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Shaftesbury PLC

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FY2021 Annual Report · Shaftesbury PLC
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Annual report  
& accounts

Capital & Counties 
Properties PLC

Capital & Counties Properties 
PLC (Capco) is one of the largest 
listed property companies in 
central London. Our key asset 
is the landmark Covent Garden 
estate. We create and grow  
value through a combination  
of creative asset management 
and strategic investment.

Strategic Report

Who we are

Our competitive strengths

Our estate

Operational highlights

Chief Executive’s review

Purpose, business model and strategy

Our values

Key performance indicators

Principal risks and uncertainties

Stakeholder engagement

Companies Act 2006 – s172(1) 
statement

Operating review

Financial review

Responsibility

Governance

At a glance

Corporate governance report

Board leadership and company 
purpose

Division of responsibilities

Nomination Committee report

Audit Committee report

ESC Board Committee report

Directors’ Remuneration Report

Directors’ report

Financial Statements

Directors’ responsibilities

Independent auditors’ report

Financial statements

Notes to the accounts

Other information

Board and advisers

Dividends

Glossary

Shareholder information

3

6

8

10

12

18

19

20

22

33

38

40

57

68

86

88

90

96

98

101

105

106

121

124

125

133

138

189

197

198

199

203

A leading
London

property
company

1

Strategic Report

Who we are 

A prime

central

London

REIT

About us

A prime central London REIT driving long-term 
value creation centred around our landmark 
Covent Garden estate. 

Our purpose

Our purpose is to invest in and create world-
class places, focusing on central London. Using 
our vision, long-term approach and responsible 
stewardship, we deliver economic and social 
value and generate benefits for our stakeholders.

Our values

Collegiate, supportive and inclusive 

Environmentally and socially responsible

High performance and entrepreneurial

Innovative and creative

Professional: We act with integrity and 
hold ourselves to the highest standards

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Capco Annual Report & Accounts 2021

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Strategic Report

Who we are continued

About Capco

Portfolio Valuation

£2.4bn¹

Covent Garden

100%

£1,729m 72%

Shaftesbury Investment

£596m

Lillie Square

£86m²

25%

3%

See pages 40 to 56 for our operating review

1. Includes Capco’s property interests and its investment in  

Shaftesbury shares.

2. Includes Capco’s interests in the Lillie Square joint venture  

and properties in the adjacent area.

2021 financial results

Covent Garden Portfolio

0.5p

Underlying earnings per share

1.5p

Dividend per share

212.4p

EPRA net tangible assets per share

16.5%

Total shareholder return

1.5%

Total property return

Lettable space

1.1m sq ft

71 buildings

503 units

Covent Garden 
Portfolio valuation

£1.7bn

Financial strength
£1.8bn

£652m

Group net assets

Access to liquidity

£599m

Group net debt

£254m

Covent Garden net debt

24%

Group net debt  
to gross assets

15%

Covent Garden  
loan to value

Sector

Sq ft

% of  
portfolio by 
value

Retail

0.4m

49%

Food & 
beverage

0.2m

25%

Office

0.2m

16%

Residential

0.2m

Leisure

0.1m

7%

3%

See page 20 to 21 and 189 where we discuss our alternative 
performance measures.

See page 57 to 67 for the financial review.

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Capco Annual Report & Accounts 2021

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5

 
Strategic Report

Our competitive strengths

Our
competitive
strengths

Prime assets

A focus on prime central London, centred around the landmark 
Covent Garden estate in the heart of London’s West End.

For more on our assets, see page 8.

Experienced leadership

Experienced management team with a strong track record of 
leading the Group in delivering its strategy.

For more on our leadership, see page 90 to 91.

Strong capital structure

Resilient and flexible financing, characterised by low leverage 
and high liquidity, together with a disciplined approach to  
capital allocation.

For more on our capital structure, see page 57.

Sustainable approach

Delivering positive environmental and social outcomes that 
enhance value for our stakeholders.

For more on our sustainability, see page 68.

Effective governance

The framework of oversight, controls and reporting provided by 
Capco’s governance structure supports the business and allows 
Capco to operate with transparency to achieve its objectives.

For more on our governance, see page 88.

Dynamic, inclusive culture

High-performance, inclusive and entrepreneurial culture and 
values, reflective of our business strategy where innovation  
and creativity are promoted across the business.

For more on our culture, see pages 82 and 94.

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Capco Annual Report & Accounts 2021

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Strategic Report

Our estate

World-class estate in the  
heart of London’s West End

8

Capco Annual Report & Accounts 2021

Covent Garden

Portfolio valuation

£1.7bn

Lettable space

1.1m sq ft

Buildings

71

Units

503

Prime West End 
location

Scale and 
concentrated 
ownership

Rich in heritage

Global brand 
recognition

Capco Ownership

Shaftesbury Ownership

The landowners’ map is indicative

Capco holds a 25.2 per cent interest  
in Shaftesbury PLC

www.capitalandcounties.com

9

BISHOPʼS BRIDGE RDKINGʼS RDKINGʼS RDCARNABYSOHOCHINATOWNCOLISEUMSEVENDIALSFITZROVIAOPERAQUARTERST MARTIN’S COURTYARDMAYFAIRSOHOMARYLEBONEFITZROVIAHOLBORNSOUTHBANKBISHOPʼS BRIDGE RDKINGʼS RDKINGʼS RDCARNABYSOHOCHINATOWNCOLISEUMSEVENDIALSFITZROVIAOPERAQUARTERST MARTIN’S COURTYARDMAYFAIRSOHOMARYLEBONEFITZROVIAHOLBORNSOUTHBANKStrategic Report

Operational highlights

2021 year  
in review

Spring

Covent Garden curates a programme of digital first experi-
ences to bring a taste of the area to everyone at home

Capco  announces  its  commitment  to  Net  Zero  Carbon  
by 2030

New al fresco dining scheme unveiled with outdoor dining 
available across a number of newly pedestrianised streets

Retail and al fresco dining reopens, welcoming occupiers 
and consumers back to Covent Garden with a street food 
festival and ‘Hello London’ sign

Vashi opens new flagship site and Bucherer opens its new 
upsized  store,  both  located  in  the  Royal  Opera  House 
Arcade

Summer

The Summer Festival, a three-month celebration of live music 
and British summertime, launches on the East Piazza

Capco completes the sale of two freehold properties 26-27 
Southampton  Street  and  30-32  Southampton  Street  for 
£50.2 million

Glossier agrees terms to open its first permanent physical UK 
store in iconic location overlooking Covent Garden’s Piazza 
and Reformation agrees terms to open a new flagship store 
on King Street

Ave  Mario  and  Mrs  Riot  open  two  new  restaurants  on 
Henrietta Street

Hello London, James Street

April

Al fresco dining, Henrietta Street 

London-born artist Lakwena transforms Floral Street and King 
Street and a month-long programme with the Royal Opera 
House launches

Autumn

Winter

Premium watch brand TAG Heuer signs on James Street 

Chila Burman takes over the historic Market Building with  
an immersive large-scale light installation 

Covent Garden announces extension of its al fresco dining 
scheme. Over 1,000 outdoor dining seats remain available 
at restaurants across the estate with Westminster City Council 
approval and support from local stakeholders

Working  groups  established  to  consider  feedback  from 
employee engagement survey

Experimental  Group  signs  a  late  night  live  music  and 
dining concept

Covent  Garden  launches  its  Christmas  programme,  with 
daily snowfall on the Piazza and brand partnerships with 
LEGO ®, Disney’s Frozen and American Express  

Covent  Garden’s  charity  auction  raises  over  £22k,  
with all proceeds going to Only A Pavement Away to help 
the homeless 

Ten  new  brands  introduced  to  Covent  Garden  including 
global apparel brand Uniqlo which will occupy a flagship 
store located at a new site combining 19-21 Long Acre and 
Carriage Hall 

Capco completes new £300 million unsecured revolving 
credit facility for Covent Garden

Capco publishes its Net Zero Carbon Pathway and its inten-
tion to join the UN Race to Zero setting out activities and 
timelines to support our commitment

Giant balloon dog sculptures installed across the Piazza and 
Halloween pumpkin market launched in the Apple Market

Market Building art installation by Chila Burman

August

Capco realises proceeds through disposal of two Covent 
Garden properties, Lillie Square apartments and receipt of 
the final instalment of Earls Court deferred consideration

Covent Garden Christmas

November – December

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Strategic Report

Chief executive’s review

Confident in  
long-term growth 
prospects

“Covent Garden has had a 
strong second half of 2021 
and despite the backdrop 
of the Omicron variant, 
consumers continued to be 
attracted to the West End’s 
most vibrant destination. We 
are pleased with the strong 
levels of leasing activity and 
improving market indicators 
which have contributed to a 
valuation uplift in the second 
half. We look ahead with 
confidence to continued 
progress in 2022 and in the 
long-term prospects of the 
Covent Garden estate and  
the West End.”

Ian Hawksworth, Chief Executive

Ian Hawksworth

Chief Executive 

Overview 

Capco’s  actions,  commitment  and  creativity  during  the 
pandemic have positioned the Company strongly for recov-
ery and are generating positive results. During summer 2021, 
we indicated that the worst of the pandemic may be behind 
us and I am pleased to report Covent Garden has had a 
strong second half of 2021. Through our successful leasing 
strategy,  promotional  activities  and  welcoming  pedestri-
anised open air environment, Covent Garden is positioned 
as  the  West  End’s  most  vibrant  destination.  Despite  the 
backdrop of the Omicron variant, consumers continued to 
be attracted to the estate in the run up to Christmas. There 
was  strong  footfall  and  spend  with  overall  sales  for  the 
second half of the year nearing pre-pandemic levels with our 
targeted categories including luxury and premium amongst 
the highest performing. 

“Through our long-term vision, 
entrepreneurial culture and strong 
balance sheet, we have positioned  
the business for recovery and growth.”

Ian Hawksworth, Chief Executive

We  are  pleased  by  the  resilience  of  our  high  quality 
line-up. Converting demand into new leasing transactions 
has resulted in a stronger customer line-up and contributed 
to a valuation uplift in the second half. Covent Garden’s 
fundamentals and enduring appeal give us confidence in the 
long-term growth prospects of the business. We continue to 
invest in asset management activities which will accelerate 
value creation across the estate. Among Covent Garden’s 
key differentiators are its largely pedestrianised environment 
and the heritage Piazza offering secure public areas. We 
are delighted with the confirmation that many of the streets 
will continue to be pedestrianised as part of the estate’s al 
fresco scheme offering over 1,000 seats in total. 

We  have  made  good  progress  implementing  our  exten-
sive ESC agenda overseen by the Board Committee. Our 
pathway to achieving Net Zero Carbon by 2030, setting 
out detailed targets, was published during the year. As a 
long-term  steward  of  the  Covent  Garden  estate,  Capco 
recognises the urgent action demanded by the risk posed 
by  climate  change.  Capco  takes  a  holistic  approach  to 
responsible stewardship and tackling climate change through 
promotion  of  heritage  retrofitting,  energy  efficiency  and 
waste management initiatives. 

Having reshaped the  organisation over recent years, we 
have continued to drive efficiencies, whilst maintaining a 
very hands-on approach to management of Covent Garden 
and other investments. I would like to thank every employee  
for their commitment and resilience demonstrated over the 
last year. 

Capco  is  very  well-positioned  financially  with  access  to 
substantial liquidity, enabling it to take advantage of oppor-
tunities commensurate with strategy. We look ahead with 
confidence to continued progress in 2022 and in the long-
term prospects of the Covent Garden estate and London’s 
West End. 

Driving value creation 

Our  purpose  remains  to  invest  in  and  create  world-class 
places, focusing on central London. Using our vision, long-
term  approach  and  responsible  stewardship,  we  deliver 
sustainable economic and social value and generate bene-
fits for our stakeholders. 

Capco has assembled the Covent Garden portfolio over a 
period of 15 years. As a long-term steward of the Covent 
Garden estate, Capco has taken a creative approach with 
strategic  investment  to  establish  a  world-class  estate  rich 
in heritage and culture in the heart of London’s West End. 
Covent Garden’s scale and concentrated ownership would 
be incredibly difficult to replicate making it a scarce and 
valuable real estate investment. 

The Group has a strategic focus on Covent Garden and 
the West End. Capco’s investment strategy is to invest in 
complementary opportunities on or near the Covent Garden 
estate.  Capco’s  ambitious  and  creative  culture  promotes 
value creation opportunities whilst maintaining financial and 
investment discipline. 

Substantially all of the Company’s property value is within 
prime central London through the Covent Garden business, 
which is currently independently valued at £1.7 billion as 
well as the Shaftesbury investment which is valued at £596 
million. Capco has a strong track record of accretive invest-
ment and aggregation of ownership in the Covent Garden 
area  and  it  is  intended  that  opportunities  to  expand  our 
ownership will be pursued in line with ambitions to grow 
the business.

Each  capital  decision  is  assessed  on  its  merits  including 
investment in owned assets, development and repositioning 
opportunities, accretive acquisitions on or near the Covent 
Garden estate, opportunistic investments in adjacent areas, 
the disposal of non-strategic assets and distributions to share-
holders as appropriate. 

The Group realised £133 million of net proceeds in 2021 
through disposals, maintaining its disciplined approach to 
investment and capital management. We have disposed of 
non-strategic assets, principally located on the periphery of 
the Covent Garden estate. In addition, the final £15 million 
deferred  consideration  from  the  sale  of  Earls  Court  was 
received, as well as disposal proceeds in the Lillie Square 
joint venture. 

During  the  year,  Capco  completed  a  new  £300  million 
unsecured  revolving  credit  facility  for  Covent  Garden, 
replacing the previous facility which was due to mature in 
December 2022. The new facility is fully undrawn and in  

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Capco Annual Report & Accounts 2021

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Strategic Report

Chief executive’s review continued

+16.5%

Total 
Shareholder 
Return

+0.4%

Total Return

+4.6%

Valuation growth 
in H2 2021

+3%

ERV growth  
in H2 2021

60

New leasing 
transactions

combination with cash deposits, provides the Group with 
access to significant liquidity. In addition, proceeds from Lillie 
Square disposals have been used to repay its loan facility in 
full. The joint venture is in a cash position of £44.6 million 
(£22.3 million Capco share).

Capco has a strong balance sheet. Group net debt of £599 
million resulted in a net debt to gross assets ratio of 24 per 
cent, whilst Covent Garden’s loan to value ratio is 15 per 
cent and net debt is £254 million. The Board has set an 
upper limit on balance sheet leverage of up to 40 per cent, 
represented by the net debt to gross assets ratio. Although 
interest  cover  covenant  waivers  in  respect  of  2021  were 
agreed with the Covent Garden lenders to address interrup-
tion to near-term income, the interest cover ratio in relation to 
the Covent Garden debt for 2021 was comfortably ahead 
of the covenant level. 

Notwithstanding disruption to business activity caused by 
COVID-19 and certain upward cost pressures, Capco has 
reported underlying administration costs under £20 million 
for the 2021 financial year. Costs will continue to be closely 
managed, however inflationary pressures are expected to 
result in an increase in the near-term. 

Dividend

The Board is proposing a final dividend of 1 pence per share 
generating a total dividend of 1.5 pence per share. Our 
objective is to generate superior returns for our shareholders 
over the long-term through investment in central London real 
estate with a dividend policy to be progressed with growth 
in underlying earnings. 

Improving market indicators 

The enduring appeal of Covent Garden was demonstrated 
by a gradual recovery in footfall and trade following the 
lifting of measures from April 2021. The roll out of the vacci-
nation and subsequent booster programme have enabled 
the gradual return of footfall, resulting in a return of consumer 
and business confidence as well as more normal patterns 
of activity. 

Covent Garden independent valuation 2021

£1.7bn

Covent Garden

Other2

Group share of total property3

Capco has been pleased by the level of activity with a signif-
icant number of customers noting higher conversion rates 
and larger basket sizes. Overall customer sales are outper-
forming footfall. Footfall for the second half of the year was 
approximately 70 per cent of 2019 levels, however overall 
sales in the second half were approaching 2019 levels with 
certain categories including premium and luxury outperform-
ing. This has been achieved in a period with limited inter-
national travel and office occupation which has been offset 
by a significant rise in the number of domestic tourists and 
Londoners. This domestic demand and expected return to 
more normal international footfall provides confidence as to 
further rental growth prospects. 

Strong leasing momentum driving  
rental growth 

Throughout the COVID-19 period, Capco maintained high 
occupancy levels reflecting the strength of demand for its 
prime central London real estate. Capco introduced 16 new 
retail and F&B brands to the estate successfully converting 
the  strong  pipeline  into  leasing  transactions.  We  closely 
monitor consumer and retail trends, ensuring our offer reflects 
consumer demand thereby positioning us for growth and 
ensuring  Covent  Garden  appeals  to  the  customer  of  the 
future as well as the customer of today. 

Retailers continue to seek space in the best global locations 
with complementary businesses and values. Covent Garden 
provides  a  broad  range  of  unit  sizes  and  price  points, 
ensuring it attracts a wide spectrum of retail and hospitality 
customers. 

Scale and concentrated ownership provides a number of 
benefits  including  managing  a  curated  customer  line-up 
of  complementary  brands.  Capco  has  achieved  leasing 
success in a number of targeted categories. Luxury brand 
TAG Heuer has agreed terms to open on James Street joining 
luxury brand Tiffany & Co. Bespoke jewellery brand Vashi 
opened its new London flagship store while Bucherer has 
opened in a new prominent location in the Royal Opera 
House Arcade having doubled the size of its original site. 
We  are  pleased  to  have  signed  digitally  native  brands 
Glossier and Reformation both of which have chosen Covent 
Garden for their new London flagship stores. 

Market Value 2021  

£m

1,729

86

1,815

Market Value 2020 
£m

Valuation Change
Like-for-Like1

1,825

117

1,942

-0.6%

-14.1%

-1.3%

Global apparel brand Uniqlo has agreed terms to occupy 
a new anchor flagship store spanning 22,000 square feet 
with dual frontage on Long Acre and Floral Street. High qual-
ity brands continue to invest in the estate with a number of 
new openings including three new restaurants on Henrietta 
Street, Ave Mario, Mrs Riot and a multi-brand F&B concept 
3 Henrietta Street. Existing customers are expanding their 
operations, with the Experimental Group, who are the oper-
ators of the Henrietta Hotel, set to open a new late night live 
music and dining concept on the Piazza. 

Capco has always taken a creative approach, providing 
high quality concepts the opportunity to trade on the estate, 
which  have  transitioned  into  longer  term  occupation.  A 
selection  of  short-term  leases  have  converted  into  longer 
term opportunities including Kick Game, Floozie and The 
Gentlemen  Baristas.  Covent  Garden  continues  to  attract 
London first concepts including Rails, Empresa and Guerlain. 

We continue to implement our market leading estate market-
ing and communications strategy. This is enhanced by our 
advanced digital channels, partnering with retail and dining 
brands as well as cultural partners and a programme of activ-
ity to promote both Covent Garden and the West End. The 
team successfully pivoted our marketing strategy to capture the 
domestic visitor and hosted an extensive calendar of activities 
throughout the year alongside strategic partnerships with The 
Royal Opera House, American Express, Disney and LEGO®. 

Valuation and performance 

Capco’s total shareholder return for the year, which comprises 
share price performance plus the dividends paid during the 
year, was 16.5 per cent, and total return for the year, which 
represents the change in net assets plus the dividends paid 
during the year, was 0.4 per cent.

The total property valuation of the Group declined by 1.3 
per cent (like-for-like) in the year to 31 December 2021 to 
£1.8  billion.  The  valuation  of  the  Covent  Garden  estate 
increased by 4.6 per cent like-for-like to £1.7 billion in the 
second half of the year and there was an overall movement 
of -0.6 per cent for the full year. The main contributors to the 
growth in the second half were an ERV increase of 3 per cent 
on a like-for-like basis to £76.2 million, reflecting the positive 
leasing activity and high occupancy levels across the estate, 
as well as a reduction of 5 basis points in the equivalent 
yield on a like-for-like basis to 3.88 per cent. The valuer’s 
assumption on loss of near-term income has been reduced 
from £11 million to nil.

Underlying net rental income increased by 23.7 per cent 
like-for-like compared with December 2020. 60 new leases 
and  renewals  representing  £11  million  of  rental  income 
completed in the year. EPRA vacancy has reduced to 2.6 
per cent (2020: 3.5 per cent). 

Capco’s investment at Lillie Square decreased in value by 14.1 
per cent (like-for-like) to £86 million at 31 December 2021.

1. Valuation change takes account of amortisation of tenant lease incentives, capital expenditure, disposals, fixed head leases and unrecog-

nised trading surplus.

2. Includes Capco’s interest in the Lillie Square joint venture and Lillie Square Holdings Group. 
3. A reconciliation of carrying value of investment, development and trading property to the market value is shown in note 16 ‘Property 

Portfolio’.

East Piazza

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15

 
Strategic Report

Chief executive’s review continued

Net 
Zero 
Carbon 
by  
2030

+8.5%

Total return on 
Shaftesbury 
investment 

£47m

Gross sales from 
Lillie Square

CBRE  has  undertaken  an  independent  valuation  of  the 
Covent Garden estate. The total valuation of the estate is 
£1,729 million and represents the aggregated value of the 
individual properties, with no reflection of any additional 
estate premium which potential investors may ascribe to the 
concentrated and comprehensive nature of ownership within 
the estate. The predominantly freehold nature, concentrated 
ownership, scale of the estate as well as the portfolio mix 
may lead prospective purchasers to regard certain parts of 
the portfolio, for example by street, to have a greater value 
than the aggregate of the individual property values. 

Sustainability, Environment and 
Stakeholders 

Capco recognises the urgent responsibility to tackle climate 
change and this is reflected in our 2030 Net Zero Carbon 
target. We  have  a  strong  track  record  of  supporting  our 
stakeholders and positioning the estate sustainably. This is 
actioned through key initiatives such as our continued invest-
ment in our heritage buildings, delivery of enhanced pedes-
trianisation and an extensive greening programme. 

We are proud of our passionate and talented people who 
will deliver our ESC ambitions through proactive engagement 
and mutual understanding with our partners and stakehold-
ers to create and maintain a vibrant, thriving environment in 
which Covent Garden and all our stakeholders can flourish. 

Capco has developed its extensive ESC strategy, supported 
and  overseen  by  a  Board  Committee,  and  committed  to 
achieve  Net  Zero  Carbon  by  2030.  Our  sustainability 
credentials and strategy are increasingly a feature of leas-
ing discussions with potential occupiers preferring to locate 
with a responsible owner. We are focused on promoting a 
cleaner, greener estate through enhanced air quality, biodi-
versity, energy efficiency and waste management initiatives. 
We will be working even more closely with customers in the 
years ahead to help deliver our shared sustainability goals. 

Being a good neighbour is important to us and we continue 
to focus on our community programme prioritising initiatives 
and charity partners in Covent Garden. This includes the 
provision  of  financial  aid  supporting  homelessness,  food 
banks and the elderly as well as hospitality, cultural and 
retail foundations. 

Covent Garden’s extensive al fresco offering was integral 
to supporting the recovery of hospitality in London’s West 
End and we are pleased by the level of local community 
support for the extension of this unrivalled scheme. This offer 
emphasises Covent Garden’s position as London’s leading 
outdoor dining destination and supports our drive to improve 
air quality across the estate. 

Our People

Outlook

Early action has positioned the business strongly to benefit 
from  recovery.  Our  successful  implementation  of  leasing, 
public  realm  and  marketing  strategies  has  delivered  the 
opportunity for growth. Throughout the pandemic our team 
has  worked  hard  to  maintain  high  occupancy.  We  are 
pleased  with  the  levels  of  leasing  activity  and  improving 
market indicators which have contributed to a valuation uplift. 

We will look to increase investment across the estate on repo-
sitioning opportunities to accelerate value creation. Further 
to this, we are tracking a number of targeted acquisitions 
in the surrounding area to expand our ownership. With our 
strong customer line-up and leasing pipeline, Covent Garden 
is well-positioned for further rental growth. Whilst there are 
prevailing economic headwinds, the West End economy is 
strongly placed to benefit from the continued normalisation 
of business and consumer activity. 

We will continue to focus on responsible stewardship, imple-
menting our ESC strategy and working to achieve our Net 
Zero Carbon target by 2030.

Through  our  long-term  vision,  entrepreneurial  culture  and 
strong balance sheet we have positioned the business for 
recovery and growth. We look ahead with confidence to 
continued progress in 2022 and in the long-term prospects of 
the Covent Garden estate and London’s West End. 

Ian Hawksworth

Chief Executive 

22 February 2022

Our people are key to our business, which promotes a culture 
of creative passion for Covent Garden to allow employees to 
reach their potential whilst creating value for our stakeholders. 

Our people conduct day-to-day activities guided by a core 
set of Company values which are to be: collegiate, support-
ive and inclusive; environmentally and socially responsible; 
high  performance  and  entrepreneurial;  innovative  and 
creative; and professional, we act with integrity and hold 
ourselves to the highest standards. 

We  continued  to  support  our  employees  through  regular 
Company-wide meetings, business updates and seminars 
focusing on well-being, diversity, equality and inclusion initia-
tives. During the year Capco conducted an employee survey, 
which received both very high engagement scores and a 
very high response rate of over 90 per cent, as well as high 
scores in most areas. The employee survey results demon-
strated Capco’s entrepreneurial and dynamic culture with 
strong and positive performance. A number of employee-led 
working groups have been established to consider matters 
highlighted in the survey results and recommendations will be 
brought forward for implementation as appropriate. 

Other investments 

Our investment in Shaftesbury PLC represents a unique oppor-
tunity to own a significant stake in a mixed-use real estate 
portfolio, adjacent to Capco’s world-class Covent Garden 
estate. Capco took decisive action in 2020 to make the 
investment which has generated a capital return of 19 per 
cent (before costs) since acquisition and is now also generat-
ing dividend income. Capco aims to maximise the strategic 
and economic value of its investment which was made at 
an attractive entry price in terms of the implied real estate 
value. The investment provides the opportunity to benefit from 
the recovery of the broader West End and is consistent with 
Capco’s strategy to invest in complementary opportunities on 
or near the Covent Garden estate. 

The  final  £15  million  of  deferred  consideration  from  the 
sale of Earls Court was received in 2021. The Lillie Square 
joint venture continues to progress with the sale of 25 units 
completed during the year representing £47 million. Capco 
share of Lillie Square properties was valued at £86 million 
at 31 December 2021 (2020: £117 million), and the joint 
venture is in a cash position of £44.6 million (£22.3 million 
Capco share). 

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17

Responsible stewardship

Strategic Report

Purpose, business model and strategy

Driving long-term  
value creation

Purpose

Our purpose is to invest in and create world-class places, focusing on central London. Using our vision, long-term approach 
and responsible stewardship, we deliver economic and social value and generate benefits for our stakeholders.

Our resources

How we deliver

How we measure

Our values

Our values

Our values underpin Capco’s 
culture and the way we operate 
as a business. They guide our 
decisions as we implement our 
strategy, creating economic and 
social value for our stakeholders. 
We are:

World-class 
Covent Garden 
estate

Strong financial 
position

Strong capital  
structure 

Experienced 
management 

Responsible 
stewardship

Group strategy

As a central London focused REIT, 
Capco creates, grows and delivers 
value from our assets centred around 
the landmark Covent Garden estate, 
to deliver superior long-term total 
returns for our shareholders, while 
bringing benefits to  
our stakeholders.

Customer at  
heart of the 
business

Financial 
indicators

Creative asset 
management

Non-financial 
measures

High-performing 
team 

Strategic 
partnerships

Extensive 
stakeholder 
relationships

Strategic investment 
and capital allocation

See pages 20 to 21 
to read more.

Creating value for our stakeholders

Occupiers

Employees

Suppliers

Visitors

Communities

Investors

Finance 
providers

Joint venture 
partners

Local 
authorities

Our 
neighbours

Underpinned by

Effective  
Governance

See page 88 to read more  
on our governance.

Environment, Sustainability  
and Community

See page 68 to read more  
on our ESC activities.

Dynamic, Inclusive Culture  
and Embedded Values

See pages 82 and 94 to read more on 
our culture, and pages 3 and 19 to read 
more about our values.

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Capco Annual Report & Accounts 2021

Collegiate, supportive and inclusive

We  value  collaboration  and  creativity  and  treat  our 
colleagues with respect. We champion employee well-be-
ing, and provide a wide range of benefits and initiatives 
in  support  of  this.  We  support  and  promote  a  range  of 
programmes  that  aim  to  increase  inclusivity  and  diversity 
across our industry.

See page 83 for more information.

Environmentally and socially responsible

We aim to make Covent Garden a UK leader in sustainabil-
ity for heritage environments and have a comprehensive ESC 
strategy, aligned to our corporate values, under which we 
will address climate change, improve air quality, drive inno-
vation, and support communities and people. We support 
the communities in and around our properties through collab-
oration, projects and financial support.

See page 68 for more information.

High performance and entrepreneurial

We have a high-performance and entrepreneurial culture, 
and work together to deliver our strategy. We are ambi-
tious for our business and our employees. We have a clear 
business model and strategy which explain how we deliver 
value for our investors. We provide training and development 
opportunities to encourage our employees to reach their full 
potential.

See page 82 for more information.

Innovative and creative

We  take  an  innovative  approach  to  the  management  
of our assets, seeking creative opportunities to deliver value 
for  our  stakeholders.  This  approach  will  help  us  address  
the  challenge  of  climate  change  through  our  Net  Zero 
Carbon Pathway.

See page 40 for more information.

Professional: We act with integrity and hold 
ourselves to the highest standards

We expect the highest standards across the business, from 
health and safety, professional ethics and corporate govern-
ance, to the standards we apply across our property portfo-
lio. We have a range of policies that set out our expectations 
to ensure that our employees, suppliers, partners and stake-
holders understand our standards.

See page 83 for more information.

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19

Strategic Report

Key performance indicators

Measuring  
performance

We measure performance against key performance indicators which are selected to reflect 
Group strategy. Many of these metrics are performance measures under Group remuneration 
arrangements, ensuring alignment with shareholder interests.

A performance measure under Executive Directors’ short-term or long-term incentive arrangements. Read more, including basis  
of calculation, in the Directors’ Remuneration Report from page 106.

 Total property return

 Underlying earnings per share

1.5%

1 year

3 years

-10.1

Capco

Comparator group

 Total return 

0.4%

1 year

3 years

-12.9

-7.7

Capco

Comparator group

Measures gains and losses on portfolio valuation including 
disposals, and rents received less associated costs, including 
ground rent. Benchmarked against the MSCI Total Return All 
Property Index.

During  2021,  the  Group  generated  TPR  of  1.5  per  cent, 
underperforming its benchmark of 19.9 per cent by 18.4 
per cent. (Target: 1.5 per cent per annum outperformance.)

1.5

19.9

6.6

0.5p

2021

2020

-0.7

2019

0.5

1.0

Measures income generation and cost control.

During  2021,  the  Group  generated  underlying  EPS  of  
0.5 pence.

0.4

10.8

Measures growth in EPRA NTA per share plus dividends per 
share paid during the year. Benchmarked against a bespoke 
group of peer companies.

The Group generated total return of -12.9 per cent per annum 
on a rolling three-year basis, underperforming the compara-
tor group by 5.2 per cent.

 Net tangible assets per share

212.4p

2021

2020

2019

212.4

212.1

292.9

Measures the net asset value attributable to each share in 
the Company.

NTA per share as at 31 December 2021 was 212.4 pence, 
an increase of 0.2 per cent from 31 December 2020.

 Total shareholder return

Underlying net rental income (Covent Garden)

16.5%

1 year

3 years

-12.6

-1.1

Capco

Comparator group

Other measures

Measures shareholder value creation (share price movement 
plus dividend per share paid during the year). Benchmarked 
against a bespoke group of peer companies.

16.5
16.5

The Group generated total shareholder return of -12.6 per 
cent per annum on a rolling three-year basis, underperform-
ing the comparator group by 11.5 per cent.

£52.1m

2021

2020

2019

52.1

44.1

61.5

Measures gross rental income less property, service charge 
and expected credit losses.

Covent  Garden  underlying  NRI  for  2021,  excluding  the 
impact of impairment of tenant lease incentives and lease 
modification  costs,  was  £52.1  million,  a  18.1  per  cent 
increase or 21.6 per cent increase on a like-for-like basis. 
Covent  Garden  NRI  for  2021  was  £46.2  million,  an 
increase of 183.1 per cent from 31 December 2020. See 
note 2 ‘Segmental Reporting’ for reconciliation to IFRS NRI.

We also measure performance against a range of other financial and non-financial measures including health and safety record, HR statistics 
and environmental targets, and are proud to have received the following environmental accreditations:

Read more within our Responsibility reporting from page 68.

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21

Strategic Report

Principal risks and uncertainties

Effective  
risk management

Risk Management

The Board has overall responsibility for Group risk manage-
ment. It determines its risk appetite and reviews principal risks 
and uncertainties regularly, together with the actions taken 
to mitigate them. The Board has delegated responsibility for 
the review of the adequacy and effectiveness of the Group’s 
internal control framework to the Audit Committee. 

Risk is a standing agenda item at all management meetings. 
This gives rise to a more risk aware culture and consistency 
in decision-making across the organisation in line with the 
corporate  strategy  and  risk  appetite.  All  corporate  deci-
sion-making  takes  risk  into  account,  in  a  measured  way, 
while continuing to drive an entrepreneurial culture.

The Executive Directors are responsible for the day-to-day 
commercial and operational activity across the Group and 
are therefore responsible for the management of business 
risk. The Executive Risk Committee, comprising the Executive 
Directors,  the  General  Counsel,  the  Group  Financial 
Controller and the Director of Sustainability and Technology, 
is the executive level management forum for the review and 
discussion of risks, controls and mitigation measures. The 
corporate and business division risks are reviewed on a regu-
lar basis by the Executive Risk Committee so that trends and 
emerging risks can be identified and reported to the Board.

Senior management from each part of the business iden-
tify  and  manage  the  risks  for  their  area  or  function  and 
complete and maintain a risk register. The severity of each 
risk is assessed through a combination of each risk’s likeli-
hood of an adverse outcome and its impact. In assessing 
impact, consideration is given to financial, reputational and 
regulatory factors, and risk mitigation plans are established. 
A full risk review is undertaken annually in which the risk 
registers are aggregated and reviewed by the Executive Risk 
Committee. The Directors confirm that they have completed 
a  robust  assessment  of  the  principal  risks  faced  by  the 
business, assisted by the work performed by the Executive  
Risk Committee.

Risk management structure

Board

Overall responsibility for risk framework and internal control 
Determines its risk appetite 
Ongoing review of control effectiveness

Audit  
Committee

Monitors internal 
control framework 

Executive Risk 
Committee

Executive level management 
forum for the review and 
discussion of risks, controls 
and mitigation measures 

Reports to Board on its work  
and conclusions

Senior management team

Identifies and manages risks 
Compiles Group risk register
Implements mitigation measures 

Reports to Executive  
Risk Committee

Risk Appetite Statement

The  Board  has  set  the  Group’s  risk  appetite  statement  to 
provide  guiding  principles  to  support  decision-making  at 
both a Board and Senior Management level. The Group risk 
appetite statement is reviewed and updated by the Board at 
appropriate intervals and in any event on an annual basis. 
The Group risk appetite statement has been communicated 
internally to Senior Management who are responsible for 
incorporating the identified principles in decision-making. 
The Group’s risk appetite statement is as follows:

“We use our expertise in property investment and develop-
ment and our commitment to a strong balance sheet to take 
commercial risks in a measured way so that we are able 
to deliver sustainable growth and long-term market leading 
returns for our shareholders.

We are risk averse in relation to the impact of our business on 
the environment and on the health and safety of our people 
and the public and it is a key priority for us that our busi-
ness operates in compliance with laws, regulations and our 
contractual commitments.”

Risk Appetite Criteria

Risk averse

Risk neutral

Risk aware

Risk-taking in pursuit of strategic objectives

The Company is cautious and 
takes as little risk as possible

The Company takes a balanced 
approach to risk taking

The Company is willing to take 
greater than normal risks

Risk Appetite Scale

Principal Risk

Economic conditions

Funding

Political climate

Catastrophic external event

People

Health & safety

Compliance with law, regulation and contracts

Climate change

Leasing and asset management

Planning and development

Risk outlook

The  activity  of  the  Group  has  positioned  our  business  to 
emerge strongly as markets recover. As defined within the 
risk appetite statement the Group has remained risk averse 
to the impact of our business on the health and safety of its 
people and the public which has been regularly tested over 
the course of the last two years. The business has responded 
well to this challenge, working closely with stakeholders and 
customers to operate in a safe and considered manner and 
utilising the open air nature of our Covent Garden estate. 

The COVID-19 pandemic brought about unprecedented chal-
lenges and disruption to the broader economy, the Group’s 
tenants and business. Additionally, due to the timing of the 
pandemic it is difficult to quantify the full effects of Brexit 
or disassociate the impact of these two significant events. 
Understanding the effects of the pandemic and Brexit as well 
as the impact on the business and the market remains critical 
and the Board continues to monitor this carefully.

COVID-19 resulted in a significant reduction in levels of foot-
fall and activity across the Covent Garden estate, significantly 
lower levels of international travel, lower levels of physical 
office  occupation  and  changes  in  tenant  and  consumer 
behaviour. The significant reduction in visitor numbers and 
store revenues for tenants has led to a large number of them 
experiencing cash flow pressures and, in turn, a reduction 
in the Group’s rental collection rates. Challenging occupier 
and investment market conditions, particularly in the retail 
and F&B sector, have had a negative impact on property 
valuations, rental values and income. 

The long term impact of COVID-19 on the future demand for 
and use of lettable space, evolution of consumer behaviour 
(including an acceleration of trends in online shopping) and 
travel patterns could have further implications for the real 
estate market and the Group’s portfolio. In view of the unpre-
dictable nature of the pandemic, the evolution of legislative 
and  policy  measures  such  as  the  removal  of  government 
support measures and other government guidance will be 
monitored closely together with the impact of related emerg-
ing risks. Throughout the year, as restrictions were lifted and 
customer trade conditions improved, rental collections have 
increased resulting in an increase in property values in the 
second half of the year. 

During the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company 
has prioritised the health and safety of its people, customers 
and visitors, while working co-operatively and in a co-or-
dinated manner with stakeholders to protect and promote 
Covent Garden and the West End, encouraging a return of 
footfall to more normalised levels over time.

A  COVID  committee  was  established  early  on  in  the 
pandemic to help co-ordinate the Company’s response and 
activities. The committee, led by the Chief Executive and 
comprised of senior management and those responsible for 
key areas of operational activity, plus additional groups set 
up to monitor and manage the impact of COVID-19 on the 
business, met regularly to discuss issues surrounding COVID-
19 and the impact on the business, and approve decisions 
and actions promptly. In addition, the leadership team across 
the business has discussed relevant matters as a group on a 
very regular basis since March 2020. The Board regularly 
receives updates and has convened regular additional meet-
ings as required, in order to provide appropriate oversight and 
governance. Our risk assessment on COVID-19 remains that it 
is not a separate principal risk but rather an overarching factor 
which has a significant impact on all of our principal risks.  

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23

Strategic Report

Principal risks and uncertainties continued

Our focus has been on implementing appropriate measures 
on a timely basis to mitigate this impact. Included within the 
description of each principal risk is a summary of the impact 
of COVID-19.

In recent years the UK has experienced heightened economic 
and political uncertainty after voting to leave the EU from  
31 January 2020 and completing the transitional period on 
31 December 2020. Uncertainty remains in particular in 
relation to long-term international trade arrangements and 
the overall impact on the UK economy. 

Whilst the impact on our business and the market remains 
uncertain, the Board continues to monitor this carefully and 
has assessed risks to the business that may result. The main 
areas that may affect the Group directly are: 

 – the impact on the London and UK economy, including 
exchange rate volatility and potential disruption in the 
financial markets; and

 – the impact on current and prospective tenants, for 
instance management of their inventory and supply 
chain, labour shortages, tariffs or other barriers, and the 
impact on consumer demand (for example due to travel 
disruption) leading to reduced rents and capital values.

The current economic backdrop is characterised by rising 
inflation and higher interest rates with potential impacts on 
valuations, funding, customers and consumers. Comparing 
to 2020, whilst the challenges and disruption caused by 
COVID-19 have reduced, risks remain and the backdrop 
remains challenging. 

During 2020, the Group acquired a 25.2 per cent share-
holding in Shaftesbury PLC (“the Investment”). Due to the listed 
nature of the Investment, the market price of Shaftesbury PLC 
shares may be volatile and subject to wide fluctuations as 
a result of a variety of factors, including, but not limited to, 
Shaftesbury PLC’s operating results, financial position, perfor-
mance or prospects. 

Although the Group owns a minority interest, the Investment 
represents a material proportion of the Group’s value. The 
terms of our investment do not provide us with the ability 
to influence the strategic direction of Shaftesbury PLC, or 
its financial or operating performance, as our influence is 
limited to the extent of our voting rights over matters requiring 
approval of Shaftesbury PLC’s shareholders. The interests of 
other shareholders in Shaftesbury PLC may not always be 
aligned with those of the Group. 

Strategic priorities and risk

Risks

Corporate, see page 26  •  Property, see page 30

Principal risks and uncertainties

The Group’s principal risks and uncertainties, which are set 
out on the following pages, are reflective of where the Board 
has invested time during the year. These principal risks are 
not exhaustive. The Group monitors a number of additional 
risks  and  adjusts  those  considered  ‘principal’  as  the  risk 
profile of the business changes. See also the risks inherent  
in  the  compilation  of  financial  information,  as  disclosed 
in  note  1  ‘Principal  Accounting  Policies’  within  ‘Critical 
accounting judgements and key sources of estimation and 
uncertainty’.

The operational and business risks faced by Shaftesbury PLC 
are similar to those faced by the Group which are set out in 
the principal risks tables, but the steps taken to address and 
respond to any such risks by Shaftesbury PLC are outside of 
the control of the Group. 

A summary of the potential impacts on our principal risks as 
well as the measures we have put in place to mitigate these 
impacts is set out in the principal risks tables. 

Emerging risks

The Group monitors its emerging risks and considers mitigat-
ing actions which the Group currently deploys and could 
deploy with regards to these emerging risks. Emerging risks 
include the longer-term implications of COVID-19 including 
on consumer behaviour and changes to the way in which 
real estate will be used in the future, and how lease arrange-
ments are structured, as well as changes to tax and economic 
policy impacting real estate (including capital gains, VAT and 
other sales taxes, stamp duty and business rates). 

Principal risks overview

Corporate

Change in the year

Economic conditions

Funding

Political climate

Catastrophic external event

People

Health and safety

Compliance with law, regulations and contracts 

Climate change 

Leasing and asset management

Planning and development

All of the principal risks and uncertainties have been mapped to the most relevant strategic priority

Our group strategy

Property

1

Customer at the heart  
of the business

4

Strategic  
partnerships

2

Creative asset  
management

5

Responsible  
stewardship

Underpinned by

3

Strategic investment and  
capital allocation

6

Strong capital  
structure

Dynamic, inclusive culture  •  Effective Governance  •  Environment, Sustainability and Community

Key

Increase

Stable

Decrease

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25

Strategic Report

Principal risks and uncertainties continued

Corporate

Economic conditions

2

4

5

Decline in real estate valuations due to macro-
economic conditions 

Impact of higher interest rates

Decline in fair value of listed investments held

Relative attractiveness of other asset classes  
or locations

Inability of the Group to adopt the appropriate 
strategy or to react to changing market conditions 
or changing consumer behaviour

Inflationary pressures on operating costs 

Impact on strategy

Reduced return on investment and development 
property

Reduced return on listed investments

Higher operating costs

Higher finance costs

Reduced profitability

Mitigation

Focus on prime assets

Regular assessment of investment market conditions 
including bi-annual external valuations

Regular strategic reviews

Strategic focus on creating retail-led destinations 
and residential districts with unique attributes

Funding

2

3

4

6

Lack of availability or increased cost of debt or 
equity funding

Requirement to refinance or repay earlier than 
maturity on certain debt facilities, leading to a 
potential loss of control of underlying assets

Impact on strategy

Reduced financial and operational flexibility

Increased cost of borrowing

Constrained growth, lost opportunities

Mitigation

Maintain appropriate liquidity to cover 
commitments

Target longer and staggered debt maturities, and 
diversified sources of funding

Consideration of early refinancing 

Covenant headroom monitored and stress tested 

Fixed rate financing and derivative contracts to 
provide interest rate protection

Key

Increase

Stable

Decrease

26

Capco Annual Report & Accounts 2021

Context and actions taken
The Group focuses on prime assets in the West End of London primarily in the retail and 
hospitality sector. 

Due to travel restrictions and changing consumer behaviour the geographical and asset 
class concentration risk resulted in an increased risk in 2020. As restrictions have lifted 
during 2021, footfall and spend have continued to improve with certain customers 
trading in line with or in excess of 2019 levels.

Through regular dialogue with our tenants we are able to understand their financial 
position and consider providing support where appropriate. Rental support has mainly 
been provided to retail and hospitality tenants experiencing cash flow pressures, with 
rental agreements being adjusted on a case-by-case basis to include deferrals and 
turnover-linked arrangements where appropriate. Following the relaxation of restrictions 
we have seen a gradual return of footfall, resulting in a return of consumer and business 
confidence as well as more normal patterns of activity.

We remain in close dialogue with local authorities to understand future plans and 
work constructively to position the estate in the best possible manner to benefit from a 
recovery and prosper over the medium term. 

The Group has had a long-term focus on maintaining a strong balance sheet, with 
sufficient liquidity, and continues to do so to ensure it is able to withstand market 
volatility and take advantage of opportunities.

Limited business interruption insurance was held by the Group during the early stages 
of the pandemic. An assessment for applicability to the pandemic’s impact on rent 
recovery is on-going. During 2021 we have seen a continued trend of increasing 
insurance premia and reduced risk appetite from insurers in the market and we expect 
this to continue into 2022.

Extensive forecasting, stress testing and modelling of various scenarios has been 
undertaken, including sensitivities arising from the pandemic, to help plan for future 
impacts on the business.

Context and actions taken
Financing activities and compliance with the Group’s loan covenants without the need 
to utilise the loan waivers that were agreed last year has resulted in a stable funding risk 
position.

Funding, debt and treasury metrics are monitored on a continual basis with a focus on 
preserving liquidity and capital. Extensive forecasting, stress testing and modelling of 
various scenarios has been undertaken, including sensitivities arising from the pandemic 
to help monitor any impact on debt covenants. Although interest cover covenant waivers 
in respect of 2021 were agreed with the Covent Garden lenders to address interruption 
to near-term income, the debt covenants were comfortably met. 

A downside scenario has been analysed in connection with the going concern 
assessment, details of which are set out in note 1 ‘Principal Accounting Policies’ within 
‘Going concern’ The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern 
basis.

Political climate

3

5

Uncertain political climate and / or changes to 
legislation and policies

Disruption from completing the transition period 
of leaving the EU could result in an averse impact 
on business and consumer confidence, increase 
material costs, prolonged supply chains and 
reduced labour supply

Context and actions taken
The economic and political uncertainty surrounding Brexit remains and the risk associated 
with this has been heightened as a result of the uncertainty and global impact of COVID-
19. The evolution of national and local legislation and policy is also monitored closely.

As part of our budgeting and forecasting process we have considered the impact of 
changes to legislation and policies from COVID-19 and Brexit, where known, and 
continue to monitor this in light of the current situation.

Impact on strategy

Inability to deliver business plan or a structural 
change to the business plan impacting returns or 
capital values

Reduced rental income and/or capital values as 
tenants could suffer staff shortages, increased 
import prices, longer lead times and lower 
availability of stock

Mitigation

Monitoring proposals and emerging policy 
and legislation, with industry lobbying where 
appropriate

Engagement with key stakeholders and politicians

Diversified occupiers with limited exposure to any 
one market

Catastrophic external event

Such as a terrorist attack, natural disaster, health 
pandemic or cyber security crime

Impact on strategy

Diminishing London’s status

Heightened by concentration of investments

Reduced rental income and/or capital values

Business disruption or damage to property

Reputational damage

Mitigation

Terrorist insurance

On-site and cyber security

Health and safety policies and procedures

Close liaison with police, National Counter 
Terrorism Security Office (NaCTSO) and local 
authorities

Regular staff training and briefings

2

5

Context and actions taken
The Group’s assets are concentrated in Central London, which also heightens the risk of 
an external event. It is therefore important that the Group maintains recommended levels 
of insurance and implements effective security and health and safety policies.

The COVID-19 pandemic is a global crisis which has brought about unprecedented 
challenges and disruptions to our customers and visitor numbers. The Group’s priority 
throughout the pandemic has been the health and safety of the Group’s people, tenants 
and visitors. Additional cleaning and security measures have been implemented and 
deployed across the Group’s estate and offices and other initiatives have been pursued 
including al fresco dining and pedestrianisation to enable social distancing.

There has been a gradual return to working from our offices on the estate but a degree 
of hybrid practices and working from home remains. A review of cyber security was 
performed in 2020 to ensure appropriate controls are in place and ensure that all 
employees remain vigilant to potential risks.

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27

Strategic Report

Principal risks and uncertainties continued

Corporate continued

People

1

2

4

Inability to retain and recruit the right people and 
develop leadership skills within the business

The Group has a relatively limited headcount, 
resulting in key person risk

Impact on strategy

Inability to execute strategy and business plan

Constrained growth, lost opportunities

Pressure on corporate costs

Mitigation

Succession planning, performance evaluations, 
training and development

Long-term and competitive incentive rewards

Flexible and modern working practices

1

2

3

5

Health and safety 

Accidents causing loss of life or very serious injury 
to employees, contractors, occupiers and visitors to 
the Group’s properties; or near misses of the same

Impact on strategy

Prosecution for non-compliance with legislation

Litigation or fines

Reputational damage

Distraction of management

Mitigation

Health and safety procedures across the Group

Appointment of reputable contractors

External consultants undertake annual audits in all 
locations

Adequate insurance held to cover the risks inherent 
in construction projects

Health and safety training programme in place for 
all relevant employees

Key

Increase

Stable

Decrease

28

Capco Annual Report & Accounts 2021

Context and actions taken
The success of the business is down to a dedicated team of skilled and talented 
individuals working collaboratively together. The health and well-being of our people 
is of the utmost importance including the ability to create a culture and environment 
that allows each person to grow, develop and perform to the best of their abilities. 
The pandemic has resulted in reduced in-person working and has seen shifts in the 
wider employment market where there have been record market job vacancies and an 
increase in those deemed inactive, neither in work nor looking for employment.

During the pandemic as a result of restrictions, employees had to be flexible and 
embrace working from home during periods of lockdown. Risk assessments were 
performed for all employees to ensure they were well equipped and able to work from 
home effectively. Government guidance has been followed with regular contact with 
staff to ensure well-being. The Group’s offices were made COVID secure in readiness 
for a return to normal working practices. Government guidelines are being followed 
as employees return to normal working practices including rotas if required to enable 
physical distancing. The majority of our people returned to the office during times where 
restrictions were eased. 

There remains a risk of illness across employees, management or service providers 
which would disrupt the day-to-day activities of the Group’s business and running of 
the estate. Revised team communication strategies have been implemented to ensure 
managers can adequately supervise and support employees working from home.

Business continuity plans for both employees and service providers, including 
introduction of external resources if required, and other policies have been reviewed 
together with HR policies, technology and communication where appropriate. 

Recruiting and on-boarding policies have been adjusted where necessary to ensure 
that the business is able to continue to attract, develop and retain the best possible 
resources. 

We continue to monitor closely employees’ mental and physical well-being and the 
health and safety of our employees and service providers remains a top priority with 
regular seminars and webinars from external experts. Risk assessments for returning to 
the office have been undertaken with all employees, together with briefings on COVID-
Secure measures.

Context and actions taken
The health and safety of our people and the public is a key priority. The Group works 
closely with its stakeholders to mitigate health and safety risks. 

During the pandemic, and in particular during the large part of the first half of the year, 
there have been various closures of all non-essential retail premises and requirements 
for employees to work from home. Health and safety risks and evolving guidelines and 
legislation have been taken into account across the business.

We have worked closely with our tenants to safely and securely close and subsequently 
reopen non-essential retail premises in line with Government guidance. We have 
also ensured the health and safety of our residential tenants through measures such as 
increased cleaning of communal areas and closure of certain facilities.

As the Government restrictions eased during 2021, and occupancy and footfall levels 
on the estate increased, efforts remain focused on ensuring that the estate is well-
positioned as tenants and consumers have returned.

Health and safety protocols have been implemented across all of the Group’s assets 
and offices. This includes signage and measures across the estate and throughout our 
offices to keep tenants, customers and employees aware and safe.

We have pedestrianised certain areas of our estate to ensure safe social distancing can 
be maintained.

3

4

5

2

5

Compliance with law,  
regulations and contracts

Breach of legislation, regulation or contract

Inability to monitor or anticipate legal or regulatory 
changes

Exit from REIT regime due to non-compliance with 
REIT requirements

Impact on strategy

Prosecution for non-compliance with legislation

Litigation or fines

Reputational damage

Distraction of management

Mitigation

Appointment of external advisers to monitor 
changes in law or regulation

Members of staff attend external briefings  
to remain cognisant of legislative and  
regulatory changes

Climate change

Physical impact on our assets from rising temperatures 
or other extreme climate-related event such as flooding 

Transitional challenge of increasing and more 
onerous compliance and reporting requirements, 
as well as retrofitting, insuring or leasing our assets 
in a heritage environment on an appropriate 
whole life carbon basis

Inability to keep pace with customer and consumer 
demand for proactive action to manage and 
mitigate climate-related risk

Impact on strategy

Reduced capital values or business disruption, 
reduced income through disruption

Increased operating costs to meet reporting and 
target metrics and compliance. Increased capital 
costs of retrofitting, or inability to resolve listed 
building or planning challenges, leads to buildings 
becoming carbon stranded

Reduced income through lower rents and longer 
void periods due to reduced tenant demand

Mitigation

Board and management ESC Committees 
established to manage climate-related risks and 
opportunities and Sustainability team in place 

Net Zero Carbon commitment by 2030 backed 
by published Net Zero Carbon pathway. For 
more detail on the mitigation measures in place 
for climate risk, please refer to the Group’s TCFD 
disclosures on pages 76 to 78 as well as the 
Group’s Net Zero Carbon Pathway 

Active management plan with external reporting 
via recognised indices and benchmarks, including 
EPRA, CDP and GRESB 

Continued engagement with planning stakeholders 
to preserve heritage buildings, while enhancing 
environmental performance 

Pro-active customer and consumer engagement 
programme and setting of appropriate climate 
related targets on both development and operations 

Context and actions taken
Compliance with law, regulation and contracts remains a key priority for the Board. 

Measures to respond to COVID-19 include the imposition of new legislation, regulations 
and requirements for our people, customers and visitors, which have an impact on matters 
such as recoverability of rents, health and safety and other matters. The COVID committee 
and additional working groups set up to monitor and manage the impact of COVID-19 on 
the business have been meeting regularly to review emerging legislation and requirements 
and regularly communicated these to the business and employees, ensuring timely 
implementation. Formal protocols have been put in place and communicated across 
the various stakeholder groups to ensure everyone is aware of the new legislation and 
requirements.

Reduced rental income as a result of COVID-19 has made it more challenging for the 
Group to meet the REIT requirements, without some dispensation from HMRC. We remain 
in close communication with HMRC regarding our REIT status, the Group’s ability to 
comply with the requirements and the approach which HMRC will take in relation to a 
breach of the REIT conditions resulting from COVID-19.

Context and actions taken
Capco believes in taking a responsible and forward-looking approach to environmental 
issues and the principles of sustainability. We recognises the urgent responsibility to 
tackle climate change and this is reflected in our 2030 Net Zero Carbon target. As a 
long-term steward of the Covent Garden estate we understand the benefits of a strong 
track record of restoring and celebrating the heritage of the Covent Garden estate 
through considered refurbishments and developments.

During 2021, consistent with 2020, there have been periods where we have had a 
reduced ability to access the estate to implement planned carbon reduction measures 
and reduced customer engagement on environmental matters due to focus on their 
own COVID-19 related business challenges. However, long term planning and 
mobilisation of asset by asset carbon mitigation strategy continued and implementation 
of appropriate measures where still on site. A bespoke approach to COVID-19 support 
has been undertaken by the Group with its tenants, which will encourage climate-
related engagement following the lifting of government restrictions. 

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29

 
Strategic Report

Principal risks and uncertainties continued

Property

1

2

3

Leasing and Asset management

Inability to achieve target rents or to attract target 
tenants due to market conditions

Competition from other locations/formats

Impact on strategy

Decline in tenant demand for the Group’s 
properties

Reduced income and increased vacancy

Reduced return on investment and development 
property

Mitigation

Quality tenant mix

Strategic focus on creating retail destinations  
with unique attributes

Planning and development

2

3

Unfavourable planning policy, legislation or 
action impacting on the ability to secure planning 
approvals or consents

Decline in returns from development due to market 
conditions or increased construction costs or 
delays

Impact on strategy

Impact on land valuations and realisation

Context and actions taken
We take measured risks by using our expertise in place making and creative and active 
asset management to deliver long term value through rental growth and attracting new 
tenants.

The majority of retail and F&B tenants were closed for business or operated on a very 
restricted basis in early 2021. This has had a significant impact on leasing activity and 
rent collection. However, throughout the COVID-19 period, Capco maintained high 
occupancy levels reflecting the strength of demand for prime central London real estate.

Although the Group has largely kept leases structure on a quarterly in advance basis 
we are aware that evolving lease structures may also have an impact on underlying 
property valuations and rental income. In addition, the impact of Brexit and the 
pandemic on tenant demand and supply chains as well as inflationary pressures is also 
kept under review. 

As a long-term investor in the estate, the Group took early action to ensure the safety 
and security of Covent Garden whilst also providing support on a case-by-case basis 
to customers experiencing cash flow challenges as a result of COVID-19. Bespoke 
solutions have been agreed which include rent deferrals, rent-free periods and other 
arrangements reflecting the financial position of each customer. This has continued 
during 2021 following the restrictions in the first quarter of the year however we expect 
a lower level in the future as a result of our tenants being open for trade following the 
continued relaxation of restrictions into the summer months. For certain tenants which  
are experiencing short-term cash flow issues, rental agreements have been linked to 
turnover for certain periods in exchange for other provisions such as lease extensions.

We have a focused leasing and marketing strategy, ensuring the business is well-
positioned to benefit from a recovery and prosper over the medium and long term.

We continually engage with our suppliers to understand their ability to meet our 
demands during this challenging time.

Context and actions taken
We look for opportunities to create or enhance value in our portfolio through the planning 
process, cognisant of the risks but using our experience and skill to deliver our objectives. 
We seek to create value in our land holdings by undertaking strategic investments and 
partnerships, land enablement, realisation of value and selective development.

Given the broad implications and evolving nature of the pandemic and its economic 
implications, there is an increased risk of misalignment of objectives with stakeholders and 
business partners. 

Higher than anticipated reductions in residential sales prices as a result of the pandemic 
might deliver lower returns on units not yet sold.

Lower development returns due to lower sales 
proceeds, higher costs or delay

Capco maintains strong relationships with stakeholders and is in regular communications 
to understand priorities.

We continue to model various pricing points for future sales and continue to monitor this in 
light of the current situation.

Mitigation

Engagement with local and national authorities

Pre-application and consultation with key 
stakeholders and landowners

Engagement with local community bodies

Focus on prime assets

Regular assessment of market conditions and 
development strategy

Business strategy based on long-term returns

Professional teams in place to manage costs  
and deliver programme

Key

Increase

Stable

Decrease

30

Capco Annual Report & Accounts 2021

Viability statement

The Directors have considered the prospects of the Group 
over the three-year period to December 2024. With contin-
ued uncertainties resulting from COVID-19, the Directors have 
determined  that  this  remains  an  appropriate  period  over 
which to provide the viability statement as it is the period 
covered by the latest business plan which takes into account 
the Group’s current position, group financial forecasts and the 
potential impact of the principal risks set out on pages 22 to 
30, including the impact of COVID-19.

In making the assessment, the Directors have taken account 
of the Group’s resilient financial position, access to substan-
tial liquidity, the Group’s ability to raise new finance, and the 
low level of capital commitments together with the flexibility 
of future expenditure. Actions taken in 2021, including the 
refinancing of the Covent Garden revolving credit facility and 
asset disposals have further enhanced financial flexibility and 
liquidity. The Company has a strong balance sheet with net 
debt to gross assets of 24 per cent and access to substantial 
cash and undrawn facilities, amounting to £652 million as at 
31 December 2021. The Covent Garden net debt position is 
£254 million and there is substantial headroom against the 
Covent Garden loan to value covenant with the current ratio 
of 15 per cent compared to the upper limit of 60 per cent. 
The business plan considers the Group’s cash flow, capital 
commitments, financial resources, debt covenants and other 
key financial risks. 

The Board remains confident in the long-term fundamentals of 
its prime central London focused investments and expects the 
impact of the pandemic will reverse over the medium-term. 
Following the effective vaccination and booster programme, 
there  has  been  an  encouraging  trajectory  in  operational 
metrics with footfall and sales growing. This recovery  has 
been reflected in improved rent collection and strong leas-
ing activity across the Covent Garden estate. However there 
remains uncertainty for the Group’s hospitality, retail and leisure 
tenants in particular facing economic challenges from supply 
chain and staffing pressures. Nevertheless, over the COVID-19 
period, the Group has successfully maintained high occupancy 
levels by supporting its tenants. Further substantial support 
would lead to a reduction in cash flows and to a lesser extent 
in earnings, depending on the nature of the rental support 
granted. No new funding is expected to be required due to 
the Group’s significant cash reserves and access to undrawn 
facilities. The key assumptions for the viability scenario are 
set out below. These assumptions were also subjected to an 
extreme downside sensitivity analysis, assessing the Group’s 
earnings, liquidity and debt covenant compliance. 

The  Directors’  conservative  scenario  for  the  purposes  of 
viability analysis is based on a number of specific assump-
tions, including: 

 – A gradual recovery in business and consumer sentiment
 – Gradual recovery in footfall and sales returning to pre 

COVID-19 levels by the end of 2023

 – Continued recovery in rent collection rates in response 
to improving footfall and consumer confidence and 
spend 

 – Increased vacancy levels in 2022 reflecting 

macroeconomic uncertainty, lower levels of footfall, 
supply chain and staff pressures, and potential failures 
 – Increased levels of irrecoverable property and service 

charge costs

 – Lease terms being more favourably weighted towards 
tenants, which may include increased tenant incentive 
packages, longer rent free periods and increased 
capital contributions, particularly for retail, hospitality 
and leisure space 

 – No material acquisitions and modest levels of capital 

expenditure 

All of the Group’s risks could have an impact on viability. 
Climate  change  is  considered  by  the  Directors  to  be  an 
urgent issue and investment will be required to enhance the 
environmental performance and to meet the commitment to 
achieve Net Zero Carbon by 2030, but the costs anticipated 
within  the  viability  period  are  not  expected  to  be  signifi-
cant. The impact of climate change risks within the viability 
assessment period is expected to be limited. Interruptions to 
trade from severe weather events are possible but would be 
consistent with impact considered in the extreme downside 
assumptions. 

The  Directors  consider  the  key  principal  risks  that  could 
impact  the  viability  of  the  Group  to  be  Economic  condi-
tions, Catastrophic external event, Funding and Leasing. The 
Directors placed particular emphasis on those risks which 
could result in reduced income and asset values or a short-
fall in liquidity. Sensitivity analysis was carried out which 
involved flexing a number of assumptions to consider alter-
native macroeconomic conditions and the impact of these 
principal risks both individually and in combination. 

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Strategic Report

Principal risks and uncertainties continued

The  Group  has  also  considered  an  extreme  downside 
scenario with substantial declines in rental income and asset 
values:

 – The projections represent a reduction in forecast net 

rental income (including impairment of tenant incentive 
balances and impact of lease modifications) of 
approximately 25 per cent on average across the three 
year period, with this reduction weighted towards the 
first half of the viability period, compared to 2019 
pre-COVID levels. It is anticipated that there will be a 
gradual improvement in net rental income during the 
viability period.

 – A further cumulative decline in property valuations of 40 
per cent compared to the December 2019 valuation.

The Group has sufficient cash reserves and undrawn facili-
ties to meet debt maturities during the viability period. The 
RCF facility which is currently fully undrawn has a three year 
term with two one-year extension options. It is anticipated 
the extension will be exercised or a similar form of financ-
ing  will  be  put  in  place.  The  £125  million  secured  loan 
matures in December 2023 and £132.5 million of private 
placement debt matures in 2024. In addition, the Group 
has stress tested reduced availability of debt funding. This 
analysis was carried out to evaluate the potential impact of 
certain principal risks materialising, in particular to stress test 
the Group’s financing covenants. There is sufficient head-
room within the Covent Garden loan to value covenant to 
withstand a significant reduction in the property valuation 
before a breach would occur. Notwithstanding the extended 
closure of non-essential retail and hospitality in the first half of 
2021, the Group traded significantly ahead of its severe but 
plausible downside projections for the year. Whilst covenant 
waivers were in place for 2021, the interest cover ratio in 
relation to the Covent Garden debt for 2021 was 225.1 per 
cent, comfortably ahead of the covenant level of 120 per 
cent. Despite the backdrop of the Omicron variant, operat-
ing metrics including rent collection have continued to show 
improvement over the important Christmas trading period. 

The Group will continue to monitor the interest cover posi-
tion closely, and if required will take appropriate mitigating 
actions such as the reduction of certain discretionary rental 
expenses  and  finance  costs.  The  relatively  low  absolute 
level of net debt within the Covent Garden group, £254 
million at 31 December 2021, together with the strong liquid-
ity position of the Group provides comfort as to the ability  
to  manage  the  capital  structure  of  the  Covent  Garden  
group effectively. 

Based on stress testing analysis and before taking account 
of  any  mitigating  actions,  the  Group  could  withstand  a 
further 70 per cent decline in property valuations from 31 
December 2021, before a breach of the LTV covenant. 

Under  the  extreme  downside  scenario  where  income  is 
projected to be significantly lower than pre-COVID levels 
there is substantial headroom against the interest cover cove-
nant. In the event that certain mitigating actions are taken 
by management, the Group could sustain a decline where 
net rental income would represent less than 35 per cent of 
2019 pre-COVID levels. These actions comprise steps within 
management’s control including the reduction of non-essen-
tial rental expenses and finance costs. 

Based on this assessment, the Directors have a reasonable 
expectation that the Group and Company will be able to 
continue in operation and meet their liabilities as they fall due 
over the period to December 2024. In making this statement, 
the Directors have considered the resilience of the Group, 
taking account of its current position, the risk appetite, the 
principal risks facing the business and the effectiveness of 
any mitigating actions. 

Going Concern

The Company has a strong balance sheet with net debt to 
gross assets of 24 per cent and access to cash and undrawn 
facilities  of  £652  million  as  at  31  December  2021.  The 
Covent Garden group had net debt of £254 million and a 
loan to value ratio of 15 per cent, which compares with a 
debt covenant level of 60 per cent. Whilst covenant waivers 
were in place for 2021, the interest cover ratio in relation 
to the Covent Garden debt for 2021 was 225.1 per cent, 
comfortably ahead of the covenant level of 120 per cent. In 
addition, the Company has analysed a severe but plausible 
downside forecast as part of its going concern assessment 
as detailed in note 1 ‘Principal Accounting Policies’. Based 
on this assessment, the going concern basis of accounting 
has been adopted in preparing the 2021 Annual Report  
& Accounts.

Stakeholder engagement

Engaging with  
our stakeholders

As the long-term steward of a 
globally recognised estate, we work 
collaboratively with a wide range of 
stakeholders, engaging proactively 
to understand their needs and 
priorities. This engagement with 
our stakeholders, which aligns 
with our corporate values, is part 
of being a responsible business, 
and is fundamental to the delivery 
of our Group strategy. More about 
our values can be found on pages 3 
and 19. We believe that the resulting 
mutual understanding is essential 
as we create and maintain a vibrant, 
thriving environment in which the 
Company and all its stakeholders  
can flourish. 

Information on our key stakeholder 
groups and examples of our 
engagement during 2021 are set out 
below. No set of stakeholders stands 
alone, meaning that engagement and 
benefits often span more than one 
group. During the coming year we will 
work closely with our stakeholders 
as we continue our journey towards 
becoming Net Zero Carbon by 2030.

Occupiers

We provide excellent premises with a 
focus on environmental standards and user 
experience to allow our retail, food and 
beverage and office occupiers’ businesses 
to flourish. Our residential properties are of 
high quality. We undertake regular direct 
engagement with our retail, food and 
beverage and office occupiers, and work 
closely with our residential occupiers to 
ensure high standards are maintained. Our 
engagement includes customer surveys and 
more informal feedback as our experienced 
property management team maintains close 
working relationships with our occupiers.

Our engagement in 2021: 

We worked closely with our business 
occupiers to proactively support their 
successful reopening during the first half 
of 2021, providing bespoke solutions to 
address the ongoing impact of COVID-19 
on a case-by-case basis. This engagement 
minimised tenant failures, ensuring high 
occupancy levels across the estate. 
Occupiers reacted positively to our creative 
and innovative approach, with some 
increasing their presence on our estate, and 
a number of short-term leases transitioning 
into longer-term occupation. We welcomed 
a number of new occupiers as part of our 
carefully curated and proactive approach. 

We worked with our food and beverage 
occupiers to provide over 1,000 outdoor 
covers for al fresco dining. We provided 
extensive cleaning and security regimes 
across the estate, which helped occupiers to 
benefit more quickly as consumer confidence 
began to return, and supported retailers 
with their own health and safety measures 
to ensure safety for all stakeholders. Our 
consumer-focused marketing strategy 
promoted Covent Garden and the wider 
West End in collaboration with our occupiers 
via online channels, press coverage, estate 
events and an extensive cultural programme 
which enhanced visitor experience, allowing 
our occupiers to benefit from increased 
footfall. 

During 2021 we engaged with our 
commercial occupiers on carbon, water 
and waste in support of our ESC strategy 
and Net Zero Carbon goals. We will 
continue this engagement during 2022, and 
encourage our occupiers to reduce their own 
environmental impact.

Read more on page 40.

32

Capco Annual Report & Accounts 2021

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33

Strategic Report

Stakeholder engagement continued

Employees

Suppliers

Visitors

Communities

Our employees are key to our business. We 
have a highly engaged, experienced and 
motivated team and this is reflected in our 
strong and positive culture. We ensure that our 
employees are provided with the resources, 
training and well-being support to allow 
everyone to reach their potential. We engage 
with our employees regularly throughout 
the year via Company-wide meetings and 
updates from management. During 2021 we 
undertook a detailed employee engagement 
survey to understand employees’ views on a 
wide range of matters. 

Charlotte Boyle, the Chair of the ESC Board 
Committee, updates the Board on employee 
views regularly.

To ensure the provision of a high quality 
service to our customers, we develop and 
maintain constructive relationships with 
our suppliers, including those that help 
us manage and develop our assets, and 
professional service providers. We operate 
a responsible procurement policy and 
sustainable development framework and 
engage directly with our suppliers to ensure 
our expectations are met. This includes 
consideration of ethical and sustainability 
matters further down the supply chain, such 
as modern slavery, and actions to reduce 
their impact on the environment. We require 
that providers of managed services to our 
offices and estates pay the London Living 
Wage to those working with Capco. We 
aim to pay invoices within 30 days. 

We create world-class places in central 
London, and have a customer-focused 
approach to estate management, delivering 
unique and attractive destinations. We 
provide a safe and secure environment 
to allow visitors to fully enjoy our unique 
estate at Covent Garden. We use a variety 
of methods to engage with our visitors, 
including support and information on 
the estate itself, our digital channels and 
marketing initiatives.

Our engagement in 2021: 

Our engagement in 2021: 

Our engagement in 2021: 

During 2021 we provided a programme of 
estate animations to enhance our visitors’ 
experience, including art installations, 
open air performances in partnership with 
the Royal Opera House, food festivals, 
over 1,000 al fresco dining seats, a new 
botanical garden outdoor picnic area 
and extensive Christmas experiences. Our 
digital engagement continued via our 
Covent Garden website and social media 
channels, including a schedule of digital-
first experiences to bring Covent Garden 
to everyone at home through a new digital 
activity hub.

In addition we continued our commitment to 
enhancing the air quality and biodiversity of 
our estate with further pedestrianisation of 
streets around the Piazza and instruction of 
an ecological survey in partnership with the 
London Wildlife Trust.

The smooth running of the Covent Garden 
estate relies on outsourced services provided 
by the firms who provide cleaning and 
security services to the estate. We engaged 
collaboratively with these providers 
throughout the year, working together to 
maintain a clean and safe estate, whilst also 
ensuring the safety of their employees. We 
ensured that the various cultural installations 
and pop-up experiences which animated 
our estate during the year were provided 
by reputable suppliers with a proven track 
record in health and safety and engaged 
with them to ensure they understood the 
standards we expect to be maintained. 

We published an updated Sustainability 
Development Framework during the year and 
engaged with our projects and development 
suppliers to ensure the sustainability 
measures outlined in the framework, 
including standards on environmental 
performance, responsible procurement, 
well-being measures and stakeholder 
engagement, were incorporated from  
the outset.

We published our Net Zero Carbon 
Pathway in 2021, and our ambitious 
target to deliver long-term carbon-efficient 
operations and buildings will require even 
closer engagement with our suppliers in 
2022 and the years ahead.

During 2021 we undertook our first employee 
engagement survey, which sought views on 
a wide range of topics, including our culture, 
corporate strategy, employee support and 
working practices. We received a 93 per cent 
response rate, with 96 per cent of employees 
confirming that they were proud to work for 
Capco. Following the survey, a number of 
employee-led working groups have been 
established to consider matters highlighted  
in the survey results and recommendations  
will be brought forward for implementation  
as appropriate. 

A number of Company-wide meetings were 
held during 2021. During these meetings 
Company news is shared, and questions are 
answered, providing a two-way open dialogue 
between management and employees. Topics 
covered in the year included financial results, 
our marketing and ESC strategies and the 
employee engagement survey. 

During 2021 there were periods when our 
employees were working predominantly from 
home. Regular communication was maintained 
by line managers and our head of HR to 
ensure adequate support was provided to our 
employees, and each employee received three 
well-being days during the first half of the year. 
We undertook consultation with employees 
before our return to the office when government 
restrictions allowed and received positive 
feedback in the employee engagement survey 
on the Company’s management of COVID-19, 
and employee communications during the 
pandemic. We delivered seminars focusing  
on well-being, diversity, equality and  
inclusion initiatives.

As a major stakeholder in the district, we 
engage and collaborate with the wider 
community and residents who live in 
and around our estate. We co-ordinate 
initiatives that promote a greener, more 
bio-diverse and culturally rich estate for 
these communities. We support and engage 
with a range of local community-focused 
educational and charitable programmes.

Our engagement in 2021: 

We have undertaken consultation and 
community engagement on our Covent 
Garden Community Charter, which will 
be launched to benefit the community 
in 2022. We continued our COVID-19 
charitable efforts during 2021, supporting 
homelessness charities, local food banks 
and the elderly as well as hospitality, retail 
and cultural foundations. We funded an 
outdoor theatre stage for the IRIS Theatre 
Company in St Paul’s Church and supported 
this community-based charity with marketing 
and promotional expertise. We became 
a partner of Wild West End, a charitable 
partnership, which aims to enhance the 
quality of green space and the local 
environment for communities and wildlife. 
To create a further greener environment we 
maintained a residents’ herb barrow and 
installed our first hydroponic farm towers, 
growing herbs, salad and vegetables and 
providing community engagement.

Read more on page 81.

Read more on page 51.

Read more on page 79.

34

Capco Annual Report & Accounts 2021

Floral Street

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35

Strategic Report

Stakeholder engagement continued

Let’s do London campaign launch

Investors

Finance providers

Joint venture partners

We engage regularly with our existing 
shareholders, potential investors and 
investment analysts to provide updates on 
our activities, communicate our investment 
case and governance framework, and 
understand their priorities and concerns.

We have well-established relationships with a 
range of finance providers, and engage with 
them regularly throughout the year, operating 
on a transparent basis.

We work closely with our joint venture 
partners to deliver projects that benefit both 
parties, working in line with Capco’s strategy 
and ethos. Our engagement includes regular 
dialogue between management teams, 
outside of formal Board and Executive 
Committee meetings.

Local authorities and  
conservation bodies

Our neighbours

Capco is a responsible steward and remains 
committed to constructive engagement with 
local councils and conservation bodies to 
ensure the quality of our world-class estate 
is maintained and that proposals to improve 
the district are appropriately developed. We 
engage via regular formal meetings and 
informal dialogue.

We aim to improve the West End for our 
occupiers and all those who live, work and 
socialise in the area. We have long-standing 
relationships with neighbouring land owners 
and work collaboratively with many of  
them, both directly and via associations,  
to achieve this.

Our engagement in 2021: 

Our engagement in 2021: 

During 2021, we worked collaboratively 
with Westminster City Council on the 
extension of pedestrianisation and the 
al fresco dining scheme allowing 1,000 
outdoor seats. These projects received 
strong support from other local stakeholders 
and support our commitment to improve air 
quality on the estate.

We play an important co-ordinating role at 
the heart of the district, bringing together 
a range of different bodies, who can 
work together for the benefit of all. These 
initiatives include a zero emissions working 
group, inclusivity and disability awareness 
initiatives and place-making. We also 
continually engage with the Covent Garden 
Area Trust. We believe in proactive and 
open engagement, and so we provide  
our views on relevant consultations and  
draft policies.

During 2021, we continued to share 
experience and insight with our neighbouring 
land owners as government restrictions 
eased. Our Estate Director provides a 
co-ordinating chairmanship role on behalf 
of our neighbours in the Northbank BID 
and Long Acre Business Alliance. We also 
continued our involvement and engagement 
in a number of other bodies that work to 
improve central London. These included the 
Westminster Property Association, Heart 
of London Business Association, London 
& Partners and other industry bodies and 
tourism partners. We maintain a close 
relationship with the Royal Opera House 
and nearby theatres. Capco remains a 
patron of the British Fashion Council and  
the British Beauty Council, working with 
them to promote the retail industries.

Our engagement in 2021: 

Our engagement in 2021: 

Our engagement in 2021: 

Read more on page 48.

An extensive programme of investor 
relations activities continued during 2021. 
This included meetings with our Executive 
Directors and Director of Commercial 
Finance and Investor Relations to explain 
the Company’s strategy to our investors 
and tours of the Covent Garden estate with 
shareholders and analysts, and attendance 
at a number of industry events and investor 
conferences. We have updated the market 
as a whole via our results announcements 
and additional trading updates. Prior to the 
2021 AGM we provided an opportunity 
for shareholders to submit questions, which 
were answered in advance of the meeting. 
We have also engaged with shareholders 
on matters including remuneration, ESC, 
AGM resolutions and the outcomes of 
shareholder votes.

During 2021, we worked closely with our 
lending banks to complete a new £300 
million revolving credit facility (replacing the 
previous facility which was due to mature 
in December 2022) and to manage the 
transition from LIBOR to SONIA. We also 
continued to engage with lenders in respect 
of the temporary interest cover covenant 
waivers put in place in 2020 and 2021 to 
protect the Company’s financial position, 
and ensured that our lending banks, 
holders of our private placement notes and 
bondholders were briefed on the Group’s 
financial position and our proactive actions 
in response to COVID-19 and evolving 
market conditions. Ensuring the Company’s 
financial stability directly benefits a range of 
other stakeholders.

During 2021, we worked with our joint 
venture partner at Lillie Square to meet 
strategic goals, including the successful 
completion of the bulk sale and repayment 
of an existing external loan facility. As 
property manager for the Lillie Square 
joint venture, we also ensured that our 
joint venture partner was kept informed 
of measures implemented to ensure the 
continued safety of residents at Lillie Square 
during the pandemic and provision of estate 
management services.

Read more on page 94.

Read more on page 94.

Read more on page 56.

Armistice Day, November

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Capco Annual Report & Accounts 2021

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Strategic Report

Companies Act 2006 – S172(1) statement

Companies Act 2006 – S172(1) statement

The Board confirms that during the year under review, it has acted 
to promote the long-term success of the Company for the benefit of 
shareholders, whilst having due regard to the matters set out  
in section 172(1) (a) to (f) of the Companies Act 2006.

Stakeholder engagement

Pages 33 to 37 outline the ways in which key stakeholder groups 
have been engaged with during 2021, and the outcomes of such 
engagement. 

Methods used by the Board

When taking Board decisions, the Directors give careful 
consideration to the likely impact of any recommended proposal, 
to ensure that the decision aligns with Group strategy and is likely 
to promote the success of the business, whilst giving consideration 
to the potential impact of any decision on the Company’s 
stakeholders. Pages 93 to 94 of the Governance section include 
further details of Board activities during the year and engagement 
with stakeholders on the same.

To ensure the Board considers the interests of all stakeholders, 
Directors receive regular updates on stakeholder views from 
the Executive Directors and senior management. A dedicated 
section within Board approval papers sets out the likely impact of 
the proposed recommendation on relevant stakeholders. As the 
Non-executive Director responsible for employee engagement, 
Charlotte Boyle updates the Board on employee views.

Whilst it is not always possible to meet the preferences of all 
stakeholders, the Board aims to ensure all relevant factors are 
considered before a decision is taken.

Some examples of how the Board considered stakeholder  
interests and the matters set out in S172(1) of the Companies  
Act 2006 during 2021 are set out in the tables below and  
on the adjacent page.

Key matter

Description

Stakeholders considered

Proactive 
support of 
tenants

Strength of 
balance sheet 
and financial 
flexibility

ESC strategy 
and Net 
Zero Carbon 
commitment

Employee 
engagement, 
safety and 
well-being

In considering the provision of rental support to tenants in light of the ongoing 
COVID-19 pandemic during 2021, the Board considered the benefits of a vibrant, 
well-occupied estate to a range of stakeholders. The Board concluded that providing 
continued support was essential to ensure the long-term success of the Covent Garden 
estate and that providing this support and flexible measures, on a case-by-case basis, 
was in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders as a whole.

A key part of Capco’s strategy is to maintain a strong capital structure. In considering 
the appropriate finance structure for the Company, the Board determined that 
maintaining a strong balance sheet would ensure stability for a wide range of 
the Company’s stakeholders and position the Company well for recovery. These 
benefits were balanced against consideration of an appropriate level of finance 
costs and commitments. This assessment underpinned the Board’s proactive actions 
during 2021, including the completion of a new unsecured £300 million revolving 
credit facility (replacing the existing facility, which was due to mature at the end of 
December 2022), and realisation of proceeds through the sale of assets. The Board 
considered the financial strength of the Company before paying the interim dividend 
to shareholders in September and is recommending a final dividend as part of  
these results.

The Board recognises that the important risk posed by climate change requires 
urgent action. Accordingly, during the year the Board approved a new ESC strategy, 
and committed to publish and then approved the Company’s Net Zero Carbon 
Pathway, under which the Company will become Net Zero Carbon by 2030. In 
considering these commitments, the Board noted the costs that would be associated 
with becoming Net Zero Carbon, but recognised the extensive benefits that would 
be delivered for a wide range of stakeholders over time. The Board is cognisant that 
achieving these commitments will require collaboration with various stakeholder groups 
over a number of years, and will receive regular updates on progress and stakeholder 
views. (Read more on page 71.)

Capco’s business model and strategy place our high-performing people and culture 
at the heart of delivering long-term value creation for the benefit of our stakeholders. 
The Board was keen to ensure that the Company’s employees were appropriately 
supported whilst they worked remotely and that their safety and well-being were 
safeguarded. The Board received regular updates on remote working, Capco’s 
COVID-secure head office, and employee views and received a briefing on the  
results of Capco’s first employee engagement survey, and the planned actions  
arising from the survey.

S172 factor

The likely consequences 
of any decision in the 
long-term

The interests of the 
Company’s employees

The need to foster the 
Company’s business 
relationships with 
suppliers, customers 
and others

The impact of the 
Company’s operations 
on the community and 
the environment

The desirability of the 
Company maintaining 
a reputation for high 
standards of business 
conduct

Relevant disclosure and page number 
 – Business model and Group strategy – page 18
 – Risk management – page 22
 – Financial review – page 57
 – Going concern and Viability statement – pages 31 to 32
 – Our people – page 81
 – Employee engagement – page 34
 – Matters considered by the Board in 2021 – page 93
 – Diversity and inclusion – pages 83 and 99
 – Health and safety – page 84

 – Our people – page 81
 – Stakeholder engagement – page 33
 – Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement – website
 – Nomination Committee report – page 98
 – Our values – pages 3 and 19
 – Our approach to remuneration below Board level – pages 82 and 107
 – Human rights – page 83
 – Matters considered by the Board in 2021 – page 93
 – Oversight of culture and values – page 94
 – ESC strategy – page 68

 – Stakeholder engagement – page 33
 – Our values – pages 3 and 19
 – Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement – website
 – Human rights – page 83
 – Matters considered by the Board in 2021 – page 93
 – ESC strategy – page 68

 – ESC strategy – page 68
 – Environment and sustainability – page 72
 – Stakeholder engagement – page 33
 – Community – page 79
 – Health and safety – page 84
 – TCFD disclosure – page 76
 – Net Zero Carbon Pathway – website

 – Our values – pages 3 and 19
 – Culture – pages 82 and 94
 – Purpose – pages 3 and 18
 – Risk management – page 22
 – Stakeholder engagement – page 33
 – Corporate governance report – page 86
 – Whistleblowing – page 104 and website
 – Internal controls – page 104
 – Health and safety governance – page 85

The need to act fairly as 
between members of the 
Company

 – Shareholder engagement – page 36 and 94
 – Annual General Meeting – pagess 95, 123 and website
 – Rights attached to shares – page 122
 – Voting rights – page 122

38

Capco Annual Report & Accounts 2021

www.capitalandcounties.com

39

Strategic Report

Operating review

Covent Garden Independent Valuation

£1,729m

Summary

 – Total property value £1.7 billion
 – Net rental income to £46.2 million 
 – ERV £76.2 million
 – 60 leasing transactions, £11 million  

of contracted income

 – Realised £95 million of proceeds

Strategy

 – Drive rental growth and capture value 

appreciation

 – Creative asset management across the 

portfolio

 – Attract the best brands and concepts to 

meet evolving consumer demand

 – Investment to drive expansion accelerate 

return and change

 – Emphasis on customer engagement to 
provide differentiated experiences
 – Responsible stewardship of the estate 
– minimise environmental impact and 
generate benefit to stakeholders
 – Disciplined capital management – 
maintain a strong financial position

Capco has over many years adopted a flexible approach 
to  commercial  arrangements  with  customers  including 
features such as turnover related and shorter leases, which 
has enabled the business to drive change and continue to 
reposition  the  estate.  Many  of  these  short-term  concepts 
have  transitioned  into  longer  term  occupation.  The  new 
concepts  introduced  continue  to  include  both  long  and 
shorter-term arrangements, providing the opportunity for both 
Capco  and  the  customer  to  benefit  from  increased  sales 
over time. 60 leasing transactions representing £11 million 
contracted income (2020: £6.2 million) completed during 
the year. There were a range of leasing transactions, with 
terms improving in the second half of the year. 29 leasing 
transactions took place in the first half, 6 per cent below 
31 December 2020 ERV and 31 transactions took place 
in the second half, 0.6 per cent ahead of 30 June 2021 
ERV. In addition to the 60 transactions there were a number 
of shorter-term lettings, many of which have extended into 
longer-term opportunities. 

Underlying net rental income was £52.1 million for the year, 
compared with £44.1 million for 2020. Income collection 
was impacted by the limited ability for the majority of our 
customers  to  trade  for  much  of  the  first  half  of  the  year. 
Capco’s direct relationships with customers enabled the busi-
ness to take a proactive approach and maintain the strong 
customer line up, ensuring that tenant failures have not been 
a material feature over the COVID-19 period. As a long-term 
investor in the estate, customer support was provided in the 
first half of 2021 on a case-by-case basis and extended into 
the second half for a selection of customers where appro-
priate, but on a reduced basis. Rent collection improved in 
the second half along with the gradual recovery in footfall 
and sales. Overall 75 per cent of rent has been collected 
in respect of the year (69 per cent for the first half and 82 
per cent for the second half). 92 per cent of the December 
2021 to March 2022 quarter has been collected (adjusted 
for monthly payment plans). 

Covent Garden continues to attract high quality brands and 
operators. At 31 December 2021, EPRA vacancy was 2.6 
per cent (2020: 3.5 per cent). 5.8 per cent of ERV is in or is 
held for development or refurbishment (2020: 6.5 per cent). 

A world-class destination

The Covent Garden estate represents a carefully assembled 
portfolio in the heart of London’s West End, comprising retail, 
dining, leisure and cultural space complemented by high 
quality  offices  and  residential  apartments.  Through  crea-
tive asset management and disciplined investment, Covent 
Garden has been established as an exceptional mixed-use 
portfolio of approximately 1.1 million square feet, across 71 
buildings and 503 units. Covent Garden provides a broad 
range of unit sizes, ensuring it attracts a wide spectrum of 
retail and F&B occupiers. Capco has transformed Covent 
Garden  into  a  global  destination  having  curated  one  of  
the strongest retail and dining line-ups in the world within a 
heritage setting. 

“We are encouraged by the levels of 
activity secured during 2021 at Covent 
Garden and improving valuations in 
the second half of the year. Through 
its active asset management and 
investment priorities, Covent Garden is 
well positioned for recovery.”

Michell McGrath, Executive Director 

Performance

The UK was in its third national lockdown for the first quarter 
of the year prior to the initial reopening in April and May. 
Against  this  backdrop,  the  Covent  Garden  portfolio  was 
valued  at  £1,688  million  at  30  June  2021,  a  like-for-like 
capital decline over six months of 4.9 per cent. The total 
valuation decline since 31 December 2019 was 31 per cent 
(like-for-like), comprising a 26 per cent ERV decline and 28 
basis point outward yield movement.

The valuation of the estate increased by 4.6 per cent like-for-
like to £1.7 billion in the second half of the year and there 
was an overall movement of -0.6 per cent for the full year. 
The second half movement was driven by an increase of 3 
per cent in ERV on a like-for-like basis reflecting the positive 
leasing activity and high occupancy levels across the estate 
as  well  as  a  reduction  in  the  equivalent  yield  of  5  basis 
points on a like-for-like basis to 3.88 per cent. The valuer’s 
assumption on loss of near-term income has been reduced 
from £11 million to nil.

Portfolio value 
by use

49%

Retail

25%

Food & 
beverage

16%

Office

7%

Residential

3%

Leisure / other

Michelle McGrath

Executive Director

40

Capco Annual Report & Accounts 2021

www.capitalandcounties.com

41

Strategic Report

Operating review continued

8

New brands introduced

2

9

1

4

5

7

20

10

12

13

15

21

17

18

14

11

6

16

19

3

Capco-owned as at 31 December 2021

Pedestrianised streets

42

Capco Annual Report & Accounts 2021

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

Underlying net rental 
income (Covent Garden)

£52.1m

2021

2020

2019

52.1

44.1

61.5

Estimated rental value 
(ERV)

£76.2m

2021

2020

2019

76.2

80.8

108.4

Capital value

£1.7bn

2021

2020

2019

1,729

1,825

2.596

Gross Income1

£57.4m

2021

2020

2019

57.4

65.3

68.5

Metrics above are not adjusted for 2020 
and 2021 disposals

1. Covent Garden passing rent plus 

sundry non-leased income.

www.capitalandcounties.com

43

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MOOMINSHOPSTRATHBERRYBENʼSCOOKIESTO LETFORARTʼSSAKEMORELLIʼSL'OCCITANEE&EMILLERHARRISLADUREEVYTAAUBAINESHAKE SHACKLE PAIN QUOTIDIENSEGAR& SNUFFNANACAFÉVENCHICARATHAPPY SOCKSWHITTARDBULLARDSGINMAISONMARGIELAPOLLOCKSHOTELCHOCOLATNEUHAUSGODIVATOMFORDDIORBEAUTYBOUTIQUESACREDGOLD DECIEMBUNS & BUNSCHANELiBUNS& BUNSOLIVIABURTONSUSHISAMBAPENHALIGONʼSStrategic Report

Operating review continued

London’s  
leading district
across digital
channels 

Total social audience 

c.600K

Website page views in 2021

>4m

Active digital channels

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Strategic Report

Operating review continued

Luxury watch brand TAG Heuer has agreed terms to open 
a  store  on  James  Street  joining  bespoke  jewellery  brand 
Vashi which opened its new London flagship store. This new 
signing joins established luxury brands Tiffany & Co. and 
Bucherer, which opened its larger store in a new prominent 
location in the Royal Opera House Arcade. 

Los Angeles-based contemporary lifestyle brand Rails will 
open  its  first  London  store  on  Floral  Street  while  fashion 
brand Empresa has signed on Henrietta Street. Following the 
success of its pop-up store, Kickgame have converted their 
occupation into a long-term lease selling designer sneakers 
and streetwear. 

The Market Building continues to attract target categories 
with designer accessories brand Strathberry, gold jewellery 
boutique Sacred Gold and contemporary jewellery brand 
e&e  all  taking  space.  Outdoor  apparel  brand  Arc’teryx 
opened a new store on Long Acre. 

Capco continues to attract digital brands seeking their first 
physical space in Covent Garden. Digitally native beauty 
brand Lisa Eldridge and fragrance brand Guerlain opened 
at the Royal Opera House Arcade. 

At 31 December 2021, five retail units, over 8,700 square 
feet, were available to let (ERV: £1.3 million). Eight retail units 
with a combined ERV of £2.6 million were under offer.

Retail 

Capco’s emphasis on the consumer is essential to ensuring 
that the estate is positioned as a leading destination for visi-
tors.  Retail  space  represents  49  per  cent  of  the  portfolio 
by  value.  Capco’s  retail  strategy  is  to  focus  on  concepts 
relevant to the consumer in targeted categories with a strong 
omni-channel presence. These targeted categories include 
luxury, jewellery, digitally native and sustainable. 

Retailers continue to adapt to changes in consumer shopping 
behaviour. Successful retailers will continue to need physi-
cal stores to build brand awareness, customer capture and 
retention. Retailers are more focused on fewer stores, placing 
more emphasis on global destinations, customer experience, 
service and flagship retailing with better digital engagement. 
Covent Garden offers a unique customer experience, utilising 
the historic Piazza through events and cultural installations to 
drive estate recognition and brand engagement. 

There continues to be strong demand for Covent Garden 
from a broad mix of occupiers including independent and 
global  brands  with  many  continuing  to  choose  Covent 
Garden as their first or only London presence. 

Following the success of Glossier’s Floral Street pop-up store 
in 2019, the digital-first beauty company signed a long-term 
lease and opened its flagship store on King Street. Glossier 
is a millennial favourite with a cult online following. 

Sustainable fashion brand Reformation has agreed terms to 
open a new London flagship store on King Street. Reformation 
is a lifestyle brand which combines stylish, vintage-inspired 
designs with sustainable practices. Its designs are 100 per 
cent water, waste and carbon neutral, with a commitment to 
being climate positive by 2025. 

Global apparel brand Uniqlo has agreed terms to occupy 
a flagship London store located at a new site combining 
19-21 Long Acre and Carriage Hall on Floral Street spanning 
22,000 square feet with dual frontage. 

Outdoor seats

1,000

Dining

Al fresco 
restaurants

55

Pedestrianised 
Streets

6

Demand for hospitality space has continued throughout the 
year. With limited vacancy across the Covent Garden estate, 
the  F&B  space  attracts  multiple  potential  occupiers.  The 
estate offers a diverse range of high quality innovative food 
concepts, from casual to premium, and is one of London’s 
best dining destinations.

The majority of restaurants offer high quality and experience, 
often  with  an  all-day  offer,  with  many  brands  choosing 
Covent Garden as their first global or UK presence rather 
than standard chain restaurants. Restaurateurs tend to invest 
significant  capital  fitting  out,  therefore,  leases  tend  to  be 
longer than for retail units. Dining space represents 25 per 
cent of the portfolio by value. 

A number of new dining concepts have been introduced 
during the year. Ave Mario by Big Mamma restaurant group, 
which is behind successful London venues Gloria and Circolo 
Popolare, has opened a vibrant restaurant offering a tradi-
tional Italian trattoria experience. The 227 cover restaurant 
with  dual  frontage  on  Henrietta  Street  and  Maiden  Lane  
is split over two floors and includes two terraces and an 
inner courtyard. 

Experimental Group has agreed terms to open its new late 
night live music and dining concept, taking over the former 
Roadhouse site on the Piazza. The group, which already 
operates the Henrietta Hotel, has expanded its footprint, a 
positive endorsement for the trading prospects of the estate. 

Refurbishment  of  a  townhouse  at  3  Henrietta  Street 
completed during the year with the building now home to a 
new multi-brand F&B concept, which includes Pivot and El 
Ta’Koy restaurants, along with all-day café Lilly’s and a coffee 
house by The Gentlemen Baristas. 

Following the change of use at 10 Henrietta Street from retail 
to F&B, Mrs Riot has opened an experience-led bistro and 
cocktail bar offering live entertainment every day of the week 
with interiors designed by Hollywood film designer Sonja 
Klaus.  Vegan  cookie  brand  Floozie  Cookie,  from  former 
Claridge’s pastry chef Kimberly Lin, opened in December 
2020 on a short-term lease, and has since converted into a 
longer lease within the Market Building. 

WatchHouse Coffee has agreed terms to open a café in 
the space formerly occupied by Café Nero on Southampton 
Street,  while  Greggs  have  taken  space  on  the  Strand. 
Bullards Spirits opened in the Market Building offering tasting 
workshops. The latest introductions further enhance Covent 
Garden’s attractiveness as a dining destination. 

At 31 December 2021, there were two restaurants available 
to  let,  over  6,600  square  feet  and  with  an  ERV  of  £0.4 
million. Two restaurants with combined ERV of £0.3 million 
were under offer. 

Glossier

New leasing 
transactions

60

New openings

14

New signings

16

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Ave Mario

 
Strategic Report

Operating review continued

During 2021 we collaborated with a range of our 
stakeholders to successfully deliver an extension of 
the al fresco dining scheme, which was originally 
implemented in 2020. As a result, 1,000 outdoor 
dining seats are available at food and beverage 
occupiers across the estate. The al fresco dining 
scheme includes over 55 restaurants and spans 
six streets as well as the historic Piazza. The major-
ity offering weatherproof areas for our visitors to 
enjoy, with new heaters and lighting installed on 
large parasols, alongside existing windbreaks. 

The  extended  al  fresco  dining  scheme  delivers 
direct benefits to our occupiers, our visitors and 
the local community. 

The  original  scheme  was  created  in  line  with 
Westminster City Council’s wider al fresco scheme. 
Capco  undertook  a  detailed  consultation  with  
a  wide  reach,  engaging  with  the  local  commu-
nity  to  ensure  that  they  were  supportive  of  the 
proposed extension and that their views were taken  
into account.

Open air

pedestrianised 
environment

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Operating review continued

Office 

Covent Garden has a contemporary office portfolio ranging 
from warehouses to newly refurbished space, offering both 
multi-tenanted and single occupancy workspace. The portfo-
lio attracts financial services, technology, creative industries 
and SMEs. 

Office space represents 16 per cent of the portfolio by value. 
As a result of the pandemic, physical occupation of office 
space in central London has been low however over recent 
weeks increasing numbers of office workers have returned 
to central London. 

There continues to be increased demand for ‘plug and play’ 
space in the London office market. A number of these spaces 
have been introduced across the estate in recent years. 

Businesses will continue to require high quality space in desir-
able mixed-use destinations to attract staff to the office. This 
is one of the strengths of the estate which is surrounded by 
high  quality  retail  and  F&B  options  as  well  as  offering  a 
secure environment. 

At 31 December 2021, there were two units available to let, 
over 1,300 square feet and with an ERV of £0.1 million. Five 
units with a combined ERV of £0.9 million were under offer. 

Residential 

Covent  Garden  is  established  as  a  premium  residential 
address.  Residential  space  represents  7  per  cent  of  the 
portfolio by value. During the pandemic there had been an 
increased level of vacancy across the portfolio with many 
overseas  residents  in  particular  not  renewing  tenancies. 
However there was strong leasing demand for residential 
accommodation  across  the  estate  in  the  second  half  of 
2021,  with  the  portfolio  fully  let  compared  to  14  vacant 
units at 31 December 2020. 

Accelerating value creation through active 
asset management 

Capco  continues  to  make  improvements  to  its  buildings, 
adapting to changing requirements and enhancing environ-
mental performance. 3 Henrietta Street has been transformed 
into an F&B townhouse let to a multi-brand F&B concept. In 
addition, refurbishment of 29-30 Maiden Lane completed 
and Big Mamma’s restaurant opened in July 2021. 

During the COVID-19 period, Capco maintained a prudent 
balance  sheet,  preserving  liquidity,  with  a  lower  level  of 
development  expenditure.  This  year  Capco  will  increase 
investment in the estate across a number of asset manage-
ment initiatives. At 31 December 2021, space held for, or 
under, refurbishment extended to 71,500 square feet and 
represented 5.8 per cent of total ERV. 

Ongoing activity includes office refurbishments at 35 King 
Street and 5-6 Henrietta Street which are expected to come 
to market later this year. Capco is also in detailed design 
and planning phase on a number of new schemes which 
include two office to F&B conversions on Maiden Lane and 
Bedford Street, a flagship F&B townhouse on King Street and 
an office refurbishment on Long Acre. 

Capco continues its disciplined approach to capital alloca-
tion. During the year Capco generated proceeds of £95 
million from the sale of Covent Garden assets. 

In June 2021, Capco completed the sale of two freehold prop-
erties 26-27 Southampton Street and 30-32 Southampton 
Street to a private investor for £50.2 million (before costs). The 
properties comprise a greater proportion of larger residential 
units and have been sold at a price representing a capital 
value of £1,775 per square foot. The buildings comprise 17 
residential  apartments  and  two  retail  units  across  28,000 
square feet located on Southampton Street. 

In December 2021, Capco completed the sale of the free-
hold interest in 31-33 Bedford Street for a total cash consider-
ation of £39.5 million (before costs). The property comprises 
approximately  25,000  square  feet  of  lettable  area  and 
benefits from a variety of existing uses including a long-let 
hotel with retail and F&B uses at ground level. In addition, 
Capco completed the disposal of a residential apartment on 
King Street for £5.0 million (representing over £2,300 per 
square foot). The disposals were 5 per cent ahead of the 30 
June 2021 valuation. 

The  sale  proceeds  will  be  used  for  general  corporate 
purposes as well as for investment in opportunities as they 
arise, with a number of properties on or around the estate 
being  actively  tracked  for  repositioning  potential.  Total 
disposals had a combined ERV of £3.3 million and £2.9 
million passing rent at the point of disposal. 

Acquisition opportunities have remained limited with assets in 
the area tightly held underpinning the enduring appeal of the 
West End. However as the market continues to recover, more 
opportunities are likely to arise. Capco has a strong balance 
sheet and access to significant liquidity to take advantage 
of such opportunities. There are a number of properties on 
or around the estate being actively tracked for repositioning 
opportunities. Capco’s extensive knowledge of the district, 
close network of contacts and proven track record mean 
Capco is often the best positioned to acquire properties, 
frequently off-market. 

Consumer engagement and positioning a 
world-class estate

Capco continues to implement its consumer focused market-
ing strategy and is collaborating closely with occupiers and 
stakeholders to promote Covent Garden and the West End. 
Similar to 2020, Capco’s reopening strategy was centred 
on providing its customers the confidence to reopen and 
encouraging visitors to return, whilst protecting the estate and 
ensuring its attractiveness over time. Customer sales data has 
improved significantly with positive trajectory throughout the 
second half of the year including the important Christmas 
trading period. 

Capco’s investment in digital marketing over recent years has 
resulted in strong digital engagement, with 600,000 follow-
ers across its ten social media channels. In order to sustain 
and enhance demand from customers and visitors during the 
lockdown period, Capco continued to engage directly with 
the consumer with a curated schedule of digital-first experi-
ences to bring Covent Garden to everyone at home through 
a new digital activity hub. 

To support the reopening of the estate an art installation by 
London-born artist Lakwena was launched with a series of 
flags made with recycled yarn from ocean waste embla-
zoned  with  the  message  “Nothing  Can  Separate  Us” 
installed across King Street. 

A cultural programme was launched including a series of 
public art installations, al fresco dining seats and a botanical 
garden outdoor picnic area. To coincide with the reopening 
of indoor hospitality, Capco launched a Rosé Festival with 
a selection of pop-up bars and terraces across the Piazza. 
Covent Garden hosted a six-week-long street food festival 
in partnership with Feast It with a weekly changing roster of 
dining experiences. 

In  July  2021,  Capco  partnered  with  The  Royal  Opera 
House (“ROH”) for a month long festival of creativity ‘ROH 
Unlocked’ with a schedule of open-air performances show-
casing ballet and opera on the Piazza. This coincided with 
the Covent Garden Summer Festival which included a Fever 
Tree  Spritz  Bar,  Wimbledon  screenings  and  a  revolving 
selection of street food brands. 

King Street, Residential

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Strategic Report

Operating review continued

Over the summer months, Covent Garden benefited from the 
increased number of domestic visitors and pivoted promo-
tional  activity  accordingly  including  hosting  a  number  of 
family-friendly activations. In addition, Covent Garden was 
the home of British Beauty Week and London Cocktail Week 
offering  immersive  experiences.  Larger  scale  exhibitions 
included the installation in the Market Building by artist Chila 
Burman and with giant dog balloon sculptures by London 
based artist Sebastian Burdon across the Piazza. 

Following  the  launch  of  Covent  Garden’s  Christmas  
digital activity, the website recorded its highest level of traf-
fic  since  inception,  with  consumers  planning  their  visits  to  
Covent Garden. 

Covent Garden launched its extensive Christmas programme 
of  activities  including  brand  partnerships  with  Disney’s 
Frozen the Musical and LEGO® providing must-see family 
attractions. A Covent Garden Christmas Village opened on 
the Piazza including a festive food market, a winter forest 
archway and Santa’s sleigh. The Piazza also housed luxury 
igloos offering festive dining experiences. 

American Express chose Covent Garden as its only London 
location  for  an  American  Express  Winter  World  lounge. 
During  the  first  three  weekends  in  December,  American 
Express welcomed visitors to the lounge located on Floral 
Street, offering guests luxury gift wrapping workshops and 
festive refreshments.

Sustainability, environment and stakeholder 
engagement 

As  a  long-term  steward  of  the  Covent  Garden  estate, 
Capco  aims  to  make  Covent  Garden  a  UK  leader  in 
sustainability for heritage environments by delivering posi-
tive environmental and social outcomes that enhance value  
for  stakeholders  while  protecting  the  unique  character  of 
the estate. In February 2021, Capco renewed its commit-
ment  to  Environment,  Sustainability  and  Community  initi-
atives by launching a new ESC strategy, supported by a  
Board Committee. 

Capco recognises the risk posed by climate change which 
requires urgent action this decade. Capco has committed 
to  becoming  Net  Zero  Carbon  by  2030  which  requires 
the reduction of carbon emissions across its portfolio. The 
best way of achieving this is to work collaboratively with 
stakeholders, an approach which is at the heart of Capco’s 
business. Capco’s Pathway has been developed in line with 
the Better Building Partnership Net Zero Carbon Framework. 

Capco’s  approach  recognises  that  its  heritage  buildings 
represent a long-term store of carbon. The Group will lever-
age  the  existing  embodied  carbon  by  making  effective 
improvements to its buildings. There are five key activities:

 – 50 per cent reduction in embodied carbon emissions 

by prioritising innovative refurbishment using sustainable 
materials and Whole Life Carbon assessments

 – 60 per cent reduction in operational carbon intensity by 

driving down energy demand 

 – Prioritise innovation and renewables through new 

technologies and energy initiatives as well as working 
with an innovative supply chain

 – Enhance climate adaptation and resilience to improve 

building resilience

 – Residual emission offsetting using certified schemes

Capco is committed to transparent reporting through recog-
nised indices. For the third year in a row Capco has been 
awarded EPRA sBPR Gold. Capco also improved its GRESB 
score by 10 per cent, resuming its green star rating, and our 
CDP rating has risen to B, indicating the coordinated action 
we are taking on climate issues. In addition, our co-ordinated 
work across our ESC strategy resulted in an improved S&P 
Global CSA benchmark score, an uplift to our MSCI Index 
to BBB and for the first time Capco has secured a Prime 
rating from the ISS ESG Rating. Capco continues to report 
under FTSE4Good. 

During the year, Capco commenced a customer engage-
ment programme to inform and identify opportunities to lower 
carbon impacts across the estate and collaborate to minimise 
water consumption and waste generation. Capco aims to 
minimise its own impact on the environment by employing an 
active approach to reducing traffic and congestion therefore 
enhancing air quality. 

Capco  works  with  neighbouring  property  owners,  busi-
nesses,  local  authorities  and  residents  and  this  year  has 
become a partner of Wild West End, a not-for-profit part-
nership which aims to enhance the quality of green space 
and the local environment for people and wildlife across 
Westminster. As a result, the first ecological survey of the 
Covent Garden estate has been undertaken in partnership 
with Wild West End and the London Wildlife Trust. 

Capco continues to encourage Covent Garden visitors to 
make better environmental choices and supports its restau-
rants and retailers in their efforts to become more sustaina-
ble. Throughout ‘Plastic Free’ July various programmes were 
implemented across the estate to tackle plastic waste. Covent 
Garden’s sustainability efforts have also been extended to 
its  greening  programme  which  has  introduced  thousands 
of new plants across the estate, alongside reducing plastic 
wastage by over 60 per cent and eliminating the use of peat 
compost. In addition, Capco launched an urban farm in part-
nership with Square Mile Farms which is an interactive way 
for the local community and visitors to engage on sustainable 
low carbon urban farming.

Throughout COVID Capco did not furlough any of its employ-
ees nor has it taken up any other Government support meas-
ures. During 2021, Capco conducted an employee survey 
which received both very high engagement scores and a 
very high response rate of over 90 per cent, as well as high 
scores in most areas. The survey covered the following topics: 

King Street

working at Capco, corporate strategy (including sustaina-
bility) and support, dealing with the pandemic, new ways 
of working and a feedback section. The employee survey 
results demonstrated Capco’s entrepreneurial and dynamic 
culture with strong and positive performance. A number of 
employee-led  working  groups  have  been  established  to 
consider matters highlighted in the survey results and recom-
mendations will be brought forward for implementation as 
appropriate.  

Capco continues to support local charities and community 
foundations  including  the  Young  Westminster  Foundation 
“Mastering  My  Future”  programme,  which  aims  to  raise 
young people’s awareness of employment prospects, offer-
ing support skills, as well as the Covent Garden Dragon Hall 
Trust support programme. Financial aid is provided in support 
of homelessness, food banks, and the elderly as well as 
hospitality, culture and retail foundations. During November 
2021, in partnership with charity Only A Pavement Away 
which works alongside Crisis, Capco ran a charity auction 
with  prizes  from  shops  and  restaurants  from  across  the 
Covent Garden estate. 

Future priorities 

Capco will continue to drive rental growth and capital appre-
ciation. Converting the levels of demand into new leasing 
transactions  is  a  priority.  Capco  will  continue  to  monitor 
closely consumer and retail trends through data and digital 
engagement, ensuring its offer reflects consumer demand 
thereby  positioning  the  Company  for  growth.  Continued 
investment  in  targeted  opportunities  will  accelerate  value 
creation across the estate. Further to this, Capco is tracking 
a number of interesting acquisitions in the surrounding area 
to expand its ownership. 

We will work towards our ambition of becoming Net Zero 
Carbon by 2030 as well as focus on our commitments to air 
quality, greening and waste management, alongside charitable 
support and community engagement as a responsible owner. 

52

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53

Strategic Report

Operating review continued 

Driving

animation
across
the estate

2021 Marketing activity 
snapshot

An agile and sustained programme of promotions 
and  estate  activations  targeting  core  audience 
groups  including  domestic  visitors,  families  and 
Londoners:

 – Celebrating Covent Garden’s status as home 
of arts and culture with a series of bespoke 
events and installations from British artists 
Lakwena and Chila Burman as well as hosting 
‘ROH Unlocked’, an open air festival in 
partnership with the Royal Opera House
 – Al fresco dining and bar concepts on the 

Piazza including a Rosé Festival, Ice Cream 
Festival and Summer Festival celebrating 
music, food and performance

 – Unique and interactive family friendly 
experiences from Disney and LEGO®

 – Supporting our retailers with key campaigns 
including British Beauty Week in partnership 
with the British Beauty Council, and an estate 
wide partnership with American Express
 – An engaging Christmas programme which 
delivered daily snowfall, a Mulled Wine 
Festival, an estate takeover from Disney’s 
Frozen and a Christmas Village offering 
seasonal dining experiences and festive 
performances

 – Community-oriented initiatives included a 

fruit and vegetable garden for residents and 
a charity auction supporting homelessness 
charity Only a Pavement Away

54

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55

Strategic Report

Operating review continued

Other Investments

Financial review

Strong financial position

Ownership of 25.2% Shaftesbury PLC shares 

Lillie Square 

Capco has a 25.2 per cent shareholding in Shaftesbury 
PLC,  comprising  96.97  million  shares.  Capco’s  blended 
entry  price  (before  associated  costs)  for  its  investment  in 
Shaftesbury is 517 pence per share at a cost of £501 million. 

Capco’s investment in Shaftesbury PLC shares was valued at 
£596 million based on the Shaftesbury PLC share price of 
615 pence on 31 December 2021. 

Capco owns 50 per cent of the Lillie Square joint venture,  
a residential development located in West London. 

The property valuation as at 31 December 2021 was £84 
million (Capco share), a 14 per cent decline (like-for-like) 
against the 31 December 2020 valuation of £115 million. 
In addition, Capco owns £2 million of other related assets 
adjacent to the Lillie Square estate.

On 2 July 2021, Shaftesbury PLC paid an interim dividend 
of 2.4 pence per share, generating £2.3 million of dividend 
income and on 30 November 2021, Shaftesbury PLC declared 
a final dividend of 4.0 pence per share, generating £3.9 million  
dividend income which has been received post year end. 

Development of Lillie Square is well-progressed. Handover 
of 231 Phase 1 units is complete, with three units availa-
ble. The handover of Phase 2 continues with a total of 115 
units handed over, representing £169.5 million of net cash 
proceeds (£85 million Capco share). 

The Shaftesbury investment represents a significant stake in a 
mixed-use real estate portfolio of approximately 600 build-
ings, adjacent to Capco’s world-class Covent Garden estate. 
The investment provides the opportunity to benefit from the 
recovery of the broader West End and is consistent with 
Capco’s strategy to invest in complementary opportunities 
on or near the Covent Garden estate.

The sale of 25 units completed during the year representing 
£47 million. This includes the sale of 19 units and 20 car 
parking spaces for £38 million (£19 million Capco share) to 
a consortium of investors, representing the restructured bulk 
sale announced previously. 

Sales proceeds have been used to repay the loan facility in 
full. The joint venture is in a cash position of £44.6 million 
(£22.3 million Capco share). 

Earls Court deferred proceeds 

The  final  instalment  of  the  deferred  consideration  from 
the Earls Court sale totalling £15 million was received in 
November 2021.

+19%

Growth in 
Shaftesbury 
investment (since 
acquisition)

£15m

Earls Court 
deferred 
consideration 
received

£47m

Gross sales from 
Lillie Square 

Portfolio valuation

£2.4bn

Covent Garden 

£1,729m

Shaftesbury investment

£596m

Lillie Square

£86m

2021 Financial results

Net rental income

Profit for the year from 
continuing operations

Underlying net rental income

Underlying earnings

Total property value 

Dividends per share

Net assets

EPRA NTA per share 

Net debt to gross assets

Cash and undrawn facilities

Total return

Total shareholder return

1. Group share.

£46m

£29m

£52m1

£4m1

£1.8bn1

1.5p

£1.8bn1

212.4p

24%1

£652m1

0.4%

16.5%

56

Capco Annual Report & Accounts 2021

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57

Capco 
Ownership

Shaftesbury 
Ownership

Situl Jobanputra

Chief Financial Officer

BISHOPʼS BRIDGE RDKINGʼS RDKINGʼS RDCARNABYSOHOCHINATOWNCOLISEUMSEVENDIALSFITZROVIAOPERAQUARTERST MARTIN’S COURTYARDMAYFAIRSOHOMARYLEBONEFITZROVIAHOLBORNSOUTHBANKStrategic Report

Financial review continued

Whilst COVID-19 has continued to have an impact on the 
financial results of the Group, performance in 2021 showed 
improvement compared with 2020, and in particular in the 
second half of 2021 there were a number of encouraging 
indicators. These include an increase in ERV and the inde-
pendent property valuation of Covent Garden. The valuation 
decline in the first half of the year, offset by an increase in 
the  second  half,  resulted  in  an  overall  0.6  per  cent  like-
for-like reduction in the independent property valuation of 
the Covent Garden portfolio and a 1.3 per cent like-for-like 
reduction in the total valuation of the Group’s share of prop-
erty.  The  Group’s  net  rental  income  has  improved  during 
the  year  to  £46.4  million,  an  increase  of  193  per  cent 
compared to 2020 (or from £43.6 million to £52.3 million 
on an underlying basis). 

The level of cash collection has also seen sustained improve-
ment. Collection for the first quarter of 2022 stands at 92 per 
cent (adjusted for monthly payment plans) compared with 47 
per cent at a comparable point in time for the first quarter of 
2021 and looking back pre-pandemic, 98 per cent for the 
first quarter of 2020. Full-year collection, which includes two 
rental quarters affected by significant government restrictions, 
was 75 per cent (adjusted for payment plans).

The overall reduction in the independent property valuation 
of Covent Garden for the year of 0.6 per cent is reflective 
of prevailing market conditions with much of the first half of 
the year being affected by disruption to our customers’ busi-
nesses followed by a recovery in activity levels and sentiment 
over the second half of the year. Despite the year ending 
with the backdrop of the Omicron variant, the independ-
ent valuer has recognised improved leasing and investment 
market conditions. The second half movement in valuation 
was driven by an increase of 3 per cent in ERV on a like-
for-like basis reflecting the positive leasing activity and high 
occupancy levels across the estate as well as a reduction in 
the equivalent yield of 5 basis points on a like-for-like basis to 
3.88 per cent, together with a reduction in the adjustment for 
loss of near-term income from £11 million as at 30 June 2021 
to nil at the year end (31 December 2020: £27 million). 

Overall EPRA NTA (net tangible assets) per share increased 
by 0.2 per cent during the year, from 212.1 pence at 31 
December 2020 to 212.4 pence. Combined with the 0.5 
pence per share dividend paid to shareholders during the 
year, the total return for the year is 0.4 per cent. Total share-
holder  return  for  the  year,  reflecting  the  movement  in  the 
share price from 145 pence to 168 pence, together with 
dividends, was 16.5 per cent.

The  underlying  profit  from  continuing  activities  was  £4.1 
million (0.5 pence per share) compared with an underly-
ing loss of £6.2 million (-0.7 pence per share) for 2020, 
the result largely due to higher net rental income and lower 
administration costs.

Rental Income

Disruption to business and consumer activity continued into 
the first half of 2021. During this period, the Group continued 
to provide bespoke support to customers on a case-by-case 
basis and, as was the case in the second half of 2020, for 
many retail and F&B customers, rental agreements were linked 
to turnover in exchange for other provisions such as insertion 
of landlord flexibility, lease extensions and enhanced sharing 
of data. Following the easing of restrictions from April 2021, 
there was a gradual recovery in footfall and trade. 

Rental income is generally recognised on a straight-line basis 
over the lease length. Rental support provided to customers 
has constituted a lease modification under IFRS 16 which has 
resulted in a change in the income profile over the remaining 
lease term, in line with current accounting practice. This has, 
over 2020 and 2021, resulted in pronounced dislocation 
between income on cash and accounting bases. 

“The Group is strongly positioned for recovery, 
growth and long-term value creation, and we 
are encouraged by improving operational and 
financial indicators, particularly during the 
second half of 2021.”

Situl Jobanputra, Chief Financial Officer

Gross rental income in 2021 decreased by £5.8 million to 
£70.0 million, a 7.7 per cent reduction compared with 2020 
due  primarily  to  disposals,  void  units,  short  term  turnover 
arrangements and certain assets being under refurbishment. 

Net rental income has increased by £30.6 million compared 
with 2020, driven largely by: 

 – £14.1 million reduction of charges associated with 

derecognition of initial direct costs when entering into 
lease modifications;

 – £7.8 million reduction in impairments of tenant lease 

incentives;

 – £14.0 million reduction in expected credit loss;
 – Offset by a £5.3 million decrease in gross rental 

income and other.

Lease  modification  costs  and  impairment  of  tenant  lease 
incentives  of  £5.9  million  are  excluded  from  underlying 
net rental income as they are at levels not experienced in 
the past nor expected to be incurred once tenant support 
measures required as a result of COVID-19 conclude. On an 
underlying basis, net rental income has increased by £8.7 
million to £52.3 million, with the main contributors being the 
significantly lower expected credit loss, partly offset by a 
decrease in gross rental income.

16.5%

Total 
Shareholder 
Return 

0.4%

Total Return 

1.5%

Total Property 
Return 

Balance Sheet 

Basis of preparation

As  required  by  IFRS  11  ‘Joint  Arrangements’,  the  Group 
presents  its  joint  ventures  under  the  equity  method  in  the 
consolidated financial statements. The Group’s interest in joint 
ventures is disclosed as a single line item in both the consol-
idated balance sheet and consolidated income statement 
rather than proportionally consolidating the Group’s share 
of assets, liabilities, income and expenses on a line by line 
basis. 

Internally the Board focuses on and reviews information and 
reports prepared on a Group share basis, which includes 
the  Group’s  share  of  joint  ventures,  as  this  represents  the 
economic value attributable to the Company’s shareholders. 
In order to align with the way the Group is managed this 
financial review presents the financial position, performance 
and cash flow analysis on a Group share basis.

The Group uses Alternative Performance Measures (“APMs”), 
financial measures which are not specified under IFRS, to 
monitor the performance of the business. These include a 
number of the financial highlights shown on page 5. Many 
of the APMs included are based on the EPRA Best Practice 
Recommendations  reporting  framework,  which  aims  to 
improve the transparency, comparability and relevance of 
published results of public real estate companies in Europe. 

One of the key performance measures the Group uses is 
underlying earnings. The Group considers the presentation of 
underlying earnings to be useful supplementary information 
as it removes unrealised and certain other items and there-
fore better represents the recurring, underlying performance 
of the business. Items that are excluded are net valuation 
gains or losses (including profits or losses on disposals), fair 
value changes, impairment charges, net refinancing charges, 
costs of termination of derivative financial instruments and 
other non-recurring costs and income. Given the scale of 
the rental support provided to tenants during the current year 
and during 2020, the non-cash lease modification costs and 
impairment of incentives are material and at levels not expe-
rienced prior to the pandemic nor expected to be incurred 
once tenant support measures required as a result of COVID-
19 conclude. Accordingly, they have been excluded from 
underlying earnings on a basis consistent with the compar-
ative period. Underlying earnings is reported on a Group 
share basis.

A summary of EPRA performance measures and key Group 
measures included within these financial statements is shown 
in EPRA measures within Other Information. 

The  Group’s  investment  is  concentrated  on  properties  in 
London’s West End with the Covent Garden portfolio repre-
senting 72 per cent and the investment in Shaftesbury PLC 
(“Shaftesbury”) shares representing 25 per cent.

Over the course of 2021 the independent property valuation 
of the Covent Garden estate decreased by 0.6 per cent 
(like-for-like) to £1,729 million as a result of a 1.5 per cent 
decline in ERV to £76.2 million, contraction in the equivalent 
yield of six basis points (adjusted for disposals) to 3.88 per 
cent and other movements including the valuer’s assumption 
on loss of near-term income reducing from £27 million to nil.

The Group is well-positioned to create long-term value from 
its property investment business centred around the West 
End, underpinned by its strong financial position. With net 
debt to gross assets of 24 per cent and access to substan-
tial cash and undrawn facilities, totalling £652 million as at 
31 December 2021, the Group has the ability to withstand 
market volatility, capitalise on investment opportunities and 
deliver long-term value creation. 

The Group has a 25.2 per cent shareholding in Shaftesbury 
represented by 96,971,003 shares, acquired in 2020 at a 
blended price (before costs) of 517 pence per share or £501 
million in total. During the year the value of this investment 
has increased by £44.6 million and as at 31 December 
2021 the investment was valued at £596 million based on 
the closing price of 615 pence per share. Dividends received 
from this investment during the year were £2.3 million and 
after the year end, the Group has received a further dividend 
of £3.9 million on 11 February 2022. The Group’s total return 
in 2021 from this investment was 8.5 per cent.

During the year, the Group completed a new £300 million 
unsecured revolving credit facility for Covent Garden, replac-
ing the previous facility of £705 million which was due to 
mature in December 2022. The new facility is fully undrawn 
and has an initial three year term with two one-year exten-
sion options. 

The disposal of a number of investment properties, principally 
located on the periphery of the Covent Garden estate, has 
generated gross proceeds of £94.7 million (before costs). In 
November 2021, the final £15 million of deferred consid-
eration was received in relation to the sale of Earls Court. 

Development  of  Lillie  Square,  in  which  Capco  has  a  50 
per cent interest, is well-progressed. A total of 231 Phase 1 
units have been handed over, including four in 2021, with 
only three units now remaining available. Handover of Phase 
2  continues,  and  overall  a  further  21  units  were  handed 
over during the year with 66 remaining available. The joint 
venture also holds a small number of investment properties 
and  the  remaining  consented  land.  The  joint  venture  has 
a total property value of £84.1 million and was in a cash 
position of £22.3 million (both representing Capco’s 50 per 
cent share) as at 31 December 2021. In addition, the Group 
holds related properties valued at £2.1 million.

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59

Strategic Report

Financial review continued

Financial Performance

The  Group  presents  underlying  earnings  and  underlying 
earnings  per  share  on  a  Group  share  basis.  The  Group 
considers this presentation to provide useful information as 
it removes unrealised and certain other items and therefore 
better represents the recurring, underlying performance of 
the business.

Net rental income

Overall rental income has reduced by £5.8 million (7.7 per 
cent) to £70.0 million from £75.8 million primarily due to 
disposals, void units, short term turnover arrangements and 
properties  being  under  refurbishment.  Property  expenses 
have decreased by £0.5 million.

Summary Income Statement

Although net rental income has increased during the year it 
continues to be impacted by COVID-19 and remains £14.9 
million below the £61.1 million reported for 2019 on an 
IFRS basis. The increase for the year from £15.9 million to 
£46.2 million was predominantly due to a reduction in rental 
income outweighed by significantly lower levels of expected 
credit losses, impairment of tenant lease incentives and lease 
modification costs.

2021 net rental income includes the impact of £2.6 million 
of lease modification expense reflecting the derecognition of 
initial direct costs associated with entering into lease modifi-
cations with tenants. An assessment of the tenant lease incen-
tives held on balance sheet has resulted in a further £3.3 
million impairment being recorded in the year. Both of these 
items represent non-cash items for 2021. 

Continuing operations

Net rental income2

Loss on revaluation and sale of investment and development property

Change in fair value of listed equity investment

Administration expenses3

Net finance costs4

Taxation

Other5

(Loss) / profit for the year attributable to owners of the Parent  
from continuing operations

Adjustments6:

Net rental income – non-underlying2

Loss on revaluation and sale of investment and development property

Change in fair value of listed equity investment

Administration expenses – non-underlying3

Other5

Taxation on non-underlying items

Underlying earnings / (loss)

Underlying earnings / (loss) per share (pence)

Weighted average number of shares

2021

Joint
ventures1
£m

(0.2)

–

–

(0.1)

0.2

–

82.3

Group 
share 
£m

46.4

(15.8)

44.6

(22.7)

(31.4)

(0.7)

(73.3)

IFRS 
£m

46.2

Group 
share 
£m

15.8

(15.8)

(693.3)

44.6

(22.8)

(31.2)

(0.7)

9.0

50.9

(31.5)

(23.8)

1.0

1.1

2020

Joint
ventures1
£m

0.1

0.2

–

0.5

0.2

–

IFRS 
£m

15.9

(693.1)

50.9

(31.0)

(23.6)

1.0

(24.9)

(23.8)

(52.9) 

82.2

29.3

(679.8)

(23.9)

(703.7)

5.9

15.8

(44.6)

2.8

(6.2)

1.1

4.1

0.5

851.3m

27.8

693.1

(50.9)

6.5

22.5

(1.5)

(6.2)

(0.7)

852.2m

1. Lillie Square and Innova Investment. 
2. Net rental income includes £5.9 million (2020: £27.8 million) of non-underlying costs in relation to lease modification and impairment of tenant incentives. 

Underlying net rental income, excluding these items, is £52.3 million (2020: £43.6 million).

3. Administration expenses includes £2.8 million (2020: £6.5 million) of non-underlying costs primarily related to the assignment of the Group’s previous head office 
lease totalling £1.8 million and legal and other transaction-related costs incurred, including in respect of internal group restructurings, which are all considered 
non-underlying in nature (2020: primarily related to the Shaftesbury investment). 

4. Excludes other finance income and costs and change in fair value of derivative financial instruments.
5. Includes other costs/income, impairment of other receivables and other finance income including change in fair value of derivatives.
6. Further details regarding the EPRA and Company specific adjustments are disclosed within note 15 ‘Earnings Per Share and Net Assets Per Share’.

Net rental income

Rental income

70.0

(2.0)

68.0

75.8

(1.9)

2021

Joint  

ventures
£m

Group share 
£m

IFRS 
£m

Group share 
£m

2020

Joint 
ventures
£m

Property and service charge expenses

Expected credit loss

Underlying net rental income

Impairment of tenant lease incentives

Lease modification expense

Net rental income

 (17.7) 

–

52.3

 (2.6) 

 (3.3) 

46.4

 1.8 

–

(0.2)

–

–

(0.2)

 (15.9) 

– 

52.1

 (2.6) 

 (3.3) 

46.2

 (18.2) 

 (14.0) 

43.6

(11.1)

(16.7)

15.8

 2.0 

–

0.1

–

–

0.1

IFRS 
£m

73.9

 (16.2) 

 (14.0) 

43.7

(11.1)

(16.7)

15.9

Detailed impairment analysis has been undertaken on the 
recoverability of rent receivables representing outstanding 
rent, service charge, deferrals and other lease charges. This 
analysis takes into account a number of factors such as the 
age of debt, the sector in which the debtor operates, its 
financial position and the potential impact of the extension 
of the rent moratorium as well as other relevant existing and 
proposed  legislation.  As  at  31  December  2021  the  rent 
receivable balance was £21.4 million. Based on the assess-
ment undertaken, as at the balance sheet date, the provision 
was  £10.9  million  reflecting  61  per  cent  on  a  net  basis. 
Movements  in  the  provision  for  the  year  have  offset  bad 
debt write-offs resulting in an overall charge to the income 
statement of nil.

Loss on revaluation and sale of investment and 
development property

The loss on revaluation and sale of the Group’s investment 
and development property was £15.8 million. The property 
valuation of the Covent Garden estate has decreased by 
0.6 per cent (like-for-like) to £1,729 million, primarily as a 
result of a 1.5 per cent like-for-like decline in ERV to £76.2 
million. The valuer has also removed the provision for loss 
of near-term income. The Group completed the sale of a 
number of Covent Garden properties for gross proceeds 
of £94.7 million, resulting in a loss on sale of £5.9 million 
relative to the 31 December 2020 valuation, although sales 
in the second half were completed at a premium to June 
2021 valuation.

Administration expenses

Depreciation

Administration expenses

Underlying administration expenses

Non-underlying costs

Administration expenses

2021

Joint 
ventures
£m

Group share 
£m

0.2

19.7

19.9

2.8

22.7

–

0.1

0.1

–

0.1

IFRS 
£m

Group share 
£m

0.2

19.8

20.0

2.8

22.8

1.5

23.5

25.0

6.5

31.5

2020

Joint 
ventures
£m

–

(0.5)

(0.5)

–

(0.5)

IFRS 
£m

1.5

23.0

24.5

6.5

31.0

Administration expenses 

Administration expenses have decreased by £8.8 million 
from £31.5 million to £22.7 million. Underlying administra-
tion costs, excluding the impact of £2.8 million (2020: £6.5 
million) of non-underlying costs incurred in the year, were 
£19.9 million representing a like-for-like 20 per cent reduction 
of £5.1 million.

Group simplification and initiatives over recent years have 
enabled administration costs to be reduced from over £50 
million  to  the  current  level  of  approximately  £20  million, 
however the Group is mindful of current upward cost pres-
sures including wage inflation.

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Strategic Report

Financial review continued

Net finance costs

The increase in the average level of gross debt following 
the  Shaftesbury  investment  has  resulted  in  higher  interest 
expenses and therefore an increase of £7.6 million in net 
finance costs to £31.4 million, of which approximately £26 
million relates to cash costs. Year-end cash deposits were in 
excess of £300 million, however income on this was low 
reflecting the interest rate environment in 2021. The refinanc-
ing of the Group revolving credit facility in reduced size and 
other initiatives such as early repayment of certain of the 
private placement notes are expected to result in annualised 
cash cost savings of over £3.5 million per annum. 

Taxation

The Group’s tax policy, which has been approved by the 
Board and has been disclosed to HM Revenue & Customs 
(“HMRC”), is aligned with the business strategy. The Group 
seeks to protect shareholder value by structuring operations 
in a tax efficient manner, with external advice as appropri-
ate, which complies with all relevant tax law and regulations 
and does not adversely impact our reputation as a responsi-
ble taxpayer. As a Group, we are committed to acting in an 
open and transparent manner. 

Consistent with the Group’s policy of complying with relevant 
tax obligations and its goal in respect of its stakeholders, the 
Group maintains a constructive and open working relation-
ship with HMRC which regularly includes obtaining advance 
clearance on key transactions where the tax treatment may be 
uncertain. The Group maintains a low risk rating from HMRC.

As  a  UK  REIT,  the  Group  is  exempt  from  UK  corporation 
tax  on  income  and  gains  from  qualifying  activities.  As  a 
minimum, 90 per cent of the income arising from qualifying 
activities and 100 per cent of the UK REIT investment profits 
are required to be distributed as Property Income Distribution 
(“PID”) to the shareholders of the Group. Non-REIT activi-
ties, such as disposals of trading property, are subject to UK 
corporation tax in the normal way. A tax charge can arise 
for the Group (currently at 19 per cent) if the minimum PID 
requirement is not met within 12 months of the end of the 
period. There was no PID payable by the Group in 2021 in 
relation to the Group’s qualifying activities for 2020. During 
the year, the Group has paid a PID of £2.1 million partly 
settling the majority of its PID requirement for the year to 31 
December 2021, with the balance expected to be settled 
during 2022.

The UK REIT provisions also require a group to satisfy certain 
tests to maintain its REIT status. The Group satisfied all REIT 
requirements  needed  to  maintain  REIT  status  throughout 
2021. The UK REIT provisions can impose a UK tax charge 
on the Group if certain interest cover tests are not met. For the 
period to 31 December 2021, the Group is expected to pass 
the interest cover ratio test. The Group has been in regular 
communication with HMRC and received confirmation that 
there should be no adverse consequences if these tests were 
not met solely due to the impact of COVID-19.

The  tax  charge  of  £0.7  million  in  the  income  statement 
comprises a deferred tax charge of £1.8 million in relation 
to derivative financial instruments and share-based payments, 
and a deferred tax credit of £1.1 million mainly in relation to 
the restatement of trading losses carried forward to reflect the 
increase in tax rate. The main rate of corporation tax remained 
unchanged at 19 per cent throughout the year. The UK Budget 
announced on 3 March 2021 confirmed an increase in the 
main corporation tax rate from 19 to 25 per cent with effect 
from  1  April  2023.  This  change  has  been  substantively 
enacted on 24 May 2021 and therefore has been reflected 
in the Group's deferred tax balances where applicable.

Whilst the Group is a REIT, it is subject to a number of taxes 
and  certain  sector  specific  charges  in  the  same  way  as 
non-REIT companies. The Group is committed to paying its 
fair share of tax including liabilities arising from stamp duty 
land tax, employment taxes, irrecoverable VAT, and corpo-
ration tax on non-REIT income.

The provisions of IAS 12 provide for the recognition of a 
deferred tax asset where it is probable there will be future 
taxable profit against which a deductible temporary differ-
ence can be utilised. As a result of the application of this 
provision, the Group has not recognised the deferred tax 
asset on certain losses carried forward.

Dividends

The Board has proposed a final dividend of 1.0 pence per 
share to be paid on 8 July 2022 to shareholders on the regis-
ter at 10 June 2022. The dividend will comprise 0.5 pence 
in the form of a PID and 0.5 pence of ordinary dividend.

EPRA net tangible assets per share 0.2% to 212.4 pence

212.1

5.1

0.5

212.4

1.8

1.0

1.1

1.4

December 2020

Covent Garden loss 
on revaluation and sale 

Lillie Square loss 
on revaluation 
and profit on sale

Equity investment 
fair value movement

Underlying 
earnings

Non-underlying 
costs

Dividend &
Other

December 2021

Financial Position

At 31 December 2021 the Group’s EPRA NTA was £1.8 billion (31 December 2020 £1.8 billion) representing 212.4 pence per share (31 December 
2020: 212.1 pence). 

Summary Adjusted Balance Sheet

Investment, development and trading property

 1,778.5 

(84.0) 

 1,694.5 

1,908.8

(113.0)

1,795.8

2021

Group  
share 
£m

Joint
ventures1
£m

IFRS 
£m

Group 
 share 
£m

2020

Joint 
ventures1
£m

IFRS 
£m

Financial assets at fair value through profit and loss

Net debt

Other assets and liabilities2

Net assets attributable to owners of the Parent

Adjustments:

Fair value of derivative financial instruments

Fair value adjustment of financial instrument – exchangeable bond 
option

Unrecognised surplus on trading property

Revaluation of other non-current assets

Deferred tax adjustments

EPRA net tangible assets

EPRA net tangible assets per share (pence)3

 596.4 

(599.3) 

 18.1

1,793.7

–

 596.4 

(22.7) 

(622.0) 

99.4

117.5

551.8

(710.4)

42.9

–

(5.1)

84.7

551.8

(715.5)

127.6

(7.3)

1,786.4

1,793.1

(33.4)

1,759.7

(1.1)

16.8

0.1

7.3

0.2

1,809.7

212.4

7.2

5.5

2.2

33.4

(2.2)

1,805.8

212.1

1. Primarily Lillie Square.
2. IFRS includes amounts receivable from joint ventures which eliminate on a Group share basis.
3. Adjusted, diluted number of shares in issue at 31 December 2021 was 851.9 million (2020: 851.5 million).

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Strategic Report

Financial review continued

Investment, development and trading property

The Group share of investment, development and trading 
property carrying value has decreased from £1,908.8 million 
at 31 December 2020 to £1,778.5 million. This movement 
primarily comprises capital expenditure of £9.0 million, offset 
by disposals of £117.3 million of Covent Garden and Lillie 
Square properties, a revaluation loss of £9.9 million and 
write-down and movement in unrecognised surplus of trading 
property of £14.1 million. 

The Covent Garden portfolio valuation reduced by 0.6 per 
cent like-for-like, driven primarily by a 1.5 decline in ERV, to 
£1,692.4 million. 

At Lillie Square, the unrecognised surplus on trading property 
declined by £2.1 million and there was a write down of 
trading property of £12.0 million. Together with the reval-
uation on investment and development property, the total 
revaluation loss was £24.0 million, representing a 1.3 per 
cent decrease in value, which compares to the MSCI Capital 
Return for the equivalent period of a 13.9 per cent gain. 

Total  property  return  for  the  year  was  1.5  per  cent.  The 
MSCI Total Return Index recorded a 19.9 per cent gain for 
the corresponding period. 

Trading  property  is  carried  on  the  consolidated  balance 
sheet at the lower of cost and net realisable value, therefore 
valuation surpluses on trading property are not recorded. 

Cash and cash equivalents

Undrawn committed facilities

Cash and undrawn committed facilities

1. Primarily Lillie Square.

Net debt to gross assets

Loan to value – Covent Garden debt covenant

Interest cover – Group

Interest cover – Covent Garden debt covenant

Weighted average debt maturity – drawn and undrawn facilities

Weighted average debt maturity – drawn facilities

Weighted average cost of debt

Gross debt with interest rate protection

Any  unrecognised  surplus  is  however  reflected  within  the 
EPRA net tangible assets measure. At 31 December 2021, 
the  unrecognised  surplus  on  trading  property  was  £0.1 
million (31 December 2020: £2.2 million) which arises solely 
on the Group’s share of trading property at Lillie Square.

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss

The  value  of  the  Group’s  25.2  per  cent  shareholding  in 
Shaftesbury as at 31 December 2021 based on the closing 
share price of 615 pence was £596 million (2020: £552 
million based on of 569 pence) resulting in a fair value gain 
of £44.6 million.

Debt and gearing

The Group maintains a strong financial position with signif-
icant  flexibility,  diversified  sources  of  funding,  headroom 
against  debt  covenants,  access  to  substantial  liquidity, 
modest  capital  commitments,  a  balanced  debt  maturity 
profile and protection against interest rate movements. 

The Group’s cash and undrawn committed facilities at 31 
December 2021 were £651.7 million (31 December 2020: 
£1,010.2 million). A reconciliation between IFRS and Group 
share is shown below:

2021

Joint
 ventures1
£m

(22.7)

–

(22.7)

Group share 
£m

341.7

310.0

651.7

IFRS 
£m

Group share 
£m

319.0

310.0

629.0

375.8

634.4

1,010.2

2020

Joint 
ventures1
£m

(10.7)

(59.4)

(70.1)

2021

24.3%

14.7%

111.5%

225.1%

IFRS 
£m

365.1

575.0

940.1

2020

27.5%

19.3%

76.1%

53.8%

4.8 years

4.1 years

4.9 years

5.4 years

2.8%

100%

2.6%

100%

Balanced capital structure

Group  
net debt:  
gross assets

24%

Covent Garden

Shaftesbury investment

Net debt of £254 million1 

 – (2020: £352 million)

New £300 million revolving credit facility 
agreed September 2021 

 – Fully undrawn 
 – Marginal cost of drawdown c.1.75% per annum, 

December 2024 maturity2 

£550 million US PP loan notes3 

 – Fixed rate debt (average cost 2.9%)
 – Range of maturities 2024 – 2037

1. Comprises £550m of private placement notes and cash 
2. Initial three year term with two one-year extension options
3. Before upcoming prepayment of £75m nominal value of notes

£275 million exchangeable bond with 
pledge over c.10% of Shaftesbury PLC 
shares

 – 2% per annum coupon, March 2026 maturity
 – Flexibility to satisfy exchange through shares 

and/or cash

 – Exchange price of 723.5p (two-way adjustment 

subject to dividend threshold)

£125 million loan 

 – Dec 2023 maturity 
 – Secured on Shaftesbury PLC shares

Net debt decreased by £111.1 million to £599.3 million in 
the year, principally as a result of receipts from the sale of 
property. Disposal proceeds included the receipt of £15.2 
million of deferred consideration on the Earls Court sale, 
£94.7 million on the sale of Covent Garden property and 
£23.3  million  from  25  completed  sales  at  Lillie  Square 
(Group share).

notes at a cost of approximately £81 million including make-
whole costs. The notes form part of the £150 million issuance 
completed in 2014, have a coupon of 3.6 per cent, and are 
set to mature in 2024 and 2026. The pro forma weighted 
average debt maturity on drawn facilities will increase to 5.0 
years and the weighted average cost of debt will reduce to 
2.7 per cent.

The gearing measure most widely used in the industry is loan 
to value (“LTV”), however in order to address the fact that LTV 
does not take into account the value of the shareholding in 
Shaftesbury, the Group focusses on the ratio of net debt to 
gross assets which stood at 24.3 per cent at 31 December 
2021. This is comfortably within the Group’s limit of no more 
than 40 per cent.

The Group’s policy is to eliminate substantially the medium 
and  long-term  risk  arising  from  interest  rate  volatility.  The 
Group’s banking facilities are arranged on a floating rate 
basis but are generally swapped to fixed rate, capped or 
collared using derivative contracts. At 31 December 2021 
the  proportion  of  gross  debt  with  interest  rate  protection 
was 100 per cent (31 December 2020: 100 per cent). The 
£300 million revolving credit facility was undrawn at year 
end. Subsequent to the year end the Group commenced 
arrangements to repay £75 million of US private placement 

The principal financial covenants within the Covent Garden 
debt are to maintain a loan to value ratio of not more than 60 
per cent and an interest cover ratio of at least 120 per cent. 
Based on the current level of net debt of £254 million and 
loan to value position under the Covent Garden debt, there is 
substantial headroom with the ability for property valuations 
to fall, by a further 76 per cent. Although interest cover cove-
nant waivers were in place for 2021, the interest cover ratio 
in relation to the Covent Garden debt was 225 per cent, 
comfortably ahead of the covenant level of 120 per cent. 

As at 31 December 2021, the Group had capital commit-
ments of £5.4 million (£2.2 million at 31 December 2020), 
comprising £4.1 million for Covent Garden and £1.3 million 
for Lillie Square.

The loan facility of the Lillie Square joint venture was repaid 
and cancelled in May 2021.

Capital commitments

1. Primarily Lillie Square.

2021

Joint
ventures1
£m

(1.3)

Group  
share 
£m

5.4

2020

Joint
ventures1
£m

(1.4)

Group  
share 
£m

2.2

IFRS 
£m

4.1

IFRS 
£m

0.8

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Strategic Report

Financial review continued

Cash Flow

A summary of the Group’s cash flow for the year ended 31 December 2021 is presented below:

Summary Cash Flow 

Operating cash flows after interest and tax from continuing 
activities

Purchase and development of property, plant and equipment

Transactions with joint venture partners 

Net sales proceeds from discontinued operations

Net sales proceeds from property and investments

Equity investment acquisition

Net cash flow before financing 

Financing

Share buyback

Dividends paid

Other

Net cash flow2

1. Primarily Lillie Square.

2021

Group  
share 
£m

Joint
ventures1
£m

1.5

(9.5)

(0.5)

15.2

118.0

–

124.7

(149.5)

–

(4.0)

–

(1.0)

1.6

(0.5)

–

(23.3)

–

(23.2)

5.9

–

–

–

2020

Joint
ventures1
£m

(3.1)

7.1

1.6

–

(57.5)

–

(51.9)

51.2

–

–

–

Group 
share 
£m

(51.7)

(31.0)

1.6

194.1

134.5

(500.9)

(253.4)

488.8

(11.8)

(4.6)

(6.3)

IFRS 
£m

(54.8)

(23.9)

3.2

194.1

77.0

(500.9)

(305.3)

540.0

(11.8)

(4.6)

(6.3)

IFRS 
£m

0.5

(7.9)

(1.0)

15.2

94.7

–

101.5

(143.6)

–

(4.0)

–

(28.8)

(17.3)

(46.1)

212.7

(0.7)

212.0

2. Net cash flow is based on unrestricted cash and cash equivalents. The movement in Lillie Square deposits on a Group share basis of £5.3 million is therefore not 

included (2020: £7.5 million).

Main areas of cash movement 

1200

1000

800

600

400

200

1,010

634

376

133

150

10

4

3

342

652

310

342

December 2020

Disposals

Financing

Development 
of property

Dividend

Operating cash 
flow and other

December 2021

Operating cash inflows of £1.5 million are as a result of 
net working capital requirements impacted in particular by 
the level of cash rental collections during the year, and the 
payment of administration and interest expenses. 

During the year, £7.9 million was invested at Covent Garden 
for  capital  expenditure  on  a  number  of  projects.  At  Lillie 
Square, £1.6 million was incurred. 

At  Covent  Garden  the  disposal  of  26-27  Southampton 
Street, 30-32 Southampton Street, 31-32 Bedford Street, 33 
Bedford Street and a residential apartment on King Street 
generated gross proceeds of £94.7 million. The handover 
of 25 units at Lillie Square generated £23.3 million (Group 
share) of net sales proceeds from property.

£15.2 million of deferred consideration from the Earls Court 
sale was received in November 2021. 

Financing cash outflows includes £140 million repayment 
of the revolving credit facility in January 2021, £5.9 million 
(Group share) of the Lillie Square facility and £3.4 million 
prepayment of derivatives.

Dividends paid of £4.0 million reflect the interim dividend 
paid in September 2021. The dividends paid in 2020 of 
£4.6 million reflect the cash element of the final dividend 
payment made in respect of the 2019 financial year. 

IFRS cash and cash equivalents decreased by £46.1 million 
to £319.0 million.

Going concern

Further information on the going concern assessment is set 
out in note 1 to the financial statements.

The Company has a strong balance sheet with net debt to 
gross assets of 24 per cent and access to cash and undrawn 
facilities  of  £652  million  as  at  31  December  2021.  The 
Covent Garden group had net debt of £254 million and a 
loan to value ratio of 15 per cent, which compares with a 
debt covenant level of 60 per cent. Whilst covenant waivers 
were in place for 2021, the interest cover ratio in relation 
to the Covent Garden debt for 2021 was 225 per cent, 
comfortably ahead of the covenant level of 120 per cent. 

There  continues  to  be  a  reasonable  expectation  that  the 
Group will have adequate resources to meet both ongo-
ing and future commitments for at least 12 months from the 
date of signing these financial statements. Accordingly, the 
Directors consider it appropriate to adopt the going concern 
basis of accounting in preparing the 2021 Annual Report 
& Accounts.

Situl Jobanputra

Chief Financial Officer

22 February 2022

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Strategic Report

Responsibility

Delivering
positive

Our Environment, Sustainability and Community (“ESC”) strategy

As a long-term steward of the Covent Garden estate, Capco aims to make Covent Garden a UK leader in sustainability 
by delivering positive environmental and social outcomes that enhance value for stakeholders while protecting the 
unique character and heritage of the estate. This strategy is underpinned by four pillars which align with UN Sustainable 
Development Goals1 (“SDGs”) as shown below.

s

a

ur focu s a r e

O

Tackling  
climate  
change

n m e n t   and sustaina

bilit

y

Enviro

Improving  
air quality

C

o

m

m

u

Our ESC  
strategy

n

it

y

Driving 
innovation  
and change

ple
Peo

Commitment to Net Zero 
Carbon by 2030 with 
three-year cycle targets 

Recognise Whole Life 
Carbon of heritage 
buildings

Maximise biodiversity in 
an urban environment, 
through a long-term 
biodiversity action plan

Innovate to deliver best 
in class in heritage 
environment

Become a partner 
of choice for climate 
technology in a heritage 
environment

Supporting 
communities  
and people

Pedestrianisation and 
greening

Internal air quality 
investment

Local community focus 
to our educational and 
charitable activities

Develop and reward talent 
in a dynamic, collegiate 
and creative culture 

Enhance health and well-
being of our people and 
visitors and provide support 
and opportunity to the 
local community

Underpinned by a commitment to 

The highest standards  
of health and safety

Ethical practices and 
transparent reporting

Well-being

1. More information on the UN Sustainable Development Goals can be found at sdgs.un.org

For more on health, safety and well-being, see pages 82 and 85.

outcomes

Our  ESC  strategy  is  fundamental  to  Capco’s  business. 
Through our long-term approach and responsible steward-
ship we deliver value for stakeholders. Our activities during 
2021 have delivered progress against all four pillars of our 
ESC  strategy.  The  most  significant  achievement  was  our 
commitment to Net Zero Carbon by 2030 and the subse-
quent publication of our Net Zero Carbon Pathway. This 
landmark commitment sets out how we will approach this 
urgent and vital undertaking in a way which recognises the 
needs of our heritage estate and stakeholders. Our focus is 
first to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from our buildings 
and operations as far as possible and then to offset any 
residual emissions. This requires action across five areas and 
more detail on these areas and our targets can be found on 
page 71. Capco is joining the Race to Zero and we will 
have our carbon reduction targets validated by the Science 
Based Targets initiative to confirm that they are consistent with 
limiting global temperature rise to no more than 1.5˚C above 
pre-industrial levels.

During 2021 Capco undertook the first ecological surveys of 
the Covent Garden estate in partnership with the Wild West 
End. We will use the findings to develop a formal biodiver-
sity action plan which will support nature-based solutions 
in our refurbishment projects and our extensive estate plant-
ing by prioritising pollinators and native plants. Supporting 
biodiversity feeds in to all four pillars of our strategy through 
mitigation of the effects of climate change, improving air 
quality using natural methods, using innovative nature-based 
solutions which would otherwise require more carbon inten-
sive solutions and providing a welcoming environment to the 
Covent Garden community and visitors alike. 

We are now entering the sixth year of supporting London 
air quality monitoring through our partnership with Imperial 
College. Throughout that time Covent Garden has consist-
ently had some of the cleanest air in central London.

Innovation through both new technology and the simplicity 
of creative new approaches is central to our ESC strategy, 
particularly in tackling climate change, and consequently is 
a guiding principle for Capco’s people as we deliver against 
our overall strategy, including against the four ESC pillars.

Sustainability indices

Our participation in external sustainability indices and bench-
marks helps us monitor our performance and identify oppor-
tunities for improvement. In 2021 we achieved our third Gold 
award for reporting in line with the EPRA Sustainability Best 
Practice Recommendations for Reporting, as well as improv-
ing our CDP and GRESB ratings where we have regained 
our green star. We continue to report under FTSE4Good 
and S&P Global. 

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Strategic Report

Responsibility continued

Net Zero
Pathway

The five key actions within our  
Net Zero Pathway are:

50% embodied  
carbon reduction

to below 475kg CO2e per m2 by 2030 by prioritising innovative 
refurbishment using sustainable materials and using Whole Life 
Carbon assessments

60% operational  
carbon reduction

by 2030 to 90kWh/m2/GIA per annum (commercial) by driving 
down energy demand in all our activities

Prioritise innovation  
and renewables

through new technologies and energy initiatives as well as 
working with an innovative supply chain

Enhance climate 
adaptation

to improve building resilience

Residual emission 
offsetting

using certified schemes

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Strategic Report

Responsibility continued

Environment  
and sustainability

Capco is taking a responsible and forward-
looking approach to environmental issues 
and the principles of sustainability. 

Our  focus  this  year  has  been  to  accelerate 
progress against the four pillars which underpin 
our ESC strategy. Our achievements and commit-
ments  for  the  coming  year  are  driven  by  these 
pillars  and  are  also  intended  to  address  both 
climate-related risks and opportunities. A summary 
of our 2021 achievements and our commitments 
for the coming year is set out below and further 
detail on our activities is set out on pages 73 to 
75. More detail on the fourth pillar of People and 
Community can be found from page 79.

2021 Achievements

 – Publication of Net Zero Carbon Pathway 
including detailed three-year targets and 
alignment to the Paris Agreement 1.5˚C scenario

 – Committed to achieving Net Zero Carbon in 

own operations by 2024 

 – Operational energy: A like-for-like reduction of 
c. 13 per cent on 2019 levels and c. 90 per 
cent of landlord areas in Covent Garden now 
have energy efficient lighting

 – First publication of estate EPC rating distribution, 

showing 94 per cent of estate rated A-D
 – 12 new commercial green leases in line  
with Better Building Partnership completed

 – Installed water efficient fixtures in all our 

refurbishment projects and identified further 
opportunities for rainwater harvesting

 – 100 per cent diversion of waste from landfill  
for the Covent Garden Market Building and  
our own offices

72

Capco Annual Report & Accounts 2021

 – 99 per cent diversion of project and 

development waste from landfill

 – Received EPRA Gold award for sustainability 

reporting for third consecutive year

 – GRESB score increased to 65 and green star 

awarded, CDP Rating increased to B

 – Completed first estate-wide ecological surveys 

following becoming a partner in Wild West End
 – Donation of approximately £600,000 in value 
of time, in-kind contributions and cash to local 
community 

 – Installation of estate urban farm producing 

sustainable produce for community and raising 
awareness

Our 2022 Commitments

 – Secure Science Based Targets initiative 

validation of our Net Zero targets

 – Publish Net Zero Pathway documents: Carbon 
Offsetting policy, Occupier Sustainable Fitout 
Guide, Climate change risk analysis

 – Achieve greater than 5 per cent like-for-like 
operational energy improvement based on  
a 2019 benchmark 

 – Integrate operational and embodied carbon 
budget for each building using Whole Life 
Carbon methodology

 – Intensify customer engagement programme  

on sustainability through use of surveys
 – Increase proportion of EPCs compliant  

with 2027 C rating target by 5 per cent 
 – Implement identified rainwater harvesting and 
greywater recycling and establish water targets
 – Continue to divert at least 95 per cent of waste 

from landfill arising from our projects and 
development

 – Launch Biodiversity Action Plan
 – Launch Covent Garden Community Charter
 – Determine approach for publication of air 

quality (internal and external) across the estate

 – Establish parameters for London university 

sustainable engineering intern programme  
for innovation

60%

Carbon footprint 
reduction on 
2019 baseline

31%

Reduction in 
Scope 1 & 2 
emissions on 
2019 baseline 

100%

Scope 1 & 2 
emissions offset 

Tackle climate change 

Capco recognises the urgent responsibility to tackle climate 
change and this is reflected in our 2030 Net Zero Carbon 
target. We have a strong track record of restoring and cele-
brating the heritage of the Covent Garden estate through 
considered refurbishments and developments.

Tackling climate change in an urban environment must also 
prioritise natural capital as well as greenhouse gas emis-
sions. We will continue to prioritise both nature-based solu-
tions and biodiversity following our first ecological surveys 
of the estate during 2021. 

Our next steps are principally set out in the Net Zero Pathway 
and in our 2022 commitments. We will focus on: 

 – communication and engagement with stakeholders, 

including suppliers and customers;

 – further integrating our Net Zero approach across all 
aspects of our business, including leasing, customer 
selection, development, property management, 
marketing, events and future consideration of 
sustainability-linked financing; and

 – developing our staff capability in this area through 

training and development programmes.

We continue to embed sustainable practices and make year-
on-year improvements in all areas of our performance as 
set out in our 2021 achievements and 2022 commitments.

We are proud of our passionate and talented people who 
will  deliver  on  our  net  zero  ambition  through  proactive 
engagement and mutual understanding to create and main-
tain a vibrant, thriving environment in which Covent Garden 
and all our stakeholders can flourish.

Carbon footprint and energy management

Our 2019 carbon footprint was published in our Net Zero 
Carbon Pathway. We have used the same GHG protocol 
methodology to calculate our 2021 footprint which is set 
out to the right. The landlord (Scope 1 & 2) emissions over 
which  we  have  direct  operational  control  have  fallen  by 
c.30 per cent compared to the 2019 baseline, driven by 
disposals and like-for-like Covent Garden GHG emissions 
falling by 12.8 per cent compared to 2019. While the like-
for-like movement partly reflects the impact of COVID-19, the 
reductions are also a consequence of continued intervention 
with building efficiency measures. The overall reduction in 
the carbon footprint is driven by a significant fall in Scope 
3 emissions, particularly in relation to capital goods, where 
the baseline year 2019 included the completion of the Lillie 
Square development. Given the nature of long-term capital 
investment in our assets, it is expected that this element of the 
footprint will vary with the volume of works completed in any 
given financial year, but with a long-term downward trend on 
an absolute and per m2 basis. We will continue to increase 
the  amount  of  data  we  capture  to  reduce  the  proportion 
of estimation required, as well as enhancing transparency 
over time.

As set out in our Net Zero Carbon Pathway, our approach 
to offsetting includes collaborating on local projects, particu-
larly  those  which  aim  to  convert  more  carbon  intensive 

energy such as gas to electricity. In this context, we have 
continued our long-term engagement with Westminster City 
Council to replace gas street lighting and upgrade electric 
lights to LED lighting. Approximately 60 per cent of street 
lighting is now LED across the estate. We continue to work 
with our stakeholders to convert the remaining gas powered 
lights on the estate to LED lighting consistent with the heritage 
nature of the area. 

We are committed to transparent environmental reporting of 
the estate and the graph on page 75 sets out the current EPC 
performance of our estate. The Minimum Energy Efficiency 
Standards (“MEES”) regulations set out minimum level certifi-
cation required for all new lettings on an accelerating basis 
from 2023. Our objective is to improve EPC performance 
whenever we undertake any works to our assets, and we 
have set accelerated targets around this in our Net Zero 
Carbon  Pathway.  Our  green  lease  structures  also  ensure 
that occupiers do not undertake works which will reduce 
the rating of the individual unit. A total of 319 demises are 
required to be assessed for EPC purposes. This excludes 
residential  properties  where  the  rental  level  is  below  the 
MEES threshold (primarily long leasehold) as well as other 
units including outdoor barrows, storage, electric substation 
and other ancillary units. Currently 94 per cent of units are 

2021 Carbon footprint (tCO2e)

Total emissions (tCO2e)

18,503

Scope 1: Landlord Gas1

Scope 1: Landlord Refrigerant Gas & Fuel1

Scope 2: Landlord Electricity1

Scope 3: Capital Goods

Scope 3: Purchased Goods & Services

Scope 3: Tenant Operations

Scope 3: Business Travel

Scope 3: Waste

Scope 3: Employee Commuting

Scope 3: Transmission & Distribution

tCO2e

507

6

497

2,028

4,856

10,294

6

13

23

273

%

2.7%

0.0%

2.7%

11.0%

26.3%

55.6%

0.0%

0.1%

0.1%

1.5%

1.  Includes common parts, shared services and voids

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73

Strategic Report

Responsibility continued

2030

Net Zero 
Carbon 
commitment

2024

Commitment 
to be carbon 
neutral in 
corporate 
actions

94%

Covent Garden 
estate rated EPC 
A-D

12.8%

Like-for-like energy 
reduction on 
Covent Garden 
estate on 2019 
levels

Greenhouse Gas (“GHG”) Emissions Data for 
year ended December 2021

Total Scope 1 & 2 GHG emissions  
(location-based method1)

2021

2020

513

457

Scope 1

Scope 2

497

670

Total Scope 2 GHG emissions  
(market-based method2)

2021

2020

20

12

Intensity measure:  
Tonnes of CO2e per ‘000 sq ft

2021

2020

0.36

0.32

Scope 1

Scope 2

0.35

0.47

Total energy consumption (MWh)

20213

20204

5,136

3.65

5,333

3.76

Total energy use 

Intensity measure (MWh per '000 sq ft)

1. The location-based method reports emissions as tonnes of 

carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO2e). 100 per cent of the emis-
sions stated are UK-based. Details of what is included in Scope 
1 and Scope 2 emissions can be found on page 200.
2. The market-based method reports emissions as tonnes of 

carbon dioxide (tCO2). 100 per cent of the emissions stated are 
UK-based. Details of what is included in Scope 1 and Scope 2 
emissions can be found on page 200.

3. The total energy consumption for 2021 comprised: 2,765,529 
kWh (54 per cent) gas, 2,342,495 kWh (46 per cent) electric-
ity and 27,600 kWh (zero per cent) transport.

4. The total energy consumption for 2020 comprised: 2,447,491 
kWh (46 per cent) gas, 2,875,378 kWh (54 per cent) electric-
ity and 9,788 kWh (zero per cent) transport.

assessed at level A-D, with a small number of the remain-
ing units either at level E or in development. Our long-term 
management of EPC performance means we are well-placed 
to meet our targets ahead of statutory regulation timelines. 
We continue to address these units as part of our ongoing 
capital investment programme in the estate. Approximately 
90 per cent of landlord areas in Covent Garden now use 
LED lighting. We continue to roll out smart metering to best 
prioritise and target energy efficiency initiatives.

Greenhouse gas emissions including 
Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting 
(“SECR”) 

Capco has engaged Carbon Footprint Limited to provide 
independent verification of the calculation of 2021 GHG 
emissions assertion, in accordance with the industry recog-
nised  standard  ISO  14064-3.  We  continue  to  reflect 
progress  across  all  reported  SECR  measures,  other  than 
market-based Scope 2 emissions. These have risen where 
previously let space is returned to space with a higher emis-
sion factor tariff than our own renewable tariffs. Given the 
nature of tenant electricity procurement, some variability in 
market-based Scope 2 emissions is expected over time. Our 
verification process has additionally included a review of our 
Scope 3 emissions given the high proportion of our overall 
carbon footprint which these make up.

Further details of our methodology to calculate GHG emis-
sions can be found on page 200.

Waste and water management

We continue to work to raise awareness of recycling oppor-
tunities across the estate to support our aim of improving 
recycling rates across the Covent Garden portfolio, in addi-
tion to the two food waste recycling facilities on the estate. In 
partnership with our waste contractor, Veolia, and one of our 
occupiers in the Market Building, we have instigated a waste 
trial aimed at reducing overall waste volumes, increasing the 
proportion of waste recycled and reducing the amount sent 
to the “energy from waste” plant. We continue to divert 100 
per cent of non-hazardous waste from the Covent Garden 
Market  Building  from  landfill.  Additionally,  the  upcoming 
launch of our Covent Garden Community Charter aims to 
further reduce food waste as well as addressing waste deliv-
ery consolidation across Covent Garden. 

Within our own offices, we continue to raise awareness of 
recycling and all excess IT or furniture equipment continues  
to  be  diverted  for  refurbishment  or  re-use  through  our  
charitable partners. 

We continue to monitor water usage across the assets we 
control and have incorporated water-efficient appliances and 
fittings into our refurbishment and development projects. As with 
energy efficiency, COVID-19 has undoubtedly had an impact 
on water usage, nevertheless, water usage over the last two 
years has fallen on average by more than 25 per cent. We 
have now identified an opportunity for rainwater harvesting 
using existing flood mitigation measures and are using peat-
free compost in our planting which significantly improves water 
retention and consequently reduces watering requirement.

No fines or penalties related to non-compliant actions that 
harmed the environment were incurred by Capco during the 
most recent financial year.

Carbon offset

Capco’s  Net  Zero  Carbon  commitment  is  predicated  on 
reducing emissions as far as possible, and then offsetting 
the  residual  emissions.  For  the  first  time  this  year,  Capco 
will fully offset the Scope 1 & 2 emissions arising from real 
estate activities totalling 1,016 tCO2e as shown in our SECR 
reporting on page 74.

In addition, we will continue to offset our business travel. Our 
offsets will be nature-based, remove incremental atmospheric 
carbon and provide long-term carbon storage solutions. As 
set out in our commitments, during 2022, we will publish 
our carbon offsetting policy which is a critical part of our 
activities to reach Net Zero Carbon by 2030. 

Responsible development

In 2021 we published an updated Sustainability Framework 
for Projects and Development which sets out the detailed 
standards required, and in addition, our Pathway sets clear 
short and medium-term embodied carbon targets to reach 
our Net Zero Carbon commitment by 2030. We will refresh 
our framework to align with these targets, and now target an 
EPC B rating on all developments where heritage buildings 
allow,  as  well  as  a  minimum  SKA  level  of  ‘Silver’  on  all 
major projects and refurbishments. We have set an internal 
carbon price, currently £95 per tonne to align with the 2021 
London Plan and will continue to review building certification 
to increase the proportion and level of certification across 
the estate.

Energy Performance Certificates  
(EPC) by number

Total units

319

A-C

D-E

Units undergoing refurbishment

65.5%

31.7%

2.8%

Given  relatively  limited  capital  activity  across  the  estate, 
there were two completed projects in the period, an office 
refurbishment on King Street which achieved a SKA Silver 
certification and improved EPC from E to C, and a restaurant 
refurbishment on Maiden Lane which achieved a SKA Silver 
and EPC C rating. We continue to explore how we can drive 
EPC performance in heritage buildings.

Capco remains an active member of the UK Green Building 
Council. 

Improve air quality

Capco continues to support air quality, prioritising cleaner 
air through reduced numbers of vehicle movements and use 
of cleaner vehicles. Capco has consistently sought to intro-
duce additional pedestrian streets across the Covent Garden 
districts since 2006. Following the introduction of additional 
al  fresco  seating,  Capco  has  continued  to  work  actively 
with Westminster City Council to launch the recently imple-
mented Covent Garden Neighbourhood Traffic Management 
Scheme. We support and manage the scheme through our 
operational teams. Extensive greening has also been under-
taken to improve the pedestrianised environment. Plant species 
are chosen to maximise their potential to improve air quality. 
We are working with our neighbours and Westminster City 
Council to explore further ways to reduce service vehicle traffic 
through delivery and waste consolidation and both themes will 
feature on launch of our Covent Garden Community Charter. 
We continue to explore ways to improve access to universal 
electric vehicle charging points to maximise their use, particu-
larly by commercial vehicles. We are conducting a pilot of 
new indoor air quality sensors which in addition to the usual 
humidity, carbon dioxide and temperature also monitor partic-
ulates and volatile organic compounds (“VOCs”). The sensors 
may be introduced elsewhere across the estate should the 
pilot be successful.

Drive innovation and change

Creativity and innovation are at the heart of Capco’s busi-
ness and we have used this in our approach to greening 
and on a number of our developments. This year, we have 
secured planning consent to trial photovoltaic tiles within the 
conservation area on King Street. We have also launched 
our first farm initiative which uses hydroponic towers made 
from recycled ocean plastic to grow herbs and salad within 
a retail unit. The growing process uses up to 95 per cent 
less water than traditional planting and growing food close 
to where it is consumed greatly reduces the “farm to fork” 
distance and associated carbon. The produce is primarily 
distributed to our community partners. 

We will continue to seek out opportunities to partner with 
third parties to trial sustainability technology for the built envi-
ronment while recognising that our heritage buildings are 
long-term carbon stores that should be celebrated. We have 
a proud history of working with universities and academics, 
and are actively exploring an intern programme with local 
universities. Such partnerships will continue to be considered 
in order to champion change. 

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Capco Annual Report & Accounts 2021

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75

Strategic Report

Responsibility continued

Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (“TCFD”)

Following our first response to the TCFD recommendations in the 2020 Annual Report & Accounts, Capco became a formal TCFD supporter and we 
continue to broaden and deepen our understanding of climate-related risks and opportunities for the business under the direction of the Company’s 
ESC Committees. The following pages set out our approach. 

With the exception of the Strategy recommendation (c) which is partially addressed, we believe this disclosure addresses all of the recommendations 
and recommended disclosures of the TCFD framework. Capco has undertaken an initial assessment of both physical and transitional risk under scenarios 
as set out on page 77 and is completing an update using the GRESB tools for both physical and transitional risk during 2022. Given the geographical 
concentration of our assets, Capco will perform the assessments on a selection of assets rather than every single property.

Strategy continued

Describe the impact  
of climate-related risks 
and opportunities on  
the organisation’s 
businesses, strategy  
and financial planning

Governance

Describe the  
Board’s oversight of 
climate-related risks  
and opportunities

Describe management’s 
role in assessing and 
managing climate-
related risks and 
opportunities

Strategy

Describe the climate-
related risks and 
opportunities the 
organisation has 
identified over the short, 
medium and long-term

The Board sets and oversees the Capco Environment, Sustainability & Community (“ESC”) strategy which includes climate-
related issues, and has established the Board ESC Committee, which is chaired by Non-executive Director Charlotte 
Boyle, and comprises the Chairman, Chief Executive and all other Non-executive Directors, to oversee ESC activities on 
its behalf. The Board retains overall responsibility for the management of climate-related risks and opportunities. The Board 
monitors climate-related risk via the Executive Risk Committee, and has determined that climate-related risk is a principal 
risk in its own right. The Board receives regular updates on relevant matters and ESC developments from the Director of 
Sustainability and Technology. More information on the Board ESC Committee and the Executive Risk Committee, including 
the frequency of their meetings, can be found on pages 22, 93, 96, 97 and 105.

The Chief Executive, on behalf of the Board, maintains operational oversight of the ESC Management Committee. This 
Committee is responsible for supporting the Board ESC Committee in assessing, monitoring and mitigating climate-
related risks and acting upon climate-related opportunities. The ESC Management Committee includes Charlotte Boyle, 
the Company Secretary, the General Counsel, the Head of HR, the Director of Sustainability and Technology and 
employees from relevant areas of the Company, and is attended by our retained sustainability adviser. Further details on 
the matters considered by the ESC Management Committee and the frequency of its meetings can be found on page 
97. Climate-related risks are separately considered by the Executive Risk Committee, as part of the risk management 
process based on assessments submitted by the business units and the Director of Sustainability and Technology.

Capco considers climate risks and opportunities over the following time horizons:
 – Short-term: 0 – 3 years
 – Medium-term: 3 – 10 years
 – Long-term: 10 – 30 years
Capco believes these time horizons allow for appropriate financial planning to allow for execution of strategies  
to address climate-related risks and act upon opportunities. 

The table below sets out the climate-related transitional and physical risks and opportunities identified. At this stage, 
the identification is based upon forthcoming UK Government strategy and policy and the UK climate change 
projections (“UKCP18”) published by the Met Office. A scenario-based risk assessment which follows the IPCC 
climate projections is in progress to better understand the medium and long-term risks of climate change.

Climate-related risks

Risk identified

Emerging regulation including:
 – Further EPC requirements for lettable properties via the MEES regulations 
 – Enhanced GHG emissions reporting requiring more detailed disclosures

Time horizon

Short-term

Changes in market trends, with customers seeking assets with greater sustainability credentials 
quicker than we are able to provide

Medium-term

Policy relating to the upgrade of heritage buildings impeding application of energy efficiency measures Medium-term

Changes in climate (hotter, drier summers), flood risk and extreme weather events

Long-term

Climate-related opportunities

Opportunity identified

Time horizon

Attracting and retaining customers: providing energy-efficient and sustainability-certified buildings

Short-term

Energy-efficient buildings: resulting in lower emissions and energy costs

Demonstrate the Whole Life Carbon benefit of our heritage stock and deliver leadership in 
improving the energy performance of heritage buildings

Short-term

Medium-term

Capco has published its Net Zero Carbon Pathway which sets out how the Group will deliver its Net Zero 
Carbon commitment by 2030. The Group continues to allocate resources to refurbishment and energy efficiency 
improvements as part of its annual budgeting process and has set an internal carbon price, currently at £95 per 
tonne, which is considered as part of capital investment decisions. In addition, the Group is committed to enhancing 
the reporting of its own and tenant use of resources and has committed modest sums to improve the coverage of 
“smart” meters. The Group has set a minimum SKA standard of ‘Silver’ on all major refurbishments and a target 
energy performance (EPC rating) of B for its refurbishment programmes. However, we recognise that this may also 
present an opportunity as operational costs may be lower and the assets may see shorter voids and improved 
investment yields as they meet occupier and investor requirements. The Group is also considering the potential  
for sustainability-linked financing which may offer reduced financing costs.

Supply chain and/or value chain:
 – Engaging with suppliers who can demonstrate environmental and ethical credentials
 – Selecting products that are certified to industry standards, e.g. FSC timber
 – Regularly reviewing our procurement-related policies to maintain alignment with industry standards  

and regulations

Investment in R&D: 
 – Identification of technologies that may improve the resource efficiency of our assets 
 – The Group recognises the role that carbon offset will have to play over the medium-term as part of its Net Zero 

Carbon strategy and has set a policy to carbon offset all directly booked business travel

 – The Group’s valuers have regard to the individual climate-related risks and opportunities relevant to the assets in 

the context of RICS guidance and make adjustments where appropriate; the value impacts of sustainability where 
recognised are reflecting the valuers’ understanding of how market participants include sustainability requirements 
in their bids and the impact on market valuations. 

 – The Group has adopted relevant provisions of the Better Building Partnership’s green lease into its commercial 
lease standard, and to date 12 commercial green leases have been signed. We have increased occupier 
engagement on environmental and sustainability issues.

Capco’s strategy as a steward of the Covent Garden estate has been to invest for the long-term taking climate risk 
and opportunity into consideration in its investment decisions. In 2021, Capco published its Pathway to be Net Zero 
Carbon by 2030. In developing the Pathway, we set a GHG emissions baseline using our 2019 performance. This 
baseline was used to determine targets that align with SBTi climate-related scenarios to limit global temperature rises 
to 1.5˚C. These scenarios allow us to identify the core areas for focused action to reduce emissions and enhance 
the long-term resilience of the estate. For example, we will explore the impact of embodied carbon emissions by 
assessing the Whole Life Carbon and implementing measures to achieve performance benchmarks set by industry 
guidance such as LETI. Capco is currently updating its climate risk scenario analysis using the GRESB portal and the 
results will be incorporated into our strategy. 

Capco’s processes for identifying and assessing climate-related risks use the same methodologies as all business 
risks and these risks are incorporated into the Group’s principal risks. The climate-related risk assessment is reviewed 
by the Executive Risk Committee to ensure completeness and that appropriate mitigation measures are in place. The 
processes for identifying and assessing risk are detailed comprehensively on pages 22 to 30. 

Describe the resilience 
of the organisation’s 
strategy, taking into 
consideration different 
climate-related 
scenarios, including a  
2°C or lower scenario

Risk management

Describe the 
organisation’s 
processes for 
identifying and 
assessing climate-
related risk

Describe the 
organisation’s 
processes for managing 
climate-related risk

Capco has an Executive Risk Committee, comprising the Executive Directors, the General Counsel, the Group 
Financial Controller and the Director of Sustainability and Technology, which is the executive level management 
forum for the review and discussion of risks, controls and mitigation measures. Senior management from each 
division and corporate function identify and manage risks for their division and complete and maintain a risk 
register. Climate-related risks and opportunities are presented to the Board via the Company’s ESC Board 
Committee and ESC Management Committee.

The Board has overall responsibility for the Group’s risk management, determining risk appetite and reviewing 
principal risks and uncertainties regularly, together with the actions taken to mitigate them. Management of  
climate-related risks is integrated into the organisation via a programme of staff engagement and training.

Describe how 
processes for 
identifying, assessing 
and managing climate-
related risks are 
integrated into the 
organisation’s overall 
risk management

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Responsibility continued

Metrics and targets

Disclose the 
metrics used by the 
organisation to assess 
climate-related risks 
and opportunities in 
line with its strategy 
and risk management 
process

Disclose Scope 1, 
Scope 2, and, if 
appropriate, Scope 3 
greenhouse  
gas (“GHG”) emissions, 
and the related risks

Describe the targets  
used by the 
organisation to manage 
climate-related risks 
and opportunities and 
performance  
against targets

Capco has reported environmental performance metrics since 2012 and is continually seeking ways to better 
understand and benchmark performance by improving accuracy and expanding existing reporting metrics.

To support the assessment of climate-related risks and opportunities, Capco reports on the following metrics:
 – Energy use, including like-for-like performance for controlled assets
 – Energy performance concerning the MEES regulations and EPCs
 – Scope 1, 2 and 3, including occupier GHG emissions
 – Electricity purchased via renewable energy sources
 – Water use in controlled assets
 – Proportion of portfolio with sustainability ratings (e.g. BREEAM, Code for Sustainable Homes and SKA)
 – Waste resulting from our offices and the Covent Garden Market Building

Capco publishes these metrics in an annual disclosure that follows the best practice sustainability recommendations 
(“sBPR”) set by EPRA. In 2021, the Group achieved a Gold rating for the third consecutive year from EPRA for this 
disclosure in recognition of its comprehensiveness. A copy of this report can be found in the Responsibility section 
on our website. Given the proportion of these estimated emissions, a core element of our approach will be to 
improve data access and quality and to engage actively with our supply chain to ensure their commitment to  
reach Net Zero Carbon aligns with our own.

As we progress our Net Zero Carbon commitment, Capco will report on embodied carbon. 

In addition to the detailed sustainability disclosures that Capco provides via our website, we respond to the 
following indices and initiatives:
 – CDP
 – FTSE4Good
 – Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark (GRESB)
 – S&P Global/Corporate Sustainability Assessment

A breakdown of Scope 1, Scope 2 and Scope 3 GHG emissions is disclosed on page 74. In line with Streamlined 
Energy and Carbon Reporting (“SECR”) requirements, energy use and an intensity metric are disclosed on page 74. 
The Group discloses a further breakdown of GHG emissions and other metrics in the 2021 EPRA sBPR report.

30 per cent of the Executive Directors’ non-financial performance measures under the annual bonus scheme relate  
to the Company’s ESC strategy, including the implementation of the Net Zero Carbon Pathway.

Within the Net Zero Carbon Pathway, a number of detailed targets have been set to be achieved by 2030, 
alongside interim targets on a three-year cycle including:
 – Reducing embodied carbon by 50 per cent
 – Reducing operational carbon by 60 per cent
 – Prioritising innovation and on-site renewable technologies
 – Enhancing climate change adaptation and resilience
 – Offsetting 100 per cent of residual carbon emissions (after taking all viable efficiency and carbon reduction actions)
The performance against these targets is monitored by the Board ESC Committee and reported to the Board. 

The carbon targets in the Net Zero Carbon Pathway include interim targets for 2024 and 2027. These are 
supported by the following additional climate-related performance targets:
 – A proportion of estate energy demand to be met by on-site renewables
 – An internal carbon price is established and carbon cost is being integrated into the financial decision-making 

process

 – Accelerated EPC targets with 2024 and 2027 requirements three years ahead of formal MEES requirements 
 – 100 per cent of electricity purchased to be from renewable sources 
 – Major refurbishment projects to achieve at least a ‘Silver’ SKA rating (where appropriate) 
Capco will continue to set year-on-year like-for-like energy and carbon reduction targets aligning with our Net Zero 
Carbon commitment to demonstrate single-year progress.

Community

During 2021, Capco continued to  
work to benefit the communities  
in which we operate and to support  
our chosen charities.

2021 Achievements

 – Continued to engage with schools participating 

in the Capco Education Programme and 
identified new initiatives to benefit young people 
in the district

 – Encouraged our employees to engage  
in responsibility initiatives by including  
an ESC objective in every employee’s 
performance objectives

Our 2022 Commitments

 – Continue our education programme, 

collaborating with local Covent Garden schools
 – Continue working with ULI’s Urban Plan Initiative 
and supporting the Brighter Futures Fund through 
the Young Westminster Foundation

 – Employees to contribute up to five hours during 
the year towards the wider community, either 
through an ESC-related project or a matched 
funded activity 

Supporting the local community 

Capco co-ordinated initiatives to promote a greener, more 
biodiverse and culturally rich estate at Covent Garden for 
the benefit of the local community. We provide support to 
a range of local community-focused programmes and are 
one of the main sponsors of the Covent Garden food bank, 
making  significant  contributions  and  providing  assistance 
throughout the year. 

When planning the proposed extension to the al fresco seat-
ing for restaurants across the estate, we engaged with local 
residents via a detailed consultation to ensure their views 
were properly considered, and were pleased that the major-
ity of local residents were supportive of the proposal.

We intend to launch our Covent Garden Community Charter 
during 2022 for the benefit of the community and have been 
consulting with the local community on our plans. It is the 
intention that the Covent Garden Community Charter will be 
a voluntary code of conduct aimed at all Covent Garden 
occupiers to help engender a neighbourly approach to living 
and working in Covent Garden, whilst helping to support the 
more effective implementation of our ESC strategy.

Supporting Covent Garden’s cultural 
heritage

The heritage of Covent Garden is important and we support 
a  number  of  organisations  that  work  in  this  area.  During 
2021,  we  funded  an  outdoor  theatre  stage  for  the  IRIS 
Theatre Company at St. Paul’s Church and our employees 
provided further marketing and promotional expertise to this 
community-based charity. We also donated to the Chicken 
Shed, a children’s and youth theatre charity that engages in 
community outreach projects. Capco is a corporate sponsor 
of the Mousetrap Theatre Project, which provides a range 
of  subsidised  theatre  programmes  and  creative  learning 
projects accessible to young people, low-income families 
and those with additional needs.

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Responsibility continued

£22,600

Total raised or 
donated by the 
Company for the 
‘Gift for Good’ 
charity auction 

We continued to support the arts as a patron of the British 
Fashion  Council  and  British  Beauty  Council.  During  the 
summer,  we  sponsored  and  supported  the  Royal  Opera 
House  to  deliver  ‘ROH  Unlocked’,  a  month  long  cultural 
programme  showcasing  the  best  of  the  Royal  Ballet  and 
Opera across the estate.

7,100

participants 
in the Apple 
Market 
Challenge  
during its  
15 years 

Homelessness

Capco hosted its second ‘Gift for Good’ charity auction 
in partnership with charity Only a Pavement Away which 
works alongside Crisis. The auction raised over £11,300, 
which was matched by Capco, raising a total of £22,600 
for the charity. 

During the year, Capco supported a number of homeless-
ness charities including St Mungo’s, a charity which works 
in  the  Covent  Garden  district  supporting  marginalised 
people to access recovery services, and The Connection 
at St. Martin’s, a homelessness charity that helps people to 
move away from, and stay off, the streets of London. Capco 
remains a strategic corporate partner of LandAid, the prop-
erty industry charity aimed at ending youth homelessness 
in the UK.

Our Finance and Corporate Services teams volunteered at 
The Felix Project, which uses surplus food to provide healthy 
meals to charities and schools to support vulnerable people.

Educational programmes

Young Westminster Foundation

Capco supported the Foundation’s ‘Mastering My Future’ 
Programme,  which  aims  to  raise  young  people’s  aware-
ness  of  employment  opportunities,  develop  confidence, 
self-esteem and communication skills, and provide hands-on 
experience with employers. We are proud to have been a 
supporter of this charity since its inception four years ago. 

We  also  co-ordinated  a  networking  event  to  showcase  
the  Westminster  Employment  Service  to  our  food  and  
beverage customers. 

Apple Market Challenge

Capco facilitated the Apple Market Challenge for its 15th 
year. The initiative continues to be hugely successful and 
has now involved around 7,100 children since its inception. 
This year, pupils from four schools presented ideas for an 
innovative new product, which could be sold from the Apple 
Market in the Covent Garden Market Building. Four teams 
made the final round, and delivered their presentations to a 
panel of judges from our staff before a winner was chosen. 
The Challenge helps children to understand the various skills 
involved in running a small business, including marketing, 
design  and  finance.  Our  Director  of  Sustainability  and 
Technology also spoke to the children about Capco’s ESC 
strategy and sustainability initiatives.

Dragon Hall

We  support  Covent  Garden  Dragon  Hall  Trust  with  their 
digital  support  programme  for  the  over-55’s.  The  Trust 
provides one-to-one training, helping older people access 
online services including doctors’ appointments, banking and 
shopping. They also provide hardware to encourage older 
people to get online without the initial cost outlay.

Other initiatives

During  the  year,  one  of  our  employees  hosted  a  charity 
concert in aid of Blind Veterans UK, which helps ex-Service 
men and women of every generation rebuild their lives after 
sight loss. We also donated surplus IT equipment to the NHS 
Social Prescribers, One Westminster West End Community 
Trust, Age UK Westminster, West Central London Fixers and 
Single Homeless Project.

Community events

In  conjunction  with  local  residents  and  the  Lord  Mayor  of 
Westminster Capco enabled a socially distanced Armistice 
Day Commemoration event on the Piazza which included the 
laying of a wreath to the memory of those who served in the 
Armed Forces and who worked in Covent Garden markets.

We continued to work with the Urban Land Institute on its 
Urban Plan Project. During the year we worked with students 
from  Westminster  Kingsway  College  and  Ark  Walworth 
Academy  on  an  interactive  online  programme  which 
helps young people understand the role real estate plays 
in renewing and regenerating urban areas and brings the 
urban environment to life through a series of workshops and 
team-working challenges. A number of Capco employees 
participated in the sessions.

Capco  participated  in  the  Pathways  to  Property  summer 
school presentation, alongside 30 other firms. This was an 
event held at the University of Reading with students partic-
ipating in a number of events and lectures. The programme 
was held virtually over three days, culminating in the final 
day’s presentation to firms. 

People

People are key to our success. We aim  
to develop careers by promoting talented 
individuals to positions of leadership.

2021 Achievements

 – Further improved employee performance, 

development and professional standards across 
the Company

 – Continued to support initiatives that aim to 
increase diversity and inclusion within the 
property industry and strengthen a diverse  
talent pipeline

 – Continued to encourage and inspire our 

employees to look after their health and well-
being by building on our educational sessions 
with a continued focus on mental health and 
financial well-being

Our 2022 Commitments

 – Culture & Engagement: Creating a working 

environment in which employees are inspired  
to give their best every day and are motivated 
to be part of the Company’s success
 – Performance, Development & Growth: 

Encouraging employees to take personal 
responsibility for their own performance, 
development and career

 – Rewarding & Recognising Excellence: Building 
on our high performance culture by ensuring 
that we have capable employees who are 
appropriately incentivised, rewarded and 
motivated to deliver excellent performance
 – Equality, Diversity & Inclusion: Building on our 

diverse and inclusive culture that actively attracts 
and engages diverse, talented individuals 
from many different heritages and lifestyles, 
promoting equality and inclusion

 – People & Community: Recognising the balance 
between social and environmental impact, 
we are committed to making a difference for 
the good of society by supporting our people, 
local community and stakeholders and working 
towards a more sustainable environment

Well-being

The well-being of our people has continued to be of the 
upmost importance. We continued to support our employ-
ees  during  periods  when  government  guidance  advised 
working from home during 2021. We enhanced our lifestyle 
programme, with a focus on resilience and healthy home 
working. We  provided  additional  support  to  employees, 
where needed, and we supported a number of initiatives 
which encouraged our employees to stay active whilst they 
were working from home. As part of our employee engage-
ment survey, we sought views on how our employees felt 
supported by the Company during COVID-19. More detail 
on our well-being programme can be found on page 82.

Safe and welcoming offices

We re-consulted with our people prior to the offices reopen-
ing in line with government guidance, and individual and 
office  risk  assessments  were  refreshed.  The  measures  to 
ensure our offices remained COVID-secure and in line with 
government guidance continued. We installed plasma air 
ionisers to air conditioning filters and added additional green-
ery to enhance the working environment for our people. Our 
people have enjoyed a safe return to the office, reporting in 
the employee survey that they felt it was a safe and friendly 
environment and they enjoyed being based at the heart of 
our Covent Garden estate.

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Responsibility continued

5

hours ESC 
volunteering  
per employee

3

well-being days 
granted to each 
employee

Engagement

Capco  ran  its  inaugural  employee  survey  in  2021.  The 
survey had a high response rate and received very posi-
tive  feedback  in  all  areas.  The  results  were  delivered  to 
the Company and employee-led working groups were set 
up to look at areas of improvement in the following areas: 
New Ways of Work, Integration, Business Processes and 
Space. Recommendations and proposed next steps were 
then presented to the Executive Directors, leadership team 
and employees. Recommendations will be bought forward 
for implementation as appropriate during 2022. We intend 
to continue running periodic employee surveys. 

Talent

Our aim is to manage talent effectively and ensure that we 
have sufficient capability to realise our strategy. We regularly 
undertake succession planning exercises to review the talent 
pipeline and progress individuals according to capability.

We have a graduate recruitment programme for top grad-
uates who pursue an internal programme of training and 
mentoring,  which  will  ensure  they  are  well  prepared  for 
the  Royal  Institution  of  Chartered  Surveyors  Assessment 
of  Professional  Competence  (“APC”).  Each  graduate  is 
assigned an experienced Capco counsellor and supervisor 
who guides them through the APC process.

New opportunities that arise in the business are advertised 
internally and we aim to promote internal candidates in order 
to  enhance  career  development  and  encourage  mobility 
across the Company.

Training and development

Capco training and development programmes are designed 
to strengthen our teams and challenge aspiring leaders.

We make training available to all employees, and individual 
training and development needs are identified and discussed 
at performance review meetings with line managers. During 
2021, our employees recorded 852 hours of training activity. 

We sponsor individuals undertaking further professional qual-
ifications, and encourage continuous learning, reflecting our 
commitment  to  a  knowledge-based  environment.  Mental 
health eLearning continued to be provided to all employees.

We  recognise  that  coaching  and  mentoring  can  have  a 
significant  impact  on  behaviours,  and  certain  employees 
continue  to  benefit  from  bespoke  coaching  programmes. 
We provided specific training on working practices to junior 
team members during the year.

Performance management

A new online performance management system was intro-
duced  at  the  end  of  2020,  building  on  our  continuous 
performance and development culture in order to increase 
productivity and performance.

Annual  performance  objectives  for  each  employee  are 
agreed at performance check-in meetings, which take place 
at the beginning of the calendar year. Ongoing performance 
check-in meetings take place regularly throughout the year. 

Performance is measured against objectives set for the previ-
ous year and individual performance ratings underpin discre-
tionary annual bonus awards.

Culture

Capco promotes a high-performance and entrepreneurial 
culture, reflective of our business strategy. Capco people 
operate  with  integrity  and  are  supportive  of  colleagues 
across the business. Employees are particularly engaged 
with the business and understand the difference they can 
make in progressing our strategic objectives.

We have an inclusive approach and aim to help people 
develop  and  realise  their  potential.  Capco  people  are 
results-driven  and  brave  in  their  approach  to  new  ideas. 
Many of our people are in new roles and have assumed 
increased levels of responsibility since joining Capco.

We support new parents returning to the workplace, and 
encourage our people to adopt a healthy attitude to work-life 
balance and to participate in the community. We provide 
maternity coaching to senior female employees to provide 
additional support in transitioning back into the workplace.

Benefits

In  addition  to  core  elements,  an  attractive  package  of 
additional  benefits  is  available  to  all  our  people,  which 
includes private medical insurance and dental cover. The 
Company currently contributes up to 15 per cent of salary 
to the MyCapco pension scheme, which will be increased 
to 17.5 per cent of salary during the year. Our policy is to 
enable employees to take their full annual leave entitlement 
of 28 days per annum, rising to 30 days after four years’ 
service, and we offer a flexible leave policy under which 
employees have the ability to buy and sell up to five days’ 
holiday per calendar year. All employees have access to a 
biennial medical through our external company GP based 
in Harley Street. 

Lifestyle and well-being

During 2021, we hosted virtual seminars for our employ-
ees on a wide range of topics, including mental wellness, 
supporting dads, lower limb health issues, the importance 
of  exercise  and  a  session  on  oncology.  We  also  had  a 
specific emphasis on financial well-being, and ran a session 
for first-time home buyers. Other topics included will writing, 
protecting your wealth and saving and investing.

Recognising the impact of a third lockdown on our employ-
ees, Capco offered all employees three additional well-be-
ing days during the second quarter of 2021.

We encouraged our employees to stay active during periods 
when they were working from home, and we provided access 
to a Company-sponsored well-being app which provided 
yoga, Pilates, cardio, stretch and strength based exercises, as 
well as healthy recipes, mindfulness and meditation. 

Additional support was provided to employees, where needed, 
in the form of counselling, check-up calls from the Company’s 
private GP and welfare calls from HR and line managers.

We support 
a number 
of diversity 
initiatives

A month-long employee well-being challenge “Steptober” 
took  place  during  October  with  over  half  the  Company 
participating  and  a  charitable  donation  was  made  to 
LandAid’s Steptober challenge. 

Reward

The aim of our reward strategy is to compensate people for 
high performance and to incentivise them to strive to improve.

Core  compensation  packages  at  Capco  comprise  three 
elements:  base  salary,  discretionary  performance  bonus 
and discretionary share awards. The discretionary elements 
are available to all employees. We regularly benchmark 
our approach to reward to ensure that we are appropriately 
competitive in the market.

Bonus  awards  are  made  annually  and  take  into  account 
performance during the year.

All Capco employees are eligible to receive share awards so 
that everyone can participate in the success of the Company. 
These awards have a three-year performance period and 
are subject to corporate performance conditions.

Diversity and inclusion

We believe that every person in the Company has a part to 
play in generating value and we understand fully the benefits 
of a diverse workforce. Diversity is considered when making 
appointments at all levels.

We are keen to develop female talent across the business 
and provide executive coaching to our senior leadership 
team. There is strong female representation across the busi-
ness. A summary of gender diversity across the Company as 
at 31 December 2021 is set out below. 

Capco’s  maternity  pay  and  shared  parental  leave  bene-
fits each pay six months’ full pay. In addition, we regularly 
review our policies to be a more inclusive and supportive 
employer and introduced a domestic abuse policy during the 
year. Interactive Company-wide training was provided on 
the following areas: Ethnicity in Property; Inclusive Behaviours 
and Unconscious Bias; and Respect at Work. 

We continue to support a number of initiatives which aim 
to increase diversity within the property industry, including 
being a signatory to the RICS Inclusive Employer Quality 

Gender diversity1

Board

SMT2

All 
employees

Males

Females

5 (71%)

2 (29%)

4 (36%)

29 (40%)

7 (64%)

43 (60%)

1. As at 31 December 2021
2. Senior Management (excluding Directors)

Mark,  a  member  of  the  Employers’  Network  for  Equality 
and Inclusion (“ENEI”), a member of Real Estate Balance, 
a  sponsor  of  the  Reading  Real  Estate  Foundation  and  a 
supporter  of  the  Pathways  to  Property  work  experience 
programme. Capco is a corporate member of the British 
Property  Federation  (“BPF”)  and  supports  the  BPF  Futures 
programme.  In  addition,  Capco  is  a  member  of  the  BPF 
Diversity and Inclusion Champions network. A number of 
employees are involved with the Urban Land Institute (“ULI”) 
and the ULI Next and Young Leaders Programmes. We have 
a policy to promote equality in relation to race, religion, 
gender, age, sexual orientation, disability and nationality 
amongst our employees and also an anti-harassment and 
bullying policy, both of which are published on our website.

During the year Capco hosted a Real Estate Balance event 
with  our  Chief  Executive,  Ian  Hawksworth,  participating 
in the event as mentor. In addition, one of our employees 
co-chairs the Real Estate Balance NextGen Committee and 
delivered a presentation about Real Estate Balance and the 
committee to our Board. 

This  year  we  partnered  with  the  social  mobility  charity 
UpReach and provided work experience to two students. 
We continue to support the Reading Real Estate Foundation’s 
Access programme and provided an internship placement to 
one student. During 2022, we will provide a summer intern-
ship to a student under the 10,000 Black Interns programme.

We are keen to promote inclusivity and diversity amongst the 
wider community and worked with the Westminster Property 
Association during the year to promote their disability forum. 

Human rights and UN Sustainable 
Development Goals

Capco does not have a stand-alone human rights policy, 
as the standards we expect to be adhered to are integrated 
within a number of our policies and procedures which relate 
to both our own employees and those of our supply chain. 
Capco’s ESC strategy is aligned with the UN Sustainable 
Development Goals (“SDGs”). More information on the rele-
vant SDGs can be found on page 68. Capco’s ESC strategy 
and Supply Chain Policy can be found on our corporate 
website.

Modern slavery

In accordance with the Modern Slavery Act 2015, the Board 
has  approved  a  Modern  Slavery  and  Human  Trafficking 
Statement, which has been published on our website. The 
statement  details  the  steps  we  take  to  avoid  slavery  and 
human trafficking in our own operations and in our supply 
chain. We believe that our own operations present minimal 
risk, but recognise that a higher level of risk is posed by the 
suppliers we engage to provide goods and services.

During 2021, we continued to raise awareness of modern 
slavery matters with those responsible for procurement.

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Responsibility continued

Health, Safety  
and well-being

We strive to achieve the highest standards 
of health, safety and well-being in all our 
activities, our assets, our projects and our 
offices. 

2021 Achievements

 – Enhanced our visible leadership and developed 

our culture in safety, health and well-being 
 – Implemented a wide range of measures to 

support our employees’ well-being

 – Encouraged our contractors to give health  

an equal billing to safety 

 – Maintained an excellent Planned Preventative 

Maintenance (“PPM”) dashboard rating and an 
Accident Frequency Rate (“AFR”) of 0.00

 – Became a CLOCS Champion for our 

construction projects

 – Trialled enhanced Capco health and safety 

standards with certain suppliers

 – Our COVID-19 Secure strategy continued to 
manage the risk of COVID outbreaks across  
the workforce and managed estates

2022 Commitments

There is an opportunity to continue to build on our 
recent achievements:
 – Continue to promote a health and safety aware 
culture amongst our employees and supply 
chain, through Directors’ tours, targeted training 
and risk awareness workshops with operational 
teams

 – Enhance Capco health and safety standards for 
our supply chain where appropriate and embed 
these standards via engagement

 – Upskill relevant employees on the emerging 

Building Safety Bill provisions, so as to ensure 
preparedness

 – Provide safe, healthy and secure environments 
without incident and maintain an AFR of less 
than 0.20 across our projects

We work closely with our supply chain through a risk-based, 
collaborative approach to the management of health, safety 
and well-being to ensure our standards are achieved.

Activities during the year

Capco continued to implement high standards of health and 
safety on its operations and development projects during the 
year, to ensure that the health, safety and well-being of stake-
holders who visit and enjoy our assets, work at our offices or 
are engaged in our supply chain continued to be prioritised. 
During the year a review of the health, safety and well-being 
standards for works was conducted in line with emerging 
industry  best  practice  and  the  enhanced  standards  were 
trialled  with  a  contractor  at  Covent  Garden.  These  were 
well-received and it is intended that the enhanced standards 
will be finalised and launched to further contractors as appli-
cable during 2022.

In response to the pandemic, Capco and its key supply chain 
evolved  its  COVID-19  Secure  strategy  and  management 
protocols in line with government and industry guidance and 
ensured that operational and development activities could 
continue to be delivered safely. At the Covent Garden estate, 
as the government restrictions encouraged a more intensive 
use of the outdoor areas, additional al fresco seating was 
installed to high health and safety standards, with a view 
to ensuring the safety and amenity of visitors to the estate.

We  continued  our  focus  on  visible  leadership  in  health, 
safety and well-being, ensuring that these were prioritised 
in decision-making. The increased presence of Directors on 
the  estate  has  allowed  more  ad  hoc  tours  of  the  estate, 
increasing awareness of health and safety matters across the 
business. Health and safety risk assessments continue to be 
undertaken on all new operations and projects.

Weekly  health  and  safety  inspections  took  place  on  our 
development projects and occupier fit-outs at Covent Garden, 
with  attention  paid  to  compliance  with  the  Construction 
Leadership Council Site Operating Procedures. These were 
supported by detailed health and safety inspections across 
the estate. The small works projects at the Lillie Square asset 
continued to adhere to the highest standards of health and 

safety. A total of 608,438 working hours were completed 
on our development sites during the year and both an AFR 
and lost time incident frequency rate (“LTIFR”) of 0.00 for the 
year were achieved. 

We  maintained  our  membership  of  the  Considerate 
Constructors  Scheme  (“CCS”)  Client  Partnership  and  the 
Construction  Clients  Leadership  Group,  reflecting  our 
commitment to ensuring the highest standards of health and 
safety on construction projects across the Group. As a Client 
Partner, Capco requires the contractors we engage to be 
registered with the CCS and comply with all aspects of the 
Scheme’s Code on our sites. We refreshed our Sustainable 
Development Framework during the year to include well-be-
ing  target  measures,  aligned  with  our  ESC  strategy  and 
responsible development approach.

We closely monitored the legislative developments of the 
Fire  Safety  Act  2021  and  the  Building  Safety  Bill  with  a 
view to ensuring that Capco will be fully compliant when the 
legislation becomes effective. There will be more to do in 
2022, as the legislation evolves. We continue to contribute 
as part of the British Property Federation Sounding Board 
and Construction Clients Leadership Group.

The  COVID-19  Working  Group  ensured  that  appropri-
ate working arrangements for our employees remained in 
place. Working practices for our staff varied throughout the 
year and we ensured that our employees were consulted 
with on the developments to our COVID response at our 
offices.  During the period, risk assessments (including for 
those  returning  to  work)  were  utilised  as  appropriate  to 
ensure the health, safety and well-being of our employees. 
Our employee engagement survey sought views on how our 
employees felt supported during COVID-19 and we were 
pleased that Capco’s approach to managing the health and 
safety impact of the pandemic was appreciated, and that 
employees felt our head office was a safe and friendly envi-
ronment and they enjoyed being based at the heart of our 
Covent Garden estate, and 86 per cent of our people felt 
happy with the communication from the Company. For more 
information on engagement with our employees during the 
year, please refer to the Stakeholder engagement section 
on page 34.

Health and well-being initiatives

During 2021, Capco continued to ensure that health and 
well-being were given equal consideration with safety.

In addition to our employee initiatives described on page 
82, health and well-being initiatives were championed for 
the workforces on our projects. We also delivered mental 
health awareness training to one of our major suppliers.

Governance

The health and safety governance and reporting framework 
continues to function effectively across the business, ensuring 
robust management and monitoring of health and safety. 
Sector  Safety  Leadership  Teams  (“SSLTs”)  for  each  of  the 
Group’s activities, comprising senior management and rele-
vant employees, met regularly during the year to consider 

health, safety and  well-being matters for each asset  and 
to implement the Group’s Occupational Health and Safety 
Management System (“OH&SMS”) at operational level. This 
included execution, monitoring and reporting of the COVID-
19 secure protocols. The SSLTs are overseen by the Group 
Safety Leadership Team (“GSLT”), which is chaired by our 
General Counsel and attended by our Chief Executive, who 
is also responsible for health and safety at Board level. The 
GSLT facilitates the sharing of lessons learned and evolv-
ing best practice recommendations across the operational 
SSLTs, and reviews health and safety performance across 
the Group throughout the year. 

The COVID-19 Working Group continued to report into the 
GSLT and to the Executive Directors on COVID-19 specific 
matters. Health and safety is a standing item on the Board’s 
agenda  and  the  Board  receives  regular  formal  reports, 
summarising  health  and  safety  performance,  risks  and 
achievements across the Group.

The OH&SMS continues to remain appropriate and operates 
effectively across the Group.

Training

Our training programme ensures a strong health and safety 
culture remains embedded within the organisation and is 
communicated to our supply chain. Having been disrupted by 
the pandemic, the structured Health & Safety IOSH Leading 
Safely and IOSH Managing Safely programmes have been 
reinstated for 2022. However, health and safety awareness 
workshops were held with the operational property teams, 
which enabled the teams to consider and discuss their health 
and safety responsibilities in a practical and open forum.

Reporting

No work-related employee fatalities were recorded in 2021 
or since Capco’s inception. There were no RIDDOR incidents 
reported across the Group during 2021. The AFR for Capco 
development  projects,  small  projects  and  occupier  fit-out 
works at the end of 2021 stood at 0.00. Capco’s LTIFR for 
2021 was 0.00.

The sections of the Annual Report which make up the Strategic Report are 
set out on page 121. The Strategic Report has been approved for issue 
by the Board of Directors on 22 February 2022.

On behalf of the Board

Ian Hawksworth

Chief Executive

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Governance

At a glance

Governance
at a glance

Our Board in 2021 

ESC

The Board maintained a close focus on ESC matters during the year. 
The Board  ESC Committee  provided  regular updates to the Board, 
and  was  briefed  on  ESC  initiatives  across  the  business  by  the  ESC 
Management Committee, including the development of the Net Zero 
Carbon  Pathway.  ESC  matters  approved  by  the  Board  during  the 
year included the Company’s ESC strategy and the finalised Net Zero 
Carbon Pathway, on the recommendation of Board ESC Committee.

Operations and team

The Board received regular updates throughout the year on operational 
matters including the tenant support programme, rental collection rate, 
marketing initiatives, footfall, lettings and new openings. 

The Board also took a keen interest in the outcomes of the Company’s 
first employee engagement survey and received updates on employee 
views from Charlotte Boyle, who is the Non-executive Director desig-
nated to report to the Board on employee views.

Finance

During the year, the Board oversaw a number of initiatives to ensure the 
Company maintained a strong balance sheet. These included the refi-
nancing of the Covent Garden RCF, the transition from LIBOR to SONIA, 
the consideration of a number of financing and hedging options and the 
resumption of the Company’s dividend programme.

Application of the Principles of the UK Corporate 
Governance Code 2018 (the “Code”)

In addition to the reports listed on the contents page, the following 
sections of this Governance report outline how the Principles of the Code 
have been applied throughout the year:

Board leadership and company purpose

Division of responsibilities

Composition, succession and evaluation

Audit, risk and internal control

Remuneration

90

96

98

101

106

86
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Governance

Corporate governance report

Chairman’s letter

Governance framework

The Board ensures that Capco operates responsibly as we deliver the 
Company’s strategy, and that the way we do business reflects our culture 
and values. This report, and the Committee reports which follow, explain 
the ways in which the Board, its Committees and our broader govern-
ance framework work together to achieve our purpose of investing in 
and creating world-class places, focusing on central London, and using 
our vision, long-term approach and responsible stewardship, to deliver 
economic and social value and generate benefits for our stakeholders.

Culture and values

The Board monitors corporate culture and values throughout the year to 
ensure that they are aligned with Company purpose and the delivery 
of corporate strategy, and are embodied across the business. This year 
the Company launched its first employee engagement survey, and the 
Board  was  very  pleased  to  see  the  results,  which  showed  that  our 
employees are proud to work for Capco and are engaged with our 
business, understanding our strategy and valuing our inclusive culture. 
This commitment is reflected in the professionalism and enthusiasm that 
I and my fellow Directors see around the business. You can read more 
about our culture and values on pages 3, 19, 82 and 94.

The Board’s year

During 2021, as the challenges of COVID-19 continued, the Executive 
Directors ensured that the Board was kept fully updated on action taken 
by the business to ensure that an attractive, vibrant estate was main-
tained for when visitors were able to return to central London. We were 
particularly impressed with the direct engagement undertaken with our 
tenants and the programme of estate events and digital marketing which 
kept our visitors in touch with Covent Garden. 

The main areas of focus for the Board during the year were oversight 
of the Group’s operations, consideration of strategic matters, ensuring 
that the Company maintained a strong balance sheet, the approval of 
our Net Zero Carbon Pathway and consideration of Board composition 
and succession planning.

The Board

During 2021, the Board continued to consider succession planning to 
ensure that the Board has the appropriate mix of skills, independence 
and experience to deliver Capco’s strategy as a prime central London 
focused REIT. 

As reported last year, a search for the Company’s next Chair is ongoing. 
It is currently anticipated that a successor will be in place to allow me 
to step down during the coming year, having served on the Capco 
Board since 2010. The ongoing search is described in the Nomination 
Committee report on page 98. The 2021 Board evaluation proposed 
that the Board be expanded from its current compact size, and so the 
appointment of one or more additional independent Directors is also 
being considered. In considering such appointments the Board is mindful 
of its commitment to increase its diversity over time.

“The Board ensures that we deliver the 
Company’s strategy in a responsible 
manner and the way we do business 
reflects Capco’s culture and values.”

Henry Staunton, Chairman

Dear Shareholder,

I am pleased to introduce Capco’s 2021 Corporate governance report. 

Capco’s proactive approach, commitment and creativity have positioned 
the business strongly for recovery ensuring the Company is well-placed 
financially and Covent Garden is the West End’s most vibrant district with 
a world-class customer line-up. The effective execution of strategy has 
been reflected in the resilience of the business and the Company’s returns 
for the year. We look ahead with confidence in the long-term prospects 
of the Covent Garden estate and London’s West End. 

Performance and dividend

Capco delivered total shareholder return for the year of 16.5 per cent, 
which comprises share price performance and the dividend paid in the 
year following the resumption of the Company’s dividend programme. 
Total return for the year was 0.4 per cent, driven by a decline in prop-
erty valuations in the first half of the year, offset by a 4.6 per cent like-
for-like increase in the valuation of the Covent Garden estate to £1.7 
billion in the second half of the year. The Board is recommending a 
final dividend of 1.0 pence per share, bringing the total dividend for 
the year to 1.5 pence per share, and intends to grow the Company’s 
dividend over time. 

Voting on AGM resolutions

At Capco’s 2021 Annual General Meeting, although the resolution was 
passed with the requisite majority, the Company received a significant 
shareholder vote against the resolution seeking a general authority for 
the Board to allot shares in the capital of the Company. Capco has its 
primary listing on the London Stock Exchange with a secondary listing 
on the JSE, and a proportion of the Company’s shares are held by South 
African investors who sometimes have different market expectations to UK 
investors, particularly regarding the level of authority to issue new shares 
that shareholders expect to grant to boards. The Board engages regularly 
with our South African shareholders on this topic, and has noted their 
concerns. However, the Board continues to feel that, to preserve flexibility 
and competitive positioning, it is appropriate to seek the higher levels of 
authority expected by UK shareholders where possible.

Looking ahead

Whilst challenges remain, the Company enters 2022 strongly positioned 
to benefit from a recovery and take advantage of growth opportunities. 
The Covent Garden estate remains a world-class destination and the 
Board will continue to oversee our responsible stewardship of this land-
mark estate. We look ahead with confidence in the long-term prospects 
of the Covent Garden estate and London’s West End.

Thanks

Finally, I would like to thank our shareholders and stakeholders for their 
continued support, and our Executive Directors and employees for their 
tremendous efforts during 2021. 

It has been a privilege serving as your Chairman and I am confident of 
the Company’s future success.

Henry Staunton

Chairman

22 February 2022

During  2021  Charlotte  Boyle  stepped  down  as  Chair  of  the 
Remuneration Committee in order to Chair the newly established Board 
ESC Committee which oversees the management of Capco’s ESC strat-
egy, and Jonathan Lane took over as Chairman of the Remuneration 
Committee. The Chief Executive and all the independent Non-executive 
Directors are also members of the Board ESC Committee. There were 
no other changes to the Board during the year.

Sustainability

Reflecting our commitment to responsible stewardship, and the Company’s 
commitment to becoming Net Zero Carbon as a business by 2030, a 
key priority for the Board was the approval of the Company’s Net Zero 
Carbon Pathway. This Pathway sets out five key activities on which the 
Company’s approach will focus, ensuring that we reduce embodied 
and operational carbon over time, and prioritise innovation and use of 
renewable energy, enhance climate adaptations and improve building 
resilience, with residual emissions being offset via responsible certified 
schemes. The Board and the Board ESC Committee will closely monitor 
implementation of the Pathway over the coming years.

Our stakeholders 

Engagement with the business’s stakeholders is part of being a respon-
sible business and is fundamental to the delivery of our Group strategy. 
The Board receives regular updates on the wide variety of engagement 
undertaken and the views of our stakeholders, and gives careful consid-
eration to the likely impact of any recommended proposal on a range 
of stakeholders, to ensure that the decision aligns with Group strategy 
and values. You can read more about our engagement with our stake-
holders on page 33.

Risk management

The Board has overall responsibility for risk management across the 
Group and consideration of risk and assessment of the effectiveness 
of the Group’s risk management structure is embedded into the Board’s 
processes. The Board receives thorough updates from the Executive 
Risk Committee (which assesses risk at management level) and Audit 
Committee throughout the year which ensures that the Board takes its 
decisions and considers the Group’s principal risks from an informed 
position. In assessing the Group’s principal risks, the Board considers 
those risks identified that were not realised, the effectiveness of miti-
gations, and whether there were any significant matters that had not 
previously been captured in the Group’s risk register. Last year the Board 
added climate change as a new principal risk, reflecting the potential 
impact of climate change on the business. The Board will continue to 
monitor the Group’s principal and emerging risks over the coming year. 
You can read more about our approach to risk management on pages 
22 to 30 and 104.

Diversity

Diversity continues to be a focus for Capco and is high on the Board’s 
agenda as we consider the appointment of new Directors. We hugely 
value the benefits of a diverse workforce and the Board has continued 
to support the Company’s diversity initiatives during the year. 

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Governance

Board leadership and company purpose

Board of Directors

Ian Hawksworth, FRICS

Chief Executive

Year of first appointment: 2010

Ian has led Capco since inception, shaping strategy and driving performance. He 
has over 35 years’ experience in global real estate investment, development, asset 
and corporate management, having been an Executive Director of Hongkong Land 
Ltd and Liberty International PLC. Ian is a Chartered Surveyor and a member of 
leading international industry bodies.

External appointments: Non-executive Director of ChanceryGate Limited

Situl Jobanputra

Chief Financial Officer

Year of first appointment: 2017

Situl leads the Capco finance function (which includes reporting, treasury, corporate 
finance and tax) and works closely with the Chief Executive on strategy, capital allo-
cation, investment and transactions. He is also responsible for the management of 
the Shaftesbury investment. Having joined Capco in 2014, he undertook a number 
of roles in the business and was appointed as CFO in 2017. Situl is an experienced 
corporate financier, having led Deutsche Bank’s UK real estate investment banking 
team before joining Capco.

Michelle McGrath

Executive Director

Year of first appointment: 2020

Michelle leads the Group’s asset management and leasing teams as well as asset 
acquisitions and disposals. Michelle works closely with the Chief Executive on 
strategy and investment and was appointed to the Board in 2020. Having joined 
Capco in 2014, she has undertaken a number of senior roles across the busi-
ness. Michelle is an experienced corporate broker having previously been at UBS 
Investment Bank focusing on the UK listed real estate sector. 

Audit Committee

Board ESC Committee

Nomination Committee

Remuneration Committee

Committee Chair

Henry Staunton

Chairman

Year of first appointment: 2010

Henry is responsible for the leadership of the Board, ensuring its effectiveness and 
setting its agenda. Henry was appointed as Chairman in 2018, having joined 
the Board in 2010. A Chartered Accountant, Henry has extensive financial and 
commercial experience. His previous roles include Finance Director of Granada 
and ITV, Chairman of Phoenix Group Holdings and Ashtead Group, and Vice 
Chairman of Legal & General.

External appointments: Chairman of WH Smith PLC

Anthony Steains

Year of first appointment: 2016

Independent Non-executive Director and Senior Independent 
Non-executive Director

Anthony is the CEO of Comprador Limited, a strategic corporate finance advisory 
firm based in Hong Kong, and has over 25 years of corporate finance experience. 
A Chartered Accountant, prior to founding Comprador Anthony was a Senior 
Managing Director and Head of Blackstone Advisory Partners in Asia and held 
senior positions in Asia at Lehman Brothers, Deutsche Bank and ING Barings. 
Anthony is also a Director of Twelve Seas Investment Company II, which is listed 
on NASDAQ.

External appointments: CEO of Comprador Limited and a Director of Twelve Seas 
Investment Company II

Charlotte Boyle

Year of first appointment: 2017

Independent Non-executive Director

Charlotte is a former partner of The Zygos Partnership, an international search and 
board advisory firm. Prior to this, Charlotte worked for Goldman Sachs International 
and Egon Zehnder International. Charlotte is a Non-executive Director of Coca-
Cola HBC AG and Thatchers Cider Company Limited, a Non-executive adviser 
to Knight Frank LLP, and a Trustee of Alfanar, the venture philanthropy organisation. 
Charlotte is also Chair of UK for UNHCR.

External appointments: Chair, UK for UNHCR. Non-executive Director of Coca-
Cola HBC AG and Thatchers Cider Company Limited. Non-executive adviser to 
Knight Frank LLP, and a Trustee of Alfanar

Jonathan Lane OBE

Year of first appointment: 2019

Independent Non-executive Director

Jonathan is a Chartered Surveyor. He was Chief Executive and then Non-executive 
Chairman  of  Shaftesbury  PLC  until  September  2016,  and  was  Non-executive 
Chairman of EasyHotel plc until October 2019. His current charitable roles include 
The National Trust and The Royal Theatrical Support Trust, where he is a trustee.

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Governance

Board leadership and company purpose continued

The Board

The Board is collectively responsible for the long-term success of the 
Company, and for its leadership, purpose, strategy, culture, values, 
standards, control and management. Day-to-day management of the 
Group is delegated to the Executive Directors, subject to formal dele-
gated authority limits; however, certain matters have been reserved 
for Board approval. These matters are reviewed annually and include 
Board and Committee composition, strategy, corporate reporting, signif-
icant funding decisions and corporate transactions, ESC strategy, Net 
Zero Carbon Pathway, Modern Slavery Statement, delegated authority 
limits and our dividend and tax policies.

Board composition

As at 31 December 2021, the Board comprised the Chairman, three 
Executive Directors and three Non-executive Directors. The table on page 
93 summarises the membership of the Board and Committees.

Biographies of each of the Directors can be found on pages 90 to 91, 
and additional information on Directors’ skills and experience is included 
on page 100.

Board independence

The Code requires that, excluding the Chairman, at least half of the Board 
should comprise Non-executive Directors determined to be independent.

The  Board  has  considered  the  independence  of  the  Non-executive 
Directors, including potential conflicts of interest, and the table on page 
93 sets out those Directors considered to be independent in character 
and judgement. Each of these Directors has also confirmed that there is 
no reason why they should not continue to be considered independent.

The key responsibilities of Board members are set out in the table on page 97.

The Chairman

Henry Staunton was appointed as Chairman of Capco in 2018, before 
the publication of the UK Corporate Governance Code 2018 which 
states that a chair should not remain in post beyond nine years from 
the date of their first appointment, and has been Chairman for less than 
four years, although he was appointed to the Capco Board in 2010. 

In 2020 the Company reported that Henry Staunton had agreed to 
extend his tenure as Chairman until 2022 in light of challenging trading 
conditions resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic and to ensure stability 
following a period of significant change to the Board. The search for 
a new Chair is ongoing and the Company expects to announce the 
appointment of a new Chair before the end of the year. Henry Staunton 
has agreed to continue as Chairman until his successor is appointed. 
The Chairman continues to be viewed as independent by the Directors 
and has the full support of the Board until his successor is appointed. 

The Board in 2021

The Board met formally throughout the year, via videoconference. Main 
meetings were timed around the financial calendar, with an annual 
strategy day, and additional meetings convened to consider specific 
matters as required. Attendance at Board and Committee meetings held 
during 2021 is shown on page 93.

Board papers are generally circulated in advance of meetings to ensure 
that Directors have sufficient time to consider their content prior to the 
meeting. If matters require approval at short notice, written approval is 
sought from the Directors.

The Chairman meets regularly with the Non-executive Directors without 
the Executive Directors being present, and maintains regular contact with 
both the Chief Executive and members of senior management.

As matters that require the Board’s decision are often large, complex 
and evolve over a period of time, regular informal update meetings 
are held between Board meetings to allow Board members adequate 
time to explore, understand and challenge matters under consideration, 
and the Chief Executive provides regular updates to Directors between 
meetings. The informal Board updates provide an opportunity for the 
Non-executive Directors to meet senior management and other Group 
employees.

During 2021, the Board received regular asset, financial, ESC and 
performance updates from the Executive Directors and senior manage-
ment from each business area, and reports from the General Counsel, 
Company Secretary and Committee Chairs. The table on the following 
page shows the key areas considered by the Board during the year.

The Board establishes the Company’s:

Purpose

Values

Strategy

Our purpose is to invest in and create world-
class places, focusing on central London. 
Using our vision, long-term approach and 
responsible stewardship, we deliver economic 
and social value and generate benefits for 
our stakeholders.

Read more on pages 3 and 18.

Collegiate, supportive and inclusive

Environmentally and socially responsible

High performance and entrepreneurial

Innovative and creative

As a central London focused REIT, Capco 
creates, grows and delivers value from our 
assets centred around the landmark Covent 
Garden estate, to deliver superior long-term 
total returns for our shareholders, while 
bringing benefits to our stakeholders.

Professional: We act with integrity and hold 
ourselves to the highest standards

Read more on pages 3 and 19.

Read more on page 18.

and ensures that they are aligned with the Company’s culture

Capco promotes a high-performance, entrepreneurial and inclusive culture, reflective of our business strategy.

Read more on pages 82 and 94.

Matters considered by the Board in 2021

Business 
strategy, new 
business and 
Directors

Properties

Financial 
management and 
performance

ESC, 
stakeholders, 
governance, 
internal controls 
and risk

 – Market conditions and the impact of COVID-19 and 

Brexit 

 – Tenant support during COVID-19 
 – Investor relations 
 – Corporate strategy and value maximisation
 – Performance of investment in Shaftesbury PLC 
 – New business opportunities 

 – Capital allocation and key investment decisions 
 – Third-party interests 
 – Board and Committee composition and succession 

planning 

 – REIT compliance 
 – Tax policy

 – Property valuations 
 – Covent Garden performance 

 – Lillie Square operations 
 – Acquisitions and disposals

 – Annual and half year results and trading updates
 – Monitoring of liquidity 
 – Covenant compliance and waivers 
 – Going concern and viability analysis 
 – Treasury and cash management 

 – Group tax position and structure 
 – Market and broker updates 
 – Dividends including property income distribution 
 – Budget and business planning
 – Review of financing and hedging opportunities

 – Ensuring the safety of our people and other 

stakeholders during the COVID-19 pandemic 

 – Shareholder engagement 
 – Updates from Board Committees
 – Environmental, sustainability and community strategy, 
including approval of Net Zero Carbon Pathway and 
TCFD disclosures

 – Risk appetite, and principal and emerging risks
 – Health and safety
 – Assessment and monitoring of Company purpose, 

values and culture 

 – Internal Board evaluation 
 – AGM resolutions and voting 
 – Board Committees’ terms of reference and schedule of 

matters reserved for the Board

 – Appointment of South African Sponsor
 – UK MAR and disclosure
 – Corporate policies 
 – Corporate insurance 
 – Internal audits 
 – Modern Slavery Statement
 – Legal and regulatory updates

Attendance at meetings

The table below shows Directors’ attendance at Board and Committee meetings held during 2021. In addition, the General Counsel attends each 
Board meeting and the Company Secretary attends each Board and Committee meeting. Regular Board updates were held between formal meetings.

Name

Henry Staunton (Chairman)

Ian Hawksworth (Chief Executive)

Situl Jobanputra

Michelle McGrath 

Charlotte Boyle

Jonathan Lane 

Anthony Steains

Total meetings held during the year

Independent2

N/A

No

No

No

Yes

Yes

Yes

Board

17/17

17/17

17/17

17/17

17/17

17/17

16/171

17

Audit

Remuneration

Nomination

– 

–

–

–

3/3

3/3

3/3

3 

6/6

–

–

–

6/6

6/6

6/6

6

3/3

3/3 

–

–

3/3

3/3 

3/3

3

ESC

3/3

3/3

–

–

3/3

3/3

3/3

3

1. Due to a prior commitment, Anthony Steains was unable to attend one Board meeting which was called at short notice.
2. 50 per cent of the Board, excluding the Chairman, is independent.

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Governance

Board leadership and company purpose continued

Oversight of culture and values

Throughout the year, the Board monitors corporate culture and values 
to ensure that they are aligned with Company purpose and the deliv-
ery of corporate strategy, and are appropriately reflected across the 
business. The Board receives regular updates on HR matters and the 
Group’s people and community initiatives under the ESC strategy, and, 
with assistance from its Committees, reviews and monitors corporate 
policies. For example, the Remuneration Committee receives updates on 
employee pay and conditions, the Board ESC Committee reviews ESC 
strategy and activity and the Group’s HR policies, the Audit Committee 
reviews policies relating to financial crime and internal controls, and the 
Nomination Committee reviews policies relating to equal opportunities 
and diversity and inclusion. The Company’s employee engagement 
survey allowed the Board to assess employee views of the Company’s 
culture. The Group has an independent whistleblowing hotline which 
can be used to raise concerns, and the Board would receive updates 
on any matters raised. This broad range of oversight allows the Board 
to monitor corporate culture effectively.

Ensuring an effective board

The Board conducts an evaluation of its own performance and that of 
its Committees and Directors each year, to ensure that it continues to 
operate effectively and to identify potential areas for improvement. The 
Code recommends that companies undertake an externally facilitated 
board evaluation at least every three years. Capco undertook an exter-
nally facilitated evaluation in 2020 and so an internal evaluation was 
conducted in 2021. 

The Directors were each asked to complete a questionnaire covering 
all matters relating to the performance of the Board, its Committees and 
its Directors. A report was prepared by the Chairman and Company 
Secretary which concluded that the Board is effectively run and admin-
istered, with all Directors indicating a high degree of satisfaction with 
the performance and operation of the Company. The report made a 
number of recommendations and observations, which were considered 
by the Board and were accepted. Some of the agreed actions are 
shown on page 95.

In addition, the Senior Independent Director conducted an appraisal 
of the Chairman’s performance which confirmed that, notwithstanding 
his tenure, Henry remains independent and continues to have the full 
confidence of the Board, and that the Directors are satisfied that he 
continues to commit sufficient time to the Company. The Chairman also 
undertook appraisals of the other Directors’ performance.

It is expected that another internally facilitated Board evaluation will be 
undertaken in 2022.

During the year the Board also reviewed its governance processes, the 
flow of information to the Board and its Committees, and the ways in 
which the Board engaged with stakeholders and heard their views. The 
Board concluded that the various approaches used by the Company 
remained appropriate.

Communication with stakeholders

Our policy

The Board is keen to ensure that our shareholders and potential investors 
have a good understanding of Capco’s business and performance, and 
that Directors are aware of any issues and concerns that shareholders 
and other stakeholders may have so that these may be properly consid-
ered by the Board.

The Board in action

Employee presentations

 – At one of its regular update meetings the Board 

received presentations on Real Estate Balance and 
its NextGen Committee, and investment analysis 
from members of our asset management team. These 
presentations, which were well-received, gave the 
presenters Board exposure, and allowed our Directors 
the opportunity to meet some of the more junior 
members of our team.

Diversity initiatives

 – The Board and its Committees received updates 
throughout the year on the Company’s diversity 
initiatives, and were given the opportunity to 
participate in the diversity training provided to  
our employees.

Employee engagement survey 

 – Following the Company’s first employee engagement 
survey, the Chief Executive and Head of HR updated 
the Board and its Committees on the survey’s findings, 
and the progress of the employee-led working groups 
established to consider the workstreams that arose 
from the survey.

Communication with shareholders and other stakeholders

Communication  with  the  Company’s  investors  is  a  prior-
ity  for  the  Board.  The  Company  runs  an  extensive  investor  
relations programme, and the Chief Executive, Executive Directors and 
Director of Commercial Finance and Investor Relations hold meetings 
with institutional investors throughout the year, including results presenta-
tions, webcasts, roadshows, one-to-one meetings, industry conferences 
and investor tours. The Company’s major shareholders are encouraged 
to  meet  with  the  Chairman  and  the  Senior  Independent  Director  to 
discuss  any  matters  they  may  wish  to  raise.  During  2021,  Directors 
engaged with shareholders on matters including the Company’s remu-
neration arrangements, AGM resolutions and AGM voting. 

Shareholders’ and stakeholders’ views

The Directors receive regular updates on the Company’s major share-
holders’ and stakeholders’ views, and Board approval papers include 
a dedicated section on stakeholders. You can read more about the 
Company’s engagement with its stakeholders on pages 33 to 37.

The Non-executive Directors are invited to attend the Company’s results 
presentations.  Private  shareholders  may  raise  questions  through  the 
Company Secretary’s office either by telephone (+44 (0)20 3214 9170) 
or by email (feedback@capitalandcounties.com). 

Our Non-executive Director Charlotte Boyle ensures the views of our 
employees are considered by the Board. As part of this engagement 
process, Charlotte attends the management level ESC Committee which 
provides a forum for employee views to be shared. 

The Directors also receive regular updates from the Executive Directors 
and Head of HR on employee matters. This year particular updates 
were provided on the findings of the Company’s first employee engage-
ment survey and diversity and inclusion training provided to employees.

Corporate website 

Our corporate website allows visitors to access Company information, 
annual reports, results presentations and webcasts. The site also includes 
links to our division websites and contact details for shareholder queries.

Annual General Meeting

Our 2022 AGM will be held on 28 June 2022. We encourage share-
holders to submit any questions they may wish to have answered by 
sending an email to feedback@capitalandcounties.com or by calling +44 
(0)20 3214 9170 and a response will be provided. Shareholders are 
advised to vote in advance of the meeting, prior to the proxy deadline. 
The Notice of Annual General Meeting will be issued to shareholders at 
least 20 working days before the meeting. 

Separate  resolutions  will  be  proposed  on  each  issue  and,  in 
accordance  with  the  Code,  each  Director  will  offer  themselves 
for  re-election.  We  publish  the  results  of  the  votes  on  all  reso-
lutions  on  our  website  following  the  meeting.  Shareholders  
are requested to check the Company’s website for the latest details 
concerning the 2022 AGM. 

Conflicts of interest and time commitments

The Company’s Articles of Association permit the Board to authorise 
potential conflicts of interest that may arise. The Board has adopted a 
procedure under which Directors must notify the Chairman of any poten-
tial conflicts. The Chairman then decides whether a conflict exists and 
recommends its authorisation by the Board where appropriate. In cases 
where there is a potential conflict of interest, an appropriate protocol 
to be followed should the conflict of interest materialise is agreed. In 
addition, a Director who had a conflict of interest would not be counted 
in the quorum or entitled to vote when the Board considered the matter 
in which the Director had an interest. The interests of new Directors are 
reviewed during the recruitment process and, if appropriate, authorised 
by the Board on appointment.

On appointment, and each subsequent year, Non-executive Directors 
are required to confirm in writing that they have sufficient time to devote 
to the Company’s affairs. In addition, they are required to seek prior 
approval  from  the  Chairman  before  taking  on  any  additional  exter-
nal commitments that may affect their time available to devote to the 
Company, and the Board is advised of any changes.

The Board is satisfied that all Non-executive Directors are contributing 
effectively to the operation of the Board.

2021 Board evaluation

The Company had undertaken an externally facilitated 
evaluation in 2020

The Chairman and Company Secretary considered the 
approach to be taken and recommended  
that an internal evaluation be undertaken

The Nomination Committee approved the  
proposed approach

Each Director completed a questionnaire about the 
operation of the Board and its Committees

A report was prepared by the Chairman and Company 
Secretary and provided to the Board for consideration

A number of actions were agreed

Actions for 2021

Review succession plans for both the Board and the 
senior management team

Keep culture and values under review to ensure  
that they reflect and remain consistent with the 
Company’s strategy

Ensure effectiveness of workforce 
engagement mechanisms

Progress

Succession planning reviewed by the  
Nomination Committee

Culture and values regularly reviewed by the Board

Reports via ESC Management Committee working well

Actions for 2022

Consider Board size and composition 

Ensure continued effective operation of  
Board ESC Committee

Ensure appropriately incentivising remuneration 
arrangements are in place

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Governance

Division of responsibilities

Leadership structure

Board committees

The Board has established Audit, Remuneration, Nomination and ESC 
Committees to enable the Board to operate effectively and ensure a 
strong governance framework for decision-making.

Each Committee has written terms of reference, which are reviewed 
annually. Minutes of all Committee meetings are made available to 
all Directors. The Committee Chairs attend the AGM to answer any 
questions on the Committees’ activities.

A number of management committees support the business in delivering 
its strategy.

The terms of reference of the Board and the Board Committees, and the 
statements of the responsibilities of the Chairman, Chief Executive and 
Senior Independent Director, are available from the Company.

A summary of the role of each Committee is shown below, and the activity 
of each Committee during 2021 is described on pages 98 to 120.

UK Corporate Governance Code 2018

Other than as explained within this report and below, the Company 
has applied the principles and complied with the provisions of the UK 
Corporate Governance Code 2018 during 2021.

The Company is not yet in full compliance with provision 38 of the Code 
which requires the pension contribution rates for Executive Directors to 
be aligned with those of the workforce. However, the pension contri-
bution rates for Executive Directors appointed since 1 January 2020 
are aligned with the workforce opportunity and the contribution rate for 
other Executive Directors has been reducing on a phased basis since 
2020 and will be in alignment with the maximum opportunity available 
to other employees by April 2022.

DTR disclosure

The  disclosures  required  under  DTR  7.2  of  the  Disclosure  and 
Transparency Rules are contained in this report, and the Audit Committee 
and Nomination Committee reports, except for information required 
under DTR 7.2.6, which is contained in the Directors’ report on pages 
121 to 123.

Collectively responsible for the long-term success of the Company. 

Board

Sets the Company’s purpose, values and strategy. Monitors culture. Management of strategy, leadership and risk.

Audit  
Committee

Remuneration 
Committee

Nomination  
Committee

Board ESC  
Committee

Oversees financial reporting

Sets Remuneration Policy

Monitors internal controls, 
including risk management

Monitors the impact of the 
COVID-19 pandemic on 
financial reporting

Monitors internal and 
external auditors

Sets remuneration and 
incentives for Executive 
Directors and designated senior 
management

Approves annual 
performance objectives

Recommends Board 
appointments

Board succession planning

Reviews Directors’ skills, 
experience and independence

Board evaluation

Monitors implementation of 
ESC strategy and Net Zero 
Carbon Pathway

Monitors employee 
engagement and people 
matters

Further information can be found 
in the Audit Committee report on 
pages 101 to 104, and Principal 
risks and uncertainties on pages 
22 to 30.

Further information can 
be found in the Directors’ 
Remuneration report on pages 
106 to 120.

Further information can be 
found in the Nomination 
Committee report on 
pages 98 to 100.

Further information can be 
found in the Board ESC 
Committee Report on page 105 
and the Responsibility report on 
pages 68 to 85.

Business committees

Executive  
Risk Committee

Disclosure  
Committee

Executive management forum for review and discussion of risks, controls and mitigation measures 

Meets at least three times a year

Monitors whether there is inside information within the business

Ensures disclosure requirements are met and that appropriate records are maintained

Meets bi-weekly

Group Safety  
Leadership Team

Provides Group-wide oversight of management and implementation of Capco’s Health and Safety Policy and management 
system

Environment, 
Sustainability 
and Community 
Management 
Committee

Provides Group-wide oversight of the management of security risk

Meets four times a year

Reports on and co-ordinates sustainability, environmental management, community engagement and charitable activities 

Considers employee views and people initiatives

Sets targets and objectives and monitors progress

Monitors progress against actions stated in Net Zero Carbon Pathway

Meets at least three times a year

Roles of Board members

The following table sets out the key responsibilities of Board members:

Position

Chairman

Name

Responsibilities

Henry Staunton 

Leads the Board, ensures its effectiveness and sets its agenda. Ensures an effective link between 
shareholders, other stakeholders, the Board and management.

Chief Executive

Ian Hawksworth

Develops the Company’s strategic direction, implements policies and strategies agreed by the 
Board and manages the business.

Chief Financial Officer

Situl Jobanputra

Responsible for financial matters, and works closely with the Chief Executive in developing 
and implementing Group strategy and overseeing investment and transactions.

Executive Director

Michelle McGrath

Responsible for investment, asset management, leasing, portfolio and operational management. 
Supports the Chief Executive in developing and implementing Group strategy and objectives.

Non-executive Directors

Charlotte Boyle, 
Jonathan Lane and 
Anthony Steains

All Directors have access to the advice and services of:

Company Secretary

Ruth Pavey

Constructively challenge the Executive Directors and monitor the delivery of the agreed corporate 
strategy within the risk and control framework set by the Board.

Advises the Board on corporate governance matters and ensures a good flow of  
information within the Board and its Committees, and between senior management  
and the Non-executive Directors.

General Counsel

Alison Fisher 

Provides legal advice and guidance to the Board; reports on corporate services activities.

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Composition, succession and evaluation

Nomination Committee report

The Committee

Chairman succession

The Nomination Committee has responsibility for making recommenda-
tions on Board appointments and succession to the Board. 

The members of the Committee as at 31 December 2021 and the date 
of this report are listed in the box below. The Nomination Committee 
met three times during the year, and attendance at these meetings is 
shown in the table on page 93. 

Overview

During 2021, the Committee’s work focused on consideration of the 
composition of Capco’s Board to ensure that the Company’s Directors 
will have an appropriately diverse balance of skills, independence and 
experience as we look to the future. 

As reported last year, a search for an external independent appointment 
who will become the Company’s next Chair is ongoing. It is currently 
anticipated that a successor will be in place to allow Henry Staunton 
to step down during the coming year. Henry has agreed to continue as 
Chairman until his successor is appointed. In considering the appoint-
ment of a new Chair, the Committee is also giving careful consideration 
to the skills, experience and diversity that would be appropriate for the 
Board to have as Capco emerges from the challenges of the pandemic. 
The Company expects to announce the appointment of one or more 
new Non-executive Directors as the year progresses.

During 2021 Charlotte Boyle stepped down as Chair of the Remuneration 
Committee in order to chair the newly established Board ESC Committee 
which oversees the management of Capco’s ESC strategy; membership 
of that Committee was confirmed as the Chief Executive and all the 
independent Non-executive Directors, and Jonathan Lane took over as 
Chairman of the Remuneration Committee. 

Diversity continues to be a focus for Capco and is high on our agenda 
as we seek to appoint our new Directors. We hugely value the benefits 
of a diverse workforce and the Board has continued to support the 
Company’s diversity initiatives during the year. We were particularly 
impressed by a presentation we received during the year on the work 
of Real Estate Balance and its NextGen Committee.

During 2022, the Committee will continue to monitor Board composition, 
skills, experience and diversity, to ensure that the Board continues to be 
positioned to deliver Capco’s strategy, as the Company seeks to capi-
talise on the opportunities available as we emerge from the pandemic.

Board composition and succession

The Committee regularly considers Board composition and succession 
planning for both Executive and Non-executive Directors and makes 
recommendations  to  the  Board  where  appropriate.  In  considering 
Executive Director succession, the Board’s strategy is to consider both 
internal and external candidates, whilst aiming to develop a choice of 
internal potential successors. The focus of Non-executive Director succes-
sion planning is to ensure that the Board and its Committees continue to 
have the right mix of skills and experience to deliver Capco’s strategy. 
A summary of Directors’ core skills and experience is shown in the table 
on page 100.

Director recruitment

Capco operates a rigorous and transparent recruitment process for new 
Directors, which is summarised in the graphic on the following page. 
Further information on the recruitment activity during 2021 and ongoing 
recruitment is provided below.

“The Committee’s main focus in 2021 
has been succession planning, both for 
myself as Chairman, and to ensure that 
the Board has an appropriately diverse 
balance of skills, independence and 
experience for the future.”

Henry Staunton

Chairman

22 February 2022

Matters considered by the Committee  
during 2021 included:

 – Board and Committee composition
 – Chairman succession planning
 – Succession planning below Board level
 – Diversity at Board level and across the Company
 – Internal Board evaluation
 – Directors’ skills, experience and training opportunities
 – Directors’ time commitments and independence
 – Committee terms of reference

Members:

 – Henry Staunton (Chairman) 
 – Ian Hawksworth
 – Charlotte Boyle
 – Jonathan Lane 
 – Anthony Steains

Henry Staunton was appointed as Chairman of the Company in 2018, 
having first been appointed as a Non-executive Director in 2010. In 
2021, the Company reported that, although no firm decision had been 
taken, it would be in the best interests of shareholders for Henry Staunton 
to extend his tenure as Chairman until 2022, due to the challenging 
trading  environment  resulting  from  the  COVID-19  pandemic.  During 
2021 the Committee, at the request of the Board, began the search 
for a new Chair. 

A role description and person specification were prepared, and Lygon 
Group, who provide no other services to the Company, was engaged 
to identify potential successor candidates. Lygon Group was selected 
because the firm has undertaken director searches for the Company in 
the past, and has a good understanding of Capco’s business.

Lygon  Group  has  considered  a  diverse  range  of  candidates  and 
prepared a list of potential candidates which the Committee is consid-
ering. The Committee will continue to progress the search in the coming 
months and expects to recommend the appointment of a new Chair 
before the end of the year.

Board composition

As reported on page 95, the 2021 Board evaluation found that it would 
be beneficial for Board diversity to be improved, and that there would be 
benefit to expanding the Board from its current compact size. Therefore, 
in addition to the Chair search, and with future succession planning in 
mind, the Committee has engaged Lygon to conduct searches for one or 
more additional Non-executive Directors. These appointments will likely 
follow that of the Chair. A range of skills and experience that would be 
desirable for these appointments has been identified, and the Board is 
mindful of its commitment to increase its diversity over time.

Director induction

An induction programme is provided for each new Director, which is 
tailored depending on the individual’s experience and expected role on the 
Board. A typical induction programme for a Capco Non-executive Director 
will include individual meetings with the Chairman, Executive Directors, 
General Counsel, Company Secretary and members of senior manage-
ment, site tours with management, and meetings with the Company’s 
brokers, advisers and lawyers. The Director is also provided with copies 
of past Board and Committee papers and minutes, and individual briefings 
are arranged on topics such as Directors’ duties and responsibilities, remu-
neration structure and regulations and the property market.

Director development

The Chairman and the Committee together ensure that Directors keep 
their skills and knowledge up to date to allow them to fulfil their roles on 
the Board and Board Committees. The General Counsel and Company 
Secretary regularly update the Board on legal and corporate govern-
ance matters, and information on training opportunities and seminars is 
circulated to Directors. The Company also arranges periodic briefings 
from external advisers, and Directors receive regular business updates 
from  the  Executive  Directors.  Directors  may  also  take  independent 
advice at the Company’s expense where they feel this is appropriate.

Succession planning below Board level

The Committee ensures that appropriate succession plans are in place 
for both Board and senior management positions. During the year the 
Chief Executive updated the Committee on succession planning across 
the business. 

Typical Director  
recruitment process

Nomination Committee considers Board 
composition and determines desired skills  
and experience

A person specification is prepared

An appropriate executive search firm is 
appointed and a selection process followed

A list of candidates is identified

The Chairman and Chief Executive meet with 
shortlisted candidates and provide feedback  
to the Committee

All Directors and the Company Secretary  
are given the opportunity to meet the  
preferred candidate

The Committee makes a formal  
recommendation to the Board

Diversity and inclusion

Capco embraces diversity as a business. Diversity covers many charac-
teristics, and we consider these as a whole.

The Board recognises that diversity of experience and perspective can 
bring benefits across the business. Capco’s Board Diversity and Inclusion 
Policy aligns with the Committee’s aim of ensuring that the Board has 
the right mix of skills and experience to deliver Capco’s strategy, and 
properly reflects the Board’s view of the benefits of diversity.

The Board Diversity and Inclusion Policy states that, when considering 
the nomination of new Directors, the Nomination Committee will evalu-
ate the balance of skills, knowledge and experience on the Board, to 
establish the particular skills, experience and aptitudes desirable for that 
appointment. Such evaluations will pay particular attention to the merits 
of diversity, including diversity of gender, race, age and background.

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Composition, succession and evaluation continued

Capco has a great level of diversity on our Board, particularly amongst 
our Executive Directors. This diversity is summarised in the adjacent 
charts.  The  Board  remains  committed  to  encouraging  diversity  and 
intends that its composition will continue to become more reflective of 
the diversity across Capco’s business over time. The Board Diversity and 
Inclusion Policy does not include targets for gender or other character-
istics; however, in conducting searches, Capco will only use executive 
search firms that are signatories to the Voluntary Code of Conduct for 
Executive Search Firms, and will require diverse candidate shortlists, 
from which appointments will be made on merit. The Board believes 
that diverse shortlists increase the likelihood of identifying the best candi-
dates for each appointment.

The composition of the Board will be kept under review to ensure that 
the best balance of skills and experience is maintained, and the effec-
tiveness of the Board Diversity and Inclusion Policy will be monitored by 
the Nomination Committee.

We are proud that we have strong representation from female employ-
ees across the business. Almost 60 per cent of our workforce, and a 
similar proportion of our senior management, is female; a great achieve-
ment, which has been recognised by the FTSE Women Leaders Review. 

Capco is supportive of employee development, including those who 
wish to seek non-executive roles elsewhere, and provides development 
opportunities,  including  executive  coaching  and  mentoring  from  our 
Non-executive Directors. We regularly review our employment policies 
to ensure we are an inclusive employer, and intend to continue to build 
on our diverse and inclusive culture, attracting and engaging talented 
individuals from different backgrounds. It is hoped that such initiatives will 
help develop the next generation of Board members either within Capco 
or in the wider business world.

Capco supports a number of initiatives which promote diversity across 
the  property  industry,  and  we  encourage  all  our  employees  to  get 
involved.  This  year  we  launched  a  series  of  diversity  and  inclusion 
seminars championed by Situl Jobanputra and provided by BAME in 
Property, which were attended by most of our employees. During the 
year, as part of its review of Board diversity, the Committee reviewed 
the Group’s diversity policies, and received an update on the diversity 
initiatives supported by the Company which include Real Estate Balance 
(where one of our employees is co-chair of the NextGen Committee), 
the  RICS  Inclusive  Employer  Quality  Mark,  the  Employers’  Network 
for Equality & Inclusion, the Reading Real Estate Foundation and the 
Pathways to Property work experience programme, Women Talk Real 
Estate, Freehold, a networking forum for LGBT real estate professionals, 
and upReach, which supports university students from less advantaged 
backgrounds,  helping  them  to  secure  career  opportunities.  Capco 
also participates in the BPF Futures programme, the BPF Diversity and 
Inclusion Champions network and the Urban Land Institute Next and 
Young Leaders Programmes.

More information on Capco’s people practices and diversity initiatives, 
including our policies that make Capco a more inclusive employer, can be 
found on page 83.

Summary of Directors’ skills and experience

Director

Skills and experience

Henry Staunton

Ian Hawksworth

Situl Jobanputra

Michelle McGrath 

Charlotte Boyle

Financial and commercial management

Global real estate investment and development. 
Corporate leadership and management

Corporate finance, capital markets, strategy, 
investment, and commercial and financial 
management

Commercial, leasing and asset management, 
investment and capital markets. Portfolio and 
operational management

Commercial and business leadership, with  
a particular focus on people, environmental  
and sustainability matters

Jonathan Lane 

Real estate investment and commercial 
management

Anthony Steains

Corporate finance, Asian markets and strategy

Capco’s Diversity (%)

Board

Senior 
Management
Senior Management 
and direct reports

Males

Females

Board ethnicity (%)

71

45

55

29

55

45

Board ethnicity

71.4

14.3

14.3

White British

Indian

White other

Board gender and ethnic diversity (%)

Audit, risk and internal control

Audit Committee report

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (“PwC”) were reappointed as the Group’s 
external auditors in 2020 following a tender process undertaken in 
2019, and the 2021 audit was the second led by the current audit 
partner. I am pleased to report that PwC continue to provide an appro-
priately robust audit, with significant upfront involvement and challenge 
throughout the year, particularly on significant areas including account-
ing implications of COVID-19, including impairment of rent receivables 
and tenant incentives, financing structures and the going concern assess-
ment. As a result of the continuing lockdowns, both the Capco and 
PwC teams were again working from home for various periods during 
year and so parts of the audit reviews were conducted remotely. The 
Committee is satisfied that despite these constraints the Company’s inter-
nal controls continue to operate effectively.

“Responsible oversight of financial 
reporting, internal controls and risk 
management procedures.”

Anthony Steains

Chairman

22 February 2022

Anthony Steains, Chairman

Members:

 – Anthony Steains (Chairman) 
 – Charlotte Boyle
 – Jonathan Lane

The Audit Committee, reporting to the Board, monitors the integrity of 
the financial statements of the Group, oversees the financial reporting 
process, reviews significant financial reporting judgements, reviews and 
monitors the effectiveness of internal controls, internal audit, risk manage-
ment controls and the statutory audit and monitors the independence of 
the statutory auditors and the provision of non-audit services. 

As at 31 December 2021 and the date of this report, the Committee 
comprises three independent Non-executive Directors and is chaired 
by Anthony Steains who is considered to have significant recent and 
relevant financial experience. The Board believes that the Committee as 
a whole has competence in real estate matters.

The  Committee’s  meetings  were  also  attended  by  the  Company’s 
Chairman,  Executive  Directors,  Company  Secretary  and  Group 
Financial Controller, together with senior representatives of the external 
and internal auditors.

The valuers and members of senior management, including the Head of 
Tax, attended meetings by invitation to present reports required for the 
Committee to discharge its responsibilities.

The Audit Committee met three times during 2021. Attendance at these 
meetings is shown in the table on page 93. The Committee also met 
privately during the year with both the external and internal auditors.

The Committee follows an annual programme, which is agreed with 
the Committee Chair, management and external auditors prior to each 
financial year, and ensures it gives thorough consideration to matters 
of particular importance to the Company, and additional matters are 
considered when appropriate. The Committee’s agenda over the past 
12 months, and the significant matters considered by the Committee 
during the year, are set out below.

The Company was not subject to any FRC reviews during 2021.

Board gender 
and ethnicity

43

57

I am pleased to introduce Capco’s 2021 Audit Committee report. 

Gender and ethnic diversity

Non-diverse

The Committee continues to play a key oversight role for the Board, 
monitoring and reviewing all aspects of the Group’s financial reporting, 
internal controls and risk management procedures.

This  report  provides  an  overview  of  the  work  undertaken  by  the 
Committee during 2021. The most significant topics considered by the 
Committee during the year included the Group’s property valuations, 
the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Group’s finances 
and reporting, taxation and the accounting treatment of significant or 
complex corporate transactions, particularly the restructuring of inter-
est bearing loans to the Lillie Square joint venture and the change to 
the presentation of the income statement. In considering each of these 
matters,  the  Committee  appropriately  challenged  management  and 
the Company’s advisers to ensure that the accounting treatment and 
assumptions were robust. The Committee also reviewed the Company’s 
risk and viability statement disclosures before they were recommended 
to the Board.

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Audit, risk and internal control continued

The Audit Committee over the past 12 months

Regular meeting items

July 2021 meeting

November 2021 meeting

February 2022 meeting

Report from Group Financial Controller

Interim results announcement

Liquidity forecasting

Going concern

External auditors’ report on 
annual audit and interim review

2021 audit plan and external 
auditors’ engagement letter

Accounting treatment of significant 
transactions

Accounting standards and policies

Property valuations

External auditors’ report

Risk management review

Regulatory update

Internal auditor report

Tax update

Alternative performance measures

Effectiveness and 
independence of external 
auditors

Internal controls

Viability statement review

Corporate governance 
policies, Non-audit Services 
Policy and Committee terms 
of reference

2022 internal audit plan

Going concern assessment

Preliminary results, Annual Report, 
Viability Statement and Management 
Representation Letter

Determining and recommending to the 
Board that the Annual Report taken 
as a whole was fair, balanced and 
understandable

Effectiveness of internal audit

Significant issues considered by the Committee in 2021

Matter considered

What the Committee did

Valuations

As in previous years, the independent external valuers presented the year end and half year valuations to the Committee.

The Committee reviewed the valuation process and component parts of the valuations, discussed the valuations with the 
external auditors and challenged the valuers on the assumptions used. The Committee also advised the Board on the 
independence of the valuers and obtained confirmation that management had provided all requested information. The 
Committee was satisfied that the approach taken by the valuers was appropriate. Further information can be found in note 
16 on pages 158 to 160 of the notes to the financial statements.

Recoverability 
of rental 
receivables, 
deferrals and 
tenant lease 
incentives

The Committee received updates from the Group Financial Controller on the accounting treatment for rental income 
support provided to tenants as a result of the impact of COVID-19, which has included rent deferrals, rent free periods and 
other arrangements, depending on the position of each tenant. Due to the support provided, and overall implications of 
COVID-19 on tenants, the methodology adopted and rationale for judgements made in assessing the expected credit loss 
on recoverability of rent receivables, deferrals and tenant lease incentives at the balance sheet reporting date were also 
reported by the Group Financial Controller. The Committee also reviewed and assessed the assumptions used in calculating 
the expected credit loss for rents receivable and tenant lease incentives and the overall levels of impairment provision. 
The Committee also discussed the approach with the external auditors and is satisfied that the approach taken has been 
appropriate.

External auditors

Committee responsibilities

The Committee oversees the relationship with PricewaterhouseCoopers 
LLP (“PwC”), the external auditors, and is responsible for developing, 
implementing and monitoring the Company’s policy on external audit, 
and for monitoring the auditors’ independence, objectivity and compli-
ance with ethical, professional and regulatory requirements. PwC were 
first appointed as external auditors of the Company in 2010, and were 
reappointed in 2020 following a tender process.

The external auditors are not permitted to perform any work that they 
may subsequently need to audit or which might either create a conflict 
of interest or affect the auditors’ objectivity and independence.

Access to Committee

The  external  auditors  have  direct  access  to  the  Audit  Committee 
Chairman  should  they  wish  to  raise  any  concerns  outside  formal 
Committee meetings.

Effectiveness of auditors

Following the reappointment of PwC as the external auditors in January 
2020, the Committee has continued to monitor PwC’s effectiveness and 
performance, and considered a paper prepared by the Group Financial 
Controller which confirmed that in management’s view PwC were providing 
an independent and good-quality audit service and continued to deliver 
against all services considered at their appointment. Matters considered in 
reaching this conclusion included audit partner rotation (which occurred at 
the start of 2020), continuity of audit team, commitment to understanding 
the Group’s business and transactions, the level of technical challenge on 
the Group’s accounts and accounting policies, and the segregation of work 
between audit and non-audit services teams. 

The Committee further considered a number of areas where the auditors 
had challenged the accounting treatment proposed by management, and 
the resolutions reached, and concluded that the service provided by the 
external auditors during 2021 was independent and objective, that they 
were able to challenge management where appropriate, and that the 
Group’s audit was robust and objective. A key area of challenge from the 
external auditors during the year has been on the accounting treatment of, 
and disclosures relating to, the impact of COVID-19. Due to the implica-
tions of COVID-19 on accounting for tenant support as lease modifications, 
recoverability of rental receivables, deferrals and tenant lease incentives 
and the implications on going concern, upfront discussions have occurred 
between management and the external auditors to ensure the appropriate 
accounting and disclosure requirements have been met.

The Statutory Audit Services for Large Companies Market  
Investigation (Mandatory Use of Competitive Tender 
Processes and Audit Committee Responsibilities) Order 
2014 – statement of compliance

The Company confirms that it complied with the provisions of the Competition 
and Markets Authority’s Order for the financial year under review.

Non-audit services

Non-audit services are normally limited to assignments that are closely 
related to the annual audit or where the work is of such a nature that a 
detailed understanding of the Group is necessary.

The Company has adopted a Non-Audit Services Policy that is consist-
ent with the FRC’s current Ethical Standard. The purpose of the policy is 
to ensure that the provision of non-audit services by the external auditors 
does not compromise their independence or objectivity. A number of 
non-audit services, which reflect the FRC’s list of prohibited non-audit 
services, are prohibited under the policy. The policy requires the Audit 
Committee Chairman to approve in advance any non-audit work with 
a cost exceeding £75,000 for work related to the interim review or, for 
other projects, the lower of £50,000 or 15 per cent of the estimated 
annual level of the auditors’ fees at that time. Unless an exemption has 
been obtained from the FRC, the total value of non-audit services in a 
financial year must not exceed 70 per cent of the average of the fees 
paid to the external auditors in the last three consecutive years for the 
audit of Capco, its Group undertakings and joint ventures. Services 
below this limit are pre-approved by the Audit Committee under the 
policy, subject to the non-audit services falling within a permitted cate-
gory, consideration and approval by an Executive Director. Approval is 
only given following a full and thorough assessment of the value case 
for using the auditors, the skills and experience the auditors would bring 
and determination that the auditors are the most suitable provider of the 
service. Non-audit services commissioned by an Executive Director are 
reported to the Audit Committee.

Additionally, consideration must be given to the preservation of audi-
tor independence; and in advance of providing permitted non-audit 
services the external auditors are required to report that they are acting 
independently, that provision of the non-audit services to be provided is 
not prohibited and does not impair their objectivity and that they are not: 

 – Auditing their own work
 – Making management decisions for the Company, or playing any 

part in such decisions

 – Creating a mutuality of interest
 – Being remunerated via a contingent success fee
 – Developing close personal relationships with the Company’s personnel
 – Acting in the role of advocate for the Company
 – Providing recruitment services
 – Providing remuneration advice
 – Providing services linked to the financing, capital structure and 
allocation and investment strategy of the Company, except for 
providing assurance services on the same

Following  a  review  of  the  updated  Non-Audit  Services  Policy,  the 
Committee is satisfied that the policy is operating effectively.

The total fees paid and payable to PwC in 2021 were £522,000, of 
which £93,000 related to non-audit work (2020: £625,000 of which 
£65,000 related to non-audit work). Non-audit work during 2021 and 
2020 relates to the interim review and agreed-upon procedures related 
to the verification of share scheme performance outcomes and other 
assurance services. The total fees for non-audit services represented 18 
per cent of the total audit fees payable for the year (2020: 10 per cent). 
The total fees paid and payable to PwC in 2021 and 2020 are set out 
in the table on the next page.

Deloitte LLP acted as reporting accountants in relation to the Class 1 
Circular issued during 2020.

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Audit, risk and internal control continued

Fees for non-audit services

Viability statement

2021

2020

£522,000

£625,000

£93,000

£65,000

As part of its work in reviewing the Group’s financial statements, the 
Committee reviews the methodology for the preparation of the viability 
statement including the principal risks, supporting analysis, qualifications 
and assumptions to be disclosed.

Total fees paid to PwC 

Non-audit fees

Internal auditor

Internal audit plan

BDO LLP (“BDO”) has been appointed to act as Capco’s internal auditor. 
During 2021, BDO’s audit plan included reviews of human resources and 
talent management, corporate governance, IT controls, contract manage-
ment, payroll, service charges, business continuity and disaster recovery, 
financial management and budgetary control and legislative and regu-
latory compliance. No significant issues were raised during the reviews. 
During 2022, it is expected that the audit plan will include reviews of health 
and safety, property and investment acquisitions and disposals, employee 
benefits, Lillie Square estate management, commercial leasing, accounts 
payable, VAT, corporate tax, anti-corruption and Bribery Act and ESC.

Committee responsibilities

The Committee reviews the work of the internal auditor, the audit plan, 
any matters identified as a result of internal audits and whether recom-
mendations are addressed by management in a timely and appropriate 
way. The Committee is satisfied that the internal auditor continues to be 
independent and its services remain effective.

Access to the Committee

The internal audit partner has direct access to the Audit Committee 
Chairman  should  they  wish  to  raise  any  concerns  outside  formal 
Committee meetings. The Committee meets with the internal auditor at 
least once per year without management being present.

Internal control and risk management

Risk management

The Board has overall responsibility for the Group’s risk management 
framework and system of internal control, and the ongoing review of 
their  effectiveness. It also  determines the risk appetite of the Group 
and regularly reviews emerging and principal risks and uncertainties. 
The framework is designed to manage rather than eliminate risk, and 
can  only  provide  reasonable,  and  not  absolute,  assurance  against 
material misstatement or loss. The Board has delegated responsibility 
for the review of the adequacy and effectiveness of the Group’s inter-
nal controls relating to risk to the Audit Committee. Accordingly, the 
Committee receives and considers a report from the Group Financial 
Controller on the Group’s internal controls relating to risks, including the 
operation of the Group’s risk management framework, collation of the 
Group risk register and the various matters considered by the Executive 
Risk Committee. The Committee also reviews the proposed principal risk 
disclosures before they are approved by the Board.

A description of the Group risk management framework and the review 
undertaken during the year is set out on page 22.

The viability statement can be found on pages 31 to 32.

Internal controls

The  Audit  Committee  monitors  and  reviews  the  effectiveness  of  the 
Group’s internal controls and reports regularly to the Board on its work 
and conclusions.

In  reviewing  the  effectiveness  of  the  Group’s  internal  controls,  the 
Committee considers reports provided by the Group Financial Controller, 
external auditors and internal auditor. No significant failings or weak-
nesses were identified in the review process. 

Details of the Group’s internal controls are set out below:

Day-to-day procedures and internal control framework

 – Schedule of matters reserved for the Board
 – Remit and terms of reference of Board Committees
 – Delegated authority limits
 – Documentation of significant transactions
 – The Executive Directors are closely involved in the day-to-day 

operations of the business and hold regular meetings with senior 
management to review aspects of the business, including risks  
and controls

 – Regular Board updates on strategy and project developments
 – A Whistleblowing Policy and hotline under which staff may raise 
matters of concern confidentially. No calls were received during 
the year

Specific controls relating to financial reporting and 
consolidation process

 – Appropriately staffed management structure, with clear lines of 

responsibility and accountability

 – A comprehensive budgeting and review system. Board and Audit 
Committee updates from the Chief Financial Officer which include 
forecasts, performance against budget and financial covenants
 – Led by the Chief Executive, the Group Finance team participates in 
the control self-assessment and policy compliance elements of the 
Group risk management framework and sets formal requirements 
which specify the reports and approvals required

 – BDO conducts regular audits of the Group’s financial control 
procedures and reports its findings to the Audit Committee

The Committee is satisfied that the Group’s internal controls are oper-
ating effectively and that systems are in accordance with prevailing  
FRC guidance.

Fair, balanced and understandable

Prior  to  the  approval  of  the  Annual  Report  &  Accounts,  the  Audit 
Committee  considers  the  matters  reviewed  during  the  year  and  the 
Group’s principal risks, and makes a recommendation to the Board 
that, taken as a whole, the Annual Report & Accounts are fair, balanced 
and understandable, and provide the information necessary for share-
holders to assess the Company’s position, performance, business model 
and strategy.

Board ESC Committee report

Committee

The  Committee  is  chaired  by  Charlotte  Boyle,  and  its  membership 
includes the Company Chairman, Chief Executive and all the independ-
ent Non-executive Directors. In addition, the other Executive Directors, 
Director of Sustainability and Technology and Company Secretary are 
invited to attend the Committee’s meetings, and external advisers will 
join meetings to contribute as required.

The remit of the Committee includes oversight of sustainability and envi-
ronmental  management  across  Capco’s  assets  and  business  areas, 
the Company’s carbon reduction commitment, certain people-related 
matters, community engagement, Capco’s community support fund and 
charitable donations.

Oversight

At the beginning of 2021, the Company launched its new ESC strategy 
which sets out Capco’s vision for the future, focusing on the themes 
of Environment & Sustainability and Community & People. The strat-
egy is underpinned by four pillars which align with UN Sustainable 
Development Goals. The Committee receives regular updates from the 
Director of Sustainability and Technology and the ESC Management 
Committee on progress made against the Company’s strategic commit-
ments, and implementation of ESC activities across the business.

Net Zero Carbon

Capco’s Net Zero Carbon Pathway, under which Capco has committed 
to becoming Net Zero Carbon as a business by 2030, was prepared 
and published during 2021. The Committee received regular updates 
during the preparation of the Pathway and scrutinised the final document 
before recommending it to the Board for approval.

“The Committee oversees Capco’s ESC 
activities, which underpin the Group’s 
strategic priorities.”

Charlotte Boyle, Chair

Matters considered by the Committee  
during 2021 included:

 – Employee engagement 

TCFD

 – ESC strategy
 – Sustainability activities
 – Community initiatives
 – Net Zero Carbon 

Pathway

 – TCFD disclosures
 – People policies

Members:

 – Charlotte Boyle (Chair) 
 – Ian Hawksworth
 – Jonathan Lane 

survey

 – Employee benefits
 – Well-being initiatives
 – Diversity training
 – Charitable donations

 – Henry Staunton
 – Anthony Steains

I am pleased to introduce the Board ESC Committee report.

Responsible stewardship is a key strategic priority for Capco, and we aim 
to make Covent Garden a UK leader in sustainability for heritage envi-
ronments by delivering environmental and social outcomes that enhance 
value for stakeholders while protecting the unique character and herit-
age of the estate. In support of this aspiration, the Board Environment, 
Sustainability and Community (“ESC”) Committee has been established to 
oversee the Company’s ESC activities on behalf of the Board.

The Company launched its new ESC strategy during 2021. The main 
areas of focus for the Committee during the year are explained below. 
The Company’s full Responsibility report can be found on pages 68 
to 85.

Before they were approved by the Board, the Committee reviewed 
Capco’s TCFD disclosures to ensure that they accurately reflected the 
Company’s approach to the management and reporting of climate-re-
lated risks and opportunities.

People

As part of its oversight of people-related matters, other than remuner-
ation, the Committee reviews Capco’s people policies on an annual 
basis on behalf of the Board to ensure that they remain appropriate 
and are aligned with the Company’s culture and values. The Committee 
also received updates during the year on the results of the employee 
engagement survey, benchmarking of the Group’s employee benefits, 
diversity training provided to employees and the well-being initiatives 
promoted by the business.

Outlook

Over the coming year, the Committee will continue to monitor ESC 
progress and achievements closely, reporting to the Board on successes 
and where additional action may be required. A key part of this will 
be considering actions proposed as the Company begins to implement 
the Net Zero Carbon Pathway and ensuring the governance framework 
supporting its implementation remains effective.

Charlotte Boyle

Chair of the Board ESC Committee

22 February 2022

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Governance

Remuneration

Directors’ Remuneration report

Annual Statement

Dear Shareholder,

I am pleased to introduce the Directors’ Remuneration report.

Following the significant challenges of 2020, 2021 saw stronger finan-
cial  performance,  delivering  total  shareholder  return  for  the  year  of 
16.5 per cent, reflecting the proactive approaches taken throughout the 
pandemic to ensure that Capco retained a strong balance sheet and 
that the Covent Garden estate remained well-occupied and ready to 
welcome visitors as the market recovered. 

Capco did not take any direct government support during the pandemic 
and  did  not  make  use  of  the  government’s  furlough  scheme.  No 
employees were made redundant as a result of the pandemic, and the 
Company did not reduce any employee salaries. Recognising the efforts 
and commitments of our employees during the pandemic the Company 
paid moderate bonuses to employees in respect of 2020. However, 
in recognition of the impact of the pandemic on shareholder returns, 
the Committee did not award annual bonuses in respect of 2020 or 
salary increases to the Company’s Executive Directors last year, despite 
their excellent individual performance. The fees paid to the Chairman 
and Non-executive Directors were also not increased last year and no 
increases are proposed for the coming year.

The Committee seeks to ensure that Executive Director remuneration is 
appropriately motivating and retentive, and aligned with the shareholder 
experience. Reflecting the strong financial performance during the year, 
the Committee has made annual bonus awards and salary increases 
to the Executive Directors in respect of 2021. Full details of the main 
remuneration decisions taken by the Committee are set out below.

Performance measurement in 2021 and variable 
remuneration outcomes

2021 Annual bonus

The Company performed strongly during 2021 as the recovery from the 
impact of the pandemic began and the positive effects of the assistance 
provided by the business to support the Company’s customers began 
to  emerge.  Positive  shareholder  returns  under  which  NTA  per  share 
increased by 0.3p to 212.4p, and underlying EPS of 0.5p resulted in 
a payout of 66.7 per cent under the annual bonus financial targets.

The non-financial targets were assessed at 95 per cent, reflecting the 
achievement by each of the Executive Directors of strategic, financial, 
ESC and operational goals. Overall bonuses of 111 per cent of salary 
were awarded to the Executive Directors. Forty per cent of each bonus 
award will be deferred for three years in shares. 

2019 PSP awards

The performance targets for the Performance Share Plan awards granted 
in 2019 are not expected to be met, and so these awards are expected 
to lapse entirely.

Executive Director remuneration in 2022

PSP awards

When setting Executive Director remuneration, the Committee considers 
a range of factors, including market comparators, personal and indi-
vidual performance and employee remuneration across the business. 

PSP awards of 300 per cent of salary will be made to each Executive 
Director. The performance conditions that apply to the awards will be 
the same as in previous years.

Employees

Benefits

Benefits will continue to operate as in prior years. To equalise her bene-
fits with those of the other Executive Directors, Michelle McGrath will 
also receive a car allowance from 1 April 2022.

ESC

As  mentioned  above,  each  of  the  Executive  Director’s  non-financial 
performance targets include ESC targets which are aligned with the 
Company’s ESC strategy. This year the weighting of the ESC targets 
within the annual bonus has been increased to 30 per cent of the non-fi-
nancial measures. The Committee has concluded that it is premature to 
include additional ESC measures within the Company’s remuneration 
structure at this time. The Committee believes that it is important that the 
Company’s Executive remuneration reflects its ESC commitments, and 
will be considering how ESC targets can be further incorporated into 
the remuneration structure as it reviews and consults with shareholders on 
the Company’s Remuneration Policy over the course of the coming year.

Conclusion

As the Company’s Remuneration Policy was approved at the 2020 
AGM, this year we will only be asking shareholders to approve the 
Annual Report on Remuneration and this Annual Statement. I encourage 
shareholders to support the operation of the Remuneration Policy, as 
explained within this report, at our forthcoming AGM.

Jonathan Lane OBE

Chair

22 February 2022

The remuneration structure for Capco’s employees mirrors that of the 
Executive Directors, with employees being eligible for a discretionary 
bonus and PSP awards as well as their salary, pension and employee 
benefits. The Committee does not engage directly with the workforce, 
but receives regular updates on employee remuneration from the Chief 
Executive, and the Board as a whole received a briefing on the results 
of the Company’s employee engagement survey. You can read more 
about our employee benefits on page 82. 

This year, the average salary increase for employees (excluding promo-
tions) below the Board was 4.9 per cent, reflecting current inflationary 
wage pressures in the market. All eligible employees will receive annual 
bonuses and share awards.

In addition, recognising the importance of saving for the future, the 
maximum employer pension contribution under the Company’s defined 
contribution pension scheme will increase from 15 per cent of salary to 
17.5 per cent with effect from 1 April 2022. 

Salary review

The  base  salaries  of  Ian  Hawksworth  and  Situl  Jobanputra  will  be 
increased by 4.9 per cent, which is in line with the average salary 
increase  awarded  to  the  Group’s  employees,  to  £671,500  and 
£446,000 respectively. Michelle McGrath’s salary on appointment 
to the Board was set at a discount to the market level recognising her 
promotion from within the Capco senior management team. Since then, 
she has progressed in her role and the Committee intends to continue to 
recognise this progression in her salary over time. From 1 April 2022, 
Michelle McGrath’s salary will be increased by 3.8 per cent, in addition 
to the 4.9 per cent increase received by the other Executive Directors, 
to £375,000.

Annual bonus

The annual bonus opportunity for 2022 will remain at 150 per cent 
of salary. The financial measures and the weightings of financial and 
non-financial measures will be unchanged. The non-financial perfor-
mance targets for 2022 continue to include a significant emphasis on 
ESC matters, reflecting Capco’s focus on these areas and aligning with 
Capco’s new ESC strategy.

Pension contributions

As previously committed, the employer pension contributions for the 
Chief  Executive  and  Chief  Financial  Officer  were  reduced  from  24 
per cent of salary to 20 per cent of salary in 2021, and will be further 
reduced  to  align  with  the  maximum  employer  pension  contribution 
for employees in April 2022. Following the increase in the maximum 
employer pension contribution for employees to 17.5 per cent of salary, 
all the Executive Directors will receive this rate from 1 April 2022.

“Remuneration for 2021 reflects the 
proactive management positioning  
the business for recovery and growth.”

Jonathan Lane OBE, Chairman

Matters considered by the committee  
during 2021 included:

 – Executive Director and 
senior management 
remuneration
 – Engagement with 
shareholders

 – Remuneration across the 
Group and review of 
workforce policies

 – Setting, and evaluation, 
of performance against 
Executive Directors’ 
performance targets
 – Share scheme awards 

and performance targets
 – Directors’ shareholdings 

and ownership 
requirements

Members:

 – Jonathan Lane 
(Chairman) 
 – Charlotte Boyle

 – Legislative and regulatory 

developments

 – Investor body guidelines
 – 2021 Directors’ 

Remuneration report
 – Committee terms of 

reference

 – Chairman’s remuneration
 – Chairman’s and Chief 
Executive’s expenses 

 – Institutional investor 

voting reports and voting  
at 2021 AGM

 – Henry Staunton
 – Anthony Steains

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Governance

Remuneration continued

Supporting clarity, simplicity, proportionality, and predictability and ensuring risk mitigation and alignment to 
culture

The table below explains how both the current Remuneration Policy, and the Committee’s practice in applying the Policy over the year under review, 
address the factors set out in Provision 40 of the UK Corporate Governance Code:

Clarity

Simplicity

Risk

 – Clarity and transparency is achieved 

 – Achieved by Executive Directors’ 

through a combination of explanations for 
decisions taken and disclosure of the nature 
and weighting of annual bonus and PSP 
performance measures.

 – The Remuneration Policy and its 

implementation look to support the wider 
Capco business strategy.

remuneration being composed of a limited 
number of elements designed to balance 
the retention and incentivisation of Executive 
Directors with the delivery of strategy and 
shareholder returns.

 – Executive Director remuneration is composed 
of only four elements: base salary, pension 
and other benefits, annual bonus and PSP.

 – A range of features of Executive Directors’ 
remuneration assist in mitigating the risks of 
excessive rewards and inappropriate behaviour.

 – Executive Directors are expected to build a 

material shareholding which must be maintained 
for a period following departure, which aligns 
them with the long-term interests of Capco.

Predictability

Proportionality

Alignment to culture

 – Some of the same features of Executive 

Directors’ remuneration arrangements that 
mitigate risk also ensure that outcomes are 
within a predictable range.

 – Shareholders are provided with potential 

values which can be awarded to Executive 
Directors under the annual bonus and PSP.

 – Achieved through strong links between 
Executive Directors’ remuneration and 
corporate performance.

 – Achieved through strong links between Executive 
Directors’ remuneration and Capco’s values:
 – Collegiate, supportive and inclusive 
 – Environmentally and socially responsible 
 – High performance and entrepreneurial
 – Innovative and creative
 – Professional: We act with integrity and  
hold ourselves to the highest standards

1. Summary of Remuneration Policy

Capco’s Remuneration Policy was approved at the 2020 AGM, which was held on 1 May 2020. However, the Remuneration Committee has 
since committed to a number of changes to the operation of the Policy. The table below sets out a summary of the Remuneration Policy for Executive 
Directors, including the changes to the implementation of the Policy agreed with shareholders. This summary is provided for information purposes only. 

The full Remuneration Policy approved at the 2020 AGM is included in the 2019 Annual Report and can be viewed on our corporate website at  
https://www.capitalandcounties.com/investors/investor-information/approved-remuneration-policy. Details of actual remuneration paid, share awards 
made, and the approach to remuneration for 2022 are set out within the Annual Report on Remuneration, which starts on page 109.

Remuneration Policy summary table

Element of remuneration

Operation and performance metrics 

Base salary

Base salaries are normally reviewed on an annual basis, with any increase normally taking effect from 1 April.

The Committee reviews base salaries with reference to other property companies (including the constituents of the  
long-term incentive plan’s comparator group), UK companies of a similar size, each Executive Director’s performance  
and contribution during the year, the scope of each Executive Director’s responsibilities and changes to the remuneration 
and overall conditions of other employees. When reviewing base salaries, the Committee is mindful of the gearing effect 
that increases in base salary will have on the potential total remuneration of the Executive Directors.

Base salary increases will be applied in line with the outcome of the annual review and will normally be in line 
with increases awarded to other employees. However, the Committee may make additional adjustments in certain 
circumstances to reflect, for example, an increase in scope or responsibility, development in role, to address an increase 
in size or complexity of the business, to address a gap in market positioning and/or to reward the long-term performance 
of an individual.

Element of remuneration

Operation and performance metrics 

Annual bonus

The maximum bonus opportunity for Executive Directors is 150 per cent of annual salary, with a bonus of 75 per cent  
of salary payable for achieving target levels of performance.

Executives’ performance is measured relative to challenging one-year targets in key financial, operational and strategic 
measures. The measures selected and their weightings vary each year according to the strategic priorities. At least 75 
per cent of the bonus will be measured against financial performance. The annual bonus arrangements are reviewed 
at the start of each financial year to ensure the performance measures and weightings are appropriate and support the 
business strategy.

The Committee reviews performance against the annual bonus targets but has the ability to take into account broader 
factors and, subject to the 150 per cent of salary maximum, may exercise two-way discretion to ensure that the annual  
bonus awarded properly reflects the performance of the Company and each Director.

It has been agreed with shareholders that 40 per cent of any bonus awarded will be deferred in Capco shares or 
nil-cost options for three years without further performance conditions but subject to risk of forfeiture should an Executive 
Director leave the Company in certain circumstances. Deferred bonus is subject to malus.

Performance 
Share Plan

Executive Directors are eligible to receive awards of shares under the PSP, which may be made as awards of shares or 
nil-cost options, at the discretion of the Committee. The maximum grant which may be made to participants as awards or 
nil-cost options is now 300 per cent of salary.

The vesting of awards is subject to continued employment and the Company’s performance over a three-year 
performance period. Current performance measures and weightings are:
 – 50 per cent on relative Total Return (“TR”)
 – 50 per cent on relative Total Shareholder Return (“TSR”)
For both measures, performance is measured relative to a bespoke comparator group of property companies.

PSP awards vest on the third anniversary of the date of grant, and are subject to a two-year post-vesting holding period.  
25 per cent of an award vests for threshold performance, with full vesting taking place for equalling or exceeding 
maximum performance conditions and straight-line vesting between threshold and maximum. A post-cessation 
shareholding requirement applies.

In assessing the outcome of the performance conditions, the Committee must satisfy itself that the figures are a genuine 
reflection of underlying financial performance, and may exercise downward discretion when determining the proportion 
of an award that will vest. PSP awards are subject to malus and clawback.

Benefits are set at a level which the Committee considers appropriate in light of relevant market practice for the role and 
individual circumstances, and will be in line with those offered to some or all employees, which may include private 
dental and health care, life insurance, personal accident cover, travel insurance, income protection and a car allowance, 
which may be paid in cash. Directors may participate in flexible benefit arrangements offered to other employees, 
including the ability to buy or sell annual leave. Directors may receive seasonal gifts and a gift on leaving the Board 
(including payment of any tax thereon), in appropriate circumstances.

Other benefits may be introduced from time to time to ensure the benefits package is appropriately competitive and 
reflects individual circumstances. 

Benefits

Pension

Capco offers a defined contribution pension scheme. Executive Directors may elect to be paid some or all of their 
entitlement in cash.

The maximum contribution for any Executive Director appointed on or after 1 January 2020 is in line with the level 
available for other employees at any given time (which from 1 April 2022 will be 17.5 per cent of salary). The pension 
contribution for Executive Directors appointed before the 2017 AGM reduced from 24 per cent to 20 per cent in 2021 
and will reduce to 17.5 per cent from April 2022.

2. Annual report on remuneration

This section of the Directors’ Remuneration report explains how Capco’s current Remuneration Policy has been implemented during the year.

2.1 Remuneration Committee

The Remuneration Committee is responsible for determining and recommending to the Board the policy for the remuneration of the Executive Directors, 
setting targets for the Company’s incentive schemes and determining the total individual remuneration package for each Executive Director, and certain 
members of senior management. Membership of the Committee throughout 2021 and as at the date of this report is set out on page 106. In addition, 
the Chief Executive, Company Secretary and the Committee’s remuneration adviser, Korn Ferry, are invited to attend Committee meetings and contribute 
to discussions. The Committee meets regularly throughout the year to consider matters relating to executive and employee remuneration, and provides 
updates to the Board on the matters considered and the decisions reached. Attendance at the six meetings held during the year is shown in the table 
on page 93 and a summary of the matters considered by the Committee during the year when reviewing remuneration matters and making decisions 
about executive remuneration is set out on page 106. To ensure that conflicts of interest are avoided or managed, those attending the meeting are 
requested to leave the meeting when matters relating to their own remuneration, or any other matters which may be judged to be a potential conflict 
of interest, are discussed.

108

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109

Governance

Remuneration continued

2.2 Statement of implementation of policy for 2022

Salary

The Executive Directors’ salaries are reviewed annually. In 2022, the salaries of two of the Executive Directors will be increased by approximately 4.9 
per cent, which is in line with the general increase being made to Group employee salaries (disregarding promotions). In addition to the 4.9 per cent 
increase, Michelle McGrath will also receive a 3.8 per cent increase to recognise her progression in role since promotion to the Board in 2020. The 
salaries for the Executive Directors are set out in the table below:

Executive Director salaries – 2021 and 2022

Ian Hawksworth

Situl Jobanputra

Michelle McGrath

Pension and benefits

As described in the Remuneration Policy summary table on page 109.

Annual bonus

Opportunity

2022

2021

% increase

£671,500

£446,000

£375,000

£640,000

£425,000

£345,000 

4.9

4.9

8.7

The annual bonus opportunity will remain unchanged for 2022. As explained in the Chair’s letter on page 106, 40 per cent of the whole amount of 
any bonus awarded will be deferred into shares for three years.

Performance conditions

In common with previous years, the financial performance targets for the year ending 31 December 2022 will be based on growth in EPRA 
Net  Tangible  Assets  per  share  (“NTA”),  Total  Property  Return  relative  to  the  MSCI  Total  Return  All  Property  Index,  and  underlying  EPS.  
The weightings of each measure, which are unchanged from 2021, are shown in the table below. The relative weighting of financial and individual 
performance measures will also remain unchanged. Individual non-financial targets are set for each Executive Director.

Performance targets

The TPR target is included in the Company’s KPIs on page 20. The KPIs are in part dependent upon the occurrence of certain discrete events. Therefore, 
whilst the outperformance targets that apply to the long-term incentives are disclosed, the Board has decided that as the Group operates in specific 
locations within the competitive central London property market, prospective disclosure of specific short-term NTA and EPS targets, or non-financial 
performance targets, would provide a level of information to counterparties that could prejudice the Company’s commercial interests. The Committee 
will publish the performance targets retrospectively once they have ceased to be commercially sensitive, which is expected to be when the bonus 
amounts are determined. Further information on the Company’s KPIs can be found on pages 20 and 21.

2022 annual bonus financial performance measures

Net Tangible Assets per share

Underlying Earnings per Share 

Relative Total Property Return

Performance Share Plan (Audited)

33.33%

33.33%

33.33%

PSP awards of 300 per cent of 2022 salary will be made to each Executive Director as awards or nil-cost options unless the Committee decides to 
moderate the award level to reflect any significant reduction in the share price from the level at which the 2021 awards were made. The performance 
conditions and comparator group that will apply to these awards, and apply to the awards made since 2019, are set out in the tables below.

TR and TSR comparator group for PSP awards

 – For awards made since 2021, the comparator group is the REITS that are members of the FTSE 350
 – For awards made prior to 2021, the comparator group is British Land, Capco, Derwent London, Great Portland Estates, 

Hammerson, Intu Properties, Land Securities, Shaftesbury and Workspace

Performance conditions for PSP awards

TR

TSR

Use of market purchased shares

Threshold (25%)

Maximum

Median

Median

Upper Quartile

Upper Quartile

The rules of the Performance Share Plan provide the Board with flexibility on whether the shares awarded will ultimately be delivered by issuing new 
equity, or purchasing shares on the stock market. In deciding whether to issue or purchase shares the Board will consider a number of factors with a 
view to minimising dilution of shareholders’ interests; these include whether and by how much the shares are trading at a discount/premium to Net 
Tangible Assets, Group liquidity and market outlook. If there is sufficient liquidity and shares are trading at a discount to Net Tangible Assets then 
it is expected that shares would be purchased rather than issued. It is confirmed that the share awards made in 2022 will be settled using shares 
purchased in the market.

Chairman and Non-executive Director remuneration

The Committee reviews the Chairman’s fee and the remuneration of the Non-executive Directors is considered by the Chairman and the Chief Executive. 
The fees paid to the Chairman and Non-executive Directors are reviewed annually, although fees may not be increased every year. No increase was 
awarded for 2021, and following the 2021 reviews, it was agreed that no increase would be awarded for 2022. The Chairman’s annual base fee 
for 2021 and 2022 is £284,000.

Non-executive Director fees for 2021 and 2022

Basic fee

Committee member (except Nomination Committee)

Committee member (Nomination Committee)

Committee Chairman (except Nomination Committee)

Senior Independent Director

2022

2021

 % increase

£55,000

£55,000

£7,000

£6,200

£16,600

£13,400

£7,000

£6,200

£16,600

£13,400

–

–

–

–

–

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111

 
 
 
Governance

Remuneration continued

2.3 Single figure of remuneration

The figures below illustrate the contribution that each element of the Executive Directors’ remuneration made to the single figure disclosures.

The table below shows the single figures of total remuneration paid to each Director in 2021 and 2020. The charts in Figure 1 on page 113 illustrate 
the contribution that each element of remuneration made to the total remuneration of the Executive Directors.

Figure 1

Single figure of remuneration 2021 and 2020 (Audited)

Executive Directors

Composition of 2021 single figures (%)

Composition of 2020 single figures (%)

Fixed remuneration

Performance-related remuneration

Total remuneration

Ian Hawksworth

Ian Hawksworth

134

89

52

152

100 

29

Fees

284

85

82

98

Single-year variable  

(annual bonus)5

Base 
salary2

Taxable
benefits3

Pension-
related
benefits4

Deferred  

Cash

into shares

Multiple-year
variable6
(long-term)

Total 
performance-
related

Total fixed 

640

425

347

635

418 

288

28

24

3

26 

25 

2

425

282

229

–

–

–

283

188

153

–

– 

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

802

538

402

813 

543 

319

708

470

382

–

–

–

Total

1,510

1,008

784

813

543

319

£000

2021

Ian Hawksworth

Situl Jobanputra

Michelle McGrath1

2020

Ian Hawksworth

Situl Jobanputra

Michelle McGrath1

Chairman and Non-executive Directors

£000

Henry Staunton

Charlotte Boyle

Jonathan Lane

Anthony Steains

2021

2020

Taxable  
benefits7

Total 
remuneration

17

–

–

–

301

85

82

98

Fees

281

84

72

88

Taxable  
benefits7

Total 
remuneration

15

–

– 

8

296

84

72

96

1. Appointed on 26 February 2020.
2. The salary figure for Michelle McGrath includes approximately six weeks’ maternity pay calculated on a weekly basis, as required by HMRC.
3. Comprises medical insurance and car allowance and/or benefit in kind value of company car, where applicable.
4. Comprises pension contributions or payments in lieu of pension contributions.
5. Part of the annual bonus earned is deferred in Capco shares or nil-cost options for three years, subject to forfeiture should the Executive Director leave the Company. 

For 2021, 40 per cent of the bonus was deferred in Capco shares.

6. The 2021 disclosure for Executive Directors comprises the estimated value on maturity of the 2019 PSP awards which had a performance period that ran from 2019 
to 2021, and were expected to vest in early 2022. These awards are included in the 2021 single figure as the performance conditions relating to these awards had 
been substantially (but not fully) completed during 2021. The disclosure was calculated assuming that zero per cent of the PSP awards would vest. The 2018 multi-
year variable comparators were previously disclosed on the basis described above, assuming vesting of zero per cent, and it is confirmed that the awards lapsed  
as the performance conditions were not satisfied. 

7.  Comprises medical insurance and travel expenses relating to Board meeting attendance where these are taxable or would be if the Director were resident in the UK for 

tax purposes. Where applicable, the Company pays the tax payable on Non-executive Director expenses as they are incurred in the fulfilment of Directors’ duties.

What is included in the single figure?

 – The salary or fees paid in the year
 – The gross cash value of any taxable benefits
 – The total annual bonus awarded for the year – including both cash and the deferred element
 – The expected value of any long-term incentive awards due to vest
 – The cash value of any pension contribution or allowance

Salary

43.6

Benefits in kind

0.7

Pension

8.9

Bonus

46.9

Salary

80.3

Benefits in kind

1.0

Pension

18.7

Situl Jobanputra

Situl Jobanputra

Salary

43.8

Benefits in kind

0.9

Pension

8.8

Bonus

46.5

Salary

80.3

Benefits in kind

1.3

Pension

18.4

Michelle McGrath

Michelle McGrath

Salary

44.3

Benefits in kind

0.4

Pension

6.6

Bonus

48.7

Salary

90.3

Benefits in kind

0.6

Pension

9.1

2.4 Annual bonus outcomes for 2021

Opportunity

Executive Directors can earn bonuses of up to 150 per cent of salary. The Committee has committed that 40 per cent of the total amount of any bonus 
earned is deferred in Capco shares or nil-cost options for three years, subject to forfeiture should the Executive Director leave the Company.

Performance measures and targets

Awards made in respect of the year ended 31 December 2021 were based 75 per cent on financial performance, and 25 per cent on individual 
performance.

Financial  measures:  The  financial  performance  targets  for  the  year  ended  31  December  2021,  which  are  set  out  in  the  table  on  page  115,  
were based on NTA per share, Total Property Return relative to the MSCI Total Return All Property Index, and underlying EPS.

Non-financial measures: The Committee assessed individual performance against a set of KPIs which align with the Company’s objectives outlined on 
page 20 of the Annual Report. A summary of Directors’ personal objectives is set out on page 114.

Outcome of 2021 annual bonus performance measures (Audited)

Outcome of financial measures: The Company’s performance for the year ended 31 December 2021 exceeded the maximum performance targets 
for NTA and EPS performance. Accordingly, awards were made to the Executive Directors in respect of these financial performance measures. The 
threshold performance target for TPR was not met.

Outcome of non-financial measures: The Committee considered the performance of each Executive Director against the personal targets set for 2021. 
The Committee concluded that all three Executive Directors had performed exceptionally well, taking early action to position Covent Garden strongly 
for recovery, leading the business throughout the year, protecting the interests of the Company and its stakeholders, and successfully implementing a 
number of operational, financial and strategic objectives. This performance means that each Executive Director has been awarded a bonus in respect 
of the non-financial target element (under which up to 37.5 per cent of salary is payable). 

A breakdown of the personal objectives, and achievements in the year, is set out on the following page.

Summary of Executive Directors’ annual bonuses (Audited)

Executive Director

Ian Hawksworth

Situl Jobanputra

Michelle McGrath

2021

Deferred 
Shares

Cash

Total

Cash

£424,800

£283,200

£708,000

£282,094

£188,062

£470,156

£228,994

£152,662

£381,656

–

–

–

2020

Deferred 
Shares

–

–

–

Total

–

–

–

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113

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Governance

Remuneration continued

Outcomes of 2021 financial objectives

Disclosure of 2021 annual bonus financial performance targets (Audited)

Ian Hawksworth

Situl Jobanputra

Michelle McGrath

Outcomes of 2021 annual bonus non-financial objectives

Ian Hawksworth

Situl Jobanputra

Michelle McGrath

Corporate

Measure

Absolute NTA 
(25/75)

Relative TPR 
(25/75)

Underlying EPS 
(25/75)

25/25

25/25

25/25

0/25

0/25

0/25

25/25

25/25

25/25

Total

50/75

50/75

50/75

Area of focus

Corporate

Financial

Commercial/ 
Transactions

People/ESC/ 
Organisational

Total

7.5/7.5

4.5/5.0

7.25/7.5

4.5/5.0

23.75/25

5.0/5.0

9.5/10.0

5.0/5.0

4.25/5.0

23.75/25

2.5/2.5

3.25/3.75

12.5/12.5

5.5/6.25

23.75/25

People/ESC/Organisational

 – Ran extensive investor relations programme to promote Capco  

 – Ensured continued health and safety of employees, tenants and 

as a leading central London REIT

 – Management of investment in Shaftesbury PLC
Financial

visitors during COVID-19 pandemic

 – Developed and published Net Zero Carbon Pathway
 – Delivered extended al fresco dining and pedestrianisation of 

 – Managed debt covenant and liquidity position effectively through 

additional streets across the estate 

the pandemic period

 – Ensured effective and secure remote working and COVID-safe 

 – Undertook successful refinancing of the Covent Garden revolving 
credit facility and transition to SONIA for banking and hedging 
arrangements

return to the office

 – Launched employee engagement survey and working groups to 

consider matters highlighted in the survey

 – Undertook appropriate capital management and review  

 – Promoted wide range of initiatives across the business to promote 

of financing alternatives

diversity, inclusion and well-being

The Committee has previously committed to publishing the financial performance targets once they cease to be commercially sensitive. The Committee 
has determined that the financial performance targets that applied in respect of the year ended 31 December 2021 are no longer commercially 
sensitive; accordingly, the targets and the Company’s performance against these targets are set out below. In future, the Committee expects to continue 
to disclose annual bonus targets following completion of the performance period.

2021 Financial targets

Performance measure

Weighting

Target  
range

Actual  
performance

% of bonus  
opportunity awarded

Threshold 
(10% payout)

Maximum 
(100% payout)

Net Tangible Assets  
per share

Relative Total 
Property Return

Underlying  
Earnings per Share

33.33%

33.33%

173p

0

200p

212.4p

1.5% 
outperformance

-18.4% 
underperformance

33.33%

(0.65)p

(0.5)p

0.5p

100%

0%

100%

2.5 Long-term incentive outcomes for 2021 (Audited)

In 2019, awards of 350 per cent of salary were made to Executive Directors under the Company’s Performance Share Plan (“PSP”). The awards were 
subject to relative TR and relative TSR performance conditions over a performance period of 2019-2021. In early 2022, the Committee determined 
that Capco’s TR and TSR were each not expected to equal the median of the comparator group vs an outperformance target of upper quartile perfor-
mance, and as such the performance conditions relating to the 2019 PSP awards had not been met. Accordingly, the 2019 PSP awards are expected 
to lapse, and no value has been included in the single figure disclosures in respect of these awards.

Performance measure

Relative TR

Relative TSR

Threshold 
performance target 
(25 per cent)

Maximum 
performance target 
(100 per cent)

Expected 
performance

Estimated vesting 
percentage

Median

Median

Upper quartile

25th percentile

Upper quartile

25th percentile

0%

0%

Weighting

50%

50%

2.6 Scheme interests awarded during the financial year (audited)

The 2021 PSP awards are set out in the table below. The awards are subject to the performance measures set out on pages 110 and 111.

 – Delivered improved rent collection rates
 – Delivered additional cost efficiencies, including further  

Group simplification

 – Repaid Lillie Square debt facility

Commercial/Transactions

 – Completed 60 new leases and renewals reflecting £11 million  

of contracted income

 – Implemented phased tenant support framework
 – Delivered successful openings across the estate
 – Undertook strategic property disposals totalling £95 million 
 – Completion of the sale of 25 units at Lillie Square totalling  

£47 million gross proceeds

 – High occupancy levels maintained across the estate with  

EPRA vacancy 2.6 per cent at 31 December 2021

 – Implemented successful strategic marketing programme including 
cultural events, pop-ups and digital engagement, driving estate 
footfall primarily driven by domestic visitors and Londoners

PSP (Audited)1

Market price
on date
of grant2

  Basis of award

300 per cent  

Exercise 
price if any

Face value 
of award

Number 
awarded

Performance 
period3

Post-vesting
holding 
period

Threshold
vesting %4

Exercisable 
between

Ian Hawksworth 

of salary

167.96p

Nil

£1,919,999 1,143,129

Situl Jobanputra

of salary

167.96p

Nil

£1,274,999

759,109

300 per cent  

Michelle McGrath

of salary

167.96p

Nil

£1,034,999

616,218

300 per cent  

1. PSP awards are granted as nil-cost options.
2. Average closing share price on the three business days preceding the date of grant.
3. The performance period runs from 1 January 2021 to 31 December 2023.
4. Assumes threshold vesting under one performance condition for annual PSP awards.

2021– 
2023

2021–
2023

2021–
2023

2024– 
2025

2024– 
2025

2024– 
2025

12.5%

12.5%

12.5%

2024– 
2031

2024– 
2031

2024– 
2031

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Remuneration continued

2.7 Payments for loss of office and payments to previous Directors (Audited)

No payments for loss of office or payments to previous Directors in respect of relevant services were made during 2021.

2.8 Service contracts and letters of appointment

The service contracts of Executive Directors are approved by the Remuneration Committee and are one-year rolling contracts. The commencement dates 
of the current contracts are shown below. The service contracts may be terminated by either party giving one year’s notice to the other. 

Ian Hawksworth

Situl Jobanputra

Michelle McGrath

Commencement date

Notice period

17 May 2010

1 January 2017

26 February 2020

12 months

12 months

12 months

Figure 2: Total shareholder return

300

250

200

150

100

The Non-executive Directors do not have service contracts but instead have letters of appointment. The letters of appointment of the Non-executive Directors 
are reviewed by the Board annually and contain a one-month notice period. The Chairman’s letter of appointment contains a three-month notice period. 

31 Dec 
2011

31 Dec 
2012

31 Dec 
2013

31 Dec 
2014

31 Dec 
2015

31 Dec 
2016

31 Dec 
2017

31 Dec 
2018

31 Dec 
2019

31 Dec 
2020

31 Dec 
2021

Date of most recent  

letter of appointment

Unexpired term as at  
31 December 2021

Capco

FTSE 350 Real Estate Index

Charlotte Boyle 

Jonathan Lane 

Henry Staunton 

Anthony Steains

Date of appointment

1 October 2017

1 March 2019

2 June 2010

1 March 2016

11 May 2021

11 May 2021

11 May 2021

11 May 2021

6 months

6 months

6 months

6 months

The service contracts and letters of appointment may be viewed at the Company’s registered office.

2.9 Total pension entitlement (Audited)

No Director participates in or has a deferred benefit under a defined benefit pension scheme.

2.10 Chart of single figure of Chief Executive’s remuneration vs TSR

The graph on the following page shows the total shareholder return at 31 December 2021 of £100 invested in Capital & Counties Properties PLC 
on 1 January 2012, compared with the FTSE 350 Real Estate Index. The Committee considers this benchmark to be the most relevant benchmark for 
the Company’s performance.

The table below the graph shows, for each financial year, information on the remuneration of Ian Hawksworth, who has been Chief Executive  
of Capco since its establishment in 2010.

Financial year

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

Single figure £000

8,968

3,530

3,396

3,275

918

1,307

991

1,566

813

1,510

Annual bonus 
% of max

MSP vesting 
% of max

PSP vesting  
% of max

95

94.67

96.73

91.25

21.25

61.60

23.75

83.33

0

73.75

100

100

100

93.1

40 or 801

100

93.1

60

0

0

0

0

0

0

N/A

N/A 

N/A

0

0

0

1. Depending on the award. Please refer to 2015 Annual Report for more information.

2.11 Percentage change in remuneration of Directors and employees

The table below shows the year-on-year percentage change in the remuneration for the years ended 31 December 2021 and 31 December 2020 
of each Director compared with the average percentage change in remuneration for Capco employees. 

Executive Directors

Ian Hawksworth

Situl Jobanputra

Michelle McGrath1

Non-executive Directors

Henry Staunton

Charlotte Boyle

Jonathan Lane4

Anthony Steains4

Average employee5, 6

Salary/Fees

Benefits

Annual bonus

2021

2020

20212

2020

20213

2020

0.79

1.67

20.49

1.07

1.19

13.89

11.36

4.63

2.92

7.18

N/A

2.55

1.20

30.91

35.28

4.94

7.69

-4.00

50.00

13.33

N/A

N/A

–

4.17

N/A

25.0

N/A

N/A

-100.00

30.51

-80.49

12.34

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

-100

-100

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

54.18

-69.47

1. Appointed to Board on 26 February 2020. Change in salary reflects inclusion of full year’s service for 2021.
2. Changes to benefits primarily reflect increased costs of health insurance and reduced travel expenses resulting from virtual Board meetings. Due to the relatively small 

values of these amounts, small absolute increases can result in large percentage changes.

3. The Executive Directors were not awarded bonuses in 2020 and so it is not possible to provide a percentage increase for 2021.
4. Increases in fees reflect the appointment of Anthony Steains as Senior Independent Director during 2020 and Jonathan Lane as Chairman of the Remuneration 

Committee during 2021.

5. 2021 increases reflect increased costs of health insurance and larger bonus awards made to employees in 2021.
6. As Capital & Counties Properties PLC has no direct employees, information for Group employees has been disclosed on a voluntary basis. To allow a meaningful 

comparison, the analysis for employees is based on a consistent group of individuals, being those employed at 31 December 2020 and 31 December 2021, and 
has been calculated on a full-time equivalent basis. The Directors are excluded from the employee figures.

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117

Governance

Remuneration continued

2.12 Chief Executive pay ratio

Directors’ shareholdings (including connected persons) – 2021 and 2020 (Audited)

As Capco has fewer than 250 employees, it is not legally required to report pay ratios. However, the ratios below are disclosed on a voluntary basis.

The table below sets out the Chief Executive pay ratio compared with the 25th, median and 75th percentile employee within the Group. Option 
A as defined in the Companies (Miscellaneous Reporting) Regulations 2018 was used to calculate the ratios, as this calculation methodology was 
considered to be the most accurate method. The employees included in the calculations are those employed by the Group at each year end, on a 
FTE basis. The remuneration figures for employees other than Executive Directors have been calculated using salaries payable from the April of the 
relevant year. The figure for Executive Directors’ remuneration is the single figure of remuneration for each financial year.

Year

2021

2020

The remuneration used to calculate the 2021 pay ratios is set out below. 

Base salary

Total remuneration

Method

25th percentile 
pay ratio

Median  

pay ratio

75th percentile 
pay ratio

Modified option A

Modified option A

23.9:1

14.4:1

14.2:1

7.9:1

9.5:1

6.0:1

Chief Executive
£000

25th percentile 
£000

Median
£000 

75th percentile 
£000

640

1,510

46

63

74

106

103

158

The Chief Executive’s total remuneration for 2021 does not include any payment from the PSP. In years when PSP awards vest the pay ratios may be 
significantly greater than those for 2021, due to the relative weighting of variable remuneration for Executive Directors. In addition, due to the Group’s 
relatively small number of employees, the ratios calculated may vary between years as a result of employees joining or leaving the Company.

2.13 Distribution statement

The bar graphs in Figure 3 below illustrate Capco’s dividends paid and total employee pay expenditure (this includes pension, variable pay, and 
social security) for the financial years ended 31 December 2020 and 31 December 2021, and the year-on-year change in each. The aforementioned 
measures are those prescribed by the remuneration disclosure regulations; however, they do not reflect Capco’s KPIs, which are explained on page 
20. Accordingly, bar graphs showing Capco’s one-year TPR and TR are also included.

Figure 3

Total property return (%)

Dividends (£m)

Total return (%)

Employee costs (£m)

2021

2020

-24.4

Year-on-year change
+25.9% 

1.5

2021

4.3

2021

0.4

2020

8.5

2020

-27.2

2021

2020

12.8

12.7

-£4.2m

+27.6%

+0.1m

2.14 Statement of Directors’ shareholdings and share interests (Audited)

(a) Directors’ shareholdings 

The beneficial interests in the shares of the Company for each Director who served during the year as at 31 December 2021 and 22 February 2022, 
being a date not less than one month before the date of the Notice of Annual General Meeting, are set out in the table below. The Chief Executive 
is required to achieve a shareholding in the Company equivalent to 300 per cent of salary and the other Executive Directors are currently required to 
achieve a shareholding in the Company equivalent to 200 per cent of base salary, to be achieved by retaining at least 50 per cent of any vested 
share awards (net of tax). There is a post-cessation shareholding requirement of 200 per cent of salary for all Executive Directors, capturing the 2021 
annual bonus and all Performance Share Plan awards made from 1 January 2021.

The current shareholdings of the Executive Directors, and their value based on a share price of 168.4 pence, being the price of a Capital & Counties 
Properties PLC share on 31 December 2021, are illustrated in the table below. The shares which are included in these holdings are those held bene-
ficially by the Director, their spouse or dependant family members, shares held within ISAs, PEPs or pensions, shares that are subject to a holding 
period, such as deferred bonus, and vested but unexercised awards. The latter three categories are included on a net of tax basis. All the shares held 
by the Chief Financial Officer and Executive Director were purchased in the market, as no share awards have vested since they joined the Company.

Chairman

Henry Staunton

Executive

Ian Hawksworth1

Situl Jobanputra1

Michelle McGrath1,2

Non-executive

Charlotte Boyle

Jonathan Lane

Anthony Steains

2021 
Number

2020 
Number

350,000

350,000

909,492

100,000

40,000

15,052

250,000

–

909,492

100,000

40,000

15,052

250,000

–

Figure 4: 
Value of Executive Director shareholdings and 
share interests as at 31 December 2021 (Audited)

Ian Hawksworth

Situl Jobanputra

Michelle McGrath

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

% of salary 

Shareholding and unexercised vested shares (net of tax)

Shareholding guideline

Shares subject to a holding period (net of tax)

Deferred 2021 annual bonus (net of tax)

1. Excludes deferred bonus awards. 
2. Appointed to the Board on 26 February 2020.

(b) Directors’ share interests (Audited)

Details of Executive Directors’ share scheme interests, including information on share awards that were exercised or vested during the year, are set 
out in the tables below.

(i) Summary of Executive Directors’ interests in shares and share schemes

Nil-cost option awards  
in respect of  

deferred bonus

Awards
no longer subject to
performance conditions

Nil-cost option 
awards, subject to
performance conditions

Executive Director

Ian Hawksworth

Situl Jobanputra

Michelle McGrath

Total

Shares held

909,492

100,000

40,000

1,049,492

Outstanding awards made under PSP

a) Annual PSP awards1

Name

Ian Hawksworth

Situl Jobanputra

Michelle McGrath

–

–

–

–

3,153,203

2,069,720

1,345,337

6,568,260

Granted 
during 
the year

Exercised 
during 
the year

Lapsed during 
the year

Held at 
31 December 
2021

Total

4,431,548

2,381,156

1,385,337

8,198,041

Exercisable 
during or 
between

–

368,853

211,436

–

580,289

Held at 
1 January 
2021

789,483

897,584

1,112,490

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

789,483

–

–

–

–

897,584

2022–2029

1,112,490

1,143,129

2023–2030

2024–2031

486,111

–

–

–

–

–

571,848

738,763

759,109

2022–2029

2023–2030

2024–2031

148,643

–

–

–

–

–

–

12,409

202,680

514,030

616,218

2022–2029

2022–2029

2023–2030

2024–2031

Year 
granted

Option price 
(pence) if any

20182

20192

20202

20212

20182

20192

20202

20212

2018

2019

2019

20202

20212

Nil

Nil

Nil

Nil

Nil

Nil

Nil

Nil

Nil

Nil

Nil

Nil

–

1,143,129

486,111

571,848

738,763

–

–

–

–

759,109

241.76

12,409

148,643

202,680

514,030

–

616,218

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Total

5,474,041

2,518,456 

– 

1,424,237 

6,568,260

1. Subject to performance conditions that apply to awards made under the PSP as set out on pages 110 and 111.
2. Subject to a two-year post-vesting holding period.

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119

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Governance

Remuneration continued

b) Deferred bonus awards

Name

Ian Hawksworth

Situl Jobanputra

Total

1. Vested but unexercised.

Year 
granted

Option price 
(pence) if any

Held at 
1 January 
2021

Granted 
during 
the year

Exercised 
during 
the year

Lapsed during 
the year

Held at 
31 December 
2021

Exercisable 
during or 
between

20171

20181

2019

2020

20181

2019

2020

Nil

Nil

Nil

Nil

Nil

Nil

Nil

29,528

102,153

44,722

192,450

58,289

28,986

124,161

580,289

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

29,528

2020–2027

102,153

2021–2028

44,722

2022–2029

192,450

2023–2030

58,289

2021–2028

28,986

2022–2029

124,161

2023–2030

580,289

The market price of Capital & Counties Properties PLC shares on 31 December 2021 (being the last day for trading during the year) was 168.4 pence 
and during the year the price varied between 186.3 pence and 129.4 pence. No Executive Directors exercised share options during the year and 
so the aggregate gain on exercise of share options was nil. 

2.15 Remuneration Committee adviser

The Committee appointed Korn Ferry as its independent remuneration adviser in 2020, following a competitive process. During the year, the 
Committee received advice on matters including remuneration structure, incentive design and target-setting from its advisers. Korn Ferry is a member of 
the Remuneration Consultants Group and adheres to its code of conduct. The Committee has received confirmation of independence from Korn Ferry, 
and is satisfied that the advice received was objective and independent. In addition to advice provided to the Committee, Korn Ferry also provided 
share award valuation services to the Company. During 2021, the Company was charged a total of £57,425 by Korn Ferry in respect of advice to 
the Committee. Fees were charged on a time basis.

2.16 Statement of shareholder voting

The table below shows the results of the advisory vote on the 2020 Directors’ Remuneration Report at the 2021 AGM and the binding vote on the 
current Remuneration Policy at the 2020 AGM.

Voting on Remuneration Policy and Remuneration Report at 2020 and 2021 AGMs

Year

2021

2020

Approval of Remuneration Report

641,795,381

94.12

40,093,171

5.88

681,888,552

5,125,267

Approval of Remuneration Policy

491,278,465

70.41

206,419,016

29.59

697,697,481

5,337,096

Votes for

% for

Votes against

% against

Total votes cast

Votes withheld 
(abstentions)

This Remuneration report has been approved for issue by the Board of Directors on 22 February 2022.

Jonathan Lane OBE

Chairman of the Remuneration Committee

Directors’ report

Directors’ report

The Directors present their Annual Report and the audited consolidated 
financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2021.

Additional disclosures

Certain  Directors’  Report  disclosures,  including  a  number  of  those 
required under the Companies Act 2006, Listing Rules and Disclosure 
and Transparency Rules, have been incorporated into this Directors’ 
Report by reference and can be found within the following sections of 
the Annual Report:

Strategic Report (which includes information on likely future 
developments for the business) including:

2 to 85

 Page

Chief Executive’s review

Purpose, business model and strategy

Key performance indicators

Principal risks and uncertainties

Stakeholder engagement

Section 172(1) statement

Operating review

Financial review

Responsibility (which includes information on the Group’s 
environmental and sustainability, community and people 
matters, the Group’s required disclosures on greenhouse gas 
emissions, energy consumption and energy efficiency activi-
ties and TCFD response)

12

18

20

22

33

38

40

57

68

Company’s listings

The Company has a primary and premium listing on the London Stock 
Exchange main market and a secondary listing on the Johannesburg 
Stock Exchange. For the purposes of its listing on the Johannesburg Stock 
Exchange, the Company maintains an overseas branch register in South 
Africa. The Company’s secured exchangeable bonds due 2026 are 
listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange.

Directors

The  Directors  of  the  Company  who  held  office  during  the  year 
and  up  to  the  date  of  signing  the  financial  statements  were  
as follows:

Chairman:

Executive Directors:

Non-executive Directors:

Henry Staunton

Ian Hawksworth
Situl Jobanputra
Michelle McGrath

Charlotte Boyle
Jonathan Lane
Anthony Steains

Biographies of each current Director can be found on pages 90 and 
91 and details of each Director’s interests in the Company’s shares are 
set out on page 119.

The powers of the Directors are determined by UK legislation and the 
Company’s Articles of Association, together with any specific authorities 
that shareholders may approve from time to time.

The rules governing the appointment and replacement of Directors are 
contained in the Company’s Articles and UK legislation. In compliance 
with the 2018 UK Corporate Governance Code, all the Directors will 
retire from office and will offer themselves for re-election at the 2022 
Annual General Meeting.

Compensation for loss of office

The Company does not have any agreements with any Executive Director 
or employee that would provide compensation for loss of office or employ-
ment resulting from a takeover, except that provisions of the Company 
share schemes may cause share options and awards to vest on a takeover.

Directors’ conflicts of interest

The Company has procedures in place for the management of conflicts 
of interest. Should a Director become aware that they, or a connected 
party, have an interest in an existing or proposed transaction with the 
Group, they should notify the Company Secretary before the next meet-
ing or at the meeting. Directors have a continuing obligation to notify 
any changes to their potential conflicts.

Directors’ indemnities and insurance

In accordance with the Company’s Articles, the Company has indemnified 
the Directors to the full extent allowed by law. The Company maintains 
Directors’ and Officers’ liability insurance, which is reviewed annually.

Articles of Association

Changes to the Articles of Association must be approved by sharehold-
ers in accordance with the Companies Act 2006.

Dividends

The Directors have proposed the following dividends:

Interim dividend paid  
on 23 September 2021

Proposed final dividend 
to be paid on 8 July 2022

0.5p per ordinary share

1.0p per ordinary share

Total proposed dividend for 2021

1.5p per ordinary share

The proposed final dividend will be paid on 8 July 2022 to shareholders 
whose names are on the register at 10 June 2022. The interim dividend 
was split equally between a Property Income Distribution (“PID”) and 
non-PID. The proposed final dividend will also be split equally.

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Governance

Directors’ report continued

Holder

Norges Bank

BlackRock, Inc.

Foord Asset Management (Pty) Ltd

Legal & General Group Plc, Legal & General Investment Management 
(Holdings) Limited

Public Investment Corporation SOC Limited

Madison International Realty

Shares held 
at time of last 
notification

Percentage held 
at time of last 
notification

Nature  

of holding

Date of last 
notification

127,656,465

14.999%

Direct interest

1 July 2020

62,556,255

59,505,194

43,488,953

42,370,771

36,658,505

7.32%

Indirect interest 27 November 2019

6.99%

Indirect interest

26 February 2021

5.10%

Indirect interest

7 October 2021

4.994%

Direct interest

28 May 2020

4.30%

Direct interest 13 November 2020

Capital structure 

Substantial shareholdings

Details of the Company’s issued ordinary share capital, including details 
of movements in the issued share capital during the year, and authorities 
to issue or repurchase shares are shown in note 29 to the financial 
statements on page 176. Each share carries the right to one vote at 
general meetings of the Company. No shares were repurchased by the 
Company during the year.

There are no specific restrictions on the transfer of shares beyond those 
standard provisions set out in the Articles of Association. No shareholder 
holds shares carrying special rights with regard to control of the Company. 

Use of financial instruments

Information on financial risk management objectives and policies, including 
hedging policies, and exposure of the Company in relation to the use of 
financial instruments, can be found in note 27 on pages 168 to 174.

Change of control provisions

There are a number of agreements which (should consent not be obtained 
from the counterparty to a change of control) alter or terminate upon a 
change of control of the Company. The £300 million Covent Garden 
facility, the Covent Garden £150 million, £175 million and £225 million 
loan notes and the £125 million secured loan provide that outstanding 
facilities are required to be repaid on a change of control. The £275 
million exchangeable bonds due 2026 provide a bondholder right of 
early redemption on a change of control, subject to certain exceptions. 
The Lillie Square development joint venture contains provisions which are 
triggered by a change of control. The Performance Share Plan (“PSP”) 
includes provisions relating to the treatment of awards in the event of a 
change of control.

The significant holdings of voting rights in the share capital of the Company 
notified to the Financial Conduct Authority and disclosed in accordance with 
Disclosure and Transparency Rule 5, as at 22 February 2022, are shown 
in the table above.

Corporate governance statement

The information fulfilling the requirements of the corporate governance 
statement can be found on pages 86 to 120, which should be deemed 
to be incorporated within this Directors’ report.

Employees

Information on Group employees, and engagement with employees 
during the year, can be found on pages 17, 34, 38, 39, 68, 81 to 83, 
85, 88, 94 and 105 and in note 7 on page 152.

Engagement with stakeholders

Information on the ways in which the Directors have regard to the need 
to foster the Company’s business relationships with stakeholders includ-
ing suppliers, customers and others, and the effect of that regard on 
principal decisions taken by the Company is set out in our Stakeholder 
engagement section on pages 33 to 37 of this report. Further informa-
tion related to engagement with various stakeholders during the year can 
be found on pages 10, 16, 17, 19, 48, 52 and 79 to 83.

The environment

Details of the Group’s Environment, Sustainability and Community (“ESC”) 
strategy and its aims and activities are set out on pages 68 to 85 and 
available on the Company’s website www.capitalandcounties.com.

Additional disclosures

Events after the reporting period

The information required to be disclosed pursuant to LR 9.8.4R and 
Schedule  7,  Large  and  Medium-sized  Companies  and  Groups 
(Accounts and Reports) Regulations (as amended) can be found in the 
following locations:

Interest capitalised

Non-pre-emptive issue of equity

Interests in significant contracts

Going concern

Page

153

176

178

As set out on page 32, the Directors have a reasonable expectation that 
the Company and the Group will have adequate resources to meet both 
ongoing and future commitments over a period of at least 12 months 
from the date of approval of the financial statements. Accordingly, they 
continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the Annual 
Report & Accounts.

Disclosure to auditors

Details of events after the reporting period can be found in note 36 of the 
financial statements on page 181.

Annual General Meeting

The 2022 Annual General Meeting of the Company will be held on 
28 June 2022. The Notice of Meeting will contain the specific details, 
and, together with an explanation of the business to be dealt with at the 
meeting, is included as a separate document sent to shareholders via 
electronic or hard copy means dependent on their election. The Notice 
of Meeting will be issued to shareholders at least 20 working days 
before the meeting, and will also be made available on the Company's 
website. Shareholders are requested to check the Company's website 
for the latest details concerning the 2022 AGM.

By Order of the Board.

So far as the Directors are aware, there is no relevant audit information 
of which the auditors are unaware and each Director has taken all steps 
that he or she ought to have taken as a Director in order to make himself 
or herself aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that 
the auditors are aware of that information.

Ruth Pavey

Company Secretary

22 February 2022

Independent auditors

The Board has recommended that PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, who have 
indicated their willingness to continue in office, be reappointed as the 
Company’s independent auditors and a resolution seeking their reappoint-
ment will be proposed at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting. The 
external audit contract was last put out to competitive tender in 2019.

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Financial Statements

Directors’ responsibilities 

Directors’ responsibilities 

Independent auditors’ report 

Independent Auditors’ Report to the Members of 
Capital & Counties Properties PLC  

Statement of directors’ responsibilities 

Report on the audit of the financial statements 

The Directors are responsible for preparing the Annual Report and Accounts in accordance with applicable law and regulations. 

Opinion 

Company law requires the Directors to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under that law the Directors have prepared the Group 
and Company financial statements in accordance with UK-adopted international accounting standards and in accordance with International 
Financial Reporting Standards. Under company law the Directors must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give 
a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Group and the Company and of the profit or loss of the Group and the Company for that period.  
In preparing the financial statements, the Directors are required to: 

–  select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently; 

–  make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent; 

–  state whether for the Group and Company, UK-adopted international accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material 

departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and  

–  prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis, unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Group and Company will continue 

in business. 

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

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

Each of the Directors, whose names and functions are listed in the Governance section, confirm that, to the best of their knowledge: 

–  the Group and the Company financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with UK-adopted international accounting 

standards, give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit/(loss) of the Group and Company; 

–  the Directors’ report includes a fair review of the development and performance of the business and the position of the Group, together with  

a description of the principal risks and uncertainties that it faces; and 

–  having taken all matters considered by the Board and brought to the attention of the Board during the year into account, the Directors consider 
that the Annual Report & Accounts, taken as a whole, are fair, balanced and understandable. The Directors believe that the disclosures set out  
in the Annual Report & Accounts provide the information necessary for shareholders to assess the Group and Company’s position, performance, 
business model and strategy. 

The financial statements on pages 133 to 188 were approved by the Board of Directors on 22 February 2022 and signed on its behalf by: 

Ian Hawksworth 
Chief Executive 

Situl Jobanputra 
Chief Financial Officer 

In our opinion, Capital & Counties Properties PLC Group financial statements and Company financial statements (the “financial statements”): 

–  give a true and fair view of the state of the Group’s and of the Company’s affairs as at 31 December 2021 and of the Group’s profit and  

the Group’s and Company’s cash flows for the year then ended; 

–  have been properly prepared in accordance with UK-adopted international accounting standards; and  

–  have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006. 

We have audited the financial statements, included within the Annual Report & Accounts 2021 (the “Annual Report”), which comprise: the 
consolidated and Company balance sheets as at 31 December 2021; the consolidated income statement, the consolidated statement of 
comprehensive income, the consolidated and Company Statements of changes in equity and the consolidated and Company statement of  
cash flows for the year then ended; and the notes to the financial statements, which include a description of the significant accounting policies. 

Our opinion is consistent with our reporting to the Audit Committee. 

Basis for opinion 

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (“ISAs (UK)”) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under 
ISAs (UK) are further described in the Auditors’ responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We believe that the audit 
evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. 

Independence 

We remained independent of the Group in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the 
UK, which includes the FRC’s Ethical Standard, as applicable to listed public interest entities, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities 
in accordance with these requirements. 

To the best of our knowledge and belief, we declare that non-audit services prohibited by the FRC’s Ethical Standard were not provided. 

Other than those disclosed in note 7, we have provided no non-audit services to the Company or its controlled undertakings in the period under audit. 

Our audit approach 

Overview 

Audit scope 

–  We audited the complete financial information of the Group, which comprises Covent Garden, Lillie Square and Other 

Key audit matters 

–  Valuation of investment and development property (Group) 

–  Recoverability of rental receivables, deferrals and lease incentives (Group) 

–  Valuation of investments in Group companies (Company) 

Materiality 

–  Overall Group materiality: £27.9 million (2020: £29.1 million) based on 1 per cent of total assets 

–  Overall Company Materiality: £23.1 million (2020: £23.2 million) based on 1 per cent of total assets 

–  Performance materiality: £20.9 million (2020: £21.8 million) (Group) and £17.3 million (2020: £17.4 million) (Company) 

The scope of our audit 

As part of designing our audit, we determined materiality and assessed the risks of material misstatement in the financial statements. 

Key audit matters 

Key audit matters are those matters that, in the auditors’ professional judgement, were of most significance in the 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) identified by the auditors, 
including 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, and any comments we make on the results of our procedures thereon, were addressed in the context of our audit 
of the financial statements as a whole, and in forming our opinion thereon, and we do not provide a separate opinion on these matters. 

This is not a complete list of all risks identified by our audit.  

Valuation of investments in Group companies and amounts owed by subsidiaries (Company) is a new key audit matter this year. Going concern, 
accounting for Shaftesbury related transactions and COVID-19, which were key audit matters last year, are not included because they are no longer 
considered material items in the context of the Group audit or they have been considered within other Key Audit Matters. Otherwise, the key audit 
matters below are consistent with last year. 

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Financial Statements

Independent auditors’ report continued 

Key audit matter 

  How our audit addressed the key audit matter 

Key audit matter 

Valuation of investment and development property 
(Group) 

Refer to the Audit Committee Report and note 16 to the  
financial statements.  

The valuation of the Group’s investment and development property is 
the key component of the net asset value and is also significant in the 
context of the Group’s result for the year. Accordingly we identified 
this area as a key audit matter.  

The result of the revaluation this year was a loss of £9.9 million 
(2020: loss of £692.2 million) as set out in note 16, which is 
accounted for within ‘Loss on revaluation and sale of investment  
and development property’ and is a significant component of the 
result for the year. The Group’s property portfolios, which comprise 
investment property (including retail, F&B, office and residential)  
as well as development property located in central London, are  
not uniform in nature.  

There are a number of different assumptions made by the Group’s 
third party valuers, CBRE and JLL (the “valuers”), in determining  
fair value: 

–  Investment property – the valuation of investment properties 

(principally the Group’s Covent Garden portfolio) is inherently 
subjective, due principally to the individual nature of each 
property, which greatly influences the future rental income 
expected to be generated. The assumptions on which the property 
values are based are influenced by tenure and tenancy details for 
each property, prevailing market yields and the estimated rental 
value of each property.  

–  Development property – the valuation of development property 

(principally comprising the Group’s share of the Lillie Square joint 
venture development) is also inherently subjective. Development 
properties are valued using the residual approach in the absence 
of comparable transactions of development sites with similar 
characteristics at the valuation date. This method involves 
estimating the fair value of the completed project using either a 
sales comparison or income capitalisation method, less amounts 
for estimated costs to completion, finance costs and a market 
based profit margin providing a return on development risk. 
Macro-economic factors and uncertain market conditions  
impact the valuation of investment and development property. 

The fact that only a small percentage difference in individual property 
valuations, when aggregated, could result in a material misstatement, 
warrants specific audit focus on this area. In addition, the valuation 
of the investment and development property in the current 
environment is particularly subjective given the current challenges 
facing the retail and hospitality occupier and investor markets  
as a result of COVID-19.  

  Assessing the valuers’ expertise and objectivity 

The valuers are well known and established firms and were engaged by the 
Directors, in accordance with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors 
Valuation – Professional Standards (“RICS”). We assessed the competence 
and capabilities of the valuers and verified their qualifications. We also 
assessed their independence by discussing the scope of their work  
and reviewing the terms of their engagement for unusual terms or fee 
arrangements. Based on this work, we are satisfied that the valuers were 
independent and competent and the scope of their work was appropriate.  

We engaged internal real estate valuation experts and qualified chartered 
surveyors with deep market knowledge in reading the external valuation 
reports prepared by CBRE (in respect of the Covent Garden portfolio) and 
JLL (in respect of the Lillie Square development). We confirmed that the 
valuation approaches for each were in accordance with the RICS  
standards and suitable for use in determining the final value for the  
purpose of the financial statements. 

Data provided to the valuers 

For investment properties, we validated a sample of the data provided to the 
valuers by management and found that it was consistent with the information  
we audited. This data included tenancy schedules, cost schedules, square 
footage details, capital receipts from residential sales completions and capital 
expenditure over the period, which we agreed back to appropriate supporting 
documentation. For development properties, we agreed that the planned schemes 
being valued were consistent with the actual planned developments. 

Assumptions and estimates used by the valuers 

We met with the valuers independently of management and gained an 
understanding of the valuation methods and assumptions used. We compared 
the movement in capital values over the period with market sector benchmarks to 
help identify significant changes in assumptions. The nature of assumptions used 
varied across the portfolio, depending on the nature of each property but they 
included estimated capital values, investment yields, estimated rental values, 
estimates of void rates and rent free periods, construction costs, finance cost 
and developers’ margins.  

In each of these areas, and on a sample basis, we compared the estimates and 
assumptions used by the valuers against our own expectations, using evidence of 
comparable market transactions. Where we identified estimates and assumptions 
that were outside the typical ranges used, we discussed these with the valuers to 
understand the rationale and then assessed, based on all the available evidence 
and our experience in this sector, whether the use of the estimate or assumption 
was justified.  

As part of this work, we considered the reasonableness of assumptions that are 
not so readily comparable with published benchmarks, in particular ERV where, 
for a sample of individual units, we specifically challenged the valuers to support 
their individual ERV assumptions with reference to available evidence and in the 
context of the impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic on retailers. It was 
evident from our interaction with the external valuers, and from our review of the 
valuation reports, that close attention had been paid to each property’s individual 
characteristics at a detailed, tenant by tenant level, as well as considering specific 
factors such as the latest leasing and sale activity, the desirability of the asset and 
the impact that COVID-19 has had on the asset. Our testing indicated that the 
estimates and assumptions used were appropriate in the context of the Group’s 
property portfolio and reflected the circumstances of the market in the year. 

  How our audit addressed the key audit matter 

  Assumptions and estimates used by the valuers continued 

We considered how climate change risks would impact the assumptions 
such as capital expenditure made in the valuation of investment property. 
We also considered the consistency of the disclosures in relation to climate 
change made within the Annual Report. With the support of our internal 
valuation experts, we also questioned the external valuers as to the extent  
to which recent market transactions and expected rental values which they 
made use of in deriving their valuations took into account the impact of 
climate change and related ESG considerations. 

We evaluated the methodology utilised by the Directors in determining the 
ECL provisions as at 31 December 2021 and satisfied ourselves that the 
approach is compliant with the requirements of IFRS 9 Financial Instruments. 

We obtained and checked the mathematical accuracy, and completeness, 
of the underlying data used to calculate the provision balances, both in 
respect of rent arrears and unamortised lease incentives. This included 
verifying, on a sample basis, a tenant’s year end outstanding receivable 
balance; a tenant’s year end unamortised lease incentive balance; the 
tenant’s credit history and current trading performance; the status of ongoing 
discussions with the tenant in particular in relation to the impact of COVID-19 
on rent collection; the ageing of the balances; the level of cash collections 
both during the year and post year end; and forward looking 
macroeconomic factors, amongst others.  

For a sample of tenant debtors across the different risk categories, we 
obtained and reviewed the assessment performed by management to 
determine the tenant’s viability and associated risk categorisation. 

We verified the mathematical accuracy of the provision calculations and 
checked that the provision had been calculated in line with IFRS 9 and  
the Group’s accounting policy.  

We performed sensitivity analysis to understand the impact that reasonable 
changes in the provisioning percentage assumptions could have on the 
overall ECL provision and assessed the appropriateness of related disclosures 
in the notes to the accounts.  

Based on our audit work performed, we consider the approach to the 
methodology for, and calculation of ECL provisions to be appropriate. 

Valuation of investment and development property 
(Group) continued 

There is also growing scrutiny on the valuation of assets given  
the potential impact of the climate change agenda. Therefore in 
planning our audit we made inquiries to understand the extent of  
the potential impact of climate change risk on the Group’s financial 
statements. Management considers that the impact of climate change 
does not have a material impact on the financial statements.  

Recoverability of rental receivables, deferrals and lease 
incentives (group) 

Refer to the Audit Committee Report and notes 1 and 4 to the 
financial statements. At 31 December 2021, the Group has rent 
receivable balances of £17.8 million (2020: £34.7 million) against 
which an Expected Credit Loss (ECL) provision of £10.9 million 
(2020: £12.4 million) has been booked and £42.2 million (2020: 
£37.5 million) of unamortised lease incentives, against which an ECL 
provision of £3.4 million (2020: £6.1 million) has been booked.  

The disruption created by COVID-19 and government actions 
restricting trading, has placed significant stress on the Group’s 
tenants. In response to this, the Group has provided support to a 
number of its tenants over the past two years in the form of rent 
deferrals, rent-free periods and other arrangements, depending on 
the position of each tenant. These circumstances have resulted in a 
significant level of arrears as at 31 December 2021 and incremental 
lease incentives on the Group’s balance sheet. As a result, there is a 
heightened level of judgement and estimation uncertainty associated 
with calculating the required ECL provision, both in respect of rent 
receivables and unamortised lease incentives.  

Whilst trading conditions for the Group’s tenants improved during the 
second half of 2021, the effects of the pandemic may continue to be 
experienced for some time. In this context the estimation of an ECL 
provision against accounts receivables and unamortised lease 
incentives continues to be subjective and contains significant 
estimation uncertainty.  

The Directors have utilised a provisioning matrix methodology to 
determine the ECL provision. Under this approach each tenant has 
been placed into a risk category based on the perceived risk of 
tenant default. Multiple data points have been used to drive this 
categorisation including: the size and type of business, payment 
history, current trading performance, credit information, forward-
looking economic factors and ongoing tenant negotiations. 

A provisioning percentage has then been applied to each category 
to reflect the expected portion of receivables within each risk 
category for which an ECL provision is required. In considering  
the provision for unamortised lease incentives management has  
also assessed whether a tenant is expected to continue in operation 
until the planned end of its lease term.  

Management has also considered the additional security provided 
by tenant deposits when considering required ECL provisions. On  
the basis of the significant estimation uncertainty in determining the 
appropriate level of ECL provisions, in particular given the impact 
that COVID-19 has had on the retail and food and beverage 
sectors, we identified this as a key audit matter. 

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Financial Statements

Independent auditors’ report continued  

Key audit matter 

  How our audit addressed the key audit matter 

Materiality continued 

Valuation of investments in Group companies and 
amounts owed by subsidiaries (Company) 

Refer to Note III (Investment in Group companies) and note IV  
(Trade and other receivables) of the Company financial statements. 

The Company holds investments in Group companies of £516.4 
million (2020: £516.4 million), and loans to subsidiaries of 
£1,793.0 million (2020: £1,794.4 million). 

We assessed the accounting policy for investments and loans in subsidiaries 
to ensure they were compliant with IFRS. 

We verified that the methodology used by management in arriving at the 
carrying value of investments in subsidiaries as at 31 December 2021,  
and the expected credit loss for the intercompany receivables, was 
compliant with IFRS. 

Whilst these eliminate on consolidation in the Group financial 
statements, they are recorded in the Company financial statements.  

We obtained management’s impairment assessment for the recoverability  
of investments in and loans to subsidiaries.  

The impairment assessment of the Company's investments in  
and loans to subsidiaries was identified as a key audit matter  
given the assessment is impacted by the key judgements made  
in relation to the underlying valuation of investment property held  
by the subsidiaries. Management has concluded that no impairment 
was required. 

We performed testing over management’s impairment calculation and 
verified that no impairment was required.  

We identified the key judgement in assessing any requirement for impairment 
of investments in subsidiaries and loans to subsidiaries was the underlying 
valuation of investment and development property held by the Group’s 
subsidiaries and joint ventures.  

For details of our procedures over investment property valuations please refer 
to the related Group key audit matter above. We have no issues to report in 
respect of this work. 

How we tailored the audit scope 

We tailored the scope of our audit to ensure that we performed enough work to be able to give an opinion on the financial statements as a whole, 
taking into account the structure of the Group and the Company, the accounting processes and controls, and the industry in which they operate. 

The Group is structured along the following business lines: Covent Garden, Lillie Square and Other. The Group engagement team audited all business lines. 

Materiality 

The scope of our audit was influenced by our application of materiality. We set certain quantitative thresholds for materiality. These, together with 
qualitative considerations, helped us to determine the scope of our audit and the nature, timing and extent of our audit procedures on the individual 
financial statement line items and disclosures and in evaluating the effect of misstatements, both individually and in aggregate on the financial 
statements as a whole. 

Based on our professional judgement, we determined materiality for the financial statements as a whole as follows: 

Overall materiality 

£27.9 million (2020: £29.1 million). 

  £23.1 million (2020: £23.2 million). 

Financial statements - Group 

  Financial statements - Company 

How we determined it 

1 per cent of total assets 

  1 per cent of total assets 

Rationale for benchmark applied 

The key measure of the Group’s performance is the 
valuation of investment and development properties 
and the balance sheet as a whole. On this basis, and 
consistent with the prior year, we set an overall Group 
materiality level based on total assets. 

  The Company is predominantly an investment holding 
Company and therefore total assets is deemed the 
most appropriate benchmark. 

In addition to overall Group materiality, a specific materiality was also applied to certain areas of the income statement and related working capital 
balances. Our specific materiality is aligned with the metrics in the consolidated income statement that we believe are of particular interest to the 
members and we determined those metrics to be net rental income and finance costs. In order to reflect their specific characteristics, we applied 
materiality levels of 5 per cent of the five year average of net rental income from 2017 – 2021 and 5 per cent of current year gross finance costs. 

We use performance materiality to reduce to an appropriately low level the probability that the aggregate of uncorrected and undetected 
misstatements exceeds overall materiality. Specifically, we use performance materiality in determining the scope of our audit and the nature  
and extent of our testing of account balances, classes of transactions and disclosures, for example in determining sample sizes. Our performance 
materiality was 75 per cent (2020: 75 per cent) of overall materiality, amounting to £20.9 million (2020: £21.8 million) for the Group financial 
statements and £17.3 million (2020: £17.4m) for the Company financial statements. 

In determining the performance materiality, we considered a number of factors - the history of misstatements, risk assessment and aggregation  
risk and the effectiveness of controls - and concluded that an amount at the upper end of our normal range was appropriate. 

We agreed with the Audit Committee that we would report to them misstatements identified during our audit above £1.4 million (Group audit) 
(2020: £1.5 million) and £1.1 million (Company audit) (2020: £1.2 million) as well as misstatements below those amounts that, in our view, 
warranted reporting for qualitative reasons. 

Conclusion relating to Going concern 

Our evaluation of the directors’ assessment of the Group's and the Company’s ability to continue to adopt the going concern basis of  
accounting included: 

–  assessing the appropriateness of the Group’s cash flow, liquidity and gearing covenant forecasts in the context of the Group’s 2021  

balance sheet 

–  understanding and assessing the appropriateness of the key assumptions used both in the base case and in the severe but plausible downside 

scenario, including assessing whether we considered the downside sensitivities to be appropriately severe 

–  corroborating key assumptions (e.g. rental income and finance costs) to underlying documentation and ensuring this was consistent with our  

audit work in these areas 

–  testing the mathematical accuracy of management’s cash flow models 

–  obtaining and reperforming the Group’s forecast covenant compliance calculations, including sensitising the forecasts of net rental income  

and property values to assess the potential impact of downside sensitivities on covenant compliance 

–  considering the appropriateness of the mitigating actions available to management in the event of the downside scenario materialising. 

Specifically, we focused on whether these actions are within the Group’s control and are achievable 

–  reviewing the going concern disclosures in the financial statements 

–  reviewing the disclosures provided relating to the going concern basis of preparation, and found that these provided an explanation of the 

Directors’ assessment that was consistent with the evidence we obtained 

Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or 
collectively, may cast significant doubt on the Group's and the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve 
months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue. 

In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the directors’ use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the 
financial statements is appropriate. 

However, because not all future events or conditions can be predicted, this conclusion is not a guarantee as to the Group's and the Company's 
ability to continue as a going concern. 

In relation to the directors’ reporting on how they have applied the UK Corporate Governance Code, we have nothing material to add or draw 
attention to in relation to the directors’ statement in the financial statements about whether the directors considered it appropriate to adopt the going 
concern basis of accounting. 

Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the directors with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report. 

Reporting on other information  

The other information comprises all of the information in the Annual Report other than the financial statements and our auditors’ report thereon.  
The directors are responsible for the other information, which includes reporting based on the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures 
(TCFD) recommendations. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, accordingly, we do not express an 
audit opinion or, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in this report, any form of assurance 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 an apparent material inconsistency or material misstatement, we are required to perform procedures to conclude 
whether there is a material misstatement of 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 this other information, we are required to report that fact. We have nothing  
to report based on these responsibilities. 

With respect to the Strategic report and Statement of directors’ responsibilities, we also considered whether the disclosures required by the UK 
Companies Act 2006 have been included. 

Based on our work undertaken in the course of the audit, the Companies Act 2006 requires us also to report certain opinions and matters as 
described on next page. 

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Financial Statements

Independent auditors’ report continued  

Strategic report and Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities 

In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit, the information given in the Strategic report and Statement of Directors’ 
Responsibilities for the year ended 31 December 2021 is consistent with the financial statements and has been prepared in accordance with 
applicable legal requirements. 

In light of the knowledge and understanding of the Group and Company and their environment obtained in the course of the audit, we did not 
identify any material misstatements in the Strategic report and Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities. 

Directors’ Remuneration 

In our opinion, the part of the Directors’ remuneration report to be audited has been properly prepared in accordance with the Companies Act 2006. 

Corporate Governance statement 

The Listing Rules require us to review the directors’ statements in relation to going concern, longer-term viability and that part of the corporate 
governance statement relating to the Company’s compliance with the provisions of the UK Corporate Governance Code specified for our review. 
Our additional responsibilities with respect to the corporate governance statement as other information are described in the Reporting on other 
information section of this report. 

Based on the work undertaken as part of our audit, we have concluded that each of the following elements of the corporate governance statement 
is materially consistent with the financial statements and our knowledge obtained during the audit, and we have nothing material to add or draw 
attention to in relation to: 

–  The Directors’ confirmation that they have carried out a robust assessment of the emerging and principal risks; 

–  The disclosures in the Annual Report that describe those principal risks, what procedures are in place to identify emerging risks and an 

explanation of how these are being managed or mitigated; 

–  The Directors’ statement 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 Group’s and Company’s ability to continue to do so over a period 
of at least twelve months from the date of approval of the financial statements; 

–  The Directors’ explanation as to their assessment of the Group's and Company’s prospects, the period this assessment covers and why the period 

is appropriate; and 

–  The Directors’ statement as to whether they have a reasonable expectation that the Company will be able to continue in operation and meet its liabilities 
as they fall due over the period of its assessment, including any related disclosures drawing attention to any necessary qualifications or assumptions. 

Our review of the Directors’ statement regarding the longer-term viability of the Group was substantially less in scope than an audit and only 
consisted of making inquiries and considering the directors’ process supporting their statement; checking that the statement is in alignment with the 
relevant provisions of the UK Corporate Governance Code; and considering whether the statement is consistent with the financial statements and  
our knowledge and understanding of the Group and Company and their environment obtained in the course of the audit. 

In addition, based on the work undertaken as part of our audit, we have concluded that each of the following elements of the corporate 
governance statement is materially consistent with the financial statements and our knowledge obtained during the audit: 

–  The Directors’ statement that they consider the Annual Report, taken as a whole, is fair, balanced and understandable, and provides  
the information necessary for the members to assess the Group’s and Company's position, performance, business model and strategy; 

–  The section of the Annual Report that describes the review of effectiveness of risk management and internal control systems; and 

–  The section of the Annual Report describing the work of the Audit Committee. 

We have nothing to report in respect of our responsibility to report when the directors’ statement relating to the Company’s compliance with the 
Code does not properly disclose a departure from a relevant provision of the Code specified under the Listing Rules for review by the auditors. 

Responsibilities for the financial statements and the audit 
Responsibilities of the Directors for the financial statements 

As explained more fully in the Statement of directors’ responsibilities, the directors are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance 
with the applicable framework and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view. The directors are also responsible for such internal control as they 
determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. 

In preparing the financial statements, the directors are responsible for assessing the Group’s and the 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. 

Auditors’ responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements 

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether 
due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditors’ report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a 
guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise 
from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic 
decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements. 

Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, 
outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which our procedures are capable of 
detecting irregularities, including fraud, is detailed below. 

Based on our understanding of the Group and industry, we identified that the principal risks of non-compliance with laws and regulations related  
to the Companies Act 2006 and UK tax legislation, including the Real Estate Investment Trust (“REIT”) requirements, and we considered the extent  
to which non-compliance might have a material effect on the financial statements. We also considered those laws and regulations that have a  
direct impact on the financial statements such as Companies Act 2006. We evaluated management’s incentives and opportunities for fraudulent 
manipulation of the financial statements (including the risk of override of controls), and determined that the principal risks were related to the posting 
of inappropriate journal entries, and management bias in accounting estimates and judgemental areas of the financial statements. Audit procedures 
performed by the engagement team included: 

–  Discussions with management and the Group’s internal auditors, including consideration of known or suspected instances of noncompliance  

with laws and regulations and fraud. 

–  Evaluation of management’s controls designed to prevent and detect irregularities. 

–  Evaluation of the Group’s compliance with the REIT requirements, including considering the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the various 

REIT compliance tests. 

–  Challenging assumptions and judgements made by management in their significant accounting estimates, in particular in relation to the valuation 

of investment and development property and recoverability of rental receivables (see key audit matters above). 

–  Identifying and testing journal entries, in particular any journal entries posted to revenue with unusual account combinations or posted by senior management. 

–  Reviewing relevant meeting minutes, including those of the Board and Audit Committee. 

There are inherent limitations in the audit procedures described above. We are less likely to become aware of instances of non-compliance with 
laws and regulations that are not closely related to events and transactions reflected in the financial statements. Also, the risk of not detecting a 
material misstatement due to fraud is higher than the risk of not detecting one resulting from error, as fraud may involve deliberate concealment  
by, for example, forgery or intentional misrepresentations, or through collusion. 

Our audit testing might include testing complete populations of certain transactions and balances, possibly using data auditing techniques. 
However, it typically involves selecting a limited number of items for testing, rather than testing complete populations. We will often seek to  
target particular items for testing based on their size or risk characteristics. In other cases, we will use audit sampling to enable us to draw  
a conclusion about the population from which the sample is selected. 

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the FRC’s website at: 
www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditors’ report. 

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Financial Statements

Independent auditors’ report continued  

Financial statements 

Consolidated income statement 

for the year ended 31 December 2021 

Responsibilities for the financial statements and the audit continued 
Use of this report 

This report, including the opinions, has been prepared for and only for the Company’s members as a body in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the 
Companies Act 2006 and for no other purpose. We do not, in giving these opinions, accept or assume responsibility for any other purpose or to any other 
person to whom this report is shown or into whose hands it may come save where expressly agreed by our prior consent in writing. 

Other required reporting 

Companies Act 2006 exception reporting 

Under the Companies Act 2006 we are required to report to you if, in our opinion: 

–  we have not obtained all the information and explanations we require for our audit; or 

Continuing operations 

Revenue 

Cost of sales 

Gross profit 

Other income/(costs) 

Administration expenses 

Expected credit loss 

–  adequate accounting records have not been kept by the Company, or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from branches  

Loss on revaluation and sale of investment and development property  

not visited by us; or 

–  certain disclosures of directors’ remuneration specified by law are not made; or 

–  the Company financial statements and the part of the Directors’ remuneration report to be audited are not in agreement with the accounting 

records and returns. 

We have no exceptions to report arising from this responsibility. 

Appointment 

Following the recommendation of the Audit Committee, we were appointed by the members on 3 June 2010 to audit the financial statements for  
the year ended 31 December 2010 and subsequent financial periods. The period of total uninterrupted engagement is 12 years, covering the 
years ended 31 December 2010 to 31 December 2021. 

Other matter 

In due course, as required by the Financial Conduct Authority Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rule 4.1.14R, these financial statements will 
form part of the ESEF-prepared annual financial report filed on the National Storage Mechanism of the Financial Conduct Authority in accordance 
with the ESEF Regulatory Technical Standard (‘ESEF RTS’). This auditors’ report provides no assurance over whether the annual financial report will 
be prepared using the single electronic format specified in the ESEF RTS. 

Andrew Paynter (Senior Statutory Auditor) 
for and on behalf of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP 
Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditors 
London 

22 February 2022 

Change in value of investments and other receivables 

Fair value gain on financial assets at fair value through profit or loss 

Operating profit/(loss)  

Finance income 

Finance costs  

Other finance income 

Other finance costs 

Change in fair value of derivative financial instruments 

Net finance costs 

Profit/(loss) before tax  

Current tax  

Deferred tax 

Taxation  

Profit/(loss) for the year from continuing operations  

Discontinued operation 

Profit for the year from discontinued operation 

Profit/(loss) for the year  

Profit/(loss) attributable to:  

Owners of the Parent 

Earnings per share attributable to owners of the Parent2 

Basic and diluted earnings/(loss) per share 

Note 

4 

5 

6 

7 

27 

8 

9 

19 

10 

11 

10 

11 

20 

12 

13 

2021 
£m

68.0

(21.8)

46.2

3.0

(22.8)

–

(15.8)

11.6

44.6

66.8

0.5

(31.7)

8.1

(1.8)

(11.9)

(36.8)

Re-presented
20201 
£m

73.9

(44.0)

29.9

(1.0)

(31.0)

(14.0)

(693.1)

(28.2)

50.9

(686.5)

0.5

(24.1)

20.5

(0.6)

(14.5)

(18.2)

30.0

(704.7)

–

(0.7)

(0.7)

0.8

0.2

1.0

29.3

(703.7)

–

29.3

1.0

(702.7)

29.3

(702.7)

3.4p

(82.5)p

Earnings per share from continuing operations attributable to owners of the Parent2 

Basic and diluted earnings/(loss) per share 

Weighted average number of shares  

15 

15 

3.4p

851.3m

(82.6)p

852.2m

1. The Group has changed the way in which its performance is presented on the face of the income statement. The prior-year comparatives have been re-presented to reflect this 
change. The underlying results have not been affected and this modified presentation has had no effect on operating profit, profit before tax or profit for the year. Details of the 
re-presentation are set out in note 1 ‘Principal accounting policies’.  

2. Earnings per share from the discontinued operation are shown in note 15 ‘Earnings per share and net assets per share’. 

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Financial Statements

Financial statements continued  

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income 

Consolidated balance sheet 

for the year ended 31 December 2021 

as at 31 December 2021 

Profit/(loss) for the year 

Total comprehensive income/(expense) for the year  

Attributable to:  

Owners of the Parent  

Arising from:  

Continuing operations 

Discontinued operation 

Note

2021 
£m 

29.3 

2020
£m

(702.7)

29.3 

(702.7)

29.3 

(702.7)

13

29.3 

– 

(703.7)

1.0

Non-current assets 

Investment and development property  

Property, plant and equipment  

Investment in joint ventures 

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss 

Derivative financial assets 

Deferred tax 

Trade and other receivables 

Current assets 

Trade and other receivables 

Tax assets 

Cash and cash equivalents 

Total assets 

Non-current liabilities 

Borrowings, including lease liabilities 

Derivative financial liabilities 

Current liabilities 

Borrowings, including lease liabilities 

Tax liabilities 

Trade and other payables 

Total liabilities 

Net assets 

Equity 

Share capital 

Other components of equity 

Equity attributable to owners of the Parent 

Note 

2021
£m

2020
£m

16 

17 

18 

19 

20 

28 

21 

21 

22 

24 

20 

24 

23 

29 

1,694.5

1,795.8

0.6

0.3

4.4

0.3

596.4

551.8

1.1

6.1

120.8

2,419.8

59.2

0.5

319.0

378.7

–

6.8

118.2

2,477.3

65.7

–

365.1

430.8

2,798.5

2,908.1

(940.3)

(32.1)

(972.4)

(0.7)

–

(39.0)

(39.7)

(1,079.0)

(22.5)

(1,101.5)

(1.6)

(1.0)

(44.3)

(46.9)

(1,012.1)

(1,148.4)

1,786.4

1,759.7

212.8

1,573.6

1,786.4

212.8

1,546.9

1,759.7

These consolidated financial statements on pages 133 to 181 have been approved for issue by the Board of Directors on 22 February 2022 and 
signed on its behalf by: 

Ian Hawksworth 
Chief Executive 

Situl Jobanputra 
Chief Financial Officer 

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Financial Statements

Financial statements continued  

Consolidated statement of changes in equity  

Statement of consolidated cash flows 

for the year ended 31 December 2021 

for the year ended 31 December 2021 

Note 

Share 
capital 
£m 

Share
premium
£m

213.6 

228.9

Merger
reserve1
£m

367.6

Share-based 
payment 
reserve
 £m

Other 
reserves 
£m 

Retained 
earnings 
£m 

Total
equity
£m

6.0

(0.4) 

1,661.8 

2,477.5

Balance at 1 January 2020 

Loss for the year 

Total comprehensive expense for 
the year ended 31 December 2020 

Transactions with owners 

Ordinary shares issued2 

Share buyback 

Dividends 

Realisation of merger reserve1 

Realisation of share-based payment reserve on 
issue of shares 

Fair value of share-based payment 

Total transactions with owners 

Balance at 31 December 2020 

Profit for the year 

Total comprehensive income for  
the year ended 31 December 2021 

Transactions with owners 

Ordinary shares issued2  

Dividends 

Realisation of merger reserve1 

Realisation of share-based payment  
reserve on issue of shares 

Fair value of share-based payment 

Realisation of cash flow hedge 

Total transactions with owners 

29 

29 

14 

29 

14 

Capital
redemption
reserve
£m

–

–

–

–

1.5

–

–

–

–

– 

– 

0.7 

(1.5)

– 

– 

– 

– 

–

–

3.3

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(53.9)

–

–

(0.8)

3.3

212.8 

232.2

1.5

1.5

(53.9)

313.7

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

–

–

0.3

–

–

–

–

–

0.3

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(20.0)

–

–

–

(20.0)

–

–

–

–

–

–

(0.9)

1.3

0.4

6.4

–

–

–

–

–

(0.2)

1.5

–

1.3

7.7

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

(702.7) 

(702.7)

(702.7) 

(702.7)

– 

4.0

(11.8) 

(11.8)

(8.5) 

53.9 

0.8 

– 

(8.5)

–

(0.1)

1.3

34.4 

(15.1)

(0.4) 

993.5 

1,759.7

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

0.1 

0.1 

29.3 

29.3

29.3 

29.3

– 

(4.3) 

20.0 

– 

– 

– 

15.7 

0.3

(4.3)

–

(0.2)

1.5

0.1

(2.6)

(0.3) 

1,038.5 

1,786.4

Balance at 31 December 2021 

212.8 

232.5

1.5

293.7

1. Represents non-qualifying consideration received by the Group following the share placing in May 2014 and previous share placements. The amounts taken to the merger 
reserve do not currently meet the criteria for qualifying consideration and therefore will not form part of distributable reserves as they form part of linked transactions. Realised 
merger reserve relates to disposal of Southampton Street properties during the year (2020: the Wellington block during the prior year) as these properties were originally 
acquired using proceeds from the share placement. 

2. Share premium includes £0.3 million (2020: £3.3 million) of ordinary shares issued relating to the bonus issue in lieu of cash dividends. Refer to note 14 ‘Dividends’ for further 

information. 

Continuing operations 

Cash flows from operating activities 

Cash generated/(utilised) from operations 

Interest paid 

Interest received 

Tax paid 

Net cash inflow/(outflow) from operating activities 

Cash flows from investing activities 

Purchase and development of property 

Sale of property 

Sale of discontinued operation 

Sale of subsidiaries1 

Acquisition of listed equity investment  

Loan advances (from)/to joint ventures 

Net cash inflow/(outflow) from investing activities 

Cash flows from financing activities 

Share buyback 

Borrowings drawn 

Borrowings repaid 

Principal element of lease payments 

Repayment of derivative financial instruments 

Cash dividends paid 

Net cash (outflow)/inflow from financing activities 

Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents  

Unrestricted cash and cash equivalents at 1 January  

Unrestricted cash and cash equivalents at 31 December 

Note 

32 

13 

14 

22 

2021
£m

2020
£m

27.9

(26.3)

0.4

(1.5)

0.5

(7.9)

94.7

15.2

–

–

(1.0)

101.0

–

–

(140.0)

(0.2)

(3.4)

(4.0)

(32.3)

(22.7)

0.5

(0.3)

(54.8)

(23.9)

76.8

194.1

0.2

(500.9)

3.2

(250.5)

(11.8)

930.0

(390.0)

(0.9)

(5.4)

(4.6)

(147.6)

517.3

(46.1)

365.1

319.0

212.0

153.1

365.1

1. Sale of subsidiaries in the prior year included deferred consideration of £0.2 million relating to the disposal of The Brewery by EC&O Limited on 9 February 2012.  

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Financial Statements

Notes to the accounts 

Notes to the accounts 

for the year ended 31 December 2021 

1 Principal accounting policies 

General information 

Capital & Counties Properties PLC (the “Company”) was incorporated and registered in England and Wales and domiciled in the United Kingdom on  
3 February 2010 under the Companies Act 2006 as a public company limited by shares, registration number 7145051. The registered office of the 
Company is Regal House, 14 James Street, London, WC2E 8BU, United Kingdom. The principal activity of the Company is to act as the ultimate parent 
company of Capital & Counties Properties PLC Group (the “Group”), whose principal activity is the investment, development and management of property.  

The Group’s assets principally comprise investment and development property at Covent Garden. 

Basis of preparation 

The Group’s consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”), and  
in accordance with UK-adopted international accounting standards in conformity with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.  

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention as modified for the revaluation of property,  
derivative financial instruments and equity investments held at fair value through profit or loss.  

The Directors have taken advantage of the exemption offered by section 408 of the Companies Act 2006 not to present a separate income 
statement or statement of comprehensive income for the Company. The financial statements of the Company are set out on pages 182-188. 

The format of the Consolidated income statement has been changed to improve the presentation of the financial statements in accordance with  
IAS 1 ‘Presentation of Financial Statements’ by presenting cost of sales in our expenses by function and to insert a line item for impairment losses 
determined in accordance with IFRS 9 ‘Financial instruments’. The categories rental income, rental expense and the subtotal for net rental income 
have been removed and categories for cost of sales and expected credit losses have been inserted. The order of cost categories have also been 
adjusted. As a result the 2020 comparative information has been re-presented. Rental expenses of £58.0 million as disclosed in the 2020 Annual 
Report & Accounts has been replaced by £44.0 million disclosed as cost of sales and £14.0 million as expected credit losses. There is no change 
in ‘Operating profit’, ‘Profit before tax’ or ‘Profit after tax’ as a result of the change in presentation. 

The sub heading net rental income, as a component of underlying earnings and required for the Group’s presentation of net rental growth, remains 
an important alternative performance measure for the Group. Therefore net rental income continues to be disclosed within note 3 ‘Underlying 
earnings’ and the ‘Analysis of property portfolio’. The breakdown of revenue and cost of sales has been included in notes 4 and 5 respectively. 

In the current year, the Group has applied the below amendments to IFRS Standards and Interpretations issued by the Board that are effective for 
annual periods that begin on or after 1 January 2021. Their adoption has not had any material impact on the disclosures or on the amounts 
reported in these financial statements. 

Amendments to References to the Conceptual Framework in IFRS Standards: 

–  IAS 39 ‘Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement’ (amendment) (Interest Rate Benchmark Reform) 

–  IFRS 7 ‘Financial Instruments: Disclosures’ (amendment) (Interest Rate Benchmark Reform) 

–  IFRS 9 ‘Financial Instruments’ (amendment) (Interest Rate Benchmark Reform) 

–  IFRS 16 ‘Leases’ (amendment) (COVID-19 related Rent Concessions) 

–  Amendments to IFRS (Annual improvements cycle 2015-2017) 

At the date of approval of the consolidated financial statements the following standards and interpretations which have not been applied in these financial 
statements were in issue but not effective, and in some cases have not been adopted for use under UK-adopted international accounting standards: 

–  IAS 1 ‘Presentation of Financial Statements’ (amendment) (Classification of Liabilities as Current and Non-Current) 

–  IFRS 3 ‘Business Combinations’ (amendment) (Reference to Conceptual Framework) 

–  IAS 16 ‘Property, Plant and Equipment’ (amendment) (Proceeds before Intended Use) 

–  IAS 37 ‘Provisions, Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets’ (Onerous contracts – Cost of fulfilling a contract) 

–  Amendments to IFRS (Annual improvements cycle 2018-2020) 

The Group has assessed the impact of these new standards and interpretations and does not anticipate any material impact on the financial statements.  

A summary of the Group’s principal accounting policies, which have been applied consistently across the Group, is set out on the following pages. 

1 Principal accounting policies continued 

Going concern 

The Directors have considered the appropriateness of adopting the going concern basis in preparing the consolidated financial statements including an 
assessment of the impact of the pandemic on the business. The Group’s going concern assessment covers the period to 30 June 2023, being a period 
of at least 12 months from the date of authorisation of these consolidated financial statements (the “going concern period”).  

Whilst the COVID-19 pandemic has brought about unprecedented challenges and disruption to our tenants and business, the effective vaccination and 
booster programme has brought a return towards more normalised levels of activity with footfall and trade recovering throughout H2 2021. EPRA vacancy 
level remains low with negligible tenant failures and cash collections continue to improve. Market conditions and leasing transactions are supportive of ERV 
growth. Nevertheless uncertainty remains with physical occupation of office space in central London currently not yet back to pre-pandemic levels, the 
outlook for international travel uncertain and operational issues including supply chain pressures and staff shortages impacting the retail, hospitality and 
leisure sectors in particular. 

The Group’s conservative base case assumes a gradual recovery in business and consumer sentiment, based on the assumption that footfall and 
sales will return to pre-pandemic levels by the end of 2023.  

In determining the potential future downside impact of COVID-19, the Group has also assessed a “severe but plausible” downside scenario which 
captures the possibility of a further round of UK Government restrictions in response to the pandemic resulting in a deterioration in trading conditions over 
the going concern period. Notwithstanding the extended closure of non-essential retail and hospitality during the first half of 2021, the Group traded 
ahead of its base position and severe but plausible downside forecast (as measured by net rental income) for the year. In particular the interest cover ratio 
in relation to the Covent Garden debt for 2021 was 225 per cent, comfortably ahead of the covenant level of 120 per cent. Despite the backdrop of the 
Omicron variant, operating metrics including rent collection have continued to show improvement over the important Christmas trading period.  

The Group has adopted a severe but plausible downside scenario which includes the following key assumptions:  

–  A combination of rent concessions focusing particularly on the retail, F&B and leisure sectors, extended voids and tenant failures due to supply chain 

pressures and staff shortages, which have a consequent impact of a substantial reduction in forecast net rental income over the going concern period. The 
rental concessions provided to tenants, notably rent-free periods, create a divergence between cash collected and reported net rental income as rent-free 
periods are amortised over the lease term. These assumptions have also been factored into the expected credit loss assessment.  

–  Declines in rental values along with a widening of yields, result in further reduced asset values and a significant reduction in rental income. The Group has  

a strong financial position with net debt to gross assets of 24 per cent and access to cash and undrawn facilities of £652 million as at 31 December 2021.  

–  The impact of climate change risk is expected to be very limited within the going concern period. Interruptions to trade from severe weather 

events are possible but would be consistent with the impact considered in the severe but plausible downside scenario.  

The Group has long-term relationships with its lenders, and the Directors believe that the Group’s lenders will continue to view the Group as a well-
positioned customer throughout the going concern period. The Group’s financial resources are expected to be sufficient to cover forecast property 
operating costs, administrative expenses, finance and other costs over the going concern period. The Covent Garden debt facilities have two 
principal financial covenants, being a loan to value ratio of up to 60 per cent and interest cover of at least 120 per cent. Each of these is tested as 
at or in respect of the six months ending 30 June and the 12 months ending 31 December.  

As at the year end, the Covent Garden group had net debt of £254 million and a loan to value ratio of 15 per cent, which compares with a debt 
covenant level of 60 per cent. The interest cover ratio in relation to the Covent Garden debt for 2021 was 225 per cent, comfortably ahead of the 
covenant level of 120 per cent. The Covent Garden debt matures between 2024 and 2037, with the revolving credit facility currently undrawn. 
No debt facilities are due to mature and no new financing is assumed during the going concern period.  

The independent property valuation could withstand over 70 per cent decline during the going concern period before a breach of the loan to value 
covenant, absent any mitigating actions which the Group may take. During the going concern period there is projected to be sufficient headroom 
against the interest cover covenant, including in the severe but plausible downside scenario. Mitigating actions, including those within the Group’s 
control such as reducing certain discretionary expenses and finance costs through repayment of Covent Garden debt, would provide further headroom.  

Based on their analysis the Directors are satisfied that there is a reasonable expectation that the Group will be able to meet its ongoing and future 
commitments for at least 12 months from the date of approval of the consolidated financial statements and have therefore resolved that the financial 
statements be prepared on a going concern basis. 

Basis of consolidation  

These consolidated financial statements include the consolidation of the following limited partnerships: Capital & Counties CGP, Capco CGP 2012 
LP (up until dissolution on 30 June 2021), CG Investments 2016 LP (up until dissolution on 30 June 2021) and Innova Investment Group Holdings 
LP. The members of these qualifying partnerships have taken advantage of exemptions available in Statutory Instrument 2008/569 and therefore 
will not produce consolidated accounts at the partnership level or submit such annual reports accounts to Companies House. 

The consolidated financial statements are prepared in British pounds sterling, which is also determined to be the functional currency of the Parent. 

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Financial Statements

Notes to the accounts continued 

1 Principal accounting policies continued 

Subsidiaries  

Subsidiaries are fully consolidated from the date on which the Group has control, it is exposed, or has rights, to variable returns from its involvement with  
an entity and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over an entity. Subsidiaries cease to be consolidated from the date this control is lost. 

Non-controlling interests are recognised on the basis of their proportionate share in the recognised amounts of a subsidiary’s identifiable net assets. On the 
balance sheet non-controlling interests are presented separately from the equity of the owners of the Parent. Profit or loss and total comprehensive income or 
expense for the period attributable to non-controlling interests are presented separately in the income statement and the statement of comprehensive income. 

Critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimation and uncertainty 

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in accordance with IFRS requires the Directors to make judgements, estimates and assumptions 
that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, equity, income and expenses from sources not readily apparent. Although these estimates and 
assumptions are based on management’s best knowledge of the amount, historical experiences and other factors, actual results ultimately may  
differ from those estimates. The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are 
recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised if the revision affects only that period. 

The significant areas of estimation and uncertainty are: 

Property valuation: The most significant area of estimation and uncertainty in the consolidated financial statements is in respect of the valuation of  
the property portfolio, where external valuations are obtained.  

The fair value of the Group’s investment, development and trading property at 31 December 2021 was determined by independent, appropriately 
qualified external valuers CBRE for the Covent Garden estate and JLL for Lillie Square. The valuations conform to the Royal Institution of Chartered 
Surveyors (“RICS”) Valuation Professional Standards. 

As various inputs used in the valuation calculations are based on assumptions, property valuations are inherently subjective and subject  
to a degree of uncertainty. The Group’s external valuers have made a number of assumptions as outlined within note 16 ‘Property Portfolio’ in 
forming their opinion on the valuation of the Group’s investment and trading properties and although these assumptions are in accordance with the 
RICS Valuation Professional Standards, if any prove to be incorrect, it 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. The key unobservable inputs used in the 
valuation models and a sensitivity analysis for each are disclosed on page 160.  

Impairment of trade receivables: COVID-19 has continued to cause operational and financial challenges to the Group’s tenants and as a result tenant default 
risk remained heightened with rent collections impacted. In view of disruption to business and consumer activity, bespoke support has been provided to 
customers on a case-by-case basis, which includes rent deferrals, rent-free periods and other arrangements reflecting the position of each customer. 

Assumptions are involved in the calculation of the impairment provision, using the expected credit loss model within IFRS 9, in respect of rent 
receivable balances outstanding at the period end. The expected credit loss rates are based on forward-looking information as well as historical 
evidence of collection with the Q2 2020 to Q4 2021 quarterly collection statistics providing twenty-one months of information as an indication of 
the COVID-19 trading period. However, in the current market, with continued uncertainty, additional information, including the draft Commercial 
Rents (Coronavirus) Bill, has been reviewed in calculating the expected credit loss. All tenants are allocated a risk rating, as determined by 
management, and provided a rating of maximum, high, medium and low risk. Maximum risk tenants are predominately in the retail and F&B  
sector. The classification is developed by taking into consideration information on the tenant’s credit rating, current financial position, historical 
trading performance, historical default rate and the current impact of COVID-19 on the operational performance of the business. 

In assessing the provision the Group also identifies risk factors associated by sector (F&B, retail, office, leisure and residential) and the type of rent 
receivable outstanding (rent arrears, service charge, insurance, other). In determining the provision on a tenant-by-tenant basis, the Group considers 
recent payment history, deposits or guarantees held and future expectations of the tenant’s ability to pay or possible default in order to recognise an 
expected credit loss allowance. Based on sector and rent receivable type a provision is made in addition to full provision for maximum risk tenants 
or known issues.  

The provision for expected credit loss against rent receivables is £10.9 million (2020: £12.4 million) and is included within the rent receivable 
balance included in note 21 ‘Trade and Other Receivables’. The expected credit loss recognised in the income statement reflects the rent 
receivables impaired in the year for tenant failures or tenants who have vacated as well as the movement on the balance sheet provision. In the 
current year the rent receivables impaired were offset by the movement in the balance sheet resulting in nil expected credit loss charge recognised  
in the income statement (2020: £14.0 million).  

Retail and F&B represents approximately 74 per cent of the Group’s portfolio and have been the sectors most impacted by COVID-19 and 
government restrictions, with these sectors making up over 80 per cent of the rent receivable balance. Tenants classified as maximum risk have been 
provided in full. The Group has effectively provided for 61 per cent of the net arrears. If the expected credit loss for high and medium risk tenants 
was increased by ten per cent the provision would increase by £0.1 million (2020: £0.5 million) and if low risk tenants are included it would 
increase by £0.3 million (2020: £0.7 million). If the expected credit loss was reduced by ten per cent the provision would decrease by £0.1 
million (2020: £0.7 million) and if low risk tenants are included would reduce by £0.2 million (2020: £0.9 million). 

1 Principal accounting policies continued 

Critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimation and uncertainty continued 

The key areas of accounting judgement are: 

Property classification: Judgement is required in the classification of property between investment and development, trading and  
owner occupied. Management considers each property separately and reviews factors including the long-term intention for the property, 
in determining if trading, and the level of ancillary income, in determining if owner occupied, to ensure the appropriate classification. 

Other less significant judgements and sources of estimation and uncertainty relate to revenue recognition, REIT compliance, significant disposals, 
scope of consolidation, assessing the degree of control or influence the Group exercises over investments, provisions, share-based payments and 
contingent liabilities. 

Operating segments 

Management has determined the operating segments with reference to reports on divisional financial performance and position that are regularly 
reviewed by the Executive Directors, who are deemed to be the chief operating decision makers. 

Revenue recognition 

Rental income is recognised as revenue on a straight-line basis over the lease term.  

Tenant lease incentive payments, and in certain instances surrender premium payments which are directly linked to new leases, are amortised on a 
straight-line basis over the lease terms as a reduction in net rental income. Surrender premiums received for early termination of leases are reflected 
in net rental income. 

A lease modification occurs when an existing lease is renegotiated. Lease modifications are accounted for as a new lease from the effective date  
of the modification, considering any prepaid or accrued lease payments relating to the original lease as part of the lease payments for the new 
lease. On entering into a lease modification any initial direct costs associated with the lease, including surrender premia previously paid, are 
derecognised through rental expense in the year. 

Contingent rents, being those lease payments that are not fixed at the inception of a lease, for example increases arising on rent reviews  
and turnover rent, are recorded as income in the periods in which they are earned.  

Service charge income in the ordinary course of business is recorded as income over time in the year in which the services are provided. 

Where revenue is obtained by the sale of property, it is recognised when the buyer obtains control of the property. This will normally take place  
on legal completion.  

Other income 

Other income includes management fees charged to joint ventures for services associated with the management of properties and other general 
expenses as defined by management agreements. These fees are recognised over time, using time elapsed as the input method which measures  
the benefit simultaneously received and consumed by the customer, over the period the services are provided. 

Dividend income is included in other income in the income statement and recognised when the right to receive payment is established. 

Foreign currencies 

Transactions in currencies other than the Group’s functional currency are recorded at the exchange rate prevailing at the transaction date. Foreign 
exchange gains and losses resulting from settlement of these transactions and from retranslation of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in 
foreign currencies are recognised in the income statement. 

Income taxes 

Current tax is the amount payable on the taxable income for the year and any adjustment in respect of prior years. It is calculated using rates that 
have been enacted or substantially enacted by the balance sheet date. 

In accordance with IAS 12 ‘Income Taxes’, deferred tax is provided for using the balance sheet liability method on temporary differences between 
the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the tax bases of those assets and liabilities. However, temporary 
differences are not recognised to the extent that they arise from the initial recognition of goodwill or an asset or liability in a transaction that is not  
a business combination and at the time of the transaction, affects neither accounting nor taxable profit or loss; or are associated with investments in 
subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates where the timing of the reversal of the temporary difference can be controlled by the parent, venture or 
investor, respectively, and it is probable that the temporary differences will not reverse in the foreseeable future. 

Deferred tax is determined using tax rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the balance sheet date and are expected to apply 
when the related deferred tax asset is realised or the deferred tax liability is settled.  

Deferred tax assets are recognised only to the extent that management believes it is probable that future taxable profit will be available against 
which the deferred tax assets can be recovered. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are only offset when there is a legally enforceable right to offset 
current tax assets and liabilities and when the deferred tax assets and liabilities relate to income taxes levied by the same tax authority on either the 
same taxable group or different taxable entities where there is an intention to settle balances on a net basis.  

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Financial Statements

Notes to the accounts continued 

1 Principal accounting policies continued 

Income taxes continued 

Tax is included in the income statement except when it relates to items recognised in other comprehensive income or directly in equity, in which 
case the related tax is also recognised in other comprehensive income or directly in equity respectively. 

Discontinued operation 

A discontinued operation is a component of the Group’s business that represents a separate major line of the business that has been disposed of  
or is classified as held for sale. Discontinued operations are presented separately from continuing operations in the income statement, statement  
of comprehensive income and statement of cash flows.  

Share-based payment 

1 Principal accounting policies continued 

Trading property continued 

The amount of any write down of trading property to market value is recognised as an expense in the period the write down occurs. Should  
a valuation uplift occur in a subsequent period, the amount of any reversal shall be recognised as a reduction in the previous write down in  
the period in which the uplift occurs. This may not exceed the property’s cost.  

The sale of trading property is recognised as revenue when the buyer obtains control of the property. Total costs incurred in respect of trading 
property are recognised simultaneously as an expense.  

Leases 

The Group assesses whether a contract is or contains a lease, at inception of the contract. 

The cost of granting share options and other share-based remuneration to employees and Directors is recognised through the income statement  
with reference to the fair value of the instrument at the date of grant. 

Group as a lessee: 

The income statement is charged over the vesting period of the options with a corresponding increase in equity. An option pricing model is used 
applying assumptions around expected yields, forfeiture rates, exercise price and volatility.  

Upon eventual exercise, a reserves transfer occurs with no further charge reflected in the income statement.  

Own shares held in connection with employee share plans and other share-based payment arrangements are treated as treasury shares and 
deducted from equity.  

Investment and development property 

Investment and development property is owned or leased by the Group and held for long-term rental income and capital appreciation. 

The Group has chosen to use the fair value model. Property and any related obligations are initially recognised when the significant risks and rewards attached 
to the property have transferred to the Group. Payments made in respect of the future acquisition of investment and development property are initially recognised 
as prepayments until the recognition criteria outlined above have been met. Investment and development property is recorded at cost and subsequently revalued 
at the balance sheet date to fair value as determined by professionally qualified external valuers on the basis of market value. 

The fair value of property is arrived at by adjusting the market value as above for directly attributable tenant lease incentives and fixed head leases. 

Property held under leases is stated gross of the recognised lease liability. 

The valuation is based upon assumptions as outlined within the property portfolio note. These assumptions conform with the RICS Valuation 
Professional Standards. The cost of properties includes capitalised interest and other directly attributable outgoings, with the exception of properties 
and land where no development is imminent in which case no interest is included. Interest is capitalised (before tax relief) on the basis of the 
weighted average cost of debt outstanding until the date of practical completion. 

When the Group redevelops a property for continued future use, that property is classified as investment and development property during the 
redevelopment period and continues to be measured at fair value. 

Gains or losses arising from changes in the fair value of investment and development property are recognised in the income statement in the  
period in which they arise. Depreciation is not provided in respect of investment property including plant and equipment integral to such investment 
property. Investment and development properties cease to be recognised as investment and development property when they have been disposed 
of or when they cease to be held for the purpose of generating rental income or for capital appreciation. 

Disposals are recognised on completion. Gains or losses arising are recognised in the income statement. The gain on disposal is determined  
as the difference between the net sales proceeds and the carrying amount of the asset at the commencement of the accounting period plus capital 
expenditure in the period.  

A property ceases to be recognised as investment and development property and is transferred at its fair value to trading property when in the 
Directors’ judgement, development commences with the intention of sale. Criteria considered in this assessment include the Board’s stated intention, 
contractual commitments and physical, legal and financial viability. 

When the use of a property changes from trading property to investment and development property, the property is transferred at fair value with  
any resulting gain or loss recognised in the income statement. 

Trading property 

Trading property comprises those properties that in the Directors’ view are not held for long-term rental income or capital appreciation and are 
expected to be disposed of within one year of the balance sheet date or to be developed with the intention to sell.  

Such property is constructed, acquired, or if transferred from investment and development property, transferred at fair value which is deemed to 
represent cost. Subsequently trading property is carried at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Net realisable value is the estimated selling 
price in the ordinary course of business, less the estimated costs of completion and selling costs. This approximates market value as determined by 
professionally qualified external valuers at the balance sheet date. Details of the valuation methodology are set out in note 16 ‘Property Portfolio’. 

The Group recognises a right-of-use asset and a lease liability at the lease commencement date. The right-of-use asset is initially measured at cost, 
which comprises the initial amount of the lease liability adjusted for any lease payments made at or before the commencement date, plus any initial 
direct costs incurred and an estimate of costs to dismantle and remove the underlying asset or to restore the underlying asset or the site on which it is 
located, less any lease incentives received. 

The right-of-use asset is subsequently depreciated using the straight-line method from the commencement date to the end of the lease term, unless the 
lease transfers ownership of the underlying asset to the Group by the end of the lease term or the cost of the right-of-use asset reflects that the Group 
will exercise a purchase option. In that case the right-of-use asset will be depreciated over the useful life of the underlying asset, which is determined 
on the same basis as those of property, plant and equipment. In addition, the right-of-use asset is periodically reduced by impairment losses, if any, 
and adjusted for certain remeasurements of the lease liability.  

The lease liability is initially measured at the present value of the lease payments that are not paid at the commencement date, discounted using the interest 
rate implicit in the lease or, if that rate cannot be readily determined, the Group’s incremental borrowing rate. Generally, the Group uses its incremental 
borrowing rate as the discount rate. The Group determines its incremental borrowing rate by obtaining interest rates from various external financing sources 
and makes certain adjustments to reflect the terms of the lease and type of the asset leased. 

The lease liability is measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method. It is remeasured when there is a change in future lease payments 
arising from a change in an index or rate, if there is a change in the Group’s estimate of the amount expected to be payable under a residual value 
guarantee, if the Group changes its assessment of whether it will exercise a purchase, extension or termination option or if there is a revised in-
substance fixed lease payment. 

When the lease liability is remeasured in this way, a corresponding adjustment is made to the carrying amount of the right-of-use asset, or is 
recorded in profit or loss if the carrying amount of the right-of-use asset has been reduced to zero. 

The Group presents right-of-use assets that do not meet the definition of investment property in ‘Property, plant and equipment’ and lease liabilities  
in ‘Borrowings’ in the balance sheet. 

Short-term leases and leases of low-value assets: 

The Group has elected not to recognise right-of-use assets and lease liabilities for leases of low-value assets and short-term leases, including IT equipment. 
The Group recognises the lease payments associated with these leases as an expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term. 

Group as a lessor: 

As a lessor the Group classifies its leases as either operating or finance leases. A lease is classified as a finance lease if it transfers substantially  
all the risk and rewards incidental to ownership of the underlying asset, and classified as an operating lease if it does not. 

As lessor, the Group accounts for a modification to an operating lease as a new lease from the effective date of the modification, considering  
any prepaid or accrued lease payments relating to the original lease as part of the lease payments for the new lease. 

Property, plant and equipment 

Property consists of leased properties. At the commencement date of a lease, a right-of-use asset and a lease liability are recognised.  
Initial recognition of the asset and liability is measured at the present value of the lease payments, discounted at the average incremental borrowings 
rate applicable at the date of recognition. Depreciation is charged against the asset to the income statement on a straight-line basis over an asset’s 
estimated useful life. 

Plant and equipment consist of fixtures, fittings and other office equipment. Plant and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation 
and any accumulated impairment losses. Cost includes the original purchase price of the asset plus any attributable cost in bringing the asset to its 
working condition for its intended use. Depreciation is charged to the income statement on a straight-line basis over an asset’s estimated useful life, 
using the straight-line basis. Currently, the maximum life of the Group’s plant and equipment is 10 years. The residual value and useful life of an 
asset is reviewed at each financial year end. 

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Financial Statements

Notes to the accounts continued 

1 Principal accounting policies continued 

Investment in Group companies  

1 Principal accounting policies continued 

Trade and other receivables 

Investment in Group companies, which eliminates on consolidation, is stated in the Company’s separate financial statements at cost less impairment 
losses, if any. Impairment losses are determined with reference to the investment’s fair value less estimated selling costs. Fair value is derived from  
the subsidiaries’, and their subsidiaries’, net assets at the balance sheet date. On disposal, the difference between the net disposal proceeds and  
its carrying amount is included in the income statement. 

Investment in joint ventures 

Joint ventures are those entities over whose activities the Group has joint control, established by contractual agreement. Investments in joint ventures 
are accounted for using the equity method. On initial recognition the investment is recognised at cost, and the carrying amount is subsequently 
increased or decreased to recognise the Group’s share of the profit or loss of the joint venture after the date of acquisition. Goodwill, if any,  
on acquisition is included in the carrying amount of the investment.  

The Group’s investment in joint ventures is presented separately on the balance sheet and the Group’s share of the joint venture’s post-tax profit  
or loss for the period is also presented separately in the income statement. 

Where there is an indication that the Group’s investment in joint ventures may be impaired the Group evaluates the recoverable amount of its 
investment, being the higher of the joint venture’s fair value less costs to sell and value in use. If the recoverable amount is lower than the carrying 
value an impairment loss is recognised in the income statement.  

If the Group’s share of losses in a joint venture equals or exceeds its investment in the joint venture, the Group does not recognise further losses, 
unless it has legal or constructive obligations to make payments on behalf of the joint venture. 

Investments and other financial assets 

On initial recognition, a financial asset is classified as measured at amortised cost, fair value through other comprehensive income, or fair value 
through profit or loss.  

Financial assets are not reclassified subsequent to their initial recognition unless the Group changes its business model for managing financial assets, 
in which case all affected financial assets are reclassified on the first day of the first reporting period following the change in the business model. 

For assets measured at fair value through profit or loss, gains and losses will be recorded in profit or loss.  

Purchases and sales of financial assets are recognised on trade date, being the date on which the Group commits to purchase or sell the asset. 
Financial assets are derecognised when the rights to receive cash flows from the financial assets have expired or have been transferred and the 
Group has transferred substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership.  

At initial recognition, the Group measures a financial asset at its fair value plus, in the case of a financial asset not at fair value through profit or 
loss, transaction costs that are directly attributable to the acquisition of the financial asset. Transaction costs of financial assets carried at fair value 
through profit or loss are expensed in profit or loss.  

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss comprise listed equity investments and include the Group’s investment in Shaftesbury PLC. The Group 
subsequently measures all equity investments at fair value. Changes in the fair value of financial assets at fair value through profit or loss are recognised 
in other gains or losses in the statement of profit or loss as applicable. The Group has elected to measure its investment in Shaftesbury PLC at fair value 
through profit or loss, in accordance with IFRS 9. The Group does not have board representation on the Shaftesbury board, nor has there been an 
exchange of managerial personnel. The Group has not provided any guarantees of indebtedness, nor extended any credit to the company and  
does not exercise significant influence over the company. Accordingly the Group accounts for the investment at fair value through profit or loss.  

Derivative financial instruments  

The Group uses non-traded derivative financial instruments to manage exposure to interest rate risk. They are initially recognised on the trade date  
at fair value and subsequently remeasured at fair value based on market price. The method of recognising the resulting gain or loss depends on 
whether the derivative is designated as a hedging instrument, and if so, the nature of the item being hedged. Instruments that have not been 
designated as qualifying for hedge accounting are classified as fair value through profit and loss. Changes in fair value of these instruments are 
recognised directly in the income statement.  

The Group designates certain derivatives as hedges of a highly probable forecast transaction (cash flow hedge). For hedging instruments, the Group 
documents at the inception of the transaction the relationship between hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as its risk management objectives 
and strategy for undertaking hedging transactions. The Group also documents its assessment, both at hedge inception and on an ongoing basis, of 
whether the derivatives that are used in hedging transactions are highly effective in offsetting changes in cash flows of hedged items. 

The effective portion of changes in the fair value of derivatives that are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges is recognised in other 
comprehensive income. The gain or loss relating to the ineffective portion is recognised immediately in the income statement. Amounts accumulated 
in equity are reclassified to profit or loss in the periods when the hedged item affects profit or loss.  

When a hedging instrument expires or is sold, or when a hedge no longer meets the criteria for hedge accounting, any cumulative gain or loss 
existing in equity at that time remains in equity and is recognised when the forecast transaction is ultimately recognised in the income statement. 
When a forecast transaction is no longer expected to occur, the cumulative gain or loss that was reported in equity is immediately transferred  
to the income statement. 

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Trade and other receivables are initially recognised at fair value and subsequently measured at amortised cost. The methodology for assessment  
of impairment is defined in the following paragraph. 

Impairment of financial assets 

The Group applies the IFRS 9 ‘Financial Instruments’ expected credit loss model in order to calculate a lifetime expected loss allowance for all 
financial assets. To measure the expected credit losses, receivables are reviewed on an individual contract basis. The expected loss rates are based 
on forward-looking information as well as historical evidence of collection. In the current environment the historical loss rates are adjusted to reflect 
current and future information such as estimated future cash flows or by using fair value where this is available through observable market prices  
and review of macro-economic factors which may affect the counterparty’s ability to settle the receivables.  

For rent receivables, all tenants are allocated a risk rating, as determined by management, and provided a rating of maximum, high, medium and 
low risk. Maximum risk tenants, which account for 20 per cent of the commercial portfolio, are predominantly in the retail and F&B sector. The 
classification is developed by taking into consideration information on the tenant’s credit rating, current financial position, historical trading 
performance, historical default rate and the current impact of COVID-19 on the operational performance of the business. In assessing the provision 
the Group identifies risk factors associated by sector (food and beverage, retail, office, leisure and residential) and the type of rent receivable 
outstanding (rent arrears, service charge, insurance, other). In determining the provision on a tenant by tenant basis, the Group considers both recent 
payment history and future expectations of the tenant’s ability to pay or possible default in order to recognise an expected credit loss allowance. 
Based on sector and rent receivable type a provision is provided in addition to a full provision for maximum risk tenants or known issues. 

If, in a subsequent period, the amount of the impairment loss decreases and the decrease can be related objectively to an event occurring after the 
original impairment was recognised, the impairment reversal is recognised in the income statement on a basis consistent with the original charge. 

Tenant lease incentives are impaired based on an assessment of tenant affordability and fully impaired for all maximum risk tenants.  

Cash and cash equivalents 

Cash and cash equivalents are recognised at fair value. Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash on hand, deposits with banks and other short-
term highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less. 

Trade and other payables 

Trade payables are obligations for goods or services acquired in the ordinary course of business. Trade and other payables are recognised at fair 
value and subsequently measured at amortised cost until settled. 

Deposits 

Property deposits and on account receipts are held within trade and other payables. 

Provisions 

Provisions are recognised when the Group has a current obligation arising from a past event and it is probable that the Group will be required to settle  
the obligation. Provisions are measured at the Directors’ best estimate of the expenditure required to settle the obligation at the balance sheet date. 

Borrowings 

Borrowings mainly comprise bank loans (revolving credit facility and secured loan), loan notes (US Private Placements) and compound financial 
instruments (exchangeable bonds).  

Bank loans and loan notes are ordinarily recognised initially at their net proceeds as an approximation of fair value. If the transaction price is not  
an approximation of fair value at initial recognition, the Group determines the fair value as evidenced by a quoted price in an active market for an 
identical instrument or based on a valuation technique that uses data from observable markets. Bank loans and loan notes are subsequently carried 
at amortised cost. Any transaction costs, premiums or discounts are capitalised and recognised over the contractual life of the loan using the 
effective interest rate method, or on a straight-line basis where it is impractical to do so. 

In the event of early repayment, transaction costs, premia or discounts paid or unamortised costs are recognised immediately in the income statement.  

Compound financial instruments issued by the Group comprise exchangeable bonds that are convertible into shares of another entity. The 
exchangeable bonds are bifurcated into a liability and embedded derivative option component on initial recognition. The carrying value of the 
liability at initial recognition is the difference between the fair value of the entire instrument as a whole and the embedded derivative’s fair value. 
Any directly attributable transaction costs are allocated to each component in proportion to their initial carrying amounts. The issue costs apportioned 
to the embedded derivative are recognised immediately in the income statement.  

Subsequent to initial recognition, the liability component of a compound financial instrument is measured at amortised cost using the effective interest 
method. Any transaction costs apportioned to the liability are included in the carrying amount and recognised over the contractual life of the liability 
using the effective interest rate method. 

Interest related to the financial liability is recognised in profit or loss. The embedded derivative is measured at fair value with the fair value 
adjustment accounted for directly through profit or loss. 

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Financial Statements

Notes to the accounts continued 

1 Principal accounting policies continued 

Pensions 

The costs of the defined contribution scheme and the Group’s personal pension plans are charged against profits or losses in the year in which they fall due.  

Contingent liabilities and capital commitments 

Contingent liabilities are disclosed where there are present or possible obligations arising from past events, but the economic impact is uncertain  
in timing, occurrence or amount. A description of the nature and, where possible, an estimate of the financial effect of contingent liabilities  
are disclosed. 

Capital commitments are disclosed when the Group has a contractual future obligation which has not been provided for at the balance sheet date. 
Amounts are only provided for where such obligations are onerous. 

Share capital 

Ordinary shares are classified as equity. Incremental costs directly attributable to the issue of ordinary shares are recognised as a deduction from 
equity, net of any tax effects.  

2 Segmental reporting 

Management has determined the operating segments based on reports reviewed by the Executive Directors, who are deemed to be the chief 
operating decision makers. The principal performance measures have been identified as net rental income, underlying earnings per share and  
net asset value.  

For management and reporting purposes the Group is organised into the following divisions: 

–  Covent Garden; 

–  Other, which comprises the Shaftesbury PLC (“Shaftesbury”) investment, Innova, The Great Capital Partnership and other head office companies 

and investments; 

–  Lillie Square which represents the Group’s interests in Lillie Square and a number of smaller properties in the adjacent area. 

Management information is reported to the chief operating decision makers on a Group share basis. Outlined below is the Group share 
by segment: 

Segment 

Covent Garden 

Other 

Other, including the investment in Shaftesbury 

Innova 

GCP 

Lillie Square  

Lillie Square joint venture 

Lillie Square Holding Group 

Group share

100%

100%

50%

50%

50%

100%

Segmental reporting has been presented in line with management information and therefore consolidation adjustments are presented to reconcile 
segmental performance and position to the IFRS total.  

The Group’s operating segments derive their revenue primarily from rental income from lessees. Unallocated expenses consist primarily of costs 
incurred centrally which are neither directly nor meaningfully attributable to individual segments. 

2 Segmental reporting continued 

Reportable segments 

Continuing operations 

Rental income 

Proceeds from sale of trading property 

Revenue 

Rent receivable 

Service charge income 

Rental income 

Property and service charge expenses 

Underlying net rental income/(expense) 

Lease modification and impairment of tenant lease incentives 

Net rental income/(expense) 

Other income 

Profit on sale of trading property 

Write down of trading property 

Loss on revaluation and sale of investment and  
development property 

Change in value of investments and other receivables 

Fair value gain on financial assets at fair value  
through profit or loss 

Segment profit/(loss) 

Unallocated costs: 

Administration expenses  

Operating (loss)/profit 

Net finance costs 

Net other finance costs 

Change in fair value of derivative financial instruments 

(Loss)/profit before tax 

Taxation 

(Loss)/profit for the year 

(Loss)/profit attributable to:  

Owners of the Parent 

Summary balance sheet 

Total segment assets1 

Total segment liabilities1 

Segmental net assets 

Unallocated assets2 

Net assets 

Other segment items: 

Depreciation  

Capital expenditure 

Covent
Garden
£m

Other
£m

68.0

–

68.0

62.7

5.3

68.0

(15.9)

52.1

(5.9)

46.2

–

–

–

(15.7)

–

–

30.5

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

2.7

–

–

–

(56.1)

44.6

(8.8)

2021 

Lillie
Square
£m

2.0

24.7

26.7

0.2

1.8

2.0

(1.8)

0.2

–

0.2

–

5.6

Group 
total  
£m 

Consolidation 
adjustments 
£m

70.0 

24.7 

94.7 

62.9 

7.1 

70.0 

(17.7) 

52.3 

(5.9) 

46.4 

2.7 

5.6 

(2.0)

(24.7)

(26.7)

(0.2)

(1.8)

(2.0)

1.8

(0.2)

–

(0.2)

0.3

(5.6)

(12.0)

(12.0) 

12.0

(0.1)

(0.5)

–

(6.8)

(15.8) 

(56.6) 

44.6 

14.9 

(22.7) 

(7.8) 

(31.4) 

(1.1) 

(11.9) 

(52.2) 

(0.7) 

(52.9) 

–

68.2

–

74.7

(0.1)

74.6

0.2

7.4

–

82.2

–

82.2

IFRS
total
£m

68.0

–

68.0

62.7

5.3

68.0

(15.9)

52.1

(5.9)

46.2

3.0

–

–

(15.8)

11.6

44.6

89.6

(22.8)

66.8

(31.2)

6.3

(11.9)

30.0

(0.7)

29.3

2,053.1

(585.6)

1,467.5

615.0

(426.5)

188.5

(52.9) 

82.2

29.3

121.1

2,789.2 

(2.4)

(1,014.5) 

118.7

1,774.7 

18.9 

(9.6)

2.4

(7.2)

–

2,779.6

(1,012.1)

1,767.5

18.9

1,793.6 

(7.2)

1,786.4

(0.2)

(6.8)

–

–

–

(2.2)

(0.2) 

(9.0) 

–

2.2

(0.2)

(6.8)

1. Total segmental assets and total segmental liabilities exclude loans between and investments in Group undertakings.  

2. Represents Group cash held outside of the Covent Garden group. The Group operates a central treasury function which manages and monitors the Group’s finance income 

and costs and a portion of the Group’s cash balances.  

146  Capco Annual Report & Accounts 2021 
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147 
147

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial Statements

Notes to the accounts continued 

2 Segmental reporting continued 

Reportable segments 

Continuing operations 

Rental income 

Proceeds from sale of trading property 

Revenue 

Rent receivable 

Service charge income 

Rental income 

Property and service charge expenses 

Expected credit losses 

Underlying net rental income/(expense) 

Lease modification and impairment of tenant lease incentives 

Net rental income/(expense) 

Other costs 
Profit on sale of trading property 

Write down of trading property 

Loss on revaluation and sale of investment and development property 

(692.6)

–

–

(676.3)

Change in value of investments and other receivables 

Fair value gain on financial assets at fair value through profit or loss 

Segment (loss)/profit 

Unallocated costs: 

Administration expenses  

Operating loss 

Net finance costs 

Net other finance costs 

Change in fair value of derivative financial instruments 

Loss before tax 

Taxation 

Loss for the year from continuing operations 

Discontinued operation 

Profit for the year from discontinued operation 

Covent
Garden
£m

Other
£m

73.9

–

73.9

68.8

5.1

73.9

(15.8)

(14.0)

44.1

(27.8)

16.3

–
–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(0.4)

–

(0.4)

–

(0.4)

(0.5)
–

–

–

–

50.9

50.0

Loss for the year 

Loss attributable to:  

Owners of the Parent 

Summary balance sheet 

Total segment assets1 

Total segment liabilities1 

Segmental net assets 

Unallocated assets2 

Net assets 

Other segment items: 

Depreciation  

Capital expenditure 

3 Underlying earnings 

The Group has applied the European Securities and Markets Authority (“ESMA”) guidelines on alternative performance measures (“APMs”) in these 
annual results. An APM is a financial measure of historical or future financial performance, position or cash flow of the Group which is not a 
measure defined or specified in IFRS.  

One of the key performance measures the Group uses is underlying earnings. The Group considers the presentation of underlying earnings to be useful 
supplementary information as it removes unrealised gains and certain other items and therefore represents the recurring, underlying performance of the business. 
Items that are excluded are net valuation gains/losses (including profits/losses on disposals), fair value changes, impairment charges, net refinancing charges, 
costs of termination of derivative financial instruments and other non-recurring costs and income. Net rental income as a component of underlying earnings 
remains and important alternative performance measure of the Group.  

Due to the impact of COVID-19 the calculation of underlying earnings was reviewed in the prior year and it was determined to remove the 
impairment of tenant incentives and lease modification expenses recorded in rental expenses from underlying earnings.  

Lease modification expenses of £2.6 million (2020: £16.7 million) comprise directly attributable lease costs previously held on balance sheet and 
amortised in accordance with IFRS 16. These non-cash costs have been incurred as a result of the Group providing rental support to its tenants during the 
COVID-19 pandemic and have been written off in accordance with the Group’s accounting policy. £3.3 million (2020: £11.1 million) of costs relating  
to the tenant lease incentives in respect of tenants who have entered administration or experienced significant disruptions to cash flows during the pandemic 
have been written off. Given the scale of the rental support provided to tenants in the current and prior year as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, these 
non-cash lease modification expenses and impairment of incentives have been material and at levels not experienced in the past nor expected to be 
incurred once tenant support measures required as a result of COVID-19 conclude. Accordingly they have been excluded from underlying profit on  
that basis, as disclosed in the Group’s APM policy. Details of all APMs used by the Group are set out in the APM section on page 189. 

Internally, the Board focuses on and reviews information and reports prepared on a Group share basis, which includes the Group’s share of joint 
ventures. Underlying earnings is reported on a Group share basis. 

2020 

Lillie
Square
£m

1.9

64.9

66.8

0.2

1.7

1.9

(2.0)

–

(0.1)

–

(0.1)

–
8.9

(1.4)

(0.7)

–

–

Group 
total  
£m 

Consolidation 
adjustments  
£m 

75.8 

64.9 

140.7 

69.0 

6.8 

75.8 

(18.2) 

(14.0) 

43.6 

(27.8) 

15.8 

(0.5) 
8.9 

(1.4) 

(693.3) 

– 

50.9 

(1.9) 

(64.9) 

(66.8) 

(0.2) 

(1.7) 

(1.9) 

2.0 

– 

0.1 

– 

0.1 

(0.5) 
(8.9) 

1.4 

0.2 

(28.2) 

– 

IFRS
total
£m

73.9

–

73.9

68.8

5.1

73.9

(16.2)

(14.0)

43.7

(27.8)

15.9

(1.0)
–

–

(693.1)

(28.2)

50.9

6.7

(619.6) 

(35.9) 

(655.5)

(31.5) 

0.5 

(31.0)

(651.1) 

(35.4) 

(686.5)

(23.8) 

8.6 

(14.5) 

0.2 

11.3 

– 

(23.6)

19.9

(14.5)

(680.8) 

(23.9) 

(704.7)

1.0 

– 

1.0

(679.8) 

(23.9) 

(703.7)

1.0 

– 

1.0

(678.8) 

(23.9) 

(702.7)

(678.8) 

(23.9) 

(702.7)

2,209.6

(740.5)

1,469.1

586.7

(408.3)

178.4

137.1

2,933.4 

(46.8) 

2,886.6

(12.9)

(1,161.7) 

13.4 

(1,148.3)

124.2

1,771.7 

(33.4) 

1,738.3

21.4 

– 

21.4

1,793.1 

(33.4) 

1,759.7

(0.3)

(19.1)

(1.2)

–

–

(8.1)

(1.5) 

(27.2) 

– 

7.0 

(1.5)

(20.2)

1. Total segmental assets and total segmental liabilities exclude loans between and investments in Group undertakings.  

2. Represents Group cash held outside of the Covent Garden group. The Group operates a central treasury function which manages and monitors the Group’s finance income 

and costs and a portion of the Group’s cash balances.  

148  Capco Annual Report & Accounts 2021 
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149 
149

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial Statements

Notes to the accounts continued 

3 Underlying earnings continued 

The calculation of underlying earnings per share, reconciled to the IFRS profit/(loss) for the year, is set out below: 

Continuing operations 

Rental income 

Property and service charge expenses 

Expected credit losses 

Underlying net rental income 

Other income/(costs) 

Underlying administration costs 

Underlying operating profit 

Finance costs 

Finance income 

Underlying net finance costs 

Underlying profit/(loss) before tax 

Taxation 

Underlying earnings/(loss) 

Underlying earnings/(loss) per share (pence) 

Weighted average number of shares in issue 

Underlying earnings/(loss)  

Adjustment to reconcile to IFRS: 

Lease modification expenses 

Impairment of tenant lease incentives  

Loss on revaluation and sale of investment and development property 

Change in value of investments and other receivables 

Non-underlying administration expenses 

Other finance income 

Other finance costs 

Change in fair value of derivative financial instruments 

Fair value gain on financial assets at fair value through profit or loss 

Taxation 

Other 

Profit/(loss) for the year from continuing operations 

Note

2021 
£m 

70.0 

(17.7) 

–  

52.3 

2.7 

(19.9) 

35.1 

(31.8) 

0.4 

(31.4) 

3.7 

0.4 

4.1 

0.5 

2020
£m

75.8

(18.2)

(14.0)

43.6

(0.5)

(25.0)

18.1

(24.3)

0.5

(23.8)

(5.7)

(0.5)

(6.2)

(0.7)

15

851.3m 

852.2m

4.1 

(6.2)

5

5

8

9

7

10

11

20

19

(2.6) 

(3.3) 

(15.8) 

11.6 

(2.8) 

8.1 

(1.8) 

(11.9) 

44.6 

(1.1) 

0.2 

29.3 

(16.7)

(11.1)

(693.1)

(28.2)

(6.5)

20.5

(0.6)

(14.5)

50.9

1.5

0.3

(703.7)

4 Revenue 

Continuing operations 

Rental income 

Service charge income 

Revenue 

All revenue has been generated from operations within the United Kingdom.  

5 Cost of sales 

Continuing operations 

Property expenses1 

Service charge expenses 

Total property outgoings 

Lease modification expenses2 

Impairment of tenant lease incentives2 

Cost of sales 

2021
£m

62.7

5.3

68.0

2021
£m

10.6

5.3

15.9

2.6

3.3

21.8

2020
£m

68.8

5.1

73.9

2020
£m

11.1

5.1

16.2

16.7

11.1

44.0

1. Included in property expenses for the current year is £0.5 million (2020: £1.2 million) of COVID-19 related security, cleaning and equipment costs. 
2. Due to the impact of COVID-19, lease modification expenses and impairment of tenant lease incentives have been excluded from underlying earnings. See note 3 ‘Underlying 

earnings’ for further details.  

6 Other income/(costs) 

Continuing operations 

Dividend income1 

Management fee income/(costs)2 

Other income/(costs) 

2021
£m

2.3

0.7

3.0

2020
£m

–

(1.0)

(1.0)

1. Dividend income earned from the Group’s investment in Shaftesbury PLC.  

2. Management fees charged to joint ventures for services associated with the management of properties and other general expenses as defined by management agreements. 

The 2020 fee included a credit in respect of prior periods.  

7 Administration expenses 

Included within administration expenses in the income statement are:  

Continuing operations 

Depreciation  

Other administration expenses 

Non-underlying administration expenses1 

Total administration expenses 

2021
£m

0.2

19.8

2.8

22.8

2020
£m

1.5

23.0

6.5

31.0

1. Non-underlying administration expenses totalled £2.8 million (2020: £6.5 million) which included £1.8 million lease assignment costs in respect of the office building 
previously occupied by the Group and £1.0 million of legal and other costs incurred in respect of group restructurings and transactions. The prior year costs relate to 
transaction-related costs incurred, primarily in respect of the acquisition of the shareholding in Shaftesbury PLC. These costs have been classified as non-underlying as they do 
not represent the recurring, underlying performance of the Group.  

(a) Employee costs 

Continuing operations 

Wages and salaries 

Social security costs1 

Other pension costs 

Share-based payment 

Total employee costs  

2021
£m

9.3

1.1

0.8

1.6

12.8

2020
£m

9.7

1.5

0.5

1.0

12.7

150  Capco Annual Report & Accounts 2021 
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151 
151

1. Included in social security costs is a credit of £0.3 million for national insurance on share options (2020: credit of £0.3 million). The credit for both years is due to changes in 

vesting and forfeiture assumptions. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial Statements

Notes to the accounts continued 

7 Administration expenses continued 

(b) Employee numbers  

Average monthly number of people (including Executive Directors) employed 

Total average headcount 

2021 

69 

2020

70

The details of individual Directors’ remuneration and pension benefits as set out in the tables contained in the Directors’ Remuneration Report on 
pages 106 to 120 form part of these consolidated financial statements.  

Share-based payment charges are calculated based on the expected fair value of share awards as calculated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. 

The Group recharges corporate head office costs based primarily on asset value to its operations.  

(c) Auditors’ remuneration  

Continuing operations 

Remuneration to the principal auditors in respect of audit fees: 

Parent Company and Group consolidated financial statements 

Audit of the financial statements of the Company’s subsidiaries 

Fees related to the audit of the Company and its subsidiaries 

Audit related assurance services including interim review 

Total fees for audit and audit related services 

2021 
£m 

2020
£m

0.3 

0.1 

0.4 

0.1 

0.5 

0.4

0.1

0.5

0.1

0.6

The Group’s auditors, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, are engaged on assignments additional to their audit engagement duties where their expertise 
and experience of the Group are important. 2021 non-audit fees, including the interim review, represented 18.0 per cent of the total fee (2020: 
13.0 per cent). Further details on the Audit Committee’s non-audit services policy can be found on pages 103. 

8 Loss on revaluation and sale of investment and development property 

Continuing operations 

Loss on revaluation of investment and development property 

Loss on sale of investment and development property  

Loss on revaluation and sale of investment and development property 

9 Change in value of investments and other receivables 

Continuing operations 

(Write-back)/impairment of investments and other receivables 

Waiver of joint venture loan 

Change in value of investments and other receivables 

2021 
£m 

9.9 

5.9 

15.8 

2021 
£m 

(67.7) 

56.1 

(11.6) 

2020
£m

692.2

0.9

693.1

2020
£m

28.2

–

28.2

The change in value of investments and other receivables relates to amounts receivable from the Lillie Square joint venture. The investment and other 
receivables in Lillie Square consist of the equity investment, interest bearing loans which previously consisted of unsecured Deep Discounted Bonds (“DDBs”) 
issued by the joint venture and a working capital facility. As at the balance sheet date, net of impairments, the Group held the investment at nil (2020: nil), 
the interest bearing loan at £82.9 million (2020: DDBs at £85.0 million) and the working capital facility at £22.8 million (2020: nil). On a Group share 
basis, which includes the Group’s share of joint ventures as this represents the economic value to the Company’s shareholders, the loans to the joint 
venture, and any impairments and write-backs thereon, are eliminated. 

The DDBs, with a nominal value of £276.1 million, were issued by the joint venture to the Group and KFI in August 2012, and were due to mature 
in August 2021. Ahead of the DDBs maturing in August 2021, the Group and KFI waived a portion of the DDBs and reduced the nominal 
redemption value to £163.0 million (Capco share £81.5 million) which resulted in the crystallisation of a debt waiver loss of £56.1 million 
recognised in the current year. The nominal value of the bonds including interest up to the redemption date of 31 July 2021, had previously been 
impaired by £64.9 million (£5.4 million in the current year and £25.1 million in 2020). 

Following the reduction in nominal value of the DDBs, the Group and KFI each provided an interest bearing loan of £81.5 million, bearing interest 
at 4.25 per cent, to the joint venture which were used to repay the DDBs at their revised nominal value. The effective interest rate was previously  
12 per cent and this interest rate, together with the higher level of debt, had resulted in significant impairments, when assessing the future discounted 
cashflows of the joint venture, being recorded by the Group in prior periods. The reassessment using the loan now in place has resulted in a write 
back of £50.3 million of the previously impaired balance held as at 31 July 2021. Details of the interest bearing loans are set out in note 21 
‘Trade and other receivables’.  

9 Change in value of investments and other receivables continued 

A working capital facility of £45.5 million (2020: £44.2 million) has been advanced to LSJV by the Group. Cumulative impairments of £22.7 
million (2020: £44.2 million) have been booked against the facility. During the year a write back of £22.8 million (2020: write off £3.1 million) 
was recorded. The net receivable of £22.8 million (2020: nil), is included within Trade and other receivables at the balance sheet date.  

The LSJV is in a net liability position and incurred losses during the current year. As the Group’s investment in the Lillie Square joint venture has been 
previously fully impaired and the Group’s carrying value of the investment in Lillie Square remains nil, these losses have been taken into account 
within the impairment analysis of other receivables due from the joint venture.  

As required by IFRS 9 ‘Financial Instruments’, an impairment assessment was performed comparing the carrying amount of the interest bearing loans and 
working capital facility, to the present value of the estimated future cash flows from the joint venture. The future cash flows of the Lillie Square joint venture have 
been enhanced during the year due to the impact of the debt waiver, the DDB redemption and interest bearing loan carrying lower future interest costs.  

The key assumptions made in the impairment assessment were the cash flows to be generated over the project life and the timing thereof. In terms of 
IFRS 9 requirements the Group applied a discount rate of 4.25 per cent (being the effective interest rate on the loan to the joint venture) to the cash 
flows which are in line with the strategic plan of the joint venture. As a result, the Group concluded that the recoverable amounts were greater than 
the carrying amounts of the interest bearing loan and working capital facility and wrote back £22.8 million of the previous impairments held against 
the working capital facility.  

A sensitivity analysis was performed to consider the impact of reasonably possible changes to the Group’s assumptions. By way of illustration, a 
delay to the timing of the cash flows as a result of the impact of Brexit on supply chain, currency fluctuations, inflationary pressures, impact of 
COVID-19 and other market conditions by an additional twelve months would have resulted in a write back of £19.2 million. Alternatively, a 
reduction to net cash flows of five per cent would have resulted in a write back of £13.8 million. 

10 Finance income 

Continuing operations 

Finance income: 

On deposits and other 

Finance income 

Other finance income: 

On deep discount bonds1 

On loan to joint venture1 

On deferred consideration2 

Other finance income 

2021
£m

0.5

0.5

6.6

1.4

0.1

8.1

2020
£m

0.5

0.5

11.3

–

9.2

20.5

1. The Group earned interest on the deep discount bonds issued by the Lillie Square joint venture up to their redemption on 31 July 2021. The Group and KFI each provided an interest 
bearing loan to the joint venture that was used to redeem the DDBs. The interest earned on both these instruments are excluded from the calculation of underlying earnings as deep 
discount bonds and loans to joint ventures eliminate on a Group share basis due to the Lillie Square joint venture having the corresponding finance cost. Details of the DDB redemption  
is set out in note 9 ‘Change in value of investments and other receivables’ and details of the interest bearings loans issued are set out in note 21 ‘Trade and other receivables’. 

2. Excluded from the calculation of underlying earnings as the deferred consideration relates to the proceeds from the sale of Earls Court Properties during 2019.  

11 Finance costs  

Continuing operations 

On bank facilities and loan notes 

On exchangeable bonds1 

On obligations under lease liabilities 

Finance costs 

Other finance costs: 

Non-underlying finance charges2 

Other finance costs 

2021
£m

22.8

8.2

0.7

31.7

1.8

1.8

2020
£m

22.4

0.9

0.8

24.1

0.6

0.6

1. On 30 November 2020 the Group issued £275 million of secured exchangeable bonds maturing in March 2026. The net proceeds received from the issue of the 

exchangeable bonds have been split between the financial liability element and an option component. The debt component is accounted for at amortised cost and, after 
taking into account transaction costs, accrues interest at an effective interest rate of 3.1 per cent, of which 2 per cent represent the cash coupon on the bond. The prior year 
amount included £0.3 million of transaction costs relating to the option component of the bond which was expensed on issuance of the bond.  

2. Excluded from the calculation of underlying earnings as the charges relate to non-recurring costs in connection with the re-financing of the RCF and costs to obtain debt covenant 

waivers for the current and prior year. These charges have been classified as non-underlying as they do not represent the recurring, underlying performance of the Group.  

152  Capco Annual Report & Accounts 2021 
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153 
153

 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial Statements

Notes to the accounts continued 

12 Taxation 

Continuing operations 

Deferred income tax: 

On accelerated capital allowances 

On fair value of derivative financial instruments 

On Group losses 

On other temporary differences 

Deferred income tax  

Adjustments in respect of previous years – current income tax 

Total income tax charge/(credit) reported in the consolidated income statement 

Factors affecting the tax charge for the year 

2021 
£m 

2020
£m

0.1 

2.2 

(1.1) 

(0.5) 

0.7 

– 

0.7 

0.1

(1.5)

0.4

0.8

(0.2)

(0.8)

(1.0)

The tax charge for the year is £0.7 million (2020: £1.0 million tax credit) against a profit before tax of £30.0 million (2020: £704.7 million loss). 
A reconciliation against the standard rate of corporation tax in the United Kingdom (“UK”) is explained below:  

Continuing operations 

Profit/(loss) before tax 

Profit/(loss) on ordinary activities multiplied by the standard rate in the UK of 19% (2020: 19%) 

Revaluation (profits)/losses attributable to REIT business 

Adjustments in respect of previous years  

Expenses disallowed 

Non-taxable items 

REIT tax-exempt rental profits 

Other temporary differences not provided 

Restatement of deferred income tax following change in corporation tax rate 

Total income tax charge/(credit) reported in the consolidated income statement 

2021 
£m 

30.0 

5.7 

(6.6) 

– 

2.5 

(0.5) 

(0.1) 

0.8 

(1.1) 

0.7 

2020
£m

(704.7)

(133.9)

121.9

(0.8)

12.4

(0.6)

–

0.2

(0.2)

(1.0)

As a UK REIT, the Group is exempt from UK corporation tax on income and gains from qualifying activities. Non-qualifying activities are subject  
to UK corporation tax. As a UK REIT, Capco must distribute at least 90 per cent of the Group’s income profits from its tax-exempt property rental 
business, and 100 per cent of the Group’s UK REIT investment profits, by way of a dividend, which is known as a Property Income Distribution 
(“PID”). A corporation tax charge would arise for the Group at 19 per cent if the minimum PID requirement is not met within12 months of the end  
of the period. Further details regarding the PID is set out in note 14 ‘Dividends’. 

Tax arising on items recognised in other comprehensive income is also reflected within other comprehensive income. This includes deferred tax on 
movements on the cash flow hedge. Tax arising on items recognised directly in equity is reflected in equity. This includes deferred tax on an element 
of the share-based payment. 

The UK Budget announced on 3 March 2021, confirmed an increase in the main corporation tax rate from 19 to 25 per cent with effect from 1 April 
2023. This change has been substantively enacted on 24 May 2021 and therefore has been reflected in the consolidated financial statements. 

13 Discontinued operation 

On 29 November 2019, the Group sold its interests in Earls Court to APG and Delancey (on behalf of its client fund) for £425 million. The 
disposal was in line with the Group’s strategy of monetising investments at Earls Court over time with a focus on growing its central London property 
investment business, centred around Covent Garden. As Earls Court Properties represented a major line of business, its results and cash flows were 
reported as having arisen from a discontinued operation.  

Profit from discontinued operation after tax included in the consolidated income statement: 

Profit from discontinued operation after tax 

Profit on disposal of discontinued operation  

Profit from discontinued operation after tax 

Attributable to: 

Owners of the Parent  

2021
£m

2020
£m

–

–

–

1.0

1.0

1.0

Net proceeds received on completion amounted to £145.3 million, with the balance of £210.4 million receivable over 24 months following 
completion. £194.7 million was received in 2020 and the balance of £15.7 million was received in 2021, both received net of working capital 
and related adjustments.  

The following table summarises the consideration and net cash flow arising on the disposal:  

Deferred consideration1 

Working capital and related adjustments2 

Net cash consideration 

1. Relates to post-completion adjustment in working capital refunded to the purchaser.  

14 Dividends  

Group and Company 

Ordinary shares 

Prior year final dividend of nil pence per share (2020: 1.0p) 

Interim dividend of 0.5p pence per share (2020: nil pence) 

Dividend expense 

Bonus issue in lieu of cash dividends1 

Cash dividends paid 

Proposed final dividend of 1.0 pence per share (2020: nil pence) 

2021
£m

15.7

(0.5)

15.2

2020
£m 

194.7

(0.6)

194.1

2021
£m

2020
£m 

–

4.3

4.3

(0.3)

4.0

8.5

8.5

–

8.5

(3.9)

4.6

–

1. Adjustments for bonus issue arise from those shareholders who elect to receive their dividends in scrip form prior to the declaration of dividend which occurs at the Company’s 
Annual General Meeting and shareholders who elect to receive their shares on an evergreen basis. These shares are treated as a bonus issue and allotted at nominal value. 

As a UK REIT, Capco must distribute at least 90 per cent of the Group’s income profits from its tax-exempt property rental business, and 100 per 
cent of the Group’s UK REIT investment profits, by way of a dividend, which is known as a Property Income Distribution (“PID”). These distributions 
can be subject to withholding tax at 20 per cent. Dividends from profits of the Group’s taxable residual business are non-PID and will be taxed as 
an ordinary dividend. A corporation tax charge would arise for the Group at 19 per cent if the minimum PID requirement is not met within12 months 
of the end of the period. 

There was no PID payable by the Group in 2021 in relation to the Group’s qualifying activities for 2020, as these resulted in a property rental tax 
loss. During the year, the Group paid 0.25 pence per share in the form of a PID, partly settling its PID requirement for the year to 31 December 
2021 with the balance expected to be settled during 2022. 

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Financial Statements

Notes to the accounts continued 

15 Earnings per share and net assets per share 

(a) Weighted average number of ordinary shares 

Number of ordinary shares in issue1 

Adjustments: 

Dilutive effect of contingently issuable share option awards2 

Dilutive effect of contingently issuable deferred share awards2 

Adjusted, diluted number of ordinary shares in issue 

2021 
m 

851.3 

0.5 

0.1 

2020
m 

852.2

0.3

0.1

851.9 

852.6

15 Earnings per share and net assets per share continued 

(d) Net assets per share 

Number of ordinary shares in issue 

Adjustments: 

Dilutive effect of contingently issuable share option awards 

Dilutive effect of contingently issuable deferred share awards 

Adjusted, diluted number of ordinary shares in issue 

2021
m

851.3

0.5

0.1

2020
m 

851.1

0.3

0.1

851.9

851.5

1. Weighted average number of shares in issue for 2020 has been adjusted by 0.2 million for the 2021 issue of bonus shares (2020: 2.5 million) in connection with the scrip 

dividend scheme. 

2. The dilutive effect of contingently issuable share option awards were not included in the calculation of diluted earnings per share for the year ended 31 December 2021 

because they are anti-dilutive. These options could potentially dilute basic earnings per share in the future.  

(b) Basic and diluted earnings/(loss) per share 

Continuing and discontinued operations attributable to owners of the Parent 

Continuing operations 

Earnings/(loss) used for calculation of basic and diluted loss per share 

Basic and diluted earnings/(loss) per share (pence)   

Discontinued operation 

Earnings used for calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share 

Basic and diluted earnings per share (pence)1  

1. EPRA Earnings per share is disclosed in table1of the EPRA measures on page 191. 

(c) Headline earnings per share  

2021 
£m 

29.3 

3.4 

– 

– 

2020
£m 

(703.7)

(82.6)

1.0

0.1

Headline earnings per share is calculated in accordance with Circular 1/2021 issued by the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants 
(“SAICA”), a requirement of the Group’s Johannesburg Stock Exchange (“JSE”) listing. This measure is not a requirement of IFRS. 

Continuing and discontinued operations attributable  
to owners of the Parent 

Basic earnings/(loss) 

Group adjustments: 

2021 

2020 

Earnings 
£m

Shares1
million

Earnings 
per share 
(pence)

Loss  
£m 

Shares1 
million 

Loss 
per share 
(pence)

29.3

851.3

3.4

(702.7) 

852.2 

(82.5)

Loss on revaluation and sale of investment and development property  

15.8

Current tax adjustments 

Profit on disposal and IFRS 5 impairment of discontinued operation 

Joint venture adjustments: 

Loss on revaluation and sale of investment and development property  

–

–

–

693.1 

(0.6) 

(1.0) 

0.2 

Headline earnings/(loss) 

45.1

851.3

5.3

(11.0) 

852.2 

(1.3)

Dilutive effect of contingently issuable share option awards2 

Dilutive effect of contingently issuable deferred share awards2 

–

–

0.5

0.1

– 

– 

0.3 

0.1 

Diluted headline earnings/(loss) 

45.1

851.9

5.3

(11.0) 

852.6 

(1.3)

1. Weighted average number of shares in issue for 2020 has been adjusted by 0.2 million for the 2021issue of bonus shares (2020: 2.5 million) in connection with the scrip 

dividend scheme. 

2. Further information on these potential ordinary shares can be found in note 34 ‘Share-based payments’. 

2021 

2020 

EPRA NRV 
£m

EPRA NTA 
£m

EPRA NDV  
£m 

EPRA NRV  
£m 

EPRA NTA 
£m

EPRA NDV 
£m

IFRS Equity attributable to owners of the Parent  

1,786.4

1,786.4

1,786.4 

1,759.7 

1,759.7

1,759.7

Diluted NAV 

Group adjustments: 

1,786.4

1,786.4

1,786.4 

1,759.7 

1,759.7

1,759.7

Revaluation of other non-current assets1 

Unrecognised surplus on trading property – joint venture 

7.3

0.1

7.3

0.1

7.3 

0.1 

33.4 

2.2 

33.4

2.2

33.4

2.2

Diluted NAV at Fair Value 

1,793.8

1,793.8

1,793.8 

1,795.3 

1,795.3

1,795.3

Fair value of derivative financial instruments2  

Fair value adjustment of financial instruments – exchangeable bond option  

Real Estate Transfer Tax 

Excess fair value of debt over carrying value3 

Deferred tax adjustments 

NAV 

Diluted number of shares 

NAV per share (pence) 

(1.1)

16.8

115.9

–

0.2

(1.1)

16.8

–

–

0.2

– 

– 

– 

6.5 

– 

7.2 

5.5 

124.5 

– 

7.2

5.5

–

–

(2.2) 

(2.2)

–

–

–

(37.1)

–

1,925.6

1,809.7

1,800.3 

1,930.3 

1,805.8

1,758.2

851.9

226.0

851.9

212.4

851.9 

211.3 

851.5 

226.7 

851.5

212.1

851.5

206.5

1.  This relates to the impairment under IFRS 9 of amounts receivable from joint ventures compared to the Group’s share of losses in the Lillie Square joint venture.  
2. This relates to the fair value of interest rate collars. Further details are disclosed within note 20 ‘Derivative financial instruments’. 
3. Excludes fair value of exchangeable bond option component included under derivative liabilities as disclosed in note 20 ‘Derivative financial instruments’. 
4.  EPRA NRV, NTA and NDV are alternative performance measures that are calculated in accordance with the Best Practices Recommendations of the European  

Public Real Estate Association (EPRA) to provide a transparent and consistent basis to enable comparison between European property companies. See Alternative Performance 
Measures and EPRA measures on pages 189 to 192 for further information.  

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Financial Statements

Notes to the accounts continued 

16 Property portfolio 

(a) Investment and development property 

At 1 January 2020 

Additions from acquisitions 

Additions from subsequent expenditure 

Disposals 

Loss on revaluation  

At 31 December 2020 

Additions from subsequent expenditure 

Disposals 

Loss on revaluation 

At 31 December 2021 

Property portfolio 

Tenure 

Covent 
Garden
£m

2,544.0

–

19.1

(77.7)

(691.7)

1,793.7

6.8

(98.2)

(9.9)

Other
£m

1.5

1.1

–

–

(0.5)

2.1

–

–

–

Total
£m

Freehold 
£m 

Leasehold
£m

 2,545.5

1,441.7 

1,103.8

1.1

19.1

(77.7)

(692.2)

– 

14.7 

(77.5) 

(344.2) 

1,795.8

1,034.7 

6.8

(98.2)

(9.9)

5.2 

(93.4) 

(0.8) 

1.1

4.4

(0.2)

(348.0)

761.1

1.6

(4.8)

(9.1)

1,692.4

2.1

1,694.5

945.7 

748.8

(b) Market value reconciliation of total property 

Carrying value of investment and development property at 31 December 2021 

Adjustment in respect of fixed head leases 

Adjustment in respect of tenant lease incentives 

Covent
Garden
£m

1,692.4

(6.1)

42.2

Other 
£m 

2.1 

– 

– 

Total 
£m

1,694.5

(6.1)

42.2

Market value of investment and development property at 31 December 2021 

1,728.5

2.1 

1,730.6

Joint venture:  

Group share of carrying value of joint venture investment,  
development and trading property at 31 December 2021 

Group share of unrecognised surplus on joint venture trading property1 

Market value of investment, development and trading  
property on a Group share basis at 31 December 2021 

Carrying value of investment and development property at 31 December 2020  

Adjustment in respect of fixed head leases 

Adjustment in respect of tenant lease incentives 

–

–

84.0 

0.1 

84.0

0.1

1,728.5

86.2 

1,814.7

Covent
Garden 
£m

1,793.7

(6.1)

37.5

Other 
£m 

2.1 

– 

– 

Total 
£m

1,795.8

(6.1)

37.5

Market value of investment and development property at 31 December 2020 

1,825.1

2.1 

1,827.2

Joint venture:  

Group share of carrying value of joint venture investment,  
development and trading property at 31 December 2020 

Group share of unrecognised surplus on joint venture trading property1 

Market value of investment, development and trading  
property on a Group share basis at 31 December 2020 

–

–

113.0 

2.2 

113.0

2.2

1,825.1

117.3 

1,942.4

1. The unrecognised surplus on trading property is shown for informational purposes only and is not a requirement of IFRS. Trading property continues to be measured at the lower 

of cost and net realisable value in the consolidated financial statements.  

16 Property portfolio continued 

At 31 December 2021, the Group was contractually committed to £4.1 million (2020: £0.8 million) of future expenditure for the purchase, 
construction, development and enhancement of investment, development and trading property. Refer to note 30 ‘Capital commitments’ for further 
information on capital commitments.  

The fair value of the Group’s investment, development and trading property at 31 December 2021 was determined by independent, appropriately 
qualified external valuers, CBRE for the Covent Garden estate and JLL for Lillie Square. The valuations conform to the Royal Institution of Chartered 
Surveyors (“RICS”) Valuation Professional Standards. Fees paid to valuers are based on fixed price contracts.  

Each year the Company appoints the external valuers. The valuers are selected based upon their knowledge, independence and reputation  
for valuing assets such as those held by the Group. 

Valuations are performed bi-annually and are performed consistently across all properties in the Group’s portfolio. At each reporting 
date appropriately qualified employees of the Group verify all significant inputs and review computational outputs. Valuers submit and present 
summary reports to the Group’s Audit Committee, with the Executive Directors reporting to the Board on the outcome of each valuation round. 

Valuations take into account tenure, lease terms and structural condition. The inputs underlying the valuations include market rent or business 
profitability, likely incentives offered to tenants, forecast growth rates, yields, discount rates, construction costs including any site specific costs  
(for example Section 106), professional fees, planning fees, developer’s profit including contingencies, planning and construction timelines, lease  
re-gear costs, planning risk and sales prices based on known market transactions for similar properties or properties similar to those contemplated  
for development. As at 31 December 2021 all Covent Garden properties are valued under the income capitalisation technique.  

As highlighted within the Group’s Net Zero Carbon Pathway published in December 2021, developments and refurbishments form a key element  
of the Group’s 2030 Net Zero Carbon Commitment. During the year the Group’s additions from subsequent expenditure was £6.8 million (2020: 
£19.1 million). This sum included both capital works which enhanced the environmental performance of assets, and design stage work to deliver 
environmental enhancements. It is estimated that 80 per cent of the environmental performance of a new building is determined at the design stage. 
While new ground up development form a limited part of the Group strategy, the design stage on retrofitting and refurbishment, particularly of 
heritage buildings, is equally important to deliver Whole Life Carbon efficiency. For further details, refer to the Responsibility section of the Strategic 
Report on pages 68 to 85. 

Due to the impact of COVID-19 the 31 December 2020 valuation included an assumption on loss on near-term income of £27.0 million. This 
assumption has been reduced to nil in the 31 December 2021 valuation. There has been no change in the valuation methodology used as a result 
of COVID-19. Whilst the property valuations reflect the external valuers’ assessment of the impact of COVID-19 at the valuation date, we consider 
+/- 5 per cent for ERV and +/-25bps movement on yields to appropriately capture the level of uncertainty in these key valuation assumptions.  

Valuations are based on what is determined to be the highest and best use. When considering the highest and best use a valuer will consider, on a 
property by property basis, its actual and potential uses which are physically, legally and financially viable. Where the highest and best use differs 
from the existing use, the valuer will consider the cost and the likelihood of achieving and implementing this change in arriving at its valuation.  

A number of the Group’s properties, held within the Lillie Square joint venture, have been valued on the basis of their development potential. 
In respect of development valuations, the valuer ordinarily considers the gross development value of the completed scheme based upon assumptions 
of capital values, rental values and yields of the properties which would be created through the implementation of the development. Deductions are 
then made for anticipated costs, including an allowance for developer’s profit, before arriving at a valuation.  

There are often restrictions on both freehold and leasehold property which could have a material impact on the realisation of these assets. The most 
significant of these occur when planning permission is required or when a credit facility is in place. These restrictions are factored into the property’s 
valuation by the external valuer. Refer to disclosures surrounding property risks on page 30. 

Non-financial assets carried at fair value, as is the case for investment and development property held by the Group, are required to be analysed 
by level depending on the valuation method adopted under IFRS 13 ‘Fair Value Measurement’ (“IFRS 13”). Trading property is exempt from IFRS 13 
disclosure requirements.  

The different valuation levels are defined as: 

Level 1: valuation based on quoted market prices traded in active markets; 

Level 2: valuation based on inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that maximise the use of observable data either directly or from 
market prices or indirectly derived from market prices; and 

Level 3: where one or more inputs to valuation are not based on observable market data. Valuations at this level are more subjective and therefore 
more closely managed, including sensitivity analysis of inputs to valuation models.  

When the degree of subjectivity or nature of the measurement inputs changes, consideration is given as to whether a transfer between fair value 
levels is deemed to have occurred. Unobservable data becoming observable market data would determine a transfer from Level 3 to Level 2. All 
investment and development properties held by the Group are classified as Level 3 in the current and prior year. 

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Financial Statements

Notes to the accounts continued 

16 Property portfolio continued 

18 Investment in joint ventures 

The following table sets out the valuation techniques used in the determination of market value of investment and development property on a 
property by property basis, as well as the key unobservable inputs used in the valuation models.  

Investment in joint ventures is measured using the equity method. All joint ventures are held with other joint venture investors on a 50:50 basis. At 31 
December 2021, joint ventures comprise the Lillie Square joint venture (“LSJV”), Innova Investment (“Innova”) and The Great Capital Partnership (“GCP”). 

Property portfolio 

Covent Garden 

Market value  
2021 
£m 

Market value 
2020 
£m 

1,728.5 

1,825.1 

Valuation
technique

Key unobservable
inputs

Income
capitalisation

Estimated rental value
per sq ft1 per annum 
(“p.a.”)

Range 
(weighted average) 
2021 

Range
(weighted average)
2020

£15–£214 

(£76) 

£16–£215 

(£76)

LSJV 

LSJV was established as a joint venture arrangement with the Kwok Family Interests (“KFI”) in August 2012. The joint venture was established to  
own, manage and develop land interests at Lillie Square. LSJV comprises Lillie Square LP, Lillie Square GP Limited, acting as general partner to  
the partnership, and its subsidiaries. All major decisions regarding LSJV are taken by the Board of Lillie Square GP Limited, through which the  
Group shares strategic control. 

Equivalent yield

1.8%–6.0% 

1.8%–6.0% 

The summarised income statement and balance sheet of LSJV are presented below. 

Other 

2.1 

2.1 

Income
capitalisation

Estimated rental value
per sq ft1 p.a.

Equivalent yield

At 31 December  

1,730.6 

1,827.2 

1. Estimated rental value and capital value are expressed per square foot on a net internal area basis.  

(3.9%) 

£30–£38 

(£31) 

2.8%–3.7% 

(3.3%) 

(3.9%)

£31–£38 

(£32)

2.9%–3.8% 

(3.3%)

Covent Garden properties are valued under the income capitalisation method and if all other factors remained equal, an increase in estimated 
rental value of five per cent would result in an increased asset valuation of £71.9 million (2020: £69.5 million). A decrease in the estimated rental 
value of five per cent would result in a decreased asset value of £71.0 million (2020: £68.7 million). Conversely, an increased equivalent yield of 
25 basis points would result in a decreased asset valuation of £105.2 million (2020: £111.0 million). A decreased equivalent yield of 25 basis 
points would result in an increased asset valuation of £119.8 million (2020: £125.7 million).  

For Other properties valued under the income capitalisation method and if all other factors remained equal, an increase in estimated rental value of 
five per cent would result in an increased asset valuation of £0.1 million (2020: £0.1 million). A decrease in the estimated rental value of five per 
cent would result in a decreased asset value of £0.1 million (2020: £0.1 million). Conversely, an increased equivalent yield of 25 basis points 
would result in a decreased asset valuation of £0.2 million (2020: £0.2 million). A decreased equivalent yield of 25 basis points would result in 
an increased asset valuation of £0.2 million (2020: £0.2 million).  

These key unobservable inputs are interdependent, partially determined by market conditions. All other factors being equal, a higher equivalent  
yield would lead to a decrease in the valuation, and an increase in estimated rental value would increase the capital value, and vice versa. 
However, there are interrelationships between the key unobservable inputs which are partially determined by market conditions, which would 
impact on these changes. 

17 Property, plant and equipment 

Gross carrying value at 1 January 

Accumulated depreciation at 1 January 

Net carrying value at 1 January  

Additions 

Disposals1 

Depreciation charge  

Net carrying value at 31 December  

Property
£m

2021
Plant and 
equipment 
£m

5.4

(1.6)

3.8

–

(3.8)

–

–

7.7

(7.1)

0.6

0.2

–

(0.2)

0.6

Property
£m

2020 
Plant and 
equipment  
£m 

5.4

(0.7)

4.7

–

–

(0.9)

3.8

7.5 

(6.5)  

1.0 

0.2 

– 

(0.6) 

0.6 

Total

13.1

(8.7)

4.4

0.2

(3.8)

(0.2)

0.6

Total

12.9

(7.2)

5.7

0.2

–

(1.5)

4.4

1. Property consisted of leased office buildings which the Group vacated during the year via a lease to a third party. The Group incurred lease assignment costs of £1.8 million. 

Details are set out in note 7 ‘Administration expenses’.  

LSJV 

Summarised income statement 

Revenue 

Net rental income/(expense) 

Proceeds from the sale of trading property 

Loss on revaluation of investment and development property 

Cost of sale of trading property 

Agent, selling and marketing fees  

Write down of trading property 

Administration expenses 

Finance costs1 

Loss for the year after taxation 

2021
£m

49.6

0.3

49.3

–

(37.8)

(0.1)

(24.0)

(0.5)

(11.3)

(24.1)

2020
£m

133.6

(4.1)

129.8

(0.5)

(106.1)

(2.1)

(2.8)

0.1

(14.3)

–

1. Finance costs includes £8.4 million (2020: £13.9 million) which relates to the amortisation of deep discount bonds that were issued by LSJV to the Group and KFI up to their redemption 

on 31 July 2021 and £2.9 million which relates to interest payable on the interest bearing loans issued to the joint venture by the Group and KFI during the year. Finance income 
receivable by the Group from LSJV of £8.0 million (2020: £11.3 million) is recognised in the consolidated income statement within other finance income. Details of the DDB redemption 
is set out in note 9 ‘Change in value of investments and other receivables’ and details of the interest bearing loans issued are set out in note 21 ‘Trade and other receivables’. 

LSJV 

Summarised balance sheet 

Investment and development property 

Trading property 

Cash and cash equivalents1 

Other non-current assets 

Other current assets 

Borrowings 

Amounts payable to joint venture partners2 

Other current liabilities3 

Net liabilities 

Capital commitments 

Carrying value of investment, development and trading property 

Unrecognised surplus on trading property4 

Market value of investment, development and trading property4 

2021
£m

3.3

164.8

44.6

5.0

1.1

–

(78.6)

(171.4)

(31.2)

2020
£m 

3.3

222.7

20.4

6.4

–

(11.2)

(77.5)

(283.5)

(119.4)

2.6

2.8

168.0

0.1

168.1

226.0

4.4

230.4

1. Includes restricted cash and cash equivalents of £0.5 million (2020: £10.9 million) relating to amounts received as property deposits that will not be available for use by LSJV 

until completion of building work. There is a corresponding liability of £0.5 million (2020: £10.9 million) within other current liabilities. 

2. Amounts payable to joint venture partners relate to working capital facilities advanced by the Group and KFI. 
3. Other current liabilities includes a £163.0 million loan advanced by the Group and KFI to the joint venture. In the prior year this balance related to the deep discount bonds 
that were redeemed on 31 July 2021. Details of the DDB redemption is set out in note 9 ‘Change in value of investments and other receivables’ and details of the interest 
bearing loans issued are set out in note 21 ‘Trade and other receivables’. Recoverable amounts receivable by the Group, net of impairments of nil million (2020: £85.0 million 
against the DDBs) are recognised on the consolidated balance sheet within non-current trade and other receivables.  

4. The unrecognised surplus on trading property and the market value of LSJV’s property portfolio are shown for informational purposes only and are not a requirement of IFRS. 

Trading property continues to be measured at the lower of cost and net realisable value. 

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Financial Statements

Notes to the accounts continued 

18 Investment in joint ventures continued 

Innova 

On 29 June 2015, the Group acquired a 50 per cent interest in Innova, a joint venture arrangement with Network Rail Infrastructure Limited.  
The joint venture will explore opportunities for future redevelopments on and around significant railway station sites in London. 

Innova comprises Innova Investment Limited Partnership and Innova Investment GP Limited, acting as general partner to the partnership. All  
major decisions regarding Innova are taken by the Board of Innova Investment GP Limited, through which the Group shares strategic control. 

19 Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss 

Financial assets mandatorily measured at fair value through profit or loss include the following: 

Non-current assets 

Listed equity securities1 

2021
£m

596.4

2020
£m 

551.8

1. Listed equity securities comprise 97.0 million shares in Shaftesbury PLC held at the 31 December 2021 closing share price of 615 pence per share. 

The summarised balance sheet of Innova is presented below. There was no movement through the income statement during the year. 

During the year, the following gain was recognised in profit or loss: 

Innova 

Summarised balance sheet 

Cash and cash equivalents 

Other current liabilities 

Net assets 

2021 
£m 

0.9 

(0.5) 

0.4 

Reconciliation of summarised financial information 

The table below reconciles the summarised joint venture financial information previously presented to the carrying value of investment  
in joint ventures as presented on the consolidated balance sheet. 

Net assets/(liabilities) of joint ventures at 31 December 2020 

Elimination of joint venture partners’ interest  

Cumulative losses restricted1 

Carrying value at 31 December 2020 

Net assets/(liabilities) of joint ventures at 31 December 2021 

Elimination of joint venture partners’ interest  

Cumulative losses restricted1 

Carrying value at 31 December 2021 

GCP 
£m

0.1

–

–

0.1

0.1

–

–

0.1

LSJV 
£m

(119.4)

59.7

59.7

–

(31.2)

15.6

15.6

–

Innova 
£m 

0.4 

(0.2) 

– 

0.2 

0.4 

(0.2) 

– 

0.2 

2020
£m 

0.9

(0.5)

0.4

Total 
£m

(118.9)

59.5

59.7

0.3

(30.7)

15.4

15.6

0.3

1. Cumulative losses restricted represent the Group’s share of losses in LSJV which exceed the Group’s investment in the joint venture. This consists of losses taken through the 

Income Statement and the debt waiver that has been recorded directly within reserves. As a result the carrying value of the investment in LSJV is £nil (2020: £nil) in accordance 
with the requirements of IAS 28.  

Reconciliation of investment in joint ventures: 

The table below reconciles the opening to closing carrying value of investment in joint ventures as presented on the consolidated balance sheet. 

Investment in joint ventures 

At 1 January 2020 

At 31 December 2020 

Loss for the year1 

Loss restricted1 

Deemed equity investment2 

Unwind of historic losses restricted2 

At 31 December 2021 

GCP 
£m

0.1

0.1

–

–

–

–

0.1

LSJV 
£m

–

–

(12.0)

12.0

56.1

(56.1)

–

Innova  
£m 

0.2 

0.2 

– 

– 

– 

– 

0.2 

Total 
£m

0.3

0.3

(12.0)

12.0

56.1

(56.1)

0.3

1. The share of post-tax loss from joint ventures in the consolidated income statement of nil (2020: nil) comprises the loss for the year of £12.0 million (2020: nil) and loss 

restricted totalling £12.0 million (2020: nil).  

2. During the year the DDBs loaned to LSJV from the Group and KFI were restructured into a new loan following a debt waiver of £56.1 million. The debt waiver is in substance 
an increase in investment by the parent entities of Lillie Square LP. Historically losses made by the LSJV have been restricted due to the value of the investment in LSJV by the 
Group being fully impaired. The deemed equity investment has created a value of £56.1 million in LSJV. Of the previously restricted losses (cumulative £59.7 million), £56.1 
million have been unwound and set off against the deemed equity investment. Both the deemed equity investment and the unwind of historic losses restricted are recognised in 
the Consolidated statement of changes in equity at a net value of nil.  

Profit or loss 

Fair value gain on financial assets at fair value through profit or loss 

20 Derivative financial instruments  

Derivative financial assets 

Non-current 

Interest rate collars 

Derivative financial assets 

Derivative financial liabilities 

Non-current 

Interest rate collars 

Derivative liability – exchangeable bonds1 

Derivative financial liabilities 

2021
£m

44.6

2021
£m

1.1

1.1

2021
£m

–

32.1

32.1

2020
£m 

50.9

2020
£m 

–

–

2020
£m 

7.2

15.3

22.5

1. On 30 November 2020 the Group issued £275 million of secured exchangeable bonds maturing in March 2026. The notes are exchangeable into cash or ordinary shares 

of Shaftesbury. The net proceeds received from the issue of the exchangeable bonds have been split between the financial liability element and an option component, 
representing the fair value of the embedded option to convert the financial liability into equity of Shaftesbury. The debt component is accounted for at amortised cost at  
the effective interest rate method and the derivative liability is accounted for at fair value through profit or loss.  

During the year, the following movements on derivative financial instruments were recognised in profit or loss: 

Profit or loss 

Fair value gain/(loss) on interest rate collars1 

Fair value loss on derivative liability – exchangeable bonds 

Change in fair value of derivative financial instruments 

1. In addition to the fair value gain in the year, £3.4 million (2020: £5.4 million of interest rate collars were repaid. 

2021
£m

4.9

(16.8)

(11.9)

2020
£m 

(9.0)

(5.5)

(14.5)

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163

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial Statements

Notes to the accounts continued 

21 Trade and other receivables 

24 Borrowings, including lease liabilities 

Non-current 

Other receivables 

Prepayments and accrued income1 

Amounts receivable from joint ventures2 

Trade and other receivables 

Current 

Rent receivable3 

Other receivables4 

Prepayments and accrued income1 

Amounts receivable from joint ventures2 

Trade and other receivables 

2021 
£m 

– 

37.9 

82.9 

2020
£m 

0.1

33.1

85.0

120.8 

118.2

10.5 

14.2 

11.1 

23.4 

59.2 

22.3

30.4

12.4

0.6

65.7

1. Includes tenant lease incentives, comprising surrender premia paid and incentives offered to tenants, of £42.2 million (2020: £37.5 million). 
2. Non-current amounts receivable from joint ventures in the prior year related to deep discount bonds that were issued by LSJV to the Group. As at 31 December 2020, the 
nominal value of the bonds including interest of £144.5 million had been impaired by £59.5 million. Ahead of the DDBs maturing in August 2021, the Group and KFI 
restructured and redeemed the DDBs by each providing an interest bearing loan of £81.5 million to the joint venture. The loans bear interest at 4.25 per cent per annum and 
are repayable on demand, however it is not the intention of the Group to call on the loan in the next 12 months and so it has been presented as non-current. Current amounts 
receivable from joint ventures include working capital funding advanced to LSJV from the Group of £45.5 million (2020: £44.2 million) which has been impaired by £22.7 
million (2020: £44.2 million).  

3. Rent receivable is shown net of expected credit loss provision of £10.9 million (2020: £12.4 million).  
4. Other receivables include the discounted balance of the deferred consideration in respect of the Earls Court disposal, which was receivable in two tranches in 2020 and 

2021. The final instalment was received in November 2021. Details are set out in note 13 ‘Discontinued operation’.  

22 Cash and cash equivalents 

Cash at hand 

Cash on short-term deposits 

Cash and cash equivalents 

23 Trade and other payables 

Rent in advance 

Accruals 

Other payables 

Other taxes and social security 

Trade and other payables 

2021 
£m 

1.9 

317.1 

319.0 

2021 
£m 

13.6 

9.3 

13.6 

2.5 

39.0 

2020
£m 

1.5

363.6

365.1

2020
£m 

15.5

12.1

13.9

2.8

44.3

Carrying 
value 
£m 

Secured 
£m

Unsecured 
£m

Current 

Lease liability obligations 

Borrowings, including lease liabilities 

Non-current 

Bank loans 

Loan notes 

Exchangeable bonds 

Borrowings 

Lease liability obligations 

Borrowings, including lease liabilities 

Total borrowings, including lease liabilities 

Cash and cash equivalents  

Net debt 

Current 

Lease liability obligations 

Borrowings, including lease liabilities 

Non-current 

Bank loans 

Loan notes 

Exchangeable bonds 

Borrowings 

Lease liability obligations 

0.7 

0.7 

122.4 

548.4 

264.1 

934.9 

5.4 

940.3 

941.0 

(319.0)

622.0 

Carrying 
value 
£m 

1.6 

1.6 

262.2 

548.2 

260.3 

1,070.7 

8.3 

Borrowings, including lease liabilities 

1,079.0 

Total borrowings, including lease liabilities 

1,080.6 

Cash and cash equivalents  

Net debt 

(365.1)

715.5 

0.7

0.7

124.0

–

264.1

388.1

5.4

393.5

–

–

(1.6)

548.4

–

546.8

–

546.8

Secured 
£m

Unsecured 
£m

0.7

0.7

123.4

–

260.3

383.7

5.4

389.1

0.9

0.9

138.8

548.2

–

687.0

2.9

689.9

2021 

Fixed
rate 
£m

0.7

0.7

–

548.4

264.1

812.5

5.4

817.9

2020 

Fixed
rate 
£m

1.6

1.6

Floating 
rate  
£m 

– 

– 

122.4 

– 

– 

122.4 

– 

122.4 

Floating 
rate  
£m 

– 

– 

–

262.2 

– 

– 

548.2

260.3

808.5

8.3

816.8

Fair
value
£m

0.7

0.7

125.0

554.1

259.1

938.2

5.4

943.6

Fair
value
£m

1.6

1.6

265.0

514.5

269.4

Nominal
value
£m

0.7

0.7

125.0

550.0

275.0

950.0

5.4

955.4

Nominal
value
£m

1.6

1.6

265.0

550.0

275.0

262.2 

1,048.9

1,090.0

– 

8.3

8.3

262.2 

1,057.2

1,098.3

The market value of investment and development property secured as collateral against borrowings at 31 December 2021 was nil (2020: nil).  

Undrawn facilities and cash attributable to the Group at 31 December 2021 were £629.0 million (2020: £940.1 million). 

The fair value of the Group’s borrowings have been estimated using the market value for floating rate borrowings, which approximates nominal 
value, and discounted cash flow approach for fixed rate borrowings, representing Level 2 fair value measurements as defined by IFRS 13. The 
different valuation levels are defined in note 16 ‘Property portfolio’. 

The lease liability obligations are in respect of leasehold interests in investment and development property and in the prior year included a lease 
liability over corporate premises. Details of these leases are set out in note 25 ‘Lease liabilities’.  

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165

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial Statements

Notes to the accounts continued 

24 Borrowings, including lease liability continued  

25 Lease liabilities 

2021 

Lease liabilities included within investment and development property 

Analysis of movement in net debt 

Balance at 1 January 

Borrowings repaid 

Other net cash movements 

Other non-cash movements 

Balance at 31 December  

Analysis of movement in net debt 

Balance at 1 January 

Borrowings drawn 

Borrowings repaid 

Other net cash movements 

Other non-cash movements 

Balance at 31 December  

Current 
borrowings
£m

Non-current 
borrowings
£m

Cash and cash 
equivalents 
£m 

Net debt
£m

1.6

–

(0.2)

(0.7)

0.7

1,079.0

(140.0)

(8.4)

9.7

(365.1) 

140.0 

(93.9) 

– 

940.3

(319.0) 

715.5

–

(102.5)

9.0

622.0

2020 

Current 
borrowings
£m

Non-current 
borrowings
£m

Cash and cash 
equivalents 
£m 

Net debt
£m

1.6

–

–

(0.9)

0.9

1.6

555.3

920.2 

(390.0)

(6.7)

0.2

1,079.0

(153.0) 

(920.2) 

390.0 

318.2 

(0.1) 

(365.1) 

403.9

–

–

310.6

1.0

715.5

(a) Minimum lease payments under lease obligations 

Not later than one year 

Later than one year and not later than five years 

Later than five years 

Future finance charges on lease liabilities 

Present value of lease liability 

(b) Present value of minimum lease obligations 

Not later than one year 

Later than one year and not later than five years 

Later than five years 

2021
£m

0.7

2.9

18.0

21.6

(15.5)

6.1

2021
£m

0.7

2.3

3.1

6.1

2020
£m 

0.7

2.9

18.0

21.6

(15.5)

6.1

2020
£m 

0.7

2.3

3.1

6.1

Lease liabilities included under investment and development property are in respect of leasehold interests in investment and development property. 
Certain leases provide for payment of contingent rent, usually a proportion of rental income in addition to the minimum lease payments above,  
£0.5 million contingent rent has been paid during the year (2020: £0.5 million).  

These lease liabilities are effectively secured obligations, as the rights to the leased asset revert to the lessor in the event of default. 

1. Borrowings drawn per the statement of consolidated cash flows amounts to £930.0 million. This differs to the amount shown above by £9.8 million due to the bifurcation of 

the exchangeable bonds. The option component of the exchangeable bonds is shown in note 20 ‘Derivative financial instruments’. 

The maturity profile of gross debt (excluding lease liabilities) is as follows: 

Lease liabilities included within property, plant and equipment 

(a) Minimum lease payments under lease obligations 

Wholly repayable in more than one year but not more than two years 

Wholly repayable in more than two years but not more than five years 

Wholly repayable in more than five years 

2021 
£m 

125.0 

607.5 

217.5 

950.0 

2020
£m 

140.0

257.5

692.5

1,090.0

Certain borrowing agreements contain financial and other covenants that, if contravened, could alter the repayment profile. Details of financial 
covenants are included in the Other Information section on page 195. 

Not later than one year 

Later than one year and not later than five years 

Future finance charges on lease liabilities 

Present value of lease liability obligations 

(b) Present value of minimum lease obligations 

Not later than one year 

Later than one year and not later than five years 

2021
£m

–

–

–

–

–

2021
£m

–

–

–

2020
£m 

0.9

2.9

3.8

(0.1)

3.7

2020
£m 

0.9

2.8

3.7

Lease liabilities included under property, plant and equipment were in respect of a lease over office buildings occupied by the Group. The Group 
assigned the lease to a third party and vacated the premises during the year. 

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Financial Statements

Notes to the accounts continued 

26 Operating leases 

The Group earns rental income by leasing its investment property to tenants under operating leases. 

In the United Kingdom standard commercial leases vary considerably between markets and locations but typically are for a term of five to fifteen 
years at market rent with provisions to review every five years. 

The Group is exposed to changes in the residual value of properties at the end of the current leases. This residual value risk is mitigated through the 
implementation of active asset management initiatives which aim to ensure the Group enters into new leasing deals prior to the expiry of current 
leases. The Group also offers lease incentives to encourage high quality tenants to remain in properties for longer lease terms. Expectations about 
the future residual values are reflected in the fair value of the properties. 

The future minimum lease amounts receivable under non-cancellable operating leases are as follows: 

Not later than one year 

Later than one year and not later than five years 

Later than five years 

2021 
£m 

53.7 

174.0 

233.1 

460.8 

2020
£m 

61.3

169.1

261.9

492.3

The consolidated income statement includes £0.1 million (2020: £0.2 million) recognised in respect of expected increased rent resulting from 
outstanding reviews where the actual rent will only be determined on settlement of the rent review. 

27 Financial risk management 

The Group’s financial risk management strategy seeks to set financial limits for treasury activity to ensure they are in line with the risk appetite of the 
Group. The Group is exposed to a variety of risks arising from the Group’s operations: market risk (including interest rate risk and price risk), liquidity 
risk and credit risk. 

The following table sets out each class of financial asset and financial liability as at 31 December: 

Categories of financial instruments  

Derivative financial assets 

Total held for trading assets 

Cash and cash equivalents 

Other financial assets1 

Total cash and other financial assets 

Investment held at fair value through profit or loss 

Total investment held at fair value through profit or loss 

Derivative financial liabilities 

Total held for trading liabilities 

Borrowings, including lease liability 

Other financial liabilities2 

Total borrowings and other financial liabilities 

Note

20

22

19

20

24

2021 

2020 

Carrying
value
£m

Gain/(loss)
to income 
statement
£m 

Carrying  
value 
£m 

(Loss)/gain
to income
statement
£m

1.1

1.1

319.0

131.7

450.7

596.4

596.4

(32.1)

(32.1)

(941.0)

(25.4)

(966.4)

4.9

4.9

–

–

–

44.6

44.6

(16.8)

(16.8)

–

–

–

– 

– 

365.1 

138.4 

503.5 

551.8 

551.8 

(22.5) 

(22.5) 

(1,080.6) 

(29.7) 

(1,110.3) 

–

–

–

–

–

50.9

50.9

(14.5)

(14.5)

–

–

–

1. Includes rent receivable, amounts due from joint ventures, tax assets and other receivables. Prior year balance also included deferred consideration on the sale of Earls  

Court Properties. 

2. Includes trade and other payables (excluding rents in advance) and tax liabilities. 

27 Financial risk management continued 

The majority of the Group’s financial risk management is carried out by Group Treasury under policies approved by the Board of Directors. The 
policies for managing each of these risks and the principal effects of these policies on the results for the year are summarised below. 

Market risk 

Interest rate risk 

Interest rate risk comprises both cash flow and fair value risks. Cash flow interest rate risk is the risk that the future cash flows of a financial instrument 
will fluctuate due to changes in market interest rates. Fair value risk is the risk that the fair value of financial instruments will fluctuate as a result of 
changes in market interest rates. 

The Group’s interest rate risk arises from borrowings issued at variable rates that expose the Group to cash flow interest rate risk, whereas 
borrowings issued at fixed interest rates expose the Group to fair value interest rate risk. 

It is Group policy, and often a requirement of our lenders, to eliminate substantially all short and medium-term exposure to interest rate fluctuations in 
order to establish certainty over medium-term cash flows by using fixed interest rate derivatives. Interest rate swaps have the economic effect of 
converting borrowings from floating to fixed rates. Interest rate caps protect the Group by capping the maximum interest rate payable at the caps 
ceiling. Interest rate collars protect the Group by capping the maximum interest rate payable at the collar’s ceiling but sacrifice the profitability of 
interest rate falls below a certain floor. 

The table below shows the effects of derivative contracts on the drawn external borrowings profile of the Group and its joint ventures. The table is 
calculated on a Group share basis in line with the reporting of this information internally to management. 

Nominal value of Group borrowings excluding lease liability 

Nominal value of joint venture borrowings excluding lease liability 

Derivative impact (nominal value of derivative contracts) 

Borrowings profile net of derivative impact 

Interest rate protection  

Fixed/Capped 
2021
£m

825.0

–

825.0

125.0

950.0

Floating 
2021 
£m 

125.0 

– 

125.0 

(125.0) 

Fixed/Capped 
2020
£m

825.0

–

825.0

270.6

– 

1,095.6

100% 

Floating
2020
£m

265.0

5.6

270.6

(270.6)

–

100%

Group policy is to ensure that interest rate protection on Group external debt is greater than 25 per cent. 

In 2016, the Group entered into a forward starting interest rate swap to hedge the variability in specified hedged interest cash flows arising on 
£60.0 million of outstanding debt from 2016 to 2026. The loss recognised in other comprehensive income in the year was £nil (2020: £nil). This 
loss will be reclassified from other comprehensive income to the consolidated income statement over the term of the designated debt. The fair value 
of the designated hedging instrument at 31 December 2021 is £nil (2020: £nil). The hedge was 100 per cent effective; therefore no charge for 
an ineffective portion has been taken to the consolidated income statement. 

During 2021, the Group replaced LIBOR with SONIA as the pricing benchmark on the secured bank loan, RCF and hedging arrangements.  

The Group has entered into various non-traded derivative instruments to manage its exposure to interest rate risk. These derivatives have not been 
designated as hedging instruments and therefore they are classified as financial derivatives at fair value through profit or loss. 

The sensitivity analysis below illustrates the impact of a 50 basis point (“bps”) shift, upwards and downwards, in the level of interest rates on the 
movement in fair value of interest rate collars entered into by the Group. 

Increase in 
interest rates 
by 50 bps 
2021 
£m

Decrease in 
interest rates  
by 50 bps  
2021  
£m 

Increase in 
interest rates 
by 50 bps
2020
£m

Decrease in 
interest rates 
by 50 bps 
2020 
£m

Effect on profit before tax (change in fair value of derivative financial instruments): 

Increase/(decrease) 

2.1

(2.1) 

4.1

(4.1)

The sensitivity analysis above is a reasonable illustration of the possible effect from the changes in slope and shifts in the yield curve that may 
actually occur and represents management’s assessment of possible changes in interest rates. The fixed rate derivative financial instruments are 
matched by floating rate debt, therefore such a movement would have a very limited effect on Group cash flow overall.  

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169 
169

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial Statements

Notes to the accounts continued 

27 Financial risk management continued 

Price risk 

27 Financial risk management continued 

Liquidity risk continued 

The Group is exposed to price risk in respect of its investment in listed property securities. The Group limits its exposure to equity price risk by only investing in 
securities that are listed on a recognised stock exchange and where the Directors are satisfied with the overall strategies implemented by such companies.  
The primary goal of the Group’s investment in equity securities is to hold the investments for the long-term. Management is assisted by external advisers in this 
regard. Certain investments are designated as at FVTPL because their performance is actively monitored and they are managed on a fair value basis. 

The effect of a one per cent change to the share price of the listed investments will have the following impact on the 31 December statement of 
profit and loss: 

1% increase in 
share price 
2021 
£m

1% decrease in 
share price  
2021  
£m 

1% increase in  
share price 
2020 
£m 

1% decrease in 
share price
2020 
£m

Change in fair value of financial assets at fair value through profit or loss 

Effect on profit before tax: 

Increase/(decrease) 

Liquidity risk 

Group 

Bank loans 

Loan notes 

Exchangeable bonds 

Lease liabilities 

Other payables  

2020 

Carrying 
value 

1 yr 

Between 1-2 yrs 

Between 2-5 yrs 

Over 5 yrs 

Total 

Interest  
£m 

Principal 
£m

£m 

Interest 
£m

Principal 
£m

Interest 
£m

Principal  
£m 

Interest  
£m 

Principal  
£m 

Interest 
£m

Principal 
£m

262.2 

7.0 

548.2 

15.7 

260.3 

4.6 

9.8 

29.7 

3.8 

– 

– 

– 

–

–

–

1.6

29.7

–

6.8

140.0

3.1

125.0 

– 

– 

16.9

265.0

15.7

5.5

–

–

0.1

–

–

2.4

–

–

43.0

16.5

–

–

3.7

132.5 

35.8  417.5 

110.2

550.0

– 

2.7  275.0 

29.3

275.0

2.7 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

3.1 

– 

– 

–

–

3.8

9.8

29.7

–

1,114.0 

27.3 

31.3

28.1

142.4

66.3

260.2 

38.5  695.6 

160.2 1,129.5

6.0

(6.0) 

5.5 

(5.5)

Interest rate derivatives payable 

Liquidity risk is managed to ensure that the Group is able to meet future payment obligations when financial liabilities fall due.  

Contractual maturities reflect the expected maturities of financial instruments. 

The Group’s policy is to seek to minimise its exposure to liquidity risk by managing its exposure to interest rate risk and to refinancing risk.  
The Group seeks to achieve an appropriate balance between a number of factors, including tenor and costs. 

Liquidity analysis is intended to provide sufficient headroom to meet the Group’s operational requirements and investment commitments. 

The Group’s policy also includes maintaining adequate cash, as well as maintaining adequate committed and undrawn facilities. 

A key factor in ensuring existing facilities remain available to the Group is the borrowing entity’s ability to meet the relevant facility’s financial 
covenants. The Group has a process to monitor regularly both current and projected compliance with the financial covenants.  

The Group regularly reviews the maturity profile of its financial liabilities and will seek to avoid concentrations of maturities through the regular 
replacement of facilities and by staggering maturity dates. Refinancing risk may be reduced by reborrowing prior to the contracted maturity date, 
effectively switching liquidity risk for market risk. This is subject to credit facilities being available at the time of the desired refinancing.  

The tables below set out the maturity analysis of the Group’s financial liabilities based on the undiscounted contractual obligations to make payments of 
interest and to repay principal. Where interest payment obligations are based on a floating rate, the rates used are those implied by the par yield curve. 

2021 

As disclosed in note 24, the Group has an unsecured revolving credit facility, loan notes and a secured loan that contain loan covenants. A future 
breach of covenant may require the Group to repay the facilities earlier than indicated in the above table. Details of the non-recourse loan 
covenants are set out on page 195 ‘Financial covenants’.  

Under the various debt agreements, covenants are monitored on a regular basis and regularly reviewed by management to ensure compliance with 
the agreement. The interest payments on variable interest rate loans and bonds issued in the table above reflect market forward interest rates at the 
reporting date and these amounts may change as market interest rates change. The future cash flows on derivative instruments may be different from 
the amount in the above table as interest rates change. Except for these financial liabilities, it is not expected that the cash flows included in the 
maturity analysis could occur significantly earlier, or at significantly different amounts. 

Credit risk 

The Group’s principal financial assets are trade and other receivables, amounts receivable from joint ventures, listed equity investments and cash 
and cash equivalents. Credit risk is the risk of financial loss if a tenant or counterparty fails to meet an obligation under a contract. Credit risk 
arises primarily from trade receivables relating to tenants but also from the Group’s undrawn commitments and holdings of assets such as cash 
deposits and loans with counterparties. The carrying value of financial assets recorded in the financial statements represents the Group’s maximum 
exposure to credit risk without taking into account the value of any deposits or guarantees obtained. 

Carrying 
value 

1 yr 

Between 1-2 yrs 

Between 2-5 yrs 

Over 5 yrs 

Total 

Trade and other receivables:  

Group 

Bank loans 

Loan notes 

Exchangeable bonds 

Lease liabilities 

Other payables  

Interest  
£m 

Principal 
£m

£m 

Interest 
£m

Principal 
£m

Interest 
£m

Principal 
£m

Interest  
£m 

Principal  
£m 

Interest 
£m

Principal 
£m

122.4 

5.6 

548.4 

15.7 

264.1 

5.5 

6.1 

25.4 

– 

– 

966.4 

26.8 

–

–

–

0.7

25.4

26.1

6.1

15.7

5.5

–

–

125.0

–

–

–

–

1.2

38.9

13.8

–

–

–

– 

– 

332.5

24.1  217.5 

275.0

2.3

–

– 

– 

– 

– 

3.1 

– 

12.9

94.4

24.8

–

–

125.0

550.0

275.0

6.1

25.4

27.3

125.0

53.9

609.8

24.1  220.6 

132.1

981.5

Credit risk associated with trade receivables is actively managed; tenants are managed individually by asset managers, who continuously monitor 
and work with tenants, anticipating and wherever possible identifying and addressing risks prior to default. Tenants are managed through a large 
and diverse tenant base to reduce the credit risk to the Group. Trade receivables are less than one per cent of total assets at 31 December 2021 
(2020: less than one per cent). 

Prospective tenants are assessed through an internally conducted review process, by obtaining credit ratings and reviewing financial information. As a result, 
deposits or guarantees may be obtained. The amount of deposits held as collateral at 31 December 2021 was £12.1 million (2020: £13.5 million).  

During the year tenant default risk, and as such credit risk, remained high due to the continued operational and financial issues caused by COVID-
19. In view of disruption to business and consumer activity, bespoke support has been provided to customers on a case-by-case basis, which 
includes rent deferrals, rent-free periods and other arrangements reflecting the position of each customer. Rent receivable balances are provided 
by applying the IFRS 9 ‘Financial Instruments’ expected credit losses which uses a lifetime expected loss allowance.  

In assessing the provision the Group identifies risk factors associated by sector (F&B, retail, office, leisure and residential) and the type of rent receivable 
outstanding (rent arrears, service charge, insurance, other). In determining the provision on a tenant by tenant basis, the Group considers both recent 
payment history and future expectations of the tenant’s ability to pay or possible default in order to recognise an expected credit loss allowance. 

Trade receivable balances are written off when there is no reasonable expectation of recovery. Indicators that there is no reasonable recovery 
include the failure of the debtor to engage in a repayment plan with the Group and a failure to make contractual payments. 

The amounts of trade receivables presented in the balance sheet are net of impairment for doubtful receivables.  

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Financial Statements

Notes to the accounts continued 

27 Financial risk management continued 

Credit risk continued 

Ageing of gross trade receivables and loss allowances were as follows: 

27 Financial risk management continued 

Credit risk continued 

Cash, deposits and derivative financial instruments:  

Not yet due 

0-90 days 

91-180 days 

Over 180 days 

Trade receivables 

2021 
£m 

2020 
£m 

Gross 
carrying 
amount

Loss  
allowance 

Gross  
carrying 
amount 

Loss 
allowance

0.6

6.5

5.1

9.2

(0.3) 

(1.4) 

(0.4) 

(8.8) 

21.4

(10.9) 

2.0 

11.9 

14.2 

6.6 

34.7 

(0.6)

(4.5)

(2.0)

(5.3)

(12.4)

As at 31 December 2021 there is a provision for trade receivables of £10.9 million (2020: £12.4 million). The total expense for the year is £nil 
(2020: £14.0 million), as shown in note 5 ‘Cost of sales’, reflecting impairments during the year and movement in the provision.  

As the Group operates predominantly in central London, it is subject to some geographical risk. However, this is mitigated by the extensive range  
of tenants from varying business sectors and the credit review process as noted above. 

Other receivables in the prior year included £15.1 million of deferred consideration in respect of the Earls Court Properties disposal in 2019, as 
this was held at the net present value of future cash flows after deduction of the lifetime expected loss allowance. In November 2021, the remaining 
deferred consideration balance of £15.7 million was received, net of a £0.5 million working capital adjustment. 

Amounts receivable from joint ventures: 

Included within receivables, net of impairment is £22.8 million (2020: £nil) of amounts advanced to LSJV. The carrying value of the investment  
in LSJV is £nil (2020: £nil) as the Group’s share of losses exceeds the cost of its investment. Total funding advanced to LSJV, including the interest 
bearing loan to the joint venture of £163.0 million has been impaired by £22.7 million. Details of the impairment and current year write back are 
set out in note 9 ‘Change in value of investments and other receivables’.  

In the prior year total funding advanced to LSJV included the deep discount bonds of £188.7 million which had been impaired by £103.7 million 
(cumulative). The DDB’s were redeemed in the current year and previous impairments were reversed as a result. 

LSJV is in a net liability position due to carrying trading property at the lower of cost and net realisable value and the amortisation of the previously 
issued deep discount bonds. However, based on a market valuation undertaken by the Group’s valuers JLL, there is an unrecognised surplus of £0.1 
million (Group share) as at 31 December 2021. This surplus will only be evidenced on sale of trading property when significant risks and rewards 
have transferred to the buyer. Therefore, while Lillie Square demonstrates positive pricing evidence commercially and funding provided is not 
deemed to be at risk of default, for reporting purposes the Group is required to allocate losses against amounts advanced to LSJV, to the extent that 
losses do not exceed the investment, until the unrecognised surplus on trading property is realised through sale. 

The credit risk relating to cash, deposits and derivative financial instruments is actively managed by Group Treasury. Relationships are maintained 
with a number of institutional counterparties, ensuring compliance with Group cash investment policy relating to limits on the credit ratings of 
counterparties. The maximum exposure to cash and deposits as at 31 December 2021 amounted to £341.7 million (2020: £375.8 million), 
including the Group’s share of joint venture cash. The maximum fair value exposure to derivative financial instruments is £31.0 million (2020: 
£22.5 million). 

Gross carrying value and loss allowance of other receivables (excluding trade receivables) are set out in the table below:  

Amounts receivable from joint ventures 

Other receivables1 

2021  
£m 

2020 
£m 

Gross 
carrying 
amount

106.4

42.2

Loss 
allowance 

(22.7) 

(3.3) 

Gross 
carrying 
amount

188.7

37.2

Loss 
allowance

(103.7)

(6.1)

1. £3.3 million (2020:£6.1 million) loss allowance relates to the provision against tenant lease incentives. An additional amount of £5.0 million has also been derecognised in 

the prior year for tenants who have fallen into administration or vacated in the year. 

Capital structure 

The Group seeks to enhance shareholder value both by investing in the business so as to improve the return on investment and by managing the 
capital structure appropriately. The Group uses a mix of equity, debt and other financial instruments and aims to access both debt and equity capital 
markets efficiently.  

The key ratios used to monitor the capital structure of the Group are net debt to gross assets and the interest cover ratio. The Group aims not to 
exceed an underlying net debt to gross assets ratio of more than 40 per cent and to maintain interest cover above 125 per cent. These ratios are 
disclosed on a Group share basis in line with the reporting of this information internally to management. These metrics are discussed in the Financial 
Review on page 64. 

Net debt to gross assets 

Total assets 

Less: cash 

Net debt 

The maximum net debt to gross assets ratio for the year was 27.5 per cent and occurred in January 2021. 

Interest cover 

Finance costs  
Finance income 

Underlying operating profit 

2021 
£m

2,808.1

(341.7)

2,466.4

(599.3)

24.3%

2021 
£m

(31.8)
0.4

(31.4)

35.0

2020 
£m

2,954.8

(375.8)

2,579.0

(710.4)

27.5%

2020 
£m

(24.3)
0.5

(23.8)

18.1

111.5%

76.1%

The minimum interest coverage ratio for the year was 76.1 per cent and occurred on 1 January 2021.  

The Covent Garden debt facilities have two principal financial covenants, being a loan to value ratio of up to 60 per cent and interest cover 
of at least 120 per cent. Loan to value is calculated based on total borrowings less cash divided by the market value of the portfolio. As at  
31 December 2021 the loan to value is 14.7 per cent (2020: 19.3 per cent). Interest cover ratio is calculated based on net rental income less a 
fixed administration cost divided by net finance costs. As at 31 December 2021 the interest cover ratio is 225.1 per cent (2020: 53.8 per cent). 
The interest cover ratio covenant had not been met for 31 December 2020 but a covenant waiver for that period and up to and including  
31 December 2021 was in place.  

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Financial Statements

Notes to the accounts continued 

27 Financial risk management continued 

Fair value estimation  

Financial instruments carried at fair value are required to be analysed by level depending on the valuation method adopted under IFRS 13. The 
different valuation levels are defined in note 16 ‘Property portfolio’. 

The tables below present the Group’s financial assets and liabilities recognised at fair value at 31 December 2021 and 31 December 2020. 
There were no transfers between levels during the year. 

2021 

2020 

Level 1  
£m 

Level 2 
£m

Level 3 
£m

Total 
£m

Level 1 
£m

Level 2  
£m 

Level 3  
£m 

Total 
£m

Financial assets at fair value through 
profit or loss 

Listed equity investment 

Held for trading assets 

Derivative financial assets 

Total assets 

Held for trading liabilities 

Derivative financial liabilities 

Total liabilities 

596.4 

– 

596.4 

–

1.1

1.1

– 

– 

(32.1)

(32.1)

–

–

–

–

–

596.4

551.8

1.1

597.5

–

551.8

– 

– 

– 

(32.1)

(32.1)

–

–

(22.5) 

(22.5) 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

551.8

–

551.8

(22.5)

(22.5)

The fair values of derivative financial instruments are determined from observable market prices or estimated using appropriate yield curves at 31 
December each year by discounting the future contractual cash flows to the net present values. Listed equity investments are carried at fair value on 
the balance sheet and representing Level 1 fair value measurement. The fair value of listed equity investments are based on quoted market prices 
traded in active markets.  

The fair values of the Group’s cash and cash equivalents, other financial assets carried at amortised cost and other financial liabilities are not 
materially different from those at which they are carried in the financial statements. 

28 Deferred tax  

The change in corporation tax rate referred to in note 12 ‘Taxation’ has been enacted for the purposes of IAS 12 ‘Income Taxes’ (“IAS 12”)  
and therefore has been reflected in these consolidated financial statements based on the expected timing of the realisation of deferred tax.  

Deferred tax on investment and development property is calculated under IAS 12 provisions on a disposals basis by reference to the properties’ 
original tax base cost. Properties that fall within the Group’s qualifying REIT activities will be outside the charge to UK corporation tax subject to 
certain conditions being met. The Group’s recognised deferred tax position on investment and development property as calculated under IAS 12  
is nil at 31 December 2021 (2020: nil).  

A disposal of the Group’s trading properties at their market value as per note 16 ‘Property portfolio’, before utilisation of carried forward losses, 
would result in a corporation tax charge to the Group of nil (19 per cent of 0.1 million). 

Provided deferred tax provision: 

At 1 January 2020  

Recognised in income 

Adjustment in respect of rate change 

At 31 December 2020 

Recognised in income 

Adjustment in respect of rate change 

At 31 December 2021 

Unprovided deferred tax assets: 

At 1 January 2020 

Income statement items 

At 31 December 2020 

Income statement items 

At 31 December 2021 

Accelerated 
capital 
allowances 
£m

Fair value of 
derivative 
financial 
instruments 
£m

Other  
temporary 
differences  
£m 

Non-REIT
group 
losses 
£m

0.1

0.1

–

0.2

0.1

–

0.3

–

–

–

(0.8)

(1.3)

(0.2)

(2.3)

2.2

–

(0.1)

–

–

–

(1.9) 

1.0 

(0.2) 

(1.1) 

(0.5) 

– 

(1.6) 

– 

– 

– 

(4.0)

0.4

–

(3.6)

–

(1.1)

(4.7)

(10.3)

2.0

(8.3)

(9.1)

(17.4)

Total 
£m

(6.6)

0.2

(0.4)

(6.8)

1.8

(1.1)

(6.1)

In accordance with the requirements of IAS 12, deferred tax assets are only recognised to the extent that the Group believes it is probable that 
future taxable profit will be available against which the deferred tax assets can be recovered.  

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175 
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Financial Statements

Notes to the accounts continued 

29 Share capital and share premium  
Group and Company  

Issue type 

At 1 January 2020 

Share buyback1 

Scrip dividend – 2019 final 

Share-based payment1 

At 31 December 2020 

Scrip dividend – 2021 interim 

Share-based payment2 

At 31 December 2021 

Transaction 
date

Issue
price
(pence)

February/March

Number 
of shares

854,299,163

(6,060,000) 

May

152

2,530,598

313,882

Share 
capital 
£m1 

213.6 

(1.5) 

0.6 

0.1 

Share
premium
£m

228.9

–

3.3

–

September

176

851,083,643

212.8 

232.2

153,071

35,958

– 

– 

0.3

–

851,272,672

212.8 

232.5

1. Nominal value of share capital of 25 pence per share 
2. In accordance with the authority granted by shareholders at the Company’s Annual General Meeting on 3 May 2019 and as part of its share repurchase programme, 

between 26 February 2020 and 20 March 2020 (inclusive), the Company purchased and subsequently cancelled 6,060,000 ordinary shares. 

3. In 2020 a total of 313,882 new shares were issued to satisfy employee share scheme awards.  
4. In 2021 a total of 35,958 new shares were issued to satisfy employee share scheme awards. 

At 22 February 2022, the Company had an unexpired authority to repurchase shares up to a maximum of 85,111,960 shares with a nominal 
value of £21.3 million, and the Directors had an unexpired authority to allot up to a maximum of 566,692,583 shares with a nominal value of 
£141.7 million of which 283,422,827 with a nominal value of £70.9 million can only be allotted pursuant to a fully pre-emptive rights issue. 

30 Capital commitments 

At 31 December 2021, the Group was contractually committed to £4.1 million (31 December 2020: £0.8 million) of future expenditure  
for the purchase, construction, development and enhancement of investment, development and trading property. The full amount is committed  
2021 expenditure.  

The Group’s share of joint venture capital commitments arising on LSJV amounts to £1.3 million (2020: £1.4 million).  

31 Contingent liabilities 

The Group has contingent liabilities in respect of legislation, sustainability targets, legal claims, guarantees and warranties arising from the ordinary 
course of business. There are no contingent liabilities that require disclosure or recognition in the financial statements.  

32 Cash flow information 

(a) Cash generated from continuing operations 

Continuing operations 

Profit/(loss) before tax 

Adjustments: 

Loss on revaluation and sale of investment and development property 

Change in value of investments and other receivables 

Fair value gain of financial assets at fair value through profit or loss 

Depreciation 

Amortisation of tenant lease incentives and other direct costs 

Expected credit loss  

Share-based payment1 

Finance income 

Other finance income 

Finance costs 

Other finance costs 

Change in fair value of derivative financial instruments 

Change in working capital: 

Change in trade and other receivables 

Change in trade and other payables 

Cash generated/(utilised) from operations 

Note 

8 

9 

19 

7 

34 

10 

10 

11 

11 

20 

2021 
£m

30.0

15.8

(11.6)

(44.6)

0.2

0.1

–

1.5

(0.5)

(8.1)

31.7

1.8

11.9

4.0

(4.3)

27.9

2020 
£m

(704.7)

693.1

28.2

(50.9)

1.5

23.4

14.0

1.4

(0.5)

(20.5)

24.1

0.6

14.5

(37.5)

(19.0)

(32.3)

1. Relates to the IFRS 2 ‘Share-based payment’ charge. Refer to note 34 ‘Share-based payments’ for further details. 

(b) Reconciliation of cash flows from financing activities 

The table below sets out the reconciliation of movements of liabilities to cash flows arising from financing activities: 

Balance at 1 January 

Cash flows from financing activities 

Repayment of revolving credit facility 

Principal element of lease payment 

Total cash flows used in financing activities 

Non-cash movements from financing activities 

Amortisation 

Lease liability 

Changes in fair value 

Total non-cash flows from financing activities 

Balance at 31 December 

Note

Long-term 
borrowings
£m

1,079.0

24

(140.0)

–

(140.0)

4.2

(2.9)

–

1.3

940.3

Short-term 
borrowings 
£m 

Derivative 
liability – 
exchangeable 
bond
£m 

Total liabilities 
from financing 
activities
£m

1.6 

15.3

1,095.9

– 

(0.2) 

(0.2) 

– 

(0.7) 

– 

(0.7) 

0.7 

–

–

–

–

–

16.8

16.8

32.1

(140.0)

(0.2)

(140.2)

4.2

(3.6)

16.8

17.4

973.1

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177 
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Financial Statements

Notes to the accounts continued 

33 Related party transactions 

(a) Transactions with Directors 

Key management compensation1 

Salaries and short-term employee benefits 

Share-based payment 

2021  
£m 

3.9 

1.2 

5.1 

2020 
£m

2.3

0.9

3.2

1. Key management comprises the Directors of the Company who have been determined to be the only individuals with authority and responsibility for planning, directing and 

controlling the activities of the Company.  

Share dealings 

No Director had any dealings in the shares of any Group company between 31 December 2021 and 22 February 2022, being a date less  
than one month prior to the date of the notice convening the Annual General Meeting. 

Other than as disclosed in these accounts, no Director of the Company had a material interest in any contract (other than service contracts), 
transaction or arrangement with any Group company during the year ended 31 December 2021.  

(b) Transactions between the Group and its joint ventures 

Transactions during the year between the Group and its joint ventures, which are related parties, are disclosed in notes 18 ‘Investment in joint 
ventures’, 21 ‘Trade and other receivables’ and 30 ‘Capital commitments’. During the year the Group received management fees of £0.7 million 
(2020: cost of £1.0 million) that were charged on an arm’s length basis. 

Property purchased by Directors of the Company 

A related party of the Group, Lillie Square GP Limited, entered into the following related party transactions as defined by IAS 24 ‘Related Party 
Disclosures’: 

–  Henry Staunton, Chairman of Capital & Counties Properties PLC, and Situl Jobanputra, Chief Financial Officer of Capital & Counties Properties 

PLC, either solely or together with family members, own apartments in the Lillie Square development. The disclosures in respect of these purchases 
were included in previous financial statements. In addition, Henry Staunton, together with a family member, owns a car park space in the Lillie 
Square development. 

–  As owners of apartments and car park space in the Lillie Square development, the Directors are required to pay annual ground rent and 
insurance premium fees and bi-annual service charge fees. During 2021, £16,021.60 had been received in relation to these charges. 
£217.02 of such charges for 2021 remained outstanding as at 31 December 2021. Certain payments in relation to these charges were  
made in advance and £54.35 had been received in advance as at 31 December 2021. 

The above transactions with Directors were conducted at fair and reasonable market price based upon similar comparable transactions at that time. 
Where applicable, appropriate approval has been provided. 

Lillie Square GP Limited acts in the capacity of general partner to Lillie Square LP, a joint venture between the Group and KFI. 

34 Share-based payments 

The Group operates a number of share-based payment schemes relating to employee benefits and incentives. All schemes are equity settled  
with the increase in equity measured by reference to the fair value of the Group’s equity instruments at the grant date of the share awards. The 
corresponding expense is recognised on a straight-line basis over the vesting period based on Group estimates of the number of shares that are 
expected to vest. The total expense recognised in the consolidated income statement in respect of share-based payments for 2021 was £1.5 million 
(2020: £1.4 million). All options have a vesting period of three years and a maximum contractual life of 10 years. The fair value of share awards 
is determined by the market price of the shares at the grant date. 

Full details of the performance criteria, vesting outcomes and any additional holding periods for the performance share plan are set out within the 
Directors’ Remuneration Report on pages 106 to 120. 

1. Performance share plan 

Market value and nil cost options to subscribe for ordinary shares and conditional awards of free shares may be awarded under the Performance 
Share Plan (“PSP”), and could previously be awarded under the former Performance Share Plan (“Former PSP”). The Company may make a 
proportion of awards as HMRC approved market value options. 

Share options outstanding at 31 December 2021 were exercisable between nil pence and 242 pence and have a weighted average remaining 
contractual life of six years and are exercisable between 2022 and 2031. 

34 Share-based payments continued 

(a)  Market value option awards 

Outstanding at 1 January 

Awarded during the year 

Forfeited during the year 

Exercised during the year1 

Outstanding at 31 December 

Exercisable at 31 December 

1. The weighted average share price at the date of exercise was 180.8 pence (2020: 234.5 pence). 

2021 

2020 

Number 
of market 
value
 options

605,884

188,170

(75,239)

(27,793)

691,022

–

Weighted 
average 
exercise price 
(pence)  

231.6 

168.0 

(238.4) 

(157.7) 

216.5 

Number 
of market 
value
 options

907,020

102,886

(280,094)

(123,928)

605,884

27,793

Weighted 
average 
exercise price 
(pence) 

228.8

201.4

(260.7)

(119.8)

231.6

(b)  Nil cost option awards 

Outstanding at 1 January 

Awarded during the year 

Forfeited during the year 

Outstanding at 31 December 

Exercisable at 31 December 

(c)  Deferred share awards 

Outstanding at 1 January 

Awarded during the year 

Forfeited during the year 

Exercised during the year 

Outstanding at 31 December 

Number of nil cost options 

2021

2020

5,690,598

4,040,887

2,518,456

2,681,894

(1,275,594)

(1,032,183)

6,933,460

5,690,598

189,970

29,528

Number of deferred share awards 

2021

2020

1,948,215

3,443,305

890,188

728,195

(682,852)

(1,797,674)

(8,165)

(425,611)

2,147,386

1,948,215

2. Fair value of share-based payment 

The fair value of share awards is calculated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model for the half that is subject to the total return performance 
condition and using the stochastic pricing model for the half that is subject to the total shareholder return performance condition. Inputs to the models 
for share awards during the year are as follows: 

Year of share award 

Closing share price at grant date  

Exercise price  

Expected option life  

Risk-free rate 

Expected volatility 

Expected dividend yield1 

Average share price 

Value per option 

2021

173p

2020 

209p 

2019

241p

2018

270p

0 – 188p

0–201p 

0–241p

0–270p

3 – 6.5 years

3–6.5 years 

3–6.5 years

3–6.5 years

0.2 – 0.5%

0.2–0.3% 

0.6–0.8% 

0.9–1.3%

32.3 – 43.1%

26.8–33.0% 

23.7–24.6%

24.3–30.0%

0.6%

167p

0.7% 

162p 

0.6%

238p

0.6%

274p

48 –137p

40–142p 

26–87p

33–115p

1. Expected dividend yield is based on public pronouncements about future dividend levels; all other measures are based on historical data. 

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Financial Statements

Notes to the accounts continued 

35 Related undertakings 

The Company’s subsidiaries and other related undertakings at 31 December 2021 are listed on the following pages. All Group entities are 
included in the consolidated financial statements.  

Unless otherwise stated, the Company holds 100 per cent of the voting rights and beneficial interests in the shares of the following subsidiaries. The 
share capital of each of the companies, where applicable, comprises ordinary shares unless otherwise stated. 

Registered address: Regal House, 14 James Street, London, WC2E 8BU 

35 Related undertakings continued 

Registered address: 27 Esplanade, St Helier, Jersey, JE1 1SG 

Related undertakings 

Capital & Counties CG (No. 1) Limited  

Capital & Counties CG (No. 2) Limited  

Capital & Counties Properties (Jersey) 3 Limited1 

Related undertakings  

20 The Piazza Limited  

20 The Piazza Management Limited 

22 Southampton Street Limited  

Capital & Counties Limited1,2 

CG Investments 2016 GP Limited4 

CG Investments 2016 LP5 

22 Southampton Street Management Limited 

CG Investments 2016 Nominee Limited4 

34 Henrietta Street Limited  

CG Treasury Limited1 

34 Henrietta Street Management Company Limited 

Covent Garden (43 Management) Limited 

C & C Management Services Limited1 

Covent Garden (49 Wellington Street) Limited 

C&C Properties UK Limited1 

Capco CG 2012 Limited4 

Capco CG 2012 Nominee Limited 4 

Capco CGP 2012 LP5  

Capco Covent Garden Limited1 

Covent Garden Group Holdings Limited 

Covent Garden Holdings (No.1) Limited 

Covent Garden Holdings (No.2) Limited 

Covent Garden Management Services Limited1 

Floral Court Collection Management Limited 

Capco Covent Garden Residential Limited 

Floral Court Limited 

Capco Group Treasury Limited1 

Capco Investment London Limited1 

Capco Investment London 2 Limited1 

Capco Investment London (No.1) Limited 

Capco Investment London (No.2) Limited 

Capco Investment London (No.3) Limited 

Capco Investment London (No.4) Limited 

Capco Investment London (No.5) Limited 

Capco London Limited 

Capital & Counties CG Limited 

Capital & Counties CGP 

Capital & Counties CG Nominee Limited 

1. Direct undertakings of the Parent. 
2. Non-voting deferred shares. 
3. Equity accounted joint ventures. 
4. Dissolved on 28 September 2021. 
5. Dissolved with effect from 30 June 2021. 

Innova Investment Partnership GP Limited (50%)3 

Innova Investment Limited Partnership (50%)3 

Innova Investment Group Holdings GP Limited 

Innova Investment Group Holdings LP 

Innova Investment Group Holdings Nominee Limited 

Innova Investment Management Limited 

Lillie Square Clubhouse Limited (50%)3 

Lillie Square Developments Limited (50%)3 

Lillie Square GP Limited (50%)3 

Lillie Square LP (50%)3 

Lillie Square Management Limited (50%)3 

Lillie Square Nominee Limited (50%)3 

CG Investments 2016 (No. 1) Limited2 

CG Investments 2016 (No. 2) Limited3 

CG Investments 2016 Group Limited4 

Covent Garden Limited  

Covent Garden LP Limited3  

Innova Investment Group Holdings LP Limited 

Innova Investment Holdings Limited 

Lillie Square LP Limited 

Capvestco 2 Limited1 

Capvestco 3 Limited1 

Capvestco 3 Holdings Limited 

Capvestco Earls Court Limited  

Capvestco Limited1 

1. Direct undertakings of the Parent. 
2. Dissolved on 5 August 2021. 
3. Dissolved on 4 August 2021. 
4. Dissolved on 9 August 2021. 

Registered address: 33 Cavendish Square, London, W1G 0PW 

Related undertakings 

Great Capital Partnership (G.P.) Limited (50%)1 

The Great Capital Partnership (50%)1 

Great Capital Property Limited (50%)1 

1. Equity accounted joint ventures. 

36 Events after the reporting date 

On 28 January 2022, the Group served notice to prepay £75 million private placement loan notes, consisting of £37.5 million loan notes set to 
mature on 16 December 2024 with an interest rate of 3.63 per cent and £37.5 million loan notes set to mature on 16 December 2026 with an 
interest rate of 3.68 per cent. The prepayment is set to occur on 28 February 2022 at a cost of approximately £81 million including make-whole 
costs. As a result of the prepayment, the pro forma weighted average debt maturity on drawn facilities will increase to 5.0 years and the weighted 
average cost of debt will reduce to 2.7 per cent.  

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Financial Statements

Capital & Counties Properties PLC  
company balance sheet 

Capital & Counties Properties PLC  
company statement of changes in equity  

as at 31 December 2021 

for the year ended 31 December 2021 

Non-current assets 

Property, plant and equipment  

Investment in Group companies 

Current assets 

Trade and other receivables 

Total assets 

Non-current liabilities 

Borrowings, including lease liability 

Derivative financial instruments 

Current liabilities 

Borrowings, including lease liability 

Trade and other payables 

Total liabilities 

Net assets 

Equity 

Share capital 

Other components of equity 

Total equity  

Note

II

III

IV

V

VI

V

2021 
£m 

– 

516.4 

516.4 

2020
£m

3.8

516.4

520.2

1,793.6 

1,793.6 

1,794.9

1,794.9

2,310.0 

2,315.1

(264.1) 

(32.1) 

(296.2) 

– 

(0.9) 

(0.9) 

(263.2)

(15.3)

(278.5)

(0.9)

(1.5)

(2.4)

(297.1) 

(280.9)

2,012.9 

2,034.2

29

212.8 

1,800.1 

2,012.9 

212.8

1,821.4

2,034.2

The loss for the year attributable to shareholders of the Company is £18.6 million (2020: £7.1 million). References in roman numerals refer to  
the notes to the Company financial statements, references in numbers refer to the notes to the Group financial statements. 

These financial statements of Capital & Counties Properties PLC (registered number: 07145051) have been approved for issue by the Board  
of Directors on 22 February 2022 and signed on its behalf by: 

Ian Hawksworth 
Chief Executive 

Situl Jobanputra 
Chief Financial Officer 

Note 

29 

29 

14 

29 

14 

Balance at 1 January 2020 

Loss for the year 

Total comprehensive income for  
the year ended 31 December 2020 

Transactions with owners 

Ordinary shares issued2 

Share buyback 

Dividends 

Realisation of merger reserve1 

Realisation of share-based payment 
reserve on issue of shares 

Fair value of share-based payment 

Total transactions with owners 

Balance at 31 December 2020 

Loss for the year 

Total comprehensive income for  
the year ended 31 December 2021 

Transactions with owners 

Ordinary shares issued2 

Dividends 

Realisation of merger reserve1 

Realisation of share-based payment 
reserve on issue of shares 

Fair value of share-based payment 

Total transactions with owners 

Share
capital
£m

213.6

–

–

0.7

(1.5)

–

–

–

–

Share
premium
£m

228.9

–

–

3.3

–

–

–

–

–

(0.8)

212.8

3.3

232.2

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

0.3

–

–

–

–

0.3

232.5

Capital 
redemption 
reserve
£m

–

–

–

–

1.5

–

–

–

–

1.5

1.5

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

1.5

Merger
reserve1
£m 

367.6

Share-based  
payment 
reserve 
£m 

Retained
earnings
£m

Total
equity
£m

6.0 

1,240.3

2,056.4

–

–

–

–

–

(53.9)

–

–

(53.9)

313.7

–

–

–

–

(20.0)

–

–

(20.0)

293.7

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

(0.9) 

1.3 

0.4 

6.4 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

(0.2) 

1.5 

1.3 

7.7 

(7.1)

(7.1)

(7.1)

(7.1)

–

(11.8)

(8.5)

53.9

0.8

–

34.4

4.0

(11.8)

(8.5)

–

(0.1)

1.3

(15.1)

1,267.6

2,034.2

(18.6)

(18.6)

(18.6)

(18.6)

–

(4.3)

20.0

–

–

15.7

0.3

(4.3)

–

(0.2)

1.5

(2.7)

1,264.7

2,012.9

Balance at 31 December 2021 

212.8

1. Represents non-qualifying consideration received by the Group following the share placing in May 2014 and previous share placements. The amounts taken to the merger 
reserve do not currently meet the criteria for qualifying consideration and therefore will not form part of distributable reserves as they form part of linked transactions. Realised 
merger reserve relates to disposal of Southampton Street properties during the year (2020: the Wellington block during the prior year) as these properties were originally 
acquired using proceeds from the share placement. 

2. Share premium includes £0.3 million of ordinary shares issued relating to the 2021 bonus issue (2020: £3.3 million) in lieu of cash dividends. Refer to note 14 ‘Dividends’  

for further information.  

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Financial Statements

Capital & Counties Properties PLC  
company statement of cash flows 

for the year ended 31 December 2021 

Cash flows from operating activities 

Cash generated/(utilised) from operations 

Interest paid 

Net cash inflow/(outflow) from operating activities 

Cash flows from financing activities 

Share buyback 

Borrowings drawn 

Principal element of lease payment 

Cash dividends paid 

Net cash (outflow)/inflow from financing activities 

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents  

Unrestricted cash and cash equivalents at 1 January  

Unrestricted cash and cash equivalents at 31 December 

Note

VIII

14

Capital & Counties Properties PLC  
notes to the company accounts 

2021 
£m 

2020
£m

I Principal accounting policies 

General information 

8.8 

(4.6) 

4.2 

– 

– 

(0.2) 

(4.0) 

(4.2) 

– 

– 

– 

(257.7)

–

(257.7)

(11.8)

275.0

(0.9)

(4.6)

257.7

–

–

–

Capital & Counties Properties PLC (the “Company”) was incorporated and registered in England and Wales and domiciled in the United Kingdom 
on 3 February 2010 under the Companies Act as a public company limited by shares, registration number 7145051. The registered office of the 
Company is Regal House, 14 James Street, London, WC2E 8BU, United Kingdom. The principal activity of the Company is to act as the ultimate 
parent company of Capital & Counties Properties PLC Group (the “Group”), whose principal activity is the investment, development and 
management of property.  

Basis of preparation 

The Company’s financial statements are prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) and in accordance with 
UK-adopted international accounting standards in conformity with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.  

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention as modified for the revaluation of derivative financial instruments.  

The Directors have taken advantage of the exemption offered by section 408 of the Companies Act 2006 not to present a separate income 
statement or statement of comprehensive income for the Company. 

In the current year, the Company has applied the amendments to IFRS Standards and Interpretations issued by the Board as set out in the accounting 
policies of the Group on page 138 that are effective for annual periods that begin on or after 1 January 2021. Their adoption has not had any 
material impact on the disclosures or on the amounts reported in these financial statements. 

Investment in Group companies  

Investment in Group companies, which eliminates on consolidation, is stated in the Company’s separate financial statements at cost less impairment 
losses, if any. Impairment losses are determined with reference to the investment’s fair value less estimated selling costs. Fair value is derived from  
the subsidiaries’, and their subsidiaries’, net assets at the balance sheet date. On disposal, the difference between the net disposal proceeds and  
its carrying amount is included in the income statement. 

Other 

Accounting policies for going concern, share-based payments, cash and cash equivalents, trade and other receivables, borrowings, derivative 
financial instruments and trade and other payables are the same as those applied by the Group and are set out on pages 138 to 146. All  
other accounting policies have been applied consistently. No significant areas of estimation and uncertainty have been identified. 

The auditors’ remuneration for audit and other services is disclosed in note 7 to the Group accounts.  

II Property, plant and equipment 

Gross carrying value at 1 January 

Accumulated depreciation at 1 January 

Net carrying value at 1 January  

Disposals1 

Depreciation charge  

Net carrying value at 31 December  

2021
£m

5.4

(1.6)

3.8

(3.8)

–

–

2020
£m

5.4

(0.7)

4.7

–

(0.9)

3.8

1. Property consisted of leased office buildings which the Group vacated during the year via a lease to a third party. The Group incurred lease assignment costs of £1.8 million. 

Details are set out in note 7 ‘Administration expenses’.  

III Investment in Group companies 

At 1 January  

At 31 December 

2021
£m

516.4

516.4

2020
£m

516.4

516.4

Investments in Group companies are carried at cost less impairment losses, if any. An impairment test is performed on an annual basis.  
An impairment charge of £nil was recorded in the current year (2020: £nil). 

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Financial Statements

Notes to the company accounts continued 

IV Trade and other receivables 

V Borrowings, including lease liability continued 

Current 

Amounts owed by subsidiaries 

Prepayments and accrued income 

Trade and other receivables 

2021 
£m 

2020
£m

1,793.2 

1,794.4

0.4 

0.5

1,793.6 

1,794.9

An impairment test is performed on an annual basis to determine the recoverability of amounts owed by subsidiaries. An impairment charge of £nil 
was recorded in the current year (2020: £nil). 

Analysis of movement in net debt  

Balance at 1 January 

Borrowings drawn 

Other net cash movements 

Other non-cash movements 

Balance at 31 December  

V Borrowings, including lease liability 

The maturity profile of gross debt (excluding lease liabilities) is as follows: 

Non-current 

Exchangeable bonds 

Borrowings 

Total borrowings 

Current 

Lease liability obligation 

Borrowings, including lease liability 

Non-current 

Exchangeable bonds 

Borrowings 

Lease liability obligation 

Borrowings, including lease liability 

Total borrowings, including lease liability 

2021 

Secured 
£m

Unsecured 
£m

Fixed
rate 
£m

Floating 
rate  
£m 

Fair 
value 
£m 

Nominal
value
£m

264.1

264.1

–

–

264.1

264.1

– 

– 

259.1 

259.1 

275.0

275.0

2020 

Secured 
£m

Unsecured 
£m

Fixed
rate 
£m

Floating 
rate  
£m 

Fair 
value 
£m 

Nominal
value
£m

–

–

260.3

260.3

–

260.3

0.9

0.9

–

–

2.9

2.9

0.9

0.9

260.3

260.3

2.9

263.2

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

0.9 

0.9 

269.4 

269.4 

2.9 

0.9

0.9

275.0

275.0

2.9

272.3 

277.9

Carrying 
value  
£m 

264.1 

264.1 

264.1 

Carrying 
value  
£m 

0.9 

0.9 

260.3 

260.3 

2.9 

263.2 

264.1 

The fair values of the Company’s borrowings have been estimated using the market value for floating rate borrowings, which approximates nominal 
value, and discounted cash flow approach for fixed rate borrowings, representing Level 2 fair value measurements as defined by IFRS 13. The 
different valuation levels are defined in note 16 ‘Property portfolio’. 

The lease liability of the Company related to the lease liability over corporate premises. The company assigned the lease to a new tenant and vacated the 
premises during the year. Details of this lease is set out in note VII ‘Lease liability’. 

Analysis of movement in net debt  

Balance at 1 January 

Other net cash movements 

Other non-cash movements 

Balance at 31 December  

2021 

Current 
borrowings
£m

Non-current 
borrowings
£m

Cash and cash 
equivalents 
£m 

0.9

(0.2)

(0.7)

–

263.2

(4.4)

5.3

264.1

– 

– 

– 

– 

Net debt
£m

264.1

(4.6)

4.6

264.1

2020 

Current 
borrowings
£m

Non-current 
borrowings 
£m 

Cash and cash 
equivalents
£m

0.9

–

(0.9)

0.9

0.9

3.8 

265.2 

(6.7) 

0.9 

263.2 

–

(265.2)

265.2

–

–

2021 
£m

275.0

–

275.0

2021 
£m

(32.1)

(32.1)

Net debt
£m

4.7

–

257.6

1.8

264.1

 2020 
£m

–

275.0

275.0

 2020 
£m

(15.3)

(15.3)

Wholly repayable in more than two years but not more than five years 

Wholly repayable in more than five years 

VI Derivative financial instruments  

Derivative liabilities 

Non-current 

Derivative liability – exchangeable bonds1 

Derivative financial liabilities 

1. On 30 November 2020 the Group issued £275 million of secured exchangeable bonds maturing in March 2026. The notes are exchangeable into cash or ordinary  

shares of Shaftesbury. The net proceeds received from the issue of the exchangeable bonds have been split between the financial liability element and an option component, 
representing the fair value of the embedded option to convert the financial liability into equity of Shaftesbury. The debt component is accounted for at amortised cost at the 
effective interest rate method and the derivative liability is accounted for at fair value through profit or loss.  

VII Lease liability 

Lease liability included within property, plant and equipment 

(a) Minimum lease payments under lease obligations 

Not later than one year 

Later than one year and not later than five years 

Future finance charges on lease liabilities 

Present value of lease liability obligations 

(b) Present value of minimum lease obligations 

Not later than one year 

Later than one year and not later than five years 

2021 
£m

–

–

–

–

–

2021 
£m

–

–

–

 2020 
£m

0.9

3.0

3.9

(0.1)

3.8

2020 
£m

0.9

2.9

3.8

Lease liabilities included under property, plant and equipment were in respect of a lease over office buildings occupied by the Group. The Group 
assigned the lease to a third party and vacated the premises during the year. 

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Financial Statements

Notes to the company accounts continued 

VIII Cash flow information 

(a) Cash generated from continuing operations 

Continuing operations 

(Loss)/profit before tax 

Adjustments: 

Depreciation 

Finance costs 

Other finance income 

Change in fair value of derivative financial instruments 

Change in working capital: 

Change in trade and other receivables 

Change in trade and other payables 

Cash generated/(utilised) from continuing operations 

(b) Reconciliation of cash flows from financing activities 

2021  
£m 

(18.6) 

– 

8.2 

(10.8) 

16.8 

10.5 

2.7 

8.8 

2020 
£m

(6.8)

0.9

1.0

(6.9)

5.5

(246.3)

(5.1)

(257.7)

The table below sets out the reconciliation of movements of liabilities to cash flows arising from financing activities: 

Balance at 1 January 

Cash flows from financing activities 

Principal element of lease payment 

Total cash flows used in financing activities 

Non-cash movements from financing activities 

Lease liability 

Amortisation 

Changes in fair value 

Total non-cash flows from financing activities 

Balance at 31 December 

IX Related party transactions 

Long-term 
borrowings
£m

Short-term 
borrowings
£m

Note

Derivative 
liability – 
exchangeable 
bond 
£m  

Total liabilities 
from financing 
activities
£m

263.2

0.9

15.3 

279.4

–

–

(2.9)

3.8

–

0.9

264.1

(0.2)

(0.2)

(0.7)

–

–

(0.7)

–

– 

– 

– 

– 

16.8 

16.8 

32.1 

(0.2)

(0.2)

(3.6)

3.8

16.8

17.0

296.2

(a) Transactions between the Parent Company and its subsidiaries 

Transactions between the Parent Company and its subsidiaries, which are related parties, have been eliminated on consolidation for the Group.  

Significant transactions between the Parent Company and its subsidiaries are shown below: 

Subsidiary  

Funding activities 

Nature of transaction 

2021  
£m 

2020 
£m

Capco Group Treasury Limited 

Interest on intercompany loan 

10.8 

6.9

Significant balances outstanding at 31 December between the Parent Company and its subsidiaries are shown below: 

Subsidiary 

Capco Group Treasury Limited 

Amounts owed  
by subsidiaries 

2021  
£m 

2020 
£m

1,793.2 

1,794.2

The amount due from Capco Group Treasury Limited is unsecured, interest bearing at 0.6 per cent (2020: 0.6 per cent) and repayable on demand.

Other information (unaudited) 

Alternative performance measures 

for the year ended 31 December 2021 

Alternative performance measures 

The Group has applied the European Securities and Markets Authority (“ESMA”) guidelines on alternative performance measures (“APMs”) in these 
annual results. An APM is a financial measure of historical or future finance performance, position or cash flow of the Group which is not a measure 
defined or specified in IFRS. 

Set out below is a summary of the APMs used in this Annual Report. 

Many of the APMs included are based on the EPRA Best Practice Recommendations reporting framework, a set of standard disclosures for the property 
industry, which aims to improve the transparency, comparability and relevance of published results of public real estate companies in Europe.  

The Group also uses underlying earnings, property portfolio and financial debt ratios APMs. The property portfolio presents the Group share of 
property market value which is the economic value attributable to the owners of the Parent. Financial debt ratios are supplementary ratios which  
we believe are useful in monitoring the capital structure of the Group. Additionally, loan to value and interest cover are covenants within many  
of the Group’s borrowing facilities. 

Internally, the Board focuses on and reviews information and reports prepared on a Group share basis, which includes the Group’s share of joint 
ventures but excludes the non-controlling interest share of the Group’s subsidiaries. 

APM 

Definition of measure 

Nearest IFRS measure 

Explanation and  
reconciliation 

Underlying earnings 

Profit/(loss) for the period excluding 
unrealised and one-off items 

Profit/(loss) for the year 

Note 3 

Underlying earnings per share  Underlying earnings per weighted 

number of ordinary shares 

Basic earnings/(loss) per 
share 

Note 3 

EPRA earnings  

Recurring earnings from core operational 
activity 

Profit/(loss) for the year  

EPRA earnings per share 

EPRA earnings per weighted number of 
ordinary shares 

Basic loss per share 

EPRA NTA 

Net asset value adjusted to include 
properties and other investment interests 
at fair value and to exclude certain items 
not expected to crystallise in a long-term 
investment property business model 

Net assets attributable to 
shareholders 

EPRA NTA per share 

EPRA NTA per the diluted number of 
ordinary shares 

Net assets attributable to 
shareholders per share 

Market value of property 
portfolio 

Market value of investment, development 
and trading properties 

Investment, development  
and trading properties 

Interest cover 

Net debt to gross assets 

Underlying operating profit divided by 
net underlying finance costs 

Net debt divided by total assets 
excluding cash and cash equivalents 

N/A 

N/A 

Gross debt with interest rate 
protection 

Proportion of the gross debt with interest 
rate protection 

N/A 

Weighted average cost of 
debt 

Cost of debt weighted by the drawn 
balance of external borrowings 

N/A 

Cash and undrawn committed 
facilities (Group share) 

Cash and undrawn committed 
facilities (IFRS) 

Occupancy 

Cash and cash equivalents plus undrawn 
committed facilities shown on a Group 
share basis 

N/A 

Cash and cash equivalents plus undrawn 
committed facilities shown on an IFRS 
basis 

N/A 

ERV of occupied space as a percentage 
of ERV of combined portfolio 

N/A 

Where this report uses like-for-like comparisons, these are defined within the Glossary. 

2021

£4.1m

2020

(£6.2)m

0.5p

(0.7)p

(£7.3)m

(£33.0)m

(0.9)p

(3.9)p

£1,809.7

£1,805.8m

212.4p

212.1p

£1,814.7m

£1,942.4m

111.5%

76.1%

24.3%

27.5%

EPRA measures 
Table 1 

EPRA measures 
Table 1 

Note 15 

Table D 

Note 15 

Table D 

Note 16 

Note 27 

Note 27 

Note 27  

100%

100%

Financial Review, 
page 64 

Financial Review, 
page 64 

Financial Review, 
page 64 

2.8%

2.6%

£651.7m

£1,010.2m

£629.0m

£940.1m

N/A 

97.4%

96.5%

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189 
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Financial Statements

Other information (unaudited) continued 

EPRA measures  

for the year ended 31 December 2021 

EPRA measures 

EPRA Net Reinstatement Value (“EPRA NRV”), EPRA Net Tangible Assets (“EPRA NTA”) and EPRA Net Disposal Value (“EPRA NDV”) are alternative 
performance measures that are calculated in accordance with the Best Practices Recommendations of the European Public Real Estate Association 
(EPRA) to provide a transparent and consistent basis to enable comparison between European property companies. EPRA NTA is considered to be 
the most relevant measure for the Group’s operating activity and is the primary measure of net asset value. 

The following is a summary of EPRA performance measures and key Group measures included within this Annual Report. The measures are defined 
in the Glossary. 

EPRA measure 

Definition of measure 

EPRA earnings 

Recurring earnings from core operational activity 

EPRA earnings per share 

EPRA earnings per weighted number of ordinary shares 

EPRA NTA (Net Tangible 
Assets) 

Net asset value adjusted to include properties and other investment interests at fair 
value and to exclude certain items not expected to crystallise in a long-term 
investment property business model  

EPRA NTA per share 

EPRA NTA per the diluted number of ordinary shares 

Table  

2021 

2020

1 

1 

(£7.3)m 

(£33.0)m

(0.9)p 

(3.9)p

Note 15 

£1,809.7m  £1,805.8m

Table D 

Note 15 

Table D 

212.4p 

212.1p

EPRA NDV (Net Disposal 
Value) 

instruments and debt 

EPRA NTA amended to include the fair value of financial  

Note 15 

£1,800.3m  £1,758.2m

EPRA NDV per share 

EPRA NDV per the diluted number of ordinary shares 

EPRA NRV (Net 
Reinstatement Value) 

EPRA NTA amended to include real estate transfer tax 

Note 15 

£1,925.6m  £1,930.3m

EPRA NRV per share 

EPRA NRV per the diluted number of ordinary shares 

EPRA net initial yield 

Annualised rental income less non-recoverable costs as a percentage of market 
value plus assumed purchaser’s costs 

EPRA topped-up  
initial yield 

EPRA vacancy 

Net initial yield adjusted for the expiration of rent-free periods 

ERV of un-let units expressed as a percentage of the ERV of the Covent Garden 
portfolio excluding units under development 

Like-for-like net rental growth  Net rental income for properties which have been owned throughout both years 

without significant capital expenditure in either year, so income can be compared 
on a like-for-like basis. 

Table D 

Note 15 

Table D 

211.3p 

206.5p

Table D 

Note 15 

Table D 

2 

2 

3 

Property 
portfolio 
Table 3 

226.0p 

226.7p

3.2% 

3.3%

3.8% 

3.6%

2.6% 

3.5%

23.7% 

(30.3)%

EPRA measures continued 

1)  EPRA Earnings per share 

Basic earnings/(loss) from continuing operations 

29.3

851.3

3.4 

(703.7) 

852.2

(82.6)

2021 

2020 

Earnings/ 
(loss)
£m

Shares1
million 

Earnings/ 
(loss)  
per share 
(pence) 

Loss 
£m 

Shares1
million

Loss
per share
(pence)

Group adjustments: 

Change in value of investments and other receivables2 

Loss on revaluation and sale of investment and  
development property 

Fair value gain on listed investments 

Change in fair value of derivative financial instruments3  

Deferred tax adjustments 

Joint venture adjustments: 

Profit on sale of trading property4 

Loss on revaluation and sale of investment and development property 

Write down of trading property  

EPRA adjusted loss on continuing operations5 

(11.6)

15.8

(44.6)

(4.9)

2.3

(5.6)

–

12.0

(7.3)

28.2 

693.1 

(50.9) 

9.0 

(1.4) 

(8.9) 

0.2 

1.4 

851.3

(0.9) 

(33.0) 

852.2

(3.9)

1. Weighted average number of shares in issue for 2020 has been adjusted by 0.2 million (2020: 2.5 million) for the issue of bonus shares in connection with the scrip dividend 

scheme. 

2. Change in value of investments and other receivables of £11.6 million (2020: £28.2 million) includes impairments under IFRS 9 of the amounts receivable from joint ventures 
above the Group’s share of losses in the Lillie Square joint venture, and impairment in relation to the Group’s investment in the Innova joint venture. Further details are disclosed 
within note 9 ‘Change in value of investments and other receivables’. 

3. Change in fair value of derivative financial instruments excludes change in fair value of derivative liability on bifurcated exchangeable bonds.  
4. Profit on sale of trading property relates to Lillie Square sales and includes £0.1 million (2020: £1.0 million) of marketing and selling fees on a Group share basis.  
5. EPRA earnings has been reported on a Group share basis. 

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Financial Statements

Other information (unaudited) continued 

EPRA measures continued 

2) EPRA Net initial yield and EPRA ‘topped-up’ net initial yield 

EPRA Net Initial Yield and EPRA ‘topped-up’ Net Initial Yield 

Investment property – wholly owned 

Investment property – share of joint ventures 

Trading property (including share of joint ventures) 

Less: developments 

Completed property portfolio  

Allowance for estimated purchasers’ costs  

Gross up completed property portfolio valuation (A) 

Annualised cash passing rental income 

Property outgoings  

Annualised net rents (B) 

Add: notional rent expiration of rent periods or other lease incentives 

Topped-up net annualised rent (C) 

EPRA Net Initial Yield (B/A) 

EPRA ‘topped-up’ Net Initial Yield (C/A) 

2021 
£m 

2020
£m

1,730.6 

1,827.2

1.6 

82.5 

(251.2) 

1,563.5 

105.4 

1,668.9 

57.5 

(4.1) 

53.4 

9.2 

62.6 

3.20% 

3.75% 

1.6

113.6

(225.9)

1,716.5

117.7

1,834.2

64.2

(4.3)

59.9

6.7

66.6

3.27%

3.63%

The EPRA Net Initial Yield and EPRA ‘topped-up’ Net Initial Yield are calculated based on EPRA guidelines and includes both Covent Garden and 
the Group’s share of Lillie Square. The Covent Garden initial yield as determined by the valuer is disclosed in Table 4 of the Analysis of Property 
Portfolio on page 194. 

3) EPRA vacancy rate 

EPRA vacancy rate 

Estimated rental value of vacant space 

Estimated rental value of the whole portfolio less development and refurbishment estimated rental value 

EPRA vacancy rate 

2021 
£m 

1.9 

71.8 

2.6% 

2020
£m

2.7

75.6

3.5%

EPRA vacancy rate is performed only for the Covent Garden portfolio. Other investment and development properties held at Lillie Square total  
£1.6 million Group share (2020: £1.6 million Group share) and disclosure is not applicable. 

Property portfolio 

for the year ended 31 December 2021 

Analysis of property portfolio 

1. Property data as at 31 December 2021 

Covent Garden 

Lillie Square 

Other 

Group share of total property 

Investment and development property 

Trading property 

2. Analysis of capital return for the year 

Like-for-like capital 

Covent Garden  

Other2 

Total like-for-like capital  

Investment and development property 

Trading property3 

Non like-for-like capital 

Disposals 

Group share of total property 

Investment and development property 

Trading property3 

All property 

Covent Garden 

Other2 

Group share of total property 

Ownership

100.0%

50.0%

100.0%

Market
value
£m

1,728.5

84.1

2.1

1,814.7

1,732.2

82.5

Market
value
31 December
2021
£m

Market 
value 
31 December 
2020 
£m  

Revaluation
loss1
31 December
2021
£m

1,728.5

86.2

1,814.7

1,732.2

82.5

–

1,814.7

1,732.2

82.5

1,728.5

86.2

1,814.7

1,726.2 

98.2 

1,824.4 

1,729.9 

94.5 

118.0 

1,942.4 

1,828.8 

113.6 

1,825.1 

117.3 

1,942.4 

(11.0)

(14.1)

(25.1)

(11.0)

(14.1)

1.1

(24.0)

(9.9)

(14.1)

(9.9)

(14.1)

(24.0)

Decrease

(0.6)%

(14.1)%

(1.3)%

(0.6)%

(14.6)%

(1.3)%

(0.6)%

(14.6)%

(0.6)%

(14.1)%

(1.3)%

4) Property related capex 

Acquisitions 

Development 

Investment property 

Capitalised interest 

Total CapEx 

Conversion from accrual to cash basis  

Total CapEx on cash basis 

2021 

2020 

Group (excluding 
Joint Ventures)

Joint Ventures

Total Group

Group (excluding 
Joint Ventures)

Joint Ventures 

Total Group

1. Revaluation loss includes amortisation of lease incentives and fixed head leases. 
2. Relates to the Group’s interest in Lillie Square. 
3. Represents unrecognised surplus and write down or write back to market value of trading property. Presented for information purposes only. 

–

–

6.8

–

6.8

1.1

7.9

–

2.0

–

0.2

2.2

(0.6)

1.6

–

2.0

6.8

0.2

9.0

0.5

9.5

1.1

–

19.1

–

20.2

3.7

23.9

– 

5.6 

– 

1.5 

7.1 

– 

7.1 

1.1

5.6

19.1

1.5

27.3

3.7

31.0

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Financial Statements

Other information (unaudited) continued 

Financial covenants  

for the year ended 31 December 2021  

Analysis of property portfolio continued 

3. Analysis of net rental income for the year 

Financial covenants  

Financial covenants on non-recourse debt  

The below provides an analysis of the net rental growth of the Covent Garden portfolio and Other, including the Group’s 50 per cent investment in 
Lillie Square which primarily owns trading properties. Like-for-like net rental growth compares the growth of the net rental income of the portfolio that 
has been consistently in operation, and not under development, during the current and prior year. The portfolio valuation for Covent Garden and 
Other are reflected in Table 2 of the Property Portfolio analysis. All properties are located in London therefore a geographic spread is not included. 

Group share 

Covent Garden2 

Total 

Maturity

2024-2037

31 December 2021 

Loans outstanding 
at 31 December 20211 
£m 

550.0 

550.0 

LTV 
covenant

Interest cover 
covenant

60%

120%

1.  The loan values are the nominal values at 31 December 2021 shown on a Group share basis. The balance sheet value of the loans includes any unamortised fees. 
2.  Covent Garden comprises £300.0 million revolving credit facility (“RCF”) maturing in September 2024, which is undrawn at 31 December 2021, and £550 million Private 

Placement unsecured notes maturing between 2024 and 2037. 

Like-for-like net rental income from continuing operations 

Covent Garden 

Other  

Total like-for-like net rental income 

Like-for-like investment and development property  

Like-for-like trading property 

Non like-for-like net rental income 

Disposals 

Group share of total net rental income (underlying) 

Investment and development property  

Trading property  

All property 

Covent Garden 

Other 

Group share of total net rental income (underlying) 

Lease modifications and impairment of tenant incentives 

Reported net rental income 

Covent Garden 

Other 

4. Analysis of Covent Garden by use 

31 December 2021 

Initial  
yield 

Nominal 
equivalent  
yield 

Passing
rent
£m

Occupancy 
rate

Weighted 
average 
unexpired 
lease years

Retail 

F&B 

Office 

Residential 

Leisure and other 

Total 

2.94% 

3.88% 

55.5

97.4%

7.6

1,728.5 

2021 
£m

50.4

0.2

50.6

50.6

–

1.7

52.3

52.3

–

52.1

0.2

52.3

(5.9)

46.4

46.2

0.2

Market 
value 
£m 

850.3 

434.3 

273.2 

123.4 

47.3 

2020 
£m  

41.6 

(0.6) 

41.0 

41.2 

(0.2) 

2.6 

43.6 

43.8 

(0.2) 

44.1 

(0.5) 

43.6 

(27.8) 

15.8 

16.3 

(0.5) 

ERV 
£m 

36.5 

18.0 

16.0 

3.7 

2.0 

76.2 

Increase

21.6%

23.7%

23.0%

20.4%

19.7%

18.5%

20.4%

194.7%

183.1%

Net
area
million
Sq. ft. 

0.4

0.2

0.2

0.2

0.1

1.1

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Board and advisers 

Chairman 

Henry Staunton 

Executive directors 

Ian Hawksworth, Chief Executive 
Situl Jobanputra, Chief Financial Officer 
Michelle McGrath, Executive Director  

Non-executive directors 

Charlotte Boyle 
Jonathan Lane OBE 
Anthony Steains 

Company secretary 

Ruth Pavey 

Registered office 

Regal House 
14 James Street  
London  
WC2E 8BU 
Telephone: 020 3214 9150 
Fax: 020 3214 9151 

Registered number 

7145051 

Websites 

www.capitalandcounties.com 
www.coventgarden.london 

Independent auditors 

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP 

Solicitors 

Herbert Smith Freehills LLP 

Financial adviser 

Rothschild & Co. 

Corporate brokers 

Jefferies International Limited 
Peel Hunt LLP 
UBS AG London Branch 

SA sponsor 

UBS South Africa (Pty) Ltd (until 24 February 2022) 
Java Capital Trustees and Sponsors Proprietary Limited  
(from 25 February 2022) 

Financial Statements

Historical record 

for the year ended 31 December 2021  

Historical Record 

Continuing and discontinued operations 

Consolidated income statement 

Net rental income1 

Profit on sale of trading property  

Other income 

Loss on revaluation and sale of investment and development 
property 

Profit/(loss) on disposal and IFRS 5 impairment of discontinued 
operation 

Revaluation of equity investment 

Non-recurring (costs)/income 

Administration expenses2 

Operating (loss)/profit 

Net finance costs 

(Loss)/profit before tax 

Taxation 

Loss for the year  

Consolidated balance sheet 

2021
£m

46.4

5.6

2.7

2020
£m

15.8

8.9

(0.5)

2019
£m

63.3

0.9

1.0

2018 
£m 

63.5 

6.7 

1.8 

2017
£m

73.4

14.5

2.3

(15.8)

(693.3)

(139.8)

(78.8) 

(28.0)

–

44.6

(68.6)

(22.7)

(7.8)

(44.4)

(52.2)

(0.7)

(52.9)

1.0

50.9

(1.4)

(31.5)

(650.1)

(29.7)

(679.8)

1.0

(94.2)

–

(15.4)

(46.6)

(230.8)

(25.5)

(256.3)

0.1

(678.8)

(256.2)

29.5 

– 

(4.3) 

(41.6) 

(23.2) 

(17.1) 

(40.3) 

(4.3) 

(44.6) 

–

–

1.5

(41.4)

22.3

(16.0)

6.3

(6.7)

(0.4)

Investment and development property 

1,696.1

1,797.4

2,547.3

3,066.7 

3,318.1

Other non-current assets 

Cash and cash equivalents 

Other current assets 

Total assets 

645.0

341.7

125.3

599.7

375.8

182.2

165.1

170.6

302.3

157.2 

49.9 

181.8 

155.1

52.3

158.7

2,808.1

2,955.1

3,185.3

3,455.6 

3,684.2

Non-current borrowings, including lease liabilities 

(940.3)

(1,084.5)

(610.8)

(621.9) 

(785.3)

Other non-current liabilities 

Current borrowings, including lease liabilities 

Other current liabilities 

Total liabilities 

(32.1)

(0.7)

(41.3)

(22.5)

(1.6)

(53.3)

(1,014.4)

(1,161.9)

(3.6)

(1.6)

(82.2)

(698.2)

– 

(0.7) 

(84.5) 

(707.1) 

(5.8)

(0.7)

(92.6)

(884.4)

Net assets  

1,793.7

1,793.1

2,487.1

2,748.5 

2,799.8

Prepared on a Group share basis.  

Per share information 

Basic earnings/(loss) per share 

Underlying earnings/(loss) per share 

Basic net assets per share 

EPRA NTA 

Dividend per share 

Pence

3.4

0.5

210.5

212.4

0.5

Pence

(79.6)

(0.7)

210.4

212.1

–

Pence

(29.7)

1.0

290.0

292.9

1.5

Pence 

(6.7) 

0.9 

321.6 

325.7 

1.5 

Pence

(0.1)

1.3

329.7

333.8

1.5

1. Underlying net rental income for continuing operations as at 31 December 2021 is £52.3 million (2020: £43.6 million). 
2. Included in administration expenses for continuing operations as at 31 December 2021 is £2.8 million (2020: £6.5 million) of non-recurring administration costs which are 

excluded from the calculation of underlying earnings. Details are set out in note 7 ‘Administration Expenses’.  

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Financial Statements

Dividends  

Glossary 

Dividends 

South African shareholders 

Alternative performance measure (APM)  

EPRA net tangible assets (NTA) 

The final dividend declared by the Company is a foreign payment 
and the funds are sourced from the UK. 

PIDs: South African shareholders may apply to HMRC after payment of 
the PID element of the dividend for a refund of the difference between 
the 20 per cent UK withholding tax and the UK/South African double 
taxation treaty rate of 15 per cent.  

The PID element of the dividend will be exempt from income tax but will 
constitute a dividend for Dividends Tax purposes, as it will be declared 
in respect of a share listed on the exchange operated by the JSE. SA 
Dividends Tax will therefore be withheld from the PID element of the final 
dividend at a rate of 20 per cent, unless a shareholder qualifies for an 
exemption and the prescribed requirements for effecting the exemption 
are in place by the requisite date. Certain shareholders may also qualify 
for a reduction of SA Dividends Tax liability to 5 per cent, (being the 
difference between the SA dividends tax rate and the effective UK 
withholding tax rate of 15 per cent) if the prescribed requirements  
for effecting the reduction are in place by the requisite date. 

Non-PID: The non-PID element will be exempt from income tax but  
will constitute a dividend for SA Dividends Tax purposes, as it will  
be declared in respect of a share listed on the exchange operated by  
the JSE. SA Dividends Tax will therefore be withheld from the non-PID 
element of the final dividend at a rate of 20 per cent, unless a 
shareholder qualifies for an exemption and the prescribed requirements 
for effecting the exemption are in place by the requisite date. 

Other overseas shareholders: 

Other non-UK shareholders may be able to make claims for a  
refund of UK withholding tax deducted pursuant to the application  
of a relevant double taxation convention. UK withholding tax refunds 
can only be claimed from HMRC, the UK tax authority. 

Additional information on PIDs can be found at 
https://www.capitalandcounties.com/uk-real-estate-investment-trust-reit  

The Directors of Capital & Counties Properties PLC have proposed  
a final dividend per ordinary share (ISIN GB00B62G9D36) of  
1.0 pence payable on 8 July 2022. 

Dates 

The following are the salient dates for payment of the proposed final 
dividend: 

Sterling/Rand exchange rate struck 

Sterling/Rand exchange rate and dividend amount in 
Rand announced 

  30 May 2022

  31 May 2022

Ordinary shares listed ex-dividend on the Johannesburg 
Stock Exchange  

Ordinary shares listed ex-dividend on the London Stock 
Exchange 

8 June 2022

9 June 2022

Record date for final dividend in UK and South Africa 

  10 June 2022

Annual General Meeting 

Dividend payment date for shareholders 

  28 June 2022

8 July 2022

The proposed final dividend is subject to approval at the Company’s 
Annual General Meeting, to be held on 28 June 2022.  

South African shareholders should note that, in accordance with  
the requirements of Strate, the last day to trade cum-dividend will be  
7 June 2022 and that no dematerialisation of shares will be possible 
from 8 June 2022 to 10 June 2022 inclusive. No transfers between 
the UK and South Africa registers may take place from 8 June 2022  
to 10 June 2022 inclusive. 

The above dates are proposed and subject to change. 

The dividend will be split equally between Property Income Distribution 
(“PID”) and non-PID for tax purposes. The PID element will be subject  
to a deduction of a 20 per cent UK withholding tax unless exemptions 
apply. The non-PID element will be treated as an ordinary UK 
company dividend. 

Information for shareholders  

The information below is included only as a general guide to taxation 
for shareholders based on Capco's understanding of the law and the 
practice currently in force. Any shareholder who is in any doubt as to 
their tax position should seek independent professional advice.  

UK shareholders – PIDs 

Certain categories of shareholders may be eligible for exemption from 
the 20 per cent UK withholding tax and may register to receive their 
dividends on a gross basis. Further information, including the required 
forms, is available from the 'Investors' section of the Company’s 
website (capitalandcounties.com), or on request from our UK 
registrars, Link Group. Validly completed forms must be received by 
Link Group no later than the dividend Record Date, as advised; 
otherwise the dividend will be paid after deduction of tax. 

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. 

BPS 

Basis point is a unit equal to one hundredth of a percentage point.  

Capco 

Capco represents Capital & Counties Properties PLC (also referred to 
as “the Company” or “the Parent”) and all its subsidiaries and group 
undertakings, collectively referred to as “the Group”. 

Cash and undrawn facilities 

Cash and cash equivalents plus undrawn committed facilities. 

CDP 

Carbon Disclosure Project Worldwide, a sustainability index.  
Capco participates in the CDP Climate Change Programme. 

The net assets as at the end of the year including the excess of the  
fair value of trading property over its cost and revaluation of other  
non-current investments, excluding the fair value of financial instruments 
and deferred tax on revaluations. 

EPRA net tangible assets per share 

EPRA net tangible assets divided by the diluted number of  
ordinary shares. 

EPRA net reinstatement value (NRV) 

The net assets as at the end of the year including the excess of the fair 
value of trading property over its cost and excluding the fair value of 
financial instruments, deferred tax on revaluations plus a gross up 
adjustment for related costs such as Real Estate Transfer Tax. 

EPRA net reinstatement value per share 

EPRA net reinstatement value divided by the diluted number of  
ordinary shares. 

Diluted figures  

EPRA sBPR 

Reported amounts adjusted to include the dilutive effects of potential 
shares issuable under employee incentive arrangements. 

EPRA 

European Public Real Estate Association, the publisher of Best 
Practice Recommendations intended to make financial statements  
of public real estate companies in Europe clearer, more transparent 
and comparable. 

EPRA earnings 

Profit or loss for the year excluding gains or losses on the revaluation 
and sale of investment and development property, profit on sale of 
subsidiaries, impairment of other receivables, write down of trading 
property, changes in fair value of derivative financial instruments and 
associated close-out costs and the related tax on these items. 

EPRA earnings per share 

EPRA earnings divided by the weighted average number of shares  
in issue during the year. 

European Public Real Estate Association Sustainability Best Practice 
Recommendations for Reporting, a guidance framework for reporting 
environmental performance. Capco publishes details of its 
environmental performance in line with the EPRA sBPR. 

EPRA topped-up initial yield 

EPRA net initial yield adjusted for the expiration of rent-free periods. 

EPRA vacancy 

ERV of un-let units expressed as a percentage of the ERV of the  
Covent Garden portfolio excluding units under development. 

ESC 

Environment, Sustainability and Community. 

Estimated rental value (ERV) 

The external valuers’ estimate of the open market rent which,  
on the date of valuation, could reasonably be expected to  
be obtained on a new letting or rent review of the property.  

EPRA net disposal value (NDV) 

FTSE4GOOD 

The net assets as at the end of the year including the excess of the fair 
value of trading property over its cost, revaluation of other non-current 
investments and the fair value of fixed interest rate debt over their 
carrying value.  

EPRA net disposal value per share 

EPRA net disposal value divided by the diluted number of  
ordinary shares. 

EPRA net initial yield 

Annualised net rent (after deduction of revenue costs such as head  
rent, running void, service charge after shortfalls and empty rates) on 
investment and development property expressed as a percentage of the 
gross market value before deduction of theoretical acquisition costs. 

FTSE4GOOD Index Series, hosted by FTSE Russell, a sustainability 
index to which Capco participates. 

F&B 

Food and Beverage. 

FRC 

Financial Reporting Council. 

GCP 

The Great Capital Partnership is a 50 per cent joint venture between 
Capital & Counties Limited and Great Portland Estates PLC. 

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Financial Statements

Glossary continued 

GEA 

Gross external area. 

GRESB 

The Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark, a sustainability 
index. Capco participates in the GRESB Real Estate Assessment. 

Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions Methodology 

Capco continues to monitor and report all greenhouse gas emission 
sources required under the Companies Act 2006 (Strategic Report 
and Directors’ Reports) Regulations 2013 and the extension of these 
regulations to include the Streamlined Energy and Carbon Emissions 
Reporting (“SECR”). The GHG emissions data is prepared by 
following the ‘Greenhouse Gas (“GHG”) Protocol: A Corporate 
Accounting and Reporting Standard’ published by the World 
Resources Institute (“WRI”) and the operational consolidation method  
is adopted, as this reflects where Capco has the ability to influence 
GHG emissions. Scope 1 emissions for 2020 and 2021 throughout 
comprise direct emissions, including fuel combustion in owned or 
controlled boilers, backup generators and vehicles. Scope 2 emissions 
for 2020 and 2021 comprise indirect emissions released from 
purchased electricity. Capco was responsible for all Scope 1 and 
Scope 2 emissions stated. For Scope 2 emissions, those arising from 
generated electricity usage are reported in two ways. Firstly, Capco 
calculates the ‘location-based’ emissions which reflect emissions 
according to the energy mix of the National Grid. Secondly, Capco 
reports ‘market-based’ emissions which reflect the energy mix provided 
by our energy suppliers. This helps Capco to demonstrate the 
reduction in emissions as a result of purchasing energy from suppliers 
who generate renewable energy. Scope 3 emissions comprise other 
indirect emissions from sources not owned or controlled by Capco, 
including customer and supply chain emissions. Capco has engaged 
Carbon Footprint Limited to provide independent verification of the 
2021 greenhouse gas emissions assertion, in accordance with the 
industry recognised standard ISO 14064-3.  

Gross income 

The Group’s share of passing rent plus sundry non-leased income. 

JSE 

Johannesburg Stock Exchange. 

Kwok Family Interests (KFI) 

Joint venture partner in the Lillie Square development. 

Like-for-like property 

Property which has been owned throughout both years without 
significant capital expenditure in either year, so income can be 
compared on a like-for-like basis. For the purposes of comparison  
of capital values, this will also include assets owned at the previous 
balance sheet date but not necessarily throughout the prior year.  

London Inter-Bank Offered Rate (LIBOR) 

Average rate of interest used in lending between leading banks  
in London, which is used as a reference for setting interest rates  
on other loans and other financial products. 

Loan to value (LTV) 

LTV is calculated on the basis of the Group’s net debt divided by  
the carrying value of the Group’s property portfolio.  

LSJV 

The Lillie Square joint venture is a 50 per cent joint venture between 
the Group and Kwok Family Interests 

MSCI  

Producer of an independent benchmark of property returns. Previously 
known as Investment Property Databank (IPD). 

NAV 

Net Asset Value. 

Net debt 

Total borrowings less cash and cash equivalents. 

Net debt to gross assets 

Calculated on the basis of the Group’s net debt divided by the 
Group’s gross assets less cash. 

FTSE 350 Real Estate Index 

Net rental income (NRI) 

London Stock Exchange index derived from real estate companies  
in the FTSE 100 and FTSE 250 indices. 

Headline earnings 

Headline earnings per share is calculated in accordance with Circular 
1/2021 issued by the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants 
(“SAICA”), a requirement of the Group’s JSE listing. This measure is not  
a requirement of IFRS. 

HMRC 

Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs. 

IFRS 

International Financial Reporting Standards. 

Innova 

Innova Investment Limited Partnership is a 50 per cent joint venture 
between the Group and Network Rail Infrastructure Limited. 

Gross rental income less ground rents, payable service charge expenses 
and other non-recoverable charges, having taken due account of 
expected credit loss provisions and adjustments to comply with 
International Financial Reporting Standards regarding tenant lease 
incentives. 

Net Zero Carbon 

When there is a balance between the amount of GHG emissions 
produced and the amount removed from the atmosphere, either  
by reduction in GHG emissions resulting from our buildings and 
operations or offset of unavoidable residual emissions. 

NIA 

Net Internal Area. 

Nominal equivalent yield 

Effective annual yield to a purchaser on the gross market value, 
assuming rent is receivable annually in arrear, and that the property 
becomes fully occupied and that all rents revert to the current market 
level (ERV) at the next review date or lease expiry. 

Occupancy rate 

Section 106 

Section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, pursuant to 
which the relevant planning authority can impose planning obligations 
on a developer to secure contributions to services, infrastructure and 
amenities in order to support and facilitate a proposed development. 

Sterling Overnight Interbank Average Rate (SONIA)  

The average overnight Sterling risk-free interest rate, set in arrear, 
paid by banks for unsecured transactions. 

The ERV of let and under offer units expressed as a percentage of the 
ERV of let and under offer units plus ERV of un-let units, excluding units 
under development. This is equivalent to 100 per cent less the EPRA 
vacancy rate. 

Shaftesbury 

Shaftesbury PLC. 

SMEs 

Passing rent 

Contracted annual rents receivable at the balance sheet date. This 
takes no account of accounting adjustments made in respect of rent-
free periods or tenant lease incentives, the reclassification of certain 
lease payments as finance charges or any irrecoverable costs and 
expenses, and does not include excess turnover rent, additional rent  
in respect of unsettled rent reviews or sundry income. Contracted 
annual rents in respect of tenants in administration are excluded.  

P.A. 

Per annum. 

Small and medium-sized enterprises.  

Tenant lease incentives 

Any incentives offered to tenants to enter into a lease. Typically incentives 
are in the form of an initial rent-free period and/or a cash contribution  
to fit-out the premises. Under International Financial Reporting Standards 
the value of incentives granted to tenants is amortised through the income 
statement on a straight-line basis over the lease term. 

Total property return (TPR) 

Capital growth including gains and losses on disposals plus rent 
received less associated costs, including ground rent. 

Property Income Distributions (PID) 

Total return (TR) 

Distribution under the REIT regime that constitutes at least 90 per cent 
of the Group’s taxable income profits arising from its qualifying 
property rental business, by way of dividend. PIDs can be subject to 
withholding tax at 20 per cent. If the Group distributes profits from its 
non-qualifying business, the distribution will be taxed as an ordinary 
dividend in the hands of the investors.  

Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) 

A REIT is exempt from corporation tax on income and gains of 
its property rental business (qualifying activities) provided a number  
of conditions are met. It remains subject to corporation tax on non-
exempt income and gains (non-qualifying activities) which would 
include any trading activity, interest income and 
development/management fee income.  

RICS 

Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. 

RIDDOR 

Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences 
Regulations. 

SAICA 

South African Institute of Chartered Accountants.  

S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment 

A sustainability index of Standard & Poor Global to which  
Capco submits information. 

The growth in EPRA NAV per share plus dividends per share  
paid during the year. 

Total shareholder return (TSR) 

The increase in the price of an ordinary share plus dividends  
paid during the year assuming re-investment in ordinary shares. 

Underlying earnings 

Profit for the year excluding impairment charges, net valuation 
gains/losses (including profits/losses on disposals), fair value 
changes, net refinancing charges, costs of termination of derivative 
financial instruments and non-recurring costs and income. Given the 
scale of the rental support provided to tenants in the current and prior 
year, non-cash lease modification expenses and impairment of tenant 
lease incentives have been excluded from underlying earnings due to 
being material and at levels not experienced in the past nor expected 
to be incurred once tenant support measures required as a result of 
COVID-19 conclude. Underlying earnings is reported on a Group 
share basis. 

Underlying earnings per share (EPS) 

Underlying earnings divided by the weighted average number  
of shares in issue during the year.  

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Glossary continued 

Underlying net rental income 

Net rental income excluding lease modification expenses and 
impairment of tenant lease incentives. Given the scale of the rental 
support provided to tenants in the current and prior year, these 
balances have been excluded from underlying net rental income  
due to being material and at levels not experienced in the past  
nor expected to be incurred once tenant support measures required  
as a result of COVID-19 conclude. 

Weighted average unexpired lease term 

The unexpired lease term to lease expiry weighted by ERV for  
each lease. 

WCC 

Westminster City Council. 

Zone A 

A means of analysing and comparing the rental value of retail space 
by dividing it in to zones parallel with the main frontage. The most 
valuable zone, Zone A, falls within a 6m depth of the shop frontage. 
Each successive zone is valued at half the rate of the zone in front  
of it. The blend is referred to as being ‘ITZA’ (“In Terms of Zone A”). 

Shareholder information 

Electronic communication 

Capco has adopted electronic communications. This means that 
shareholders will receive documents from the Company electronically 
unless they elect to receive hard copies. 

The Group’s annual results and interim results will be published on  
the Company’s website www.capitalandcounties.com. If you are a 
shareholder who receives hard copies of documents and you wish  
to elect to receive electronic communications, please contact the 
appropriate Registrar. 

To register to use this service, you will need your investor code (“IVC”), 
which can be found on your share certificate(s).  

Share price information 

The latest information on the Capital & Counties Properties PLC  
share price is available on the Company’s website 
www.capitalandcounties.com. 

The shares are traded on the LSE with LSE code CAPC, SEDOL 
B62G9D3, ISIN GB00B62G9D36. The shares are traded on  
the JSE under the abbreviated name CAPCO and JSE code CCO. 

Shareholders may revoke an election to receive electronic 
communications at any time.  

Share dealing services 

Many banks, building societies and investment managers offer share 
dealing services. Additionally, UK shareholders may trade their shares 
using the online and telephone dealing service that Link Group 
provide. To use this service, shareholders should contact Link: 
info@linksharedeal.com or telephone 0371 664 0445 (calls are 
charged at the standard geographic rate and will vary by provider; 
calls outside the UK are charged at the applicable international rate. 
Lines are open 8.00 am-4.30 pm Monday to Friday, excluding  
public holidays in England and Wales). Alternatively, you can log on 
to www.linksharedeal.com. This service is only available to private 
individuals resident in the UK, the EEA, Channel Islands and the Isle  
of Man who hold shares in a company for which Link Group provides 
share registration services, or a nominee programme administered by 
Link Market Services Trustees Limited. 

ShareGift 

ShareGift is a charity share donation scheme for shareholders who 
may wish to dispose of a small quantity of shares where the market 
value makes it uneconomical to sell on a commission basis. Further 
information can be found on its website www.sharegift.org, 
by telephoning 020 7930 3737 or by emailing help@sharegift.org. 

Strate Charity Shares (SCS) 

SCS is an independent non-profit and registered charity share 
donation scheme for shareholders who may wish to dispose of  
small holdings of shares that are too costly to sell via a stock broker  
on a commission basis. Further information can be found at 
www.strate.co.za, by emailing charityshares@computershare.co.za 
or by calling 0800 202 363 or +27 (0) 11 506 4713 if you are 
phoning from outside South Africa. 

Investment scams 

Shareholders are advised to be wary of any unsolicited calls,  
mail or emails that offer free advice, the opportunity to buy  
shares at a discount or to provide free company or research  
reports. Such approaches are often investment scams. Information  
on how to protect yourself from investment scams can be found 
at www.fca.org.uk/scamsmart or by calling the FCA’s consumer 
helpline on 0800 111 6768. 

Registrars 

All enquiries concerning shares or shareholdings, including notification 
of change of address, queries regarding loss of a share certificate and 
dividend payments should be addressed to: 

For shareholders registered in the UK: 

Link Group  
10th Floor, Central Square, 
29 Wellington Street, Leeds,  
LS1 4DL 

Telephone: 0371 664 0300.  
Calls are charged at the standard geographic rate and will vary by 
provider. Calls outside the United Kingdom will be charged at the 
applicable international rate. Lines are open between 09:00 am-
17:30 pm, Monday to Friday excluding public holidays in England 
and Wales 

Email: enquiries@linkgroup.co.uk  
www.linkgroup.com 

For shareholders registered in South Africa: 

Computershare Investor Services Proprietary Limited  

Rosebank Towers, 1st Floor, 15 Biermann Avenue, Rosebank,  
2196, South Africa 

Postal address: Private Bag X9000, Saxonwold, 2132, South Africa  

Telephone: +27 (0) 11 370 5000 or 086 1100 933 (lines are 
open 8.00 am-4.30 pm Monday to Friday) 

Email: web.queries@computershare.co.za  
www.computershare.com  

Web-based enquiry service for shareholders  

Shareholders registered in the UK can register at 
www.signalshares.com to access a range of online services including:  

–  Updating your address details or registering a mandate to have  

your dividends paid directly to your bank account 

–  Online proxy voting 

–  Electing to receive shareholder communications electronically 

–  Viewing your holding balance, indicative share price and valuation 

–  Viewing transactions on your holding including any dividend 

payments you have received  

–  Accessing a wide range of shareholder information, 

including downloadable forms 

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Financial Statements

Notes

This  Report  includes  statements  that  are  forward-looking  in  nature.  Forward-looking  statements  involve  known  and  unknown  risks,  
uncertainties  and  other  factors  which  may  cause  the  actual  results,  performance  or  achievements  of  Capital  &  Counties  Properties  PLC  to  be 
materially  different  from  any  future  results,  performance  or  achievements  expressed  or  implied  by  such  forward-looking  statements.  Any 
information  contained  in  this  Report  on  the  price  at  which  shares  or  other  securities  in  Capital  &  Counties  Properties  PLC  have  been  
bought or sold in the past, or on the yield on such shares or other securities, should not be relied upon as a guide to future performance.

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Capital & Counties Properties PLC

Regal House, 14 James Street, London, WC2E 8BU  
Telephone +44 (0)20 3214 9150 
feedback@capitalandcounties.com 
www.capitalandcounties.com