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Shaftesbury PLC

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FY2022 Annual Report · Shaftesbury PLC
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Annual report 

2022

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

Stakeholder engagement

Companies Act 2006 – S172(1) 
statement

Operating review

Principal risks and uncertainties

Financial review

Responsibility

Governance

At a glance

Corporate governance report

Board leadership and company 
purpose

Division of responsibilities

Nomination Committee report

Audit Committee report

Board ESC 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

2

6

8

10

12

18

19

20

22

26

28

43

52

63

84

86

88

94

96

99

103

105

128

131

132

141

145

201

211

212

213

217

A leading
London

property
company

www.capitalandcounties.com

1

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

2

Capco Annual Report 2022

www.capitalandcounties.com

3

Strategic ReportStrategic ReportWho we are continued

Portfolio valuation

£2.2bn¹

Covent Garden

£1,742m 80%

Shaftesbury Investment

£357m

Lillie Square2

£79m

See pages 28 to 42 for our operating review

16%

4%

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.

About Capco

2022 financial results

Covent Garden portfolio

2.2p

Underlying earnings per share

2.5p1

Dividend per share

182.1p

EPRA net tangible assets per share

2.8%

Total property return

1. Including distributions of Shaftesbury dividend received in 

February 2023.

Lettable space

1.1m sq ft
70 buildings
504 units

Covent Garden 
Portfolio valuation

£1.7bn

Financial strength

£1.6bn

£423m

Group net assets

Access to liquidity

£622m

Group net debt

£366m

Covent Garden net debt

28%

Group net debt 
to gross assets

21%

Covent Garden 
loan to value

Sector

Sq ft

% of portfolio 
by value

Retail

0.4m

48%

Food & 
beverage

0.2m

26%

Office

0.2m

16%

Residential

0.2m1

7%

Leisure

0.1m

3%

See page 20 to 21 and 201 where we discuss our alternative 
performance measures.

See page 52 to 62 for the financial review.

1. Residential includes units sold on long lease interest 

covering approximately 159,000 square feet.

4

Capco Annual Report 2022

www.capitalandcounties.com

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 88.

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 59.

Sustainable approach

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

For more on our sustainability, see page 63.

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 84.

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 79 and 92.

6

Capco Annual Report 2022

www.capitalandcounties.com

7

Strategic ReportStrategic ReportOur estate

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

8

Capco Annual Report 2022

Covent Garden

Portfolio valuation

£1.7bn

Lettable space

1.1m sq ft

Buildings

70

Units

504

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 COURTYARDMAYFAIRSOHOMARYLEBONEFITZROVIAHOLBORNSOUTHBANKStrategic ReportOperational highlights

Every Can Counts 
installation

Spring

Wimbledon Piazza 
screenings

Summer

2022  
An active year

A new urban farm initiative in partnership with Square Mile 
Farms launches which is an interactive way for local schools, 
offices and community groups to enjoy sustainably grown 
produce

A recycled can rainbow installation in partnership with Every 
Can Counts marked Global Recycling Day encouraging visi-
tors to make better environmental choices

Beauty  innovator  brands  open  pop-up  space  in  Covent 
Garden including VIEVE, The Inkey List, Eve Lom and Space 
NK x Tatcha

The  digital  audience  across  social  channels  continues  to 
increase  as  a  result  of  an  engaging  campaign  calendar 
with brand partnerships which resonate with the consumer

In  June  2022,  Capco  announces  its  intention  to  merge 
with Shaftesbury PLC. Shareholder support received for the 
proposed merger on 29 July 2022

Events across the Piazza include the Rosé Garden Party with 
a selection of pop up bars and terraces, the Great Piazza 
Party in celebration of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee as well 
as daily screenings of the Wimbledon Tennis Championships 

Luxury watch brand Tudor, in partnership with Bucherer, sign 
a  new  mono-brand  boutique  in  the  Royal  Opera  House 
Arcade joining watch brand TAG Heuer on James Street 

A number of new brands including Parfums de Marly, Vuori, 
Rails, Sacred Gold and e&e introduced to the estate

Capco joins the UN Race to Zero supporting its commitment 
to becoming Net Zero by 2030

Autumn

Four  new  pop-up  initiatives  welcomed  to  the  estate  from 
digitally native, lifestyle and beauty brands; Beauty Pie, Lisa 
Eldridge, AYBL and Raye

Covent  Garden  partnered  with  multi  award-winning  food 
influencer Clerkenwell Boy to launch the Covent Garden Good 
Food Club, a celebration of the best restaurants in the area

Peloton opens its state-of-the-art European flagship studio on 
Floral Street 

Kylie Cosmetics by Kylie Jenner and a partnership with Disney 
on Stage launch installations across the Piazza

Smart Works charity and Covent Garden partners with the 
British Fashion Council to bring an exclusive retail pop-up shop 
to Floral Street with 100% of proceeds going to Smart Works

Refurbishment  of  35  King  Street  and  5-6  Henrietta  Street 
complete with a number of floors let ahead of ERV

Premium Sportwear brand Hoka signs on James Street

Extension of £300 million unsecured revolving credit facility by 
one year to September 2025

Good Food Club 
partnership

Winter

Covent Garden Christmas

Luxury Swiss watchmaker IWC Schaffhausen host an exhi-
bition on the Piazza, beauty concepts from Rose Inc. and 
Shiseido open on James Street

Covent Garden launches its Christmas programme, with a 
60 foot Christmas tree, daily snowfall, Santa’s sleigh and 
brand partnerships with Dolce & Gabbana, Jaeger-LeCoultre 
and American Express

Covent Garden’s Christmas charity auction ‘Gift for Good’ 
raises over £15k with proceeds going to Only A Pavement 
Away to help the homeless

Ten new openings across Covent Garden, including new late 
night dining and music venue Stereo, from the Experimental 
Group, L’Or Coffee and Missoma 

Argentinian  restaurant  Gaucho  agrees  terms  to  open  on 
James Street

10

Capco Annual Report 2022

www.capitalandcounties.com

11

Strategic ReportChief
Executive’s
review

Ian Hawksworth

Chief Executive

“There is positive momentum 
across the Covent Garden 
estate with strong demand, 
high occupancy levels and 
rental growth across all 
uses which has continued 
into 2023. Despite the 
macroeconomic backdrop, 
the West End has clearly 
demonstrated its resilience 
and enduring appeal with 
strong recovery in footfall 
and customer sales ahead of 
pre-pandemic levels”

Confident in future 
growth prospects

With  cost  and  operational  synergies,  a  strong  corporate 
governance framework, increased scale, enhanced access 
to capital and greater equity market liquidity, the combination 
provides a firm foundation to ensure a sustainable and prosperous 
future for our destinations, the communities they serve and 
our wider stakeholders.

Strong leasing demand delivering rental growth

There is strong momentum across Covent Garden. Since early 
summer there have been growing numbers of international 
visitors contributing to increased footfall and positive trading 
performance across the estate. The Elizabeth Line opened 
during  2022  and  has  further  improved  the  West  End’s 
connectivity and accessibility, adding to central London’s rail 
network capacity. The changing travel and footfall patterns 
are expected to benefit Covent Garden and create valuable 
medium-term asset management opportunities. Public transport 
disruption around the festive period had a short-term impact 
on  visitor  numbers,  nevertheless  our  hospitality  and  retail 
customers reported a successful trading period. Our targeted 
categories including F&B, luxury and premium were amongst 
the highest performing.

Capco  continues  to  evolve  the  customer  mix  through  its 
creative asset management and leasing strategy. Converting 
demand into new leasing transactions continues to capture 
income  and  strengthen  the  customer  line-up.  Capco 
introduced a number of new retail and hospitality brands to 
the estate across a range of unit sizes with broad appeal 
to consumers.

Covent Garden continues to attract target brands in key 
categories  providing  confidence  in  our  leasing  strategy 
for further rental growth. The retail and hospitality pipeline 
is encouraging with current leasing discussions ahead of 
prevailing  ERV.  Rental  income  collection  has  reverted  to 
pre-pandemic levels. Covent Garden rents remain 19 per 
cent  below  2019  levels,  with  aggregate  customer  sales 
ahead  of  pre-pandemic  levels.  From  April  2023,  there 
will  be  a  reduction  in  business  rates  which  is  generally 
expected  to  reduce  occupancy  costs  for  our  customers. 
Leases have reverted to conventional, pre-pandemic terms 
with turnover rental top-ups in place for certain customers, 
providing the opportunity for both Capco and the customer 
to benefit from increased sales.

Overview

Covent  Garden  and  the  West  End  have  demonstrated 
remarkable resilience with a strong recovery in footfall and 
consistent growth in customer sales following the disruption 
caused by the pandemic. Our creative approach has generated 
excellent  leasing  demand  across  all  uses  and  delivered 
rental  growth,  however  broader  macroeconomic  factors 
adversely affected investment market sentiment particularly in 
the second half of the year. The strong trading performance 
and resilience across the West End are in contrast with the 
weaker consumer sentiment being reported more widely and 
this underpins our confidence in the long-term prospects for 
our exceptional portfolio.

In June 2022, Capco and Shaftesbury PLC (“Shaftesbury”) 
announced the terms of a recommended all-share merger to 
form Shaftesbury Capital PLC. We were pleased to receive 
shareholder support for the proposed merger and very much 
look  forward  to  bringing  the  two  companies  together  to 
create the leading central London mixed-use REIT.

It has been a very busy year, the team has worked incredibly 
hard and we very much appreciate the professionalism and 
commitment shown which has delivered strong performance.

Proposed merger with Shaftesbury PLC

Capco acquired a 25 per cent interest in Shaftesbury in 
2020  which  represented  a  unique  opportunity  to  own  a 
significant  stake  in  a  high  quality  real  estate  portfolio, 
adjacent  to  Capco’s  world-class  Covent  Garden  estate. 
Capco has a strong track record of accretive investment and 
aggregation of ownership in the Covent Garden area, and 
the investment in Shaftesbury was consistent with our strategy 
of pursuing opportunities to expand our ownership to grow 
the business.

On 16 June 2022, Capco and Shaftesbury announced a 
recommended all-share merger. Both Boards were pleased 
that  shareholders  recognised  the  benefits  of  the  merger 
by  voting  overwhelmingly  in  favour  of  the  transaction. 
Completion of the merger was subject to clearance by the 
Competition  and  Markets  Authority  (“CMA”),  which  was 
received on 22 February 2023. The merger is expected to 
complete on 6 March 2023.

We now look forward to combining the two companies to 
create an impossible to replicate portfolio and the leading 
central London mixed-use REIT. By combining both companies’ 
strengths, cultures and values, we will take a ‘best of both’ 
approach to operations with the aim of delivering long-term 
economic and social value for all stakeholders. The combination 
will generate both immediate and long-term benefits including 
greater efficiencies and synergies, a more diverse portfolio 
with a stronger operational platform of scale and enhanced 
access  to  capital.  There  is  significant  revenue  growth 
potential  to  be  captured  across  the  combined  portfolio 
through the difference between annualised gross income and 
ERV, together with ERV growth over time.

James Street

12

Capco Annual Report 2022

www.capitalandcounties.com

13

Strategic ReportChief executive’s review continued

+2.8%

Total 
Property 
Return

71

New leasing 
transactions

+13%

Leasing vs Dec 
21 ERV

+6%

ERV growth 

There is continued leasing momentum in targeted categories 
with  leasing  activity  overall  in  2022  being  13  per  cent 
ahead of December 2021 ERV and high occupancy levels. 
Following the success of its existing stores in Covent Garden, 
Bucherer  agreed  terms  in  December  to  further  expand 
its  presence  in  the  Royal  Opera  House  Arcade  taking 
additional units for Messika, Girard-Perregaux and Hublot. 
The  proven  success  of  premium  retail  concepts  on  the 
estate has generated further demand from the sector with 
Tudor and TAG Heuer joining luxury brand Tiffany & Co. 
amongst others.

The Experimental Group, operator of the Henrietta Hotel, 
has expanded its operations by opening a new late night 
live music and dining concept on the Piazza. Argentinian 
restaurant Gaucho has signed on James Street adding to the 
high quality dining offer of Covent Garden.

Upcoming  openings  include  jewellery  brand  Mejuri, 
artisanal fragrance house Creed and premium sportswear 
brand Hoka. Global apparel brand Uniqlo will open its new 
flagship store with dual frontage on Long Acre and Floral 
Street in spring 2023.

Recent office refurbishments attracted strong demand and 
are now fully let setting a new rental tone of £100 per square 
foot for the office portfolio. The main themes driving demand 
are  amenity  value  and  overall  quality  of  offer,  heritage 
architecture and the managed environment providing Covent 
Garden  with  a  competitive  advantage.  The  residential 
portfolio is fully occupied.

We  continue  to  implement  our  market-leading  estate 
marketing  strategy.  This  is  enhanced  by  our  advanced 
digital channels, partnering with retail and dining brands 
as well as cultural partners and a programme of activity to 
promote both Covent Garden and the West End. The team 
successfully implemented our marketing strategy to capture 
the increased levels of international visitors and hosted an 
extensive calendar of activities throughout the year alongside 
strategic partnerships including Dolce&Gabbana, American 
Express, Disney and Jaeger-LeCoultre.

Investment activity

The Group has a strategic focus on Covent Garden and the 
West End, and seeks to invest in complementary opportunities 
on or near the Covent Garden estate. Having assembled the 
portfolio since 2006 and established Covent Garden as a 
world-class estate, its scale and comprehensive ownership 
would be incredibly difficult to replicate making the portfolio 
a scarce and valuable real estate investment.

Although  macroeconomic  headwinds  have  impacted 
the  broader  investment  market  with  increased  debt  costs 
reducing  investment  volumes  particularly  in  larger  lot 
sizes, the resilience of West End assets as well as sterling 
weakness  continue  to  attract  interest  from  international 
investors.  Acquisition  opportunities  which  meet  our  strict 
criteria  to  deliver  long-term  rental  growth  have  remained 
limited during the year, with assets in the area tightly held.

Active  asset  management  and  refurbishment  initiatives 
continue  to  accelerate  value  and  enhance  environmental 
performance across the estate. Capco completed a number 
of schemes during the year including the refurbishment of 
several offices which have been let significantly ahead of 
ERV. A number of refurbishment projects are being brought 
forward, which are expected to result in capital expenditure 
of approximately £25 million over the next two years.

Valuation of investments

Total property return for the year was 2.8 per cent versus 
the MSCI Total Return Index which recorded -10.1 per cent. 
The Covent Garden valuation was unchanged over the year 
at £1.7 billion. The 5 per cent increase in the first half was 
offset by the second half decrease driven by widening of 
the equivalent yield by 25 basis points to 4.07 per cent as 
a result of a macroeconomic environment characterised by 
higher interest rates and inflationary pressures.

There  has  been  continued  ERV  growth  over  the  last  12 
months, up 6 per cent on a like-for-like basis to £81 million, 
reflecting the positive leasing activity and high occupancy 
levels across the estate. Over the same period, there was a 
19 basis point expansion in the equivalent yield to 4.07 per 
cent. The total valuation remains 27 per cent below the 31 
December 2019 valuation on a like-for-like basis. Total ERV 
remains 19 per cent below 31 December 2019 ERV.

Covent Garden independent valuation 2022

£1.7bn

Covent Garden

Other2

Group share of total property3

Market Value 2022 
£m

Market Value 2021 
£m

Valuation Change
Like-for-Like1

1,742

79

1,821

1,729

86

1,815

0%

-7%

0%

CBRE  has  undertaken  an  independent  valuation  of  the 
Covent Garden estate. The total valuation of the estate is 
£1.7  billion  and  represents  the  aggregated  value  of  the 
individual properties, with no reflection of any additional 
estate premium which potential investors may ascribe to the 
comprehensive nature of ownership within the estate. The 
predominantly freehold nature, concentrated ownership and 
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.

Capco’s  investment  in  Shaftesbury  shares  was  valued  at 
£357 million based on a share price of 368 pence per 
share on 31 December 2022 (2021: £596 million based 
on a share price of 615 pence on 31 December 2021). This 
reflects the movement in the Shaftesbury share price rather 
than underlying asset values.

Capco’s investment at Lillie Square decreased in value by 6 
per cent (like-for-like) to £79 million at 31 December 2022. 
The Lillie Square joint venture continues to progress with the 
sale of 5 units completed during the year representing £6.6 
million. The joint venture is in a cash position of £11.8 million 
(£5.9 million Capco share) having distributed £35 million 
to the partners during the year (£17.5 million Capco share).

Financial performance and position

Capco’s total shareholder return for the year, which comprises 
share price performance plus dividends paid during the year, 
was -35.9 per cent, and total return for the year, which represents 
the change in net assets plus the dividends paid during the 
year, was -13.6 per cent.

Covent Garden net rental income increased by 22.7 per cent 
like-for-like compared with December 2021. 71 new leases 
and  renewals  representing  £10  million  of  rental  income 
completed  in  the  year.  EPRA  vacancy  was  2.5  per  cent 
(2021: 2.6 per cent). Properties representing an additional 
6.2 per cent of ERV are under, or held for, refurbishment 
or development.

Underlying administration costs for the year were £26 million 
compared with £20 million in 2021. There are a number of 
items contributing to the increase including more normalised 
activity  levels  post-COVID,  inflationary  pressures  and 
increased people costs, primarily variable and share option 
charges.  Non-underlying  costs  incurred  in  connection 
with  the  proposed  merger  with  Shaftesbury  amount  to 
£14.6 million.

Capco has a strong balance sheet. Group net debt of £622 
million resulted in a net debt to gross assets ratio of 28 per 
cent, whilst Covent Garden’s loan to value ratio was 21 per 
cent and net debt was £366 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. The interest 
cover ratio in relation to the Covent Garden debt for 2022 
was 3.9 times, comfortably ahead of the covenant level of 
1.2 times.

During the year, Capco exercised a one-year extension option 
on its £300 million unsecured revolving credit facility for 
Covent Garden, taking the maturity to September 2025. The 
facility is undrawn and has an additional one-year extension 
option, subject to lender consent. In combination with cash 
deposits, the Group has access to significant liquidity.

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

unrecognised 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 14 ‘Property 

Portfolio’.

Market Building 
& Piazza

14

Capco Annual Report 2022

www.capitalandcounties.com

15

Strategic ReportChief executive’s review continued

Net 
Zero 
Carbon 
by 
2030

Dividend

Sustainability and environment

Our objective is to deliver long-term sustainable total returns to 
shareholders, including growing dividend distributions. Dividend 
payments will be determined having regard to growth trends in 
both underlying and cash earnings, which are expected to be 
delivered through income growth and cost discipline.

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 sustainable 
economic  and  social  value  and  generate  benefits  for 
our stakeholders.

Capco declared a dividend in respect of the year to 31 
December 2022 of 2.5 pence per share compared to 1.5 pence 
in 2021. This includes £2.6 million (0.3 pence per Capco 
share) of dividend income received post-year end from our 
investment in Shaftesbury.

Our people

Our people are key to our business. We promote a culture 
of creative passion for Covent Garden and the West End to 
allow employees to reach their potential whilst creating value 
for our stakeholders.

Our people conduct their day-to-day activities guided by a 
core set of Company values which are to be:

 – collegiate, supportive and inclusive;
 – environmentally and socially responsible;
 – high performance and entrepreneurial;
 – innovative and creative; and
 – professional, acting with integrity and hold ourselves to 

the highest standards.

We  have  introduced  a  number  of  initiatives  to  support 
our employees during the year through regular Company-
wide meetings, business updates and seminars focusing on 
well-being, financial planning, equality and inclusion.

During the year, we made good progress implementing our 
extensive ESC agenda overseen by the Board Committee. 
Capco joined the UN Race to Zero supporting our commitment 
to becoming Net Zero by 2030 by securing Science-based 
Targets Initiative (“SBTi”) validation of our targets. We take 
a holistic approach to responsible stewardship and tackling 
climate change through promotion of heritage preservation 
and  energy  efficiency  initiatives  and  were  pleased  that 
Capco was recognised as a Climate Leader in the 2022 
Financial Times survey, recognising the progress made in 
reducing our energy emission intensity.

Key sustainability activities include continued investment in 
our buildings, delivery of enhanced pedestrianisation and 
an extensive greening programme. Currently 68 per cent 
of  our  units  have  an  EPC  grade  of  C  or  above  and  we 
continue to make energy performance enhancements to meet 
energy performance standards and customers’ expectations. 
All of our refurbishment projects achieved an EPC rating of at 
least B during the year. Capco has initiated its first Carbon 
Risk Real Estate Monitor (“CRREM”) analysis on a number of 
properties which supports the development of science-based 
carbon reduction pathways at an individual building level.

In combining both companies’ strengths, cultures and values, 
we will take a ‘best of both’ approach with the aim of delivering 
long-term economic and social value for all stakeholders. 
Both companies’ employees have a shared passion for the 
West End and are key to our future. We have a wonderful 
opportunity to blend the talented teams and with greater 
scale provide enhanced opportunities for individuals.

The combination will generate a number of benefits including 
greater efficiencies and synergies, and a more diverse portfolio 
with  a  stronger  operational  platform  of  considerable 
scale, bringing together ownership and management across 
adjacent portfolios to unlock opportunities. There is significant 
revenue growth potential to be captured over time through 
the difference between annualised gross income and ERV 
while continuing to generate rental growth.

Shaftesbury Capital will be financially strong with a resilient 
and flexible capital structure, significant liquidity and will 
benefit from enhanced access to capital over time. We look 
ahead  with  confidence  as  we  aim  to  create  the  leading 
central  London  mixed-use  REIT  and  deliver  long-term 
economic and social value for our stakeholders.

Ian Hawksworth

Chief Executive

28 February 2023

We  are  focused  on  promoting  a  cleaner,  greener  estate 
through enhanced air quality, biodiversity, energy efficiency 
and  waste  management  initiatives.  During  the  year  we 
installed new air quality monitors across the estate. We will 
continue to work closely with our stakeholders in the years 
ahead to help deliver our shared sustainability goals.

Community and stakeholders

As a responsible, long-term investor, community engagement 
and collaboration are integral to delivering our strategy.

Our  stakeholders  include  local  authorities,  neighbouring 
owners and business improvement districts, industry groups, 
residents, and charitable organisations. Our active engagement 
helps  progress  the  ambitions  and  shared  goals  of  our 
stakeholders.  We  continue  to  work  with  local  authorities 
and residents to make public realm enhancements, including 
extending  pedestrianisation,  street  scape  improvements, 
providing outdoor seating and improving air quality through 
reducing traffic congestion and pollution. These are important 
aspects of our long-term sustainability strategy and demonstrate 
how collaboration can leverage our experience to produce 
positive social outcomes for our stakeholders.

Being a good neighbour is important to us. Our community 
programme  prioritises  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.

Outlook

There is strong momentum building as we look ahead to 
completing the merger of Capco and Shaftesbury to create 
the leading central London mixed-use REIT with an impossible 
to replicate portfolio. Although the West End is not immune 
from the current macroeconomic challenges, it has clearly 
demonstrated its resilience and enduring appeal with a strong 
recovery post pandemic in footfall and trading conditions.  
Our creative approach is generating rental growth across 
all  uses  and  our  positive  leasing  pipeline  has  continued 
into 2023.

Responsible stewardship

16

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17

Strategic ReportStrategic 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 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. 

World-class 
Covent Garden 
estate

Strong financial 
position

Strong capital  
structure 

Experienced 
management 

Responsible 
stewardship

High-performing 
team 

Extensive 
stakeholder 
relationships

Customer at  
heart of the 
business

Financial 
indicators

Creative asset 
management

Non-financial 
measures

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.

Strategic 
partnerships

Strategic investment 
and capital allocation

Creating value for our stakeholders

See pages 22 to 25 to read more on our stakeholders

See pages 20 to 21 
to read more.

Customers

Employees

Suppliers

Visitors

Community

Investors

Finance 
providers

Joint venture 
partners

Local 
authorities

Our 
neighbours

Underpinned by

Effective  
Governance

See page 84 to read more 
on our governance.

Environment, Sustainability  
and Community

See page 63 to read more 
on our ESC activities.

Dynamic, Inclusive Culture 
and Embedded Values

See pages 79 and 92 to read more on 
our culture, and pages 3 and 19 to read 
more about our values.

18

Capco Annual Report 2022

Collegiate, supportive and inclusive

We  value  collaboration  and  creativity  and  treat  our 
colleagues  with  respect.  The  well-being  of  our  people  is 
important to us and we provide a wide range of benefits 
and initiatives in support of this. We champion diversity and 
support and promote a range of programmes that aim to 
increase inclusivity and diversity across our industry.

See page 79 for more information.

Environmentally and socially responsible

We aim to make Covent Garden a UK leader in sustainability 
for  heritage  environments  and  have  a  comprehensive 
ESC strategy, aligned to our corporate values, pursuant to 
which we will address climate change, improve air quality, 
drive innovation, and support community and people. We 
support the community in and around our properties through 
collaboration, projects and financial support.

See page 63 for more information.

High performance and entrepreneurial

We have a high-performance and entrepreneurial culture, 
and  work  as  a  team  to  deliver  our  strategy.  We  are 
ambitious 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 80 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 28 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 
governance,  to  the  standards  we  apply  across  our 
property portfolio. We have a range of policies that set out our 
expectations  to  ensure  that  our  employees,  suppliers, 
partners and stakeholders understand and work with us to 
maintain those standards.

See pages 22 and 63 for more information.

www.capitalandcounties.com

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 the 
basis of calculation, in the Directors’ Remuneration Report from page 105.

 Total property return 

+2.8%

1 year

-10.1

3 years

-7.6

Capco

Comparator group

 Total return 

-13.6%

1 year

-13.6

3 years

-14.1

-5.9

Capco

Comparator group

2.8

2.2

-0.8

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 2022, the Group generated TPR of 2.8%, outperforming 
its benchmark of -10.1% by 12.9%. (Target: 1.5% per annum 
outperformance.)

Measures  growth  in  EPRA  NTA  per  share  plus  dividends 
per  share  paid  during  the  year.  1  year  is  benchmarked 
against  the  FTSE  350  Real  Estate  companies.  3  years  is 
benchmarked against a bespoke group of peer companies.

The Group generated total return of -14.1% per annum on 
a rolling three-year basis, underperforming the comparator 
group by 8.2%.

 Underlying earnings per share

2.2p

2022

2021

2020

-2.2

2.2

0.1

 Net tangible assets per share

182.1p

2022

2021

2020

182.1

213.0

211.5

Measures income generation and cost control.

During  2022,  the  Group  generated  underlying  EPS  of  
2.2 pence.

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

NTA per share as at 31 December 2022 was 182.1 pence, 
a decrease of 14.5% from 31 December 2021.

 Total shareholder return 

Underlying net rental income (Covent Garden)

-35.9%

1 year

-35.9

-28.7

3 years

-24.7
-24.2

Capco

Comparator group

Measures shareholder value creation (share price movement 
plus  dividend  per  share  paid  during  the  year).  1  year  is 
benchmarked against the FTSE 350 Real Estate companies. 
3 years is benchmarked against a bespoke group of peer 
companies.

The Group generated total shareholder return of -24.7% per 
annum on a rolling three-year basis, underperforming the 
comparator group by 0.5%.

Other measures

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

Read more within our Responsibility reporting from page 63.

£57.3m

2022

2021

2020

57.3

48.7

31.3

Measures  gross  rental  income  less  property  and  service 
charge  expenses,  expected  credit  losses  and  for  2022 
impairments in tenant lease incentives.

Covent Garden underlying NRI for 2022 was £57.3 million, 
a 22.7% increase on a like-for-like basis and 43.3% on an 
absolute basis (as per the analysis of net rental income for 
the year on page 208. See note 2 ‘Segmental Reporting’ 
for reconciliation to IFRS NRI.

Following clarification by IFRIC during 2022 on how a lessor should account for the forgiveness of lease payments the 2020 and 
2021 comparatives have been restated to reflect the change in accounting policy. Details of the restatement and impact on prior 
year comparatives are set out in Note 1 ‘Change in accounting policies’.

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21

Strategic ReportStakeholder engagement

Engaging with 
our stakeholders

As the long-term steward of a globally 
recognised estate, our business can 
impact a wide range of stakeholders. 
We work collaboratively with our 
stakeholders to understand their 
needs and priorities. This stakeholder 
engagement reflects our corporate 
values and is integral to delivery of 
our strategy, as an environmentally 
and socially responsible business. 
We believe that the resulting mutual 
understanding is essential as we 
curate 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 2022 are set out 
below. No set of stakeholders stands 
alone, which means that engagement 
and benefits often span more than one 
group. During the coming year we will 
continue this engagement, to ensure 
that we understand the wider impact 
of our activities on those around us, 
and will seek opportunities to work 
with stakeholders to pursue our shared 
goals. This includes continuing to work 
towards our target of becoming Net 
Zero Carbon by 2030.

Occupiers

Employees

Suppliers

Visitors

We provide high quality space with a 
focus on user experience and strong 
environmental credentials to allow our 
retail, hospitality and office occupiers’ 
businesses to prosper and flourish. Our 
residential properties are of a high 
standard. Understanding and responding 
to changing priorities is fundamental to 
our strategy. We undertake regular direct 
engagement with our retail, hospitality and 
office occupiers, and work closely with 
our residential occupiers to ensure high 
standards are maintained. Our engagement 
includes surveys and more informal 
feedback through our experienced property 
management team which maintains close 
working relationships with our occupiers.

Our engagement in 2022:

We continued to work closely with our 
occupiers to proactively support and 
understand their individual priorities. 
Occupiers appreciate our creative and 
innovative approach, which supports both 
their physical and digital presence. There 
has been high occupancy throughout the 
year, with £10 million contracted income 
signed in 2022. We work with brands on 
campaigns which both promote existing 
occupiers and introduce new brands.

Our consumer-focused marketing strategy 
promotes Covent Garden and the wider West 
End in collaboration with our occupiers via 
online channels, press coverage, estate events 
and an extensive cultural programme. These 
initiatives enhance visitor experience and drive 
footfall, benefiting of all our occupiers.

We work with our hospitality occupiers 
to ensure Covent Garden continues to be 
London’s leading dining destination, with 
over 1,000 outdoor covers for al fresco 
dining. We provide extensive cleaning and 
security regimes across the estate, as well as 
a comprehensive greening programme.

During the year, we engaged with our 
commercial occupiers on carbon, water 
and waste reduction in support of our ESC 
strategy and Net Zero Carbon goals. We 
will continue this engagement during 2023, 
and encourage our occupiers to reduce their 
own environmental impact.

Our employees are key to our business. 
We have a collaborative, highly engaged, 
experienced and motivated team, and this 
is reflected in our dynamic and inclusive 
culture. Our employees’ collective knowledge, 
experience and commitment is critical to the 
delivery of our strategy. It is important that we 
continue to retain and attract talented people 
who share our values.

Following the pandemic we implemented 
more flexible working practices whilst 
ensuring our employees are provided 
with the resources, training and well-
being support to allow them to reach 
their potential. We engage with our 
employees regularly via Company-wide 
meetings and updates from management. 
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 
our 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. We 
expect our suppliers to consider ethical and 
sustainability matters further down the supply 
chain, including 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.

Visitors contribute to the vibrancy of our 
estate. We have a customer-focused 
approach, vibrant mix of retail, hospitality 
and leisure, innovative installations, seating, 
greening and wayfinding providing a world-
class estate attracting visitors from around 
the world. We provide a clean and secure 
environment to allow visitors to enjoy our 
estate. Our estate management efforts were 
recognised in 2022 as we won the Open 
City Stewardship Award for Outstanding 
Estate Management. We engage with our 
visitors and consumers through a variety 
of channels, including providing physical 
support and information on the estate, 
through our digital channels and extensive 
marketing initiatives.

Our engagement in 2022:

Our engagement in 2022:

Our engagement in 2022:

During 2022, we provided an extensive 
programme of estate animation to enhance 
our visitors’ experience. This included art 
installations, live performances, including 
a brand partnership with Disney on Stage, 
food festivals, over 1,000 al fresco dining 
seats, pop-up bars and terraces, and 
extensive Christmas experiences, including 
festive late night shopping. Our leading 
digital engagement continued via our 
Covent Garden website, emails and social 
media channels, appealing to both UK and 
overseas consumers.

In addition we continued our commitment to 
enhancing the air quality and biodiversity 
of our estate, expanding our air quality 
monitoring, continuing our extensive greening 
on the estate and replacing our diesel street 
cleaners with electric cleaning equipment.

During 2022, we undertook an employee 
well-being survey, which sought views 
on employees’ experience of working 
for Capco and the range of well-being 
support offered. We received an overall 
well-being score of 75 per cent (which is 
above the global benchmark score) and a 
very high participation rate of 87 per cent. 
Following the employee engagement survey 
undertaken in 2021, a number of employee-
led working groups were established to 
consider focus areas highlighted in the 
survey results. These included: New Ways of 
Working; Office & Facilities; People, Team 
and Collaboration; and Business Processes. 
The groups engaged with their colleagues 
to better understand employees’ views and 
the group leaders collaborated to present 
their combined recommendations to the 
Company. The Company has implemented 
a number of these recommendations, with 
further progress planned for 2023.

A number of Company-wide meetings were 
held during 2022. 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, the 
proposed merger with Shaftesbury and the 
recommendations from the employee-led 
working groups. We continue to deliver 
seminars focusing on well-being, and 
diversity, equality and inclusion initiatives.

The smooth running of the Covent Garden 
estate relies in part on outsourced services 
provided by those who provide cleaning and 
security services to the estate. We engage 
collaboratively with these providers, working 
closely with them to maintain a best in class 
clean and safe estate. We ensure that the 
various cultural installations and pop-up 
experiences which animate our estate are 
provided by reputable suppliers with a proven 
track record in health and safety, and engage 
with them to ensure they understand the 
standards we expect to be maintained.

We continue to work closely with our 
suppliers to deliver our Net Zero Carbon 
commitment in the years ahead. In 2022, 
we formalised a Timber Procurement Policy 
and minimum scaffolding standards on 
our development projects, setting out our 
expectations in these areas. We engage 
with our suppliers to ensure that the 
requirements of our Sustainability Framework 
are incorporated from the beginning of 
each project. During the year, we engaged 
directly with our suppliers to re-iterate the 
importance of health, safety and well-being 
to Capco. We expect this same commitment 
from our suppliers by working collaboratively 
which is key to delivery of our shared goals.

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23

Read more on page 28.

Read more on page 79.

Read more on page 28.

Strategic ReportStrategic ReportStakeholder engagement continued

Community

Investors

Finance providers

We regularly engage and collaborate with 
the wider community and residents who 
live in and around the Covent Garden 
estate. We keep our community regularly 
informed of our activities and initiatives, and 
respond to the views and needs of local 
people and organisations. We co-ordinate 
initiatives that promote a greener and more 
bio-diverse estate. We support and engage 
with a range of local community-focused 
educational and charitable programmes.

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 and transparent 
relationships with a range of finance 
providers, and regularly engaged with them 
throughout 2022, to ensure Capco’s resilient 
and flexible capital structure and strong 
balance sheet was maintained.

Our engagement in 2022:

Our engagement in 2022:

Our engagement in 2022:

An extensive programme of investor relations 
activities continued during 2022. This 
included meetings with our Chief Executive, 
Chief Financial Officer, Executive Director 
and Director of Commercial Finance and 
Investor Relations to explain the Company’s 
purpose, strategy and objectives to investors 
and analysts. We continued to host asset 
tours and attended a number of industry 
events and investor conferences. We 
updated the market as a whole via our 
results announcements, trading updates and 
public documents, including a shareholder 
circular and prospectus on the proposed 
merger with Shaftesbury. We value our 
relationships with our shareholders and use 
our engagement to update them regularly on 
our activities and understand their priorities. 
Prior to the 2022 AGM we provided an 
opportunity for shareholders to submit 
questions, which were answered in advance 
of the meeting. We continue to engage 
with shareholders on a range of matters, 
including remuneration and ESC.

During 2022, we worked closely with, 
and maintained regular dialogue with, our 
panel of lending banks, exchangeable 
bondholders and private placement loan 
note holders on a range of financing 
matters. This included the exercise of a 
year’s option to extend the undrawn £300 
million unsecured revolving credit facility 
to September 2025, the repayment of 
the £125 million secured loan and a £75 
million prepayment of the previously issued 
private placement notes. In preparation 
for the proposed merger with Shaftesbury, 
we secured a £576 million loan facility to 
cover the potential repayment of Shaftesbury 
mortgage bonds. Our strong relationships 
with our lending banks was particularly 
important during these discussions. Ensuring 
the Company’s financial stability, via our 
ongoing engagement with our finance 
providers, directly benefits a range of 
other stakeholders.

During 2022, we launched a website 
for the district, to encourage community 
engagement. We also engaged directly with 
local community programmes and charitable 
partners to provide them with the support 
they need. Our engagement comes in many 
forms, from acting as a corporate sponsor 
of the Mousetrap Theatre Project and Single 
Homeless Project, to ensuring our employees 
each contribute five hours per year 
towards an ESC activity. This has included 
gardening at Penfold community hub and 
decorating at Kean Street hostel, in Covent 
Garden. We continued our long-standing 
charitable efforts during 2022, supporting 
homelessness charities, local food banks 
and the elderly, as well as hospitality and 
retail foundations. We are a partner of Wild 
West End, a charitable partnership, which 
aims to enhance the quality of green space 
and the local environment for our community 
and wildlife. During 2022, we received 
the results of our first ecological survey of 
the Covent Garden estate, undertaken in 
partnership with the London Wildlife Trust. 
The results will help inform our biodiversity 
action plan, which will be evolved during 
2023, to help protect priority conservation 
species for the benefit of our local 
community and future stakeholders. 

Collaboration with 
Northbank BID

Joint venture partners

Local authorities and  
conservation bodies

Our neighbours

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 operational and 
management teams, outside of formal Board 
and Executive Committee meetings.

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.

Being a good neighbour is important to 
Capco, and we aim to continually 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 2022:

Our engagement in 2022:

Our engagement in 2022:

During 2022, we worked with our joint 
venture partner at Lillie Square to meet 
strategic goals. As property manager for 
the Lillie Square joint venture, we also 
ensured that our joint venture partner was 
kept updated on the provision of estate 
management services at Lillie Square, 
including legislative and regulatory 
developments. During the year, £35 million 
of cash was distributed from the joint venture 
to the partners (£17.5 million Capco share).

During 2022, we worked collaboratively 
with Westminster City Council on public 
realm enhancements, including the extension 
of pedestrianisation and other streetscape 
improvements, which together provide 
outdoor seating and improved air quality 
on both our estate and neighbouring areas, 
reducing traffic congestion and pollutants.

We also engage regularly with the Covent 
Garden Area Trust on proposals which fall 
within its area of responsibility.

We play an important co-ordinating role at 
the heart of the district, and work to ensure 
other local stakeholders are kept updated 
and are engaged with on matters that affect 
them. This includes 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 believe in proactive 
and open engagement, and so we provide 
our views on relevant consultations and 
draft policies.

During 2022, we continued to share 
knowledge, experience and insight with 
our neighbouring land owners. Our 
Estate Director provides a co-coordinating 
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, with an increasing 
focus on the important action required to 
address climate change. 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 is also a 
patron of the British Fashion Council and the 
British Beauty Council, working with them to 
promote the retail industries.

Read more on page 77.

Read more on page 92.

Read more on page 52.

Read more on page 42.

Read more on page 63.

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25

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 22 to 25 outline the ways in which key stakeholder groups 
have been engaged with during 2022, 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 91 to 93 of the Governance section include 
further details of the matters considered by the Board during the 
year and the engagement undertaken.

Key matter

Description

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.

The main matter considered by the Board during the year was 
the prospective merger. The table below explains how the Board 
considered stakeholder interests and the matters set out in S172(1) 
of the Companies Act 2006 when considering the proposal. Other 
ways in which these matters are considered are set out in the table 
on the adjacent page.

Stakeholders 
considered

Proposed 
merger with 
Shaftesbury

In considering the proposed merger with Shaftesbury, the Board recognised that such a significant 
transaction could impact many of the Company’s stakeholders, including employees and suppliers, 
and would bring a degree of uncertainty in addition to the anticipated benefits of the merger. The 
Board determined that the merits of the proposed merger exceeded any potential negative effects, and 
accordingly, after an extremely thorough period of consideration which included (amongst other things) 
each of the matters set out in sections (a) to (f) of 172(1) of the Companies Act, the Board concluded 
that the proposed merger was most likely to promote the success of the Company for the benefits of its 
members as a whole. The consideration given to stakeholders included:

Investors

In considering the proposed merger, the Board recognised the potential benefits of becoming a larger 
company which may be an attractive investment for a wider range of investors. The Board also gave 
careful consideration to likely future returns of the post-merger business and how this would align with 
investors’ goals. In agreeing the terms of the merger, the Board took great care to ensure that the 
terms of the merger, including the agreed exchange ratio of Capco shares for Shaftesbury shares, 
ensured that shareholder value was preserved for the Company’s existing investors. Prior to launch of 
the proposed merger, as is good practice, the Company also engaged with a number of its largest 
investors, obtaining irrevocable letters of support from Norges Bank and Madison International Realty.

Employees

The Board acknowledged that the proposed merger would result in a period of uncertainty for 
employees, who may be concerned about employment security, both prior to and following completion. 
The Board agreed that it was essential that existing statutory rights be preserved and that employees be 
treated fairly throughout the process, and an enhanced redundancy policy was approved that would 
apply where redundancies were made as a result of the merger. The Board also recognised the future 
professional development and career opportunities that would be available for employees within the 
enlarged group. The Board ensured that employees were kept updated as the merger progressed, 
and the Board received regular updates on morale within the business and employee feedback on the 
proposed merger.

ESC

The Board considered whether the proposed merger would impact the Company’s ESC strategy and 
commitments. It was noted that Shaftesbury had also made a commitment to become net zero carbon 
as a business by 2030, and operated a responsible sustainability strategy, participating in many of the 
same reporting indices as the Company. As such it was concluded that the merger should not hinder 
the Company’s ESC commitments, and that it should be possible for the Combined Business to take a 
best of both approach to this important area, consolidating each Company’s expertise and delivering 
benefits for a wide range of stakeholders.

Occupiers

The Board considered the impact of the proposed merger on the Group’s occupiers and concluded that 
the transaction would not have any direct effect on them as the Covent Garden business would continue 
to operate on its existing basis. The Board ensured that appropriate updates were provided, within the 
confidentiality restrictions of the transaction.

A fuller summary of matters considered by the Board in connection with the proposed merger is set out in 
the Governance Report on page 92.

S172 factor

Relevant disclosure and page number 

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

 – Business model and Group strategy – page 18
 – Risk management – page 43
 – Financial review – page 52
 – Going concern and Viability statement – pages 50 and 51
 – Our people – page 79
 – Employee engagement – pages 16, 23 and 80
 – Matters considered by the Board in 2022 – page 91
 – Diversity and inclusion – pages 81 and 98
 – Health and safety – page 82

 – Our people – page 79
 – Stakeholder engagement – page 22
 – Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement – website
 – Nomination Committee report – page 96
 – Our values – pages 3 and 19
 – Our approach to remuneration below Board level – pages 80, 106 and 113
 – Human rights – page 81
 – Matters considered by the Board in 2022 – page 91
 – Oversight of culture and values – page 92
 – ESC strategy – page 63

 – Stakeholder engagement – page 22
 – Our values – pages 3 and 19
 – Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement – website
 – Human rights – page 81
 – Matters considered by the Board in 2022 – page 91
 – ESC strategy – page 63

 – ESC strategy – page 63
 – Environment and sustainability – page 69
 – Stakeholder engagement – page 22
 – Community – page 77
 – Health and safety – page 82
 – TCFD disclosure – page 74 and website
 – Net Zero Carbon Pathway – website

 – Our values – pages 3 and 19
 – Culture – pages 80 and 92
 – Purpose – pages 3 and 18
 – Risk management – page 43
 – Stakeholder engagement – page 22
 – Corporate governance report – page 86
 – Whistleblowing – page 102 and website
 – Internal controls – page 102
 – Health and safety governance – page 82

The need to act fairly as 
between members of the 
Company

 – Shareholder engagement – pages 24 and 92
 – Annual General Meeting – pages 93, 130 and website
 – Rights attached to shares – page 129
 – Voting rights – page 129

26

Capco Annual Report 2022

www.capitalandcounties.com

27

Strategic ReportOperating review

Michelle McGrath

Executive Director

Covent Garden Independent Valuation

£1,742m

Summary

 – Total property value £1.7 billion
 – Net rental income £57.3 million
 – 6% ERV growth to £81.0 million
 – 71 leasing transactions, £10 million of contracted 

income 13% ahead of December 21 ERV

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 returns 

and change

 – Emphasis on customer engagement to provide 

differentiated experiences

 – Responsible stewardship of the estate – minimise 
environmental impact and generate benefits 
to stakeholders

“Operational performance at Covent Garden has been strong with a return 
to rental and income growth, and low vacancy. As the market continues to 
polarise to the best locations, Covent Garden continues to attract target 
brands and experiences.”

Michelle McGrath, Executive Director 

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 creative 
asset management and disciplined investment, Capco has 
established  Covent  Garden  as  an  exceptional  mixed-use 
portfolio of approximately 1.1 million square feet, across 70 
buildings and 504 units. Covent Garden provides a broad 
range of unit sizes, ensuring it attracts a wide spectrum of 
retail  and  hospitality  customers.  Capco  has  transformed 
Covent Garden into a global destination having curated a 
strong retail and dining line-up within a heritage setting.

Performance

The Covent Garden portfolio was valued at £1.7 billion at 
31 December 2022 and was unchanged for the year. The 
total valuation remains 27 per cent (like-for-like) lower than 
31 December 2019, comprising a 19 per cent ERV decline 
and 43 basis point outward yield movement.

The 5 per cent property value increase in the first half was 
offset by the second half decrease driven by widening of yields 
as a result of a macroeconomic environment characterised 
by higher interest rates and inflationary pressures. Over the 
full year, there has been continued ERV growth, increasing 
by 6 per cent on a like-for-like basis to £81 million, reflecting 
the positive leasing activity and high occupancy levels across 
the  estate.  There  was  a  19  basis  point  expansion  in  the 
equivalent yield to 4.07 per cent.

71 leasing transactions representing £10 million contracted 
income were completed 13 per cent ahead of December 2021 
ERV. In the first half, 25 leasing transactions took place 9 per 
cent ahead of 31 December 2021 ERV and 46 transactions 
took  place  in  the  second  half,  5  per  cent  ahead  of 
30 June 2022 ERV. Covent Garden continues to attract high 
quality brands and operators. At 31 December 2022, EPRA 
vacancy was 2.5 per cent (2021: 2.6 per cent). 6.2 per 
cent of ERV is in or is held for development or refurbishment 
(2021: 5.8 per cent).

Covent  Garden  underlying  net  rental  income  was 
£57.3 million for the year, compared with £48.7 million for 2021. 
Capco continues to bill quarterly in advance for substantially 
all  commercial  leases.  Rent  collection  has  reverted  to 
pre-pandemic  patterns  with  99  per  cent  of  2022  rents 
having been collected and to date 98 per cent of rents in 
respect of the first quarter of 2023.

Portfolio value by use

Covent Garden 
Portfolio valuation

£1.7bn

Retail 

Food & beverage 

Office 

Residential 

Leisure/other 

48%

26%

16%

7%

3%

Covent Garden 
Piazza

28
28

Capco Annual Report 2022

www.capitalandcounties.com

29

Strategic Report  
 
 
 
 
Operating review continued

4

20

6

7

21

10

5

23

15

16

18

22

14

1

17

9

2

11

12

8

13

19

3

24

New brands introduced

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

Underlying net rental 
income (Covent Garden)

£57.3m

2022

2021

2020

57.3

48.7 (restated)

31.3 (restated)

Estimated rental value 
(ERV)

£81.0m

2022

2021

2020

81.0

76.2

80.8

Capital value

£1.7bn

2022

2021

2020

1,742

1,729

1,825

Gross Income1

£62.0m

2022

2021

2020

62.0

57.4

65.3

Historic metrics above are not adjusted 
for 2020 and 2021 disposals

1. Covent Garden passing rent plus 

sundry non-leased income.

Capco-owned as at 31 December 2022

Pedestrianised streets

30

Capco Annual Report 2022

www.capitalandcounties.com

31

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MOOMINSHOPSTRATHBERRYCOOKIESMISSOMAFORSAKEL'OCCITANEE&EIZIPIZILADUREEVYTATO LETSHAKE SHACKLE PAIN QUOTIDIENSEGAR& SNUFFNANACAFÉVENCHIHAPPYSOCKSWHITTARDPARFUMS DE MARLYN.PEALMILLERHARRISPOLLOCKSUNDEROFFERNEUHAUSGODIVATOMFORDDIORBEAUTYBOUTIQUESACREDGOLD DECIEMBUNS & BUNSCHANELiBUNS& BUNSOLIVIABURTONSUSHISAMBAREGENT STREEPICCADILLY CIRCUSStrategic ReportOperating review continued

New leasing 
transactions

71

Leasing vs 
Dec 21 ERV

+13%

New openings

16

Retail

Capco’s emphasis on the consumer is essential to ensuring 
that the estate is positioned as a leading destination for visitors. 
During the year, Covent Garden was named Europe’s most 
popular  shopping  destination  by  the  Retail  Times.  There 
has been continued improvement in trading over the year 
with  aggregate  retail  sales  7.5  per  cent  ahead  of  2019 
levels,  with  premium  and  luxury  categories  significantly 
outperforming.

Retail  represents  48  per  cent  of  the  portfolio  by  value. 
Capco’s retail strategy is to closely monitor trends in both 
customer and consumer demand, whilst attracting brands 
and concepts relevant to the consumer in targeted categories 
with  a  strong  omni-channel  presence.  Our  retail  strategy 
draws on the best of global, independent and British brands 
focusing  on  targeted  categories  including  luxury,  digital, 
jewellery,  gifting,  cosmetics,  accessories,  contemporary 
fashion, beauty, lifestyle and sports.

Luxury  brand  Tudor Watches  opened  in  partnership  with 
Bucherer. Following the success of its existing store portfolio 
in  Covent  Garden,  Bucherer  has  agreed  terms  to  further 
expand  its  presence  in  the  Royal  Opera  House  Arcade 
taking  an  additional  c.3,000  square  feet  of  space  for 
Messika, Girard-Perregaux and Hublot. Swiss watch brand 
TAG Heuer has opened a new store on James Street. The 
boutique offers a selection of TAG Heuer’s iconic heritage 
timepieces as well as the brand’s more modern styles.

Brands with strong sustainability credentials are increasingly 
important to the consumer and this is a key factor in our 
customer selection process with many examples during the 
year. Sustainable, digitally native fashion brand Reformation 
opened  its  new  London  flagship  store  on  King  Street 
offering contemporary designs with sustainable practices. 
Performance brand Vuori opened its first European flagship 
store on Long Acre, offering active wear, whilst pursuing its 
climate neutral certification.

Covent  Garden’s  well-established  beauty  offer  has  been 
further strengthened by the addition of two luxury fragrance 
houses Creed and Parfums de Marly. Creed, a heritage, 
luxury  perfume  house  will  open  on  King  Street  offering 
artisan fragrances made from the finest perfume ingredients 
and Parfums de Marly has opened in the Market Building 
offering  signature  perfume  collections  alongside  scented 
candles and gifts.

There  have  been  a  number  of  openings  in  the  Market 
Building including premium jewellery boutique Sacred Gold, 
contemporary jewellery brand e&e and eyewear concept 
Izipizi. N.Peal and Miller Harris have relocated into new 
stores within the Market Building.

Fine  jewellery  brand  Mejuri  has  signed  on  King  Street. 
Sportswear  brand  Hoka  will  open  on  James  Street  and 
Peloton has taken additional space alongside its studio on 
Floral  Street  further  strengthening  the  performance  wear 
offering  on  the  estate.  Global  apparel  brand  Uniqlo  is 
expected to open its new flagship store in spring 2023, as 
it continues the fit out of the combination of Carriage Hall 
and two Long Acre units spanning 22,000 square feet. Los 
Angeles-based lifestyle brand Rails opened its first London 
store on Floral Street while jewellery brand PD Paola opened 
retailing timeless signature pieces.

Successful retailers continue to need physical stores to build 
brand awareness, customer capture and loyalty. Retailers 
are increasingly focused on fewer stores, placing greater 
emphasis on global location, customer experience, service 
and flagship retailing with better digital engagement. The 
estate  resonates  with  target  audiences,  providing  digital 
brands  with  the  opportunity  to  showcase  products  and 
service and build brand recognition and loyalty through a 
deeper connection with consumers.

Shorter term pop-ups generate publicity and footfall with a 
halo effect on adjacent stores and productivity. During the 
year, innovative concept Beauty Pie opened its first pop up 
on James Street while jewellery brand Missoma opened in 
the Market Building and Lounge Underwear on James Street. 
Raye the store opened on Floral Street which is a limited 
edition experiential store showcasing a selection of emerging 
food, drink and wellness brands focussing on sustainable 
and transparent business practices.

Over  the  Christmas  trading  period,  Dolce&Gabbana 
launched  a  Piazza  pop-up  shop,  installing  a  Christmas 
Market, offering exclusive merchandise and Jaeger-LeCoultre 
created an exhibition space displaying its iconic watches, an 
art exhibition and cafe.

At  31  December  2022,  three  retail  units,  representing 
4,100  square  feet  in  total,  were  available  to  let 
(ERV: £0.8 million).

Outdoor seats

1,000

Dining

Al fresco 
restaurants

55

Pedestrianised 
Streets

6

Covent Garden offers a diverse range of high quality innovative 
food  concepts,  from  casual  to  premium,  and  is  one  of 
London’s  best  dining  destinations.  F&B  represents  26  per 
cent of the portfolio by value. Covent Garden continues to 
introduce high quality innovative food concepts which have 
been central to the dining strategy.

Demand for hospitality space has been strong throughout 
the year. With limited vacancy across the estate, the F&B 
accommodation has attracted multiple potential occupiers. 
Argentinian restaurant Gaucho will open on James Street 
later this year in a contemporary setting, inspired by modern 
Argentina and all of its global influences.

Stereo,  a  new  late  night  live  music  and  dining  venue  by 
international hospitality brand Experimental Group opened 
at The Piazza. Stereo offers a mix of music, an American 
inspired  menu  by  restaurateur  Andrew  Clarke  and  an 
extensive drinks menu. The group, which already operates 
the Henrietta Hotel, has expanded its footprint, a positive 
endorsement for the trading prospects of the estate.

Chestnut  Bakery  has  opened  on  Floral  Street  offering  all 
day dining options while Watchhouse Coffee will open on 
Southampton Street in the coming months.

The Covent Garden estate offers an open-air pedestrianised 
environment  with  a  successful  al  fresco  dining  scheme 
offering 1,000 outdoor dining seats, across 55 restaurants 
and  spanning  six  pedestrianised  streets  as  well  as  the 
Piazza. The al fresco dining scheme delivers direct benefits 
to Capco’s customers, visitors and the local community and 
continues to be popular with consumers. This offer emphasises 
Covent  Garden’s  position  as  London’s  leading  outdoor 
dining destination.

At  31  December  2021,  there  were  three  restaurants 
available to let, over 8,150 square feet and with an ERV of 
£0.6 million.

32

Capco Annual Report 2022

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33

Estate dining

Strategic ReportOperating review continued 

A consumer
focused
marketing
programme

2022 Marketing activity 
snapshot

An active programme of campaigns and estate acti-
vations delivering a world-class consumer experience 
and driving footfall:

 – Championing family friendly initiatives appealing 
to the consumer in partnership with Harry Potter 
and Disney on Stage

 – Attracting digital brands to physical spaces with 
pop ups from beauty disruptors including Beauty 
Pie, Rose Inc., Tatcha and The Inkey List

 – Supporting our customers via partnerships with 

American Express and multi award-winning food 
influencer Clerkenwell Boy, launching the Covent 
Garden Good Food Club

 – In celebration of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee 

over 4,000 Union Jack flags adorned the estate

 – One-of-a-kind hospitality experiences were 

showcased on the Piazza including Wimbledon 
screenings and food festivals

 – World-first retail installations from luxury 

brands Dolce&Gabbana, Jaeger-LeCoultre 
and IWC Schaffhausen

 – Community and charity initiatives included a pop 
up shop from women’s charity Smart Works, 
our third annual online auction supporting 
homelessness charity Only a Pavement Away 
and an estate-wide campaign with Magic Radio 
supporting Cash for Kids

 – An extensive Christmas programme including 
late night shopping evenings, gospel choir 
performances, daily snowfall and an interactive 
Santa’s sleigh

Total social audience

c.630k

Website page views in 2022

>4m

Email subscribers:

53k

Active digital channels

34

Capco Annual Report 2022

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35

Strategic ReportStrategic ReportOperating review continued

Office

Covent Garden has a contemporary office portfolio offering 
both  multi-tenanted  and  single  occupancy  workspace. 
The portfolio attracts financial services, technology, creative 
industries  and  SMEs.  Office  accommodation  represents 
16 per cent of the portfolio by value.

Demands of consumers of workspaces are becoming more 
refined. The flight to quality within the office market remains, 
with a preference for fully fitted space, with strong amenities 
and  low-density  use,  provided  on  flexible  lease  terms. 
Consequently, Capco’s office product continues to be well 
received, achieving strong levels of pricing within the district, 
with more recent transactions setting a new rental tone of 
£100 per square foot.

At 31 December 2022, there were two units available to 
let, representing 7,500 square feet in total and with an ERV 
of £0.5 million.

Residential

The  central  London  residential  letting  market  has  been 
particularly  strong  this  year,  with  interest  from  a  broad 
range  of  customers.  Covent  Garden  is  established  as  a 
premium  residential  address  and  continues  to  generate 
competitive  demand.  There  was  limited  vacancy  during 
the  year  with  units  generally  let  within  days.  Residential 
accommodation represents 7 per cent of the portfolio by 
value and is fully occupied.

Over the summer months, Covent Garden partnered with 
multi  award-winning  food  influencer  Clerkenwell  Boy  to 
launch its summer Good Food Festival on the Piazza, with 
a range of international flavours. In celebration of the 50th 
anniversary of Pride marches, the bollards on Floral Street 
were rainbow painted for a limited time. In addition, Covent 
Garden was the home of British Beauty Week and London 
Cocktail Week offering immersive experiences.

Covent Garden launched its extensive Christmas programme 
of  activities  for  the  important  trading  period,  offering 
unique customer experiences and an extensive programme 
of  activities.  These  included  a  brand  partnership  with 
Dolce&Gabbana, on the Piazza with an Italian food market 
and  exclusive  products  and  Jaeger-LeCoultre  showcasing 
watches,  as  well  as  creating  a  café  and  art  exhibition. 
There were live performances from the cast of Elf the musical 
and the London International Gospel Choir. Festive late night 
shopping was introduced over the period, boosting the night 
time economy with spend-driving incentives from many stores 
open until 9pm.

The Covent Garden estate offers an open-air pedestrianised 
environment with a successful al fresco dining scheme offering 
1,000  outdoor  dining  seats,  across  55  restaurants  and 
spanning six pedestrianised streets as well as the Piazza. 
Capco  is  currently  in  consultation  with  Westminster  City 
Council on streetscape design enhancements to Henrietta 
Street and Southampton Street to provide a more inviting 
environment for the consumer.

Capco continues to engage directly with the consumer with 
630,000 followers across its ten social media channels. The 
digital audience across social channels continues to increase 
as a result of an engaging campaign calendar with brand 
partnerships which resonate with the consumer. The Covent 
Garden  website  continues  to  see  increasing  numbers  of 
repeat visits which is a consistent theme when compared to 
the footfall demographics with increased repeat visits from 
Londoners in particular.

Accelerating value creation through active 
asset management

Active  asset  management  and  refurbishment  initiatives 
continue  to  accelerate  value  and  enhance  environmental 
performance across the estate. These initiatives unlock value 
and enhance our portfolio’s long-term income prospects.

Capco completed a number of schemes this year including 
the refurbishment of 35 King Street with a number of the 
floors let significantly ahead of ERV. The refurbishment of 
office  space  at  5-6  Henrietta  Street  attracted  significant 
demand, setting new rental tone for the office portfolio.

A  number  of  capital  initiatives  have  commenced  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. These new initiatives 
are targeting high BREEAM certification and a minimum EPC 
rating of B. They are expected to complete over the next two 
years at a cost of approximately £25 million.

At  31  December  2022,  space  held  for,  or  under, 
refurbishment represented 6.2 per cent of total ERV. Total 
capital commitments across the Covent Garden estate were 
£1.7 million.

Acquisition opportunities have remained limited with assets 
in the area tightly held. In February 2023, Capco acquired 
the remaining interest in the Royal Opera House Arcade for 
£12.9 million. This purchase consolidates Capco’s ownership 
to include the final unit in the arcade not owned by Capco.

Capco has a strong balance sheet and access to significant 
liquidity enabling it to take advantage of such opportunities 
should they arise. 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 in the best positioned to acquire properties.

Positioning a world-class estate through 
consumer engagement

Capco  offers  a  unique  customer  experience,  utilising  the 
historic Piazza, through events and cultural installations to 
increase estate recognition and brand engagement. There 
was an extensive programme of activities including a brand 
partnership  with  Disney  on  Stage  to  bring  family  fun  to 
the Piazza over the summer with the launch of ‘Something 
Magical in Covent Garden’. Other events across the Piazza 
included the Rosé Garden Party with a selection of pop-up 
bars and terraces, the Great Piazza Party in celebration of 
the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee as well as daily screenings of 
the Wimbledon Tennis Championships. Covent Garden also 
hosted the Harry Potter Photographic Exhibition.

Covent Garden, Residential

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37

Strategic ReportOperating review continued

Committed to sustainability and minimising 
our environmental impact

During the year, Capco joined the UN Race to Zero supporting 
its commitment to becoming Net Zero Carbon by 2030, 
securing Science-Based Target validation of our targets in 
the process. 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. Capco’s 
approach recognises that its heritage buildings represent a 
long-term store of carbon.

Capco was recognised as a Climate Leader in the 2022 
Financial Times survey. The survey recognises the top 400 
companies in Europe for emissions intensity reduction over 
6 years.

Capco has a strong track record of supporting its stakeholders 
and positioning the estate sustainably. A number of initiatives 
were  implemented  across  the  estate.  All  diesel  estate 
cleaning  equipment  has  been  replaced  with  electric 
equipment.  Capco  implemented  rainwater  harvesting 
at Floral Court which combined with the improved water 
efficiency  of  the  new  cleaning  equipment  is  expected  to 
reduce our water requirement by approximately 50 per cent. 
In 2022, Capco enhanced its internal and external air quality 
monitoring through the addition of three new outdoor air 
quality monitors across the estate and indoor air quality trials 
in Capco’s Head Office at Regal House.

Capco has initiated its first Carbon Risk Real Estate Monitor 
(“CRREM”) analysis on a number of properties which supports 
the development of science-based carbon reduction pathways 
at an individual building level.

Capco’s  long-term  management  of  its  properties’  EPC 
performance means it is well-placed to meet targets ahead of 
statutory regulation timelines. All commercial EPC certificates 
across the estate are D or above, with 68 per cent C or 
above, the minimum level by April 2027. There has been a 
5 per cent year on year increase in the volume of units rated 
C or above.

All of Capco’s units now meet the Minimum Energy Efficiency 
Standards  (“MEES”)  regulations  commencing  April  2023 
(rating of D or above). Capco continues to set targets to 
meet  the  requirements  ahead  of  time  with  approximately 
21 per cent of units already meeting the April 2030 regulations. 
Capco continues to improve its EPC performance whenever 
refurbishment works are undertaken on assets and the costs are 
incorporated into capital expenditure budgets. These are not 
disaggregated given the Capco design process incorporates 
both  high  MEES  standards  and  its  Net  Zero  Carbon 
Pathway. Capco is targeting a minimum EPC rating of B on 
all refurbishment projects.

Capco  is  committed  to  transparent  reporting  through 
recognised indices. For the fourth consecutive year Capco 
has been awarded EPRA sBPR Gold. Capco also improved 
its GRESB score by 5 per cent, two green star ratings, and we 
have maintained our CDP B rating, 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 AA and Capco continues to hold a Prime 
rating from the ISS ESG Rating. Capco continues to report 
under FTSE4Good. 38 commercial green leases representing 
18 per cent of the portfolio are now in place.

Capco  is  a  partner  of  Wild  West  End,  a  not-for-profit 
partnership which aims to enhance biodiversity across the 
West End through the quality of green space and the local 
environment for people and wildlife across Westminster. The 
results of the first ecological survey of the Covent Garden 
estate, undertaken in partnership with the London Wildlife 
Trust, were received with a number of priority conservation 
species identified which will be incorporated into Capco’s 
biodiversity plan for the estate. In this regard, 2023 will see 
the second estate ecological surveys and the evolution of 
Capco’s biodiversity action plans.

Broad community engagement

Capco continues to support local charities and community 
foundations  including  the  Young  Westminster  Foundation 
“Brighter Futures” programme including supporting young 
carers, young LGBT+ people, refugees and addressing youth 
violence. 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.

We continue to focus on our community programme prioritising 
initiatives and charity partners in Covent Garden. During the 
year, Capco supported the local community’s Platinum Jubilee 
street party and partnered with Square Mile Farms to launch 
an Urban Farm pop-up. The pop-up farm is an interactive 
way for local schools, offices and community groups to enjoy 
sustainably grown produce and for visitors to learn more 
about sustainable urban farming.

Capco employees took part in several volunteering days 
including gardening at Penfold community hub in Westminster, 
attending the local Westminister dementia centre, as well as 
participating in the Lord Mayor’s Cup, a fundraiser football 
tournament with neighbouring property companies to kick 
off the World Cup.

Floral Street

In  September,  Capco  hosted  a  charity  pop-up  shop  in 
partnership with Smart Works, to empower women to return 
to the workplace. The pop-up brought together items donated 
from over 30 fashion brands, including customers, for sale 
with 100 per cent of profits being donated to the charity.

Capco has also donated towards Covent Garden Dragon 
Hall Trust foodbank to help local residents affected by the 
cost of living crisis. During November 2022, in partnership 
with charity Only A Pavement Away which works alongside 
Crisis, Capco ran its third charity auction with prizes from 
shops and restaurants from across the Covent Garden estate.

Capco became a sponsor for the Single Homeless Project, a 
charity which supports over 10,000 people each year offering 
a  range  of  services  including  hostels,  supported  housing 
and community support services. The sponsorship focuses 
on the Kean Street hostel which is located in Covent Garden. 
Capco’s community contribution totalled £0.5 million made 
up of donations and time committed by employees.

Our people

Our people are key to our business, we promote a culture of 
creative passion for Covent Garden and the West End to allow 
employees to reach their potential whilst creating value for 
our stakeholders. We have introduced a number of initiatives 
to support our employees through regular Company-wide 
meetings,  business  updates  and  seminars  focusing  on 
well-being, diversity, equality and inclusion.

Following  an  employee  survey,  employee  working 
groups were set up to focus on the following areas: New 
Ways of Working; Office & Facilities; People, Team and 
Collaboration;  and  Business  Processes.  These  groups 
presented their recommendations for implementation to the 
Company with many areas having been implemented.

During the year, Capco conducted an employee well-being 
survey, which received a very high overall well-being score 
and a response rate of over 87 per cent.

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39

Strategic ReportOperating review continued

Minimising our
environmental

impact

During  2022,  we  took  a  range  of  actions  to 
deliver  a  cleaner  and  greener  estate  for  the 
benefit of all our current and future stakeholders. 
Covent  Garden  has  some  of  the  cleanest  air  in 
central  London  as  a  result  of  Capco’s  actions. 
To  further  improve  air  quality,  diesel  estate 
cleaning equipment has been replaced by electric 
equipment, which not only reduced diesel pollutants 
and water usage, but is much quieter in its operation. 
Internal  and  external  air  quality  monitoring  has 
been  enhanced,  with  three  new  outdoor  air 
quality  monitors  installed  across  the  estate  and 
indoor  air  quality  monitors  trialled  at  our  Head 
Office. We expanded our extensive greening on 
the estate, with bio-diverse plant species chosen 
to  maximise  their  potential  to  further  improve 
air  quality  and  peat-free  compost  to  reduce 
watering  requirements.  Through  rainwater 
harvesting  we  have  significantly  reduced  our 
mains water consumption.

In  2023,  we  intend  to  continue  working  in 
collaboration with our stakeholders, to help deliver 
our  shared  sustainability  goals,  to  minimise  our 
environmental impact and to tackle accelerating 
climate change. 

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41

Strategic ReportStrategic ReportOperating review continued

Principal risks and uncertainties

Other investments

Investment in Shaftesbury shares

Capco has a 25.2 per cent shareholding in Shaftesbury, 
comprising 96.97 million shares. At 31 December 2022, 
the  share  price  of  Shaftesbury  shares  was  368  pence, 
resulting  in  Capco’s  investment  being  valued  at 
£357 million (31 December 2021: £596 million). During the year, 
Capco received £13.5 million dividend income and a further 
£2.6 million dividend income post year-end.

On 16 June 2022, Capco announced its intention to merge 
with Shaftesbury and the shareholder approval conditions 
were  satisfied  on  29  July  2022.  The  merger  received 
clearance from the Competition and Markets Authority on 
22 February 2023, and it is expected to complete on 6 
March 2023. The merger represents a major corporate trans-
action for the business and was an area of significant activity 
during the year.

The merger unites two complementary real estate businesses 
to create an impossible to replicate portfolio in some of the 
most iconic destinations across London’s West End primarily 
focused on three locations: Covent Garden including Seven 
Dials, the Opera Quarter and Coliseum; Carnaby including 
Soho; and Chinatown. The portfolio comprises 2.9 million 
square  feet  of  lettable  space  across  approximately  670 
predominantly  freehold  buildings  with  approximately 
2,000  individual  units.  As  at  31  December  2022,  the 
combined portfolio was valued at £4.9 billion. In addition, 
the combined group will have 50 per cent interests in the 
Longmartin joint venture and Lillie Square.

By combining both companies’ strengths, cultures and values, 
a ‘best of both’ approach will be taken to deliver long-term 
economic  and  social  value  for  all  stakeholders.  The 
combination will generate both near-term and longer term 
benefits including greater efficiencies and synergies, a more 
diverse portfolio with a stronger operational platform of scale 
and efficiency as well as enhanced access to capital.

The  merger  is  expected  to  unlock  the  opportunity  to 
enhance  the  connectivity  of  Capco’s  and  Shaftesbury’s 
complementary  portfolios.  The  combination  will  enable 
the combined group to leverage insights from rich data to 
inform investment and leasing decisions through broader and 
deeper knowledge. A holistic marketing strategy will also be 
implemented to take advantage of cross locational marketing 
opportunities. The combined group will be well-positioned 
to deliver long-term growth in income, value and dividends 
through  comprehensive,  long-term  management  of  its 
exceptional portfolio.

Lillie Square

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  2022  was  £77  million 
(Capco share), a 6 per cent decline (like-for-like) against the 
31 December 2021 valuation of £84 million. In addition, 
Capco owns £2 million of other related assets adjacent to 
the Lillie Square estate.

In total, 351 Phase 1 and 2 units have been handed over, with 
69 units available. The sale of 5 units completed during the 
year representing £6.6 million (Capco share: £3.3 million). 
The  joint  venture  is  in  a  cash  position  of  £11.8  million 
(£5.9 million Capco share). During the year, £17.5 million of 
cash was distributed from the joint venture to Capco.

Effective
risk management

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

Identifi es and manages risks
Compiles Group risk register
Implements mitigation measures

Reports to Executive 
Risk Committee

Risk Management

The Board has overall responsibility for Group risk management.
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
decision-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  regular
basis by the Executive Risk Committee so that trends and 
emerging risks can be identifi ed and reported to the Board.

Senior management from each part of the business identify
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 likelihood of 
an adverse outcome and its impact. In assessing impact, 
consideration is given to fi nancial, 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 confi rm 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 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’s risk 
appetite statement is reviewed and updated by the Board at 
appropriate intervals and in any event on an annual basis. 
The Group’s risk appetite statement has been communicated 
to Senior Management who are responsible for incorporating
the identifi ed principles in decision-making. The Group’s risk 
appetite statement is as follows:

“We use our expertise in property investment and development
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
business operates in compliance with laws, regulations and 
our contractual commitments.”

Risk outlook

Management actions have positioned the business to emerge 
strongly as markets recover. During 2022 there has been strong 
operational  momentum  at  Covent  Garden,  with  excellent
leasing  demand  across  all  uses,  high  occupancy  levels 
and  rent  collection  normalising  to  pre-pandemic  levels. 
The  long-term  impact  of  the  pandemic  alongside  broader
macroeconomic factors, in particular infl ationary pressures 
and increasing interest rates, on the future demand for and 
use  of  lettable  space,  evolution  of  consumer  behaviour 
and travel patterns remains a consideration and the Board
continues to monitor this.

Whilst the challenges and disruption caused by COVID-19 
have reduced as restrictions were lifted and customer trade 
conditions  reverted  to  pre-pandemic  levels,  the  mitigating 
actions imposed by the UK government and internationally, 
together with other factors, had a material adverse effect on 
the retail and hospitality industry and any reinstatement of 
restrictive measures as a result of a new strain of COVID-19 or 
any other infectious disease may have an impact on consumer 
confi dence and visitor numbers, including international visitors,
impacting the operations and viability of customers of the 
Group’s properties.

Capco 
Ownership

Shaftesbury 
Ownership

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43

BISHOPʼS BRIDGE RDKINGʼS RDKINGʼS RDCARNABYSOHOCHINATOWNCOLISEUMSEVENDIALSFITZROVIAOPERAQUARTERST MARTIN’S COURTYARDMAYFAIRSOHOMARYLEBONEFITZROVIAHOLBORNSOUTHBANKStrategic ReportPrincipal risks and uncertainties continued

Risk Appetite Criteria

Risk averse

Risk Appetite Scale

Risk neutral

Risk aware

Strategic priorities and risk

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

Risks

Risk-taking in pursuit of strategic objectives

Principal Risk

Economic, political and operating environment

People

Compliance with law and regulations

Climate change

Leasing and asset management

Despite the recovery in the operating environment and trading 
conditions,  risk  remains  heightened  as  the  current 
macroeconomic  backdrop  is  characterised  by  higher  energy 
costs,  inflation  and  higher  interest  rates  which  have  potential 
impact on valuations, funding, customers and consumer behaviour.

If current global or UK macroeconomic conditions continue to 
deteriorate, or there is an increase in geopolitical uncertainty, 
this could impact UK real estate markets, resulting in downward 
pressure on the value of the Group’s properties and net rental 
income. The risks and challenges are further exacerbated by the 
economic and geopolitical consequences of Russia’s invasion 
of Ukraine.

Many of the Group’s customers are exposed to the changes and 
challenges facing the retail and hospitality sectors, including 
macroeconomic factors, such as availability and cost of credit 
for customers and their businesses, the potential for the level 
of consumer spending to be impacted by the increase in the 
cost of living, business and consumer confidence, inflation 
rates, rising energy costs, supply chain disruption, labour shortages 
and other operational costs.

In  recent  years  the  UK  has  also  experienced  heightened 
economic and political uncertainty after voting to leave the EU. 
Uncertainty remains in relation to long-term international trade 
arrangements and the overall impact on the UK economy.

The Group’s operations may be adversely affected if it fails to 
comply with climate and environmental regulation or its own 
environmental, social or governance standards. Operations 
may also be adversely affected by climate and environment 
related risks, which could lead to significant costs to mitigate 
the impact.

Investment in Shaftesbury PLC and 
proposed merger

As at 31 December 2022, the Group’s portfolio included 
a  25.2  per  cent  shareholding  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’s operating results, 
financial position, performance or prospects.

Although the Group currently owns a minority interest, the 
Investment represents a material proportion of the Group’s value. 

44

Capco Annual Report 2022

The terms of the Investment do not provide the Group with 
the ability to influence the strategic direction of Shaftesbury, 
or its financial or operating performance, as our influence is 
limited to the extent of our voting rights over matters requiring 
Shaftesbury  shareholder  approval.  The  interests  of  other 
shareholders in Shaftesbury may not always be aligned with 
those of the Group.

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

On 16 June 2022, Capco announced its intention to merge 
with Shaftesbury and the shareholder approval conditions were 
satisfied on 29 July 2022. The merger received clearance 
by the CMA on 22 February 2023, and is subject to court 
approval, and it is expected to complete on 6 March 2023.

The prospectus dated 7 July 2022 issued in connection with 
the proposed merger, as supplemented by the supplementary 
prospectus dated 29 November 2022, sets out a detailed 
description of the material risk factors of the merger and the 
combined group.

On completion of the proposed merger, the combined group’s 
success will be dependent upon its ability to integrate the two 
companies to deliver the full benefits and synergies as well 
as harmonising the business cultures. Dedicated integration 
working groups have been established, in line with restrictions 
imposed by Competition laws, comprising employees across 
both companies to discuss day one integration requirements. 
A  steering  committee  has  been  created  to  oversee  and 
co-ordinate this process, review the outputs of the working 
groups and to provide direction.

Emerging risks 

The Group monitors its emerging risks and considers mitigating 
actions which the Group currently deploys and could deploy 
with regards to these emerging risks. Emerging risks include 
the  economic  and  geopolitical  consequences  of  Russia’s 
invasion of Ukraine, UK political uncertainty, 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,  how  lease  arrangements  are  structured,  as 
well as changes to tax and economic policy impacting real 

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

Our group strategy

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

estate (including landlord and tenant legislation, residential 
rent control, capital gains, VAT and other sales taxes, stamp 
duty and business rates).

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. Following a detailed review of 

the 2021 principal risks certain risks have been consolidated 
in the current year as reflected below. 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’.

Principal risks overview

2021 risk

2022 risk

Change in the year

Economic conditions

Funding

Political climate

Catastrophic external event

People

Health and safety

Economic, political and operating environment 

People

Compliance with law, regulations and 
contracts

Compliance with law and regulations 

Climate change

Climate change

Leasing and asset management

Planning and development

Leasing and asset management

Key

Increase

Stable

Decrease

N

New Risk

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45

Strategic ReportContext and actions taken:
The Group focuses on prime assets in the West End of London 
primarily in the retail and hospitality sector. During 2022 consumer 
and business confidence has returned reflected in footfall and 
spend improving with customer sales in aggregate trading in excess 
of 2019 levels.

Through regular dialogue with our customers we are able to 
understand their financial position.

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 prosper over the medium-term.

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

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

Funding, debt and treasury metrics are monitored on a continual 
basis with a focus on preserving liquidity and capital.

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.

The Group has comprehensive ownership 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.

A review of cyber security was performed in 2022 to ensure 
appropriate controls are in place and ensure that all employees 
remain vigilant to potential risks. Regular phishing tests and 
penetration testing are undertaken.

See Chief Executive’s review on page 12 for further information.

Principal risks and uncertainties continued

2

4

5

6

Economic, political and operating conditions

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

Decline in real estate valuations due to macroeconomic conditions

Impact of higher interest rates and lack of availability or increased 
cost of debt or equity funding

Inflationary pressures on operating costs including energy

Uncertain political climate and/or changes to legislation and 
policies

Adverse impact on business and consumer confidence, increase 
material costs, prolonged supply chains and reduced labour supply

Decline in fair value of listed investments held

Catastrophic event such as a terrorist attack, natural disaster, health 
pandemic or cyber security crime

Impact on strategy

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

Reduced return on property and listed investment

Reduced rental income and/or capital values as customers could 
suffer staff shortages, increased costs, longer lead times and lower 
availability of inventory

Higher operating and finance costs

Reduced financial and operational flexibility

Diminishing London’s status

Business disruption or damage to property

Reputational damage

Mitigation

Focus on prime assets

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

Regular strategic reviews with focus on creating mixed use 
destinations and residential districts with unique attributes

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

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

Engagement with key stakeholders and local authorities

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

Key

Increase

Stable

Decrease

N

New Risk

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.

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. 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. IT security systems that 
support data security and disaster recovery are in place.

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.

See People on page 79 for further information.

Compliance with law and regulations, including health and safety, 
remains a key priority for the Board.

Protocols are in place and communicated across the various 
stakeholder groups to ensure everyone is aware of new legislation 
and requirements.

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.

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.

See Governance on page 86 for further information.

1

2

4

1

2

3

5

People

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

Compliance with law and regulations

Breach of legislation, regulation or contract

Inability to monitor or anticipate legal or regulatory changes

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

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

Health and safety procedures, training and governance across the 
Group

Appointment of reputable contractors

Adequate insurance held to cover the risks inherent in property 
ownership and construction projects

46

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47

Strategic ReportPrincipal risks and uncertainties continued

Climate change

1

2

5

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 customer 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 
in the 2022 Annual Report 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 stakeholders in order 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
Capco believes in taking a responsible and forward-looking 
approach to environmental issues and the principles of 
sustainability. We recognise 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.

Following publication of our Net Zero Carbon Pathway, our 
activities have focused on the first three year cycle and improving 
data reporting and transparency. We have completed our climate 
scenario analysis for full TCFD compliance. In addition to the 
ongoing activities to improve the Energy Efficiency of each asset 
focussing on the MEES EPC regulations, we continue to explore the 
addition of renewable energy generation and have commenced 
removal of gas heating and cooking within our residential portfolio. 
Long-term planning and mobilisation of asset by asset carbon 
mitigation strategy also continues using the CRREM model in pilot 
across a number of assets.

See ESC strategy on page 63, TCFD report on page 74 and our 
website for further information.

1

2

3

5

Leasing and asset management

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

Competition from other locations/formats

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

Impact on strategy

Decline in customer demand for the Group’s properties

Reduced income and increased vacancy

Reduced return on investment and development property

Mitigation

High quality customer mix

Strategic focus on creating mixed use destinations with unique 
attributes

Engagement with local and national authorities

Pre-application and consultation with key stakeholders and 
landowners

Regular assessment of market conditions and development strategy

Business strategy based on long-term total returns

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 customers. During 
the course of 2022 leasing activity improved and rent collections 
have returned to pre-pandemic levels. Capco maintained high 
occupancy levels reflecting the strength of demand for its prime 
central London real estate.

Although the Group has largely kept rental payments 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 on customer demand and supply 
chains as well as inflationary pressures is kept under review.

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 have a focused leasing and marketing strategy, ensuring the 
business is well-positioned.

We regularly engage with our suppliers to understand their ability 
to meet our requirements and standards.

See Operating review on page 28 for further information.

Key

Increase

Stable

Decrease

N

New Risk

48

Capco Annual Report 2022

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49

Strategic ReportPrincipal risks and uncertainties continued

Viability statement

The Directors have considered the prospects of the Group 
over the three-year period to December 2025. 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 
43 to 49.

The proposed merger with Shaftesbury PLC is expected to 
complete during the viability period, therefore the viability 
assessment has also been undertaken on a combined group 
as well as a standalone basis.

In making the assessment, the Directors have taken account 
of the Group’s resilient financial position, access to substantial 
liquidity, the Group’s ability to raise new finance, and the 
low level of capital commitments together with the flexibility 
of future expenditure.

Standalone basis

During  2022,  there  has  been  continued  improvement  in 
operational activity at Covent Garden. Trading remains resilient 
with strong recovery in footfall and customer sales in aggregate 
being ahead of 2019 levels. There is strong leasing demand 
across all uses delivering rental growth, vacancy remains low 
and rent collection patterns have normalised.

There are, however, significant macroeconomic and political 
headwinds including the rising interest rate and inflationary 
environment,  domestic  political  uncertainty,  geopolitical 
risks, supply chain and labour market disruption. The West 
End and our unique portfolio of prime investments are not 
completely  insulated,  however  they  have  demonstrated 
remarkable resilience.

Capco has a strong balance sheet with net debt to gross 
assets  of  28  per  cent  and  access  to  substantial  cash 
and  undrawn  facilities,  amounting  to  £423  million  as  at 
31 December 2022. The Covent Garden net debt position 
is £366 million and there is substantial headroom against 
the Covent Garden covenants, with the current loan to value 
ratio of 21 per cent compared to the limit of 60 per cent 
and interest cover ratio of 3.9 times compared to the limit of 
1.2 times. The business plan considers the Group’s cash flow, 
capital  commitments,  financial  resources,  debt  covenants 
and other key financial risks.

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 significant. 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 likely 
be consistent with the impact considered in the severe but 
plausible downside assumptions.

The  Directors  consider  the  key  principal  risks  that  could 
impact the viability of the Group to be:

 – Economic, political and operating environment; and
 – Leasing and asset management.

The Directors placed particular emphasis on those risks which 
could result in reduced income and valuations or a shortfall in 
liquidity. Sensitivity analysis was carried out which involved 
flexing  a  number  of  downside  assumptions  to  consider 
alternative  macroeconomic  conditions  and  the  impact  of 
these principal risks both individually and in combination.

The  severe  but  plausible  downside  scenario  reflects 
an  economic  downturn  and  incorporates  the  following 
assumptions:

 – The projections represent a reduction in forecast net rental 
income (including impairment of tenant incentive balances 
and impact of lease modifications) of approximately 20 
per cent on average across the three year period, with 
this reduction weighted towards later years of the viability 
period primarily due to non-completion of refurbishment 
and development projects.

 – A further decline in property valuations of approximately 20 
per cent compared to the 31 December 2022 valuation 
with outward yield movement of a further 75 basis points to 
4.8% equivalent yield. This represents a cumulative decline 
of 42 per cent compared to pre COVID--19 levels.

The revolving credit facility of £300 million, which is currently 
fully undrawn, has a maturity date of September 2025 with 
a one-year extension option to September 2026 subject to 
lender consent. It is anticipated that the extension will be 
exercised or a similar form of financing will be put in place. 
£95 million of private placement debt matures in the second 
half of 2024. The Group is projected to have sufficient cash 
reserves and undrawn facilities to meet these debt maturities 
during the viability period.

The severe but plausible downside 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 headroom within the Covent 
Garden loan to value and interest cover covenants to withstand 
a significant reduction in the property valuation and net rental 
income before a breach would occur.

Based on stress testing analysis and before taking account of 
any mitigating actions, the Group could withstand a further 
50 per cent decline in property valuations before a breach 
of the Loan to Value covenant and approximately 70 per 
cent decline in rental income before a breach of the interest 
cover covenant.

Based on this assessment, the Directors have a reasonable 
expectation that the Group and Company will be able to 
continue in operation on a standalone basis and meet their 
liabilities as they fall due over the period to December 2025.

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.

Impact of the proposed merger

On 16 June 2022 Capco announced its intention to merge 
with Shaftesbury and the shareholder approval conditions were 
satisfied on 29 July 2022. Completion of the merger is subject 
to the satisfaction of a number of other conditions, including 
clearance by the Competition and Markets Authority, which was 
received on 22 February 2023.  Subject to approval by the 
court it is intended that the merger will be effected by means 
of a court-sanctioned scheme of arrangement which will result 
in Capco owning 100 per cent of the issued share capital of 
Shaftesbury. The merger is expected to complete on 6 March 
2023. The viability assessment has therefore also been undertaken 
on the basis of the combined group.

Under the terms of the Shaftesbury financing arrangements, 
holders of its secured mortgage bonds totalling £575 million 
have the ability to require payment in full or part following a 
change of control of Shaftesbury taking place. Capco has 
entered  into  a  loan  facility  agreement  of  £576  million  to 
provide funding certainty in the event that Shaftesbury mortgage 
bond holders exercise this right. Shaftesbury’s secured term 
loans totalling £385 million will remain in place.

In preparing its viability assessment, using an approach consistent 
with  that  set  out  above,  the  Board  reviewed  a  forecast  of 
liquidity, cash flow and covenant compliance of the combined 
group under the severe-but-plausible downside scenario.

The  severe-but-plausible  downside  scenario  considers  lower 
levels of rent collection, reduction in ERVs and increased vacancy 
and costs, occurring in combination. No mitigating actions have 
been taken into account in this assessment. Mitigating actions 
within management’s control may include, among other things, 
the reduction of non-essential costs and capital expenditure.

Refinancing

The viability assessment includes pessimistic assumptions in 
relation to the refinancing of the combined group’s debt. Debt 
maturities during the viability assessment period are:

 – £95 million of Capco’s private placement loan notes 
which mature in the second half of 2024. These are 
assumed to be redeemed using a combination of cash 
reserves and undrawn facilities

 – £576 million standby facility, expires in December 2024 

(assuming the initial six-month extension option is exercised 
by the borrower). The combined group assessment of 
covenants described below assumes the lenders grant a 
further six-month extension and that it is then refinanced on 
final maturity in June 2025 on a basis consistent with the 
terms of that final extension.

 – Capco’s £300 million revolving credit facility expires 
in September 2025, with a further one year extension 
subject to lender consent. It is assumed the facility is 
extended until September 2026.

The Board considered the projected combined group loan to value 
ratio, the interest cover ratio and the quantity of unencumbered 
assets for the standby facility under the severe but plausible 
downside scenario. This assumes a further valuation decline for 
the combined group of approximately 20 per cent relative to 
31 December 2022. A decline of this magnitude would result 

in a projected group loan to value ratio of approximately 
40 per cent in December 2024 when the £576 million loan 
facility  would  need  to  be  extended  or  refinanced. 
Unencumbered assets would amount to £3.3 billion. Despite 
the severe but plausible downside assumptions applied to both 
income and net interest expense, group interest cover would 
be approximately 1.9x against a covenant of 1.0x.

Whilst the Board considers that financing risk is a critical 
factor in assessing the viability of the combined group, it 
has assumed that, even in the severe-but-plausible downside 
scenario, replacement financing could be put in place for 
both the £576 million loan facility and the £300 million 
revolving credit facility.

Covenant compliance

Before taking into account any mitigating actions which may be 
taken, the combined group has significant headroom against 
its financial covenants and estimates that the combined group 
could withstand a decrease in valuations from 31 December 
2022 of over 40 per cent and a decline in net property income 
of approximately 45 per cent before breaching its loan-to-value 
and interest cover covenants. Despite the severe-but-plausible 
downside  assumptions  group  interest  cover  would  be 
approximately 1.9x against a covenant of 1.0x.

Having considered the debt facilities in place, the Board is 
satisfied that there is sufficient liquidity to fund potential debt 
repayments and with the ability of the combined group to 
remain compliant with its financing arrangements and meet its 
financial obligations as they fall due over the viability period.

The combined group anticipates to retain significant liquidity 
and that debt covenants will be satisfied, however in the severe 
but plausible scenario the interest cover covenant on one of 
the Shaftesbury term loans could be breached marginally. 
For this loan, throughout the viability period the combined 
group has the ability to cure income shortfalls using a small 
amount of cash deposits or additional assets with sufficient 
contractual income from its pool of unsecured properties. The 
Group has sufficient liquidity to satisfy this requirement.

Based on this assessment, the Directors have a reasonable 
expectation that the combined group will be able to continue 
in operation and meet their liabilities as they fall due over the 
viability period to December 2025.

Going Concern

The Company has a strong balance sheet with net debt to gross 
assets of 28 per cent and access to cash and undrawn facilities of 
£423 million as at 31 December 2022. The Covent Garden group 
had net debt of £366 million and a loan to value ratio of 21 per 
cent, which compares with a debt covenant level of 60 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 2022 Annual Report & Accounts.

50

Capco Annual Report 2022

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51

Strategic ReportFinancial
review

Situl Jobanputra

Chief Financial Officer

2022 Financial results

Net rental income

Loss for the year

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 property return

1. Group share.

£57m

£(212)m

£19m1

£1.7bn1

2.5p

£1.6bn

182p

28%1

£423m1

-13.6%

2.8%

Market Building 
and Piazza

Strong financial position

2022  has  been  characterised  by  continued  operational 
momentum in the Covent Garden estate, with rental income 
collection returning to pre-pandemic levels, strong leasing 
demand  across  all  uses  resulting  in  high  occupancy  and 
rental  growth,  and  sustained  footfall  recovery  resulting 
in growth in sales for our retail and hospitality customers. 
This  performance  reflects  the  appeal  of  Covent  Garden 
and London’s West End. Broader macroeconomic factors 
will  have  an  impact  on  future  performance,  however  the 
West End has demonstrated remarkable resilience and we 
are encouraged to see strong demand continuing to deliver 
rental growth in our portfolio.

“The Group has strong prospects 
for earnings growth and long-term 
value creation, with a well-positioned 
portfolio and improving operating 
performance, backed by a resilient 
and flexible capital structure.”

Situl Jobanputra, Chief Financial Officer

Underlying earnings improved from £0.7 million in 2021 
to £18.6 million (2.2 pence per share) in 2022, driven by 
increased net rental income, additional dividend income and 
lower finance costs, offset in part by higher administration 
expenses.  The  Company  has  declared  total  dividends 
in respect of the  year of 2.5 pence  per share, reflecting 
improved underlying and cash earnings and the additional 
dividend received in relation to Q4 2022 from the investment 
in Shaftesbury shares post-year end.

2021 comparative information has been restated to reflect 
a  change  in  accounting  policy  following  an  IFRIC  (IFRS 
Interpretations Committee) agenda decision in relation to the 
accounting for rent concessions, which in the Company’s 
case  were  provided  during  the  COVID-19  period.  Any 
forgiveness  of  rent  after  the  point  at  which  it  was  due  is 
now accounted for as an expected credit loss and not as a 
rent free asset (with the impact amortised over the remaining 
life of the lease). Due to the resulting restatement, there has 
been a reduction in 2021 net rental income by £6.2 million 
to £40.2 million. On an underlying basis, 2021 net rental 
income has reduced by £3.4 million from £52.3 million to 
£48.9  million.  Due  to  improving  trading  conditions,  and 
completion of historical COVID-19 concessions, underlying 
net rental income increased by 17.0 per cent to £57.2 million 
in the year. On an IFRS reported basis net rental income 
increased by 43.3 per cent to £57.3 million. The financial 
statements also reflect a further adjustment resulting from the 
requirement to include tenant deposits (£13.4 million at the 
end of 2022) within cash and cash equivalents rather than 
trade receivables.

The  Group’s  investments  are  concentrated  on  real  estate 
in London’s West End with the Covent Garden estate and 
the investment in Shaftesbury shares representing over 95 
per cent of total portfolio value. The independent property 
valuation of Covent Garden remained broadly unchanged 
over the year on a like-for-like basis, at £1,741.6 million. The 
increase of 6.3 per cent in ERV on a like-for-like basis was 
offset by an increase in the equivalent yield by 19 basis points 
to 4.07 per cent. The ERV growth is reflective of positive 
asset management and leasing activity, and high occupancy 
levels across the estate. Total property return for the year 
was 2.8 per cent. The Group’s 25.2 per cent investment 
in Shaftesbury has decreased in value by £239.5 million 
to £356.9 million reflecting the share price of 368 pence 
as at 31 December 2022 (2021: 615 pence per share). 
Dividends received from this investment during the year were 
£13.5 million and after the year end, the Group received a 
further dividend of £2.6 million on 15 February 2023.

Capco owns 50 per cent of the Lillie Square joint venture. 
The  property  valuation  as  at  31  December  2022  was 
£77.0 million, a 6 per cent decline (like-for-like) against the 
31 December 2021 valuation of £84.1 million. In total, 351 
Phase 1 and 2 units have been handed over, with 69 units 
available. The sale of five units completed during the year 
representing £6.6 million (£3.3 million Capco share) and 
five units have been leased in the near term. The joint venture 
is in a cash position of £5.9 million (Capco share) as at  
31 December 2022. During the year, £35.0 million of cash was 
distributed from the joint venture to the partners (£17.5 million 
Capco share). In addition, Capco owns £2.1 million of other 
related assets adjacent to the Lillie Square estate.

As a result primarily of the lower Shaftesbury share price, 
overall EPRA NTA (net tangible assets) per share decreased 
by  14.5  per  cent  during  the  year,  from  213.0  pence  at 
31 December 2021 to 182.1 pence. Combined with the 
1.8 pence per share dividend paid to shareholders during 
the year, the total return for the period is -13.6 per cent. Total 
shareholder return for the year, reflecting the movement in 
the share price from 168 pence to 107 pence, together with 
dividends, was -35.9 per cent.

The  Group  maintains  a  strong  capital  structure  with  low 
financial leverage, access to significant liquidity, substantial 
headroom against debt financial covenants and a modest 
capital commitment profile. During the year, £200 million 
of borrowings were repaid early with closing net debt as at 
31 December 2022 of £621.8 million (31 December: £599.3 
million). Cash and cash equivalents, excluding tenant deposits, 
were  £122.6  million  as  at  31  December  2022 
(31 December 2021: £341.7 million) and when combined 
with undrawn committed facilities, liquidity was £422.6 million 
(31 December 2021: £641.7 million). The maturity date of 
the £300 million revolving credit facility, which is currently 
undrawn,  was  extended  by  one  year  to  September 
2025.  Through  a  combination  of  all  drawn  debt  being 
at fixed rates, cash deposits held and interest rate collars 
being in place, the Company’s finance costs are currently 
well-protected against interest rate movements.

52

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53

Strategic ReportFinancial review continued

-35.9%

Total 
Shareholder 
Return

-13.6%

Total Return

2.8%

Total Property 
Return

On 16 June 2022, Capco announced its intention to merge 
with Shaftesbury PLC and the shareholder approval conditions 
were  satisfied  on  29  July  2022.  The  merger  received 
clearance  from  the  Competition  and  Markets  Authority 
on 22 February 2023, and it is expected to complete on 
6 March 2023. During the year, the Group incurred costs 
of £14.6 million associated with the merger, which have 
been accounted for as non-underlying administration costs. 
In connection with the merger, a standby loan facility was 
put in place in order to enable the Group to fund in full the 
repayment of Shaftesbury bonds of up to £575 million if 
holders of the bonds exercise their put rights following the 
change of control of Shaftesbury.

Basis of preparation

Group share and alternative performance measures

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 consolidated 
balance  sheet  and  consolidated  income  statement  rather 
than proportionally consolidating the Group’s share of assets, 
liabilities, income and expenses on a line by line basis.

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 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  an  important 
alternative performance measure for the Group.

Lease modification expenses comprised directly attributable 
lease costs previously held on balance sheet and amortised 
in  accordance  with  IFRS  16.  These  non-cash  costs  were 
incurred as a result of the Group providing rental support to its 
tenants during the COVID-19 pandemic and were written off in 
accordance with the Group’s accounting policy. During 2021 
tenant lease incentives were impaired in respect of tenants 

which had entered administration or experienced significant 
disruptions to cash flows during the pandemic. Accordingly 
these items were excluded from underlying earnings during 
2020  and  2021.  Tenant  support  measures  implemented 
during  the  pandemic  have  now  been  concluded  and  as 
such impairment of tenant incentives have been included in 
underlying earnings with effect from 2022.

A summary of EPRA performance measures and key Group 
measures included within these financial statements is shown 
in EPRA measures on pages 202 to 206.

Change in accounting policy

During 2022, the IFRS Interpretations Committee (“IFRIC”) final-
ised an agenda decision in relation to how a lessor should 
account for the forgiveness of lease payments under IFRS 9 
“Financial  Instruments”  and  IFRS  16  “Leases”.  The  decision 
concluded that for any rent receivable past its due date which 
was subsequently forgiven, the lessor should apply the expected 
credit loss model under IFRS 9 and account for the forgiveness 
as an impairment to the income statement. Alongside this, any 
forgiveness of future rent would be deemed to meet the definition 
of a lease modification under IFRS 16, with the resulting impact 
accounted for by spreading the concession over the remaining 
lease term in accordance with IFRS 16. On entering into a 
lease modification, any directly attributable costs associated 
with the lease are derecognised. The Group had previously 
concluded that under IFRS there had been a policy choice to 
account for any rent forgiveness for rent receivable after its due 
date under either IFRS 9 or IFRS 16. Accordingly the Group 
had elected to account for all relevant rent concessions as a 
lease modification under IFRS 16, and in addition the directly 
attributable costs associated with the leases were derecognised 
as non-underlying costs. The Group had applied this treatment 
during the pandemic period in 2020 and 2021. Due to the 
IFRIC agenda decision, the Group has retrospectively applied 
the change in accounting policy with the 2021 comparative 
information  being  restated  as  a  result.  In  summary,  the 
adjustment has had the following impact:

 – Cumulative expected credit loss of £20.5 million has 

been recorded through net rental income during 2020 
and 2021;

 – Reversal of recognition of £13.3 million rent-free assets 
and write-back of £3.0 million of directly attributable 
costs. This has led to an overall reduction in tenant lease 
incentives, including letting fees, of £10.3 million as at 
31 December 2021 to a total balance sheet value of 
£35.2 million; and

 – Reduction in IFRS net rental income of £6.2 million to 

£40.0 million and underlying earnings from £4.1 million 
to £0.7 million for the year ended 31 December 2021 
(31 December 2020: Reduction in IFRS net rental 
income of £4.5 million to £11.4 million and underlying 
loss from £6.2 million loss to £18.7 million loss).

The reduced balance of tenant lease incentives will result 
in a lower charge against rental income on an accounting 
basis over the coming years, including an estimated positive 
impact of £2.5 million in 2023.

All COVID-19 concessions have been finalised with no further 
adjustments  expected.  Further  details  on  the  adjustment 
and impact on prior year comparative information are set out 
in Note 1 to the financial statements.

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

Rent receivable has increased by 1.8 per cent, adjusting 
for 2021 disposals of £2.1 million. This reflects new letting 
and increased contracted income as a result of improving 
trading conditions.

Straight  lining  of  tenant  lease  incentives,  reflecting  the 
non-cash rent free adjustment, has increased by £1.8 million 
to £6.3 million due to new leases and renewals signed in 
the year. The movement reflects the change in accounting 
policy and reduction in rent free amortisation for COVID-19 
concessions which have now been accounted for through 
expected credit loss.

With improving trading conditions, including cash collections 
for the year at 99 per cent, the expected credit loss has been 
a reversal of £1.6 million during 2022. The adjustment is 
calculated as the reduction in the balance sheet provision of 
£7.4 million offset by £5.8 million of bad debt write-offs in the 
year for rent forgiveness for historical COVID-19 concessions 
and tenants which vacated or went into administration. The 
provision for expected credit loss in 2021 reflects the rent 
forgiveness for COVID-19 concessions provided in relation 
to rent past its due date.

Summary Income Statement

Net rental income2

Loss on revaluation and sale of investment and development property

Change in fair value of listed equity investment

Dividend income

Administration expenses3

Net finance costs4

Taxation

Other5

(Loss)/profit for the year 

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

Underlying earnings per share (pence)

Weighted average number of shares

2022

Joint
ventures1
£m

0.1

–

–

–

0.1

–

–

7.0

7.2

Group 
share 
£m

57.2

(0.8)

(239.5)

13.5

(40.7)

(24.6)

(6.0)

21.9

(219.0)

Restated 2021

Group 
share 
£m

40.2

(4.1)

44.6

2.3

(22.7)

(31.4)

(0.7)

(75.6)

(47.4) 

Joint
ventures1
£m

(0.2)

–

–

–

(0.1)

0.2

–

82.3

82.2

IFRS 
£m

40.0

(4.1)

44.6

2.3

(22.8)

(31.2)

(0.7)

6.7

34.8

8.7

4.1

(44.6)

2.8

(6.2)

1.1

0.7

0.1

IFRS 
£m

57.3

(0.8)

(239.5)

13.5

(40.6)

(24.6)

(6.0)

28.9

(211.8)

–

0.8

239.5

14.6

(29.1)

4.6

18.6

2.2

851.3m

851.3m

1. Lillie Square and Innova Investment.
2. Net rental income is stated after deducting £nil (2021: £8.7 million) of non-underlying costs in relation to lease modification and impairment of tenant incentives. 

Underlying net rental income, excluding these items, is £57.3 million (2021: £48.7 million).

3. Administration expenses includes £14.6 million of non-underlying costs substantially related to proposed merger with Shaftesbury PLC which are considered 

non-recurring in nature. 2021 includes £2.8 million of non-underlying costs primarily related to the assignment of the Group’s previous head office lease totalling 
£1.8 million and other transaction related costs which are all considered non-recurring in nature.
4. Excludes other finance income and costs and change in fair value of derivative financial instruments.
5. Includes other costs, 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 EPRA measures on page 202.

54

Capco Annual Report 2022

www.capitalandcounties.com

55

Strategic ReportFinancial review continued

Net rental income

Rent receivable

Straight lining of tenant lease incentives

Service charge income

Revenue

Reversal of/(provision for) expected credit adjustment

Property expenses

Service charge expenses

Impairment of tenant lease incentives

Underlying net rental income

Impairment of tenant lease incentives

Lease modification expense

Net rental income

2022

Joint  

ventures
£m

IFRS 
£m

Group share 
£m

Restated 2021

Joint 
ventures
£m

Group share 
£m

61.7

6.3

7.5

75.5

1.6

(10.5)

(7.5)

(1.9)

57.2

–

–

57.2

(0.2)

–

(1.2)

(1.4)

–

0.3

1.2

–

0.1

–

–

0.1

61.5

6.3

6.3

74.1

1.6

(10.2)

(6.3)

(1.9)

57.3

–

–

57.3

62.7

4.5

7.1

74.3

(7.6)

(10.7)

(7.1)

–

48.9

(2.3) 

(6.4) 

40.2

IFRS 
£m

62.5

4.5

5.3

72.3

(7.6)

(10.7) 

(5.3)

–

48.7

(2.3) 

(6.4) 

(0.2)

–

(1.8)

(2.0)

–

– 

1.8

–

(0.2)

–

–

(0.2)

40.0

As at 31 December 2022 the balance sheet provision is 
£4.0 million reflecting 33.3 per cent of the rent receivable 
balance.  As  at  31  December  2021  the  provision  was 
£11.4 million reflecting 53.3 per cent of the rent receivable 
balance. The reduction in the absolute and relative provision 
reflects positive trading conditions.

Property costs have reduced by £0.2 million to £10.5 million 
mainly due to £0.5 million of COVID-19 related security, 
cleaning and equipment costs incurred in 2021 offset in part 
by cost inflation in 2022.

During the course of 2020 and 2021 the impact of COVID-19 
was in large part removed from underlying earnings through 
the exclusion of lease modification expenses and incentive 
impairments  as  non-recurring  charges.  Tenant  support 
measures implemented during the pandemic period have 
now concluded and as such any further impairment of tenant 
incentives from 2022 onwards are included in underlying 
earnings. During the course of 2022, this has resulted in an 
impairment of £1.9 million.

Administration expenses

Depreciation

Administration expenses

Underlying administration expenses

Non-underlying costs

Administration expenses

2022

Joint 
ventures
£m

–

(0.1)

(0.1)

–

(0.1)

Group share 
£m

0.2

25.9

26.1

14.6

40.7

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

0.2

25.8

26.0

14.6

40.6

IFRS 
£m

0.2

19.8

20.0

2.8

22.8

56

Capco Annual Report 2022

Loss on revaluation of investment and 
development property

The  loss  on  revaluation  of  the  Group’s  investment  and 
development property was £0.8 million. The property valuation 
of  the  Covent  Garden  estate  has  remained  broadly 
unchanged  on  a  like-for-like  basis  at  £1,741.6  million, 
as  a  result  of  a  6.3  per  cent  like-for-like  increase 
in  ERV  to  £81.0  million  and  out ward  movement 
in the equivalent yield of 19 basis points to 4.07 per cent.

Dividend income

Dividend income of £13.5 million has been received from 
the Shaftesbury investment during the year. An additional 
£2.6 million dividend was received on 15 February 2023 
in relation to the final quarter of 2022.

Administration expenses

Underlying administration expenses have increased by £6.2 million 
to  £26.1  million  for  the  year  ended  31  December  2022. 
This  increase  reflects  a  number  of  factors  including  more 
normalised  levels  of  activity  post-COVID-19,  inflationary 
pressures and increased people costs and share option charges.

Non-underlying administration costs, which are considered 
non-recurring, of £14.6 million have been incurred, substantially 
in connection with the proposed merger with Shaftesbury.

Net finance costs

Net finance costs have been reduced by £6.8 million to 
£24.6 million. The decrease is due to a lower average level 
of gross debt following the prepayment of £75 million of 
private placement loan notes on 28 February 2022 and the 
£125 million secured loan on 20 June 2022.

Finance income increased by £2.1 million to £2.6 million 
during  the  year,  comprising  £1.4  million  for  cash  on 
deposit and £1.2 million in relation to interest rate hedging 
arrangements. Based on market forecasts of interest rates, 
expected liquidity levels and the Group’s in-place hedging 
arrangements, there should be a further increase in interest 
income during 2023.

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, having taken external advice as 
appropriate, which complies with all relevant tax law and 
regulations and does not adversely impact our reputation as 
a responsible 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, the Group maintains a constructive and open 
working relationship 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, which has been confirmed following 
a detailed business risk review during 2022.

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 activities, such as disposals 
of trading property, are subject to UK corporation tax. 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 relevant year. The Group expects to meet the PID requirements 
for the year ended December 2022 and for the current year 
within the allowed timelines.

The UK REIT provisions also require a group to satisfy certain tests 
to maintain its REIT status. The Group satisfied all requirements 
needed to maintain REIT status throughout 2022. The UK 
REIT provisions can impose a UK tax charge on the Group if 
certain interest cover tests are not met. HMRC has indicated 
that it is not within the intention of the REIT regime to issue a 
tax charge in relation to these interest cover tests, where it can 
be established that COVID-19 is the reason for a breach. As 
a result of accounting adjustments resulting from the treatment 
of  rental  concessions  during  the  pandemic  period,  the 
Group did not meet the interest cover test for the year ended 
December 2022, however as this relates to the COVID-19 
period, HMRC has confirmed that this will not result in a 
tax charge.

The  tax  charge  of  £6.0  million  in  the  income  statement 
comprises a deferred tax charge of £1.3 million in relation 
to share-based payments and capital allowances, and a 
deferred tax charge of £4.7 million to unwind the remainder of 
the deferred tax asset recognised for the trading losses carried 
forward. IAS 12 provides for the recognition of a deferred 
tax asset where it is probable there will be future taxable 
profit  against  which  a  deductible  temporary  difference 
can be utilised. As a result of the application of this provision, 
the Group has not recognised a deferred tax asset on certain 
losses carried forward.

The main rate of corporation tax remained unchanged at 
19 per cent throughout the year. The increase in the main 
corporation tax rate from 19 to 25 per cent with effect from 
1 April 2023 has been substantively enacted on 24 May 
2021 and therefore is 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 charges in the same way as non-REIT companies. The 
Group is committed to paying its fair share of taxes to HMRC 
and local authorities including other taxes such as VAT, business 
rates, stamp duty land tax, employment taxes, corporation tax on 
non-REIT income and withholding tax on PIDs. During the year, 
the total amount borne and collected in respect of these areas 
amounted to £16.6 million (2021: £12.5 million).

Dividends

On 30 January 2023, the Board declared a second interim 
dividend of 1.7 pence per share bringing the total dividend 
for the year to 2.5 pence per share (2021: 1.5 pence). The 
dividend is to be paid 0.7 pence as a PID and 1.0 pence as 
a non-PID, and is expected to be paid on 20 March 2023 to 
shareholders on the register at 3 March 2023. This payment 
takes into account dividend income in relation to Q4 2022 from 
Shaftesbury PLC received on 15 February 2023. 

www.capitalandcounties.com

57

Strategic ReportFinancial review continued

EPRA net tangible assets per share -14.5% to 182.1 pence

213.0

184.9

+2.2

182.1

-28.1

-0.7

-1.7

-1.8

-0.8

December 2021

Equity
investment fair
value movement

December 2022
adjusted NAV

Loss on
revaluation
and sale

Underlying
earnings

Non-underlying
costs

Dividend

Other

December 2022

Financial Position

At 31 December 2022 the Group’s EPRA NTA was £1.6 billion (31 December 2021: £1.8 billion) representing 182.1 pence per share (31 December 
2021: 213.0 pence).

Summary Adjusted Balance Sheet

2022

Group  
share 
£m

Joint
ventures1
£m

Restated 2021

Group 
share 
£m

Joint
ventures1
£m

IFRS 
£m

IFRS 
£m

Investment, development and trading property

1,785.0

(69.9)

1,715.1

 1,789.6

(84.0) 

 1,705.6

Financial assets at fair value through profit and loss

Net debt

Other assets and liabilities2

356.9

(621.8)

41.5

–

(6.1)

76.0

356.9

(627.9)

117.5

 596.4 

–

 596.4 

(599.3) 

(22.7) 

(622.0) 

 7.4

99.4

106.8

Net assets attributable to owners of the Parent

1,561.6

–

1,561.6

1,794.1

(7.3)

1,786.8

Adjustments:

Fair value of derivative financial instruments

Fair value adjustment of financial instruments – 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

(12.1)

(4.8)

7.1

–

0.4

1,552.2

182.1

(1.1)

21.2

0.1

7.3

0.2

1,814.5

213.0

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 2022 was 852.3 million (2021: 851.9 million).

Investment, development and trading property

The  Group  share  of  investment,  development  and  trading 
property carrying value has decreased by £4.6 million from 
£1,789.6 million to £1,785.0 million. This movement primarily  
comprises a revaluation loss of £0.8 million on the Covent 
Garden  portfolio,  write-down  of  trading  at  Lillie  Square  of 
£12.4 million, gain on transfer from trading to investment property 
of £0.3 million on Lillie Square, capital expenditure of £11.0 million 
and disposals of £2.7 million of Lillie Square properties.

The independent property valuation of Covent Garden for 
the year remained broadly unchanged on a like-for-like basis, 
at £1,741.6 million (2021: £1,728.5 million). The increase 
of  6.3  per  cent  in  ERV  on  a  like-for-like  basis  was  offset 
by an increase in the equivalent yield by 19 basis points 
to 4.07 per cent. The Lillie Square independent property 
valuation decreased in value by 6 per cent (like-for-like) to 
£79.1 million at 31 December 2022 (2021: £86.2 million).

The revaluation on Group investment and development property 
together with movements on trading property resulted in a total 
revaluation loss of £5.8 million, representing a 0.3 per cent 
decrease in value, which compares with the MSCI Capital 
Return for the equivalent period of a 14.2 per cent reduction.

Total property return for the year was 2.8 per cent. The MSCI 
Total Return Index recorded a 10.1 per cent reduction for the 
corresponding period.

Trading property is carried at the lower of cost and net realisable 
value,  therefore  valuation  surpluses  on  trading  property 
are  not  recorded.  Any  unrecognised  surplus  is  however 
reflected within the EPRA net tangible assets measure. At 
31 December 2022, the unrecognised surplus on trading 
property was £7.1 million (31 December 2021: £0.1 million) 
which arises solely on the Group’s share of trading property 
at Lillie Square. The increase in the unrealised surplus is due 
to change in valuation methodology.

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  2022  based  on  the 
closing share price of 368 pence was £356.9 million (2021: 
£596.4 million based on share price of 615 pence) resulting 
in a fair value loss of £239.5 million during the year.

Debt and gearing

The Group maintains a strong financial position, diversified 
sources  of  funding,  headroom  against  debt  covenants, 
access to significant 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 2022 were £422.6 million (31 December 
2021: £641.7 million). A reconciliation between IFRS and 
Group share is shown below:

Cash and cash equivalents2

Undrawn committed facilities

Cash and undrawn committed facilities

1. Primarily Lillie Square.
2. Excludes tenant deposits of £13.4 million (2021: £12.1 million).

Net debt to gross assets

Loan to value – Covent Garden debt covenant1

Interest cover – Group1

Interest cover – Covent Garden debt covenant1

Weighted average debt maturity – drawn and undrawn facilities2

Weighted average debt maturity – drawn facilities

Weighted average cost of debt

Gross debt with interest rate protection

2022

Joint
ventures1
£m

(6.1)

–

(6.1)

Group share 
£m

122.6

300.0

422.6

IFRS 
£m

Group share 
£m

116.5

300.0

416.5

341.7

300.0

641.7

2021

Joint
ventures1
£m

(22.7)

–

(22.7)

IFRS 
£m

319.0

300.0

619.0

2022

27.9%

21.0%

181.3%

394.7%

2021

24.3%

14.8%

101.0%

191.3%

4.2 years

4.8 years

4.5 years

4.9 years

2.7%

100%

2.8%

100%

1. The 2021 covenants have been recalculated due to the change in accounting policy as discussed in note 1.
2. Excludes the £576 million loan facility agreement.

58

Capco Annual Report 2022

www.capitalandcounties.com

59

Strategic Report 
Financial review continued

Balanced capital structure

Group 
net debt: 
gross assets

28%

Covent Garden

Shaftesbury investment

Net debt of £366 million1

 – (2021: £256 million)

£300 million revolving credit facility

 – Fully undrawn
 – September 2025 maturity, with further one-year 

extension option subject to lender consent

£475 million private placement loan notes

 – Fixed rate debt (average cost 2.8%)
 – Range of maturities 2024 – 2037

1. Comprises £475m of private placement notes and cash 

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

 – 2% per annum coupon, March 2026 maturity
 – Exchange price of 719.1p (two-way adjustment 

subject to dividend threshold)

Lillie Square

 – Debt free, net cash of £5.9 million 

In addition to cash and cash equivalents of £123 million, interest rate collars in place for £200 million notional 
value through to December 2024 capped at 1.23 per cent.

Net debt increased by £22.5 million to £621.8 million in the 
year, consisting of £21.9 million cash outflows and £0.6 million 
non-cash amortisation of debt issue costs. Net debt on an IFRS 
basis has increased by £5.9 million with the majority of the 
difference to Group share resulting from a £17.5 million part 
repayment of loan received from the Lillie Square joint venture.

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 focuses on the ratio of net debt to gross assets which 
stood at 27.9 per cent at 31 December 2022. This is comfortably 
within the Group’s limit of no more than 40 per cent. EPRA LTV 
was 28.0 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  2022,  all  of 
the Group’s drawn debt (comprising £475 million of private 
placement loan notes and £275 million of exchangeable 
bonds) was at fixed rates. Interest rate collars are currently in 
place for £200 million of notional value through to December 
2024, capped at 1.23 per cent.

The £300 million revolving credit facility was undrawn at the 
year end. During the year, the first of two 1-year extension 
options  was  exercised  to  extend  the  maturity  date  to 
September 2025.

On 16 June 2022, the Group completed a £576 million loan 
facility agreement in connection with the proposed merger 
with  Shaftesbury.  Shaftesbury  has  two  secured  mortgage 
bonds totalling £575 million, each of which contain change 
of control provisions which will be triggered by the merger.

60

Capco Annual Report 2022

In  order  to  provide  funding  certainty  in  the  event  that  the 
Shaftesbury mortgage bond holders exercise their redemption 
right in respect of their Shaftesbury mortgage bonds following 
completion of the merger the Group has entered into the new 
facility. The £576 million loan facility matures in June 2024, 
with the ability to extend for a further six months at the option of 
Capco subject to the satisfaction of the extension requirements 
as outlined in the facility. There is subsequently a further six 
month extension option available subject to lender consent.

On  28  February  2022,  the  Group  repaid  £75  million  of 
private placement loan notes, incurring a make-whole cost of 
£5.0 million. On 20 June 2022, the Group repaid the £125 million 
secured loan, which was secured on Shaftesbury shares.

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 £366 million 
the loan to value ratio is 21.0 per cent, resulting in substantial 
headroom with the ability for property valuations to fall by 65 
per cent. The interest cover ratio for the year in relation to the 
Covent Garden debt was 395 per cent, comfortably ahead 
of the covenant level of 120 per cent.

As at 31 December 2022, the Group had capital commitments 
of  £2.5  million  (£5.4  million  at  31  December  2021), 
comprising £1.7 million for Covent Garden and £0.8 million 
for Lillie Square. At Covent Garden, there are a number of 
targeted capital initiatives which are expected to be brought 
forward  in  2023,  with  estimated  capital  expenditure  of 
£25 million over the next two years, including the office to F&B 
conversions on Maiden Lane and Bedford Street, F&B townhouse 
on King Street and office refurbishment on Long Acre.

2022

Joint
ventures1
£m

(0.8)

Group  
share 
£m

2.5

2021

Joint
ventures1
£m

(1.3)

Group  
share 
£m

5.4

IFRS 
£m

1.7

IFRS 
£m

4.1

Capital commitments

1. Lillie Square.

Cash Flow

A summary of the Group’s cash flow for the year ended 31 December 2022 is presented below:

Summary Cash Flow

Operating cash flows after interest and tax

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

Net cash flow before financing 

Financing

Dividends paid

Net cash flow2

2022

Joint
ventures1
£m

1.3

0.9

17.8

–

(3.3)

16.7

–

–

16.7

Group  
share 
£m

5.7

(12.0)

0.4

–

3.3

(2.6)

(200.0)

(15.3)

(217.9)

IFRS 
£m

7.0

(11.1)

18.2

–

–

14.1

(200.0)

(15.3)

(201.2)

Restated 2021

Joint
ventures1
£m

(1.0)

1.6

(0.5)

–

(23.3)

(23.2)

5.9

–

(17.3)

Group 
share 
£m

0.1

(9.5)

(0.5)

15.2

118.0

123.3

(149.5)

(4.0)

(30.2)

IFRS 
£m

(0.9)

(7.9)

(1.0)

15.2

94.7

100.1

(143.6)

(4.0)

(47.5)

1. Primarily Lillie Square.
2. Net cash flow is based on unrestricted cash and cash equivalents. The movement in Lillie Square deposits on a Group share basis of £0.2 million is therefore not 

included (2021: £5.3 million).

Cash and undrawn facilities 

700

600

500

400

300

200

100

0
£m

642

300

342

11

14

15

12

3

20

423

300

200

123

December 2021

Underlying
operating cash
flows and other

Shaftesbury
dividend income

Dividend
payments

Refurbishment
of property

Property
disposal

Non-underlying
costs

Financing

December 2022

www.capitalandcounties.com

61

Strategic ReportFinancial review continued

Responsibility

IFRS  cash  and  cash  equivalents,  which  includes  tenant 
deposits, decreased by £201.2 million to £129.9 million.

Operating cash inflows have increased by £5.6 million to 
£5.7 million for the year ended 31 December 2022 due 
mainly to an increase in rental collections. Dividend income 
of £13.5 million has been received from the Shaftesbury 
investment in the year. This is offset by higher administrative 
costs  and  £20.4  million  of  non-recurring  administrative 
expenses, comprising merger-related costs, the make-whole 
cost on the private placement loan notes and loan facility 
arrangement fees.

During  the  year,  £11.1  million  was  invested  at  Covent 
Garden for capital expenditure on a number of projects with 
£0.9 million incurred at Lillie Square.

The sale of five units at Lillie Square generated £3.3 million 
(Group share) of net proceeds.

Financing  cash  outflows  relate  to  the  repayment  of  the 
£75  million  of  private  placement  loan  notes  and  the 
repayment of the £125 million secured loan.

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 27.9 per cent and access to cash and 
undrawn  facilities  of  £422.6  million  as  at  31  December 
2022.  The  Covent  Garden  group  had  net  debt  of 
£366.1 million and a loan to value ratio of 21.0 per cent, 
which compares with a debt covenant level of 60 per cent. 
The interest cover ratio for the year ended 31 December 2022 
in relation to the Covent Garden debt was 395 per cent, 
comfortably ahead of the covenant level of 120 per cent. 
There remains sufficient liquidity and debt covenant headroom 
even in a downside “severe but plausible” scenario. Similarly 
base case and downside scenarios have been analysed 
on the basis that the merger with Shaftesbury is completed.

On the basis of both the standalone and combined analyses, 
there  continues  to  be  a  reasonable  expectation  that  the 
Group will have adequate resources to meet both ongoing 
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 2022 Annual Report.

Situl Jobanputra

Chief Financial Officer

28 February 2023

Delivering positive outcomes

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

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

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 
community 
and people

Underpinned by a commitment to 

For more on health, safety and well-being, see pages 79 and 82.

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

62

Capco Annual Report 2022

www.capitalandcounties.com

63

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.The highest standards of health and safetyEthical practices and transparent reportingWell-beingStrategic ReportResponsibility continued

We continue to innovate through both new technology and 
creative new approaches to deliver our ESC strategy. During 
2022, we undertook case studies on a variety of technologies 
in  our  refurbishments,  including  air  source  pumps,  use  of 
Photovoltaic tiles, and the use of technology to increase the 
accuracy of our Scope 3 tenant emissions. The latter has 
increased the proportion of our reported occupier Scope 3 
emissions data based on actuals to 54 per cent. by area 
compared to fully estimated Scope 3 tenant emissions for 
2021.  Finally,  we  have  completed  an  initial  pilot  on  six 
assets using the CRREM tool to model out asset performance 
against our Net Zero Pathway with the results incorporated 
into our plans.

Sustainability indices

A core element of all our sustainability activities is transparency 
of reporting. This includes through participation in external 
sustainability indices and benchmarks, which help us monitor 
performance  and  identify  improvement  opportunities.  In 
2022, we achieved our fourth consecutive Gold award for 
reporting in line with the EPRA sBPR, as well as a five per cent 
improvement in our GRESB rating, and now hold two GRESB 
green stars. We maintained our CDP B rating. We continue 
to report under FTSE4Good and S&P Global and engage 
actively with MSCI and mainstream benchmarks.

Square Mile Farms

2022 commitments

Capco’s  ESC  strategy  is  fundamental  to  our  business, 
delivering  value  for  stakeholders  through  our  long-term 
approach  and  responsible  stewardship.  Following  the 
publication of our Net Zero Carbon Pathway in December 
2021,  our  activities  during  2022  continued  to  deliver 
progress against all four pillars of our ESC strategy.

Capco joined the UN Race to Zero, receiving SBTi confirmation 
that  our  limits  align  with  a  1.5˚C  trajectory.  Our  focus  is 
first to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from our buildings 
and operations as far as possible in a way that recognises 
the needs of our heritage estate and stakeholders, and then 
to offset any residual emissions. During the year, we have 
broadened and deepened our understanding of individual 
building requirements through use of both GRESB transitional 
risk assessment and CRREM pilot. We continue to champion 
use of industry recognised tools.

Progress against the Pathway’s first three-year cycle is shown 
in the table on page 68.

Complementing the seventh year of supporting London air 
quality  monitoring  through  our  partnership  with  Imperial 
College, in 2022, we enhanced our internal and external air 
quality monitoring through the addition of three new outdoor 
air quality monitors across the Covent Garden estate and 
indoor air quality trials in our Head Office at Regal House.

Covent Garden has consistently had some of the cleanest air 
in central London, and we continue to support the consultation 
to  make  the  Covent  Garden  Neighbourhood  Traffic 
Management Scheme permanent. Our regular collaboration 
with stakeholders includes initiatives which fulfil dual goals of 
air quality improvement and tackling climate change, such as 
removal of gas heating and cooking, vehicle consolidation 
and encouraging the switch to electric deliveries.

Further details regarding engagement with our stakeholders 
during the year can be found on pages 22 to 25.

Capco recognises the rising importance of biodiversity and 
the recent progress on the Global Biodiversity Framework at 
COP15 in Montreal. We are an active member of the Wild 
West End partnership, and remain committed to increasing 
biodiversity across our estate, incorporating nature-based 
solutions  in  our  refurbishment  projects  and  prioritising 
pollinators and native plants in our extensive estate planting. 
Supporting biodiversity feeds into all four pillars of our ESC 
strategy through mitigating the effects of climate change, 
improving air quality using natural methods, using innovative 
nature-based solutions which would otherwise require more 
carbon  intensive  solutions  and  providing  a  welcoming 
environment to the Covent Garden community and visitors 
alike.  In  this  regard,  2023  will  see  our  second  estate 
ecological  surveys  and  the  evolution  of  our  biodiversity 
action plans.

Commitments

Achieved?

Commentary 

Secure Science Based Target initiative validation of our 
Net Zero targets

Publish Net Zero 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

Joined UN Race to Zero

Progressed and to be issued H1 2023

Climate scenario risk analysis complete and 
incorporated into TCFD

3.7 per cent achieved. Capco achieved an 
average 6 per cent reduction in Q1, Q2 and 
Q4, however, in Q3 there was a 7 per cent 
increase due to a heatwave

Initial CRREM pilot undertaken, work in 
progress

Customer engagement survey completed, 
which included sustainability

Increase of 5.3 per cent

Implement identified rainwater harvesting and greywater 
recycling and establish water targets

Rainwater harvesting in place, water targets 
being updated

Continue to divert at least 95 per cent of waste from 
landfill arising from our projects and development

Achieved 99.7 per cent

Launch Biodiversity Action Plan

Progressed and to be issued H1 2023 

Launch Covent Garden Community Charter

Progressed and to be issued H1 2023 

Determine approach for publication of air quality (internal 
and external) across the estate

Establish parameters for London university sustainable 
engineering intern programme for innovation

Key

Yes

In Progress

No

Three additional air quality monitors on estate 
monitoring more pollutants – publication upon 
completion of calibration period

Partnership agreed with UCL Mechanical 
Engineering department – commencing 2023

64

Capco Annual Report 2022

www.capitalandcounties.com

65

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

66

Capco Annual Report 2022

www.capitalandcounties.com

67

Strategic ReportStrategic ReportResponsibility continued

Net Zero Pathway

Three-year cycle of pathway

Complete

Topics

Secure Science-Based Targets Initiative validation that our Net Zero Carbon targets 
align to 1.5˚C trajectory

Commentary 

Through joining UN Race to Zero

Build out occupier carbon data model, reducing data estimation below 50% and 
reach 40% occupier carbon data coverage

Use of PropTech has achieved 54% (area) data 
coverage under Scope 3

On Track

Topics

Net Zero Carbon on Capco corporate activities by end of 2024

Internal carbon price on developments and refurbishments implemented and 
complete first zero carbon refurbishment

Commentary 

Achieved 90% recycling rate at Capco office, and 
actual data now held for employee commuting

£14,326 set aside for 2022 (151 tCO2e)

All Capco controlled supplies on Automated Meter Reading/smart meters

Ongoing meter installation

Publish Carbon offsetting policy, Occupier Sustainable Fit-out guide, Climate 
change risk analysis

Climate scenario risk complete and incorporated to 
TCFD. Other documents on track

Green lease clauses for all new customers

38 green leases now in place, with provisions 
captured in new leases or renewals as appropriate

Complete estate-wide renewable energy feasibility study

Commencing 2023

Develop and cost plan for removal of all gas boilers (under Capco’s control)

Commencing 2023

Commence formal best practice sharing customer engagement programme

Engage with key suppliers to commence transition to Net Zero Carbon

Initial customer survey undertaken and actions to 
continue

Review of top 50 suppliers shows c. 33% have net 
zero commitments in place

80% of estate to be compliant with MEES energy 2027 targets of C rating

Now at 68%, target set for 75%

Publish Whole Life Carbon targets

Commencing 2023

Determine feasibility of Power Purchase Agreements

Commencing 2023

Operational Carbon – kWh/m2

Embodied Carbon – kgCO2e/m2 GIA

160
150
140
130
120
110
100
90
80
70
60
50
40
30

ACTUAL

35.2

1
5
5
.
2

45.8

1
2
0

1
2
0
.
8

1
1
0

6
0

7
5

2022

2024

2027

KEY

Commercial

Residential

9
0

3
5

2030

68

Capco Annual Report 2022

600

550

500

450

400

350

300

250

200

150

100

50

0

5
1

2022

KEY

ACTUAL

6
0
0

4
5
0

5
0
0

3
5
0

2
7
5

2
0
0

5
5
0

4
2
5

2
5
0

4
5
0

3
0
0

1
7
5

4
7
5

3
5
0

1
7
5

3
0
0

2
0
0

1
0
0

2024 LIMIT

2027 LIMIT

2030 LIMIT

Minor Commercial
New Build Commercial

Major Commercial

Minor Residential
New Build Residential

Major Residential

Environment  
and sustainability

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

Our focus has been on delivery against the four 
pillars underpinning our ESC strategy, and in 
particular the first year of our first three-year cycle 
of our Net Zero Carbon Pathway. Together, 
our ESC strategy and Pathway drive both 2022 
achievements and future commitments. Such 
commitments address both climate-related risks and 
opportunities. A table showing progress against 
our 2022 commitments is shown on page 65 
and a summary of our 2022 achievements and 
our 2023 commitments is set out below. Further 
detail on our activities is set out on pages 70 to 
73. More detail on the fourth pillar of People and 
Community can be found from page 77.

2022 Achievements

 – Joined UN Race to Zero, securing SBTi 

validation of our targets

 – Completed climate scenario risk analysis to 

secure full TCFD compliance

 – Commercial operational energy use of 155 

kWh/m2 GIA pa (2024 limit – 120 kWh/m2)
 – Embodied carbon of 51 kg CO2e/m2 (2024 

limit – 175 – minor refurb)

 – Operational energy: A like-for-like reduction of 
3.7 per cent against 2019 levels and 94 per 
cent of landlord areas in Covent Garden now 
have energy efficient lighting

 – First A rated EPC and >21 per cent of units now 

meet 2030 EPC rating requirement (B)

 – 38 commercial green leases (18 per cent) now 

in place

 – >50 per cent water saved compared to 2021 
through rainwater harvesting and use of new 
electric water efficient street cleaners

Estate-wide 
greening

 – 100 per cent diversion of waste from landfill for 

the Covent Garden Market Building

 – >90 per cent recycling of Capco Head Office 

waste (100 per cent landfill diversion)

 – >40 per cent of buildings hold 

sustainability certification

 – First full customer survey – 24 per cent 

response rate

 – Agreed partnership with University College 
London Mechanical Engineering department

 – 99.7 per cent diversion of project and 

development waste from landfill

 – Recognition for compound emission reduction by 

FT Climate Leaders 2022

 – Three additional external air quality monitors 

measuring additional pollutants

 – Electric street cleaning equipment replaced 

diesel equipment at Covent Garden

 – Donation of approximately £600,000 in 

value of time, in-kind contributions and cash 
to local community

Our 2023 Commitments

 – Incorporate Pathway into Carbon Transition Plan
 – Undertake sustainability materiality assessment
 – Publish Carbon Offsetting Policy, Occupier 

Sustainable Fit-out Guide

 – Operational energy five per cent reduction and 

landfill targets retained

 – Develop use of CRREM pilot learnings into 

estate wide net zero asset plans

 – Raise proportion of EPCs compliant with 2027 

C rating requirement to 75 per cent
 – Deliver on estate power generation
 – Publish regular estate air quality monitoring results
 – Intensify customer engagement programme on 
sustainability through sharing of best practice

 – Launch Covent Garden Community Charter
 – Undertake biodiversity audit and publish 

action plan

www.capitalandcounties.com

69

Strategic ReportResponsibility continued

Tackling climate change

Capco recognises the urgent responsibility as an owner of 
physical assets to reduce carbon emissions associated with 
building use. Our heritage buildings represent a long-term 
store of embodied carbon. We have a strong track record of 
restoring and celebrating the heritage of the Covent Garden 
estate through considered refurbishments and developments. 
Our Pathway also emphasises the incorporation of climate 
adaptation and resilience measures, to ensure our buildings 
respond to and mitigate climate change to date. Such measures 
derive from our climate scenario analysis and include allowing 
for more extreme summer temperatures, and the impact of 
heavy rainfall and storms.

In tackling these risks, there are also opportunities to both 
maximise  the  rental  value  of  our  assets  through  early 
adoption, as well as a wider opportunity to prioritise natural 
capital. Our approach prioritises both nature-based solutions 
and biodiversity, and we remain an active member of Wild 
West End.

Our next steps are principally set out in the Net Zero Pathway 
and in our 2023 commitments. We continue to focus on:

 – stakeholder communication and engagement with 

suppliers and customers;

 – holistic integration of environmental and social 

sustainability issues across all aspects of our business, 
including leasing, customer selection, development, 
property management, marketing, events and future 
consideration of sustainability-linked financing; and
 – employee sustainability development 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 2022 achievements and 2023 commitments.

We are proud of the way our ESC strategy is being delivered 
by our passionate and talented people. Our teams understand 
that sustainability is core to the creation and maintenance 
of  a  vibrant  and  thriving  environment  at  Covent  Garden, 
and  engage  proactively  to  ensure  all  our  stakeholders 
can flourish.

52%

Carbon footprint 
reduction on 
2019 baseline

25%

Reduction in 
Scope 1 & 2 
emissions on 
2019 baseline 

100%

Scope 1 & 2 
emissions offset 

long-term downward trend on an absolute and per m2 basis.  
The chart on page 68 reflects the embodied carbon per m2 
and allows an understanding of this over time. 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.  While  our  operational  carbon 
performance as shown in the chart on page 68 is behind our 
2024 target, the detailed unit by unit data allows us to focus 
our efforts in the short-term where we have the most impact.

We continue to electrify lighting, heating and cooking across 
the estate. In this context, Capco notes the recent Westminster 
City  Council  (“WCC”)  policy  decision  to  pause  the 
replacement of gas street lights with LEDs. We will continue 
to engage with WCC and other stakeholders to ensure that 
lighting  consistent  with  the  heritage  nature  of  the  area  is 
delivered which provides consistently well-lit safe streets in 
a carbon neutral way. The graph on page 72 shows the 
current EPC performance of our estate, showing a 5 per 
cent year-on-year increase in the number of units rated C or 
above. All of our active units now meet the Minimum Energy 
Efficiency  Standards  (“MEES”)  regulations  commencing 
April 2023 (all units D or above). Our targets are set to meet 
the requirements ahead of 2030 and 21 per cent of our units 
already meet the April 2030 regulations.

2022 Carbon footprint (tCO2e)

J

A

C

G

K

Total emissions (tCO2e)

21,756

D

E

Carbon footprint and energy management

F

Our 2019 carbon footprint was published in our Net Zero 
Carbon Pathway, and our 2022 footprint (set out to the right) 
uses  the  same  GHG  protocol  methodology.  The  landlord 
(Scope 1 & 2) emissions (over which we have direct operational 
control) have fallen by c.25 per cent compared to the 2019 
baseline, driven by disposals and like-for-like Covent Garden 
GHG emissions falling by 11 per cent compared to 2019. 
While the like-for-like movement partly reflects reduced post 
pandemic building utilisation, there is also an impact from our 
continued energy efficiency programme. In addition, our overall 
Scope  3  emissions  have  fallen  by  23,266  tCO2e  (53  per 
cent), driven in large part by a significantly reduced capital 
programme in 2022 compared to 2019. 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 

70

Capco Annual Report 2022

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

Scope 1: Landlord Gas1 

Scope 1: Landlord Refrigerant Gas & Fuel 

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 

Scope 3: Water Usage  

1.  Includes common parts, shared services and voids

tCO2e 

559  

3 

537 

%

2.6%

0.0%

2.5%

3,512 

16.1%

5,967 

27.4% 

10,778 

49.5%

33 

30 

18 

285 

34 

0.2%

0.1%

0.1%

1.3%

0.2%

2030

Net Zero 
Carbon 
commitment

68%

Covent Garden 
estate rated EPC 
A-C

54%

of area now 
reports actual 
Scope 3 customer 
emissions 

Greenhouse Gas (“GHG”) emissions Data for 
year ended December 2022

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

2022

2021

562

513

537

497

Scope 1

Scope 2

Total Scope 2 GHG emissions  
(market-based method2)

2022

2021

31

20

Intensity measure:  
Tonnes of CO2e per ‘000 sq ft

2022

2021

0.40

0.36

0.38

0.35

Scope 1

Scope 2

Total energy consumption (MWh)

20223

20214

4.15

3.65

5,847

5,136

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 
emissions stated are UK-based. Details of what is included in 
Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions can be found on page 214.

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 214.

3. The total energy consumption for 2022 comprised: 3,059,707 

kWh (52 per cent) gas, 2,748,957 kWh (48 per cent) electricity 
and 1,230 kWh (zero per cent) transport.

4. The total energy consumption for 2021 comprised: 2,765,529 

kWh (54 per cent) gas, 2,342,495 kWh (46 per cent) 
electricity and 27,600 kWh zero per cent) transport.

We continue to improve EPC performance whenever we 
undertake works to our assets, and the costs of this programme 
are incorporated into capital expenditure budgets. These are 
not disaggregated given that our design process incorporates 
both  high  MEES  standards  and  our  Net  Zero  Carbon 
Pathway. Our green lease structures also ensure that customers 
do not undertake works which will reduce the rating of the 
individual unit. A total of 323 lettable units 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,  electricity  substation 
and other ancillary units. Currently 68 per cent of units are 
rated  A-C,  which  is  the  minimum  April  2027  level.  Our 
long-term management of EPC performance means we are 
well-placed to meet our targets ahead of statutory regulation 
timelines. Approximately 94 per cent of landlord areas in 
Covent Garden now use LED lighting, and approximately 60 
per cent of landlord meters are now “smart”.

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

Capco has engaged Carbon Footprint Limited to provide 
independent verification of the calculation of 2022 GHG 
emissions assertion data, in accordance with the industry 
recognised standard ISO 14064-3. Our absolute Scope 
1  and  Scope  2  emissions  have  increased  since  2021, 
reflecting  increased  post  pandemic  building  utilisation, 
particularly at Lillie Square. Despite our renewable energy 
procurement,  the  disruption  to  the  energy  markets  has 
increased the difficulty in transferring supply on lease expiry 
leading  to  a  further  increase  in  market-based  emissions. 
Our  overall  Scope  1  and  2  emissions  are  down  25  per 
cent  compared  to  our  2019  baseline.  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 emissions 
can be found on page 214.

Embodied carbon

The  volume  of  refurbishment  and  development  activity 
during 2022 increased compared to 2021, reflecting the 
ability to operate more normally following COVID-19 related 
interruptions. In order to track embodied carbon and work 
collaboratively with our supply chain throughout the design 
and implementation phases of a project, we have introduced 
industry  standard  software  to  capture  embodied  carbon 
data  throughout  a  project’s  life.  Accordingly,  we  can 
track live projects against the limits set out in our Net Zero 
Carbon Pathway, and the current run rate is shown in the 
table on page 68. A total of 151 tCO2e was generated 
through Capco’s refurbishment and project activity during 
2022. Therefore, based on our  internal Carbon price of 
£95/tCO2e, a sum of £14,326 has been set aside to be 
used  for  energy  efficient  asset  improvements  or  carbon 
offsets. This sum is not formally recognised in the accounts 
due to IFRS accounting rules.

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Responsibility continued

Waste and water management

Carbon offset

We continue to work with our customers and stakeholders to 
raise awareness of recycling opportunities across the estate, to 
improve recycling rates and to maximise use of the two food 
waste recycling facilities on the estate. At our Head Office, in 
addition to diverting 100 per cent of waste from landfill, we 
have also achieved recycling rates in excess of 90 per cent. 
All excess IT or furniture equipment continues to be diverted for 
refurbishment or re-use through our charitable partners. We 
continue to divert 100 per cent of non-hazardous waste from 
the Covent Garden Market Building from landfill.

Significant  improvements  to  our  use  of  water  have  been 
made during 2022. We have reduced the estate operational 
annualised water demand by 448 m3 (56 per cent). This is 
achieved through using our own supply of rainwater harvesting 
at Floral Court and reducing demand by using our new electric 
powered street cleaning equipment which uses up to 70 per 
cent less water. Our approach to planting across the estate 
using  peat-free  compost  continues  to  reduce  our  watering 
requirement. We continue to monitor water usage across the 
assets we control and incorporate water-efficient appliances 
and fittings into our refurbishment and development projects. All 
the above measures mean that total Covent Garden like-for-like 
water usage has fallen by more than 50 per cent since 2019.

No  fines  or  penalties  related  to  non-compliant  actions  that 
harmed the environment were incurred by Capco during 2022.

Energy Performance Certificates  
(EPC) by number

Capco’s  Net  Zero  Carbon  commitment  aims  to  reduce 
emissions as far as possible, and then offset the residual 
emissions. For 2022, Capco will again fully offset the Scope 
1 and Scope 2 emissions arising from real estate activities. 
These total 1,086 tCO2e as shown in our SECR reporting 
on page 71.

All  of  our  offsets  are  nature-based,  remove  incremental 
atmospheric carbon and provide long-term carbon storage 
solutions. Our Carbon Offsetting Policy will be published 
in 2023.

Responsible development

In addition to embodied carbon software, we use a number of 
tools to maximise the benefit our internal and external project 
teams gain from our Sustainability Framework for Projects 
and  Development  which  sets  out  the  detailed  standards 
required.  Our  Pathway  sets  clear  short  and  medium-term 
embodied carbon targets to reach our Net Zero Carbon 
commitment by 2030. Our framework is being refreshed 
to align with these targets, taking in the first year learnings 
of  tracking  embodied  carbon  and  the  CRREM  pilot. We 
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. Our internal carbon 
price, £95 per tonne, aligns with the 2021 London Plan, and 
we continue to review building certification to increase the 
proportion and level of certification across the estate.

There  was  relatively  modest  capital  activity  across  the 
estate during 2022 with just five minor commercial projects 
completed. None of these were additionally certified and all 
achieved an EPC rating of at least B, with our first A rating 
achieved on Long Acre. Certification, including BREEAM and 
SKA, are being targeted for projects starting on site during 
2023 where appropriate.

Capco remains an active member of the UK Green Building 
Council.  One  of  our  employees  has  been  appointed  to 
the UKGBC Future Leadership Forum Board, and we are 
currently working with UKGBC on their Commercial Retrofit 
Task Group.

Total units

323

A-C 

D-E 

Units undergoing refurbishment 

68.1%

29.7%

2.2%

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Capco Annual Report 2022

Creativity and innovation are fundamental to Capco’s business. 
We have used this in our approach to greening and on a 
number of our developments. The installation of PV tiles on 
King Street is under way to trial this technology. Our Scope 
3 customer emissions reporting has also been significantly 
enhanced through the use of a property technology solution 
to source data directly from energy providers which reduces 
the overhead required of us and our customers to capture this 
data. We have a proud history of working with universities 
and  academics,  and  during  2023,  we  are  launching 
an  intern  programme  with  University  College  London’s 
Mechanical Engineering department to explore innovative 
solutions  to  emissions  management  in  heritage  buildings. 
Such partnerships will continue to be considered in order to 
champion change.

We continue to seek out opportunities to partner with third 
parties, to trial sustainability technology for the built environment, 
while recognising that our heritage buildings are long-term 
carbon stores that should be celebrated.

Improving air quality

During 2022, we expanded our air quality monitoring, installing 
three  new  monitors  across  the  estate.  The  new  monitors 
track PM10, PM2.5, Ozone and Nitrogen Dioxide helping 
identify  hotspots,  and  allowing  our  operational  teams  to 
take action on specific activities. We continue to review the 
outcome of our indoor Head Office air quality sensor trial. We 
have replaced our diesel street cleaners with electric cleaning 
equipment. This reduced diesel pollutants, reduced water 
usage by more than 70 per cent and significantly reduced 
noise for local residents. Capco has consistently sought to 
introduce additional pedestrian streets across the Covent 
Garden district. We continue to engage with stakeholders, 
including WCC, to make the Covent Garden Neighbourhood 
Traffic Management Scheme permanent. Our operational 
teams help manage parts of the Scheme. In addition, we 
have  continued  to  expand  our  extensive  greening  of  the 
estate,  further  improving  the  pedestrianised  environment. 
Plant  species  are  chosen  to  maximise  their  potential  to 
improve air quality and biodiversity. Through the Westminster 
City  Council  Zero  Emissions  Group,  we  collaborate 
with our neighbours and WCC itself to explore further ways 
to reduce service vehicle traffic through delivery and waste 
consolidation.  This  included  participating  in  a  trial  of  a 
Thames river freight programme aimed at removing vehicles 
from streets with electric “last mile” deliveries. We continue to 
explore ways to improve access to universal electric vehicle 
charging  points  to  maximise  their  use,  particularly  by 
commercial vehicles.

Electric street 
cleaners

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Strategic Report  
 
 
Responsibility continued

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

This is Capco’s third response to the TCFD recommendations. We are a formal TCFD supporter committed to strengthening our approach to addressing 
climate-related risks and opportunities. Under the oversight of the Company’s Board ESC Committee, we have continued to embed the TCFD 
recommendations into all our relevant practices. The following pages set out our approach to achieving this.

Our disclosures are consistent with the eleven recommendations of TCFD disclosure, and we publish supplementary information on our risks and opportunities 
on our website. During 2022, we completed our formal initial assessment of both physical and transitional risk. The assessment was completed using 
the GRESB Climate Risk Platform tool which allowed us to better understand and benchmark our assets’ exposure to physical climate risk across three 
different temperature rise scenarios, 2.0˚C, 2.4˚C and 4.3˚C IPCC scenarios and time horizons to 2050 and 2100. These timeframes allow us to 
track long-term movements, but our planning runs in line with our Pathway and UK climate change commitments. The Group has also run an initial six 
asset pilot using the CRREM tool to determine the current and projected carbon performance of these assets.

Strategy

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

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

The Capco Board maintains ultimate oversight and responsibility for the identification and management of climate-
related risks and opportunities. The Board also sets and oversees the Company’s Environment, Sustainability & 
Community Strategy (“ESC Strategy”). The Board has established a Board ESC Committee, which is chaired by 
independent Non-executive Director Charlotte Boyle and comprises the Chairman, the Chief Executive, and all other 
independent Non-executive Directors, to ensure delivery of the Company’s ESC Strategy on its behalf. In line with 
the process set out on page 43, consideration of climate-related risk is integrated into the Group’s risk management 
process overseen by the Executive Risk Committee. The Executive Risk Committee monitors climate-related risks 
and opportunities quarterly and reports these to the Board. Recognising the importance of climate change, and 
the physical nature of the Group’s assets, the Board has determined that climate-related risk is a principal risk in its 
own right. The Board ESC Committee and the Company’s Audit Committee also consider the reporting of climate-
related risk. The ESC Management Committee is responsible for managing and implementing activities associated 
with climate change, actions to mitigate climate-related risks, as well as those to take advantage of climate-related 
opportunities and monitoring progress made against Capco’s target to be a Net Zero Carbon business by 2030. 
During 2022, the Capco Board approved the 2023-25 capital expenditure budget which included a sum of £2m 
over the next three years relating to net zero carbon specific expenditure including individual asset by asset net zero 
carbon audits. Our refurbishment budgets requirements include EPC B as a minimum and sums related to this are 
included in the general refurbishment budget.

The Board is fully supportive of the Groups’ climate-related initiatives, recognising the strategic importance of 
these matters to the business and stakeholders. In addition to the Board ESC, climate-related matters have been 
considered by the Executive Risk Committee and the Audit Committee during 2022. Each of the Executive Directors’ 
non-financial performance measures under the annual bonus include ESC matters. During 2023, we will deliver 
further climate-related training to the Board.

More information on the Board ESC Committee, the Audit Committee, the Executive Risk Committee and ESC 
Management Committee, including the frequency of their meetings, can be found on pages 43, 91, 95, 99 and 103.

The Chief Executive is Chair of the ESC Management Committee and maintains operational oversight of the 
Committee on behalf of the Board. 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 Chief Financial Officer, the Executive Director, the Company 
Secretary, the General Counsel, the Head of HR, the Director of Sustainability and Technology and employees from 
relevant areas of the Company. Climate-related risks are 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.

In order to better manage climate-related risk and maximise adaptation and mitigation measures, management has 
developed an in-house tool to support Capco’s commercial and project teams through the design and construction 
phases for projects of all sizes. This is enhanced by use of Embodied Carbon software OneClick which is used in 
collaboration with our supply chain.

Further details on the matters considered by the ESC Management Committee and the frequency of its meetings can 
be found on page 95. 

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

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

In identifying and assessing the potential climate-related risks and opportunities that may impact Capco, risk 
and opportunities are considered over the following three time horizons, as these allow for appropriate financial 
planning to allow for the execution of strategies to address climate-related risks and action for opportunities.

 – Short-term: 0 – 3 years
 – Medium-term: 3 – 10 years
 – Long-term: 10 – 30 years

The time horizons defined are also influenced by the financial planning cycle and the rolling timing of lease 
extensions across the estate. Capco’s buildings have an average age in excess of 100 years, and our long-term 
time horizon reflects this and our own Net Zero Carbon commitment for 2030. Further details surrounding risk and 
the Group’s risk appetite can be found on pages 43 to 51.

Risks arise from i) long-term physical risk through changes in climate, flood risk and extreme weather, ii) short-term 
transition risk from emerging regulation including EPC and enhanced disclosures, iii) medium-term transition risk 
through customer demand for more sustainable assets faster than these can be delivered, and iv) medium-term 
transition risk from inability to upgrade heritage buildings due to policy, legislation or building configuration.

Opportunities arise in the short-term from i) improved ability to attract and retain customers in energy efficient 
buildings and ii) consequent reduced energy costs and associated emissions. Medium-term opportunity arises 
through demonstrating the whole life carbon benefit of heritage stock and the ability to leverage our skill set.

Capco does not apply specific incremental financial sums to these risks and opportunities as the costs, risks and 
opportunities are managed on an integrated basis alongside other related risks and these are not disaggregated.

Further detail on our climate-related transitional and physical risks and opportunities can be found at www.
capitalandcounties.com

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. 

In addition to the impacts on financial strategy and planning set out above and the Principal Risks and Uncertainties 
set out on pages 43 to 51, this section provides further details on the impact of climate-related risks and 
opportunities on Capco’s business, strategy and financial planning. 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 improve our products and services through refurbishment and energy efficiency 
improvements. Capco uses an internal carbon price of £95 per tonne when considering capital investment 
decisions. We are committed to enhancing the reporting of our own and customer use of resources and continue 
to invest modest sums to improve the coverage of “smart” meters. The Group has set a minimum SKA standard of 
‘Silver’ on all major refurbishments and an energy performance (EPC rating) of B for its refurbishment programmes. 
This investment may also present opportunities as lower operational costs may result in improved commercial 
terms, reduced void periods and improved investment yields as assets meet occupier and investor requirements. In 
our supply and value chains, we continue to prioritise partners and products which demonstrate high ethical and 
environmental standards. Our design scope prioritises climate resilience and adaptation for instance in creating flash 
flooding capacity using water attenuation tanks. We continue to work with industry bodies and technology partners 
to invest in research and development to trial technologies which support our goals.

Further detail on impact on operations, acquisitions and access to capital can be found at 
www.capitalandcounties.com, this includes consideration of a Sustainable Finance Framework.

As a steward of the landmark Covent Garden estate, Capco’s strategy 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, setting 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 of buildings and implementing measures to achieve performance benchmarks set by 
industry guidance such as LETI. In 2022, Capco updated its climate risk scenario analysis using the GRESB portal 
as described above, and completed a six-asset pilot using the CRREM tool. The results of both exercises did not 
identify any material new transition risks, and the findings have been 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 43 to 51. In order to assess 
the relative significance of each of the principal risks (which are detailed extensively on pages 45 to 49), each has 
been assigned a likelihood and impact score from which a risk ranking is allocated, more information about the 
process for assessing the size and scope of risks can be found on page 43.

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Capco Annual Report 2022

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75

Strategic ReportResponsibility continued

Risk management continued

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

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

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 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.

Principal risks have been mapped to the most relevant strategic priority which can be found on pages 45 to 49.

Detail can also be found on whether the risk is increasing, decreasing or stable, which is a useful mechanism for risk 
prioritisation.

Climate-related risks are a principal risk and are managed within the Group’s overall risk management framework, 
described on pages 43 to 49.

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. The training 
includes individual job-specific activities relating to matters such as EPCs, gathering of data and embodied carbon 
calculations. The Group will be launching a wider sustainability-related training platform during 2023. 

Capco uses the following metrics to assess climate-related risks and opportunities:

 – Embodied and Operational carbon metrics which align with the targets set out in our Net Zero Carbon Pathway, 
using industry recognised tools such as CRREM, see detail on our 2022 commitments on page 65 and our Net 
Zero tracker on page 68

 – 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)
 – Destinations of waste resulting from our offices and the Covent Garden Market Building
 – Monitoring of biodiversity through membership of Wild West End
Capco continues to follow the best practice sustainability recommendations (sBPR) set by EPRA, and retained a Gold 
rating for the fourth consecutive year. A copy of the Company’s EPRA data report can be found in the Responsibility 
section on our website. Capco also discloses performance via a number of industry benchmarks and our scoring 
across these benchmarks improved during 2022: CDP; FTSE4Good; Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark 
(GRESB); S&P Global/Corporate Sustainability 

A detailed breakdown of Scope 1, Scope 2 and Scope 3 GHG emissions is disclosed on page 71, and the 
methodology for the calculations can be found on page 214. In line with Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting 
(“SECR”) requirements, energy use and an intensity metric are disclosed on page 71. 

Within the Net Zero Carbon Pathway, several detailed targets have been set to be achieved by 2030, alongside 
extensive interim targets broken down into three three-year cycles. We have provided a detailed progress report 
against the first three-year cycle on page 68 and embodied carbon and operational carbon performance against 
targets are shown on page 68. Please refer to page 13 and 14 of the Net Zero Carbon Pathway, published on our 
corporate website, for a full breakdown of targets. Key targets include:

 – 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)

Performance against these targets is monitored by the ESC Management Committee and Board ESC Committee 
and is reported to the Board.

Community

During 2022, Capco continued to  
work to benefit the community  
in which we operate and to support  
our chosen charities.

2022 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 2023 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 a minimum of five hours 
during the year towards the wider community, 
either through an ESC-related project or a 
matched funded activity

Remembrance 
ceremony on 
the Piazza

Supporting the local community

Engaging  with  and  supporting  our  local  community  has 
always been integral to Capco. We co-ordinate 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.

Supporting Covent Garden’s cultural 
heritage

Maintaining  the  unique  heritage  of  our  landmark  Covent 
Garden estate is important, and we support a number of 
organisations that work in the local area to ensure Covent 
Garden’s culture heritage.

During  2022,  Capco  was  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.

We continued to support the arts as a patron of the British 
Fashion Council and British Beauty Council. We supported 
Covent Garden Area Trust’s Christmas Carol Service. During 
the summer, we hosted the Ukrainian National Ballet for two 
days, promoting their performance at the Coliseum Theatre 
where all funds were donated to the Ukrainian relief fund. In 
support of the arts, we donated space to “West End Live” 
performances, an initiative by our stakeholder WCC and the 
Society of London Theatre.

Tackling homelessness

Capco hosted its third “Gift for Good” charity auction in 
partnership with charity Only a Pavement Away, which works 
alongside Crisis. The auction raised a total of £16,000 for 
the charity.

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Strategic ReportResponsibility continued

People

£80,000

profit raised by  
charity pop-up shop 
in partnership with 
Smart Works 

Over 
7,000

participants 
in the Apple 
Market 
Challenge  
during its  
16 years 

Capco has supported a number of homeless charities since 
its inception. During 2022, Capco became a sponsor for 
the Single Homeless Project, a charity that supports over 
10,000 people each year by providing a range of services, 
including hostels, supported housing and community support 
services. Capco’s sponsorship focuses on the Kean Street 
hostel, which is located in Covent Garden, and includes 
day trips for residents, provision of a Christmas dinner and 
presents and emergency grants. Two volunteering days were 
also held during 2022 at the Kean Street hostel, during which 
Capco employees helped to renovate the interior and exterior 
spaces  of  the  hostel  and  also  decorate  it  for  Christmas. 
Capco remains a partner of LandAid, the property industry 
charity aimed at ending youth homelessness in the UK.

Educational programmes

Young Westminster Foundation

Capco is a Growth Partner of the Foundation, and supports 
its ‘Brighter Futures’ programme, as well as specific project 
areas  including  supporting  young  carers,  young  LGBT+ 
people, refugees and addressing youth violence. We are 
proud  to  have  been  a  supporter  of  this  charity  since  its 
inception five years ago. A number of Capco employees 
participated in the Lord Mayor’s Cup, a football fundraising 
tournament with neighbouring property companies to kick off 
the football World Cup.

Covent Garden Apple Market Business Challenge

Capco facilitated the Covent Garden Apple Market Business 
Challenge  for  its  16th  year.  The  initiative  continues  to  be 
hugely successful and has now involved over 7,000 children 
since  its  inception.  This  year,  pupils  from  local  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 younger children 
to understand the various skills involved in running a small 
business, including marketing, design and finance, along 
with personal skills such as team work, organisation and 
presentation skills. It also helps the sixth form helpers develop 
their leadership and communication skills. Our Director of 
Sustainability  and  Technology  also  spoke  to  the  children 
about Capco’s ESC strategy and sustainability initiatives.

Urban Land Institute

We continue to work with the Urban Land Institute on its 
Urban Plan Project, and during the year we worked with 
students  from  Westminster  Academy.  The  programme 
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.

Pathways to Property

Capco  participated  in  the  Pathways  to  Property  summer 
school presentation alongside 30 other businesses. This was 
held at the University of Reading, with students participating 
in a number of events and lectures. Through this programme, 
Capco also hosted a number of work experience students.

Dragon Hall

We support the Covent Garden Dragon Hall Trust Boys and 
Girls clubs, supporting various workshops from martial arts, 
photography, jewellery making and offsite trips. Capco also 
provides financial support to the Covent Garden foodbank 
run by Dragon Hall, which helps to support local residents 
affected by the rising cost of living.

Blind Veterans

We continue to support Blind Veterans UK, a charity which 
helps ex-servicemen and women of every generation rebuild 
their lives after sight loss, via rehabilitation, training practical 
advice and emotional support. As a result of our support, 
a number of local Westminster residents have been able 
to access the support of Blind Veterans’ Community Teams.

Community events

Capco  provided  financial  support  to  facilitate  the  local 
community’s Platinum Jubilee street party, which was attended 
by  3,000  local  residents  and  visitors.  In  November,  we 
hosted an Armistice Day commemoration event, to honour 
those  who  worked  in  the  Covent  Garden  Markets  and 
served during wartime. The event included the 24th Invicta 
Rifles Military Marching Band. We also supported Covent 
Garden Community Association’s Christmas Carol Service.

Capco hosted a charity pop-up shop in partnership with 
Smart Works, to empower women to return to the workplace. 
The pop-up shop contained items donated from over 30 
fashion brands, with over £80,000 profit being raised and 
all being donated to the charity.

Employees  from  the  Company  volunteered  at  Penfold 
community hub in Westminster organised through the charity 
One Westminster, undertaking some gardening. Employees 
from  across  the  Company  also  volunteered  at  a  local 
dementia centre in Westminster.

In collaboration with EcoActive, Capco sponsored educational 
workshops on food waste for Years 2 and 3 from St Clement 
Danes primary school.

We partnered with Square Mile Farms to launch an Urban 
Farm pop-up, which is an interactive way for local community 
groups to enjoy sustainably grown produce. A number of 
our employees attended an educational session run at the 
pop-up, which explained how the farm works and delved 
into food system sustainability. Collaborative educational 
sessions were also arranged with our charity partners, The 
Connection at St Martins and Dragon Hall community centre. 
Harvests from the Urban Farm pop-up were delivered to both 
the centres, for use in their catering facilities.

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

87%

employee 
participation in 
well-being survey

75%

well-being score, 
above global 
benchmark

2022 Achievements

 – Continued to support initiatives that aim to 

increase diversity, equality 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

 – Further improved employee performance through 
executive leadership training for newly promoted 
team heads

Our 2023 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 backgrounds and lifestyles, 
promoting equality and inclusion
 – Launch sustainability training platform

The Lord 
Mayor’s cup

 – 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 is of the utmost importance. During 
2022, we continued to deliver our lifestyle programme, focusing 
on  financial  well-being  in  collaboration  with  our  financial 
well-being  partners  Schroders  and  Charles  Cameron  & 
Associates, which included retirement planning, remortgaging 
and a parents-focused session. A number of sessions were run 
in November to mark Talk Money Week, covering topics such 
as dealing with the rising cost of living, saving and investing.

Well-being sessions included a session on women’s health to 
mark International Women’s Day, a session to mark Mental 
Health Awareness Week focusing on resilience, and a session 
to mark men’s health, which focused on stress and anxiety.

An  employee  well-being  survey  was  undertaken  in  June. 
There was a very high participation rate of 87 per cent and 
an overall well-being score of 75 per cent (compared to a 
global benchmark of 73 per cent). Overall, the employee 
feedback  received  within  the  survey  was  very  positive. 
Following the completion of the merger with Shaftesbury, 
the well-being programme provided to employees will be 
reviewed to ensure a “best of both” approach.

Annual  complimentary  flu  vaccinations  were  arranged 
for employees.

Employees were encouraged to participate in the annual 
health and well-being steps challenge, which takes place 
to encourage everyone to keep healthy and get exercise 
as the days shortened. A charitable donation was made to 
LandAid’s Stepober challenge.

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Strategic ReportResponsibility continued

5

hours ESC 
volunteering 
per employee

1,288

hours of 
employee 
training

Employee engagement

As a result of the employee engagement survey completed 
during 2021, a number of employee working groups were 
set up. The groups were employee-led and focused on the 
following areas: New Ways of Working; Office & Facilities; 
People, Team and Collaboration; and Business Processes. 
The groups presented their collaborative recommendations 
to the Company at the start of the year, and many areas 
have since been implemented. This includes monthly coffee 
meet-ups where employees from across the business both by 
department and mixed seniority level get to know each other 
and regular breakfasts hosted by our Executive Directors for 
small groups of employees.

Proposed merger

To  ensure  that  our  employees  were  kept  updated  on  the 
proposed merger, our Executive Directors led all-employee 
meetings throughout the year to explain the merger proposal 
and its progression, and allow employees to ask questions. 
These meetings sat alongside the more formal communications 
required in corporate transactions and a Q&A document 
covering  matters  of  interest  to  employees.  Our  Executive 
Directors held informal breakfast meetings for small groups 
of people towards the end of the year. Support was also 
provided to our employees through Heads of Department, 
Line Managers and HR.

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 
graduates 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  develop  aspiring  leaders. 
A  number  of  employees  completed  Executive  Leadership 
training to support this during the year.

We make training available to all employees, and individual 
training and development needs are identified and discussed 
at  performance  check-in  meetings.  During  2022,  our 
employees recorded 1,288 hours of training activity.

We  sponsor  individuals  undertaking  further  professional 
qualifications, and encourage continuous learning, reflecting 
our commitment to a knowledge-based environment.

We  recognise  that  coaching  and  mentoring  can  have  a 
significant  impact  on  behaviours,  and  certain  employees 
continue to benefit from bespoke coaching programmes.

Performance management

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  then  take  place  regularly  throughout 
the  year,  building  upon  our  continuous  performance  and 
development  culture  and  driving  productivity.  This  is 
supported by our online performance management system. 
Performance  is  measured  against  objectives  set  for  the 
previous  year  and  individual  performance  underpin 
discretionary annual bonus awards.

Culture and Values

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

Capco’s values set out in detail on page 19 underpin our 
culture and the way we operate as a business.

We have an inclusive and respectful approach, and aim to 
help people develop and realise their potential. We value 
collaboration and creativity. 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 contributes 17.5 per cent of salary towards the 
MyCapco pension scheme. 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 10 days’ holiday per calendar 
year. All employees have access to a biennial medical check 
through our external company GP based in Harley Street.

We support 
a number 
of diversity 
initiatives

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, equality 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,  and  an  inclusive  and 
diverse culture forms part of our values.

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 business. 
A summary of gender diversity across the Company as at 
31 December 2022 is set out below.

Capco’s maternity pay and shared parental leave benefits each 
pay six months’ full pay. In addition, we regularly review our 
policies to be a more inclusive and supportive employer. We 
have a policy to promote equality in relation to race, religion, 
gender, age, sexual orientation, disability and nationality 
among  our  employees,  and  also  an  anti-harassment 
and  bullying  policy,  both  of  which  are  published  on  our 
corporate website. Reflective of the importance of this to 
Capco as an employer, mandatory Company-wide training 
was provided on Anti-Harassment and Discrimination during 
the year, as well as mandatory inclusive recruitment training 
for those with Line Manager responsibilities.

Gender diversity1

Board

SMT2

All 
employees

Females

Males

2 (29%)

7 (54%)

5 (71%)

6 (46%)

38 (59%)

26 (41%)

1. As at 31 December 2022
2. Senior Management (excluding Directors). Senior Management 
(excluding Executive Directors) and any additional subsidiary 
company Directors comprises seven Males (50%) and seven 
Females (50%).

To mark Pride, a session was held in conjunction with the 
Employers’  Network  for  Equality  and  Inclusion  (“ENEI”) 
covering  the  history  of  Pride.  To  celebrate  Black  History 
Month,  an  informative  session  on  allyship  was  run  in 
conjunction with ENEI.

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

During  the  year,  a  number  of  employees  participated  in 
a  Real  Estate  Balance  speed  mentoring  event,  attending 
as  both  mentors  and  mentees.  One  of  our  employees 
co-chairs the Real Estate Balance NextGen Committee and 
participated  in  a  number  of  events  to  mark  International 
Women’s Day.

We supported the 10,000 Black Interns work experience 
initiative and had one student on placement with us for six 
weeks. We continue to partner with the social mobility charity 
upReach  and  provided  work  experience  to  one  student. 
We  are  an  active  supporter  of  the  Reading  Real  Estate 
Foundation’s  Access  programme,  which  aims  to  provide 
work experience to students coming from under privileged 
backgrounds.

Human rights and UN Sustainable 
Development Goals

Capco does not have a standalone 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 relevant SDGs can be found on page 
63. 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  corporate 
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.

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Strategic ReportResponsibility continued

Health, safety 
and well-being

Ensuring the highest standards of health, 
safety and well-being is at the forefront of 
all our activities and operations.

2022 Achievements

 – Enhanced our visible leadership and health and 

safety aware culture

 – Continued to provide a wide range of 
well-being support to our employees
 – Undertook employee well-being survey
 – Ensured preparedness for phased 

commencement of measures within the Building 
Safety Act 2022

 – As a CLOCs Champion, we encouraged our 

contractors to implement best practice on road 
and vehicle safety measures

 – Implemented minimum scaffolding standards for 

our capital projects

 – Maintained an Accident Frequency Rate (“AFR”) 

of 0.00

2023 Commitments

 – Continue to promote a health and safety aware 

culture among our employees and supply 
chain, through Directors’ tours, targeted new or 
refresher training

 – Upskill relevant employees on the measures 

within the Building Safety Act 2022

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

Ensuring the health and safety of our stakeholders remains at 
the forefront of all our decision-making and is embedded in 
the actions we take. We work closely with our supply chain, 
to ensure that the high standards we set are implemented by 
those working on our behalf.

Activities during the year

Reflecting  our  values  of  holding  ourselves  to  the  highest 
standards and being environmentally and socially responsible, 
maintaining  the  highest  standards  of  health  and  safety  is 
fundamental to Capco. Our health and safety aware culture 
is led by the Board and is embedded throughout the business. 
During 2022, there was a continued focus on visible health 
and  safety  leadership,  with  various  formal  and  informal 
Director tours of the estate. The location of Capco’s head 
office at the heart of the Covent Garden estate means that the 
Company’s Directors and employees are a constant presence 
on the estate and able to continually monitor health and 
safety in its operations.

This visible leadership is supported by a programme of formal 
weekly health and safety inspections of our estate operation 
and  occupier  fit-outs,  where  particular  attention  is  paid  to 
compliance  with  the  Construction  Leadership  Council  Site 
Operating Procedures. This programme is further supported 
by additional detailed health and safety inspections across the 
estate. Prior to any new project or operation taking place, health 
and safety risk assessments are undertaken in accordance with 
best practice. This risk aware approach ensured that, in addition 
to the day-to-day operations on the estate, the various marketing 
events and activations that animated the Covent Garden estate 
during the year were implemented without incident.

We work closely with our key suppliers to provide a safe, 
healthy and secure environment for our stakeholders. We 
monitor  the  performance  of  these  suppliers  closely  to 
ensure our standards are maintained, and this is reflected 
in their high scores in performance reviews, audits and best 
practice  awards.  To  promote  a  collaborative  health  and 
safety  culture  a  Safety  Action  Group  was  created,  with 
”Safety Champions” appointed to support the safety focused 
culture at Covent Garden and drive continual improvement.

During 2022, a new health and safety online compliance 
platform was introduced to provide enhanced management 
and reporting functionality.

The  safety  of  those  who  visit  and  enjoy  our  assets  is 
fundamental to Capco. We work vigilantly to ensure that 
appropriate security provision is maintained. Our security 
strategy is flexible in nature, to allow us to respond quickly 
to  the  changing  demands  on  our  assets,  and  to  allow 
security to be scaled up when needed. Estate activities at 
Lillie Square continue to adhere to the highest standards 
of health and safety.

Following a successful trial in 2021, our enhanced health, 
safety  and  well-being  standards  for  contractors  are  now 
included in tender packs for new projects, and we require 
these to be adhered to.

A total of 538,628 working hours were completed on our 
development sites during the year, and we achieved both 
an AFR and lost time incident frequency rate (“LTIFR”) of 0.00 
for the year.

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. During the year, we implemented minimum 
scaffolding  standards  to  drive  best  practice  in  this  area, 
protecting workers and visitors alike, and further embed our 
responsible development approach.

We are  implementing the requirements of the  Fire Safety 
Act 2021 and the Building Safety Act 2022, and continue 
to monitor the related programme of secondary legislation 
as  it  is  issued.  We  continue  to  contribute  as  part  of 
the  British  Property  Federation  Sounding  Board  and 
Construction Clients Leadership Group’s working group on 
this important area.

Health and well-being initiatives

During 2022, Capco continued to ensure that health and 
well-being were given equal consideration with safety.

The  wide  range  of  well-being  support  and  initiatives 
provided to our employees is described in more detail page 
79. In 2022, we undertook an employee survey to assess 
our people’s well-being and the survey results were above 
the benchmark standard. For more information on how we 
engaged with our employees during the year, please refer 
to the Stakeholder engagement section on page 23. Health 
and well-being initiatives are also championed for the workers  
on our projects.

Governance

Sector  Safety  Leadership  Teams  (“SSLTs”)  for  each  of  the 
Group’s activities, comprising senior management and relevant 
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.  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 reports to the Board 
and facilitates the sharing of lessons learned and evolving 
best  practice  recommendations  across  the  operational 
SSLTs. It also reviews health and safety performance across 
the Group throughout the year.

The  Board  receives  regular  formal  reports  on  health  and 
safety, which summarise health and safety performance, risks 
and achievements across the Group, in addition to the Group’s 
preparedness for legislative and compliance changes.

The governance structure and OH&SMS continue to remain 
appropriate and operate 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.  Structured  Health  & 
Safety IOSH Leading Safely and IOSH Managing Safely 
training  programmes  are  provided  to  our  employees  as 
appropriate.  Upskilling  on  the  Building  Safety  Act  will 
continue to take place during 2023. A programme of new 
and refresher training is planned for 2023. In support of 
our well-being initiatives, certain employees have received 
mental health first aider training.

Reporting

There have been no work-related employee fatalities in 2022 
or since Capco’s inception. An internal audit of operational 
health and safety at Covent Garden was completed during 
the year, with no material findings. There were no RIDDOR 
incidents reported across the Group during 2022. The AFR 
for Capco development and small projects at the end of 
2022 stood at 0.00. Capco’s LTIFR for 2022 was 0.00.

538,628

working hours on 
Capco development 
sites during the year

0.00

AFR

0.00

LTIFR

The sections of the Annual Report which make up the Strategic Report 
are set out on page 128. The Strategic Report has been approved for 
issue by the Board of Directors on 28 February 2023.

On behalf of the Board

The health and safety governance and reporting framework 
continues to function effectively across the business, ensuring 
robust management and monitoring of health and safety. 

Ian Hawksworth

Chief Executive

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83

Strategic ReportAt a glance

Governance
at a glance

Our Board in 2022

Merger with Shaftesbury PLC

The Board devoted time throughout the year to the development and 
finalisation  of  the  proposed  merger  with  Shaftesbury,  including  the 
merger terms, Board composition, public documents and the financial 
and governance analysis and reporting associated with the transaction. 
Through this process the Board gave significant consideration to the 
implications of the transaction for the Company’s employees, shareholders 
and other stakeholders.

Operations and team

The Board received regular updates throughout the year on operational 
matters, including new lettings, asset management and capital initiatives, 
openings, footfall and customer sales, rental collection rates, potential 
acquisitions and disposals and the business’ marketing initiatives.

The Board continued to take a keen interest in the views of Capco’s 
employees,  receiving  updates  from  Charlotte  Boyle,  who  is  the 
Non-executive Director designated to report to the Board on employee 
views and the Executive Directors.

Finance

During  the  year,  the  Board  gave  careful  consideration  to  financing 
arrangements, to ensure that the Company maintained a strong balance 
sheet and that the financial implications of the proposed merger with 
Shaftesbury were understood and appropriately managed. This included 
repayment of £200 million of debt and agreement of a £576 million 
standby facility which is available to draw down following completion 
of the merger. The Board continued the Company’s progressive dividend 
programme and, together with the Audit Committee, received regular 
updates on COVID-19 accounting requirements.

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

88

94

96

99

105

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85

GovernanceGovernanceCorporate governance report

Chairman’s letter

Delivery of this ambitious merger which will create the leading central 
London mixed-use REIT is a significant achievement. The merger will create 
a business with a balanced portfolio focused on iconic destinations in 
the West End with diversified income streams, led by an experienced 
management team with a strong track record of delivering long-term 
value across the West End. The future business will build on the success 
and  strengths  of  both  companies,  establishing  a  dynamic,  inclusive 
culture, a strong capital structure and a robust governance structure. 
The  combined  business  intends  to  take  a  sustainable  approach, 
delivering positive environmental and social outcomes for stakeholders.

The Board’s year

During 2022, in addition to the Board’s oversight of the Group’s people, 
operations and financial matters, the Board’s focus was the development 
and progression of the merger. I am proud of the Board’s achievement in 
delivering this transaction, which has been accomplished whilst delivering 
strong operational performance and establishing an appropriate financial 
structure to facilitate completion of the transaction.

You can read more about the matters that the Board considered before 
recommending the merger on pages 26 and 92.

Performance and dividend

Capco delivered total property return for the year of 2.8 per cent, significantly 
outperforming our comparator group. Total return for the year was -13.6 
per cent, primarily driven by the decline in the Shaftesbury share price 
resulting in a reduction in the valuation of our interest in Shaftesbury. The 
Covent Garden valuation was unchanged for the year with six per cent 
ERV growth offset by outward yield movement. The Board has declared 
a second interim dividend of 1.7 pence per share, bringing the total 
dividend for the year to 2.5 pence per share.

“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 2022 Corporate governance report.

Governance framework

Capco has had an active year with strong operational momentum at 
Covent Garden, excellent leasing demand, high occupancy levels and 
normalised rent collection patterns. The sustained recovery in footfall 
and consumer appeal of Covent Garden has resulted in customer sales 
tracking ahead of 2019 levels.

Covent Garden continues to attract high quality retailers and restaurateurs, 
with a number of introductions, including Tag Heuer, Tudor and Gaucho 
alongside established customers such as Apple, Chanel, Balthazar and 
SUSHISAMBA. Capco’s innovative and engaging cultural and digital 
marketing programmes ensure that Covent Garden continues to be a 
location of choice for occupiers and visitors.

Whilst  there  are  macroeconomic  headwinds,  the  West  End  has 
consistently  demonstrated  its  resilience,  and  we  are  encouraged  to 
continue to see rental growth in our portfolio. We look ahead with 
confidence in the long-term prospects of the Covent Garden estate and 
London’s West End.

Merger with Shaftesbury

During 2022, the Board recommended the merger of the Company 
with Shaftesbury via a scheme of arrangement to create a new leading 
London mixed-used REIT, Shaftesbury Capital PLC. I was pleased that 
the  proposal  received  the  approval  of  the  Group’s  shareholders  in 
July 2022. The merger clearance from the Competition and Markets 
Authority in February 2023, and now remains subject to the final steps, 
with completion expected to occur on 6 March 2023.

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. The corporate governance and Board Committee reports 
explain the matters that the Board and its Committees consider, and how 
they and our broader governance framework work together to achieve our 
purpose of investing in and creating world-class places. Under this over-
sight, our focus on central London, vision, long-term approach and respon-
sible stewardship, delivers economic and social value and generates 
benefits for our stakeholders. In considering the proposed merger, it 
was important to the Board that the Company maintained its strong 
governance structure.

The Board

I reported last year that a search for my replacement as Chair of the 
Company was ongoing, and that the Board was also considering the 
appointment of one or more additional Non-executive Directors with the 
intention of improving the diversity of the Board. Work on the merger 
meant that it was not possible to progress these projects as originally 
planned, and so they were each suspended during the year, pending 
the outcome of the proposed merger.

Should the merger complete, the current Capco entity will be the continuing 
listed company. I will step down as Chairman of the Company, and 
Jonathan Nicholls, the current Chairman of Shaftesbury PLC, will become 
Chairman of the Combined Group.

Richard Akers, Ruth Anderson, Helena Coles and Jennelle Tilling, who 
are each currently non-executive directors of Shaftesbury PLC, will join 
the Board of the merged company, and Jonathan Lane will retire as a 
Non-executive Director of Capco. Together these changes will refresh the 
skills and experience on the Board, improve Board diversity and increase 
the  number  of  the  Company’s  Non-executive  Directors,  achieving 
the Board’s established aims.

Ian Hawksworth and Situl Jobanputra will continue as Chief Executive 
and Chief Financial Officer respectively. As part of completion of the 
merger, Chris Ward, currently Chief Financial Officer of Shaftesbury, 
will join the Board as Chief Operating Officer, and Michelle McGrath, 
Executive Director, will join the newly established Executive Committee, 
with responsibility for the leadership of the enlarged Covent Garden 
portfolio  and  supporting  the  Chief  Executive  in  the  development  of 
Group  strategy.  I  would  like  to  thank  Michelle  for  her  outstanding 
contribution to Capco’s Board, particularly during the global pandemic 
and the transaction between Capco and Shaftesbury.

Should the merger for any reason not complete, then the Board changes 
would not take effect, Michelle McGrath would continue as an Executive 
Director and the search for a new independent Chair would be a priority 
for the Board.

Sustainability

The Board, and its ESC Committee, continue to oversee delivery of the 
Company’s sustainability strategy as we make progress towards our net 
zero commitment. During the year, Capco joined the UN Race to Zero, 
which ensures that our targets receive SBTi verification, and we have 
continued to improve EPC ratings across the estate when refurbishment 
works are undertaken. I was pleased that Capco has been recognised 
as a Climate Leader by the Financial Times, and that the Company’s 
sustainability disclosures have received an EPRA Gold rating for the 
fourth consecutive year.

Diversity

There is great diversity throughout Capco, and the Board hugely values 
this diversity and the benefits that it brings. The Board supports the 
Company’s diversity initiatives and is impressed by the efforts of the business 
to help make the property sector more inclusive for young people.

You can read more about the Company’s diversity initiatives on pages 81 
and 98.

I am pleased that the changes to the Board anticipated on completion of 
the merger will increase Board diversity and mean that the Company’s 
Directors are more representative of the business as a whole.

Our stakeholders

Looking ahead

The Board continues to value stakeholder engagement and receives 
regular updates on their views. This is key to the delivery of our Group 
strategy as a responsible business. The likely impact on stakeholders of 
recommended proposals is given careful consideration by the Board, to 
ensure that each decision aligns with the Group’s strategy and values.

You can read more about our engagement with our stakeholders on page 22.

Whilst there are macroeconomic headwinds, the Company enters 2023 
at a moment of great potential. The resilience of the Covent Garden 
estate, the Company’s strong financial position and the opportunities that 
will arise from the merger mean that the Company is strongly positioned 
to  grow  and  deliver  long-term  economic  and  social  value  for  our 
stakeholders. We believe in the long-term potential of the West End and 
look forward to the Company’s continued success.

Culture and values

Thanks

The Board ensures that corporate culture and values are aligned with 
the Company’s purpose and the delivery of corporate strategy, and are 
appropriately  integrated  into  the  business.  In  bringing  together  two 
businesses under the merger, it will be a priority to ensure that a dynamic, 
inclusive  corporate  culture  is  established  and  embedded  within  the 
combined business, ensuring that the future business embodies the best 
of the two companies.

You can read more about our culture and values on pages 16, 19, 80 and 92.

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 regular 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 mitigations, 
and whether there were any significant matters that had not previously 
been captured in the Group’s risk register.

You can read more about our approach to risk management on pages 43 
to 51.

The delivery of a merger requires a commitment from Directors and 
employees that goes far beyond their day jobs, and such a transaction 
inevitably  creates  understandable  uncertainty.  Our  employees  have 
performed exceptionally well throughout a very demanding year, and 
I would like to extend my thanks to each of them, both personally, and 
on behalf of the Directors.

It has been a privilege to serve as your Chairman, and I look forward 
to seeing the Company’s future success.

Henry Staunton

Chairman

28 February 2023

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Capco Annual Report 2022

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87

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 36 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, investor relations and tax) and works closely with the Chief Executive on 
strategy, capital allocation, investment and transactions. He is also responsible for 
the management of the Shaftesbury investment. Having joined Capco in 2014, he 
undertook a number of senior 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 
business. 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 WH Smith, Phoenix Group Holdings and Ashtead Group, 
and Vice Chairman of Legal & General.

External appointments: Chairman of Post Office Limited

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 30 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.

88

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89

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 delegated 
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, significant 
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 2022, 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 88 to 89, 
and additional information on Directors’ skills and experience is included 
on page 98.

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 
91 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 95.

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 
five years, although he was appointed to the Capco Board in 2010.

In 2021, the Company reported that a search for a new Chair was 
ongoing and the Company expected to announce the appointment of a 
new Chair before the end of the year. It has been announced that Henry 
will step down as Chairman on completion of the proposed merger with 
Shaftesbury. Accordingly the search for a new Chair was suspended 
during the year. Should the merger not complete, the search for a new 
independent Chair would be a priority for the Board. Henry continues 
to be viewed as independent by the Directors and has the full support of 
the Board until completion of the merger or appointment of his successor.

The Board in 2022

The Board met formally throughout the year. Main meetings were timed 
around the financial calendar, with an annual strategy day, and additional 
meetings  convened  throughout  the  year  to  consider  matters  related 
to the proposed merger with Shaftesbury. Attendance at Board and 
Committee meetings held during 2022 is shown on page 91.

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 complex and 
evolve over a period of time, 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 2022, the Board received regular updates on assets, finance, ESC, 
people and performance from the Executive Directors and senior management 
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.

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

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.

Read more on pages 3 and 18.

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 16, 80 and 92.

Matters considered by the Board in 2022

Business 
strategy, new 
business and 
Directors

Properties

Financial 
management and 
performance

ESC, employees, 
stakeholders, 
governance, 
internal controls 
and risk

 – Proposed merger with Shaftesbury
 – Macroeconomic, political and market conditions, 
including the impact of COVID-19, evolving 
macroeconomic environment and Brexit

 – Investor relations
 – Corporate strategy and value maximisation
 – Performance of investment in Shaftesbury
 – New business opportunities 

 – Property valuations
 – Covent Garden performance
 – Property market conditions

 – Annual and half-year results and trading updates
 – Monitoring of liquidity
 – Covenant compliance
 – Going concern and viability analysis
 – Treasury and cash management
 – Debt repayment, extensions and new facility

 – Employee well-being, development, engagement and 

reward

 – Assessment and monitoring of Company purpose, 

values and culture

 – Shareholder engagement
 – Updates from Board Committees
 – Environmental, sustainability and community strategy, 

including approval of TCFD disclosures

 – Risk appetite, and principal and emerging risks
 – Health and safety
 – Modern slavery statement

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

succession planning

 – REIT compliance
 – Tax policy

 – Lillie Square operations
 – Acquisitions and disposals

 – Group tax position and structure, and HMRC business 

risk review

 – Market and broker updates
 – Dividends, including property income distribution
 – Budget and business planning
 – Review of financing and hedging opportunities

 – Legal and regulatory updates
 – AGM resolutions and voting
 – General meeting resolutions and voting
 – Directors’ training
 – Board Committees’ terms of reference and schedule of 

matters reserved for the Board

 – UK MAR and disclosure
 – Corporate policies
 – Corporate insurance
 – Internal audits
 – IT and cyber security

Attendance at meetings

The table below shows Directors’ attendance at Board and Committee meetings held during 2022. In addition, the General Counsel attends each 
Board and Audit Committee meeting and the Company Secretary attends each Board and Committee meeting. Additional 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

Independent1

N/A

No

No

No

Yes

Yes

Yes

Total meetings held during the year

1. 50 per cent of the Board, excluding the Chairman, is independent.

Board

24/24

24/24

24/24

24/24

24/24

24/24

24/24

24

Audit

Remuneration

Nomination

– 

–

–

–

3/3

3/3

3/3

3 

13/13

–

–

–

13/13

13/13

13/13

13

3/3

3/3 

–

–

3/3

3/3 

3/3

3

ESC

3/3

3/3

–

–

3/3

3/3

3/3

3

90

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91

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 
delivery 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 Board also received an 
update on the results of the employee well-being survey. The Group has an 
independent whistleblowing hotline which can be used to raise concerns, 
and the Board would receive updates from the General Counsel 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 
exterally facilitated evaluation in 2020 and so an internal evaluation 
was conducted in 2022 with the support of the Company Secretary.

The Directors were each asked to complete a questionnaire covering 
all matters relating to the operation and 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 administered, with Directors indicating a high degree of satisfaction  
with the performance and operation of the Company. The report, which 
was accepted by the Board, noted a number of priorities for the Board 
following completion of the proposed merger with Shaftesbury and 
identified some areas for consideration in the event that the merger did 
not complete. Some of the agreed actions are shown on page 93.

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  anticipated  that  an  externally  facilitated  Board  evaluation  will  
be undertaken in 2023, although a final decision will be taken during  
the year.

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 considered 
by the Board.

92

Capco Annual Report 2022

The Board in action

During 2022, the Board devoted a significant amount of 
time to the proposed merger with Shaftesbury, meeting a 
total of 24 times during the year.

The Board’s agendas covered a wide range of topics, to 
ensure that full consideration was given to the opportuni-
ties and risks relating to the proposed merger, and that the 
impact, benefits and challenges for the Company’s different 
stakeholder groups were considered and taken properly into 
account when considering and approving the proposal.

Significant matters considered by the Board in relation to 
the proposed merger included:

 – The merger terms, including preservation of 

shareholder value and deal structure

 – Financial implications and required financing
 – Change of control considerations
 – Board and Committee composition
 – Culture and values
 – Future financial management and 

governance structures

 – Dividends
 – Impact of the proposal on the Company’s employees
 – Impact on other stakeholder groups
 – Directors’ duties and responsibilities in respect of 

the transaction

 – The prospectus, supplementary prospectuses and 

shareholder circular

 – Treatment of remuneration arrangements
 – Shareholder feedback and shareholder votes
 – Risks

Communication with shareholders and other stakeholders

Communication  with  the  Company’s  investors  is  a  priority  for  the 
Board. The Company runs an extensive investor relations programme, 
and  the  Chief  Executive,  Chief  Financial  Officer,  Executive  Director 
and  Director  of  Commercial  Finance  and  Investor  Relations  hold 
meetings with institutional investors and analysts throughout the year, 
including  results  presentations,  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 2022, Directors engaged with shareholders on matters including 
the Company’s remuneration arrangements and the proposed merger 
with Shaftesbury.

Shareholders’ and stakeholders’ views

The Directors receive regular updates on the Company’s major shareholders’ 
and stakeholders’ views, and Board approval papers include a dedicated 
section on stakeholders. You can read more about the Company’s consideration 
of and engagement with its stakeholders on pages 22 to 25 and in the 
Company’s s172(1) statement on pages 26 and 27.

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 employee views of the proposed merger, the findings 
of an employee well-being 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

Information on the Company’s 2023 AGM will be made available to 
shareholders on the Company’s website. 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.  We 
encourage shareholders 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.

Separate resolutions will be proposed on each issue and, in accordance 
with  the  Code,  each  Director  will  offer  themselves  for  election  or 
re-election. We publish the results of the votes on all resolutions on our 
website following the meeting. Shareholders are requested to check the 
Company’s website for the latest details concerning the 2023 AGM.

Conflicts of interest and time

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 potential 
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.

2022 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 2022

Consider Board size and composition

Ensure continued effective operation of Board ESC 
Committee

Ensure appropriately incentivising remuneration 
arrangements are in place

Progress

Considered within the context of the proposed merger

Directors have confirmed that, whilst it continues to 
develop following its initial establishment, the Board ESC 
Committee is working well

A remuneration review is expected to be undertaken 
following completion of the proposed merger

Actions for 2023

Completion of the merger

Integration, particularly Company purpose, 
values and culture

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93

GovernanceDivision of responsibilities

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 external 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.

Leadership structure

Board committees

The Board has established Audit, Remuneration, Nomination and ESC 
Committees  to  enable  it  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 2022 is described on pages 96 to 127.

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 2022.

At the beginning of 2022, the Company was not 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 contribution rates for Executive Directors have 
been in alignment with the maximum opportunity available to other 
employees since 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 
128 to 130.

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

Board

Sets the Company’s purpose, values, culture 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 impact of corporate 
transactions and COVID-19 
on financial reporting

Monitors internal controls, 
including risk management

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, diversity 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 99 to 102, and 
Principal risks and uncertainties 
on pages 43 to 51.

Further information can 
be found in the Directors’ 
Remuneration Report on pages 
105 to 127.

Further information can be 
found in the Nomination 
Committee report on 
pages 96 to 98.

Further information can 
be found in the Board 
ESC Committee Report on 
pages 103 to 104 and the 
Responsibility report on pages 
63 to 81.

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

Provides Group-wide oversight of the management of security risk

Meets at least three times a year

Environment, 
Sustainability 
and Community 
Management 
Committee

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 in line with ESC strategy

Monitors progress against the five key actions and SBTi validated targets 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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95

GovernanceComposition, succession and evaluation

Nomination Committee report

The Committee

The Nomination Committee has responsibility for making recommendations 
on Board appointments and succession to the Board.

The members of the Committee as at 31 December 2022 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 91.

Overview

During  2022,  the  Board’s  primary  focus  was  the  agreement  and 
progression of the proposed merger with Shaftesbury, to create the 
leading central London mixed-use REIT, culminating in the publication 
of the Prospectus and Circular which received shareholder approval 
in July 2022. The preparation of these documents, which included the 
composition of the future Board following completion of the proposed 
merger,  meant  that  a  number  of  matters  which  would  ordinarily 
have  been  considered  by  the  Nomination  Committee  were  instead 
considered by the Board as a whole, within the context of the transaction.

Ian Hawksworth and Situl Jobanputra will be Chief Executive and Chief 
Financial Officer of the combined business, Charlotte Boyle will Chair 
the Board ESC Committee and Anthony Steains will be a Non-executive 
Director of the combined business.

Following  completion  of  the  merger,  Michelle  McGrath  will  join  the 
Executive  Committee  of  the  Company,  which  will  comprise  senior 
executives  from  each  business  and  will  oversee  the  day-to-day 
management  and  operation  of  the  Company.  Michelle  will  have 
responsibility for the leadership of the enlarged Covent Garden portfolio 
and will support the Chief Executive in the development of Group strategy.

From  the  Shaftesbury  Board,  the  current  Chairman  of  Shaftesbury, 
Jonathan  Nicholls,  will  become  Chairman  of  the  Company,  Chris 
Ward,  current  Chief  Financial  Officer  of  Shaftesbury,  will  become 
Chief Operating Officer, Richard Akers will become Senior Independent 
Director, Ruth Anderson will become Audit Committee Chair, Jennelle 
Tilling will become Remuneration Committee Chair and Helena Coles 
will become a Non-executive Director of the Company.

Henry Staunton and Jonathan Lane will each retire from the Board on 
completion of the merger.

As it is intended that Jonathan Nicholls will become Chairman of the 
Board on completion of the merger, the search for an external successor 
to Henry Staunton as Chairman of the Company was paused during the 
year, and then suspended pending completion of the merger.

The Board had also previously indicated that it expected to announce 
the appointment of one or more new Non-executive Directors during the 
course of 2022. The merger discussions inevitably meant that it was not 
possible for these discussions to be progressed. However, on completion 
of the merger, the Board will comprise a combination of directors from both 
Capco and Shaftesbury which will provide the Board with an excellent 
balance of skills, experience and diversity, well-positioned to deliver future 
success for our shareholders.

Should  the  merger  for  any  reason  not  complete,  then  the  Board 
changes would not take effect, Michelle McGrath would continue as 
an Executive Director and the search for a new independent Chair and 
new Non-executive Directors would be a priority for the Board.

Capco  continues  to  champion  diversity  as  a  business,  and  we  are 
rightfully proud of the diversity of our employees throughout the business, 
which is reflective of the Company’s inclusive culture. Our diversity brings 

“During 2022, the Board and Nomination 
Committee ensured that the future Board 
and Executive Committee of the combined 
Shaftesbury Capital business will bring 
together the best of both companies to 
generate future value for our stakeholders.”

Henry Staunton

Chairman

28 February 2023

Matters considered by the Committee  
during 2022 included:

 – Proposed merger, including 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

Members:

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

96

Capco Annual Report 2022

great benefits to the business, and the Board continues to encourage and 
support the Company’s initiatives which aim to promote diversity and 
inclusion within the property industry.

During 2023, the Committee will continue to monitor Board composition, 
skills, experience and diversity, to ensure that the Board continues to be 
positioned to deliver our strategy, as we integrate the two businesses to 
deliver long-term economic and social value for our stakeholders and 
contribute to the success of London’s West End.

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 
succession 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 current Directors’ core skills and experience is shown in the 
table on page 98.

Director recruitment

Capco operates a rigorous and transparent recruitment process for new 
Directors, which is summarised in the graphic on the right.

Chairman succession

Henry Staunton was appointed as Chairman of the Company in 2018, 
having first been appointed as a Non-executive Director in 2010. 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. Due to progression of the merger with Shaftesbury, the search 
was paused and then suspended during 2022. Should the merger not 
complete, the search for a new independent Chair will be a priority 
for the Board.

Board composition

The  Board  had  previously  determined  that  it  would  be  beneficial 
for  its  diversity  to  be  improved,  and  that  there  would  be  benefit  to 
expanding  the  Board  from  its  current  compact  size.  The  Committee 
had  therefore  engaged  Lygon  to  conduct  searches  for  one  or  more 
additional Non-executive Directors. Due to progression of the merger with 
Shaftesbury these searches were suspended. However, the post-merger 
Board will satisfy each of the Committee’s goals, increasing the number 
of Directors to 10 and improving both the gender and ethnic diversity of 
the Board.

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 management, 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 

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

individual briefings are arranged on topics such as Directors’ duties and 
responsibilities, remuneration structure and regulations, and the property 
market. An appropriate induction will be provided to each non-Executive 
Director following completion of the proposed merger.

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 
governance  matters,  and  information  on  training  opportunities  and 
seminars  is  circulated  to  Directors.  Directors  also  receive  periodic 
briefings from external advisers. For example, in 2022, the Directors 
received  refresher  training  on  Directors’  duties  and  responsibilities, 
particularly  in  relation  to  prospectuses  and  circular,  and  received 
regular business updates from the Executive Directors. Directors may 
also take independent advice at the Company’s expense where they 
feel this is appropriate.

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97

GovernanceComposition, succession and evaluation continued

Audit, risk and internal control

Audit Committee report

one of our employees is co-chair of the NextGen Committee), the RICS 
Inclusive Employer Quality Mark, which we have held since 2016, the 
Employers’  Network  for  Equality  &  Inclusion  who  provided  sessions  to 
celebrate  Pride  and  Black  History  Month,  Pathways  to  Property  run  by 
the Reading Real Estate Foundation, Women Talk Real Estate, a non-profit 
organisation  helping  the  industry  work  to  improve  gender  diversity, 
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 and the 10,000 Black Interns programmes, 
and is a supporter of the Young Westminster Foundation Brighter Futures Fund.

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 81.

Summary of Directors’ skills and experience

Director

Skills and experience

Henry Staunton

Financial and commercial management

Ian Hawksworth

Situl Jobanputra

Michelle McGrath 

Charlotte Boyle

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

50

53

29

50

47

Board ethnicity

71.4

14.3

14.3

White British

Indian

White other

Board gender and ethnic diversity (%)

Board gender 
and ethnicity

43

57

Gender and ethnic diversity

Non-diverse

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 and the Board considered the composition of the future 
Executive Committee.

Diversity and inclusion

Capco embraces diversity as a business, and this is reflected throughout 
our team. Diversity covers many characteristics, 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 evaluate 
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.

Capco has a great level of diversity on our Board, and this will increase 
further on completion of the merger with Shaftesbury. Capco’s current 
diversity  is  summarised  in  the  adjacent  charts.  The  Board  Diversity 
and  Inclusion  Policy  does  not  include  targets  for  gender  or  other 
characteristics; 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 candidates 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  effectiveness  of  the  Board  Diversity  and  Inclusion  Policy  will  be 
monitored by the Nomination Committee.

We are proud that we have strong representation from female employees 
across the business. Almost 60 per cent of our workforce, and 50 per 
cent of our senior management, is female; a great achievement, 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 range of initiatives which promote diversity across the 
property industry, and we encourage all our employees to get involved. 
We continue to provide diversity and inclusion seminars and training to 
our team, and these are championed by Situl Jobanputra.

The  Committee  reviews  the  Group’s  diversity  policies  each  year 
and  receives  updates  on  the  diversity  initiatives  supported  by  the 
Company  which  include  sponsorship  of  Real  Estate  Balance  (where 

98

Capco Annual Report 2022

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (“PwC”) were reappointed as the Group’s 
external auditors in 2020 following a tender process undertaken in 2019, 
and the 2022 audit was the third led by the current audit partner. I am 
pleased to report that PwC continue to provide an appropriately robust 
audit, with signifi cant upfront involvement and challenge throughout the 
year, particularly on signifi cant areas, including the application of IFRIC’s 
decision on the accounting treatment of rent concessions, asset valuation, 
fi nancing structures and the going concern assessment.

Anthony Steains

Chairman

28 February 2023

The Audit Committee, reporting to the Board, monitors the integrity of 
the fi nancial statements of the Group, oversees the fi nancial reporting 
process, reviews signifi cant fi nancial reporting judgements, reviews and 
monitors the effectiveness of the Group’s internal controls, internal audit, 
risk management controls and the effectiveness of the external audit and 
assesses the independence of the statutory auditors and the provision 
of non-audit services.

As at 31 December 2022 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 signifi cant recent and 
relevant fi nancial 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, General Counsel 
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 2022. Attendance at these 
meetings is shown in the table on page 91. 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 
fi nancial 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 signifi cant matters considered by the Committee 
during the year, are set out in this report below.

The  Company  was  not  subject  to  any  Financial  Reporting  Council 
(“FRC”) reviews during 2022.

www.capitalandcounties.com

99

“Transparent and responsible oversight of 
fi nancial reporting, internal controls and 
risk management procedures.”

Anthony Steains, Chairman

Members:

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

I am pleased to introduce Capco’s 2022 Audit Committee report.

The Committee continues to play a key oversight role for the Board, 
monitoring and reviewing all aspects of the Group’s fi nancial reporting, 
internal controls and risk management procedures.

This report provides an overview of the work undertaken by the Committee 
during 2022. The most signifi cant topics considered by the Committee 
during the year included oversight of the fi nancial reporting and rigorous 
control processes relating to the proposed merger with Shaftesbury, the 
Group’s property valuations, the continued accounting treatment of matters 
relating to the COVID-19 pandemic and the application of the IFRIC
decision in 2022 on the required accounting treatment of rent concessions 
to Capco’s fi nancial statements, taxation and the accounting treatment 
of other signifi cant or corporate transactions, including the repayment 
of £200 million of debt and entrance into a new £576 million standby 
facility agreement in relation to the proposed merger. 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, going concern and viability statement disclosures before they were 
recommended to the Board.

GovernanceAudit, risk and internal control continued

The Audit Committee over the past 12 months

Regular 
meeting items

 – Report from Group Financial Controller
 – Accounting treatment of significant transactions, specifically the financial reporting and control considerations related to 

proposed merger with Shaftesbury
 – Accounting standards and policies
 – Property valuations
 – External auditors’ report
 – Risk management review
 – Regulatory update
 – Internal auditor report
 – Tax update
 – Alternative performance measures
 – Update on compliance with TCFD recommended disclosures

 – Interim results announcement
 – Liquidity forecasting
 – Going concern
 – External auditors’ report on interim review
 – 2022 external auditors’ engagement letter

 – Effectiveness and independence of external auditors
 – Internal controls
 – 2022 external auditors’ audit plan
 – Preliminary viability statement review
 – Corporate governance policies, Non-audit Services Policy and Committee terms of reference
 – 2023 internal audit plan
 – Impact of IFRIC decision related to accounting for COVID-19

July 2022 
meeting

November 2022 
meeting

February 2023 
meeting

 – Going concern assessment and viability statement
 – 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 auditors

Significant issues considered by the Committee in 2022

Matter considered

What the Committee did

Proposed 
merger with 
Shaftesbury 
PLC

Valuations

Impact of IFRIC 
decision on rent 
concessions

Throughout the year, the Committee retained close oversight of the work streams undertaken in respect of the technical 
accounting matters, financial reporting issues, financial control and financial integration planning prepared in connection 
with the public documents and regulatory announcements related to the proposed merger with Shaftesbury. The Committee 
also considered the repayment of £75 million of private placement loan notes and the £125 million secured loan facility 
and entrance into a £576 million standby facility agreement when assessing liquidity and going concern in the context of 
the proposed merger. The Committee discussed matters related to the proposed merger with management and the external 
auditors, and remains satisfied that the appropriate approach has been taken. 

As in previous years, the independent external valuers presented the year end and half year valuations to the Committee. 
Additional valuations were also undertaken in connection with the public documents related to the intended merger with 
Shaftesbury. The Committee reviewed the valuation process and component parts of the valuations, discussed the year end 
and half year 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 14 to the financial statements.

Following the IFRS Interpretations Committee (“IFRIC”)’s agenda decision on the appropriate accounting treatment under 
IFRS 9 and IFRS 16 of rental concessions, the Committee reviewed how this decision would impact Capco’s 2022 and 
prior year financial statements in conjunction with the Group Financial Controller, management and the external auditors. 
Following discussions, it was concluded that the change in accounting policy would require the restatement of prior 
period figures with the addition of a third balance sheet included for the represented 31 December 2021 position. Further 
information can be found in Note 1 to the financial statements.

Recoverability 
of rental 
receivables, 
deferrals and 
tenant lease 
incentives

Both prior to and following the IFRIC decision, the Committee received updates from the Group Financial Controller on 
the accounting treatment for final rental income support provided to tenants as a result of the impact of COVID-19. The 
accounting treatment was subsequently updated in light of the IFRIC decision made in 2022.

The Committee also reviewed and assessed the assumptions used in calculating the expected credit loss for rent receivables 
and the overall levels of impairment provision. Due to improving trading conditions in the year, COVID-19 support concluded 
and lower level of rent receivables as at 31 December 2022, it was concluded that the impairment of rent receivables was 
no longer considered a significant area of significant estimation and uncertainty.

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 
compliance 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 competitive audit tender process. 
Under current regulations, the Company is required to retender the audit 
by no later than the 2030 financial year.

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.

Assessment of the effectiveness of auditors

Following  the  reappointment  of  PwC  as  the  external  auditors  in 
January 2020, the Committee has continued to monitor and assess the 
effectiveness of the external audit, which includes PwC’s effectiveness 
and performance, and considered a paper prepared by the Group 
Financial Controller which confirmed that in management’s view the 
external auditors 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 if applicable any required 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  2022  was  independent,  objective, 
professionally  sceptical  and  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 IFRIC decision relating to accounting for rent 
concessions, as this is significant to the Company’s financial statements, 
requiring restatement of the prior period comparative information within 
the 2022 Annual Report. Discussions continued during the year between 
management  and  the  external  auditors,  to  ensure  the  appropriate 
accounting and disclosure requirements have been met for both 2022 
and prior year financial statements.

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 
consistent  with  the  FRC’s  current  Ethical  Standard  of  permissible 
non-audit services. 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. 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 audit 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 category, 
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 
under the terms of the policy are reported to the Audit Committee.

Additionally,  consideration  must  be  given  to  the  preservation  of 
auditor 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.

Following a review of the Non-Audit Services Policy, the Committee 
remains satisfied that the policy continues to operate effectively.

The total fees paid and payable to PwC in 2022 were £848,000, of 
which £91,000 related to non-audit work (2021: £522,000 of which 
£93,000 related to non-audit work). The 2022 total fee paid to PwC 
includes £95,000 of overruns and fee scope changes for the 2021 year 
end audit. The additional fee increase reflects scope changes for 2022 
alongside a general inflationary rise. Non-audit work during 2022 and 
2021 relates to the interim review and agreed-upon procedures related 
to the verification of share scheme performance outcomes. The total 
fees for non-audit services represented 11 per cent of the total audit 
fees payable for the year (2021: 18 per cent). The total fees paid and 
payable to PwC in 2022 and 2021 are set out in the table below.

KPMG  LLP  acted  as  reporting  accountants  in  relation  to  the  offer 
documents published during the year for the proposed merger with 
Shaftesbury.

Fees for non-audit services

Total fees paid to PwC 

Non-audit related services

2022

2021

£848,000

£522,000

£91,000

£93,000

100

Capco Annual Report 2022

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101

GovernanceAudit, risk and internal control continued

Board ESC Committee report

Internal auditor

Internal audit plan

BDO LLP (“BDO”) has been appointed to act as Capco’s internal auditor. 
During  2022,  BDO’s  audit  plan  included  reviews  of  property  and 
investment acquisitions and disposals, commercial leasing at Covent 
Garden, accounts payable, ESC, anti-corruption and Bribery Act, VAT, 
corporation tax, employee benefits, Lillie Square estate management 
and health and safety at Covent Garden. No significant issues were 
raised during the reviews. During 2023, it is expected that the audit 
plan  will  include  reviews  of  health  and  safety  at  Lillie  Square,  risk 
management,  procurement,  residential  leasing,  asset  management, 
payroll, IT general controls, property management and UK GDPR. The 
audit plan will be reassessed once the proposed merger has completed.

Committee responsibilities

The Committee reviews the work and effectiveness of the internal audit, 
the audit plan, any matters identified as a result of internal audits and 
whether recommendations 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

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 internal controls 
relating to risk to the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee reports 
regularly to the Board on its work and conclusions.

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

 – Board oversight of appropriately secure IT systems subject to cyber 

security assessment

 – 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 
operating effectively and that systems are in accordance with 
prevailing FRC guidance.

Risk management

Viability Statement

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 pages 43 to 49.

Internal controls

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 
weaknesses were identified in the review process, during the reporting 
year or up to the date of this report.

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, and reports to the Board 
on its conclusion.

The viability statement can be found on pages 50 to 51.

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 is fair, balanced and understandable, and provides the 
information necessary for shareholders to assess the Company’s position, 
performance, business model and strategy.

I am pleased to introduce the Board ESC Committee report.

The  Board  Environment,  Sustainability  and  Community  (“ESC”) 
Committee  oversees  the  Company’s  ESC  activities  on  behalf  of  the 
Board, to ensure delivery of the Company’s ESC strategy.

Responsible  stewardship  continues  to  be  a  key  strategic  priority  for 
Capco,  as  we  work  to  ensure  that  Covent  Garden  becomes  a  UK 
leader in sustainability for heritage environments. To achieve this goal, 
we will deliver environmental and social outcomes that enhance value 
for stakeholders while protecting the unique character and heritage of 
the estate. During 2022, the Committee was particularly pleased that 
Capco was recognised as a Climate Leader by the Financial Times, 
recognising  our  emission  reduction  of  c.19  per  cent.  in  the  period 
2015-2020.

Following the launch of the Company’s ESC strategy and Net Zero 
Carbon commitment in 2021, 2022 was a busy year as the business 
developed and embedded the strategic goals and actions required to 
deliver these commitments.

Committee

The  Committee  is  chaired  by  Charlotte  Boyle,  an  independent 
Non-executive  Director,  and  its  membership  includes  the  Company 
Chairman, Chief Executive and all other independent 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 join meetings 
to contribute as required.

The  remit  of  the  Committee  includes  oversight  of  sustainability  and 
environmental  management  across  Capco’s  assets  and  business 
areas, the Company’s Net Zero Carbon by 2030 commitment, certain 
people-related matters, community engagement and Capco’s charitable 
donations.

The  main  areas  considered  by  the  Committee  during  the  year  are 
explained below. The Company’s full Responsibility report can be found 
on pages 63 to 83. Our Net Zero Carbon Pathway can be found on 
our website.

Oversight

During 2022, the Company continued to progress actions under the four 
pillars laid out in the ESC strategy, which align with UN Sustainable 
Development Goals. This important strategy sets out Capco’s vision for 
the future, focusing on the themes of Environment & Sustainability and 
Community & People. 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
commitments, and implementation of ESC activities across the business. 
The Committee Chair meets regularly with the Director of Sustainability 
and Technology and also attends the ESC Management Committee in 
her role as the designated Director for the workforce. The Committee 
was pleased to see the progress that had been made in many areas, 
from a continued improvement in EPC ratings across the Covent Garden
portfolio, to an inaugural CRREM analysis, further well-being initiatives for 
Capco’s people and the support provided to a wide range of charities 
and foundations within the local Covent Garden community.

“The Committee oversaw signifi cant 
activity and progress across all pillars of 
the Company’s ESC commitments.”

Charlotte Boyle, Chair

Matters considered by the Committee 
during 2022 included:

 – People policies
 – Employee benefi ts
 – Employee well-being 
survey and initiatives
 – Diversity and inclusion 

training

 – Charitable donations

 – ESC strategy
 – Sustainability activities
 – Community initiatives
 – Net Zero Carbon 
Pathway actions

 – TCFD disclosures and 
climate-related risks

 – Proposed merger
 – Sustainable Timber 
Procurement Policy

Members:

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

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GovernanceAudit, risk and internal control continued 

Net Zero Carbon

Our Net Zero Carbon Pathway, under which Capco committed to becoming 
Net Zero Carbon as a business by 2030, was published in 2021. During 
2022, the Committee received regular progress updates against the five 
key actions set out in the Pathway, particularly the progress being made 
during the Pathway’s first three-year cycle. A table detailing progress 
against such actions can be found on page 68. The Committee supported 
Capco’s registration with UN Race to Zero application, under which 
the business’ net zero targets have received SBTi validation as aligning 
with a 1.5˚C trajectory. During the year, the Committee also approved 
a Sustainable Timber Procurement Policy, which will help ensure projects 
instructed by the Company meet its certification requirements. It is intended 
that the Committee members will receive additional tailored training on 
climate change matters during 2023.

TCFD

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-related risks and opportunities. The Committee was pleased 
that Capco became fully compliant with the TCFD recommendations 
during 2022, following completion of a formal climate scenario risk 
analysis, on which the Committee was kept updated.

People

As  part  of  its  oversight  of  people-related  matters,  other  than  
remuneration,  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 
(which  are  set  out  on  page  19).  During  the  year,  the  Committee 
monitored  progress  of  the  proposed  merger  and  the  impact  of  the 
associated uncertainty on the Company’s employees. The Committee 
also received updates during the year on the results of the employee 
well-being  survey,  benchmarking  of  the  Group’s  employee  benefits, 
diversity and inclusion training that was provided to employees and the 
range of well-being initiatives that continue to be delivered to employees.

Outlook

Over  the  coming  year,  the  Committee  will  continue  its  oversight  of 
progress  within  the  Company  as  the  business  progresses  Capco’s 
ESC  Strategy  and  will  ensure  that  the  Board  is  kept  fully  updated. 
Delivering progress against the Net Zero Carbon Pathway is a priority, 
and the Committee will continue to ensure that the Company properly 
implements the actions required to achieve the goals set in the Pathway, 
with  a  governance  framework  to  support  this,  and  that  the  wider 
ESC activities remain thorough and effective. Finally, if the proposed 
merger with Shaftesbury becomes effective, the Committee will also 
oversee the critical integration of the sustainability activities currently 
undertaken within both companies.

Charlotte Boyle

Chair

28 February 2023

King Street

Directors’ Remuneration report

Annual Statement

Dear Shareholder,

I am pleased to introduce the Directors’ Remuneration report.

The two key areas of focus for the business in 2022 were managing the 
continued recovery from the pandemic, and our proposed merger with 
Shaftesbury.

In 2022, the Committee met 13 times. At those meetings the Committee 
gave very careful consideration to the impact of the proposed merger 
on remuneration at Capco, in addition to the matters normally considered 
each year. I explain below the decisions that were taken as a direct 
result of the proposed merger and the context to these decisions.

The  Committee  seeks  to  ensure  that  Executive  Director  and  senior 
management remuneration is appropriately motivating, retentive, and 
aligned with the shareholder experience. The motivational and retentive 
aspects are of particular importance to the Committee during the periods 
of uncertainty which inevitably arise when corporate combinations are 
contemplated. The Committee engages regularly with the Company’s 
shareholders, and has continued to emphasise the importance of these 
matters to investors.

The Company has recovered strongly from the pandemic and this is 
refl ected  in  the  strong  leasing  demand  and  rental  growth  delivered 
during the year. During the pandemic Capco did not take any direct 
government support, including the government’s furlough scheme, or 
seek any funding from shareholders. In addition, no employees were 
made redundant as a result of the pandemic, and the Company did not 
reduce any employee salaries.

We have good visibility on remuneration decisions taken for the wider 
employee population. The Committee takes its decisions with this in mind 
and is aware of the impact that decisions we take have on the Company 
as a whole.

“Remuneration for 2022 refl ects excellent 
operational performance and strategic 
progress, the importance of retention and 
motivation of our talented team and the 
impact of the proposed merger.”

Jonathan Lane OBE, Chairman

Matters considered by the committee 
during 2022 included:

 – Executive Director and 
senior management 
remuneration

 – Impact of the proposed 
merger on remuneration 
arrangements
 – 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 

Merger with Shaftesbury

developments

 – Investor body guidelines
 – 2022 Directors’ 

Remuneration report
 – Committee terms of 

reference

 – Chairman’s remuneration
 – Chairman’s and Chief 
Executive’s expenses
 – Institutional investor 

voting reports and voting 
at 2022 AGM
 – Performance of the 
remuneration adviser

 – Henry Staunton
 – Anthony Steains

As announced on 16 June 2022 and approved by both companies’ 
shareholders on 29 July 2022, Capco and Shaftesbury are expected to 
combine through Capco issuing shares to Shaftesbury shareholders in 
exchange  for  shares  in  Shaftesbury.  In  agreeing  the  structure  of  the 
transaction, the Capco and Shaftesbury Boards determined that this 
structure  was  in  the  best  interest  of  shareholders,  as  opposed  to 
Shaftesbury, the larger company, issuing its shares to acquire Capco. 
Whilst this structure may have resulted in only Shaftesbury’s share awards 
being triggered, this would have created an inequitable situation where 
two groups of employees were to be combined, but only the smaller 
company’s employees’ share awards would continue, under amended 
performance targets. However, Capco’s share plan rules permitted the 
Committee to treat the merger as equivalent to a takeover and therefore 
trigger the awards, creating equality of treatment, for all employees.

The Committee considered the extent to which the Capco share awards 
should be permitted to vest, having regard to any performance conditions 
and employment requirements attached to those awards. The Capco 
Remuneration Committee and the Shaftesbury Remuneration Committee 
were requested by fi nancial advisers to make these assessments at the 
time that the ratio of Capco to Shaftesbury shares for the all share merger 
was calculated, to ensure that as accurate a ratio as was possible could 
be  determined,  and  that  one  group  of  shareholders  was  not 
disadvantaged over the other.

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GovernanceGovernanceRemuneration continued

The Committee assessed the relative Total Shareholder Return and relative 
Total Return performance conditions attaching to the 2020, 2021 and 
2022 PSP awards having regard to the relative TSR ranking shortly before 
the time it made its decision and analysts’ projections at that time for the 
TR of the peer companies for the end of each of the three-year performance 
periods. It then reflected on the fact that reducing the PSP awards for early 
vesting would permanently deprive the recipients of some of the shares 
they had expected to receive if they had remained with Capco until the 
end of each three-year performance period. (In some mergers “replacement 
awards” are granted to compensate for these lost share awards, but that 
compensation was not permitted under our PSP rules and is not taking 
place here for either the Capco or Shaftesbury share awards).

Finally, the Committee reflected on whether the resultant level of vesting 
was reasonable and appropriate in the circumstances, considering all of 
Capco’s stakeholders. The outcome of our deliberations was that on 
completion of the merger, the 2020 PSP award should vest at 25 per cent 
(median threshold), the 2021 PSP award at 63 per cent (between median 
threshold and upper quartile full vesting) and the 2022 PSP award top 
quartile full vesting but scaled back by a third to 66.7 per cent, and the 
performance conditions applying to these awards were determined at 
these levels to reflect this assessment, in the event that the proposed merger 
completed. Should the proposed merger not complete then outstanding 
PSP awards revert to their original performance conditions. The 2022 
award was reduced by a third to reflect its early vesting date. To reflect 
the early vesting of these awards, the Capco Executive Directors were 
required to agree to retain half of the post-tax value of shares that will vest 
from these three awards for a period of two-years. These shares will also 
count towards the two-year post-cessation shareholding requirements for 
Executive Directors under our Directors’ Remuneration Policy. As disclosed 
in the Prospectus dated 7 July 2022 (the “Prospectus”), this results in 
approximately 53 per cent of the 10.3 million shares under PSP awards 
vesting, which the Committee felt was sensible, balanced and reasonable.

The  Committee  determined  that  on  completion  of  the  merger,  the 
Deferred Bonus share awards will also vest. Executive Directors will then 
be required to retain these shares (net of sales to meet taxation liabilities) 
until their normal vesting dates. The shares awarded in respect of the 
2021 annual bonus will also count towards the two-year post-cessation 
shareholding requirements.

Each member of the post-merger management team will participate in the 
2023 annual bonus plan and will receive 2023 PSP awards. Critically there 
will be no misalignment arising from legacy share awards potentially vesting 
for one group of executives compared to the other over the next two years. 
This alignment from day one will help accelerate the integration of the teams 
and  the creation of a single  Group culture. The 2023 PSP awards for 
Executive Directors and current employees of Capco have been approved by 
the Committee and will be implemented as soon as practicable after the 
completion of the proposed merger, together with 2023 PSP awards for those 
future Group employees who are currently employed by Shaftesbury.

Performance measurement in 2022 and variable 
remuneration outcomes

The Company performed strongly during 2022 following its rapid recovery 
from the impact of the pandemic, reflecting the positive effects of its active 
management strategy and dynamic leasing and marketing strategies. During 
the year, the Committee decided that the Net Tangible Assets per share 
performance targets that had been set for 25 per cent of the bonus would 
be  rendered  unsuitable  as  they  had  included  the  market  value  of  the 
Company’s shareholding in Shaftesbury on an undisturbed basis, whereas 
from the date that the merger terms were set, the Shaftesbury shares would 

be expected to trade in line with the performance of both Shaftesbury and 
Capco and the merger terms. This created an outcome for which the NTA 
targets had not been set. The Committee felt that it was not sensible to 
change the targets during the year. Accordingly, we decided to reallocate 
the 25 per cent weighting from this measure to the EPS measure, for 
2022  only,  because  that  could  be  most  influenced  in  a  positive  or 
negative manner by management between the announcement of the 
merger and the year end. We specifically retained our discretion to take 
a holistic view of the bonus outcome following the year end. The EPS 
and TPR targets were met in full, with performance significantly exceeding 
the stretch targets that had been set, delivering the 75 per cent of bonus 
opportunity allocated to these measures.

The non-financial targets were assessed at 100 per cent, reflecting the 
achievement by each of the Executive Directors of strategic, financial, 
ESC and operational goals. The Committee felt that the achievement of 
these objectives, alongside delivery of the significant actions required 
throughout the year to achieve the steps needed to deliver the merger, 
demonstrated each individual’s outperformance. Taking a holistic view, 
the Committee concluded that the performance of the Executive Directors 
was consistent with the overall 100 per cent formulaic outcome for the 
year. In reaching this conclusion the Committee took into account the 
degree of outperformance of the financial targets and the recovery of 
the Company’s share price by the time of the CMA announcement in 
late February. I would remind shareholders that the Committee exercised 
downward discretion two years ago when 2020 bonus levels were 
reduced to zero to reflect the shareholder experience that year. Overall 
bonuses  of  100  per  cent  of  maximum  were  awarded  to  the  three 
Executive Directors. Once the merger has completed, 40 per cent of 
each bonus award to the Executive Directors will be deferred for three 
years in shares in accordance with the Remuneration Policy.

Executive Director remuneration in 2023

When setting Executive Director remuneration, the Committee considers 
a range of factors, including scope of the role, market comparators, 
personal and individual performance and employee remuneration across 
the business.

Employees

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.  Employees  have  regular  opportunities  to  engage  with 
Non-executive Directors via Charlotte Boyle’s attendance at the ESC 
Management Committee and the Board receives feedback throughout 
the year, including the findings of the Company’s employee well-being 
survey. Changes made benefiting employees include:

 – Inflationary salary increases which take place with effect from 

1 April 2023 will be c. five per cent.

 – Promotional salary increases will be on top of these inflationary 

increases and relate to market levels for the new roles.

 – All employees are eligible to receive an annual cash bonus, and 
we intend to recognise the significant efforts and achievements 
made throughout the Company during the year to position the 
Company for the merger.

 – Share awards will continue to be made to the majority of our 

directly employed staff at levels of between 25 per cent and 100 
per cent of their salaries.

 – In April 2022, the employer pension contribution rate was 

Benefits

increased from 15 per cent to 17.5 per cent. This has been a 
contributory matching scheme with employees paying in from two 
per cent to five per cent upwards which is matched by the 
company from 14.5 per cent to a maximum of 17.5 per cent. 
From 1 April 2023, employee contributions will no longer be 
required, and all employees will receive the full 17.5 per cent.

All eligible employees will receive annual bonuses and are expected to 
receive share awards post-completion of the merger.

You can read more about our employee benefits on page 80.

Benefits will continue to operate as in prior years.

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. The Committee believes that it is important that the 
Company’s Executive remuneration reflects its ESC commitments, and the 
post-merger Remuneration Committee is expected to consider how ESC 
targets can be further incorporated into the remuneration structure as it reviews 
the Company’s Remuneration Policy over the course of the coming year.

Salary review

Non-Executive Directors’ Fees

As disclosed in the Prospectus, reflecting the increased scope that the 
roles of the Chief Executive and Chief Financial Officer will be performing 
in the merged company, on completion of the proposed merger Ian 
Hawksworth and Situl Jobanputra’s salaries will increase to £725,000 
and  £520,000  respectively,  which  represents  an  increase  of 
4.0 per cent and 12.6 per cent respectively in addition to the annual 
increase of 4.0 per cent which would take effect from 1 April 2023 in 
the event that the proposed merger did not complete. Michelle McGrath 
will not be an Executive Director of the Board following completion of 
the merger, however should the merger not complete her salary will 
increase by 4.0 per cent to £390,000 with effect from 1 April 2023.

Annual bonus

The annual bonus opportunity for 2023 will remain at 150 per cent of 
salary.  The  financial  measures  and  the  weightings  of  financial  and 
non-financial measures will be unchanged from the original 2022 levels. 
The annual bonus measures and targets will be subject to adjustment 
following completion of the proposed merger, reflecting the combined 
business. The non-financial performance targets for 2023 continue to 
include a significant emphasis on ESC matters, reflecting Capco’s focus 
on these areas and aligning with Capco’s ESC strategy.

Pension contributions

As previously committed, the employer pension contributions for the Executive 
Directors (including any future appointments) are now aligned with the 
employer pension contribution for employees, having reduced since 2020 
from 24 per cent of salary to 17.5 per cent of salary. In addition, employee 
pension contributions will now made on a non-contributory basis, ensuring 
that all employees receive the full pension contribution.

PSP awards

The fees paid to the Non-executive Directors were not increased in the 
last two years. No review has been undertaken this year.

New Directors’ Remuneration Policy

The Directors’ Remuneration Policy falls for renewal at the 2023 AGM. 
Given that the Board of the merged company will include a number of 
Shaftesbury directors, including a new Board Chair and Remuneration 
Committee Chair, the Committee is proposing only minor adjustments in 
line  with  best  practice  and  does  not  include  any  new  elements  of 
remuneration. Consequently, we did not feel that it was proportionate 
to  consult  with  shareholders  and  their  representative  bodies  on  this 
renewal. Our expectation is that a full review will be undertaken should 
the merger complete, and this may result in shareholder consultation and 
approval being sought for a revised Policy at the 2024 AGM.

Conclusion

We  will  be  asking  shareholders  to  approve  the  updated  Directors’ 
Remuneration Policy, the Annual Report on Remuneration and this Annual 
Statement  at  the  2023  AGM.  As  explained  within  this  report,  the 
Committee’s decisions reflect the delivery of a key strategic opportunity 
for the Company and the need to motivate the management team as 
Capco  enters  a  new  phase  of  great  opportunity.  I  encourage 
shareholders to support each of the resolutions at the AGM.

Finally, I will be stepping down from the Board on completion of the merger, 
and would like to take this opportunity to thank my Committee colleagues 
and the Executive Directors for their considerable contribution and support, 
and to wish every success to the Company and its future Board.

The annual PSP award of 300 per cent of salary will be made to each 
Executive  Director  following  the  completion  of  the  merger.  The 
performance conditions that apply to the awards will be the same as in 
previous years, and may be subject to necessary adjustments following 
completion of the proposed merger.

Jonathan Lane OBE

Chair

28 February 2023

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GovernanceRemuneration continued

Remuneration Policy

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’ remuneration 

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.

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. 

Policy report

This section of the Directors’ Remuneration Report sets out Capco’s new Remuneration Policy which will take effect following the 2023 AGM, subject 
to shareholder approval. Details of actual remuneration paid, share awards made, and the approach to remuneration for 2023 are set out within the 
Annual Report on Remuneration, which starts on page 117.

1.1  Remuneration policy

The key objectives of the Company’s Remuneration Policy are to:

 – Strongly align executive and shareholder interests
 – Underpin an effective pay-for-performance culture
 – Support the retention, motivation and recruitment of talented people who are commercially astute
 – Encourage executives to acquire and retain significant holdings of Capco shares

The Committee aims to achieve an appropriate balance between fixed and variable remuneration, and between variable remuneration based on 
short-term and longer-term performance. Fixed remuneration includes base salary, benefits and pension. Variable remuneration includes an annual 
bonus, of which part is deferred in shares, and awards under the Performance Share Plan (“PSP”).

The Remuneration Policy is aligned to the strategy and nature of the Company, and reflects the importance of total return and the long-term nature of 
Capco’s business, rewarding the Executive Directors for delivering strong performance against the Company’s key performance indicators (“KPIs”).

In order to avoid any conflict of interest, remuneration is managed through well-defined processes ensuring that no individual is involved in the 
decision-making process related to their own remuneration. In particular, the remuneration of all Executive Directors is set and approved by the 
Committee; none of the Executive Directors are involved in the determination of their own remuneration arrangements.

Each year, with the support of external advisers, the Committee undertakes a review of the remuneration of the Executive Directors. It has oversight of 
the remuneration of the senior managers immediately below Board level, and the Company Secretary. It considers the responsibilities, experience and 
performance of the Executive Directors and pay across the Group.

Subject to approval by shareholders at the 2023 AGM, this Policy will be effective for the 2023 financial year and will apply to incentive awards 
with performance periods beginning on 1 January 2023. Payments to Directors can only be made if they are consistent with a shareholder approved 
Policy or amendment to the Policy.

Details of each element of remuneration, its operation, purpose, link to strategy and performance metrics are set out in this section.

1.2  Executive Director policy table

The table below summarises each of the components of the remuneration package for the Executive Directors:

Purpose and link to strategy

Operation

Maximum opportunity

Performance metrics

The Committee considers 
individual and Company 
performance when setting base 
salary, as well as the general 
increase awarded other 
employees.

Base salary

To provide an 
appropriately competitive 
base salary, whilst placing 
emphasis on the 
performance-related 
elements of remuneration.

The Committee believes 
base salary for high-
performing experienced 
Executive Directors should 
be at least median.

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
 – Scope of each Executive Director’s 

responsibilities

 – 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 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. For the purposes of 
stating a maximum as required 
by the remuneration regulations, 
no increase will be applied to 
an Executive Director’s base 
salary if the resulting base salary 
would be above the upper 
quartile base salary for CEOs at 
companies in the FTSE 350.

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GovernanceRemuneration continued

Purpose and link to strategy

Operation

Maximum opportunity

Performance metrics

Purpose and link to strategy

Operation

Maximum opportunity

Performance metrics

N/A 

N/A

Executives’ performance is 
measured relative to challenging 
one-year targets in key financial, 
operational and strategic 
measures. The measures 
selected and their weightings 
may vary each year according 
to the strategic priorities.

At least 75 per cent of the bonus 
will be measured against 
financial performance.

Benefits

To be appropriately 
competitive with those 
offered at comparator 
companies.

Pension

To be appropriately 
competitive with that 
offered by comparator 
companies.

Annual bonus

To incentivise and reward 
performance.

The Committee selects 
performance measures and 
targets each year to 
reinforce the strategic 
business priorities for the 
year.

The deferral into shares of 
40% any annual bonus is 
designed to further align 
executives with 
shareholders’ interests.

Set at a level which the 
Committee considers 
appropriate in light of relevant 
market practice for the role and 
individual circumstances. The 
cost of all benefits will not 
normally exceed 10 per cent of 
base salary, with the exception 
of any future expatriate and/or 
relocation benefits, which 
would be disclosed in the 
Annual Report on 
Remuneration. Any reasonable 
business-related expenses 
(including tax thereon) can be 
reimbursed if determined to be 
a taxable benefit.

The maximum contribution for 
any Executive Director will be 
in line with the level available 
for other employees at any 
given time (which is currently 
17.5 per cent of salary). 

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. No bonus 
is payable for below threshold 
performance. The payment for 
threshold performance will not 
exceed 10 per cent of 
maximum. Awards are made on 
a straight-line basis for 
performance between threshold 
and target, and on a separate 
straight-line basis for 
performance between target and 
maximum.

Benefits will be in line with those offered to 
some or all employees and 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. For example, 
Directors may be offered relocation and/or 
expatriate benefits should a Director be 
required to relocate as a result of emerging 
business requirements.

Capco offers a defined contribution 
pension scheme.

Executive Directors may elect to be paid 
some or all of their entitlement in cash.

The annual bonus arrangements are 
reviewed at the start of each financial year 
to ensure 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.

The rationale for award of bonuses will be 
explained in the Directors’ Remuneration 
Report.

Bonus may be deferred in Capco shares or 
nil-cost options for three years under the 
Performance Share Plan without further 
performance conditions but subject to risk of 
forfeiture should an Executive Director leave 
the Company in certain circumstances. 
Directors may be entitled to be paid 
dividend equivalents on deferred bonus. 
Deferred bonus is subject to malus as 
described in the notes to this table.

Performance Share  
Plan ‘PSP’

To incentivise and reward 
long-term outperformance, 
and help retain Executive 
Directors over the 
longer-term.

The maximum grants which may 
be made to participants as 
awards or nil-cost options are 
300 per cent of salary.

25 per cent of an award vests 
for threshold performance, with 
full vesting taking place for 
equaling or exceeding maximum 
performance conditions and 
straight-line vesting between 
threshold and maximum.

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. 
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.

Dividend equivalents may be paid.

The Committee has the discretion in certain 
circumstances to grant and/or settle an 
award in cash. In practice this will only be 
used in exceptional circumstances for 
Executive Directors.

PSP awards are subject to malus and 
clawback as described in the notes to  
this table.

PSP awards usually vest on the 
third anniversary of the date of 
grant, and are subject to a 
two-year post-vesting holding 
period.

The vesting of awards is usually 
subject to continued employment 
and the Company’s performance 
over a three-year performance 
period.

It is intended that the 
performance measures that will 
apply to the 2023 awards will 
be split equally between relative 
Total Return and relative Total 
Shareholder Return metrics vs. 
FTSE 350 REITs. The 
performance measures, 
weightings and targets which 
apply to the PSP are reviewed 
by the Committee annually and, 
subject to consultation with 
shareholders, the Committee has 
discretion to make changes to 
the measures, the weightings 
and/or the comparator group 
for future awards to ensure that 
they remain relevant to the 
Company strategy and are 
suitably stretching.

All employee  
share schemes

The Company does not currently operate 
any all employee share schemes. However, 
if such a scheme were introduced the 
Executive Directors would be able to 
participate on the same terms as other 
employees.

In line with HMRC-approved 
limits.

1.3  Notes to the policy table performance measurement selection

Annual bonus scheme

Executive Directors may earn bonuses depending on the Company’s financial performance and performance against individual performance targets 
designed to deliver strategic goals. The current structure of the annual bonus performance conditions is illustrated within the Annual Report on 
Remuneration on page 120. The financial performance measures and the importance of each are set out in the table below. The Remuneration 
Committee has discretion to change the performance conditions in the annual bonus, but within the bounds set out in the Remuneration Policy Table.

The annual financial performance measures and targets are set by the Committee usually in the first quarter of each year following an analysis of 
external and internal expectations compiled by the Committee’s independent adviser. The Committee sets targets it believes to be appropriately 
stretching, but achievable.

Why are the current annual bonus performance measures appropriate for Capco?

Measure

Reason

EPRA Net Tangible Assets per 
share (NTA)

Underlying Earnings per share

Relative Total Property Return

Considered by the Committee to be an important driver of value creation for Capco.

Rewards value growth in net rental income as well as the management of administration, financing and 
other costs.

Rewards the additional portfolio value created by management over and above any changes in value
from tracking the property market as a whole, as measured by the MSCI Total Return All Property Index, 
an external benchmark widely used in the property industry.

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GovernanceRemuneration continued

Long-term incentives

The performance conditions for the PSP currently comprise two measures:

 – Three-year relative Total Return (TR, growth in NTA plus dividends)
 – Three-year relative Total Shareholder Return (TSR, increase in price of an ordinary share plus dividends)

The Committee believes that these two measures are currently the most appropriate measures of long-term success for Capco as long-term relative 
performance provides an appropriately objective and relevant measure of Capco’s success, which is strongly aligned with shareholders’ interests.

The Committee believes that NTA growth is an important internal measure of success for Capco at this time. Accordingly, the Committee considered 
it appropriate to reward NTA performance in both the short- and long-term incentive arrangements, with a one-year absolute NTA target being used 
in respect of the annual bonus arrangements and three-year relative NTA (as the main component of three-year Total Return) being used in respect of 
the long-term incentives.

A significant element of the Company’s NTA is the value of properties which are based on independent external valuations carried out in accordance 
with RICS Valuation Professional Standards. 

Remuneration of employees below the Board

No element of remuneration is operated solely for Executive Directors. Capco employees below the Board receive base salary, benefits, pension, 
annual bonus, and some participate in the PSP. However, there are some differences in operation as set out below:

 – In exceptional circumstances, such as recruitment, long-term incentive awards may be granted without performance conditions to participants 

below the Board

 – Employees below the Board are not subject to any minimum shareholding requirement
 – Incentive awards granted to employees below the Board may not be subject to holding periods, clawback or malus

Shareholding requirements

The Chief Executive is required to achieve a shareholding in the Company equivalent to 300 per cent of base salary and the other Executive Directors 
are required to achieve a shareholding in the Company equivalent to 200 per cent of base salary, to be achieved normally within five years by 
retaining at least 50 per cent of any vested share awards (net of tax and NIC). There is a two-year post-cessation shareholding requirement of 200 
per cent of salary for all Executive Directors, capturing annual bonus awards made from 1 January 2022 (in respect of 2021) and all Performance 
Share Plan awards made from 1 January 2021. The current shareholdings of the Executive Directors are also set out on page 125.

Relative TSR helps align the interests of Executive Directors with shareholders by incentivising share price growth and, in the Committee’s view, provides 
an objective measure of the Company’s long-term success.

1.4  Performance Scenario charts

The current long-term incentive performance conditions are summarised within the Annual Report on Remuneration on page 118. Performance is measured 
relative to a bespoke comparator group of property companies and Capco. The members of the current comparator group are shown in the table on 
page 118.

In order for any awards to vest, the Committee must also satisfy itself that the TR and TSR figures are a genuine reflection of underlying financial 
performance. In assessing the extent to which the performance conditions have been met, the Committee consults with its independent remuneration 
adviser. The calculation of the returns is also reviewed by the Company’s auditors as appropriate. The performance targets are set by the Committee 
following an analysis of internal and external expectations, and are believed to be appropriately stretching.

For future awards, the Remuneration Committee has discretion to change the performance measures and weightings. However, any such changes 
would only be made after consulting with shareholders.

Discretions

Under the annual bonus scheme and the PSP the Company has the standard discretions to take appropriate action in the event of unforeseen events 
which affect the schemes, such as a variation in share capital as well as terminations and on a change in control, as described in the Policy. The 
Committee does not intend to make adjustments to the methods by which it measures the performance conditions. However, it reserves the discretion 
to make adjustments in very exceptional circumstances. Shareholders would be given details of any exercise of discretion.

Payments resulting from existing arrangements

The Committee may make any remuneration payments and payments for loss of office (including exercising any discretions it has relating to such 
payments) even though they are not in line with the Policy set out in this report. This will apply where the entitlement to the payment arose:

(i) before the 2014 AGM; (ii) at a time when the relevant individual was not a Director of the Company and, in the opinion of the Committee, the 
payment was not in consideration for the individual becoming a Director of the Company; or (iii) under a remuneration policy previously approved by 
the Company’s shareholders. For these purposes entitlements arising under the Company’s previous remuneration policies (as approved by shareholders 
at the 2014, 2017 and 2020 AGMs) will be incorporated into this policy, ‘payments’ includes the Committee satisfying awards of variable 
remuneration, and an entitlement under an award over shares arises at the time the award is granted.

Malus and clawback

Awards granted under the long-term incentive arrangements are subject to malus and clawback until the end of the respective holding periods. Deferred 
bonus awards are subject to malus prior to vesting. Reasons for applying malus and clawback include: in the event of gross misconduct of a Director 
which is considered to have had a material detrimental impact on the business or any member of the Group or to have brought the business of any 
such company into significant disrepute, in the event of a material misstatement in the audited accounts of the Company for a period that was wholly 
or partly before the end of the financial year by reference to which any performance condition was assessed, or in the event that the assessment of 
the satisfaction of any performance condition was based on error or inaccurate or misleading information. In the latter two scenarios, this would be to 
the extent an overpayment resulted. The application of any malus or clawback is at the discretion of the Remuneration Committee.

Summary of changes to Remuneration Policy

The proposed new Remuneration Policy does not include any new elements of remuneration. A summary of key changes from the provisions of the 
previous Remuneration Policy is set out below, and the details of the new Remuneration Policy are set out within the Policy Table. Minor changes are 
also being proposed to update the Policy and provide greater clarity in how it can operate:

Element of remuneration 

Change under new Policy

Annual bonus

Amount deferred into shares changed to 40% of bonus, from any element of bonus greater than 100% of salary.
On recruitment of an Executive Director, the ability to provide up to an additional 50% of salary is being removed.

The potential reward opportunities illustrated in Figure 1 are based on the policy which will apply in 2023, applied to the base salary that will apply 
for Ian Hawksworth and Situl Jobanputra from completion of the proposed merger on 6 March 2023, and the salary that would apply for Michelle 
McGrath from the salary review date, 1 April 2023, were the proposed merger not to complete, and provide estimates of the potential future reward 
opportunity for each of the three current Executive Directors, and the potential split between the different elements of remuneration under three different 
performance scenarios: ‘Below Threshold’, ‘Target’ and ‘Maximum’.

The Below Threshold scenario includes base salary, pension and benefits (fixed pay). No annual bonus or PSP elements are included (variable pay). 
The Target scenario includes fixed pay, on-target bonus (50 per cent of opportunity) and threshold vesting of PSP awards. The Maximum scenario 
includes fixed pay, maximum bonus and full vesting of PSP awards. For variable pay, the amounts illustrated are the normal maximum opportunities. 
The Maximum scenarios also include an illustration of the amount that would be payable under the PSP elements if there was share price appreciation 
of 50 per cent between the date of award and the date of vesting.

It should be noted that the PSP awards granted in a year do not normally vest until the third anniversary of the date of grant and are subject to a two-year 
post-vesting holding period. The projected values of long-term incentives shown here exclude the impact of share price movement and dividends (other 
than where 50 per cent share price appreciation is assumed).

Figure 1

Ian Hawksworth, Chief Executive 

Situl Jobanputra, CFO

Below
Threshold

100% £872k

Below
Threshold

100% £616k

On-target

45%

27% 28%

£1,952k

On-target

45%

27%

28%

£1,386k

Maximum

21%

26%

53%

£4,120k

Maximum

21%

26%

53%

£2,936k

Maximum
with share
price increase

17%

20%

63% £5,207k

Maximum
with share
price increase

17%

20%

63% £3,716k

Fixed pay1

Annual bonus

Long-term incentives

Fixed pay1

Annual bonus

Long-term incentives

Michelle McGrath, Executive Director

Below
Threshold

100% £473k

On-target

45%

27% 28%

£1,055k

Maximum

21%

26%

53%

£2,222k

Maximum
with share
price increase

17%

21%

62% £2,807k

Fixed pay1

Annual bonus

Long-term incentives

1. Fixed pay comprises salary, pension and benefits.

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GovernanceRemuneration continued

1.5  Approach to Recruitment Remuneration

When hiring or appointing a new Executive Director, which includes appointing an individual who is not an Executive Director but who still falls  
within this Policy, the Committee may make use of any of the existing components of remuneration, as follows:

When considering exit payments, the Committee reviews all potential incentive outcomes, having regard to the reason for leaving and the Director’s 
performance. The payment of any annual bonus is subject to the discretion of the Committee, and both the cash and deferred share elements of an 
annual bonus would normally be payable at the normal payment date. Any deferred share element could be paid in cash. Any outstanding deferred 
bonus may be released or paid in cash, subject to clawback for a period of three years from the date of grant.

Element of remuneration

Policy on recruitment

Maximum opportunity

N/A

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

Salary

Pension

Benefits

Annual bonus

Performance Share 
Plan

Other

Based on scope and nature of responsibilities of the proposed role; the 
candidate’s experience; implications for total remuneration positioning vs  
market pay levels for comparable roles; internal relativities; and the candidate’s 
current salary.
A new Director may be appointed at a salary which is less than the prevailing 
market rate but increased over a period to the desired positioning subject to 
satisfactory performance.

A contribution in line with the level available for other employees at any given 
time (currently 17.5 per cent of salary) may be offered, consistent with policy.

Consistent with Policy Table limit.

Appropriate benefits will be provided, which may include the continuation  
of benefits received in a previous role.

Consistent with Policy Table limit.

150 per cent of salary, 
consistent with Policy Table.

300 per cent of salary, 
consistent with Policy Table.

Executive Directors will be eligible to participate in the annual bonus scheme  
on the same basis as existing Executive Directors, pro-rated for proportion of 
year served.
Depending on the timing of the appointment, the Committee may deem it 
appropriate to set different annual bonus performance conditions from the 
current Executive Directors in the first performance year of appointment.

New Executive Directors will be eligible to participate in the long-term incentive 
scheme set out in the Remuneration Policy Table.
A PSP award can be made shortly following an appointment (assuming the 
Company is not in a prohibited period).

In determining appropriate remuneration for new Executive Directors, the 
Committee will take into consideration all relevant factors (including quantum, 
the nature of remuneration and where the candidate was recruited from) to 
ensure that arrangements are in the best interests of Capco and its shareholders.
Remuneration, which may be outside the usual policy limits, may include:
 – An award made in respect of a new appointment to ‘buy out’ existing 

incentive awards forfeited on leaving a previous employer. In such cases the 
compensatory award would typically be a like-for-like award with similar time 
to vesting, performance conditions and likelihood of those conditions being 
met. The fair value of the compensatory award would not be greater than the 
awards being replaced. To facilitate such a buyout, the Committee may use 
an award under a different structure or an additional award under the PSP

 – A relocation package, should this be required
 – For an overseas appointment, the Committee will have discretion to offer 
cost-effective benefits and pension provisions which reflect local market 
practice and relevant legislation

 – In the event that an employee is promoted to the Board, the Company would 

honour any existing contractual arrangements

1.6  Service contracts and exit payment policy

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. It is the 
Company’s policy that payments in lieu of notice should not exceed the Director’s current salary and benefits (including pension contributions) for the 
notice period. The service contracts may be viewed at the Company’s registered office.

The Committee will be entitled to enter into a settlement agreement with a Director, and may pay a Director’s legal fees in relation to any settlement 
agreement. The Committee may make additional incidental payments, which are not material in quantum, to a departing Director on exit, if appropriate, 
for example in settlement of disputes or to pay other incidental sums in connection with the exit. The Committee may pay what it feels are reasonable 
outplacement fees where considered appropriate.

An individual would generally be considered a ‘good leaver’ if they left the Group’s employment for reasons including injury, ill-health, disability 
approved by the Committee, redundancy, retirement with the agreement of the employing company, the employing company ceasing to be a member 
of the group, the transfer of the undertaking or part of the undertaking in which the Director works to a person which is not a member of the Group, 
or in any other circumstances at the discretion of the Committee. The table below summarises how PSP awards are typically treated in specific leaver 
circumstances, with the final treatment remaining subject to the Committee’s discretion. For example, an individual may be considered a ‘good leaver’ 
for any other reason at the absolute discretion of the Committee, and the vesting of awards may be reduced for ‘good leavers’.

Reason for leaving

Good leaver

Timing of vesting

Treatment of awards

Normal vesting date, 
although the 
Committee has 
discretion to accelerate

Awards are normally pro-rated for time and remain subject to outstanding performance 
conditions. Where vesting is accelerated, the Committee will determine the extent to which 
the performance conditions had been satisfied at the date of leaving. The holding period 
would continue to apply.

Change of control

Immediately

Any other reason

Awards lapse

Awards will normally be pro-rated for time and remain subject to performance conditions. 
However, the Committee has discretion to allow awards to vest in full in such circumstances 
if it deems this to be fair and reasonable. The holding period would cease to apply.

There are no obligations on the Company contained within the existing Directors’ service contracts which would give rise to payments not disclosed 
in this report.

The service contracts of any future-appointed Directors will provide for mitigation in the event of termination.

1.7  Non-Executive Director policy table

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. The letters of appointment may be viewed at the Company’s registered office.

Non-executive Directors’ dates of appointment and unexpired terms

Charlotte Boyle

Jonathan Lane

Henry Staunton

Anthony Steains

Date of appointment

1 October 2017

1 March 2019

2 June 2010

1 March 2016

Date of most recent  

letter of appointment

Unexpired term as at  
31 December 2022

28 June 2022

28 June 2022

28 June 2022

28 June 2022

6 months

6 months

6 months

6 months

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GovernanceRemuneration continued

Remuneration report

The table below summarises each of the components of the remuneration package for the Non-executive Directors (including the Chairman). The 
Non-executive Directors do not receive any pension, bonus or long-term incentive benefits from the Company. This policy also applies to the recruitment 
of new Non-executive Directors.

Purpose and link to strategy

Operation

Maximum opportunity

Performance metrics

Fee

To recruit and retain 
appropriately qualified 
Non-executive Directors

Benefits

To be appropriately 
competitive with those 
offered at comparator 
companies

The Chairman and Non-executive Director 
fees are reviewed on an annual basis, with 
any increase taking effect from 1 May.
The Board and Committee review fees with 
reference to:
 – Other property companies
 – UK companies of a similar size
 – The time that Non-executive Directors are 

required to devote to the role

In exceptional circumstances, if there is a 
temporary yet material increase in the time 
commitments for Non-executive Directors, the 
Board may pay extra fees on a pro-rata basis 
to recognise the additional workload.

The Chairman’s benefits include private 
healthcare and personal accident and travel 
insurance.
Other Non-executive Directors will be covered 
by the Company’s travel insurance policy 
should they be required to travel on Company 
business.
Any reasonable business-related expenses can 
be reimbursed (including tax thereon if 
determined to be a taxable benefit).
Directors may receive seasonal gifts and a gift 
on leaving the Board (including payment of 
any tax thereon), in appropriate circumstances.

Non-executive Director fees may 
include a basic fee and Committee/
SID fees as disclosed in the Annual 
Report on Remuneration. These are set 
at a level that is considered 
appropriately competitive in light of 
market practice, and will not exceed 
the aggregate fees permitted by the 
Company’s Articles of Association.

The maximum value of
the benefits provided to
Non-executive Directors will
be the cost of purchasing them
in the market.

N/A

N/A

1.8  External directorships

The Company’s policy is to encourage each Executive Director to take up one or more non-executive directorships, subject to Board approval. 
Fees received for serving as a non-executive director of a company outside the Capco Group are retained by the Executive Director.

1.9  Consideration of conditions elsewhere in the company

When setting Executive Director pay the Committee considers the remuneration and overall conditions of all employees. As Capco has a relatively 
small workforce, the Committee does not consult with employees when deciding Remuneration Policy, but it receives regular updates from the Head 
of HR on salary increases, bonus and share awards made to Group employees and is aware of how the remuneration of Directors compares with that 
of other employees. For example, salary increases are generally no higher than increases awarded to other employees, which are set with reference 
to market data.

1.10  Consideration of shareholder views

It is the Committee’s policy to engage with major shareholders as appropriate. For example prior to finalising any major changes to its executive 
Remuneration Policy. Shareholder feedback on the previous Remuneration Policy and investor guidelines were considered by the Committee when 
preparing the Remuneration Policy, and a number of best practice measures were incorporated.

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 2022 and as at the date of this report is set out on page 105. 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 13 meetings held during the year is shown in the table 
on page 91 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 105. 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.

2.2 

Statement of policy for 2023

Salary

The Executive Directors’ salaries are reviewed annually. As disclosed in the prospectus, reflecting the increased scope that the roles of the Chief Executive 
and CFO will be performing in the merged company, Ian Hawksworth and Situl Jobanputra’s salaries will increase to £725,000 and £520,000 
respectively on completion of the merger, which represents an increase of 4.0 per cent and 12.6 per cent respectively in addition to the annual increase 
of 4.0 per cent that would otherwise have taken effect on 1 April 2023. Michelle McGrath will not be an Executive Director of the Board following 
the merger. Should the merger not complete her salary will increase by 4.0 per cent to £390,000. The salaries for the Executive Directors are set out 
in the table below:

Executive Director salaries – 2022 and 2023

Ian Hawksworth

Situl Jobanputra

Michelle McGrath1 

2022

£671,500

£446,000

£375,000 

2023 

% 

2023 (If no completion)

£725,000

8.0

£520,000

16.6

N/A

N/A

£698,500

£464,000

£390,000

%

4.0

4.0

4.0

1. Michelle McGrath will not be an Executive Director of the Board on completion of the merger.

Pension and benefits

As described in the Remuneration Policy on page 110.

Annual bonus

Opportunity

The annual bonus opportunity will remain unchanged for 2023. As explained in the Chair’s letter on page 105, 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 2023 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 the original targets set in 2022, 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.

2023 annual bonus financial performance measures

Net Tangible Assets per share

Underlying Earnings per Share 

Relative Total Property Return

33.33%

33.33%

33.33%

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Governance 
Remuneration continued

Performance Share Plan (Audited)

2.3  Single figure of remuneration

PSP awards of 300 per cent of 2023 salary will be made to each Executive Director as awards or nil-cost options. The performance conditions and 
comparator group that will apply to these awards, and all outstanding awards, are set out in the tables below.

The table below shows the single figures of total remuneration paid to each Director in 2022 and 2021. The charts in Figure 1 on page 120 illustrate 
the contribution that each element of remuneration made to the total remuneration of the Executive Directors.

Performance conditions for PSP awards

TR v FTSE 350 REITS (50 per cent)

TSR v FTSE 350 REITS (50 per cent)

Threshold (25%)

Maximum

Executive Directors

Single figure of remuneration 2022 and 2021 (Audited)

Median

Median

Upper Quartile

Upper Quartile

Fixed remuneration

Performance-related remuneration

Annual Bonus4

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

Use of market purchased shares

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 2023 are expected to be settled using 
shares purchased in the market. Due to the exceptional circumstances of the proposed merger, it was not possible for the Company’s Employee Benefit 
Trust to acquire market purchased shares to satisfy the awards that are expected to vest prior to completion. Newly issued shares representing c. 0.3 
per cent of the post-completion share capital will therefore be used to satisfy these awards.

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 2022. No review has been undertaken this year. The Chairman’s annual base fee for 2022 was £284,000 and has not been reviewed.

Non-executive Director fees for 2023 and 2022

Basic fee

Committee member (except Nomination Committee)

Committee member (Nomination Committee)

Committee Chairman (except Nomination Committee)

Senior Independent Director

2023 (not 
reviewed)

£55,000

£7,000

£6,200

£16,600

£13,400

2022

 % increase

£55,000

£7,000

£6,200

£16,600

£13,400

–

–

–

–

–

Base salary
£000

Taxable
benefits2
£000

Pension-
related
benefits3
£000

Total  
fixed
£000

Deferred 
into shares
£000

Multiple-year
variable5
(long-term)
£000

Total 
performance-
related
£000

Cash
£000

Total
£000

2022 2021 2022 2021 2022 2021 2022 2021

2022 2021 2022 2021 2022 2021 2022 2021

2022 2021

Ian Hawksworth

664 640

Situl Jobanputra

441 425

Michelle McGrath1

368 347

31

20

19

28

24

3

120 134

815 802

604 425

403 283

80

62

89

52

541 538

401 282

268 188

449 402

338 229

225 153

299

198

138

– 1,306 708

2,121 1,510

–

–

867 470

1,408 1,008

701 382

1,150

784

Chairman and Non-executive Directors

Henry Staunton

Charlotte Boyle

Jonathan Lane

Anthony Steains

Fees
£000

2021

284

85

82

98

2022

284

85

85

98

Taxable benefits6
£000

2022

20

–

–

37

2021

17

–

–

–

Total Remuneration  

2022

304

85

85

135

£000

2021

301

85

82

98

1. The 2021 salary figure for Michelle McGrath includes approximately six weeks’ maternity pay calculated on a weekly basis, as required by HMRC.
2. Comprises medical insurance and car allowance and/or benefit in kind value of company car, where applicable.
3. Comprises pension contributions or payments in lieu of pension contributions.
4. 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 and 2022, 40 per cent of the bonus was deferred in Capco shares.

5. The 2022 disclosure for Executive Directors comprises the estimated value on maturity of the 2020 PSP awards which had a performance period that ran from 2020 
to 2022. These awards are included in the 2022 single figure as the performance conditions relating to these awards had been substantially (but not fully) completed 
during 2022. The figure was calculated assuming that the merger will complete and twenty five per cent of the PSP awards would vest, and the value was calculated 
using the average share price over the period 1 October to 31 December 2022 of 104.83p. Dividend equivalents have been included, calculated using the same 
price, on a reinvestment basis. The multiyear variable comparators in respect of 2021 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.

6. 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

118

Capco Annual Report 2022

www.capitalandcounties.com

119

Governance 
 
 
Remuneration continued

The figures below illustrate the contribution that each element of the Executive Directors’ remuneration made to the single figure disclosures.

Outcomes of 2022 financial objectives (Audited)

Figure 1

Composition of 2022 single figures (%)

Composition of 2021 single figures (%)

Ian Hawksworth

Ian Hawksworth

Salary

31.3

Benefits in kind

1.5

Pension

5.7

Bonus

47.4

PSP

14.1

Salary

42.4

Benefits in kind

1.9

Pension

8.9

Bonus

46.8

Situl Jobanputra

Situl Jobanputra

Salary

31.3

Benefits in kind

1.4

Pension

5.7

Bonus

47.5

PSP

14.1

Salary

42.2

Benefits in kind

2.4

Pension

8.8

Bonus

46.6

Michelle McGrath

Michelle McGrath

Salary

32.0

Benefits in kind

1.6

Pension

5.4

Bonus

49.0

PSP

12.0

Salary

44.3

Benefits in kind

0.4

Pension

6.6

Bonus

48.7

2.4  Annual bonus outcomes for 2022

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 2022 were based 75 per cent on financial performance, and 25 per cent on individual 
performance.

Financial measures: The original financial performance targets for the year ended 31 December 2022, which are set out in the table on page 122, 
were based on NTA per share, Total Property Return relative to the MSCI Total Return All Property Index, and underlying EPS. During the year, the 
Committee determined that the NTA target was no longer appropriate as it had included the market value of the Company’s shareholding in Shaftesbury 
PLC on an undisturbed basis, whereas from the date that the merger terms were set, the Shaftesbury shares would be expected to trade in line with the 
performance of both Shaftesbury, Capco and the merger terms. This created an outcome for which the NTA targets had not been set. Accordingly, 
the Committee decided to reallocate the 25 per cent weighting from this measure to the EPS measure for 2022 only, because EPS could be most 
influenced in a positive or negative way by management between the announcement of the merger and the year end.

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 121.

Ian Hawksworth

Situl Jobanputra

Michelle McGrath

Outcomes of 2022 annual bonus non-financial objectives (Audited)

Measure

Relative TPR
(25/25)

25/25

25/25

25/25

Underlying EPS 
(50/50)

50/50

50/50

50/50

Ian Hawksworth

Situl Jobanputra

Michelle McGrath

Corporate

Area of focus

Corporate

Financial

Commercial/
Transactions

People/ESC/
Organisational

7.5/7.5

5.0/5.0

5.0/5.0

10.0/10.0

7.5/7.5

5.0/5.0

2.5/2.5

3.75/3.75 11.25/11.25

5.0/5.0

5.0/5.0

7.5/7.5

Total

75/75

75/75

75/75

Total

25/25

25/25

25/25

 – Ran extensive investor relations programme throughout the year to promote Capco as a leading central London REIT including results 

presentations, webcasts, roadshows, one to one meetings, industry conferences and investor tours

 – Received shareholder support for the proposed merger with Shaftesbury
 – Managed the CMA notification process and the steps required to implement the approved transaction, and undertook integration preparation 

within the constraints of competition law
 – Management of investment in Shaftesbury

Financial

 – Managed debt covenant and liquidity position effectively through the year ensuring compliance, and maintaining significant liquidity and 

available finance facilities

 – Obtained lender consent to exercise the first extension of the Covent Garden revolving credit facility, enhancing liquidity and preserving 

comparatively low interest rate

 – Undertook appropriate capital management,including repayment of £200 million of debt during the year, to reduce net finance costs and 

manage financing risk

Outcome of 2022 annual bonus performance measures (Audited)

 – Proactively secured a £576 million standby facility agreement in advance of the proposed merger with Shaftesbury to ensure Group liquidity 

Outcome of financial measures: The Company’s performance for the year ended 31 December 2022 exceeded the maximum performance target for 
TPR and EPS performance. Accordingly, awards were made to the Executive Directors in respect of these financial performance measures.

Outcome of non-financial measures: The Committee considered the performance of each Executive Director against the personal targets set for 2022. 
The Committee concluded that all three Executive Directors had performed exceptionally well, leading the business throughout the year and successfully 
implementing operational, financial and strategic objectives. The Executive Directors ensured that the day-to-day running of the business was unaffected 
by the preparations for the proposed merger, and their proactive approach to management of the Covent Garden estate generated excellent leasing 
demand resulting in 6 per cent ERV growth and low vacancy rates. A strong capital structure has been maintained, including the arrangement of a 
£576 million standby facility which can be drawn down on completion of the merger. The Executive Directors promoted Capco’s culture and values 
across the business and maintained focus on the well-being of the Company’s employees throughout the merger process. There has been good progress 
against the Company’s ESC agenda, with the Company making positive steps towards meeting its target of becoming Net Zero Carbon by 2030. 
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)

2022

Deferred 
Shares

Cash

Total

Cash

2021

Deferred 
Shares

following completion of the proposed merger

 – Delivered improved rent collection rates of 99 per cent for the year
 – Achieved 23 per cent growth in Net Rental Income to £57.3 million
 – Successful detailed business risk review process with HMRC to maintain “low risk” rating

Commercial/Transactions

 – Generated excellent leasing demand resulting in six per cent ERV growth across the portfolio to £81.0 million on a like-for-like basis
 – Completed 71 new leases and renewals reflecting £10 million of contracted income
 – Delivered successful openings across the estate, ensuring continued appeal to visitors
 – Completion of capital initiatives, including an office refurbishment which set a new rental tone of £100 psf on the office portfolio
 – Completion of the sale of 5 units at Lillie Square totalling £6.6 million gross proceeds
 – High occupancy levels maintained across the estate with EPRA vacancy of 2.5 per cent at 31 December 2022

People/ESC/Organisational

 – Ensured continued health and safety of employees, tenants and visitors, including maintaining a 0.00 accident frequency rate on projects
 – Delivered progress against Net Zero Carbon Pathway, completed climate scenario risk analysis, obtained SBTi validation of net zero carbon 

Executive Director

Ian Hawksworth

Situl Jobanputra

Michelle McGrath

£604,350

£402,900

£1,007,250

£424,800

£283,200

£708,000

£401,400

£267,600

£669,000

£282,094

£188,062

£470,156

£337,500

£225,000

£562,500

£228,994

£152,662

£381,656

 – Promoted Capco’s culture and values across the business
 – Maintained motivated team throughout a busy year in which employees were subject to considerable uncertainty
 – Launched employee well-being survey with high engagement and positive results
 – Promoted wide range of initiatives across the business to promote diversity, inclusion and well-being
 – Implemented successful strategic marketing programme including cultural events, pop-ups and digital engagement, driving estate footfall and 

generating income

Total

targets and enhanced internal monitoring and reporting of ESC commitments

120

Capco Annual Report 2022

www.capitalandcounties.com

121

GovernanceRemuneration continued

Disclosure of 2022 annual bonus financial performance targets (Audited)

2.7  Payments for loss of office and payments to previous Directors (Audited)

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 2022 are no longer commercially 
sensitive; accordingly, the targets and the Company’s performance against them are set out below. In future, the Committee expects to continue to 
disclose annual bonus targets following completion of the performance period.

2022 Financial targets

No payments for loss of office or payments to previous Directors in respect of relevant services were made during 2022.

2.8 

Total pension entitlement (Audited)

No Director participates in or has a deferred benefit under a defined benefit pension scheme.

2.9  Chart of single figure of Chief Executive’s remuneration vs TSR

Performance measure

Weighting

Target range

Actual performance

% of bonus  
opportunity awarded

The graph below shows the total shareholder return at 31 December 2022 of £100 invested in Capital & Counties Properties PLC on 1 January 2013, 
compared with the FTSE 350 Real Estate Index. The Committee considers this benchmark to be the most relevant benchmark for the Company’s performance.

Threshold 
(10% payout)

Maximum 
(100% payout)

Relative Total Property 
Return

Underlying  
Earnings per Share

33.33%

66.67%

0%

0.60p

Out-performance of
1.5%

12.9% 
out-performance

0.75p

2.2p

100%

100%

2.5 

Long-term incentive outcomes for 2022 (Audited)

In 2020, awards of 350 per cent of salary (Chief Executive and Chief Financial Officer) and 300 per cent of salary (Executive Director) 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 2020-2022. As explained on page 105, in advance of publication of the merger documents, the Committee 
considered the extent to which these awards should be permitted to vest. The Committee assessed the relative Total Shareholder Return and Total Return 
performance conditions attaching to the awards (as well as the 2021 and 2022 awards) having regard to the relative TSR ranking shortly before the 
time it made its decision and analysts’ projections at that time for the TR for the peer companies for the end of each of the three-year performance 
periods. Reflecting this assessment, the Committee determined that on completion of the merger, the 2020 PSP award should vest at 25 per cent 
(median threshold) and determined the performance conditions applying to the outstanding PSP awards, in the event that the proposed merger 
completed. Accordingly, 25 per cent of the 2020 PSP awards are expected to vest.

2020 Award1
(Number of shares)

Performance2
(estimate)

Ian Hawksworth

Situl Jobanputra

Michelle McGrath

1,112,490

738,763

514,030

25% of 
maximum

Value of 
shares vesting
(£)

Dividend 
equivalents3
(£)

291,560

193,614

134,716

7,032

4,670

3,249

Single figure
(£)

298,592

198,284

137,965

Impact of share price 
growth/(reduction)
(£)

(268,440)

(178,261)

(124,033)

1. The awards were based on a share price of 201.35p.
2. The vesting level is based on the expectation that the merger will complete and the value is calculated using the average share price over the period 1 October to 

31 December 2022 of 104.83p.

3. Dividend equivalents have been included, calculated using the price above, on a reinvestment basis.

2.6 

Scheme interests awarded during the financial year (audited)

The 2022 PSP awards are set out in the table below. The awards are subject to the performance measures set out on page 118.

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.

Figure 2:

Total shareholder return

250

200

150

100

50

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

31 Dec 
2022

Capco

FTSE 350 Real Estate Index

Financial year

Single figure £000

Annual bonus % of max

MSP vesting % of max

PSP vesting % of max

2013

3,530

94.67

100

100

2014

3,396

96.73

2015

3,275

91.25

93.1 40 or 801

93.1

60

2016

918

21.25

0

0

2017

1,307

61.60

0

0

2018

991

23.75

0

0

2019

1,566

83.33

N/A

0

2020

813

0

N/A

0

2021

1,510

73.75

N/A 

0

2022

2,121

100.00

N/A

25

PSP (Audited)1

1. Depending on the award. Please refer to 2015 Annual Report for more information.

Market  
price on 
date of 
grant2

Exercise 
price if 
any

Face
value of 
award

Basis of award

Number 
awarded

Performance 
period3

Post-vesting
holding 
period

Threshold
vesting %4

Exercisable 
between

Ian Hawksworth 

300 per cent of salary

164.86p

Nil £2,014,499 1,221,945 2022–2024 2025–2026

12.5% 2025–2032

Situl Jobanputra

300 per cent of salary

164.86p

Nil £1,337,999

811,597 2022–2024 2025–2026

12.5% 2025–2032

Michelle McGrath 300 per cent of salary

164.86p

Nil £1,125,000

682,397 2022–2024 2025–2026

12.5% 2025–2032

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 2022 to 31 December 2024.
4. Assumes threshold vesting under one performance condition for annual PSP awards.

122

Capco Annual Report 2022

www.capitalandcounties.com

123

Governance 
 
 
 
 
 
Remuneration continued

2.10  Percentage change in remuneration of Directors and employees

2.12  Distribution statement

The table below shows the year-on-year percentage change in the remuneration for the years ended 31 December 2022, 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 McGrath3

Non-executive Directors

Henry Staunton

Charlotte Boyle

Jonathan Lane

Anthony Steains

Salary/Fees

Benefits

Annual bonus

2022

2021

2020

20221

2021

2020

2022

20212

2020

3.75

3.76

6.05

0.79

1.67

20.49

-

-

1.07

1.19

2.92

7.18

N/A

2.55

1.20

3.66

13.89

30.91

10.71

-16.67

7.69

-4.00

533.33

50.00

17.65

13.33

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

-

4.17

N/A

25.0

N/A

N/A

-

11.36

35.28

N/A -100.00

-80.49

42.23

42.34

47.38

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

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

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 2021 and 31 December 2022, 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)

2022

2.8

2021

1.9

2022

2021

15.3

2022

-13.6

2022

17.6

4.3

2021

0.7

2021

12.8

Year-on-year change
+0.9%

+£11.0m

-14.3%

+4.8m

Average employee4,5

10.30

4.63

4.94

2.95

30.51

12.34

20.99

54.18

-69.47

2.13  Statement of Directors’ shareholdings and share interests (Audited)

1. Changes in benefits reflect increased costs of health insurance, benefit in kind of car contract for Situl Jobanputra and payment of car allowance to Michelle McGrath. 
It has not been possible to calculate the 2022 percentage increase in Anthony Steains’ benefits as these reflect resumption of travel following the pandemic and there 
were no amounts paid in 2021. Due to the relatively small values of these amounts, small absolute increases can result in large percentage changes.

2. The Executive Directors were not awarded bonuses in 2020 and so it is not possible to provide a percentage increase for 2021.
3. Michelle McGrath was appointed as an Executive Director in 2020.
4. 2021 increases reflect increased costs of health insurance and larger bonus awards made to employees in 2021.
5. 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 for each comparison, being those employed at 1 January and 31 December of 
each period, and has been calculated on a full-time equivalent basis. The Directors are excluded from the employee figures.

2.11  Chief Executive pay ratio

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

2022

2021

2020

The remuneration used to calculate the 2022 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

Modified option A

31.0:1

23.9:1

14.4:1

17.3:1

14.2:1

7.9:1

10.9:1

9.5:1

6.0:1

Chief Executive
£000

25th percentile
£000

Median
£000 

75th percentile
£000

664

2,121

48

68

86

123

120

194

Due to the relative weighting of variable remuneration for the Executive Directors, the pay ratios will be significantly smaller in years when PSP awards 
do not vest, such as 2021. 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.

(a) Directors’ shareholdings

The beneficial interests in the shares of the Company for each Director who served during the year as at 31 December 2022 (which are unchanged 
as at 28 February 2023, being a date not more 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 annual bonus awards made from 1 January 2022 (in respect of 2021) 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 106.5 pence, being the price of a Capital & Counties 
Properties PLC share on 30 December 2022 (being the last day for trading during the year), are illustrated in the table below. The shares which are 
included in these holdings are those held beneficially 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 (subject to corporate performance conditions) have vested since they joined the Company.

Directors’ shareholdings  
(including connected persons) – 2022 and 2021 (Audited)

Figure 4:

Chairman

Henry Staunton

Executive

Ian Hawksworth1

Situl Jobanputra1

Michelle McGrath1

Non-executive

Charlotte Boyle

Jonathan Lane

Anthony Steains

1. Excludes deferred bonus awards. 

2022 
Number

2021 
Number

Value of Executive Director shareholdings and 
 share interests as at 31 December 2022 (Audited)

350,000

350,000

Ian Hawksworth

Situl Jobanputra

Michelle McGrath

50
0
% of salary 

100

150

200

250

300

350

Shareholding and unexercised vested shares (net of tax)

Shareholding guideline

Shares subject to a holding period (net of tax)

Deferred 2022 annual bonus (net of tax)

1,002,628

909,492

100,000

100,000

40,000

40,000

15,052

15,052

450,000

250,000

–

–

124

Capco Annual Report 2022

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125

Governance  
 
 
 
 
Remuneration continued

(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.

The market price of Capital & Counties Properties PLC shares on 30 December 2022 (being the last day for trading during the year) was 106.5 pence 
and during the year the price varied between 179.3 pence and 95.6 pence. The aggregate gain on exercise of share options by Directors during 
the year ended 31 December 2022 was £181,342.28.

(i) Summary of Executive Directors’ interests in shares and share schemes

2.14  Remuneration Committee adviser

Executive Director

Ian Hawksworth

Situl Jobanputra

Michelle McGrath

Total

Outstanding awards made under PSP

a) Annual PSP awards1 (Audited)

Name

Ian Hawksworth

Situl Jobanputra

Year 
granted

Option price 
(pence) if any

2019

20202

20212

20222

2019

20202

20212

20222

Nil

Nil

Nil

Nil

Nil

Nil

Nil

Nil

Michelle McGrath

2019

241.76

2019

2020

20212

20222

Nil

Nil

Nil

Nil

Held at 
1 January  

2022

897,584

1,112,490

1,143,129

–

–

–

–

1,221,945

571,848

738,763

759,109

–

–

–

–

811,597

12,409

202,680

514,030

616,218

–

–

–

–

–

682,397

Nil-cost  
option awards  
in respect of  

Shares held

deferred bonus

Awards no 
longer subject  
to performance 
conditions

Nil-cost option 
awards, subject 
to performance 
conditions

Total

1,002,628

100,000

40,000

1,142,628

364,232

325,510

92,601

782,343

–

–

–

–

3,477,564

4,844,424

2,309,469

2,734,979

1,812,645

1,945,246

7,599,678

9,524,649

Granted  
during 
the year

Exercised  
during 
the year

Lapsed  
during  

the year

Held at 
31 December 
2022

Exercisable 
during or 
between

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

897,584

–

–

–

–

–

1,112,490

2023–2030

1,143,129

2024–2031

1,221,945

2025–2032

571,848

–

–

–

–

–

738,763

2023–2030

759,109

2024–2031

811,597

2025–2032

12,409

202,680

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

514,030

2023–2030

616,218

2024–2031

682,397

2025–2032

Total

6,568,260

2,715,939 

– 

1,684,521

7,599,678

1. Subject to performance conditions that apply to awards made under the PSP as set out on page 118.
2. Subject to a two-year post-vesting holding period.

b) Deferred bonus awards

Held at 
1 January  

2022

29,528

102,153

44,722

192,450

Granted  
during 
the year

–

–

–

–

–

171,782

58,289

28,986

124,161

–

–

580,289

–

–

–

114,074

92,601

378,457

Exercised  
during 
the year2

29,528

102,153

44,722

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

176,403

Lapsed  
during  

the year

Held at 
31 December 
2022

Exercisable 
during or 
between

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

192,450

2023–2030

171,782

2025–2032

58,289

2021–2028

28,986

2022–2029

124,161

2023–2030

114,074

2025–2032

92,601

2025–2032

782,343

Name

Ian Hawksworth

Situl Jobanputra

Michelle McGrath

Total

Year 
granted

Option price 
(pence) if any

2017

2018

2019

2020

2022

20181

20191

2020

2022

2022

Nil

Nil

Nil

Nil

Nil

Nil

Nil

Nil

Nil

Nil

1. Vested but unexercised.
2. The share price on exercise was 102.8p per share.

126

Capco Annual Report 2022

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 2022, the Company was charged a total of £94,660 by Korn Ferry in respect of advice to the 
Committee. Fees were charged on a time basis.

2.15  Statement of shareholder voting

The table below shows the results of the advisory vote on the 2021 Directors’ Remuneration Report at the 2022 AGM and the binding vote on the 
current Remuneration Policy at the 2020 AGM.

Voting on Remuneration Policy and Remuneration Report at 2020 and 2022 AGMs

Year

2022

2020

Approval of Remuneration Report

575,655,231

91.65

52,422,326

8.35

628,077,557

188,206

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)

An explanation of the reasons for the 2020 AGM voting results and the actions taken by the Committee was included in the 2020 Remuneration report.

This Remuneration report has been approved for issue by the Board of Directors on 28 February 2023.

Jonathan Lane OBE

Chairman of the Remuneration Committee

www.capitalandcounties.com

127

Governance 
 
 
Directors’ report

Directors’ report

The Directors present their Annual Report and the audited consolidated 
financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2022.

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:

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)

Page

3

12

18

20

43

22

26

28

52

63

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

Biographies of each current Director can be found on pages 88 and 
89, and details of each Director’s interests in the Company’s shares are 
set out on page 125.

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. The Prospectus 
dated 7 July 2022 set out the proposed Directors of the Company 
should the proposed merger with Shaftesbury complete. In compliance 
with the 2018 UK Corporate Governance Code, all the Directors will 
retire from office and will offer themselves for election or re-election at 
the 2023 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 employment 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 
meeting 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 shareholders 
in accordance with the Companies Act 2006.

The Directors of the Company who held office during the year and up 
to the date of signing the financial statements were as follows:

Dividends

The Directors have proposed the following dividends:

Chairman:

Executive Directors:

Non-executive Directors:

Henry Staunton

Ian Hawksworth
Situl Jobanputra
Michelle McGrath

Charlotte Boyle
Jonathan Lane
Anthony Steains

First Interim dividend paid  
on 19-20 September 20221

Second Interim dividend to be 
paid on 20 March 2023

0.8p per ordinary share

1.7p per ordinary share

Total dividend for 2022

2.5p per ordinary share

1. As a result of the UK bank holiday for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s State 
Funeral, the payment date for the first interim dividend was 19 September 
2022 for shareholders who held their shares on the South Africa register, 
and 20 September 2022 for shareholders who held their shares on the UK 
register.

The  first  interim  dividend  was  paid  wholly  as  a  Property  Income 
Distribution (“PID”). The second interim dividend (of which 0.7 pence will 
be paid as a PID and 1.0 pence will be paid as an ordinary dividend) 
will be paid on 20 March 2023 to shareholders whose names are on 
the register at 3 March 2023.

Substantial shareholdings, disclosed as at 28 February 2023

Holder

Norges Bank

BlackRock, Inc.

Public Investment Corporation SOC Limited

Legal & General Investment Management Limited

Madison International Realty

Foord Asset Management (Pty) Ltd

Shares held 
at time of last 
notification

Percentage held 
at time of last 
notification

Nature  

of holding

Date of last DTR 5 
notification

127,656,465

14.999%

Direct interest

1 July 2020

62,556,255

42,370,771

41,006,796

36,658,505

33,956,458

7.32%

Indirect interest 27 November 2019

4.994%

Direct interest

28 May 2020

4.81%

Indirect interest 15 November 2022

4.30%

Direct interest 13 November 2020

3.99%

Indirect interest

6 June 2022

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 26 to the financial 
statements on page 187. Each share carries the right to one vote at 
general meetings of the Company. In 2020, the Company announced 
the repurchase for cancellation of 6.06 million of its ordinary shares of 
25 pence each as part of a share buyback programme. As announced 
on  7  November  2022,  as  a  result  of  an  administrative  issue,  the 
purchase by the Company of 1,468,393 of its ordinary shares of 25 
pence each on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange during the period from 
February 2020 to March 2020 as part of the buyback programme was 
void. To rectify this, the Company corrected its register of members by 
restoring  1,468,393  ordinary  shares  of  25  pence  each  to  the  UK 
register, with such shares admitted to trading on the main market of the 
London Stock Exchange and listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange 
on 8 November 2022. Shortly thereafter, the Company conducted an 
on-market share buyback of 1,468,393 ordinary shares of 25 pence 
pursuant  to  the  Company’s  general  authority  to  repurchase  shares, 
which completed on 14 November 2022. The purpose of the buyback 
programme was to restore the share capital of the Company to the same 
number of shares as were in issue prior to the correction of the register 
of  members.  No  further  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 24 on pages 179 to 185.

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 £75 million, £175 million and £225 million 
loan notes and the £576 million standby facility 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 28 February 
2023, being a date not more than one month before the date of the 
Notice of Annual General Meeting, are shown in the table above.

Corporate governance statement

The information fulfilling the requirements of the corporate governance 
statement can be found on pages 85 to 127, which should be deemed to 
be incorporated within this Directors’ Report. Application of the Principles 
of the UK Corporate Governance Code 2018 (the ”Code”) can be found 
on page 85. Full details of the Code can be found on the Financial 
Reporting Council’s website at www.frc.org.uk.

Employees

Information on Group employees, and engagement with employees 
during the year, can be found on pages 16, 19, 23, 26 to 27, 39, 
79 to 81, 83, 85, 92, 98, 105 to 107, and in note 6 on page 163.

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, including 
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 22 to 25 of this report. Further information related to 
engagement with various stakeholders during the year can be found on 
pages 17, 18, 26 to 27, 38, 63 to 83, 87, 92 to 93.

The environment

Details  of  the  Group’s  Environment,  Sustainability  and  Community 
(“ESC”)  strategy  and  its  aims  and  activities  are  set  out  on 
pages  63  to  83,  and  is  available  on  the  Company’s  website  
www.capitalandcounties.com.

Additional disclosures

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

Page

165

187

189

128

Capco Annual Report 2022

www.capitalandcounties.com

129

Governance 
Directors’ report continued

Directors’ responsibilities 

Directors’ responsibilities 

Going concern

As set out on page 51, 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

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.

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 
reappointment  will  be  proposed  at  the  forthcoming  Annual  General 
Meeting. The external audit contract was last put out to competitive tender 
in 2019. Under current regulations, the Company is required to retender 
the external audit contract by no later than the 2023 financial year.

Events after the reporting period

Details of events after the reporting period can be found in note 33 of 
the financial statements on page 193.

Annual General Meeting

Information on the Company’s 2023 AGM will be made available 
to shareholders on the Company’s website. The Notice of Meeting 
will contain the specific details, and, together with an explanation of 
the business to be dealt with at the meeting, will be 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 2023 AGM.

By Order of the Board.

Ruth Pavey

Company Secretary

28 February 2023

Statement of directors’ responsibilities  

The Directors are responsible for preparing the Annual Report, which includes the financial statements, in accordance with applicable law and 
regulation. 

Company law requires the Directors to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under that law the Directors have prepared the Group 
and the Company financial statements in accordance with UK-adopted international accounting standards (“UK-adopted IFRS” or “IFRS”). 

Under company law, 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 Company and of the profit or loss of the Group for that period. In preparing the financial statements, the Directors are 
required to: 

– 
– 

select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently; 
state whether applicable UK-adopted international accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and 
explained in the financial statements; 

–  make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent; 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 safeguarding the assets of the Group and Company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention 
and detection of fraud and other irregularities. 

The Directors are also responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the Group’s and Company’s 
transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Group and Company and enable them to ensure that 
the financial statements and the Directors’ Remuneration Report comply with the Companies Act 2006. 

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.  

Directors’ confirmations 

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

Each of the Directors, whose names and functions are listed in the Governance section of the Annual Report confirm that, to the best of 
their knowledge: 

– 

– 

– 
– 

the Group and 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 and financial position of the Group and Company, and of the financial result of the Group;  
the Strategic Report includes a fair review of the development and performance of the business and the position of the Group and Company, 
together with a description of the principal risks and uncertainties that it faces; 
so far as the Directors are aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the Group and Company’s auditors are unaware; and 
they have taken all the steps that they ought to have taken as a Director in order to make themselves aware of any relevant audit information 
and to establish that the Group and Company’s auditors are aware of that information. 

The financial statements on pages 141 to 200 were approved by the Board of Directors on 28 February 2023 and signed on its behalf by: 

Ian Hawksworth 
Chief Executive 

Situl Jobanputra 
Chief Financial Officer 

28 February 2023 

130

Capco Annual Report 2022

www.capitalandcounties.com

www.capitalandcounties.com 

131 
131

Governance 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Independent auditors’ report  

Independent auditors’ report to the members of 
Capital & Counties Properties PLC  

Report on the audit of the financial statements 

Opinion 

In our opinion, Capital & Counties Properties PLC’s Group financial statements and Company financial statements (the “financial statements”): 

–  give a true and fair view of the state of the Group’s and of the Company’s affairs as at 31 December 2022 and of the Group’s loss 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 as applied in accordance with the provisions 
of the Companies Act 2006; 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, which comprise: the Consolidated and Company balance sheets as 
at 31 December 2022; the Consolidated statement of comprehensive income; the Consolidated and Company statements of changes in equity; 
and the Consolidated and Company statements 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  6  (c)  of  the  financial  statements,  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) 
–  Application of the IFRS Interpretations Committee Agenda Decision in relation to lessor forgiveness of lease 

payments (Group) 

–  Valuation of investment in Group companies and amounts owed by subsidiaries (Company) 

Materiality 

–  Overall Group materiality: £23.5 million (2021: £27.9 million) based on 1 per cent of total assets 
–  Overall Company materiality: £23.1 million (2021: £23.1 million) based on 1 per cent of total assets 
– 

Performance materiality: £17.6 million (2021: £20.9 million) (Group) and £17.3 million (2021: £17.3 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. 

Application of the IFRS Interpretations Committee Agenda Decision in relation to lessor forgiveness of lease payments (Group) is a new key audit 
matter this year. Recoverability of rental receivables, deferrals and lease incentives (Group), which was a key audit matter last year, is no longer 
included because of improved cash collection rates reducing the estimation uncertainty associated with determining expected credit loss. 
Otherwise, the key audit matters below are consistent with last year. 

Key audit matter  

How our audit addressed the key audit matter  

Valuation of investment and development property (Group) 

Assessing the valuers’ expertise and objectivity 

Refer to the Audit Committee report and notes 1, 7, 14 and 24 of the 
financial statements. 

The valuation of the Group’s investment and development property 
is the key component of the net asset value. 

The directors’ engage real estate valuation experts to support 
them with determining the fair value of the Group’s properties. 
These valuers were engaged by the Directors, in accordance with 
the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors Valuation – Professional 
Standards (“RICS”). 

The result of the revaluation this year was a loss of £0.8 million 
(2021: £1.8 million gain) as set out in notes 7 and 14, which is 
accounted for within ‘Loss on revaluation and sale of investment 
and development property’. The Group’s property portfolios, which 
comprise investment property (including retail, food and beverage, 
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 (for the Covent Garden properties), and JLL (for the 
Lillie Square joint venture development) in determining fair value: 

– 

Investment property (Covent Garden) – represents £1,713.0 
million (near 100 per cent) of the Group’s property value 
measured on an United Kingdom-adopted international accounting 
standards (‘IFRS’) basis and is therefore highly material. There are 
a number of different assumptions made by the valuer in 
determining the fair value of the Group’s properties in the Covent 
Garden estate. 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 included in the Group’s balance sheet as 
part of its investment in joint ventures. The Group’s share of the 
carrying value and unrecognised surplus of Lillie Square property 
(£77.0 million) is disclosed in note 14 as an alternative 
performance measure, and the carrying value of the Lillie Square 
joint venture is held at £Nil (2021: £Nil) in the Group’s balance 
sheet as a result of cumulative losses in the joint venture. Whilst the 
development is therefore not material to the Group’s IFRS balance 
sheet, we focused on the valuation given its relevance to the 
recoverability of amounts due from the joint venture in the Group’s 
accounts as set out in note 24. The Lillie Square development 
properties are valued using a combination of valuation techniques. 
A market comparison approach is used for the completed 
developments and a residual approach is used for the remaining 
developments. This latter 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. Macroeconomic factors 
and uncertain market conditions impact the valuation of investment 
and development property. 

The valuers are reputable and established real estate valuation firms. 
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 our own auditors’ real estate valuation experts who 
are qualified chartered surveyors with relevant 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 in accordance with 
IFRS 13, and therefore suitable for use in determining the fair 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 
completed and 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 selected a sample of properties, and compared the movement in 
capital values over the period with our own assessment of 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. 

We discussed the selected properties with the valuers including 
obtaining an understanding of the rationale for the valuation, 
why it may differ from our own assessment of the most relevant 
market benchmark, and then obtained supporting audit evidence. 
We then evaluated whether, based on these procedures together 
with our experience in this sector, the estimate or assumption applied 
was appropriate. 

As part of this work, we considered the reasonableness of assumptions 
that are not so readily comparable with published benchmarks, in 
particularly 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 
macroeconomic uncertainties and trends. 

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Independent auditors’ report continued 

Key audit matter 

How our audit addressed the key audit matter 

Key audit matter 

How our audit addressed the key audit matter 

Valuation of investment in Group companies and amounts 
owed by subsidiaries (Company) 

Refer to note II (Investment in Group companies) and note III 
(Trade and other receivables) of the financial statements. 

The Company holds investments in Group companies of £516.4 
million (2021: £516.4 million), and amounts owed by subsidiaries 
of £1,795.8 million (2021: £1,793.2 million). In aggregate these 
amounts are higher than the current carrying value of the Group’s 
net assets of £1,561.6 million. 

The impairment assessment of the Company’s investments in 
subsidiaries and determination of any expected credit loss allowance 
in respect of amounts owed by subsidiaries was identified as a 
key audit matter given these assessments are impacted by the key 
judgements made in relation to the underlying valuation of investment 
and development property held by the subsidiaries as well as by the 
market value of the Group’s listed investment in Shaftesbury. 

Management’s assessment concluded that no impairment 
was required. 

We assessed the accounting policies for investments and amounts 
owed by subsidiaries to ensure these were compliant with UK-adopted 
international accounting standards. We verified that the methodology 
used by management in arriving at the carrying value of each 
subsidiary, and the expected credit loss for amounts owed 
by subsidiaries, was compliant with UK-adopted international 
accounting standards. 

We obtained management’s impairment assessments and 
validated that input data used was consistent with the Group 
financial statements and underlying subsidiary carrying values. 
For management’s expected credit allowance calculation we 
verified that forecasts were consistent with our work in other areas 
of the financial statements. 

We identified that key inputs comprising part of management’s 
assessments for any requirement for impairment of investments in 
subsidiaries and amounts owed by subsidiaries included the outlooks 
for valuations of investment property held by the Group’s subsidiaries 
and the Group’s investment in Shaftesbury. We also took into account 
the extent to which both the Group’s property portfolio and its listed 
investments have been the subject of volatility given current 
macroeconomic conditions. 

Based on our audit procedures and evidence obtained we concluded 
that no material impairments were required in relation to the investment 
in Group companies or amounts owed by subsidiaries. 

We have not identified any issues from our audit procedures 
performed and the evidence we obtained. 

Valuation of investment and development property (Group) 
continued 

Assumptions and estimates used by the valuers  
continued  

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 is particularly subjective 
given the current macroeconomic conditions. There is also growing 
scrutiny on the valuation of assets given the potential impacts of 
climate change. 

Accordingly we identified this area as a key audit matter. 

Application of the IFRS Interpretations Committee Agenda 
Decision in relation to lessor forgiveness of lease payments 
(Group) 

Refer to the Audit Committee report and note 1 of the financial 
statements. 

During the year, the IFRS Interpretations Committee (‘IFRIC’) issued their 
decision on the treatment of lessor forgiveness of lease payments. 
The application of this decision represents a change to the previous 
accounting policy applied in the financial statements, and 
accordingly, required a restatement of comparative information. 

The IFRIC decision concluded that: 

–  Before a rent concession is granted, the lessor should measure 
the expected credit loss using the requirements of IFRS 9; and 
For rental concessions in respect of future lease payments, the 
lessor should account for this as a lease modification under IFRS 
16 from the date the rent concession is granted. 

– 

The impact of this change in accounting policy is material to the 
comparative information. Our audit therefore focused on this area, 
specifically that the restatements made were accurate and that 
adequate disclosures were made in accordance with IAS 8 
Accounting Policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates and Errors. 

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 extent 
to which macroeconomic factors impacted or not on the asset. 
Our testing evidenced that the estimates and assumptions used were 
appropriate in the context of the Group’s property portfolio and 
location, and reflected the circumstances of the market at the time 
of the valuation. 

We also challenged the valuers and management on the extent to 
which the potential impact of climate change had been appropriately 
factored into the valuation of investment and development properties. 
This included corroborating management’s views that the cost of 
climate change predominantly manifests in the planned capital 
expenditure assumptions. We also corroborated that the valuers had 
had access to other studies management had commissioned on the 
physical risks of climate change and obtained their views on the extent 
to which these impacted current valuations. Our auditors’ experts 
supported our understanding and own independent views and we 
concluded climate change impacts had been properly factored into 
the valuation assumptions. 

We have not identified any issues from our audit procedures 
performed and the evidence we obtained. 

We obtained an understanding of the Group’s processes and 
controls for assessing the quantum of adjustments required to the 
comparative information. 

We evaluated management’s methodology for applying the revised 
accounting policy and ensured that it conforms with the requirements 
of the IFRIC agenda decision, and tested the mathematical accuracy 
of the calculations of the adjustments required. 

We also selected a sample of the underlying data used in the 
calculations of the adjustments required for both the 2020 and 2021 
financial years, verifying that the data was accurate and complete. 

We reviewed the disclosures that management has included in note 1 
to explain the change in accounting policy, and ensured that the 
restated comparative information is accurately adjusted and 
completely identified. 

We have not identified any issues from our audit procedures 
performed and the evidence we obtained. 

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How we tailored the audit scope 

Conclusions relating to going concern  

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. 

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: 

The Group is structured along the following business lines: Covent Garden, Lillie Square and Other. The Group engagement team audited all 
business lines centrally. 

The impact of climate risk on our audit 

As part of our audit we made enquiries of management to understand the process management adopted to assess the extent of the potential impact 
of climate risk on the Group’s financial statements and to support the disclosures made within note 14 of the financial statements. 

In addition to enquiries with management, we also read disclosures of the governance processes in place to assess climate risk and additional 
reporting made by the Group on climate within the Responsibility section of the Strategic Report. 

The Group joined the UN Race to Zero and has made commitments to a Net Zero Carbon Pathway by 2030. A detailed description of the three 
year cycle of commitments and targets to achieve this is set out in the Responsibility section of the Strategic Report. 

The key area of the financial statements where management evaluated that climate risk has a potential significant impact is in relation to the 
valuation of investment and development properties. We also considered this an area which may be potentially materially impacted by climate risk 
and consequently we focused our audit work in this area. Further details of our audit work performed is set out in the key audit matters section of this 
report, ‘Valuation of investment and development property (Group)’. 

We also considered the consistency of the disclosures in relation to climate change in the financial statements with the disclosures in the Task Force 
on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) section and more broadly within the Responsibility section of the Strategic Report. 

Our procedures did not identify any material issues in the context of our audit of the financial statements as a whole, and as set out in the key audit 
matters section of this report, ‘Valuation of investment and development property (Group)’. 

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 

£23.5 million (2021: £27.9 million). 

  £23.1 million (2021: £23.1 million). 

Financial statements – Group 

  Financial statements – Company 

–  Obtaining management’s analysis of the going concern of the Group and Company and supporting cash flow forecasts and covenant 

compliance calculations. Management analysed both the continuing Group on a standalone basis (‘standalone group’) and also the combined 
group to take account of the proposed merger with Shaftesbury (‘combined group’); 

–  Understanding and assessing the appropriateness of the key assumptions used both in the base case and in the severe but plausible downside 

scenario forecasts, including assessing whether we considered the downside sensitivities to be appropriately severe; 

–  Corroborating key assumptions in both the standalone and combined group forecasts (e.g. Investment property valuation, rental income and 
finance costs) to other evidence including external research and historical performance, and ensuring this was consistent with our audit work 
in these and other areas; 
Testing the mathematical accuracy of management’s cash flow models; 

– 
–  Obtaining and reperforming the Group’s forecast covenant compliance calculations, including assessing sensitivities and stress tests of the 

forecasts of net rental income and property values to assess the potential impact of downside sensitivities on covenant compliance; 

–  Enquiring of Shaftesbury management to understand the basis for forecasts and downsides applied, and evaluating the audit evidence obtained 

– 

– 

to support these; 
In relation to the combined group, obtaining evidence of cash cure rights available in respect of one of Shaftesbury’s loan contracts, and where 
appropriate, evidence of agreement by lenders waiving change of control clauses. For loan contracts where change of control clauses are not 
expected to be waived we have inspected evidence of a £576 million Standby facility entered into by the Group and which would allow these 
loans to be repaid; and 
Reviewing the disclosures in the financial statements relating to the going concern basis of preparation, and evaluating that these provided an 
explanation of the Directors’ assessment that was consistent with the audit 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. 

How we determined it 

1 per cent of total assets 

  1 per cent of total assets 

Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the directors with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report. 

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 current year net rental income (2021: 5 per cent average of past 4 years) and 5 per cent of current year gross 
finance costs (2021: 5 per cent). 

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 (2021: 75 per cent) of overall materiality, amounting to £17.6 million (2021: £20.9 million) for the Group financial 
statements and £17.3 million (2021: £17.3 million) 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 £1.2 million (Group audit) 
(2021: £1.4 million) and £1.2 million (Company audit) (2021: £1.1 million) as well as misstatements below those amounts that, in our view, 
warranted reporting for qualitative reasons. 

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 Directors’ report, we also considered whether the disclosures required by the UK Companies Act 2006 
have been included. 

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Independent auditors’ report continued  

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 below. 

Responsibilities for the financial statements and the audit  

Responsibilities of the directors for the financial statements 

Strategic report and Directors’ report 

In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit, the information given in the Strategic report and Directors’ report for the 
year ended 31 December 2022 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 Directors’ report. 

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, 
included within the Governance section of the Annual Report 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 and Company 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. 

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 London Stock Exchange Listing Rules, 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 the rules above and compliance with UK income tax rules, specifically the Real Estate Investment Trust (“REIT”) requirements. 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 to revenue primarily, and management bias in 
accounting estimates and judgemental areas of the financial statements particularly in relation to the estimation of the fair value of investment and 
development property. Audit procedures performed by the engagement team included: 

–  Enquiries with management and parties outside of the finance function, including the Group’s internal auditors, regarding any known or 

suspected instances of non compliance with laws and regulations and fraud; 
–  Evaluation of management’s controls designed to prevent and detect irregularities; 
–  Evaluation of audit evidence obtained to support the Group’s compliance with the REIT requirements, including considering the impact of 

accounting policy changes on the 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 (see key audit matter set out earlier in this report); 
Identifying and testing journal entries, in particular any journal entries posted to revenue with unusual account combinations; and 
Reviewing the whistleblowing log and relevant minutes of meetings, 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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Independent auditors’ report continued  

Financial statements 

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income 

for the year ended 31 December 2022 

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 
–  adequate accounting records have not been kept by the Company, or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from branches not 

– 
– 

visited by us; or 
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 13 years, covering the years 
ended 31 December 2010 to 31 December 2022. 

Other matter 

Revenue 

Costs2 

Gross profit 

Other income 

Administration expenses 

Loss on revaluation and sale of investment and development property  

Change in value of investments and other receivables 

Change in fair value of financial assets through profit or loss 

Operating (loss)/profit  

Finance income 

Finance costs  

Other finance income 

Other finance costs 

Change in fair value of derivative financial instruments 

Net finance income/(costs) 

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. 

(Loss)/profit before tax  

Taxation 

Note 

4 

4 

4 

5 

6 

7 

8 

16 

9 

10 

9 

10 

17 

2022 
£m

74.1

(16.8)

57.3

13.5

(40.6)

(0.8)

(7.9)

(239.5)

(218.0)

2.6

(27.2)

3.5

(6.5)

39.8

12.2

Restated1
2021 
£m

72.3

(32.3)

40.0

3.0

(22.8)

(4.1)

11.6

44.6

72.3

0.5

(31.7)

8.1

(5.2)

(8.5)

(36.8)

(205.8)

35.5

11 

(6.0)

(0.7)

Andrew Paynter (Senior Statutory Auditor) 
for and on behalf of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP 
Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditors 
London 

28 February 2023 

(Loss)/profit and comprehensive (expense)/income for the year  

(211.8)

34.8

(Loss)/earnings per share  

Basic and diluted (loss)/earnings per share 

Weighted average number of shares  

(24.9)p

851.3m

4.1p

851.3m

13 

1. Prior year comparatives have been restated to reflect a change in accounting policy following clarification by the IFRS Interpretations Committee (“IFRIC”) during 2022 of how 
a lessor should account for the forgiveness of lease payments and a change in accounting policy relating to the presentation of interest and fair value adjustments on interest 
rate derivatives. Details of the restatements and impact on prior year comparatives are set out in note 1 ‘Changes in accounting policies’. 

2. Included in costs is a £1.6 million reversal (2021: £7.6 million provision) of expected credit loss in relation to rent receivables. 

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Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
Financial statements continued 

Consolidated balance sheet 

as at 31 December 2022 

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 

Total equity  

Note

2022
£m

2021 
Restated1 
£m 

2021
Opening Restated1
£m

14

15

16

17

25

18

18

19

21

17

21

20

26

1,715.1

1,705.6 

1,795.2

0.6

0.2

356.9

12.1

–

115.6

2,200.5

20.8

–

129.9

150.7

0.6 

0.3 

4.4

0.3

596.4 

551.8

1.1 

6.1 

108.8 

2,418.9 

48.4 

0.5 

331.1 

380.0 

–

6.8

119.0

2,477.5

46.9

–

378.6

425.5

2,351.2

2,798.9 

2,903.0

(743.7)

(3.3)

(747.0)

(0.7)

–

(41.9)

(42.6)

(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)

(789.6)

(1,012.1) 

(1,148.4)

1,561.6

1,786.8 

1,754.6

212.8

1,348.8

1,561.6

212.8 

1,574.0 

1,786.8 

212.8

1,541.8

1,754.6

1. Prior year comparatives have been restated to reflect a change in accounting policy following clarification by IFRIC during 2022 of how a lessor should account for the 

forgiveness of lease payments. In addition cash and cash equivalents have been restated to include tenant deposits following clarification by IFRIC on classification of funds 
with externally imposed restrictions. Details of the restatements and impact on prior year comparatives are set out in note 1 ‘Changes in accounting policies’. 

These consolidated financial statements on pages 141 to 193 have been approved for issue by the Board of Directors on 28 February 2023 
and signed on its behalf by: 

Ian Hawksworth 
Chief Executive 

Situl Jobanputra 
Chief Financial Officer 

Consolidated statement of changes in equity  

for the year ended 31 December 2022 

At 1 January 2021 

Rent forgiveness restatement2 

Note 

Share
capital
£m

Share
premium
£m

212.8

232.2

–

–

Restated balance at 1 January 2021 

212.8

232.2

Profit and total comprehensive income for the 
year ended 31 December 20212 

Transactions with owners 

Ordinary shares issued  

Dividends 

26 

12 

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 

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

0.3

–

–

–

–

–

Capital 
redemption 
reserve
£m

1.5

–

1.5

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Merger
reserve1
£m

313.7

–

313.7

–

–

–

(20.0)

–

–

–

Balance at 31 December 20212 

212.8

232.5

1.5

293.7

Loss and total comprehensive expense for 
the year ended 31 December 2022 

Transactions with owners 

Ordinary shares issued  

Share buyback 

Dividends 

Realisation of share-based payment  
reserve on issue of shares 

Fair value of share-based payment 

Realisation of cash flow hedge 

26 

26 

12 

–

0.4

(0.4)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(0.4)

0.4

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Balance at 31 December 2022 

212.8

232.5

1.5

293.7

Share-
based 
payment 
reserve 
 £m 

6.4 

– 

6.4 

– 

– 

– 

– 

(0.2) 

1.5 

– 

7.7 

– 

– 

– 

– 

(0.2) 

2.3 

– 

9.8 

Other 
reserves 
£m 

Retained
earnings
£m

Total
equity
£m

(0.4) 

993.5

1,759.7

– 

(5.1)

(5.1)

(0.4) 

988.4

1,754.6

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

0.1 

34.8

34.8

–

(4.3)

20.0

–

–

–

0.3

(4.3)

–

(0.2)

1.5

0.1

(0.3) 

1,038.9

1,786.8

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

(0.1) 

(0.4) 

(211.8)

(211.8)

1.7

(1.7)

1.7

(1.7)

(15.3)

(15.3)

(0.1)

–

–

(0.3)

2.3

(0.1)

811.7

1,561.6

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 prior year as these properties were originally acquired using proceeds from the share placement. 

2. Prior year comparatives have been restated to reflect a change in accounting policy following clarification by IFRIC during 2022 of how a lessor should account for the 

forgiveness of lease payments. Details of the restatement and impact on prior year comparatives are set out in note 1 ‘Changes in accounting policies’. 

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143

Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial statements continued 

Notes to the accounts 

Consolidated statement of cash flows 

for the year ended 31 December 2022 

Notes to the accounts  

for the year ended 31 December 2022  

Cash flows from operating activities 

Cash generated from operations 

Finance costs paid 

Interest received 

Tax received/(paid) 

Net cash inflow/(outflow) from operating activities 

Cash flows from investing activities 

Purchase and development of property 

Sale of property 

Sale of discontinued operation2 

Loan to joint ventures repaid/(advanced) 

Net cash inflow from investing activities 

Cash flows from financing activities 

Issue of shares 

Share buyback 

Borrowings repaid 

Principal element of lease payments 

Repayment of derivative financial instruments 

Cash dividends paid 

Net cash outflow from financing activities 

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents  

Cash and cash equivalents at 1 January  

Cash and cash equivalents at 31 December 

2022 
£m 

33.5 

(29.7) 

2.7 

0.5 

7.0 

(11.1) 

– 

– 

18.2 

7.1 

1.7 

(1.7) 

2021
Restated1
£m

26.5

(26.3)

0.4

(1.5)

(0.9)

(7.9)

94.7

15.2

(1.0)

101.0

–

–

(200.0) 

(140.0)

– 

– 

(15.3) 

(215.3) 

(201.2) 

331.1 

129.9 

(0.2)

(3.4)

(4.0)

(147.6)

(47.5)

378.6

331.1

Note

29

12

19

1. Cash and cash equivalents have been restated following clarification by IFRIC on classification of funds with externally imposed restrictions. Details of the restatement and its 

impact on prior year comparatives is set out in note 1 ‘Changes in accounting policies’. 

2. Sale of discontinued operation in 2021 relates to the receipt of deferred consideration in relation to the sale of Earls Court during 2019. 

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 United Kingdom-adopted international accounting standards  
(“UK-adopted IFRS” or “IFRS”), and the applicable legal requirements of the Companies Act 2006.  

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis 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. 

All income, expenses and cash flows are generated from continuing operations.  

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 194 to 200. 

In the current year, the Group has applied the below amendments to IFRS Standards and Interpretations issued by the International Accounting 
Standards Board that are effective for annual periods that begin on or after 1 January 2022. Their adoption has not had any material impact on 
the disclosures or on the amounts reported in these consolidated financial statements. 

Amendments to References to the Conceptual Framework in IFRS Standards: 

IFRS 3 ‘Business Combinations’ (amendment) (Reference to the Conceptual Framework) 
IAS 16 ‘Property, Plant and Equipment’ (amendment) (Proceeds before intended use) 
IAS 37 ‘Provisions, Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets’ (amendment) (Onerous Contracts – Cost of Fulfilling a Contract) 

– 
– 
– 
–  Amendments to IFRS (Annual improvements cycle 2018-2020) 

At the date of approval of the consolidated financial statements the following standards and interpretations which have not been applied in these 
consolidated 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) 
IAS 1 ‘Presentation of Financial Statements’ and IFRS Practice Statement 2 (amendment) (Disclosure of Accounting Policies)  
IAS 8 ‘Accounting Policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates, and Errors’ (amendment) (Definition of Accounting Estimates)  
IAS 12 ‘Income Taxes’ (amendment) (Deferred Tax related to Assets and Liabilities arising from a Single Transaction) 

The Group has assessed the impact of these new standards and interpretations and does not anticipate any material impact on the consolidated 
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. 

Changes in accounting policies 

Rent concessions  

During 2022, IFRIC finalised an agenda decision in regards to how a lessor should account for the forgiveness of lease payments under IFRS 9 
‘Financial Instruments’ (“IFRS 9”) and IFRS 16 ‘Leases’ (“IFRS 16”).  

The decision concluded that for any forgiveness of past due rent receivables, the lessor should apply the expected credit loss model under IFRS 9 
and account for the forgiveness as an impairment in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income. Any directly attributable costs, including 
surrender premia and letting fees previously paid, continue to be held on balance sheet and are amortised over the life of the lease. 

On the other hand, any forgiveness of future rent receivables met the definition of a lease modification under IFRS 16, with the resulting impact 
accounted for by straight-lining the forgiveness over the remaining lease term in accordance with IFRS 16. On entering into a lease modification 
any directly attributable costs were derecognised. 

The Group had previously concluded that under IFRS there had been a policy choice to account for rent forgiveness of past due rent receivables 
either under IFRS 9 or IFRS 16. The Group elected to account for rent forgiveness of past due rent receivables as a lease modification under IFRS 16 
and in addition the directly attributable costs associated with the leases were derecognised as non-underlying costs. The Group had applied this 
treatment since 2020 on the commencement of COVID-19 support measures.  

144  Capco Annual Report 2022 
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145 
145

Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the accounts continued 

1 Principal accounting policies continued 

Changes in accounting policies continued 

The agenda decision issued by IFRIC has required the Group to retrospectively reverse the accounting treatment followed under IFRS 16 and adopt 
the accounting treatment required under IFRS 9. This change in accounting policy has been applied retrospectively and comparative information in 
this Annual Report, including the opening retained earnings to reflect the impact of the 2020 rent forgiveness granted, has been restated. 

Overall impact of the restatement 

Gross profit has reduced by £6.2 million in 2021. This included an additional £7.6 million of expected credit loss, representing £7.1 million 
rent forgiveness provided during the year as well as an additional £0.5 million expected credit loss on the 31 December 2021 rent receivable 
balance.  

Retained earnings have increased by £0.4 million as at 31 December 2021 based on the additional £5.1 million loss in 2020 and £5.5 million 
profit in 2021. 

For the year ended 31 December 2021, underlying earnings have been reduced by £3.4 million (0.4 pence per share), to £0.7 million 
(0.1 pence per share). The adjustment for lease modification expenses, impairment of tenant lease incentives and (loss)/gain on revaluation and 
sale of investment and development property are excluded from the underlying earnings calculation. Further details of the underlying earnings 
calculation is shown in note 3 ‘Underlying earnings’.  

As  at  31  December  2021  tenant  lease  incentives,  accounted  for  through  prepayments  and  accrued  income,  have  reduced  by  £10.3  million 
cumulatively. The carrying value of investment property and the loss on revaluation of investment and development property as a result of the adjustment 
to tenant lease incentives, excluding letting fees, has been increased by £11.1 million as at 31 December 2021.  

The impact on the consolidated balance sheet has been reflected on page 142 where the 31 December 2021 and 1 January 2021 restated 
position has been shown. The restated EPRA NTA as at 31 December 2021 is £1,814.5 million (213.0 pence per share). 

The restatement adjustments are all non-cash and therefore there is no impact on the consolidated statement of cash flows. 

Impact on profit or loss 

Due to the materiality of the restatement in 2020 and 2021, reflecting the period during which COVID-19 concessions were provided, the impact 
of the restatement on the consolidated statement of comprehensive income for the each of the years ended 31 December 2020 and 2021 has 
been presented below: 

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income 

Reported
£m

Adjustment
£m

Restated
£m

Reported
£m

Adjustment 
£m 

Restated
£m

31 December 2021 

31 December 2020 

Revenue 

Costs 

Gross profit 

Other income/(costs) 

Administration expenses 

(Loss)/gain 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 

Operating profit/(loss) 

Net finance costs 

Profit/(loss) before tax 

Taxation 

Profit/(loss) for the year 

Basic and diluted earnings/(loss) per share 
(pence) 

Weighted average number of shares 

Underlying earnings/(loss) 

Underlying earnings/(loss) per share (pence) 

146  Capco Annual Report 2022 
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Capco Annual Report 2022

68.0

(21.8)

46.2

3.0

(22.8)

(15.8)

11.6

44.6

66.8

(36.8)

30.0

(0.7)

29.3

3.4

851.3m

4.1

0.5

4.3

(10.5)

(6.2)

–

–

11.7

–

–

5.5

–

5.5

–

5.5

0.7

72.3

(32.3)

40.0

3.0

(22.8)

(4.1)

11.6

44.6

72.3

(36.8)

35.5

(0.7)

34.8

 73.9  

(58.0) 

 15.9  

(1.0) 

(31.0) 

 0.1  

(4.6) 

(4.5) 

– 

– 

74.0

(62.6)

11.4

(1.0) 

(31.0) 

(693.1) 

(0.6) 

(693.7) 

(28.2) 

 50.9  

(686.5) 

(18.2) 

(704.7) 

1.0

(703.7) 

– 

– 

(5.1) 

– 

(5.1) 

– 

(5.1) 

(28.2) 

 50.9 

(691.6) 

(18.2) 

(709.8)

1.0

(708.8)

4.1

(82.6) 

(0.6) 

(83.2)

851.3m

852.2m

852.2m

(3.4)

(0.4)

0.7

0.1

(6.2) 

(0.7) 

(12.5) 

(1.5) 

(18.7)

(2.2)

1 Principal accounting policies continued 

Changes in accounting policies continued 

The gross profit note has been provided to further show the impact of the change in accounting policy: 

Rent receivable  

Straight-lining of tenant lease incentives1 

Service charge income 

Revenue 

Expected credit loss2 

Property expenses 

Service charge expenses 

Lease modification expenses3 

Impairment of tenant lease incentives4 

Costs 

Gross profit 

31 December 2021 

31 December 2020 

Reported
£m

Adjustment
£m

Restated
£m

Reported 
£m 

Adjustment
£m

55.6

7.1

5.3

68.0

–

(10.6)

(5.3)

(2.6)

(3.3)

(21.8)

6.9

(2.6)

–

4.3

(7.6)

(0.1)

–

(3.8)

1.0

(10.5)

62.5

4.5

5.3

72.3

(7.6)

(10.7)

(5.3)

(6.4)

(2.3)

(32.3)

 59.1   

9.7  

 5.1   

 73.9   

(14.0) 

(11.1) 

(5.1) 

(16.7) 

(11.1) 

(58.0) 

 6.5

(6.4)

–

 0.1 

(12.9) 

(0.1) 

–

 8.4 

–

(4.6) 

Restated
£m

 65.6

 3.3 

 5.1 

 74.0 

(26.9) 

(11.2) 

(5.1) 

(8.3) 

(11.1) 

(62.6) 

46.2

(6.2)

40.0

 15.9   

(4.5) 

11.4 

1. The adjustment to straight-lining of tenant lease incentives of £2.6 million includes a reversal of the 2021 lease incentive income recorded for lease modifications, offset by an 

unwind of the 2020 lease modification incentives that have been reversed. 

2. A reversal of the rent forgiveness accounted for as lease modifications by reversing the income and asset position and accounting for the forgiveness as an expected credit loss 

in costs. This resulted in an additional expected credit loss for 2020 and 2021 of £20.5 million. 

3. For transactions where a modification has no longer occurred, a cumulative reversal of £4.6 million of lease modification expenses to the balance sheet to be amortised over 

the remaining life of the lease. 

4. Where tenant lease incentives related to lease modifications as a result of rent forgiveness had been impaired, a reversal of the impairment and subsequent adjustment to 

expected credit loss of £1.0 million was recognised in costs during 2021. 

www.capitalandcounties.com

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147 
147

Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the accounts continued 

1 Principal accounting policies continued 

Change in accounting policy continued 

Impact on balance sheet 

The below summary of trade and other receivables show the main impact on the consolidated balance sheet resulting from the adjustment to the 
expect credit loss provision and tenant lease incentives.  

Tenant lease incentives are included within non-current and current prepayments and accrued income. As at 31 December 2021 tenant lease 
incentives have reduced by £10.3 million which reflects the cumulative reduction in rent free assets of £13.3 million, offset by the write back of 
£3.0 million of surrender premia and letting fees. The write back of surrender premia and letting fees reflect the directly attributable costs adjusted 
for when a lease modification has not occurred. The reduction in the tenant lease incentives balance is reflective of the reduction in lease incentive 
adjustments to revenue and the increased expected credit loss. 

31 December 2021 

Rent 
concession 
adjustment
£m

Tenant 
deposit 
adjustment
£m

Reported 
£m 

Non-current 

Other receivables 

Prepayments and accrued income 

Amounts receivable from joint ventures 

 –  

 37.9  

 82.9  

–

(12.0) 

–

Trade and other receivables  

 120.8  

(12.0) 

Current  

Rent receivable 

Other receivables 

Prepayments and accrued income 

Amounts receivable from joint ventures 

Trade and other receivables 

 10.5  

 14.2  

 11.1  

 23.4  

 59.2  

(0.5) 

0.1

 1.7 

–

 1.3 

–

–

–

–

–

(12.1)

–

–

(12.1)

31 December 2020 

Rent 
concession 
adjustment 
£m 

Tenant 
deposit 
adjustment 
£m 

–  

 0.8   

–  

0.8  

(6.1) 

(0.1)  

 0.8   

–  

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

(13.4) 

– 

– 

(5.4) 

(13.4) 

Restated
£m

 0.1 

 33.9 

 85.0 

119.0

 16.2 

 16.9 

 13.2 

 0.6 

 46.9 

Restated
£m

Reported
£m

– 

 25.9 

 82.9 

0.1

33.1

85.0

 108.8 

118.2

 10.0 

 2.2 

 12.8 

 23.4 

 48.4 

22.3

30.4

12.4

0.6

65.7

Total trade and other receivables 

180.0 

(10.7)

(12.1)

157.2

183.9

(4.6) 

(13.4) 

165.9

Tenant deposit adjustment 

The above summary also includes an adjustment to other receivables to reclassify tenant deposits totalling £12.1 million in 2021 (2020: 
£13.4 million) from other receivables to cash and cash equivalents. The Group previously disclosed tenant deposits as other receivables in the 
consolidated financial statements. Following the IFRIC agenda decision regarding Demand Deposits with Restrictions on Use arising from a Contract 
with a Third Party in April 2022, the Group has adopted the treatment set out in the IFRIC agenda decision, which concluded that the contractual 
restrictions on the use of the amounts held in the demand deposit do not change the nature of the deposit and that the Group can access those 
amounts on demand, therefore, the demand deposit should be included as a component of cash and cash equivalents in its consolidated statement 
of cash flows. This change in accounting treatment has been applied retrospectively and comparative information has been restated in the 
consolidated balance sheet and consolidated statement of cash flows. From an alternative performance measure perspective tenant deposits have 
been excluded from cash and available facilities and net debt calculations as it does not represent liquidity of the Group. 

Changes in fair value of derivative financial instruments  

Changes in the fair value of interest rate derivatives are split into interest (calculated as the accrued and realised cash flows) and other changes in 
fair value.  

Previously the Group’s policy had been to present both the interest and the fair value components as change in fair value of derivative financial 
instruments under net finance income or costs in the consolidated statement of changes in comprehensive income.  

During the year the Group reviewed this presentation and in order to better reflect the Group’s rationale for entering into interest rate hedging 
arrangements in accordance with the Group’s risk management strategy, a change in accounting policy was made to re-present the interest from 
change in fair value of derivative financial instruments to other finance costs and income. 

As a result of the change in accounting policy comparative information has been re-presented and interest costs of £3.4 million in the prior year 
were re-presented from change in fair value of derivative financial instruments to other finance costs.  

These costs were excluded from EPRA and underlying earnings in the prior year as they related to an early close out of interest rate derivatives 
during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

1 Principal accounting policies continued 

Going concern 

The Directors have considered the appropriateness of adopting the going concern basis in preparing the Company and consolidated financial 
statements. The Group’s going concern assessment covers the period to 30 June 2024 (the “going concern period”), being at least 12 months from 
the date of authorisation of these consolidated financial statements. 

During 2022, there has been continued improvement in operational activity at Covent Garden. Trading remains resilient with strong recovery in 
footfall and customer sales in aggregate being ahead of 2019 levels. There is strong leasing demand across all uses delivering rental growth, 
vacancy remains low and rent collection patterns have normalised.  

There are, however, significant macroeconomic and political headwinds including the rising interest rate and inflationary environment, domestic 
political uncertainty, geopolitical risks, supply chain and labour market disruption. The West End and our unique portfolio of prime investments are 
not completely insulated, however they have demonstrated remarkable resilience. 

In preparing the assessment of going concern, the Board has considered projections of the Group’s liquidity, committed capital expenditure, 
income, costs, cash flows and debt covenants. The Group has assessed a “severe but plausible” downside scenario which analyses the impact of 
deterioration in rent collection, vacancy levels and rental growth as well as increased costs and yield expansion over the going concern period.  

This includes the following key assumptions:  

–  Substantial reduction in forecast net rental income due to a combination of extended voids and tenant failures focusing particularly on the retail, 

F&B and leisure sectors; 

–  Declines in rental values along with a widening of valuation yields, resulting in reduced asset values  

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’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 including in the severe but plausible downside scenario. 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 £366.1 million and a loan to value ratio of 21 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 2022 was 3.9 times, comfortably ahead 
of the covenant level of 1.2 times. The Covent Garden debt matures between August 2024 and 2037, with the revolving credit facility 
currently undrawn. 

The Group is projected to have sufficient cash reserves and undrawn facilities to meet debt maturities during the going concern period. All of the 
current drawn debt is at fixed rates and the £300 million revolving credit facility was undrawn at year end. The revolving credit facility has a 
maturity of September 2025 with a one-year extension option to September 2026 subject to lender consent. It is anticipated that the extension will 
be exercised or a similar form of financing will be put in place. £95 million of private placement debt matures in the second half of 2024 and is 
expected to be funded through cash and undrawn facilities.  

The independent property valuation of Covent Garden could withstand a substantial valuation decline (approximately 50 per cent) during the going 
concern period before a breach of the loan to value covenant, before taking into account any mitigating actions which may be taken. There is 
projected to be significant headroom against the interest cover covenants under the severe but plausible downside scenario, with the ability to 
withstand a decline in net rental income of over 75 per cent during the going concern period before a breach of the interest cover covenant, 
without taking any mitigating actions.  

Based on their analysis, the Directors are satisfied that there is a reasonable expectation that each of the Company and 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 Company and Group’s consolidated financial statements be prepared on a going concern basis.  

148

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149

Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
Notes to the accounts continued 

1 Principal accounting policies continued 

Going concern continued  

Impact of the proposed merger 

On 16 June 2022, Capco announced its intention to merge with Shaftesbury PLC (“Shaftesbury”) and the shareholder approval conditions were 
satisfied on 29 July 2022. Completion of the merger is subject to the satisfaction of a number of other conditions and it is expected that the 
transaction will be completed on 6 March 2023. It is intended that the merger will be effected by means of a court-sanctioned scheme of 
arrangement which will result in Capco owning 100 per cent of the issued share capital of Shaftesbury. The going concern assessment has 
therefore also been undertaken on the basis of the combined group assuming merger completion.  

Capco has also entered into a loan facility agreement of £576 million to cover potential repayment of Shaftesbury bonds on merger completion. 
This is currently undrawn. Under the terms of the Shaftesbury financing arrangements, holders of its secured mortgage bonds totalling £575 million 
have the ability to require payment in full or part following the change of control of Shaftesbury taking place. Shaftesbury’s secured term loans 
totalling £385 million will remain in place.  

In preparing its assessment of going concern, using an approach consistent with that set out above, the Board reviewed a forecast of liquidity, cash 
flow and covenant compliance of the combined group. Under the severe-but-plausible downside scenario, the interest cover test has been assessed 
against SONIA rates in excess of current market expectations.  

Absent any mitigating actions which may be taken, the combined group has significant headroom against its financial covenants and estimates that 
the combined group could withstand a decrease in valuations from 31 December 2022 of over 40 per cent, and a decline in net rental income of 
approximately 50 per cent before breaching its loan-to-value and interest cover covenants.  

Having considered the debt facilities that the Group has put in place, the Board is satisfied that there is sufficient liquidity to fund potential debt 
repayments and for the combined group to remain compliant with its financing arrangements and meet its financial obligations as they fall due over 
the going concern period. 

The combined group anticipates retaining significant liquidity and that debt covenants will be satisfied, however in the severe but plausible 
downside scenario the interest cover covenant on one of the Shaftesbury term loans could be subject to a marginal breach. For this loan, throughout 
the going concern period the combined group has the ability to cure income shortfalls using cash deposits or additional assets with sufficient 
contractual income from its pool of unsecured properties. The Group has sufficient liquidity to satisfy this requirement.  

Based on their analysis in relation to the combined group assuming that the merger is completed, 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 consolidated 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 financial statements at the partnership level or submit such annual reports to Companies House. 

The consolidated financial statements are prepared in British pounds sterling, which is also determined to be the functional currency of the 
Company. 

Subsidiaries  

Subsidiaries are fully consolidated from the date on which the Group has control, 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. 

1 Principal accounting policies continued 

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 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 2022 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 14 ‘Property Portfolio’ in forming their 
opinion on the valuation of the Group’s investment, development 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 consolidated 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 171. 

Other areas of estimation and uncertainty include the impairment of trade receivables. In the prior year, this was considered a critical estimate, 
however, based on strong operational performance, evidenced by rent collection rates of 99 per cent for the year and conclusion of tenant support 
measures implemented during the pandemic period, the Group no longer considers the estimation of expected credit loss a key area of estimation 
uncertainty. As at 31 December 2022 the rent receivables balance prior to impairment was £12.0 million compared to £21.4 million as at 
31 December 2021. £4.0 million (2021: £11.4 million) has been provided against this balance as at 31 December 2022, which includes all 
arrears over one year and arrears under one year at a calculated expected credit loss. All tenants with significant financial issues are provided for 
in full. 

The Directors did not make any significant judgements in the preparation of these consolidated financial statements.  

Other less significant areas of judgement include REIT compliance, provisions, share-based payments, contingent liabilities and assessing the degree 
of control or influence the Group exercises over its investments, including its 25.2 per cent shareholding in Shaftesbury. Although the Group holds 
more than 20 per cent of the voting power, it has concluded that it does not exercise significant influence over Shaftesbury as it does not have 
representation on the Shaftesbury board, nor have there been any other areas where the Group has exercised significant influence, such as an 
exchange of managerial personnel. The Group has not provided any guarantees of indebtedness, nor extended any credit to Shaftesbury. On 16 June 
2022, Capco announced its intention to merge with Shaftesbury and the shareholder approval conditions were satisfied on 29 July 2022 with 
clearance from the Competition and Markets Authority gained on 22 February 2023. Due to the restrictions imposed by the merger process there 
has been no additional control gained and as such the investment continues to be accounted for at fair value through profit and loss in accordance 
with IFRS 9.  

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. 

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Notes to the accounts continued 

1 Principal accounting policies continued 

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 term 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 for future rental periods. 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 costs in the year. 

When a concession is provided for rent receivables past due the concession is accounted for as an impairment through the expected credit loss 
model in accordance with IFRS 9. 

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 consolidated statement of comprehensive income and recognised when the right to receive 
payment is established. 

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.  

Tax is included in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income except when it relates to items recognised directly in equity, in which case 
the related tax is also recognised directly in equity. 

1 Principal accounting policies continued 

Share-based payment 

The cost of granting share options and other share-based remuneration to employees and Directors is recognised through the consolidated statement 
of comprehensive income with reference to the fair value of the instrument at the date of grant. 

The consolidated statement of comprehensive income 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 consolidated statement of comprehensive income.  

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 to 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 consolidated statement of 
comprehensive income 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 consolidated statement of comprehensive income. 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 consolidated statement of comprehensive income. 

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 14 ‘Property Portfolio’. 

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.  

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Notes to the accounts continued 

1 Principal accounting policies continued 

Leases 

The Group assesses whether a contract is or contains a lease, at inception of the contract. 

As a lessee 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. 

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. 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. 

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.  

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 consolidated statement of comprehensive income. 

Where there is an indication that the Group’s investment in joint ventures may be impaired the Group evaluates the recoverable amount of its 
investment, being the higher of the joint venture’s fair value less costs to sell and value in use. If the recoverable amount is lower than the carrying 
value an impairment loss is recognised in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income.  

If the Group’s share of losses in a joint venture equals or exceeds its investment in the joint venture, the Group does not recognise further losses, 
unless it has legal or constructive obligations to make payments on behalf of the joint venture. 

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 the consolidated statement of comprehensive income.  

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss comprise listed equity investments and include the Group’s investment in Shaftesbury. 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 consolidated statement of comprehensive income.  

Financial assets at amortised costs include amounts receivable from joint ventures. 

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 the fair value of these instruments are 
split into interest (calculated as the accrued and realised cash flows) and other changes in fair value. Interest is recognised in finance income or 
costs and changes in fair value are recognised in change in fair value of financial instruments in the consolidated statement of comprehensive 
income. 

1 Principal accounting policies continued 

Trade and other receivables 

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 expected credit loss model in order to calculate a lifetime expected loss allowance for all financial assets. To measure 
the expected credit loss, 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.  

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. 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 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, 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 tenants with significant financial 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 consolidated statement of comprehensive income on a basis 
consistent with the original charge. 

Tenant lease incentives are impaired based on an assessment of tenant affordability.  

For amounts receivable from joint ventures, impairment is assessed by comparing the carrying amount of the loans and receivables to the discounted 
present value of the estimated future cash flows from the joint ventures. 

Cash and cash equivalents 

Cash and cash equivalents are recognised at fair value. Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash on hand, deposits held at call with financial 
institutions, and other short-term highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less. Following a decision by the IFRIC ‘Demand 
Deposits with Restrictions on Use arising from a Contract with a Third Party’, tenant deposits have been reclassified from other receivables to cash 
and cash equivalents. Details are set out in note 1 ‘Changes in accounting policies’. Comparatives have been restated to reflect this change.  

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. 

Borrowings 

Borrowings comprise bank loans (revolving credit facility and standby loan facility), loan notes (Private Placement loan notes) 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 consolidated 
statement of comprehensive income.  

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 consolidated statement of comprehensive income.  

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 the consolidated statement of comprehensive income. The embedded derivative is measured 
at fair value with the fair value adjustment accounted for in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income. 

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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 
are incurred.  

Contingent liabilities and capital commitments 

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: 

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. 

–  Covent Garden; 
–  Other, which comprises the Shaftesbury investment, the Group interest in Innova and GCP and other head office companies and investments; 
– 

Lillie Square which represents the Group’s interests in the Lillie Square joint venture and a number of smaller properties in the adjacent area. 

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. 

Management information is reported to the chief operating decision makers on a Group share basis. Outlined below is the Group share 
by segment: 

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.  

Segment 

Covent Garden 

Other 

Investment in Shaftesbury 

Innova 

GCP1  

Other 

Lillie Square  

Lillie Square joint venture 

Lillie Square Holding Group 

Group share

100%

100%

50%

0%

100%

50%

100%

1. GCP represented the Group’s 50% interest in The Great Capital Partnership up until being dissolved on 6 April 2022. Subsequent to this the Group’s ownership share in GCP 

is nil.  

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 and dividend income from investments. Unallocated 
expenses consist primarily of costs incurred centrally which are neither directly nor meaningfully attributable to individual segments.  

Segmental assets and segmental liabilities exclude loans between and investments in Group undertakings. Unallocated assets 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.  

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Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the accounts continued 

2 Segmental reporting continued 

Reportable segments 

Rental income 

Proceeds from sale of trading property 

Revenue 

Rent receivable 

Straight-lining of tenant lease incentives 

Service charge income 

Rental income 

Property and service charge expenses 

Reversal of expected credit loss 

Impairment of tenant lease incentives 

Underlying net rental income/(expense) 

Gross profit/(loss) 

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 

Change in fair value of financial assets at fair value through 
profit or loss 

Segment profit/(loss) 

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 

Summary balance sheet 

Total segment assets 

Total segment liabilities 

Segmental net assets 

Unallocated assets 

Net assets 

Covent
Garden
£m

Other
£m

2022 

Lillie
Square
£m

Group 
total  
£m 

Consolidation 
adjustments  
£m 

74.1

–

74.1

61.5

6.3

6.3

74.1

(16.5)

1.6

(1.9)

57.3

57.3

–

–

–

(0.8)

–

–

56.5

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

13.5

–

–

–

–

(239.5)

(226.0)

1.4

3.3

4.7

0.2

–

1.2

1.4

(1.5)

–

–

(0.1)

(0.1)

–

0.9

75.5 

3.3 

78.8 

61.7 

6.3 

7.5 

75.5 

(18.0) 

1.6 

(1.9) 

57.2 

57.2 

13.5 

0.9 

(12.4)

(12.4) 

–

0.1

–

(11.5)

(0.8) 

0.1 

(239.5) 

(181.0) 

(40.7) 

(221.7) 

(24.6) 

(6.5) 

39.8 

(213.0) 

(6.0) 

(219.0) 

(1.4) 

(3.3) 

(4.7) 

(0.2) 

– 

(1.2) 

(1.4) 

1.5 

– 

– 

0.1 

0.1 

– 

(0.9) 

12.4 

– 

(8.0) 

– 

3.6 

0.1 

3.7 

– 

3.5 

– 

7.2 

– 

7.2 

IFRS
total
£m

74.1

–

74.1

61.5

6.3

6.3

74.1

(16.5)

1.6

(1.9)

57.3

57.3

13.5

–

–

(0.8)

(7.9)

(239.5)

(177.4)

(40.6)

(218.0)

(24.6)

(3.0)

39.8

(205.8)

(6.0)

(211.8)

1,903.7

(513.3)

1,390.4

359.6

(276.2)

83.4

87.0

2,350.3 

(0.9)

86.1

(790.4) 

1,559.9 

1.7 

1,561.6 

(0.8) 

0.8 

– 

– 

– 

2,349.5

(789.6)

1,559.9

1.7

1,561.6

2 Segmental reporting continued 

Reportable segments 

Rental income 

Proceeds from sale of trading property 

Revenue 

Rent receivable 

Straight-lining of tenant lease incentives 

Service charge income 

Rental income 

Property and service charge expenses 

Provision for expected credit loss 

Underlying net rental income 

Lease modification and impairment of tenant lease incentives 

Gross profit 

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 

Change in fair value of 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 for the year 

Summary balance sheet 

Total segment assets 

Total segment liabilities 

Segmental net assets 

Unallocated assets 

Net assets 

Covent
Garden
£m

Other
£m

72.3

–

72.3

62.5

4.5

5.3

72.3

(16.0)

(7.6)

48.7

(8.7)

40.0

–

–

–

(4.0)

–

–

36.0

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

2.7

–

–

–

(56.1)

44.6

(8.8)

Restated 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

74.3 

24.7 

99.0 

62.7 

4.5 

7.1 

74.3 

(17.8) 

(7.6) 

48.9 

(8.7) 

40.2 

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)

(4.1) 

(56.6) 

44.6 

20.4 

(22.7) 

(2.3) 

(31.4) 

(4.5) 

(8.5) 

(46.7) 

(0.7) 

(47.4) 

–

68.2

–

74.7

(0.1)

74.6

0.2

7.4

–

82.2

–

82.2

(9.6)

2.3

(7.3)

–

IFRS
total
£m

72.3

–

72.3

62.5

4.5

5.3

72.3

(16.0)

(7.6)

48.7

(8.7)

40.0

3.0

–

–

(4.1)

11.6

44.6

95.1

(22.8)

72.3

(31.2)

2.9

(8.5)

35.5

(0.7)

(34.8)

2,780.0

(1,012.1)

1,767.9

18.9

2,067.0

(585.6)

1,481.4

601.5

(426.5)

175.0

121.1

2,789.6 

(2.3)

(1,014.4) 

118.8

1,775.2 

18.9 

1,794.1 

(7.3)

1,786.8

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159

Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the accounts continued 

3 Underlying earnings 

The Group has applied the European Securities and Markets Authority 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 measure aligns with the main principles of the European Public 
Real Estate Association (“EPRA”) best practices recommendations for EPRA earnings which provides a measure of recurring income on a transparent 
and consistent basis to enable comparison between European property companies. Certain Group adjustments, such as adjusting for non-recurring 
costs, which are not removed from EPRA earnings, are made in order to calculate the Group underlying earnings.  

The Group considers the presentation of underlying earnings to be useful supplementary information as it represents the recurring, underlying 
performance of the business. Underlying earnings removes unrealised gains/losses and non-recurring items. Unrealised gains and losses that are 
excluded are net valuation gains/losses (including profits/losses on disposals), fair value changes and impairment charges. Non-recurring items that 
are excluded include net refinancing charges, costs of termination of derivative financial instruments and non-recurring income and costs including 
the proposed merger transaction costs. Taxation charges in relation to these items, which include tax adjustments relating to non-REIT group losses, 
are excluded.  

Net rental income as a component of underlying earnings remains an important alternative performance measure of the Group. Lease modification 
expenses and impairment of tenant lease incentives resulting from the Group providing rental support to its tenants during the COVID-19 pandemic 
were excluded from underlying earnings during the prior year. Given the scale of the rental support provided to tenants as a result of the COVID-19 
pandemic, these non-cash expenses were 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. These costs recorded in rental expenses were excluded from underlying profit on that basis, as disclosed in the 
Group’s APM policy. Tenant support measures required as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic have now been concluded and as such future 
impairments of tenant lease incentives have been included in underlying earnings with effect for 2022.  

Details of all APMs used by the Group are set out in the APM section on page 201. 

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. 

3 Underlying earnings continued 

The calculation of underlying earnings per share, reconciled to the IFRS (loss)/profit for the year, is set out below: 

Rental income 

Property and service charge expenses 

Impairment of tenant lease incentives1 

Reversal of/(provision for) expected credit loss 

Underlying net rental income 

Other income 

Underlying administration costs 

Underlying operating profit 

Finance costs 

Finance income 

Underlying net finance costs 

Underlying profit before tax 

Taxation 

Underlying earnings 

Underlying earnings per share (pence) 

Weighted average number of shares in issue 

Underlying earnings 

Reconciliation to IFRS: 

Lease modification expenses 

Impairment of tenant lease incentives1  

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 

Change in fair value of financial assets at fair value through profit or loss 

Taxation 

Other 

(Loss)/profit for the year  

Note 

4 

2022
£m

75.5

(18.0)

(1.9)

1.6

57.2

13.5

(26.1)

44.6

(27.2)

2.6

(24.6)

20.0

(1.4)

18.6

2.2

Restated
2021
£m

74.3

(17.8)

–

(7.6)

48.9

2.7

(19.9)

31.7

(31.8)

0.4

(31.4)

0.3

0.4

0.7

0.1

13 

851.3m

851.3m

18.6

0.7

4 

4 

7 

8 

6 

9 

10 

17 

16 

–

–

(0.8)

(7.9)

(14.6)

3.5

(6.5)

39.8

(239.5)

(4.6)

0.2

(211.8)

(6.4)

(2.3)

(4.1)

11.6

(2.8)

8.1

(5.2)

(8.5)

44.6

(1.1)

0.2

34.8

1. Due to the impact of COVID-19, lease modification expenses and impairment of tenant lease incentives of £8.7 million have been excluded from underlying earnings for 

2021. Tenant support measures required as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic have now been concluded and as such impairments of tenant lease incentives have been 
included in underlying earnings for 2022 onwards.  

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161

Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the accounts continued 

4 Gross profit 

Rental receivable 

Straight-lining of tenant lease incentives 

Service charge income 

Revenue 

Reversal of/(provision for) expected credit loss 

Property expenses 

Service charge expenses 

Lease modification expenses 

Impairment of tenant lease incentives 

Costs 

Gross profit 

All revenue has been generated from operations within the United Kingdom.  

5 Other income 

Dividend income1 

Management fee income2 

Other income 

2022 
£m 

13.5 

– 

13.5 

2021
£m

2.3

0.7

3.0

1. Dividend income earned from the Group’s investment in Shaftesbury.  
2. Management fees charged to joint ventures for services associated with the management of properties and other general expenses as defined by management agreements.  

6 Administration expenses 

Included within administration expenses in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income are:  

Depreciation  

Other administration expenses 

Non-underlying administration expenses1 

Total administration expenses 

2022 
£m 

0.2 

25.8 

14.6 

40.6 

2021
£m

0.2

19.8

2.8

22.8

1. Non-underlying administration expenses totalled £14.6 million (2021: £2.8 million). Current period costs relate to transaction fees and expenses in respect of the proposed all-
share merger with Shaftesbury. Prior period costs included £1.8 million lease assignment costs in respect of the office building previously occupied by the Group, while the 
remainder of the costs related to legal and other costs incurred in respect of group restructurings and transactions. These costs have been classified as non-underlying as they do 
not represent the recurring, underlying performance of the Group.  

2022 
£m 

61.5 

6.3 

6.3 

74.1 

1.6 

(10.2) 

(6.3) 

– 

(1.9) 

(16.8) 

Restated
2021
£m

62.5

4.5

5.3

72.3

(7.6)

(10.7)

(5.3)

(6.4)

(2.3)

(32.3)

6 Administration expenses continued  

(a) Employee costs 

Wages and salaries 

Social security costs 

Other pension costs 

Share-based payment1 

Total employee costs  

31  

1. Includes £0.1 million (2021: £0.1 million) for national insurance on share options are due to changes in vesting and forfeiture assumptions. 

(b) Employee numbers  

Average monthly number of people (including Executive Directors) employed 

Total average headcount 

2022
£m

12.4

2.0

0.9

2.4

17.7

2022

67

2021
£m

9.3

1.1

0.8

1.6

12.8

2021

69

The details of individual Directors’ remuneration and pension benefits as set out in the tables contained in the Directors’ Remuneration Report on 
pages 105 to 127 form part of these consolidated financial statements.  

57.3 

40.0

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  

Remuneration to the principal auditors in respect of audit fees: 

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 

2022
£m

2021
£m

0.5

0.2

0.7

0.1

0.8

0.3

0.1

0.4

0.1

0.5

The Group’s auditors, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, are engaged on assignments in addition to their audit engagement duties where their expertise 
and experience of the Group are important. 2022 non-audit fees, including the interim review and agreed upon procedures, represented 11.0 per 
cent of the total fee (2021: 18.0 per cent). Further details on the Audit Committee’s non-audit services policy can be found on page 101. 

7 Loss on revaluation and sale of investment and development property 

(Loss)/gain 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 

8 Change in value of investments and other receivables 

(Impairment)/write-back of investments and other receivables 

Waiver of joint venture loan 

Change in value of investments and other receivables 

2022
£m

(0.8)

–

(0.8)

2022
£m

(7.9)

–

(7.9)

Restated
2021
£m

1.8

(5.9)

(4.1)

2021
£m

67.7

(56.1)

11.6

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163 
163

Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the accounts continued 

8 Change in value of investments and other receivables continued 

10 Finance costs  

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 issued by the joint venture and a working capital facility.  

Due to the joint venture being in a net liability position, and incurring losses in the year, the equity investment is held at nil (2021: nil).  

As at the balance sheet date, prior to impairment, the Group held an interest bearing loan at £86.4 million (2021: £83.0 million) and working 
capital facility of £28.2 million (2021: £45.5 million). The reduction in working capital facility in the year reflects a repayment from the joint 
venture of £17.5 million to each partner following property sales at the end of 2021. 

As required by IFRS 9, 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 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 has booked an impairment of £7.9 million during 2022 leading to a cumulative impairment of £30.6 million (2021: 
£22.7 million cumulative impairment). The cumulative impairment takes into consideration the losses from the joint venture. 

Factoring in the impairment, the interest bearing loan is held at a net book value of £84.0 million (2021: £82.9 million) and working capital 
facility at nil (2021: £22.8 million). The balances are included within Trade and other receivables at the balance sheet date. Further details are 
set out in note 18 ‘Trade and other receivables’.  

In August 2021, deep discount bonds, with a nominal value of £276.1 million, which were issued by the joint venture to the Group and KFI in 
August 2012, were due to mature. Ahead of the bonds maturing, the Group and KFI waived a portion of the bonds and reduced the nominal 
redemption value to £163.0 million (Capco share £81.5 million) which resulted in a write back of £50.3 million of the previously impaired 
balance and the crystallisation of a debt waiver loss of £56.1 million recognised in the prior year. 

9 Finance income 

Finance income: 

On deposits and other 

On interest rate derivatives1  

Finance income 

Other finance income: 

On loan to joint venture2 

On deep discount bonds2 

On deferred consideration 

Other finance income 

2022 
£m 

2021
£m

1.4 

1.2 

2.6 

3.5 

– 

– 

3.5 

0.5

–

0.5

1.4

6.6

0.1

8.1

1. The Group earned interest on interest rate derivatives entered into to manage its exposure to interest rate risk.  
2. The Group earned interest on the deep discount bonds issued by the Lillie Square joint venture up to their redemption on 31 July 2021. In the prior year, the Group and KFI 

each provided an interest bearing loan to the joint venture that was used to redeem the bonds. 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.  

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 

2022
£m

18.2

8.3

0.7

27.2

6.5

6.5

Restated
2021
£m

22.8

8.2

0.7

31.7

5.2

5.2

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 (£5.5 million) represent the cash coupon on the bond. 

2. Non-underlying finance charges have been excluded from the calculation of underlying earnings as the charges relate to non-recurring costs in connection with the early 

repayment of £75 million of private placement notes, the repayment of the £125 million secured loan and the cost of entering into the standby loan facility during the current 
period. Prior year costs related to non-recurring costs in connection with the re-financing of the Revolving Credit Facility, early settlement of interest rate derivatives and costs 
associated with debt covenant waivers. 

11 Taxation 

Deferred income tax: 

On accelerated capital allowances 

On fair value of derivative financial instruments 

On Group losses 

On other temporary differences 

Deferred tax on losses  

Total taxation charge in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income1 

Factors affecting the tax charge for the year 

The tax charge for the year is £6.0 million (2021: £0.7 million) against a loss before tax of £205.8 million (2021: £35.5 million profit). 
A reconciliation against the standard rate of corporation tax in the United Kingdom (“UK”) is set out below:  

(Loss)/profit before tax 

(Loss)/profit on ordinary activities multiplied by the standard rate in the UK of 19% (2021: 19%) 

Revaluation losses/(profits) attributable to REIT business 

Expenses disallowed 

Non-taxable items 

REIT tax-exempt rental profits 

Other temporary differences not provided 

Unwind deferred tax on prior period group losses  

Restatement of deferred income tax following change in corporation tax rate 

Total taxation charge in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income1 

1. Refer to note 25 ‘Deferred tax’ for further detail on deferred tax amount unwound for the year ended 31 December 2022. 

2022
£m

(205.8)

(39.1)

45.6

2.4

(0.2)

(8.3)

0.9

4.7

–

6.0

2022
£m

2021
£m

0.1

–

4.7

1.2

6.0

6.0

0.1

2.2

(1.1)

(0.5)

0.7

0.7

Restated
2021
£m

35.5

6.7

(8.8)

3.1

(0.5)

0.6

0.7

–

(1.1)

0.7

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165 
165

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 (calculated by reference to tax rather than accounting rules), 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 will arise for the Group at 19 per cent if the minimum 
PID requirement is not met within 12 months of the end of the period. Further details regarding the PID is set out in note 12 ‘Dividends’. 

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 was substantively enacted on 24 May 2021 and no further amendments to the corporation tax rate have been enacted to date. 

Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the accounts continued 

12 Dividends  

Group and Company 

Ordinary shares 

Prior year final dividend of 1.0 pence per share (2021: nil pence) 

Interim dividend of 0.8 pence per share (2021: 0.5 pence) 

Dividend expense 

Bonus issue in lieu of cash dividends1 

Cash dividends paid 

Second interim dividend of 1.7 pence per share (2021: 1.0 pence) 

2022 
£m 

8.5 

6.8 

15.3 

– 

15.3 

14.5 

2021
£m 

–

4.3

4.3

(0.3)

4.0

8.5

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 PID. 

These distributions can be subject to withholding tax at 20 per cent. Dividends from profits of the Group’s taxable residual business are ordinary 
dividend and will be taxed as an ordinary dividend. A corporation tax charge would arise for the Group if the minimum PID requirement is not met 
within 12 months of the end of the period. 

13 Earnings per share and net assets per share 

(a) Weighted average number of ordinary shares 

Weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue 

Adjustments: 

Dilutive effect of contingently issuable share option awards1 

Dilutive effect of contingently issuable deferred share awards1 

2022
m

851.3

0.8

–

2021
m 

851.3

0.5

0.1

Adjusted, diluted weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue 

852.1

851.9

1. 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 2022 

because they are anti-dilutive. These options could potentially dilute basic earnings per share in the future.  

(b) Basic and diluted (loss)/earnings per share 

(Loss)/earnings used for calculation of basic and diluted loss per share 

Basic and diluted (loss)/earnings per share (pence) 

2022
£m

(211.8)

(24.9)

Restated 
2021
£m 

34.8

4.1

On 8 July 2022, the Group paid a final dividend for 2021 of 1.0 pence per ordinary share split equally between a PID and non-PID. 

EPRA Earnings per share is disclosed in table 1of the EPRA measures on page 203. 

On 19 September 2022 for shares registered in South Africa and 20 September 2022 for shares registered in the UK, the Group paid an interim 
dividend for 2022 of 0.8 pence per ordinary share. The interim dividend was paid wholly as a PID. Together, these dividend payments fully settled 
the Group’s PID requirement for the year ended 31 December 2021. 

On 30 January 2023, the Directors declared a second interim dividend of 1.7 pence per ordinary share (of which 0.7 pence per ordinary share 
will be paid as a PID and 1.0 pence per ordinary share as a non-PID), bringing the total dividend for 2022 to 2.5 pence per ordinary share. The 
second interim dividend will be paid on 20 March 2023 to all shareholders on the register on 3 March 2023. The payment will settle the PID 
requirement for the year ended 31 December 2022.  

(c) Headline (loss)/earnings per share  

Headline earnings per share is calculated in accordance with Circular 1/2021 issued by the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants, 
a requirement of the Group’s Johannesburg Stock Exchange secondary listing. This measure is not a requirement of IFRS. 

Basic (loss)/earnings 

Group adjustments: 

2022 

Restated 2021 

Loss 
£m

(211.8)

Shares
million

851.3

Loss  
per share 
(pence) 

Earnings  
£m 

Shares
million

Earnings 
per share 
(pence)

(24.9) 

34.8 

851.3

4.1

Loss on revaluation and sale of investment and development property  

0.8

4.1 

Headline (loss)/earnings 

(211.0)

851.3

(24.8) 

38.9 

851.3

4.6

Dilutive effect of contingently issuable share option awards1 

Dilutive effect of contingently issuable deferred share awards1 

–

–

0.8

–

– 

– 

0.5

0.1

Diluted headline (loss)/earnings 

(211.0)

852.1

(24.8) 

38.9 

851.9

4.6

1. Further information on these potential ordinary shares can be found in note 31 ‘Share-based payments’. 

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167 
167

Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the accounts continued 

13 Earnings per share and net assets per share continued 

(d) Closing number of ordinary shares 

14 Property portfolio 

(a) Investment and development property 

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 

(e) Net assets per share 

2022 
m 

851.5 

0.8 

– 

2021
m 

851.3

0.5

0.1

852.3 

851.9

EPRA NRV, NTA and NDV are alternative performance measures that are calculated in accordance with the Best Practices Recommendations of the 
EPRA to provide a transparent and consistent basis to enable comparison between European property companies. See Alternative Performance 
Measures and EPRA measures on pages 201 to 206 for further information. 

IFRS total equity1  

Diluted NAV 

Group adjustments: 

2022 

Restated 2021 

EPRA NRV 
£m

EPRA NTA 
£m

EPRA NDV 
£m

EPRA NRV  
£m 

EPRA NTA  
£m 

EPRA NDV 
£m

1,561.6

1,561.6

1,561.6

1,786.8 

1,786.8 

1,786.8

1,561.6

1,561.6

1,561.6

1,786.8 

1,786.8 

1,786.8

Revaluation of other non-current assets2 

Unrecognised surplus on trading property – joint venture 

–

7.1

–

7.1

–

7.1

7.3 

0.1 

7.3 

0.1 

7.3

0.1

Diluted NAV at Fair Value 

1,568.7

1,568.7

1,568.7

1,794.2 

1,794.2 

1,794.2

Fair value of derivative financial instruments3  

Fair value adjustment of exchangeable bond4  

Real Estate Transfer Tax 

Excess fair value of debt over carrying value5 

Deferred tax adjustments 

NAV 

Diluted number of shares 

NAV per share (pence) 

(12.1)

(4.8)

116.0

–

0.4

(12.1)

(4.8)

–

–

0.4

–

–

–

(121.4)

–

(1.1) 

21.2 

115.9 

– 

0.2 

(1.1) 

21.2 

– 

– 

0.2 

–

–

–

6.5

–

1,668.2

1,552.2

1,447.3

1,930.4 

1,814.5 

1,800.7

852.3

195.7

852.3

182.1

852.3

169.8

851.9 

226.6 

851.9 

213.0 

851.9

211.4

Restated balance at 1 January 2021 

Additions from subsequent expenditure 

Disposals 

Gain/(loss) on revaluation  

Restated balance at 31 December 2021 

Additions from subsequent expenditure 

Loss on revaluation 

At 31 December 2022 

(b) Market value reconciliation of total property 

Property portfolio 

Tenure 

Covent 
Garden
£m

1,793.1

6.8

(98.2)

1.8

1, 703.5

10.3

(0.8)

1,713.0

Other
£m

2.1

–

–

–

2.1

–

–

2.1

Total 
£m 

Freehold
£m

Leasehold
£m

1,795.2 

1,035.1

760.1

6.8 

(98.2) 

1.8 

5.2

(93.4)

4.8

1.6

(4.8)

(3.0)

1,705.6 

951.7

753.9

10.3 

(0.8) 

5.5

2.6

4.8

(3.4)

1,715.1 

959.8

755.3

Carrying value of investment and development property at 31 December 2022 

Adjustment in respect of fixed head leases 

Adjustment in respect of tenant lease incentives  

Market value of investment and development property at 31 December 2022 

Joint venture:  

Group share of carrying value of joint venture investment, development and trading property 
at 31 December 2022 

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 2022 

Covent 
Garden 
£m 

1,713.0 

(6.1) 

34.7 

1,741.6 

– 

– 

Other
£m

2.1

–

–

2.1

69.9

7.1

Total 
£m

1,715.1

(6.1)

34.7

1,743.7

69.9

7.1

1,741.6 

79.1

1,820.7

Covent 
Garden  
£m 

1,703.5 

(6.1) 

31.1 

Other
£m 

2.1

–

–

Total 
£m

1,705.6

(6.1)

31.1

1. IFRS total equity of 183.2 pence per share (2021: 209.7 pence per share). 
2. This relates to the impairment under IFRS 9 of amounts receivable from joint ventures compared to the Group’s share of losses in the joint venture.  
3. This relates to the fair value of interest rate derivatives. Further details are disclosed within note 17 ‘Derivative financial instruments’. 
4. Adjustment to remove the exchangeable bond option fair value and include the exchangeable bond liability at nominal value of £275 million. 
5. Excludes fair value of exchangeable bond option component included under derivative liabilities as disclosed in note 17 ‘Derivative financial instruments’. 

Carrying value of investment and development property at 31 December 2021 (restated)  

Adjustment in respect of fixed head leases 

Adjustment in respect of tenant lease incentives (restated) 

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 

– 

– 

84.0

0.1

84.0

0.1

1,728.5 

86.2

1,814.7

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.  

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Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the accounts continued 

14 Property portfolio continued 

 14 Property portfolio continued 

The fair value of the Group’s investment, development and trading property at 31 December 2022 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 2022 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 £10.3 million 
(2021: £6.8 million). This sum included both capital works which enhanced the environmental performance of assets, and design stage work to 
deliver environmental enhancements. While new ground up development forms a limited part of the Group activity, the design stage on refitting 
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 63 to 83. 

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.  

At 31 December 2022, the Group was contractually committed to £1.7 million (2021: £4.1 million) of future expenditure for the purchase, 
construction, development and enhancement of investment, development and trading property. Refer to note 27 ‘Capital commitments’ for further 
information on capital commitments.  

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. 

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.  

Property portfolio 

Covent Garden 

Market value  
2022 
£m 

Market value
2021
£m

1,741.6 

1,728.5

Valuation
technique

Income
capitalisation

Key unobservable
inputs

Estimated rental value
per sq ft1 per annum 
(“p.a.”)

Range 
(weighted average) 
2022 

Range
(weighted average)
2021

£18-£250 

(£81) 

Equivalent yield

1.9%-6.2% 

Other 

2.1 

2.1

Income
capitalisation

Estimated rental value
per sq ft1 p.a.

Equivalent yield

At 31 December  

1,743.7 

1,730.6

1. Estimated rental value and capital value are expressed per square foot on a net internal area basis.  

Sensitivity to changes in key assumptions 

(4.1%) 

£30-£38 

(£33) 

2.8%-3.7% 

(3.4%) 

£15–£214

(£76)

1.8%–6.0%

(3.9%)

£30–£38

(£31)

2.8%–3.7%

(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 £73.0 million (2021: £71.9 million). A decrease in the estimated rental 
value of five per cent would result in a decreased asset value of £71.7 million (2021: £71.0 million). Conversely, an increased equivalent yield of 
25 basis points would result in a decreased asset valuation of £102.2 million (2021: £105.2 million). A decreased equivalent yield of 25 basis 
points would result in an increased asset valuation of £115.3 million (2021: £119.8 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 (2021: £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 (2021: £0.1 million). Conversely, an increased equivalent yield of 25 basis points 
would result in a decreased asset valuation of £0.2 million (2021: £0.2 million). A decreased equivalent yield of 25 basis points would result in 
an increased asset valuation of £0.2 million (2021: £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 these changes. 

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Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the accounts continued 

15 Investment in joint ventures 

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 2022, joint ventures comprise the Lillie Square joint venture (“LSJV”) and Innova Investment (“Innova”). On 6 April 2022 The Great Capital 
Partnership (“GCP”) was dissolved. 

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. 

The summarised statement of comprehensive income and balance sheet of LSJV are presented below. 

LSJV 

Summarised statement of comprehensive income  

Revenue 

Net rental (expense)/income 

Proceeds from the sale of trading property 

Profit on transfer of trading property to investment property  

Cost of sale of trading property 

Agent, selling and marketing fees  

Write down of trading property 

Administration expenses 

Net finance costs1 

Loss for the year after taxation 

2022 
£m 

6.8 

(0.3) 

6.6 

0.6 

(5.3) 

(0.1) 

(24.7) 

(0.2) 

(7.0) 

(30.4) 

2021
£m

49.6

0.3

49.3

–

(37.8)

(0.1)

(24.0)

(0.5)

(11.3)

(24.1)

1. Net finance costs include £7.0 million (2021: £2.9 million) interest payable on the interest bearing loans issued to the joint venture by the Group and KFI. The prior year 

finance costs also included £8.4 million of amortisation of deep discount bonds up to their redemption on 31 July 2021. Finance income receivable by the Group from LSJV 
of £3.5 million (2021: £8.0 million) is recognised in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income within other finance income.  

LSJV 

Summarised balance sheet 

Investment and development property 

Trading property 

Cash and cash equivalents1 

Other non-current assets 

Other current assets 

Amounts payable to joint venture partners2 

Other current liabilities 

Net liabilities 

Capital commitments 

Carrying value of investment, development and trading property 

Unrecognised surplus on trading property3 

Market value of investment, development and trading property3 

2022 
£m 

8.8 

131.0 

11.8 

5.5 

1.9 

(217.5) 

(3.1) 

(61.6) 

2021
£m 

3.3

164.8

44.6

5.0

1.1

(246.0)

(4.0)

(31.2)

1.6 

2.6

139.8 

14.2 

154.0 

168.0

0.1

168.1

1. Prior year cash and cash equivalents included restricted cash of £0.5 million relating to amounts received as property deposits that had not been available for use by  

LSJV until completion of building work. There was a corresponding liability of £0.5 million within other current liabilities.  

2. Amounts payable to joint venture partners include working capital facilities advanced by the Group and KFI of £28.2 million (2021: £45.5 million) and a £163.0 million 

loan advanced by the Group and KFI to the joint venture. The carrying value of the loan, including accrued interest was £172.9 million (2021: £165.9 million). Recoverable 
amounts receivable by the Group, net of impairments, are recognised on the consolidated balance sheet within non-current trade and other receivables.  

3. 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. 

15 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. 

The summarised balance sheet of Innova is presented below. There was no movement through the statement of comprehensive income during 
the year. 

Innova 

Summarised balance sheet 

Cash and cash equivalents 

Other current liabilities 

Net assets 

2022
£m

0.4

–

0.4

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 2021 

Elimination of joint venture partners’ interest  

Cumulative losses restricted1 

Carrying value at 31 December 2021 

Net assets/(liabilities) of joint ventures at 31 December 2022 

Elimination of joint venture partners’ interest  

Cumulative losses restricted1 

Unwind of joint venture 

Carrying value at 31 December 2022 

GCP 
£m

0.1

–

–

0.1

0.1

–

–

(0.1)

–

LSJV  
£m 

(31.2) 

15.6 

15.6 

– 

(61.6) 

30.8 

30.8 

– 

– 

Innova
£m

0.4

(0.2)

–

0.2

0.4

(0.2)

–

–

0.2

Total 
£m

(30.7)

15.4

15.6

0.3

(61.1)

30.6

30.8

(0.1)

0.2

1. Cumulative losses restricted represent the Group’s share of losses in LSJV which exceed the Group’s investment in the joint venture. As a result the carrying value of the 

investment in LSJV is nil (2021: 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 2021 

At 31 December 2021 

Loss for the year1 

Loss restricted1 

Unwind of joint venture 

At 31 December 2022 

GCP 
£m

0.1

0.1

–

–

(0.1)

–

LSJV  
£m 

– 

– 

(15.2) 

15.2 

– 

– 

Innova 
£m

0.2

0.2

–

–

–

0.2

Total 
£m

0.3

0.3

(15.2)

15.2

(0.1)

0.2

1. The share of post-tax loss from joint ventures in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income of nil (2021: nil) comprises the loss for the year of £15.2 million 

(2021: £12.0 million) and loss restricted totalling £15.2 million (2021: £12.0 million).  

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Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the accounts continued 

16 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 

2022 
£m 

356.9 

2021
£m 

596.4

1. Listed equity securities comprise 97.0 million shares in Shaftesbury held at the 31 December 2022 closing share price of 368 pence per share (2021: 615 pence per share).

During the year, the following was recognised in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income: 

Profit or loss 

Fair value (loss)/gain on financial assets at fair value through profit or loss 

17 Derivative financial instruments  

Derivative financial assets 

Non-current 

Interest rate derivatives 

Derivative financial assets 

Derivative financial liabilities 

Non-current 

Derivative liability – exchangeable bonds1 

Derivative financial liabilities 

2022 
£m 

(239.5) 

2022 
£m 

12.1 

12.1 

2022 
£m 

3.3 

3.3 

2021
£m 

44.6

2021
£m 

1.1

1.1

2021
£m 

32.1

32.1

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 on interest rate derivatives 

Fair value gain/(loss) on derivative liability – exchangeable bonds 

Change in fair value of derivative financial instruments 

2022 
£m 

11.0 

28.8 

39.8 

Restated
2021
£m 

8.3

(16.8)

(8.5)

18 Trade and other receivables 

Non-current 

Prepayments and accrued income1 

Amounts receivable from joint ventures2 

Trade and other receivables 

Current 

Rent receivable3 

Other receivables 

Prepayments and accrued income1 

Amounts receivable from joint ventures2 

Trade and other receivables 

2022
£m

31.6

84.0

115.6

8.0

2.6

10.2

–

20.8

Restated
2021
£m 

25.9

82.9

108.8

10.0

2.2

12.8

23.4

48.4

1. Includes tenant lease incentives, comprising surrender premia paid and incentives offered to tenants, of £34.7 million (2021: £31.1 million). 
2. Non-current amounts receivable from joint ventures of £84.0 million (2021: £82.9 million) relate to an interest bearing loan of £86.4 million (2021: £82.9 million) that the 

Group and KFI provided to the joint venture. The loan has been impaired by £2.4 million (2021: nil). The loan bears interest at 4.25 per cent per annum and is repayable on 
demand, however it is not the intention of the Group to call on the loan in the next 12 months and therefore it has been presented as non-current. Current amounts receivable 
from joint ventures include working capital funding advanced to Lillie Square joint venture from the Group of £28.2 million (2021: £45.5 million) which has been impaired by 
£28.2 million (2021: £22.7 million). 

3. Rent receivable is shown net of expected credit loss provision of £4.0 million (2021: £11.4 million).  

19 Cash and cash equivalents 

Cash at hand 

Cash on short-term deposits  

Cash  

Tenant deposits1 

Cash and cash equivalents 

2022
£m

2.1

114.4

116.5

13.4

129.9

Restated 
2021
£m 

1.9

317.1

319.0

12.1

331.1

1. Tenant deposits included above and in the consolidated statement of cash flows relate to cash held on deposit as security against tenant rent payments which are subject to 
certain restrictions and therefore not available for general use by the Group. Cash and cash equivalents have been restated as at 31 December 2021 to include tenant 
deposits previously included in Trade and other receivables following clarification by IFRIC ‘Demand Deposits with Restrictions on Use arising from a Contract with a Third 
Party’. Details of the restatement are set out in note 1 ‘Changes in accounting policies’. 

20 Trade and other payables 

Rent in advance 

Accruals 

Other payables 

Other taxes and social security 

Trade and other payables 

2022
£m

15.4

10.4

14.7

1.4

41.9

2021
£m 

13.6

9.3

13.6

2.5

39.0

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Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the accounts continued 

21 Borrowings, including lease liabilities 

21 Borrowings, including lease liabilities continued  

Analysis of movement in borrowings, including lease liabilities  

Balance at 1 January 

Borrowings repaid 

Other net cash movements 

Other non-cash movements 

Balance at 31 December  

Analysis of movement in borrowings, including lease liabilities 

Balance at 1 January 

Borrowings repaid 

Other net cash movements 

Other non-cash movements 

Balance at 31 December  

The maturity profile of gross debt (excluding lease liabilities) is as follows: 

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 

2022 

Current 
borrowings
£m

Non-current 
borrowings
£m

0.7

–

–

–

0.7

940.3

(200.0)

(7.1)

10.5

743.7

2021 

Current 
borrowings
£m

Non-current 
borrowings
£m

1.6

–

(0.2)

(0.7)

0.7

2022
£m

–

582.5

167.5

750.0

1,079.0

(140.0)

(8.4)

9.7

940.3

2021
£m 

125.0

607.5

217.5

950.0

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 209. 

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 

0.7 

0.7 

(2.5) 

473.9 

266.9 

738.3 

5.4 

743.7 

744.4 

0.7

0.7

–

–

266.9

266.9

5.4

272.3

–

–

(2.5)

473.9

–

471.4

–

471.4

Carrying 
value  
£m 

Secured 
£m

Unsecured 
£m

2022 

Fixed
rate 
£m

0.7

0.7

–

473.9

266.9

740.8

5.4

746.2

2021 

Fixed
rate 
£m

Floating 
rate  
£m 

– 

– 

(2.5) 

– 

– 

(2.5) 

– 

(2.5) 

Floating 
rate  
£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 

0.7 

0.7 

122.4 

548.4 

264.1 

934.9 

5.4 

940.3 

941.0 

0.7

0.7

124.0

–

264.1

388.1

5.4

393.5

–

–

0.7

0.7

– 

– 

(1.6)

548.4

–

546.8

–

546.8

–

122.4 

548.4

264.1

812.5

5.4

817.9

– 

– 

122.4 

– 

122.4 

Fair 
value 
£m 

0.7 

0.7 

– 

393.4 

228.9 

622.3 

5.4 

627.7 

Fair 
value 
£m 

0.7 

0.7 

125.0 

554.1 

259.1 

938.2 

5.4 

943.6 

Nominal
value
£m

0.7

0.7

–

475.0

275.0

750.0

5.4

755.4

Nominal
value
£m

0.7

0.7

125.0

550.0

275.0

950.0

5.4

955.4

On 28 February 2022, the Group prepaid £75 million of private placement loan notes, consisting of £37.5 million loan notes that were set to 
mature on 16 December 2024 with an interest rate of 3.63 per cent and £37.5 million loan notes that were set to mature on 16 December 2026 
with an interest rate of 3.68 per cent. On 20 June 2022, the Group repaid the £125 million secured loan.  

The Group holds a £300 million revolving credit facility, which is undrawn at 31 December 2022. The facility had an initial three year term, which 
was extended for a further one year period to September 2025. The facility has a further one year option to extend, subject to lender consent. 

On 16 June 2022, the Group entered into a £576 million standby loan facility in connection with the proposed merger with Shaftesbury. 
Shaftesbury has two secured mortgage bonds totalling £575 million, each of which contain change of control provisions which will be triggered 
by the merger. The Group has entered into the new facility to provide funding certainty in the event that the Shaftesbury mortgage bond holders 
exercise their redemption right in respect of the bonds following completion of the merger. The facility remains undrawn as at 31 December 2022. 
The term of the £576 million loan facility is 24 months, which may be extended for a further six months at the option of the Group, subject to the 
satisfaction of the extension requirements as outlined in the facility. There is subsequently a further six month extension option available which 
requires lender approval.  

The market value of investment and development property secured as collateral against borrowings at 31 December 2022 was nil (2021: nil).  

Undrawn facilities and cash attributable to the Group, excluding tenant deposits, at 31 December 2022 were £416.5 million (2021: 
£619.0 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 14 ‘Property portfolio’.The lease liability obligations are in respect of leasehold interests in 
investment and development property. Details of these leases are set out in note 22 ‘Lease liabilities’.  

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Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the accounts continued 

22 Lease liabilities 

Lease liabilities included within investment and development property 

(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 

2022 
£m 

0.7 

2.9 

18.0 

21.6 

(15.5) 

6.1 

2022 
£m 

0.7 

2.3 

3.1 

6.1 

2021
£m 

0.7

2.9

18.0

21.6

(15.5)

6.1

2021
£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.  
£0.3 million contingent rent has been paid during the year (2021: £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. 

23 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 

2022 
£m 

57.0 

176.3 

212.0 

445.3 

2021
£m 

53.7

174.0

233.1

460.8

The consolidated statement of comprehensive income includes nil (2021: £0.1 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. 

24 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

17

19

16

17

21

2022 

Restated 2021  

Carrying
value
£m

Gain/(loss) 
to profit or loss 
£m  

Carrying 
value
£m

Gain/(loss)
to profit or loss
£m

12.1

12.1

129.9

94.6

224.5

356.9

356.9

(3.3)

(3.3)

(744.4)

(26.5)

(770.9)

11.0 

11.0 

(239.5) 

(239.5) 

28.8 

28.8 

1.1

1.1

331.1

118.5

449.6

596.4

596.4

(32.1)

(32.1)

(941.0)

(25.4)

(966.4)

8.3

8.3

44.6

44.6

(16.8)

(16.8)

1. Includes rent receivable, amounts due from joint ventures, tax assets and other receivables.  
2. Includes trade and other payables (excluding rents in advance). 

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Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the accounts continued 

24 Financial risk management continued 

The majority of the Group’s financial risk management is carried out by the Group’s treasury function 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. 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 

Derivative impact (nominal value of derivative contracts) 

Borrowings profile net of derivative impact 

Interest rate protection  

Fixed/Capped 
2022
£m

Floating 
2022 
£m 

Fixed/Capped  
2021 
£m 

750.0

–

750.0

– 

– 

– 

100% 

825.0 

125.0 

950.0 

Floating
2021
£m

125.0

(125.0)

–

100%

Group policy is to ensure that interest rate protection on Group external debt is greater than 25 per cent. 

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. Interest rate derivatives 
are currently in place for £200 million of notional value through to December 2024 capped at 1.23 per cent. 

The sensitivity analysis below illustrates the impact of a 100 basis point (“bps”) shift, upwards and downwards, in the level of interest rates on the 
movement in fair value of interest rate derivatives entered into by the Group. 

Increase in 
interest rates 
by 100 bps 
2022 
£m

Decrease in 
interest rates  
by 100 bps  
2022  
£m 

Increase in  
interest rates  
by 50 bps 
2021 
£m 

Decrease in 
interest rates 
by 50 bps 
2021 
£m

Effect on profit before tax (change in fair value of derivative financial instruments): 

Increase/(decrease) 

3.5

(3.5) 

2.1 

(2.1)

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. 100 bps has been used in 2022 (2021: 50 bps) to 
reflect current macroeconomic conditions of increasing costs. 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.  

24 Financial risk management continued 

Price risk 

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 fair value through profit or loss 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 consolidated 
statement of comprehensive income: 

Change in fair value of financial assets at fair value through profit or loss 

Effect on profit before tax: 

Increase/(decrease) 

Liquidity risk 

1% increase in 
share price 
2022 
£m

1% decrease in 
share price  
2022  
£m 

1% increase in 
share price
2021
£m

1% decrease in 
share price
2021 
£m

3.6

(3.6) 

6.0

(6.0)

Liquidity risk is managed to ensure that the Group is able to meet future payment obligations when financial liabilities fall due.  

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. The RCF and standby loan facility are not included for 2022 as these facilities are undrawn as at 31 December 2022. 
Where interest payment obligations are based on a floating rate, the rates used are those implied by the par yield curve. 

Carrying value 

1 yr 

Between 1-2 yrs 

Between 2-5 yrs 

Over 5 yrs 

Total 

2022 

Group 

Loan notes 

Exchangeable bonds 

Lease liabilities 

Other payables  

£m 

473.9 

266.9 

6.1 

26.5 

Interest 
£m 

Principal 
£m

Interest 
£m

Principal 
£m

Interest 
£m

Principal 
£m

Interest  
£m 

Principal  
£m 

Interest 
£m

Principal 
£m

13.0 

5.5 

– 

– 

–

–

0.7

26.5

27.2

13.0

5.5

–

–

95.0

26.5

212.5

18.1 

167.5 

–

–

–

8.2

275.0

–

–

2.3

–

– 

– 

– 

– 

3.1 

– 

70.6

19.2

–

–

475.0

275.0

6.1

26.5

18.5

95.0

34.7

489.8

18.1 

170.6 

89.8

782.6

773.4 

18.5 

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Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the accounts continued 

24 Financial risk management continued 

Liquidity risk continued 

24 Financial risk management continued 

Credit risk continued 

2021 

Ageing of gross trade receivables and loss allowances were as follows: 

Group 

Bank loans 

Loan notes 

Exchangeable bonds 

Lease liabilities 

Other payables  

Carrying value 

1 yr 

Between 1-2 yrs 

Between 2-5 yrs 

Over 5 yrs 

Total 

Interest  
£m 

Principal 
£m

Interest 
£m

Principal 
£m

Interest 
£m

Principal 
£m

Interest  
£m 

Principal  
£m 

Interest 
£m

Principal 
£m

£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

125.0

15.7

5.5

–

–

–

–

–

–

1.2

38.9

13.8

–

–

–

– 

– 

332.5

275.0

2.3

–

24.1 

217.5 

– 

– 

– 

– 

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

Contractual maturities reflect the expected maturities of financial instruments. 

As disclosed in note 21 ‘Borrowings’, the Group has an unsecured revolving credit facility, loan notes and a standby loan facility 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 209 ‘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 based on the current drawn facility balances. 

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 consolidated financial statements represents the 
Group’s maximum exposure to credit risk without taking into account the value of any deposits or guarantees obtained. 

Trade and other receivables:  

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 2022 
(2021: less than one per cent) and have reduced to £12.0 million as at 31 December 2022 (2021: £21.4 million). 

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 2022 was £13.4 million (2021: 
£12.1 million).  

During the year tenant default risk, and as such credit risk, has reduced due to improved trading conditions. All COVID-19 support, provided on a 
case-by-case basis, concluded with no further support expected.  

Rent receivable balances are provided against by applying the IFRS 9 expected credit loss model which uses a lifetime expected loss allowance. In 
assessing the provision the Group identifies risk factors associated by sector and the type of rent receivable outstanding (rent arrears, service charge, 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 or when a rent concession is provided for past due 
rent. 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.  

Not yet due 

0-90 days 

91-180 days 

Over 180 days 

Trade receivables 

2022 
£m 

Restated 2021  
£m 

Gross 
carrying 
amount

Loss  
allowance 

Gross 
carrying 
amount

Loss 
allowance

0.4

6.1

0.6

4.9

12.0

(0.1) 

(0.6) 

(0.3) 

(3.0) 

(4.0) 

0.6

6.5

5.1

9.2

(0.3)

(1.4)

(0.7)

(9.0)

21.4

(11.4)

As at 31 December 2022 there is a provision for trade receivables of £4.0 million (2021: £11.4 million). The total credit for the year is 
£1.6 million (2021: a charge of £7.6 million), as shown in note 4 ‘Gross Profit’, reflecting impairments during the year and movement 
in the provision.  

As the Group operates predominantly in central London, it is subject to some geographical concentration risk. However, this is mitigated by the 
extensive range of tenants from varying business sectors and the credit review process as noted above. 

Amounts receivable from joint ventures: 

Included within receivables, net of impairment is £nil (2021: £22.8 million) working capital facility advanced to the Lillie Square joint venture 
and an interest bearing loan of £84.0 million (2021: £82.9 million). The carrying value of the investment in the joint venture is nil (2021: nil) as 
the Group’s share of losses exceeds the cost of its investment. Total funding advanced to the joint venture, including the working capital facility 
and an interest bearing loan has been impaired by £30.6 million cumulatively. Details of the impairment are set out in note 8 ‘Change in value 
of investments and other receivables’.  

The Lillie Square joint venture 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 £7.1 million (Group share) as at 31 December 2022. 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 
the joint venture, to the extent that losses do not exceed the investment, until the unrecognised surplus on trading property is realised through sale. 

Cash, deposits and derivative financial instruments:  

The credit risk relating to cash, deposits and derivative financial instruments is actively managed by the Group’s treasury fucntion. 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, excluding tenant deposits, as at 31 December 2022 amounted to 
£122.6 million (2021: £341.7 million), including the Group’s share of joint venture cash. The maximum fair value exposure to derivative financial 
instruments is £8.8 million (2021: £31.0 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 

1. £1.9 million (2021: £2.3 million) loss allowance relates to the provision against tenant lease incentives.  

2022  
£m 

Restated 2021 
£m 

Gross 
carrying 
amount

114.6

44.4

Loss 
allowance 

(30.6) 

(1.9) 

Gross 
carrying 
amount

106.4

42.2

Loss 
allowance

(22.7)

(2.3)

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Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the accounts continued 

24 Financial risk management continued 

Capital structure 

24 Financial risk management continued 

Fair value estimation  

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 59. 

Net debt to gross assets 

Total assets 

Less: cash 

Net debt 

Net debt  

Borrowings, including lease liabilities  

Less: cash 

Interest cover 

Finance costs  
Finance income 

Underlying operating profit 

2022  
£m 

Restated 
2021 
£m

2,352.0 

2,808.5

(122.6) 

(341.7)

2,229.4 

2,466.8

(621.8) 

27.9% 

(599.3)

24.3%

2022  
£m 

(744.4) 

122.6 

(621.8) 

2022  
£m 

(27.2) 
2.6 

(24.6) 

44.6 

Restated 
2021 
£m

(941.0)

341.7

(599.3)

Restated
2021 
£m

(31.8)
0.4

(31.4)

31.7

181.3% 

101.0%

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 2022 the loan to value is 21.0 per cent (2021: 14.8 per cent). Interest cover ratio is calculated based on net rental income 
less a fixed administration cost divided by net finance costs. For the year ended 31 December 2022 the interest cover ratio is 394.7 per cent 
(2021: 191.3 per cent).  

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 14 ‘Property portfolio’. 

The table below present the Group’s financial assets and liabilities recognised at fair value at 31 December 2022 and 31 December 2021. 
There were no transfers between levels during the year. 

2022 

2021 

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 

356.9 

–

– 

356.9 

– 

– 

12.1

12.1

(3.3)

(3.3)

–

–

–

–

–

356.9

596.4

– 

12.1

369.0

–

596.4

1.1 

1.1 

(3.3)

(3.3)

–

–

(32.1) 

(32.1) 

–

–

–

–

–

596.4

1.1

597.5

(32.1)

(32.1)

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 consolidated financial statements. 

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Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the accounts continued 

25 Deferred tax  

The change in corporation tax rate referred to in note 11 ‘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 2022 (2021: nil).  

A disposal of the Group’s trading properties at their market value as per note 14 ‘Property portfolio’, before utilisation of carried forward losses, 
would result in a corporation tax charge to the Group of £1.3 million (19 per cent of £7.1 million). 

Provided deferred tax provision: 

At 1 January 2021  

Recognised in income 

Adjustment in respect of rate change 

At 31 December 2021 

Recognised in income 

Recognised directly in equity  

Adjustment in respect of rate change 

At 31 December 2022 

Unrecognised deferred tax assets: 

At 1 January 2021 

Income statement items 

At 31 December 2021 

Income statement items 

At 31 December 2022 

Accelerated 
capital 
allowances 
£m

Fair value of 
derivative 
financial 
instruments 
£m

Other 
temporary 
differences 
£m

Non-REIT 
group  
losses  
£m 

0.2

0.1

–

0.3

–

–

0.1

0.4

(2.3)

2.2

–

(0.1)

–

0.1

–

–

(1.1)

(0.5)

–

(1.6)

1.3

–

(0.1)

(0.4)

–

–

–

(0.3)

(0.3)

(3.6) 

– 

(1.1) 

(4.7) 

4.7 

– 

– 

– 

(8.3) 

(9.1) 

(17.4) 

(6.8) 

(24.2) 

Total 
£m

(6.8)

1.8

(1.1)

(6.1)

6.0

0.1

–

–

(8.3)

(9.1)

(17.4)

(7.1)

(24.5)

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. As a result of the application of this provision and due 
to uncertainty as to future non-REIT taxable activities, the Group has unwound all of the £6.1 million deferred tax asset previously recognised in 
respect of trading losses carried forward and other temporary differences. As at 31 December 2022, the Group has unrecognised deferred tax 
assets of £24.5 million in relation to £96.9 million of gross losses carried forward within its residual business and £1.2 million of other deductible 
temporary differences. 

26 Share capital and share premium  
Group and Company  

Issue type 

At 1 January 2021 

Transaction 
date

Issue
price
(pence)

Number  
of shares 

851,083,643 

Scrip dividend – 2021 interim 

September

176

153,071 

Share
capital
£m1

212.8

–

–

Share
premium
£m

232.2

0.3

–

Share-based payment2 

At 31 December 2021 

Reinstatement of void shares3 

Share buyback3 

Share-based payment2 

At 31 December 2022 

35,958 

 November

November

851,272,672 

212.8

232.5

113

112

1,468,393 

(1,468,393) 

177,966 

0.4 

(0.4)

–

–

–

–

851,450,638 

212.8

232.5

1. Nominal value of share capital of 25 pence per share. 
2. In 2022 a total of 177,966 (2021: 35,958) new shares were issued to satisfy employee share scheme awards. 
3. In 2020, the Company announced the repurchase for cancellation of 6.06 million of its ordinary shares of 25 pence each as part of a share buyback programme. As 
announced on 7 November 2022, as a result of an administrative issue, the purchase by the Company of 1,468,393 of its ordinary shares of 25 pence each on the 
Johannesburg Stock Exchange during the period from February 2020 to March 2020 as part of the buyback programme was void. To rectify this, the Company corrected its 
register of members by restoring 1,468,393 ordinary shares of 25 pence each to the UK register, with such shares admitted to trading on the main market of the London Stock 
Exchange and listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange on 8 November 2022. Shortly thereafter, the Company conducted an on-market share buyback of 1,468,393 
ordinary shares of 25 pence each pursuant to the Company’s general authority to repurchase shares, which completed on 14 November 2022. The purpose of the buyback 
programme was to restore the share capital of the Company to the same number of shares as were in issue prior to the correction of the register. The rectification was recorded 
as a reinstatement of the void shares and a subsequent buyback of the shares at the prevailing market value. 

27 Capital commitments 

At 31 December 2022, the Group was contractually committed to £1.7 million (31 December 2021: £4.1 million) of future expenditure  
for the purchase, construction, development and enhancement of investment, development and trading property. The full amount is committed  
2022 expenditure.  

The Group’s share of joint venture capital commitments arising on LSJV amounts to £0.8 million (2021: £1.3 million).  

28 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 consolidated financial statements.  

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Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the accounts continued 

29 Cash flow information 

(a) Cash generated from operations 

(Loss)/profit before tax 

Adjustments: 

Loss on revaluation and sale of investment and development property 

Change in value of investments and other receivables 

Change in fair value of financial assets at fair value through profit or loss 

Depreciation 

Amortisation of tenant lease incentives and other direct costs 

(Reversal of)/provision for expected credit loss 

Share-based payment1 

Finance income 

Other finance income 

Finance costs 

Other finance costs2 

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 from operations 

Note

7

8

16

6

31

9

9

10

10

17

2022  
£m 

(205.8) 

0.8 

7.9 

239.5 

0.2 

(2.6) 

(1.6) 

2.4 

(2.6) 

(3.5) 

27.2 

6.5 

(39.8) 

2.0 

2.9 

33.5 

Restated
2021 
£m

35.5

4.1

(11.6)

(44.6)

0.2

6.0

7.6

1.5

(0.5)

(8.1)

31.7

5.2

8.5

(4.7)

(4.3)

26.5

1. Relates to the IFRS 2 ‘Share-based payment’ charge. Refer to note 31 ‘Share-based payments’ for further details. 
2. Includes £5.0 million make whole costs on the repayment of £75.0 million private placement loan notes during the year.  

(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 

Long-term 
borrowings
£m

Short-term 
borrowings
£m

Note

Derivative 
liability – 
exchangeable 
bond 
£m  

Total liabilities 
from financing 
activities
£m

940.3

0.7

32.1 

973.1

Repayment of revolving credit facility and secured loan 

21

Total cash flows used in financing activities 

Non-cash movements from financing activities 

Amortisation 

Changes in fair value 

Total non-cash flows from financing activities 

Balance at 31 December 

(200.0)

(200.0)

3.4

–

3.4

–

–

–

–

–

743.7

0.7

– 

– 

– 

(28.8) 

(28.8) 

3.3 

(200.0)

(200.0)

3.4

(28.8)

(25.4)

747.7

30 Related party transactions 

(a) Transactions with Directors 

Key management compensation1 

Salaries and short-term employee benefits 

Share-based payment 

2022 
£m

4.7

1.8

6.5

2021 
£m

3.9

1.2

5.1

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.  

Anthony Steains, Senior Independent Director of Capital & Counties Properties PLC, entered into a short-term rental agreement with Capco Covent 
Garden Residential Limited, a Group subsidiary undertaking, in respect of an apartment on the Covent Garden estate. The short-term rental 
agreement ran from 23 June 2022 to 7 September 2022 and was conducted at a fair and reasonable market price. The total rent payable was 
£20,763 (inclusive of utilities and services) and no amounts remained outstanding as at 31 December 2022. Where applicable, appropriate 
approval was provided.  

Share dealings 

No Director had any dealings in the shares of any Group company between 31 December 2022 and 28 February 2023, being a date not more 
than one month prior to the date of the notice convening the Annual General Meeting. 

Other than as disclosed in these consolidated financial statements, 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 2022.  

(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 15 ‘Investment in joint 
ventures’, 18 ‘Trade and other receivables’ and 27 ‘Capital commitments’. During the year the Group received management fees of nil (2021: 
£0.7 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 2022, £17,774 had been paid to a related party of the Capco Group, 
Lillie Square GP Limited, in relation to these charges. A further £289 invoiced during the year was outstanding at 31 December 2022, as it 
was not yet due for payment.  

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. 

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Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
31 Share-based payments continued 

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 

2022

133p

2021 

173p 

2020

209p

2019

241p

0 – 242p

0 – 188p 

0 – 201p

0 – 241p

3 – 6.5 years

3 – 6.5 years 

3 – 6.5 years

3 – 6.5 years

(0.11)%

0.2 – 0.5% 

0.2 – 0.3%

0.6 – 0.8% 

36% 32.3 – 43.1%  26.8 – 33.0%

23.7 – 24.6%

0.8%

141p

158p

0.6% 

167p 

0.7%

162p

0.6%

238p

48 –137p 

40–142p

26–87p

1. Expected dividend yield is based on public pronouncements about future dividend levels; all other measures are based on historical data. 

Notes to the accounts continued 

31 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 statement of comprehensive income in respect of share-based payments 
for 2022 was £2.3 million (2021: £1.5 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 105 to 127. 

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”). The Company may make a proportion of awards as HMRC approved market value options. 

Share options outstanding at 31 December 2022 were exercisable between nil pence and 242 pence and have a weighted average remaining 
contractual life of six years and are exercisable between 2023 and 2032. 

 (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 

2022 

2021 

Number 
of market 
value
 options

691,022

183,587

(466,375)

– 

Weighted
average
exercise price
(pence) 

216.5

164.9

(234.4)

–

Number  
of market  
value 
 options 

605,884 

188,170 

(75,239) 

(27,793) 

408,234

172.9

691,022 

–

–

– 

Weighted 
average 
exercise price 
(pence) 

231.6

168.0

(238.4)

(157.7)

216.5

1. The weighted average share price at the date of exercise of shares excerised during 2021 was 180.8 pence. 

(b)  Nil cost option awards 

Outstanding at 1 January 

Awarded during the year 

Forfeited/lapsed 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 102.8 pence. 

(c)  Deferred share awards 

Outstanding at 1 January 

Awarded during the year 

Forfeited/lapsed during the year 

Exercised during the year1 

Outstanding at 31 December 

1. The weighted average share price at the date of exercise was 169.7 pence (2021: 134.6 pence). 

Number of nil cost options 

2022 

2021

6,933,460 

5,690,598

3,094,396 

2,518,456

(1,469,432) 

(1,275,594)

(176,403) 

–

8,382,021 

6,933,460

87,275 

189,970

Number of deferred share awards 

2022 

2021

2,147,386 

1,948,215

1,148,190 

890,188

(664,618) 

(682,852)

(1,563) 

(8,165)

2,629,395 

2,147,386

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Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the accounts continued 

32 Related undertakings 

33 Events after the reporting date 

The Company’s subsidiaries and other related undertakings at 31 December 2022 are listed below. All Group entities are included in the 
consolidated financial statements.  

On 16 June 2022, Capco and Shaftesbury announced that they had reached an agreement on the terms of a recommended all-share merger to 
form the combined group.  

It is intended that the merger will be implemented by way of a scheme of arrangement of Shaftesbury, which, together with the Group’s existing 
25.2 per cent shareholding in Shaftesbury, will result, on completion, in the Group owning 100 per cent of the issued and to be issued share 
capital of Shaftesbury.  

As at the 31 December 2022 a number of conditions remained outstanding, including clearance from the Competition and Markets Authority 
(‘CMA’). 

On 22 February 2023, the CMA confirmed that its intention not to make a Phase 2 CMA reference and that the decision has been issued on an 
unconditional basis. The remaining conditions of the merger include Shaftesbury implementing the scheme of arrangement by proceeding with 
obtaining the Court sanctions of the scheme, the scheme becoming effective, and admission of new Capco shares.  

Under the terms of the merger, once conditions have been satisfied, Capco will issue 3.356 new Capco shares for each Shaftesbury share held 
as at the Scheme Record Time. As a result, Shaftesbury shareholders (other than the holders of the existing Capco shareholding in Shaftesbury) will 
own approximately 53 per cent of the combined group and Capco shareholders will own approximately 47 per cent of the combined group, 
subject to satisfaction or, where applicable, waiver of the conditions to completion. Completion is expected to occur on 6 March 2023 upon 
issuance and admission of the new Capco shares and the court order sanctioning the scheme being delivered to the Registrar at Companies House. 

As set out in IFRS 3 ‘Business Combinations’, one of the combining entities is required to be identified as the acquirer and one as the acquiree. 
In a business combination effected primarily by exchanging equity interests, the acquirer is usually the entity that issues its equity interests. In some 
business combinations, commonly called ‘reverse acquisitions’, the issuing entity is the acquiree. The pertinent facts and circumstances of the merger 
have been reviewed and considered by management, and, at this stage, it is expected that Capital & Counties Properties PLC will be assessed as 
the acquirer for IFRS 3 accounting purposes. This is a balanced judgement, which requires various factors to be taken into account.  

It is the Directors’ view that although Shaftesbury shareholders (excluding the existing Capco shareholding in Shaftesbury) will own approximately 
53 per cent of the combined group, the expected balance of executive directors in the combined group, combined with the fact that Capco will 
be the entity issuing its equity interests and already holds a 25.2 per cent interest in Shaftesbury, will result in Capco being the acquirer for 
accounting purposes.  

Assuming the transaction proceeds, the financial effect of the merger will be dependent on the fair value of assets and liabilities at the future 
acquisition date and the Shaftesbury closing share price prior to its delisting.  

On 28 February 2023 the Group acquired the remaining interest in the Royal Opera House Arcade for £12.9 million, including transaction costs.

Unless otherwise stated, the Company holds 100 per cent of the voting rights and beneficial interests in the shares of the subsidiaries listed below. 
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 

Related undertakings  

20 The Piazza Limited  

20 The Piazza Management Limited1 

22 Southampton Street Limited  

Capital & Counties Limited2,3 

CG Treasury Limited2 

Covent Garden (43 Management) Limited1 

22 Southampton Street Management Limited1 

Covent Garden (49 Wellington Street) Limited 

34 Henrietta Street Limited  

Covent Garden Group Holdings Limited 

34 Henrietta Street Management Company Limited1 

Covent Garden Holdings (No.1) Limited1 

C & C Management Services Limited2 

C&C Properties UK Limited2 

Capco Covent Garden Limited2 

Covent Garden Holdings (No.2) Limited1 

Covent Garden Management Services Limited2 

Floral Court Collection Management Limited1 

Capco Covent Garden Residential Limited 

Floral Court Limited 

Capco Group Treasury Limited2 

Capco Investment London Limited2 

Capco Investment London 2 Limited2 

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 Limited1 

Capital & Counties CG Limited 

Capital & Counties CGP 

Capital & Counties CG Nominee Limited1 

1. Dormant entity.  
2. Direct undertakings of the Company. 
3. Ordinary and non-voting deferred shares. 
4. Equity accounted joint ventures. 

Innova Investment Partnership GP Limited (50%)4 

Innova Investment Limited Partnership (50%)4 

Innova Investment Group Holdings GP Limited1 

Innova Investment Group Holdings LP 

Innova Investment Group Holdings Nominee Limited1 

Innova Investment Management Limited1 

Lillie Square Clubhouse Limited (50%)1,4 

Lillie Square Developments Limited (50%)4 

Lillie Square GP Limited (50%)4 

Lillie Square LP (50%)4 

Lillie Square Management Limited (50%)4 

Lillie Square Nominee Limited (50%)1,4 

Registered address: C/O Shepherd and Wedderburn LLP, 1 Exchange Crescent, Conference Square, Edinburgh, Scotland, EH3 8UL 

Related undertakings  

Capco Investment London (No.6) Limited1,2  

Capco Investment London (No.7) Scottish Limited Partnership2  

1. Direct undertaking of the Company. 
2. Dormant entity.  

Registered address: 27 Esplanade, St Helier, Jersey, JE1 1SG 

Related undertakings 

Capital & Counties Properties (Jersey) 3 Limited1 

Capvestco Limited1,2 

Capvestco 2 Limited1 

Capvestco 3 Limited1 

Capvestco 3 Holdings Limited 

Capvestco Earls Court Limited2  

1. Direct undertakings of the Company. 
2. Dormant entity. 

Innova Investment Group Holdings LP Limited 

Innova Investment Holdings Limited2 

Lillie Square LP Limited 

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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 2022 

for the year ended 31 December 2022 

Non-current assets 

Investment in Group companies 

Current assets 

Trade and other receivables 

Total assets 

Non-current liabilities 

Borrowings 

Derivative financial instruments 

Current liabilities 

Trade and other payables 

Total liabilities 

Net assets 

Equity 

Share capital 

Other components of equity 

Total equity  

Note

II

III

IV

V

2022 
£m 

516.4 

516.4 

2021
£m

516.4

516.4

1,798.1 

1,798.1 

1,793.6

1,793.6

2,314.5 

2,310.0

(265.7) 

(3.3) 

(269.0) 

(1.5) 

(1.5) 

(264.1)

(32.1)

(296.2)

(0.9)

(0.9)

(270.5) 

(297.1)

2,044.0 

2,012.9

26

212.8 

1,831.2 

2,044.0 

212.8

1,800.1

2,012.9

Note 

26 

12 

Balance at 1 January 2021 

Loss and total comprehensive expense for  
the year ended 31 December 2021 

Transactions with owners 

Ordinary shares issued 

Dividends 

Realisation of merger reserve1 

Realisation of share-based payment 
reserve on issue of shares 

Fair value of share-based payment 

Share
capital
£m

212.8

Share
premium
£m

232.2

Capital 
redemption 
reserve
£m

1.5

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

0.3

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Merger
reserve1
£m 

313.7

–

–

–

(20.0)

–

–

Balance at 31 December 2021 

212.8

232.5

1.5

293.7

Profit and total comprehensive income 
for the year ended 31 December 2022 

Transactions with owners 

Ordinary shares issued 

Share buyback 

Dividends 

Realisation of share-based payment 
reserve on issue of shares 

Fair value of share-based payment 

26 

12 

–

0.4

(0.4)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(0.4)

0.4

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Balance at 31 December 2022 

212.8

232.5

1.5

293.7

Share-based  
payment 
reserve 
£m 

Retained
earnings
£m

Total
equity
£m

6.4 

1,267.6

2,034.2

– 

– 

– 

– 

(0.2) 

1.5 

7.7 

– 

– 

– 

– 

(0.2) 

2.3 

9.8 

(18.6)

(18.6)

–

(4.3)

20.0

–

–

0.3

(4.3)

–

(0.2)

1.5

1,264.7

2,012.9

44.3

44.3

1.7

(1.7)

(15.3)

–

–

1.7

(1.7)

(15.3)

(0.2)

2.3

1,293.7

2,044.0

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 prior year as these properties were originally acquired using proceeds from the share placement. 

The profit for the year attributable to shareholders of the Company is £44.3 million (2021: £18.6 million loss). 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 28 February 2023 and signed on its behalf by: 

Ian Hawksworth 
Chief Executive 

Situl Jobanputra 
Chief Financial Officer 

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Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Capital & Counties Properties PLC  
Company statement of cash flows 

for the year ended 31 December 2022 

Notes to the Company financial statements 

Capital & Counties Properties PLC  
Notes to the Company financial statements 

Cash flows from operating activities 

Cash generated from operations 

Interest paid 

Net cash inflow from operating activities 

Cash flows from financing activities 

Issue of shares 

Share buyback 

Principal element of lease payment 

Cash dividends paid 

Net cash outflow from financing activities 

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents  

Cash and cash equivalents at 1 January  

Cash and cash equivalents at 31 December 

Note

VI

12

2022 
£m 

2021
£m

I Principal accounting policies 

General information 

22.5 

(7.2) 

15.3 

1.7 

(1.7) 

– 

(15.3) 

(15.3) 

– 

– 

– 

8.8

(4.6)

4.2

–

–

(0.2)

(4.0)

(4.2)

–

–

–

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 IFRS and in conformity with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.  

The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis 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 145 that are effective for annual periods that begin on or after 1 January 2022. 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 and value-in-use calcuaitons. 
Fair value is derived from the subsidiaries’, and their subsidiaries’, net assets at the balance sheet date. Value-in-use calculations which require the 
use of estimates, comprise discounted cash flows based on the latest strategic plan. On disposal, the difference between the net disposal proceeds 
and its carrying amount is included in the income statement. 

Other 

All accounting policies have been applied consistently and are the same as those applied by the Group as set out on pages 145 to 156. No 
significant areas of estimation and uncertainty have been identified. The Directors did not make any significant judgements in the preparation of 
these financial statements.  

The auditors’ remuneration for audit and other services is disclosed in note 6 to the Group financial statements.  

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Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Company financial statements continued 

II Investment in Group companies 

At 1 January  

At 31 December 

2022 
£m 

516.4 

516.4 

2021
£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 (2021: nil). 

III Trade and other receivables 

Current 

Amounts owed by subsidiaries 

Prepayments and accrued income 

Trade and other receivables 

2022 
£m 

2021
£m

1,795.8 

1,793.2

2.3 

0.4

1,798.1 

1,793.6

An impairment test is performed on an annual basis to determine the recoverability of amounts owed by subsidiaries. The expected credit loss was 
evaluated and scenarios determined that may result in an impairment. No material impairment was identified and therefore no expected credit loss 
has been recognised.  

IV Borrowings 

Non-current 

Bank loans  

Exchangeable bonds 

Borrowings 

Total borrowings 

Non-current 

Exchangeable bonds 

Borrowings 

Total borrowings 

2022 

Secured 
£m

Unsecured 
£m

Fixed
rate 
£m

Floating 
rate  
£m 

Fair 
value 
£m 

Nominal
value
£m

–

266.9

266.9

(1.2)

–

(1.2)

–

266.9

266.9

(1.2) 

– 

(1.2) 

– 

228.9 

228.9 

–

275.0

275.0

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

Carrying 
value  
£m 

(1.2) 

266.9 

265.7 

265.7 

Carrying 
value  
£m 

264.1 

264.1 

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 14 ‘Property portfolio’. 

Analysis of movement in net debt  

Balance at 1 January 

Other net cash movements 

Other non-cash movements 

Balance at 31 December  

2022 

Current  
borrowings 
£m 

Non-current 
borrowings
£m

– 

– 

– 

– 

264.1

(6.7)

8.3

265.7

IV Borrowings continued 

Analysis of movement in net debt  

Balance at 1 January 

Other net cash movements 

Other non-cash movements 

Balance at 31 December  

The maturity profile of gross debt is as follows: 

Wholly repayable in more than two years but not more than five years 

V Derivative financial instruments  

Derivative liabilities 

Non-current 

Derivative liability – exchangeable bonds1 

Derivative financial liabilities 

2021 

Current 
borrowings
£m

Non-current 
borrowings
£m

0.9

(0.2)

(0.7)

–

2022 
£m

275.0

275.0

2022 
£m

(3.3)

(3.3)

263.2

(4.4)

5.3

264.1

 2021 
£m

275.0

275.0

 2021 
£m

(32.1)

(32.1)

1. On 30 November 2020 the Company 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. 

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Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Company financial statements continued 

Other information (unaudited) 

Alternative performance measures 

for the year ended 31 December 2022 

VI Cash flow information 

(a) Cash generated from operations 

Profit/(loss) before tax 

Adjustments: 

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 from operations 

2022  
£m 

44.3 

8.8 

(40.8) 

(28.8) 

38.4 

0.6 

22.5 

2021 
£m

(18.6)

8.2

(10.8)

16.8

10.5

2.7

8.8

Alternative performance measures 

The Group has applied the European Securities and Markets Authority 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 ratio APMs. The property portfolio presents the Group share of 
property market value which is the economic value attributable to the owners of the Company. 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. 

(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 

Non-cash movements from financing activities 

Amortisation 

Changes in fair value 

Total non-cash flows from financing activities 

Balance at 31 December 

Long-term 
borrowings
£m

Derivative 
liability – 
exchangeable 
bond 
£m  

Total liabilities 
from financing 
activities
£m

264.1

32.1 

296.2

1.6

–

1.6

265.7

– 

(28.8) 

(28.8) 

3.3 

1.6

(28.8)

(27.2)

269.0

APM 

Definition of measure 

  Nearest IFRS measure 

Explanation and  
reconciliation 

Profit/(loss) for the year 

Note 3 

2022

£18.6m

Restated
2021

£0.7m

Underlying earnings1 

Underlying earnings  
per share1 

EPRA earnings1  

Profit/(loss) for the period excluding 
unrealised and one-off items 

Underlying earnings per weighted 
number of ordinary shares 

Recurring earnings from core 
operational activity 

Basic earnings per share  Note 3 

2.2p

0.1p

Profit/(loss) for the year  

EPRA measures 
Table 1 

EPRA measures 
Table 1 

£36.9m

£(20.3)m

4.3p

(2.4)p

EPRA earnings per share1 

EPRA earnings/(loss) per weighted 
number of ordinary shares 

Basic earnings/(loss)  

per share 

EPRA NTA1 

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 

Note 13 

Table E 

£1,552.2m

£1,814.5m

VII Related party transactions 

(a) Transactions between the Company and its subsidiaries 

EPRA NTA per share1 

EPRA NTA per the diluted number of 
ordinary shares 

Net assets attributable to 
shareholders per share 

Transactions between the Company and its subsidiaries, which are related parties, have been eliminated on consolidation for the Group.  

Market value of property  

Market value of investment,  

Significant transactions between the Company and its subsidiaries are shown below: 

Subsidiary  

Funding activities 

Nature of transaction 

2022  
£m 

2021 
£m

Capco Group Treasury Limited 

Interest on intercompany loan 

40.8 

10.8

Significant balances outstanding at 31 December between the Company and its subsidiaries are shown below: 

Subsidiary 

Capco Group Treasury Limited 

The amount due from Capco Group Treasury Limited is unsecured, interest bearing and repayable on demand.

Amounts owed  
by subsidiaries 

2022  
£m 

2021 
£m

1,795.8 

1,793.2

portfolio 

Interest cover1 

Net debt to gross assets 

development and trading properties 

Underlying operating profit divided by  
net underlying finance costs 

Net debt divided by total assets 
excluding cash and cash equivalents, 
excluding tenant deposits 

Gross debt with interest rate 
protection 

Proportion of the gross debt with 
interest rate protection 

Weighted average cost  
of debt 

Cost of debt weighted by the drawn 
balance of external borrowings 

Cash and undrawn committed 
facilities (Group share) 

Cash and undrawn committed 
facilities (IFRS) 

Cash and cash equivalents, excluding 
tenant deposits, plus undrawn committed 
facilities shown on a Group share basis 

Cash and cash equivalents, excluding 
tenant deposits, plus undrawn committed 
facilities shown on an IFRS basis 

Investment, development  
and trading properties 

N/A 

N/A 

N/A 

N/A 

N/A 

N/A 

Occupancy 

ERV of occupied space as a percentage 
of ERV of combined portfolio 

N/A 

Note 13 

Table E 

Note 14 

182.1p

213.0p

£1,820.7m

£1,814.7m

Note 24 

181.3%

101.0%

Note 24 

27.9%

24.3%

Note 24 

100%

100%

Financial 
Review, page 
59 

Financial 
Review, page 
59 

Financial 
Review, page 
59 

N/A 

2.7%

2.8%

£422.6m

£641.7m

£416.5m

£619.0m

97.5%

97.4%

1. Prior year comparatives have been restated to reflect a change in accounting policy following clarification by IFRIC during 2022 on how a lessor should account for the 
forgiveness of lease payments. In addition cash and cash equivalents have been restated following clarification by IFRIC on classification of funds with externally imposed 
restrictions. Details of the restatements and impact on prior year comparatives are set out in note 1 ‘Changes in accounting policies’. 

Where this report uses like-for-like comparisons, these are defined within the Glossary. 

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Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other information (unaudited) continued 

EPRA measures  

for the year ended 31 December 2022 

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. 

During the year the Group has adopted the EPRA cost ratio and the EPRA LTV metrics. The EPRA LTV metric is effective for accounting periods 
starting on or after 1 January 2022. The metric is intended to provide a consistent LTV that would be more relevant for equity holders reflecting a 
shareholder’s gearing metric.  

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 earnings1 

Recurring earnings from core operational activity 

EPRA earnings per share1 

EPRA earnings per weighted number of ordinary shares 

EPRA NTA1 

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 share1 

EPRA NTA per the diluted number of ordinary shares 

Table  

2022 

Restated
2021

1 

1 

£36.9m 

(£20.3)m

4.3p 

(2.4)p

Note 13 

£1,552.2m  £1,814.5m

Table E 

Note 13 

Table E 

EPRA NDV1 

EPRA NTA amended to include the fair value of financial  

Note 13 

£1,447.3m  £1,800.7m

EPRA NDV per share1 

EPRA NDV per the diluted number of ordinary shares 

instruments and debt 

Table E 

Note 13 

Table E 

EPRA NRV1 

EPRA NTA amended to include real estate transfer tax 

Note 13 

£1,668.2m  £1,930.4m

EPRA NRV per share1 

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 

EPRA cost ratio 

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 

Total costs as a percentage of gross rental income (including direct 
vacancy costs) 

EPRA LTV (Loan-to-Value) 

Total costs as a percentage of gross rental income (excluding direct vacancy costs) 

Ratio of adjusted net debt, including net payables, to the sum of the net assets, 
including net receivables, of the Group, its subsidiaries and joint ventures, all on 
a proportionate basis, expressed as a percentage  

Table E 

Note 13 

Table E 

2 

2 

3 

5 

5 

6 

Like-for-like net rental growth1 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. 

Property 
portfolio 
Table 3 

3.5% 

3.2%

4.0% 

3.8%

2.5% 

2.6%

75.7% 

60.0%

71.0% 

28.0% 

55.9%

24.5%

22.3% 

40.3%

1. Prior year comparatives have been restated to reflect a change in accounting policy following clarification by IFRIC during 2022 on how a lessor should account for the 
forgiveness of lease payments. In addition cash and cash equivalents have been restated following clarification by IFRIC on classification of funds with externally imposed 
restrictions. Details of the restatements and impact on prior year comparatives are set out in note 1 ‘Changes in accounting policies’. 

EPRA measures continued 

1)  EPRA Earnings per share 

Basic (loss)/earnings  

Group adjustments: 

Change in value of investments and other receivables1 

Loss on revaluation and sale of investment and  
development property 

Change in fair value of listed investments 

Change in fair value of derivative financial instruments2  

Early close-out of financial instruments 

Deferred tax adjustments 

Joint venture adjustments: 

Write down of trading property  

EPRA earnings/(loss)4 

2022 

Restated 2021 

(Loss)/
earnings
£m

(211.8)

Shares
million

851.3

(Loss)/ 
earnings  
per share 
(pence) 

Earnings/ 
(loss) 
£m 

Earnings/
(loss)
per share
(pence)

Share
million

(24.9) 

34.8 

851.3

4.1

7.9

0.8

239.5

(11.0)

–

0.1

(0.9)

12.3

36.9

(11.6) 

4.1 

(44.6) 

(8.3) 

(3.4) 

2.3 

(5.6) 

12.0 

851.3

4.3 

(20.3) 

851.3

(2.4)

182.1p 

213.0p

Profit on sale and transfer of trading property3 

169.8p 

211.4p

‘Change in value of investments and other receivables’. 

1. Change in value of investments and other receivables of £7.9 million (2021: £11.6 million) includes impairments under IFRS 9. Further details are disclosed within note 8 

2. Change in fair value of derivative financial instruments excludes a fair value gain of £28.8 million (2021: loss of £16.8 million) relating to the derivative liability on bifurcated 

exchangeable bonds.  

3. Profit on sale and transfer of trading property relates to sales and transfers of rental units from trading to investment property at Lillie Square.  
4. EPRA earnings has been reported on a Group share basis.  

195.7p 

226.6p

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) 

2022
£m

2021
£m

1,743.7

1,730.6

4.4

72.6

1.6

82.5

(245.8)

(251.2)

1,574.9

105.3

1,680.2

1,563.5

105.4

1,668.9

62.1

(3.5)

58.6

8.8

67.4

3.5%

4.0%

57.5

(4.1)

53.4

9.2

62.6

3.2%

3.8%

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 208. 

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Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other information (unaudited) continued 

EPRA measures continued 

3) EPRA vacancy rate 

EPRA vacancy rate 

Estimated rental value of vacant space 

Estimated rental value of the portfolio less development and refurbishment estimated rental value 

EPRA vacancy rate 

2022 
£m 

1.9 

76.0 

2.5% 

2021
£m

1.9

71.8

2.6%

EPRA vacancy rate is performed only for the Covent Garden portfolio. Other investment and development properties held at Lillie Square total  
£4.4 million Group share (2021: £1.6 million Group share) and disclosure is not applicable. 

A discussion of significant factors affecting vacancy rates is included within the Operating review on page 28. 

4) Property related capex 

Acquisitions 

Development 

Investment property 

No incremental lettable space1 

Tenant lease incentives 

Capitalised interest 

Total CapEx 

Conversion from accrual to cash basis  

Total CapEx on cash basis 

2022 

2021 

Group (excluding 
Joint Ventures)

Joint Ventures

Total Group

Group (excluding 
Joint Ventures)

Joint Ventures 

Total Group

–

–

9.0

1.3

–

10.3

0.8

11.1

–

0.6

–

–

–

0.6

0.3

0.9

–

0.6

9.0

1.3

–

10.9

1.1

12.0

–

–

6.3

0.5

–

6.8

1.1

7.9

– 

2.0 

– 

– 

0.2 

2.2 

(0.6) 

1.6 

–

2.0

6.3

0.5

0.2

9.0

0.5

9.5

1. Capital expenditure incurred in 2022 related to existing lettable space, with no incremental space being added. 

EPRA measures continued 

5) EPRA cost ratio 

EPRA cost ratio 

Administrative expenses1 

Total property outgoings2  

Expected credit loss 

Less: Service charge expense  

Management fee 

Share of joint venture expenses  

Exclude:  

Ground rent cost  

EPRA Cost (including direct vacancy costs) (A) 

Direct vacancy costs  

EPRA Costs (excluding direct vacancy costs) (B) 

Gross Rental Income less ground rent costs  

Less: Service charge income 

Share of joint ventures property income 

Adjusted gross rental income (C)  

EPRA Cost Ratio (including direct vacancy costs) (A/C) 

EPRA Cost Ratio (excluding direct vacancy costs) (B/C) 

Company specific adjustments: 

Non-underlying administrative expenses1 

Adjusted Company Cost (including direct vacancy costs) (D) 

Adjusted Company Cost (excluding direct vacancy costs) (E) 

Adjusted Company Cost ratio (including direct vacancy costs) (D/C) 

Adjusted Company Cost ratio (excluding direct vacancy costs) (E/C) 

2022
£m

40.6

18.4

(1.6)

(6.3)

–

0.6

(1.0)

50.7

(3.1)

47.6

73.1

(6.3)

0.2

67.0

2021
£m

22.8

16.0

7.6

(5.3)

(0.7)

0.4

(1.2)

39.6

(2.7)

36.9

71.1

(5.3)

0.2

66.0

75.7%

71.0%

60.0%

55.9%

(14.6)

(2.8)

36.1

33.0

53.9%

49.3%

36.8

34.1

55.8%

51.7%

1. Company specific adjustments relate to non-underlying administrative expenses and do not represent the recurring, underlying performance of the Group. Details of non-

underlying expenses are set out in note 6 ‘Administration expenses’.  

2. Prior year excludes lease modification and tenant lease incentives as these non-cash costs had been incurred as a result of the Group providing rental support to its tenants 

during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

No property or administrative expenses were capitalised during the year.  

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Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other information (unaudited) continued 

EPRA measures continued 

6) EPRA LTV 

EPRA LTV 

Borrowings from financial institutions  

Bond loans 

Exclude:  

Cash and cash equivalents1 

Net debt (B)  

Owner-occupied property 

Investment properties at fair value 

Properties under development 

Net receivables  

Financial assets  

Total property value (A) 

EPRA LTV (B/A)  

2022 

Share of joint 
venture 
£m 

– 

– 

(6.1) 

(6.1) 

– 

4.4 

72.6 

(75.8) 

– 

1.2 

Group
£m

475.0

275.0

(129.9)

620.1

–

1,743.7

–

94.5

356.9

2,195.1

Total
£m

475.0

275.0

(136.0)

614.0

–

1,748.1

72.6

18.7

356.9

2,196.3

28.0%

1. Includes tenant deposits of £13.4 million held as security against tenant rent payments which are subject to certain restrictions and therefore not available for general use by 

the Group.  

EPRA LTV 

Borrowings from financial institutions  

Bond loans 

Exclude:  

Cash and cash equivalents1  

Net debt (B)  

Investment properties at fair value 

Properties under development 

Net receivables  

Financial assets  

Total property value (A) 

EPRA LTV (B/A)  

2021 

Share of joint 
venture 
£m 

–  

–  

(22.7)  

(22.7)  

1.6 

82.4  

(99.3)  

–  

Group
£m

675.0

275.0

(331.1)

618.9

1,730.6

–

118.7

596.4

Total
£m

675.0

275.0

(353.8)

596.2

1,732.2

82.4

19.4

596.4

2,445.7

(15.3)  

2,430.4

24.5%

1. Includes tenant deposits of £12.1 million held as security against tenant rent payments which are subject to certain restrictions and therefore not available for general use by 

the Group.  

Property portfolio 

for the year ended 31 December 2022 

Analysis of property portfolio 

1. Property data as at 31 December 2022 

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%

50%

100%

Market
value
£m

1,741.6

77.0

2.1

1,820.7

1,748.1

72.6

Market
value
31 December
2022
£m

Market 
value 
31 December 
2021 
£m  

Revaluation
loss1
31 December
2022
£m

1,741.6

79.1

1,820.7

1,748.1

72.6

–

1,820.7

1,748.1

72.6

1,741.6

79.1

1,820.7

1,728.5 

83.5 

1,812.0 

1,732.2 

79.8 

2.7 

1,814.7 

1,732.2 

82.5 

1,728.5 

86.2 

1,814.7 

(0.8)

(5.0)

(5.8)

(0.7)

(5.1)

–

(5.8)

(0.7)

(5.1)

(0.8)

(5.0)

(5.8)

Decrease

–

(6.5)%

(0.3)%

(0.0)%

(7.2)%

–

(0.3)%

–

(7.2)%

–

(7.2)%

(0.3)%

1. Revaluation loss includes amortisation of tenant 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. 

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Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other information (unaudited) continued 

Financial covenants  

for the year ended 31 December 2022 

Analysis of property portfolio continued 

3. Analysis of net rental income for the year 

Financial covenants  

Financial covenants on unsecured 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 

Standby loan facility3 

Total 

Maturity

2024-2037

31 December 2022 

Loans outstanding 
at 31 December 20221 
£m 

475.0 

– 

475.0 

LTV 
covenant

Interest cover 
covenant

60%

60%

120%

100%

1. The loan values are the nominal values at 31 December 2022 shown on a Group share basis. The balance sheet value of the loans includes unamortised fees. 
2. Covent Garden comprise of a £300 million RCF, which is undrawn at 31 December 2022, and £475 million Private Placement loan notes maturing between 2024 and 
2037. The RCF had an initial three year term, which was extended for a further one year period to September 2025. The facility has a further one year option to extend 
subject to lender consent. 

3. On 16 June 2022, the Group entered into a £576 million loan facility in connection with the proposed merger with Shaftesbury. Shaftesbury has two secured mortgage 

bonds totalling £575 million, each of which contain change of control provisions which will be triggered by the merger. The Group has entered into the new facility to provide 
funding certainty in the event that the Shaftesbury mortgage bond holders exercise their redemption right in respect of the bonds following completion of the merger. The facility 
remains undrawn as at 31 December 2022. The term of the £576 million loan facility is 24 months, which may be extended for a further six months at the option of Capco 
subject to the satisfaction of the extension requirements as outlined in the facility. There is subsequently a further six month extension option available which requires lender 
approval.  

Like-for-like net rental income  

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 lease incentives 

Reported net rental income 

Covent Garden 

Other 

4. Analysis of Covent Garden by use 

31 December 2022 

Initial  
yield 

Nominal 
equivalent  
yield 

Passing
rent
£m

Occupancy 
rate

Weighted 
average 
unexpired 
lease years

Retail 

F&B 

Office 

Residential 

Leisure and other 

Total 

3.2% 

4.1% 

62.0

97.5%

7.5

1,741.6 

2022 
£m

57.2

(0.1)

57.1

57.3

(0.2)

0.1

57.2

57.4

(0.2)

57.3

(0.1)

57.2

–

57.2

57.3

(0.1)

Market 
value 
£m 

840.2 

454.4 

269.9 

126.6 

50.5 

2021 
£m  

46.6 

0.1 

46.7 

46.7 

– 

2.1 

48.9 

48.8 

0.1 

48.7 

0.2 

48.9 

(8.7) 

40.2 

40.0 

0.2 

ERV 
£m 

38.3 

19.5 

17.0 

4.1 

2.1 

81.0 

Increase

22.7%

22.3%

22.7%

17.0%

17.6%

17.7%

17.0%

42.3%

43.3%

Net
area
million
Sq. ft. 

0.4

0.2

0.2

0.2

0.1

1.1

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Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 

Java Capital Trustees and Sponsors Proprietary Limited  

Historical record 

for the year ended 31 December 2022 

Historical Record 

Continuing and discontinued operations 

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income 

Net rental income1 

Profit on sale of trading property  

Other income/(costs) 

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 

Administration expenses2 

Operating loss 

Net finance income/(costs) 

Loss before tax 

Taxation 

Loss for the year  

Consolidated balance sheet 

2022
£m

57.2

0.9

13.5

Restated
2021
£m

40.2

5.6

2.7

Restated
2020
£m

11.3

8.9

(0.5)

2019 
£m 

63.3 

0.9 

1.0 

2018
£m

63.5

6.7

1.8

(0.8)

(4.1)

(693.9)

(139.8) 

(78.8)

–

(239.5)

(12.3)

(40.7)

(221.7)

8.7

(213.0)

(6.0)

(219.0)

–

44.6

(68.6)

(22.7)

(2.3)

(44.4)

(46.7)

(0.7)

(47.4)

1.0

50.9

(1.4)

(31.5)

(655.2)

(29.7)

(684.9)

1.0

(683.9)

(94.2) 

– 

(15.4) 

(46.6) 

(230.8) 

(25.5) 

(256.3) 

0.1 

(256.2) 

29.5

–

(4.3)

(41.6)

(23.2)

(17.1)

(40.3)

(4.3)

(44.6)

Investment and development property 

1,719.5

1,707.1

1,796.7

2,547.3 

3,066.7

Other non-current assets 

Cash and cash equivalents 

Other current assets 

Total assets 

404.0

136.0

92.5

625.8

353.8

121.8

600.5

389.3

163.4

165.1 

170.6 

302.3 

157.2

49.9

181.8

2,352.0

2,808.5

2,949.9

3,185.3 

3,455.6

Non-current borrowings, including lease liabilities 

(743.7)

(940.3)

(1,084.5)

(610.8) 

(621.9)

Other non-current liabilities 

Current borrowings, including lease liabilities 

Other current liabilities 

Total liabilities 

(2.9)

(0.7)

(43.1)

(790.4)

(32.2)

(0.7)

(41.2)

(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)

Net assets  

1,561.6

1,794.1

1,788.0

2,487.1 

2,748.5

Prepared on a Group share basis.  

Per share information 

Basic (loss)/earnings per share 

Underlying earnings/(loss) per share 

Basic net assets per share 

EPRA NTA per share 

Dividend per share 

Pence

(24.9)

2.2

183.4

182.1

1.8

Pence

4.1

0.1

209.9

213.0

0.5

Pence

(80.3)

(2.2)

210.0

211.5

–

Pence 

(29.7)  

1.0  

290.0  

292.9  

1.5  

Pence

(6.7)

0.9

321.6

325.7

1.5

1. Underlying net rental income as at 31 December 2022 is £57.2 million (2021: £48.9 million). 
2. Included in administration expenses as at 31 December 2022 is £14.6 million (2021: £2.8 million) of non-recurring administration costs which are excluded from the 

calculation of underlying earnings. Details are set out in note 6 ‘Administration expenses’.  

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Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
Dividends  

Glossary 

Dividends 

South African shareholders 

Alternative performance measure (APM)  

EPRA earnings per share 

The 2022 second interim cash 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 2022 second interim cash 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 2022 second interim cash 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 2022 second interim cash 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 of the cash dividend 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 2022 second interim cash 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  

On 30 January 2023, the Directors of Capital & Counties Properties 
PLC declared a 2022 second interim cash dividend of 1.7 pence per 
ordinary share (ISIN GB00B62G9D36) payable on 20 March 
2023. 

Dates 

The following are the salient dates for payment of the 2022 second 
interim cash dividend: 

Second interim dividend announced 

Sterling/Rand exchange rate struck 

  30 January 2023

   20 February 2023

Sterling/Rand exchange rate and dividend amount 
in Rand announced 

  21 February 2023

Split between PID and Non-PID confirmed 

  21 February 2023

Ordinary shares listed ex-dividend on the JSE, 
Johannesburg Stock Exchange  

Ordinary shares listed ex-dividend on the London 
Stock Exchange 

Record date for the second interim dividend in UK 
and South Africa 

1 March 2023

2 March 2023

3 March 2023

Dividend payment date for shareholders 

20 March 2023

South African shareholders should note that, in accordance with the 
requirements of Strate, the last day to trade cum-dividend will be  
28 February 2023 and that no dematerialisation of shares will 
be possible from 1 March 2023 to 3 March 2023 inclusive. 
No transfers between the UK and South Africa registers may take 
place from close of business on 22 February 2023 to 3 March 
2023 inclusive. 

The above dates are proposed and subject to change. 

The Property Income Distribution (“PID”) element (being 0.7 pence) will 
be subject to a deduction of a 20 per cent UK withholding tax unless 
exemptions apply. The non-PID element (being 1.0 pence) 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 (www.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. 

Capco 

Capco represents Capital & Counties Properties PLC (also referred to 
as “the Company”) and all its subsidiaries and group undertakings, 
collectively referred to as “the Group”. 

Cash and undrawn committed acilities 

Cash and cash equivalents, excluding tenant deposits, plus undrawn 
committed facilities. 

CDP 

Carbon Disclosure Project Worldwide, a global not-for-profit 
sustainability disclosure system. Capco participates in the CDP 
Climate Change Programme. 

CMA 

Competition and Markets Authority. 

Combined group 

The Capco Group and Shaftesbury Group after the merger has 
taken effect. 

CRREM 

Carbon risk real estate monitor.  

Diluted figures  

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 cost ratio (including direct vacancy costs) 

EPRA cost ratio (including direct vacancy costs) is a proportionally 
consolidated measure of the ratio of net overheads and operating 
expenses against gross rental income (with both amounts excluding 
ground rents payable). Net overheads and operating expenses relate 
to all administrative and operating expenses, net of any service fees, 
recharges or other income specifically intended to cover overhead 
and property expenses. 

EPRA cost ratio (excluding direct vacancy costs) 

EPRA cost ratio (excluding direct vacancy costs) is the ratio defined 
above, but with direct vacancy costs removed from the net overheads 
and operating expenses balance.  

EPRA earnings divided by the weighted average number of shares  
in issue during the year. 

EPRA loan to value (LTV) 

Ratio of adjusted net debt, including net payables, to the sum of the 
net assets, including net receivables, of the Group, its subsidiaries 
and joint ventures, all on a proportionate basis, expressed as a 
percentage. The calculation includes trading properties at fair value 
and debt at nominal value.  

EPRA net disposal value (NDV) 

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. 

EPRA net tangible assets (NTA) 

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. 

EPRA sBPR 

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 earnings 

EPRA topped-up initial yield 

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 net initial yield adjusted for the expiration of rent-free periods. 

EPRA vacancy 

ERV of un-let units, excluding under offer, expressed as a percentage of the 
ERV of the Covent Garden portfolio excluding units under development. 

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Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FTSE 350 Real Estate Index 

Net Zero Carbon 

Section 106 

Glossary continued 

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.  

FTSE4GOOD 

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. 

FTSE4GOOD Index Series, hosted by FTSE Russell, a sustainability 
index in which Capco participates.  

HMRC 

F&B 

Food and Beverage. 

FRC 

Financial Reporting Council. 

GCP 

The Great Capital Partnership was a 50 per cent joint venture 
between Capital & Counties Limited and Great Portland Estates PLC 
until it was dissolved on 6 April 2022. 

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 2021 and 2022 throughout comprise direct emissions, 
including fuel combustion in owned or controlled boilers, backup 
generators and vehicles. Scope 2 emissions for 2021 and 2022 
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 2022 
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. 

HM Revenue and Customs. 

IFRIC 

International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee.  
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. 

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.  

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 KFI. 

MSCI  

Producer of an independent benchmark of property returns.  

NAV 

Net Asset Value. 

Net debt 

Total borrowings less cash and cash equivalents, excluding tenant 
deposits. 

Net debt to gross assets 

Net debt divided by the Group’s total assets excluding cash and cash 
equivalents. 

Net rental income (NRI) 

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 IFRS 
regarding tenant lease incentives.

When there is a balance between the amount of GHG emissions 
produced and the amount removed from the atmosphere targeting 
initially reduction in GHG emissions resulting from our buildings and 
operations and then offset any unavoidable residual emissions. 

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. 

NIA 

Net Internal Area. 

Nominal equivalent yield 

Effective annual yield to a purchaser on the gross market value, 
assuming rent is receivable annually in arrears, 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 

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. 

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.  

P.A. 

Per annum. 

Property Income Distributions (PID) 

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 and 
management fee income.  

Real Estate Transfer Tax 

Purchasers’ cost as included within the independent valuation of 
investment, development and trading properties. 

RICS 

Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. 

RIDDOR 

Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences 
Regulations. 

S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment 

A sustainability index of Standard & Poor Global to which Capco 
submits information. 

Shaftesbury 

Shaftesbury represents Shaftesbury PLC and all its subsidiaries and 
group undertakings, collectively referred to as the Shaftesbury Group.  

Shaftesbury Capital PLC 

Shaftesbury Capital PLC, the name of the combined group should the 
merger take effect. 

Sterling Overnight Interbank Average Rate (SONIA)  

The average overnight Sterling risk-free interest rate, set in arrear, 
paid by banks for unsecured transactions. 

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 IFRS the value of incentives granted to 
tenants is amortised through the consolidated statement of comprehensive 
income 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. 

Total return (TR) 

The movement in EPRA NTA 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 unrealised gains/losses and non-recurring 
items. Unrealised gains and losses that are excluded are net valuation 
gains/losses (including profits/losses on disposals), fair value changes 
and impairment charges. Non-recurring items that are excluded 
include net refinancing charges, costs of termination of derivative 
financial instruments and non-recurring income and costs including the 
proposed merger transaction costs. Taxation charges in relation to 
these items, which include tax adjustments relating to non-REIT group 
losses, are excluded.  

Given the scale of the rental support provided to tenants during 2020 
and 2021 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, non-cash lease 
modification expenses and impairment of tenant lease incentives had 
been excluded from underlying net rental income during those years. 
Tenant support measures required as a result of the COVID-19 
pandemic have now been concluded and as such future impairments 
of tenant lease incentives are included in underlying net rental income 
with effect from 2022. 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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215

Financial Statements 
 
 
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 during 2020 and 2021 as a result of 
the COVID-19 pandemic, non-cash lease modification expenses 
and impairment of tenant lease incentives had been excluded from 
underlying net rental income in the prior year. Tenant support measures 
required as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic have now been 
concluded and as such future impairments of tenant lease incentives are 
included in underlying net rental income for 2022 onwards. 

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”). 

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. 

Printed by Park Communications on FSC® certified paper. Park works to the EMAS standard and its Environmental Management System is certified 
to ISO 14001. This publication has been manufactured using 100% offshore wind electricity sourced from UK wind. 100% of the inks used are 
vegetable oil based, 95% of press chemicals are recycled for further use and, on average 99% of any waste associated with this production will 
be recycled and the remaining 1% used to generate energy. This document is printed on Heaven 42 paper made of material from well-managed, 
FSC®-certified forests and other controlled sources. The pulp used in this product is bleached using an elemental chlorine free (ECF) process. 

Design and production by Black Sun www.blacksunplc.com 

216

Capco Annual Report 2022

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: shareholderenquiries@linkgroup.co.uk  
Website: 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  
Website: 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 

Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
Capital & Counties Properties PLC

Regal House, 14 James Street, London, WC2E 8BU  
Telephone +44 (0)20 3214 9150 
feedback@capitalandcounties.com 
www.capitalandcounties.com