
Yard Hotel, 1 Ham Yard, London, W1D 7DT.

EPRA adjustments
Standard adjustments to calculate EPRA 
measures, in accordance with its BPR. 

BAME
Black, Asian, and minority ethnic.

Best Practices Recommendations 
(BPR)
Standards set out by EPRA to provide 
comparable reporting between investment 
property companies.

Blended cost of debt
Weighted average cost of drawn borrowings, plus 
non-utilisation fees on undrawn borrowings.

Building Research Establishment 
Environmental Assessment Method 
(BREEAM)
An environmental impact assessment method for 
commercial buildings. Performance is measured 
across a series of ratings: Pass, Very Good, 
Excellent and Outstanding.

Code
The FRC’s UK Corporate Governance Code 2016.

Combined portfolio
The combination of our wholly-owned 
Investment properties and our 50% of 
Investment properties held In the Longmartin 
joint venture.

EPRA cost ratio
Total costs as a percentage of gross rental 
income. 

EPRA earnings
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 EPS
EPRA earnings divided by the weighted average 
number of shares in issue during a reporting 
period. 

EPRA net assets
Net assets adjusted for items that are not 
expected to crystallise in normal circumstances, 
such as the fair value of derivative fi nancial 
instruments and deferred tax on property 
valuation surpluses. It includes additional equity if 
all vested share options were exercised. 

EPRA NAV
EPRA net assets per share, including the 
potentially dilutive eff ect of outstanding options 
granted over ordinary shares. 

EPRA triple net assets 
EPRA net assets amended to include the fair 
value of fi nancial instruments and debt. 

EPRA NNNAV
EPRA NAV amended to include the fair value of 
fi nancial instruments and debt. 

EPRA vacancy
The rental value of available to let vacant 
property (excluding property which is held for, or 
undergoing, refurbishment), expressed as a 
percentage of ERV of the total portfolio. 

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), refl ecting reversions to current 
market rent, and such items as voids and 
non-recoverable expenditure but disregarding 
potential changes in market rents.

ESG
Environment, Social and Governance.

Estimated rental value (ERV)
ERV is the market rental value of properties 
owned by the group, estimated by the Group’s 
valuers. 

Like-for-like ERV growth is the change in ERV 
during a period, adjusted to remove the impact 
of acquisitions and disposals, expressed as a 
percentage of ERV at the start of the period. 

ESOS
Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme.

Fair value
The amount at which an asset or liability could be 
exchanged between two knowledgeable, willing 
and unconnected parties in an arm’s length 
transaction at the valuation date. 

FCA
Financial Conduct Authority.

FRC
Financial Reporting Council.

GHG
Greenhouse gas emissions.

Gearing
Nominal value of group borrowings expressed as 
a percentage of EPRA net assets. 

Global Real Estate Sustainability 
Benchmark (GRESB)
An organisation which measures and provides an 
Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) 
benchmark for real estate and infrastructure 
investments across the world.

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Shaftesbury Annual Report 2019

Other information Glossary of terms

Gross Value Added (GVA)
An economic productivity metric measuring 
economic contribution to a sector or area.

IFRS
International Financial Reporting Standards.

Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards 
(MEES)
Applies to private rented residential and 
non-domestic property to encourage the 
improvement of the buildings’ energy efficiency. 

Total Accounting Return (TAR)
The change in EPRA NAV per ordinary share plus 
dividends paid per ordinary share during the 
period of calculation, expressed as a percentage 
of the EPRA NAV per share at the beginning of 
the period. 

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.

Underlying EPRA vacancy
EPRA vacancy excluding completed exceptional 
larger refurbishment schemes.

Valuation growth/decline
The valuation movement and realised surpluses 
or deficits arising from the group’s investment 
property portfolio expressed as a percentage 
return on the valuation at the beginning of the 
period adjusted, on a time weighted basis, for 
acquisitions, disposals and capital expenditure. 
When measured on a like-for-like basis, the 
calculation excludes those properties acquired 
or sold during the period. 

Interest cover
Operating profit before investment property 
disposals and valuation movements, divided by 
finance costs net of finance income, excluding 
finance lease interest in the joint venture (where 
relevant). 

Key Performance Indicator (KPI)
Activities aligned to business objectives against 
which the performance of the Group is assessed. 

Net asset value (NAV) 
Equity shareholders’ funds divided by the 
number of ordinary shares at the balance sheet 
date. 

Net initial yield
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. 

Like-for-like growth in rents 
receivable
The increase in rents receivable during an 
accounting period, adjusted to remove the 
impact of acquisitions, disposals and changes as 
a result of larger refurbishment schemes, 
expressed as a percentage of rents receivable in 
the corresponding previous accounting period. 

Listed building
A building officially recognised as having special 
historical or architectural interest and therefore 
protected from demolition or alteration without 
prior approval.

Loan-to-value (LTV)
Nominal value of borrowings expressed as a 
percentage of the fair value of property assets. 

London Benchmarking Group (LBG)
Global standard in measuring and managing 
corporate community investment.

London Inter-Bank Offered Rate 
(LIBOR)
Average rate of interest used in lending between 
banks on the London interbank market, which is 
used as a reference for setting interest rates on 
other loans. 

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 performance targets over 
a three-year vesting period. 

Net Investment
Acquisitions and capital expenditure less 
disposals.

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. 

Reversionary potential
The amount by which ERV exceeds annualised 
current income, measured at a valuation date. 

RPI
Retail Price Index.

SDG
UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Topped-up net initial yield
Net initial yield adjusted to assume rent-free 
periods or other unexpired lease incentives, such 
as discounted rent periods and stepped rents, 
have expired. 

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Shaftesbury PLC
22 Ganton Street 
Carnaby 
London W1F 7FD

T: 020 7333 8118

shaftesbury.co.uk