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Southern Hemisphere Mining Limited

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FY2019 Annual Report · Southern Hemisphere Mining Limited
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C O N T E N T S

1  Sutton Harbour Group plc – Annual Report & Financial Statements 2019

Strategic Report 

2 

4 

6 

7 

8 

The Group at a Glance 

Executive Chairman’s Statement 

Key Performance Indicators 

Financial Review 

Managing Business Risks 

Governance 

10 

11 

13 

19 

21 

24 

25 

Directors and Advisors 

Directors’ Report 

Statement of Compliance with QCA Corporate Governance Code 

Corporate, Environmental and Social Responsibility Report 

Report on Remuneration 

Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities 

Independent Auditor’s Report 

Consolidated Group Financial Statements under IFRS 

28 

29 

30 

31 

32 

60 

Consolidated Income Statement 

Consolidated Balance Sheet 

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity 

Consolidated Cash Flow Statement 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 

Historical Financial Information 

Company Financial Statements under UK GAAP 

61 

62 

63 

Company Balance Sheet 

Company Statement of Changes in Equity 

Notes to the Company Financial Statements 

 
 
 
 
 
F O R   T H E   Y E A R   E N D E D   3 1   M A R C H   2 0 1 9

STRATEGIC REPORT

T H E   G R O U P   
AT   A   G L A N C E 

Sutton Harbour Group plc (formerly Sutton Harbour 

O U R   O B J E C T I V E S

Holdings plc), listed on the AIM Market of the London 

Stock Exchange since 1996, is the parent of a number of 

wholly owned subsidiary companies which include:

•   Sutton Harbour Company, the statutory harbour 

authority company, which operates the Plymouth 

fishmarket (known as Plymouth Fisheries), The 

•   To develop a mix of activities for long-term 

sustainable growth and to provide a balanced  

risk profile.

•   To provide a secure investment proposition in a 

profitable company which has a strong asset base.

Marina at Sutton Harbour, together with a  

•   To build on the Group’s strength as a specialist in 

number of operations related properties.

waterfront destination and regeneration in the South 

•   A number of other ‘Sutton Harbour’ group 

West region.

companies engaged in waterfront property 

•   To increase and improve the income earning asset 

regeneration and investment including King Point 

portfolio of the Group.

Marina and car park operating activities; and

•   To provide a progressive dividend return to 

•   Plymouth City Airport Limited, the company  

shareholders in the medium term.

holding legal interests in the former airport site.

G R O U P   V I S I O N

C U R R E N T   B U S I N E S S   P L A N S

•   Retention of assets and development of new assets 

The Group aims to be the leading marine,  

for investment and revenue earning potential.

waterfront regeneration and destination  

specialist in Southern England.

•   Realisation of inventory assets through 

sale and development.

•   Investment in infrastructure to increase capacity, 

improve service and enhance quality.

•  Growth of earnings from core divisions.

•   Maintain strong reputation for quality 

and customer service.

2  Sutton Harbour Group plc – Annual Report & Financial Statements 2019

Details of the Group’s operating segments, together 
with a description of current activities and latest 
developments are summarised below:

M A R I N E   
Sutton Harbour currently provides berthing for 523 
vessels and receives an increasing, core annual revenue 
stream in the form of dues, fees and rents from the 
established fisheries, marinas and property operations. 

C A R   P A R K I N G 

The Group has two major car parks at Sutton  

Harbour, a 340 space multi storey close to the  

National Marine Aquarium and a 51 space surface  

car park in the Barbican area. Additionally, the 

Group controls parking on the fishmarket complex,  

at the marina and adjoining various tenanted 

properties, with an approximate total of 50 spaces.

Plymouth Fisheries, the trading name of the  
fishmarket in Plymouth, is recognised as a top  
three fishing port in England.

R E G E N E R AT I O N 

This division focuses on development for revenue and 

capital growth and for value realisation through specific 

The location of Sutton Harbour, in central Plymouth 
and adjoining the historic Barbican quarter, has 
undergone two main phases of regeneration over the 
past 3 decades. The first phase to unlock the potential 
of the area was realised when Sutton Lock was installed 
in 1992 creating a usable depth of water, followed by 
the relocation of the fishmarket to the eastern side 
in 1995. In the second phase the development of high 
quality residential and commercial buildings overlooking 
the harbour, and improvements to berthing facilities, 
added to the attractiveness of the area to create a long 
term sustainable location for business, leisure and living. 
The Group is now focused on bringing forward the 
third phase with further regeneration (three major new 
planning permissions were secured in 2018 to deliver 
new residential, retail/office space and car parking) to 
join together existing key attractions and to position 
Sutton Harbour as a destination of regional importance 
within the South West region.

K I N G   P O I N T   M A R I N A 
In June 2011, the Group was selected by the English 
Cities Fund (ECf ) to build and operate the new marina 
in the major urban regeneration area of Millbay in 
Plymouth. The new King Point Marina received its 
first berth-holders in September 2013 and has now 
operated for five complete seasons ending 31 March 
2019.  This season 50% of berthings are used for the 
high quality yachts of Princess Yachts Limited and 50% 
for leisure yachts.

R E A L   E S TAT E 
This division comprises the rentals from investment 
properties and is particularly focused on growing 
its annual income through asset enhancement and 
integration with an increasing variety of activities in 
Sutton Harbour.

The Group has continued to invest in and drive value 
from its investment portfolio, securing lettings in vacant 
premises in the Sutton Harbour estate.

The Group has a diverse mix of national and regional 
businesses as tenants as well as various independent 
operators. The National Marine Aquarium, a major 
visitor attraction in the region, is also a tenant.

The Group has been active in establishing a business 
community around the northern side of Sutton 
Harbour and has been successful in attracting a  
number of chartered accountants’ practices, legal  
firms and other professional services companies.  
The new development will add additional value  
with high quality retail space on the waterfront  
as well as the additional housing.

land asset sale.

S U T T O N   H A R B O U R 

The Group has established a track record for the 

delivery of six major regeneration schemes around 

Sutton Harbour and a further two schemes in other 

locations elsewhere in the South West. A key feature 

of all these schemes was working in partnership with 

other public and private sector bodies. Following the 

change of majority control of the Company in January 

2018, consent for three planning applications for fully 

redesigned development schemes around Sutton 

Harbour was granted during 2018. These schemes 

include the 14 unit apartment building and a 170  

unit apartment building, both with retail/office  
space incorporated, and an extension to an existing 

multi storey car park owned by the Company.  

The company appreciates the renewed relationship 

 with Plymouth City Council exemplified by the 

unanimous approval of the Sugar Quay building  

with the 170 units and retail space.

F O R M E R   A I R P O R T   S I T E 

In 2000, the Group purchased Plymouth City Airport 

Limited and a long lease of the regional airport site. 

In 2003 the Group set up and operated the regional 

airline, Air Southwest which was subsequently sold 

in November 2010 to Eastern Airways International 

Limited (Eastern Airways). On 28 July 2011 Air 

Southwest (under the ownership of Eastern Airways) 

ceased flights in and out of Plymouth City Airport.

Facing unsustainable losses, in August 2011 Plymouth 

City Council agreed to the closure of the airport as 

of 23 December 2011. The Group is working towards 

options to maximise value from the 113 acre former 

airport site through development of a masterplan for 

the area to show alternative uses to benefit the city and 

local people. In March 2019, the Government Inspectors 

charged with reporting on the Local Authority Joint 

Local Plan, a planning framework for development 

until 2034, upheld that the former airport site may be 

safeguarded for potential general aviation use with the 

recommendation that it would be inappropriate to 

continue to safeguard the site for more than 5 years. In 

accordance with the Government Inspectors’ Report 

and in the context of the necessary valuation progress, 

the company is advancing the development plan for 
alternative use of the site.

Sutton Harbour Group plc – Annual Report & Financial Statements 2019  3

F O R   T H E   Y E A R   E N D E D   3 1   M A R C H   2 0 1 9

STRATEGIC REPORT

E X E C U T I V E 
C H A I R M A N ’ S 
S TAT E M E N T  

S H A R E H O L D E R S ’   O V E R V I E W

H I G H L I G H T S

• 

• 

 In November 2018, the Company received planning approval for two new residential schemes at Sutton Harbour: ‘Harbour Arch 
Quay’ and ‘Sugar Quay’ together with approval for a two-storey extension to the existing multi-storey Harbour Car Park.

 In December 2018 the Company held a general meeting at which shareholders approved the issue of 10,344,951 new ordinary 
shares via an Open Offer to existing shareholders. This issue was fully subscribed and resulted in a fresh equity injection of £3 
million (before costs) to be used in the ongoing development of the Company including pre-construction costs in respect of planning 
consented schemes ‘Harbour Arch Quay’ and ‘Sugar Quay’ and to meet capital maintenance costs and other funding requirements 
across its ordinary and development activities.

• 

 In March 2019, the Government Inspectors’ report concerning the Local Authority’s new planning framework was issued which 
affirmed safeguarding for a period not to exceed five years of the former airport site for possible general aviation use.

• 

In April 2019, the Company changed its name to Sutton Harbour Group plc and is currently rolling out its new corporate identity.

invested in the Company’s infrastructure asset 
base. The board does not recommend payment 

of a dividend on the year’s results.

DIRECTORS AND STAFF

Early in the financial year Philip Beinhaker 
was appointed Executive Chairman and Jason 
Schofield, Chief Executive, left the Company in  
July 2018. The board has advertised a Chief 
Operating Officer position and intends to 
announce a new board appointment in the near 
future. There have been no other changes at 
board level during the year.

Headcount as at 31 March 2019 decreased to 
30 (31 March 2018: 33) as the Company has 
continued to outsource certain specialist roles 
following some voluntary resignations.

RESULTS AND FINANCIAL POSITION 

The adjusted profit before taxation for the 
year was £0.072m (2018: £0.135m loss) which 
excludes non-cash fair value adjustments and 
the costs in connection with the change of 
ownership. The profit before taxation for 
the year under review as per the Income 
Statement, inclusive of the aforementioned 
adjustments, was £1.516m (2018: £2.502m Loss 
before taxation).

As at 31 March 2019, net assets were £45.732m 
(2018: £39.328m), representing 39.4p per share 
(2018: 37.2p per share). The increase follows 
the issue of 10,344,951 new ordinary shares at 
29 pence each, providing new capital of £3m, 
before costs of £73,000, and also the valuation 
of the Company’s property assets which gave 
rise to an overall valuation surplus of £3.084m. 
Gearing as at 31 March 2019 stood at 46.7% 
(2018: 55.6%). Net finance costs increased to 
£0.901m in the year (2018: £0.897m) as the 
bank borrowing rate had increased by 0.25% 
and average borrowing compared year to  
year was higher. 

Net debt (including finance leases) decreased 
to £21.373m at 31 March 2019 from £21.858m 
at 31 March 2018. Development Inventories 
increased by £2.281m reflecting the investment 
required to progress three schemes to planning 
consented status and a further £0.303m was 

4  Sutton Harbour Group plc – Annual Report & Financial Statements 2019

OPERATIONS REPORT

REGENERATION

MARINE 

Overall, the marine segment has performed 

steadily during the year. The Marinas both achieved 

modest growth in revenue and occupancy and this 

encouraging trend has continued into the start of the 

new 2019/20 berthing season. Results from fishing 

activities were undermined by a poorer level of fish 

stocks in local waters with landings of fish by value 

down 23.5% on the previous financial year. Despite 

lower revenue from fish landing dues, other revenues 

including fuel sales, ice sales and rentals of property at 

the Plymouth Fisheries facility held up well during the 

year under review.

REAL ESTATE AND CAR PARKING

Focused marketing of vacant property has resulted in 

the occupancy rate increasing to 94% as at 31 March 

2019 from 87% as at 31 March 2018. During the year 

Sutton Harbour 
The Company gained planning approval for two new 

landmark residential led schemes for Sutton Harbour in 

November 2018. The Harbour Arch Quay development 

of 14 flats and the iconic Sugar Quay building with 170 

apartments are both due to start construction by the end 

of the year. The two storey Harbour Car Park extension, 

which will accommodate a further 114 parking spaces, is 

also due to start late 2019, with the additional parking  

to be available for use in summer 2020. The Company 

is engaging with local stakeholders, including Plymouth 

City Council, on events to be held in 2020 to 

commemorate the 400th anniversary of the departure  

of the Pilgrim Fathers on the Mayflower vessel to 

America. The historic port of Sutton Harbour is the  

focal point for commemorative events and the  

Company is making ready for the expected high  

number of visitors to the area. 

seven new tenancies have been completed, and the 

Former Airport Site 

Company has been pleased to see more businesses, in 

both professional businesses services and restaurant 

sectors, choose Sutton Harbour as a trading base.

The Company continues to manage and maintain the 

Former Airport Site which closed in December 2011. 

The 113 acre site, which is already surrounded by urban 

Car Parking revenue increased slightly during the 

development, is ideally located for mixed urban use, 

year, compared to the previous year. Parking at the 
Harbour Car Park continued to be affected by the out 

and can deliver a sustainable built environment for the 
economic and social wellbeing of the people of Plymouth. 

of action footbridge which links this car park more 

The safeguard of the site for possible general aviation 

directly to the eastern side of the harbour where 

use is provided for the next five years, after which the 

popular attractions including the Barbican  

Government Inspectors consider a prolonged safeguard 

and the Hoe are situated. The bridge was returned 

to be inappropriate due to the value of the land for urban 

to full service on 19 April 2019 after a new bearing 

uses. The Company had prepared an initial masterplan 

was fabricated and the structure recommissioned in 

for mixed-use development for the site and continues 

time for the busier summer season. Early in  

to refine this to ensure its formulation as a development 

2019 the car parks contract with a third party 

programme is deliverable in phases to meet planning 

specialist management company was renewed on 

framework policy and an aspiration for a new sustainable 

improved terms.

urban neighbourhood. 

S U M M A R Y   A N D   O U T L O O K

The Company has continued to deliver on its vision to be the leading marine, waterfront regeneration and destination 

specialist in Southern England in accordance with its stated strategy. We have delivered major new planning consents, 

completed in-depth reviews of other trading activities and put strategic plans for growth in place.

P H I L I P   B E I N H A K E R
E X E C U T I V E   C H A I R M A N

10 July 2019

Sutton Harbour Group plc – Annual Report & Financial Statements 2019  5

 
F O R   T H E   Y E A R   E N D E D   3 1   M A R C H   2 0 1 9

STRATEGIC REPORT

K E Y   P E R F O R M A N C E 
I N D I C ATO R S 

K E Y   P E R F O R M A N C E   I N D I C AT O R S

The material Key Performance Indicators relevant to the Group’s business are:

F I N A N C I A L   H I G H L I G H T S

Net Assets

Net Asset value per share

Profit/(Loss) before tax from continuing operations 

Adjusted profit/(loss) before tax excluding fair value 

adjustments and costs in connection with change in ownership.

2 0 1 9

£45.732m

39.4p

£1.516m

£0.072m

£1.831m

1.68p

0.0p

£21.373m

46.7%

2 0 1 8

N O T E

1

£39.328m

37.3p

£(2.502)m

£(0.135)m

£(2.198)m

(2.24)p

0.0p

£21.858m

55.6%

Profit/(Loss) after tax 

Basic profit/(loss) per share

Dividend per share

Net Debt

Gearing (Net Debt/Net Assets)

P R O P E R T Y   M E T R I C S

Total estate portfolio valuation

Owner occupied portfolio valuation

Investment portfolio valuation

Number of investment properties

Contracted rent (per annum)

Net initial yield

Reversionary yield

Occupancy rate

Estimated rental value (ERV) of vacant units

Average unexpired lease

Gross car parks revenue

Development Inventory

Sites around Sutton Harbour

Portland

Former airport site

Total

N O T E

A S   AT   3 1   M A R C H 
2 0 1 9

A S   AT   3 1   M A R C H 
2 0 1 8

£45.804m

£26.379m

£19.425m

71

£1.546m

7.15%

7.72%

94.0%

£0.159m

9.0 years

£0.522m

£10.873m

£0.200m

£12.448m

£23.521m

£42.665m

£23.600m

£19.055m

71

£1.262m

5.84%

6.31%

87.0%

£0.198m

9.8 years

£0.511m

£8.665m

£0.200m

£12.368m

£21.233m

1   Includes a credit for fair value adjustments on investment property and property, plant equipment of £1.444m (2018: charge of £0.626m)  

and a charge for costs of change in ownership of £nil (2018: £1.741m). 

6  Sutton Harbour Group plc – Annual Report & Financial Statements 2019

F O R   T H E   Y E A R   E N D E D   3 1   M A R C H   2 0 1 9

STRATEGIC REPORT

F I N A N C I A L 
R E V I E W 

A C C O U N T I N G

developing the planning intellectual property 

C A S H   F L O W   A N D   F I N A N C I N G

The Group’s year end results are presented 

less the cost attributed to sales of small plots.

under International Financial Reporting Standards 

•   Net Realisable Value is estimated with 

(IFRS) as adopted by the European Union. 

A S S E T   V A L U AT I O N

reference to expected net proceeds for the 

25% share of the leasehold interest. The 

mechanism for sharing of net proceeds with 

the freeholder, Plymouth City Council, is set 

During the year, independent valuation of 

out in the lease.

The Company had total borrowing net of cash 

and cash equivalents of £21.373m at 31 March 

2019 (2018: £21.858m) with a gearing level 

of 46.7% (2018: 55.6%). The Company has 

operated within its authorised facilities and has 

met all bank covenants during the year. The bank 

facilities were renewed in January 2018, when 

the Company entered into an agreement which 

provides a maximum £25.0m committed facility 

with a confirmed expiry date of March 2021. 

Debt servicing costs continue to be a major 

expense to the Group and the board regularly 

considers the merits of entering into LIBOR  

swap arrangements to fix interest on part  

of the total debt.  None have been taken  

out at the present time

•   The auditors, Nexia Smith and Williamson, 

included an Emphasis of Matter paragraph 

within the 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019 

Audit Reports due to uncertainty about 

the impact on Net Realisable Value of the 

planning process (Plymouth and South West 

Devon Joint Local Plan 2017-2034, which was 
subsequently issued in March 2019) and the 

outcome of a Government Report about the 

future of Plymouth City Airport.

the Group’s investment and owner-occupied 

portfolio was undertaken at 31 January 2019. 

This valuation gave rise to a surplus of £3.083m, 

reconciled as £0.310m surplus on the investment 

portfolio and £2.773m surplus on the owner-

occupied portfolio.

C A R R Y I N G   V A L U E   O F   F O R M E R 
A I R P O R T   S I T E

The former airport site, a 113 acre site in 

which the Group holds an unexpired 136 year 

leasehold interest, with a right to renew for 

a further 150 years, is held as development 

inventory at a carrying value of £12.448m. At 

each balance sheet date, this carrying value is 

tested for impairment with the board needing to 

satisfy itself that the asset is included in inventory 

at the lower of cost and net realisable value, 

with net realisable value including developer’s 

return where applicable. The carrying value of 

£12.448m is derived as follows:

•  The land and building asset was independently 

valued twice yearly until 31 March 2013, when 

the asset was transferred to development 

inventory.

•  As at 31 March 2013 the land and building 

asset was transferred to development 

inventory and combined with the pre-existing 

inventory total, which included the cost of 

building the Link Road and planning intellectual 

property costs.

•   It was agreed at 31 March 2013 that the 

transfer was made at valuation, inclusive of 

historic revaluations. As at 31 March 2013 

the carrying value of the former airport asset 

was £11.479m, inclusive of past revaluations 

totalling £3.969m. The net increase in former 
airport asset valuation from 31 March 2013 

(£11.479m) to 31 March 2017 (£12.009m) of 

£969,000 represents the capitalised costs of 

•   In December 2016 the Department for 

TA X AT I O N

Transport published the ‘Plymouth Airport 

Study Report’, which concluded that a 

lack of demand and a short runway mean 

commercially viable passenger services could 

not be run out of the former Plymouth Airport 

site as it would remain “financially vulnerable” 

in a “high risk environment”.

The standard rate of tax applicable to the  

Group is 19% (2018: 19%). The overall tax  

credit for the year is £0.315m (2018: credit of 

£0.304m). No current tax is due on the year’s 

results with the tax charge resulting from 

movements in timing differences.

N ATA S H A   G A D S D O N 
F I N A N C E   D I R E C T O R 

10 July 2019 

•   In April 2017, the Company submitted its 

representations and detailed evidence base 

in support of allocation of the former Airport 

Site for alternative use in advance of the 

Government Inspectors’ public hearing of 

proposed new local planning framework. 

•   The public hearing took place in early 

2018, with the Government Inspectors’ 

report subsequently issued in March 2019. 

The Government Inspectors supported a 

‘safeguard’ of the former airport site for five 

years to allow time for a potential airport 

operator to bring forward a plan for a licensed 

general aviation airport. The Inspectors also 

advised that a longer safeguarding period 

could risk the site being left vacant and unused 

and that that would not be appropriate. 

The Government Inspectors’ view of the 

importance of the site for alternative use, in 

absence of an airport operation, affirms the 
Company’s view of the value of the land.

Sutton Harbour Group plc – Annual Report & Financial Statements 2019  7

F O R   T H E   Y E A R   E N D E D   3 1   M A R C H   2 0 1 9

STRATEGIC REPORT

M A N A G I N G   
B U S I N E S S   R I S K S

The Group maintains a register of risks which is updated as business 
risks change. The risk register is reviewed regularly by the Board to 
ensure that appropriate management processes are in place to manage 
business risks. Certain business risks are general to all Group activities 
whereas others are pertinent to particular business activities.  
Key business risks identified at present are:

G E N E R A L   R I S K S R I S K   I D E N T I F I E D

R E S P O N S E   T O   R I S K

Financing

Financing

The availability of adequate 
borrowing and other  
funding facilities.

The Group’s current banking facilities to a maximum 
of £25m expire in March 2021 and will fund 
development through specific loans. The company has 
raised £5.750m equity finance since January 2018 to 
fund projects and capital maintenance expenditure.

Compliance with bank terms  
and covenants.

The Group maintains a regular dialogue with 
bankers over progress of the Group and operates to 
a business plan to remain within bank facility terms.

Financing

Interest rate rises.

The Group regularly reviews interest rates and its 
exposure. LIBOR swap agreements are entered 
into to manage interest risk exposure, if and as 
agreed by the board.

Negative publicity

Increased use of social media  
can heighten the impact of  
negative publicity.

Media publicity about the Group is actively 
followed and reported where it is misleading  
or untrue.

External 

Risks associated with exit from 
the European Union (BREXIT)

The Group does not trade directly with European 
markets although could be exposed to any 
generalised impacts to the economy, housing 
markets and trade negotiations affecting fishing. 

R E A L   E S TAT E ,
R E G E N E R AT I O N
A N D   C A R
P A R K I N G
D I V I S I O N S

Economic Cycles

Planning

Tenant failure

R I S K   I D E N T I F I E D

R E S P O N S E   T O   R I S K

Property markets in provincial 
areas such as Plymouth will lag the 
improvements achieved in other 
major centres.

The Group is developing its plans for various 
sites to prepare for new development as 
market conditions allow. 

Obtaining viable planning permissions 
has become increasingly demanding 
resulting in increased cost and delay 
to submission of applications. 

The Group prepares comprehensive 
representations and applications with 
supporting reports where required. Public 
consultation is frequently undertaken to 
solicit views about proposed schemes.

The Group is exposed to the risk of 
loss of revenue and vacant properties 
should tenants’ businesses fail.

The Group has a diverse tenant base 
encompassing national and independent 
occupiers to avoid high exposure to  
any single party.

8  Sutton Harbour Group plc – Annual Report & Financial Statements 2019

R E A L   E S TAT E ,
R E G E N E R AT I O N
A N D   C A R
P A R K I N G
D I V I S I O N S

Key Personnel

Valuation Risk

Public opinion

External

M A R I N E 
A C T I V I T I E S

Lock Operations

R I S K   I D E N T I F I E D

R E S P O N S E   T O   R I S K

The Group is dependent on 
a limited number of skilled  
personnel in key positions. 

The Group ensures that it has adequate staff 
with the necessary skills and experience. 
Competitive and realistic remuneration 
packages are paid. External consultants are 
used to support the team as necessary.

The Group’s assets may suffer value 
impairment, thereby reducing the 
Group net asset value, if carrying 
value not judged recoverable  
through use or realisation.

Regular external valuations of assets and value 
appraisals on inventory are undertaken The 
Group takes action to maintain and add value 
by developing property/land use proposals and 
seeking viable planning consents. Property assets 
are maintained to a good state of repair and 
vacant sites are managed for safety and security.

The closure of Plymouth City Airport 
has been opposed by some local 
interest groups. Schemes for other 
sites proposed by the Group have 
met with some opposition.

The Group takes independent professional 
advice to ensure decision and actions are 
justifiable on relevant facts. The Group meets 
with stakeholder groups and undertakes 
public consultation when appropriate.

The regulatory and legislative 
environment has continued to result 
in additional management  
and financial pressures.

The Group takes external advice as 
necessary to remain compliant and to  
assist with planning for future change.

R I S K   I D E N T I F I E D

R E S P O N S E   T O   R I S K

Continuation of marine activities 
is dependent on reliability of lock 
operations and the integrity of the 
lock structure itself.

Maintenance of the Sutton Harbour lock, a 
key flood defence, is the responsibility of the 
Environment Agency and it is subject to daily 
checks. Lock controls have failsafe systems to 
prevent human errors. 

Pollution Incident

A major pollution incident could 
result from leakage from a fishing 
vessel or fuel supply tanks, or 
unlawful discharge into the harbour.

Emergency procedures are in place to con-
tain and clear a spillage which includes closure 
of the lock gates.

Continuity of Operations

Failure of plant and equipment at 
the fishmarket has the potential to 
disrupt operations with the resultant 
loss of reputation.

The Group regularly reviews the condition 
of infrastructure to plan maintenance and 
replacement.

A P P R O V A L

The Strategic Report from pages 2 to 9 was approved by the Board of Directors on 10 July 2019 

and signed on its behalf by

P H I L I P   B E I N H A K E R
E X E C U T I V E   C H A I R M A N

Sutton Harbour Group plc – Annual Report & Financial Statements 2019  9

F O R   T H E   Y E A R   E N D E D   3 1   M A R C H   2 0 1 9

GOVERNANCE

D I R E C TO R S
A N D   A D V I S O R S

Company Number 

2425189 

Directors 

Philip H. Beinhaker (Executive Chairman) 
Natasha C. Gadsdon (Finance Director) 
Graham S. Miller (Non-Executive Director) 
Sean J. Swales (Non-Executive Director) 

Secretary 

Natasha C. Gadsdon 

Registered Office 

Independent Auditors 

Nominated Broker and Nominated Adviser 

Registrar 

Bankers

10  Sutton Harbour Group plc – Annual Report & Financial Statements 2019

Sutton Harbour Office 
Guy’s Quay Office 
Sutton Harbour 
Plymouth 
PL4 0ES 
Tel: 01752 204186 
www.suttonharbourgroup.co.uk 

Nexia Smith & Williamson 
Portwall Place 
Portwall Lane 
Bristol 
BS1 6NA 

Arden Partners plc 
125 Old Broad Street 
London 
EC2N 1AR 

Computershare Services plc 
PO Box 82 
The Pavilions 
Bridgwater Road 
Bristol 
BS99 7NH 

The Royal Bank of Scotland plc 
London  
EC2N 3UR

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
F O R   T H E   Y E A R   E N D E D   3 1   M A R C H   2 0 1 9

GOVERNANCE

D I R E C TO R S ’ 
R E P O R T

The Directors present their Directors’ Report and audited 
Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2019. 
The review of activities during the year and future developments is 
contained in the Strategic Report.

M A J O R   S H A R E H O L D I N G S

As at 10 July 2019 the Company’s register of shareholdings showed the following interests in 3% or more of the 

Company’s share capital

%

O R D I N A R Y   S H A R E S

FB Investors LLP

Crystal Amber Fund Limited

Mr. D.McCauley/Rotolok (Holdings) Limited

72.65

10.68

5.71

84,231,428

12,385,779

6,615,690

The Directors are not aware of any other interest in its share capital in excess of 3%.

D I R E C T O R S ’   I N T E R E S T S

The interests of the Directors in the ordinary shares of the Company as at 31 March 2019 are set out below.

Philip H. Beinhaker

Graham S. Miller 

Natasha C. Gadsdon

Sean J. Swales

2 0 1 9

-

273,976

24,839

3,199

2 0 1 8

-

31,968

22,623

2,914

Sutton Harbour Group plc – Annual Report & Financial Statements 2019  11

D I R E C T O R S   A N D   T H E I R   I N T E R E S T S

P H I L I P   B E I N H A K E R

G R A H A M   S .   M I L L E R

Age 78. Appointed Non-Executive Director and Chairman 
on 22 January 2018 following the ‘Partial Offer and 
Acceptance’ which precipitated a change in control of the 
Company whereby FB Investors LLP acquired a controlling 
interest in the Company’s shares and appointed Executive 
Chairman in April 2018. Philip is a Director and the 
Chairman of Beinhaker Design Services Limited, which is 
a member of FB Investors LLP. He is also a member of the 
Audit Committee. Philip served as co-founding partner and 
Chief Executive Officer of IBI Group, a world-leading firm in 
architecture, engineering and project management from its 
formation in 1974 until 2013, continuing as a Senior Director 
of the IBI Group Management Partnership. 

S E A N   J .   S W A L E S

Aged 51. Appointed Non-Executive Director in December 
2009, he is a Chartered Accountant and Group Managing 
Director of Rotolok (Holdings) Limited, the Group’s third 
largest shareholder. He is also a member of the Audit and 
Remuneration Committees. 

Aged 56. Appointed Non-Executive Director and Chairman 
on 23 September 2013, stepping down from the Chairman role 
on 22 January 2018. He was appointed Chairman of the Audit 
Committee in November 2013 because the Board of Directors 
considered him best placed to chair the Audit Committee. He 
is also a member of the Remuneration Committee. He has a 
strong background in private equity, having held senior and 
director positions at Murray Johnstone Private Equity and 3i plc. 
Graham currently holds a number of other directorships. 

N ATA S H A   C .   G A D S D O N

Aged 49. Appointed Executive Director in July 2004 and Finance 
Director in October 2004.  She is a Chartered Accountant and 
has been with the Group since 1996.  She has also been the 
Company Secretary since 2001.

In accordance with the Company’s Articles of Association Sean J. Swales and Natasha C. Gadsdon retire by rotation  
at this year’s Annual General Meeting, and being eligible offers themselves for re-election. 

D I R E C T O R S   A N D   O F F I C E R S   I N S U R A N C E

The Group maintained a Directors’ and Officers’ liability insurance policy throughout the financial year.

F I N A N C I A L   I N S T R U M E N T S

The Group’s financial risk management objectives and policies are given in note 3, with additional information provided in the financial review on page 7.

D I S C L O S U R E   O F   I N F O R M AT I O N   T O   A U D I T O R S

The Directors who held office at the date of approval of this Directors’ Report confirm that, so far as they are each aware, there is no relevant audit 

information of which the Company’s auditors are unaware, and each Director has taken all the steps that he/she ought to have taken as a Director to make 

himself/herself aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the Company’s auditors are aware of that information. 

On behalf of the Board
N ATA S H A   G A D S D O N   
F I N A N C E   D I R E C T O R 

10 July 2019

12  Sutton Harbour Group plc – Annual Report & Financial Statements 2019

F O R   T H E   Y E A R   E N D E D   3 1   M A R C H   2 0 1 9

GOVERNANCE

STATEMENT  OF 
COMPLIANCE  WITH 
QC A  COR POR ATE 
GOVER NANCE  CODE

S E N I O R   I N D E P E N D E N T   D I R E C T O R ’ S   I N T R O D U C T I O N

Our vision is to conserve and improve the historic Sutton Harbour and its immediate environs for harbour users,  

local residents, businesses, visitors to the area and for the wider stakeholder community in the City of Plymouth.

To achieve this the Board is concerned with setting the strategy to facilitate maintenance of existing land, property  

and specialised assets and also the regeneration of underutilised assets to improve the attractiveness of the area  

and to ensure it has a sustainable and vibrant future.

The Company’s corporate governance framework manages the decision making processes of the Board having  

regard to opportunities and risks of specific strategies and the objective to deliver value growth to shareholders  
in the medium-long term. 

G R A H A M   M I L L E R
S E N I O R   I N D E P E N D E N T   D I R E C T O R   
( N O N - E X E C U T I V E )

P R I N C I P L E

A P P L I C AT I O N   A S   S E T 
O U T   B Y   T H E   Q C A

W H AT   T H E   C O M P A N Y   D O E S   T O 
U P H O L D   T H E   P R I N C I P L E

1

Establish a 
strategy and 
business model 
which promote 
long-term value 
for shareholders

2

Seek to 
understand and 
meet shareholder 
needs and 
expectations

The board must be able to express 
a shared view of the company’s 
purpose, business model and 
strategy. It should go beyond the 
simple description of products and 
corporate structures and set out 
how the company intends to deliver 
shareholder value in the medium to 
long term. It should demonstrate 
that the delivery of long-term 
growth is underpinned by a clear  
set of values aimed at protecting  
the company from unnecessary 
risk and securing 

The Company is the owner and operator of specialist 
marine assets (which include two marinas and 
a commercial fishmarket), car parks, real estate 
investment properties and is the holder of land assets 
identified for regeneration.

The Company’s assets and operations are all located 
in Plymouth, Devon, primarily at Sutton Harbour.

The Company’s Strategic Vision is to deliver 
shareholder value growth through the delivery 
of high quality urban development to further 
establish Sutton Harbour as a visitor destination and 
harbourside lifestyle quarter whilst promoting the 
established commercial and leisure marine activities.

The Company is actively working towards the 
regeneration of vacant sites to release value, reduce 
debt and allow future new investment in the area.

Directors must develop a good 
understanding of the needs and 
expectations of all elements of the 
company’s shareholder base.

The Company maintains an active dialogue with 
major institutional investors and annually invites 
shareholders to an open day which includes a tour  
of the assets. 

The board must manage 
shareholder’s expectations and 
should seek to understand the 
motivations behind shareholder 
voting decisions.

The board welcomes the participation of 
shareholders at the Annual General Meeting  
with the opportunity to answers questions  
of any board member offered.

The Company Secretary is normally the first point 
of contact for any general enquiries or arrangement 
regarding shareholder meetings. 

Email: n.gadsdon@sutton-harbour.co.uk

Sutton Harbour Group plc – Annual Report & Financial Statements 2019  13

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A P P L I C AT I O N   A S   S E T   
O U T   B Y   T H E   Q C A

W H AT   T H E   C O M P A N Y   D O E S   T O   
U P H O L D   T H E   P R I N C I P L E

3   Take into 

account wider 
stakeholder 
responsibilities 
and their 
implications 
for long-term 
success

Long-term success relies upon good 
relations with a range of different 
stakeholder groups both internal 
(workforce) and external (suppliers, 
customers, regulators and others). The 
board needs to identify the company’s 
stakeholders and understand their needs, 
interests and expectations.

Where matters that relate to the 
company’s impact on society, the 
communities within which it operates 
or the environment have the potential 
to affect the company’s ability to deliver 
shareholder value over the medium to 
long-term, then those matters must be 
integrated into the company’s strategy  
and business model.

Feedback is an essential part of all control 
mechanisms. Systems need to be in place 
to solicit, consider and act on feedback 
from all stakeholder groups.

Statutory Harbour Authority 
Sutton Harbour Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, is a Statutory 
Harbour Authority which confers responsibilities concerning operations of and 
obligations to conserve the harbour. The Company employs a Harbour Master who 
liaises with the relevant regulators, public bodies and user groups in respect of this 
statutory function.

Public Bodies 
The Group maintains an active relationship with Plymouth City Council, the Local 
Planning Authority, the Environment Agency and other public agencies in connection 
with a wide range of issues relating to the land and property assets held by the Group.  
Open public consultation is undertaken in relation to proposed applications to the 
Local Planning authority.

Customers 
The Group maintains a number of websites and social media platforms, to communicate 
with different customer groups in addition to direct email and postal communications. 
Surveys of marina customer satisfaction are undertaken annually.

Employees 
The Group is committed to paying, as a minimum, the living wage as recommended by 
the Living Wage Foundation, to its employees. The Group undertakes annual appraisals 
for all employees annually, sponsors their essential qualifications and continuing 
professional development (as appropriate to role) and has a schedule of monthly 
operational meetings with Director presence at each.

4   Embed 

effective risk 
management, 
considering 
both 
opportunities 
and threats 
throughout the 
organisation

The board needs to ensure that the 
company’s risk management framework 
identifies and addresses all relevant 
risks in order to execute and deliver 
strategy; companies need to consider 
their extended business, including the 
company’s supply chain, from key  
suppliers to end-customer.

Setting strategy includes determining 
the extent of exposure to the identified 
risks that the company is able to bear and 
willing to take (risk tolerance and appetite).

Risk Register 
The Group maintains a register of risks, split by category, and identifies potential impact 
and likelihood, together with the response deployed to manage/mitigate the risk. The 
risk register is regularly updated with input from across the Group and external advice 
is taken if required.

Reporting 
Included in the monthly reports to the Board, new risks are identified together with 
proposals to manage/mitigate the risk.

Company Bankers and Insurers are kept appraised of risks and vulnerabilities on an 
ongoing basis. Advice from the appointed external Health and Safety Advisor is taken 
where appropriate.

Controls 
A list of ‘Matters reserved for the Board’ is maintained which governs levels of 
authorisation for financial commitment and decision making.

14  Sutton Harbour Group plc – Annual Report & Financial Statements 2019

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U P H O L D   T H E   P R I N C I P L E

5    Maintain the 

board as a well-
functioning, 
balanced team 
led by the chair

6    Ensure that 

between them 
the directors 
have the 
necessary 
up-to-date 
experience, 
skills and 
capabilities

The board members have a collective 
responsibility and legal obligation to 
promote the interests of the company, 
and are collectively responsible for defining 
corporate governance arrangements. 
Ultimate responsibility for the quality of, 
and approach to, corporate governance 
lies with the chair of the board.

The board (and any committees) should  
be provided with high quality information 
in a timely manner to facilitate proper 
assessment of the matters requiring a 
decision or insight.

The board should have an appropriate 
balance between executive and non-
executive directors and should have at 
least two independent non-executive 
directors. Independence is  
a board judgement.

The board should be supported by 
committees (eg audit, remuneration, 
nomination) that have the necessary  
skills and knowledge to discharge their 
duties and responsibilities effectively. 
Directors must commit the time  
necessary to fulfil their roles.

The board must have an appropriate 
balance of sector, financial and public 
markets skills and experience, as well  
as an appropriate balance of personal 
qualities and capabilities. The board  
should understand and challenge its own 
diversity, including gender balance, as part 
of its composition.

The board should not be dominated by 
one person or a group of people. Strong 
personal bonds can be important but can 
also divide a board.

As companies evolve, the mix of skills and 
experience required on the board will 
change, and board composition will need 
to evolve to reflect this change.

The current composition of the board is as follows:

O F F I C E

A P P O I N T E E

C O M M I T T E E   R O L E S

Executive Chairman

Philip Beinhaker

Senior independent 
Director  
(Non-Executive)

Graham Miller

Non - Executive Director

Sean Swales

Finance Director 
(Executive)

Natasha Gadsdon

Company Secretary

Natasha Gadsdon

Audit Committee Member 
Remuneration Committee 
Chair Nomination Committee Chair

Audit Committee Chair 
Remuneration Committee Member 
Nomination Committee Member

Audit Committee Member 
Remuneration Committee Member 
Nomination Committee Member

Following the resignation of Chief Executive Officer (who subsequently left the 
Company on 23 July 2018) the Board has been undertaking its search for a new 
Executive Director. Subject to final selection and satisfaction with regulatory criteria, an 
announcement about a new appointment will be made in 2019.

To provide continuity and support during this transitionary period, Philip Beinhaker was 
appointed Executive Chairman (previously Non-Executive Chairman) on 23 April 2018.
Board Meetings 
The Board has ten scheduled meetings per year where 4 board members attend, 
with additional meetings as required, and separate governance committee meetings. 
100% attendance by all members at all meetings has been recorded for the year under 
review. Agenda and detailed board papers are sent to directors in advance of the 
meeting which provide updates on governance matters, projects, trading and finance 
and corporate matters. The Board has a formal schedule of matters reserved to it for 
decision. 

Directors’ Independence 
Philip Beinhaker has no personal shareholding in the Company. FB Investors LLP, which 
owns 72.65% of the issued share capital, is jointly owned by Beinhaker Design Services 
Limited and 1895 Management Holdings UIC Philip is a Director and Chairman of 
Beinhaker Design Services Limited.

Graham Miller holds 273,976 shares in the Company and is the Senior Independent 
Director on the Board. Graham was appointed a Director in 2013.

Sean Swales holds 3,199 shares in the Company. He is also the corporate representative 
of Rotolok (Holdings) Limited which has an interest in 6,615,690 (5.71%) of the 
Company’s shares. Sean was appointed a Director in 2009. Until 10 January 2018, 
Rotolok (Holdings) Limited was interested in 28.79% of the Company’s shares and was 
reported as having significant influence. Sean Swales is now regarded as an independent 
Director as Rotolok (Holdings) Limited no longer has significant control and the board 
composition has changed. It is noted, however, that Sean has served close to ten years 
on the board, which is a further indicator generally used to appraise independence of 
Non-Executive Directors.

Natasha Gadsdon holds 24,839 shares in the Company and has been an Executive  
Director since 2004.

In summary, the board currently comprises two Executive and two independent  
Non-Executive Directors.

Shareholder Relationship Agreement with FB Investors LLP 
The Relationship Agreement dated 23 November 2017, addresses amongst other  
things, the composition of the SHH Board providing FB Investors with the ability to 
appoint up to two directors to the SHH Board (one of whom may be the Chairman 
for so long as it holds, directly or indirectly, 50 per cent or more of the issued voting 
share capital of the Company). It contains certain restrictions in relation to directors 
appointed by FB Investors voting at meetings of the SHH Board on matters in which
FB Investors is interested. Under the Relationship Agreement, FB Investors has 
agreed not to vote in relation to any resolution put to SHH Shareholders to cancel 
its admission to trading on AIM, pursuant to Rule 41 of the AIM Rules, for a minimum 
period of two years following the Partial Offer unless such resolution is recommended 
by those Board members of the Board not appointed by FB Investorsv

Sutton Harbour Group plc – Annual Report & Financial Statements 2019  15

 
 
 
 
 
 
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A P P L I C AT I O N   A S   S E T   
O U T   B Y   T H E   Q C A

W H AT   T H E   C O M P A N Y   D O E S   T O   
U P H O L D   T H E   P R I N C I P L E

7   Evaluate board 
performance 
based on clear 
and relevant 
objectives, 
seeking 
continuous 
improvement

8   Promote a 
corporate 
culture that 
is based on 
ethical values 
and behaviours

The board should regularly review the 
effectiveness of its performance as a unit,  
as well as that of its committees and the 
individual directors.

The change in majority ownership of the Company in January 2018 has precipitated 
board changes with the appointment of Philip Beinhaker who has taken on the role of 
Chair from Graham Miller, who continues as Audit Committee Chair and now also the 
role of Senior Independent Director.

The board performance review may be 
carried out internally or, ideally, externally 
facilitated from time to time. The review 
should identify development or mentoring 
needs of individual directors or the wider 
senior management team.

It is healthy for membership of the  
board to be periodically refreshed. 
Succession planning is a vital task for 
boards. No member of the board  
should become indispensable.

The board should embody and promote  
a corporate culture that is based on  
sound ethical values and behaviours 
and use it as an asset and a source  
of competitive advantage.

The policy set by the board should be 
visible in the actions and decisions of 
the chief executive and the rest of the 
management team. Corporate values 
should guide the objectives and strategy  
of the company.

The culture should be visible in every 
aspect of the business, including 
recruitment, nominations, training and 
engagement. The performance and reward 
system should endorse the desired ethical 
behaviours across all levels of the company.

The corporate culture should be 
recognisable throughout the disclosures in 
the annual report, website and any other 
statements issued by the company.

Sean Swales, continues as a Non-Executive Director, with the board continuing to  
benefit from his finance and property experience.

The Board expects to announce a new Executive Director appointment in due course  
and a full review of the effectiveness of the refreshed administration will be undertaken  
within the next 12 months.

Senior Managers are regularly invited to present at Board Meetings and to respond to 
questions and this forum sets the cultural tone.

At annual appraisals performance of employees is reviewed against specific targets and 
conduct in line with the Company’s standards of conduct as set out in the foreword of 
the Employee Handbook.

The Company holds regular Health and Safety meetings (normally two per year) with 
representation from all areas of the business together with Director, the Health and 
Safety Officer and external Health and Safety Advisor. Annually the Health and Safety 
Advisor reports observations formally to the board.

Sutton Harbour Company, a Statutory Harbour Company and wholly owned subsidiary 
of the Company is committed to undertaking statutory duties in accordance with the 
Port Marine Safety Code.

The environment plays a key role in the continuing success of the Group. The Company 
has a daily programme to clean the Harbour with a specialised vessel for the purpose of 
debris removal. Operational staff are trained to handle oil spill incidents in the harbour.

The area of Sutton Harbour is located in the heart of Plymouth. The Company 
supports various community and tourist initiatives. The Company is a member of the 
Mayflower 400 Founders club which is working together with Plymouth City Council 
to co-ordinate a comprehensive programme of events to commemorate the 400th 
Anniversary of the departure of the Pilgrim Fathers to America.

The Company has a long established commitment to the community and its 
neighbourhood. Throughout its regeneration work, the Company has undertaken 
extensive public consultation which has led to the reshaping and design of many 
successful quality regeneration projects surrounding the historic harbour. The Company 
sees itself as the custodian of the harbour for future generations and as such believes 
that working with the local community is essential to achieve this aspiration.

16  Sutton Harbour Group plc – Annual Report & Financial Statements 2019

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A P P L I C AT I O N   A S   S E T  
O U T   B Y   T H E   Q C A

W H AT   T H E   C O M P A N Y   D O E S   T O   
U P H O L D   T H E   P R I N C I P L E

9   Maintain 

governance 
structures 
and processes 
that are fit for 
purpose and 
support good 
decision-
making by the 
board

The company should maintain 
governance structures and 
processes in line with its 
corporate culture and 
appropriate to its:

• Size and complexity
•  Capacity, appetite and  

tolerance for risk

The governance structures should 
evolve over time in parallel 
with its objectives, strategy and 
business model to reflect the 
development 

The Board 
The board composition in undergoing a transition, which started in January 2018 after a change 
in majority ownership of the Company. A search and recruitment for a new Executive Director 
is currently in progress and the Board expects to announce a new appointment by Autumn 2019. 
As the re-formed board settles it is expected that other appointments may be made to provide 
balance and succession. At the present time, Philip Beinhaker is appointed Executive Chairman 
and presides over the business of the board as well as directing and overseeing the operations of 
the Company through the senior management team.

Graham Miller, the previous independent and Non-Executive Chairman, is now the Senior 
Independent Non-Executive Director on the board. He is the main contact to handle matters 
where other Directors have a conflict of interest.

Sean Swales, a Non-Executive Director since December 2009 and he is the corporate 
representative of Rotolok (Holdings) Limited, the third largest shareholder in the Company 
which no longer has significant control. Sean Swales is now considered to be an independent 
director following the reduction in shareholding of Rotolok (Holdings) plc and the changed 
composition of the Board.  A Chartered Accountant, he continues to contribute actively to 
the Board due to his financial specialism, property investment and development expertise and 
regional knowledge. September 2019 will be the ninth anniversary of Sean’s election to the board 
by shareholders, and the board will reconsider the composition of the board with regard to the 
balance between independent and non-independent directors in the Autumn of 2019.

Natasha Gadsdon, a Chartered Accountant, is appointed Finance Director and Company 
Secretary. She is responsible for financial reporting and compliance and oversees risk 
management, human resources, corporate responsibility. She is responsible for preparing detailed 
monthly reports to the board 

The Board is responsible for setting the strategy to deliver shareholder  value growth over the 
medium to long term. Decisions about financing, acquisitions and disposals, project and capital 
expenditure, senior staffing, key third party appointments, budget approval, approval of annual 
and interim financial reports, dividend policy, insurances and strategic direction of the trading 
businesses are all matters reserved for the Board’s decision.

The key procedures which the Directors have established with a view to providing effective 
internal controls are as follows:

•  Corporate Accounting and Procedures:

There are defined authority limits and controls over acquisitions and disposals. There are also 
clear reporting lines within the business and risk assessments are undertaken and regularly 
reviewed in all divisions and at all levels within the Group. Appropriate internal controls are set 
for all divisions of the business. 

•  Quality of Personnel: 

The competence of personnel is ensured through high recruitment standards and subsequent 
training courses. High quality personnel are seen as an essential part of the control environment.

•  Financial Reporting:

The Group has a comprehensive system for reporting financial results to the Board and 
monitoring of budgets.

•  Investment Appraisal

Capital expenditure is regulated by authorisation levels. For expenditure beyond specified levels, 
detailed written proposals are submitted to the Board. 

Governance Committees 
The composition and role of the board’s governance committees are set out below.

The Remuneration Committee, chaired by Philip Beinhaker, within its terms of reference 
determines and agrees with the board the employment terms and remuneration packages of 
the Executive Directors. The Executive Directors make recommendations to the board on the 
remuneration of Non-Executive Directors. Independent advice on remuneration is taken where 
considered appropriate.

The Audit Committee is chaired by Graham Miller and its other members are Sean Swales,  
a Chartered Accountant, and Philip Beinhaker. The Committee has written terms of 
reference and provides a forum for reporting by the Company’s auditors. The Committee 
may request Executive personnel to attend all or part of any meeting as the Committee 
considers appropriate.

The Nomination Committee is chaired by Philip Beinhaker and its other members are 
Graham Miller and Sean Swales. The Nomination Committee is responsible for proposing 
candidates to the Board having regard to its balance, expertise and structure. The current 
search for a new Executive Director is being led by Graham Miller and Sean Swales.

Sutton Harbour Group plc – Annual Report & Financial Statements 2019  17

 
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A P P L I C AT I O N   A S   S E T  
O U T   B Y   T H E   Q C A

W H AT   T H E   C O M P A N Y   D O E S   T O   
U P H O L D   T H E   P R I N C I P L E

See responses to Principles 1 and 2 above where engagement with shareholder and stakeholder 
engagement is described.

The Annual Report and Accounts, Interim Reports and other announcements and presentations are 
the main formalised communications to shareholders. The Annual General Meeting and Open Day are 
opportunities for two-way communication between the board and shareholders

10  Communicate 

how the 
company is 
governed and 
is performing 
by maintaining 
a dialogue with 
shareholders 
and other 
relevant 
stakeholders.

A healthy dialogue should exist 
between the board and all 
of its stakeholders, including 
shareholders, to enable all 
interested parties to come  
to informed decisions about 
the company.

In particular, appropriate 
communication and reporting 
structures should exist between 
the board and all constituent  
parts of its shareholder base.  
This will assist: 

•  The communication of 

shareholders’ views to the 
board: and

•  The shareholders’ understanding  

of the unique circumstances 

By Order of the Board
N ATA S H A   G A D S D O N   
F I N A N C E   D I R E C T O R 

10 July 2019

18  Sutton Harbour Group plc – Annual Report & Financial Statements 2019

F O R   T H E   Y E A R   E N D E D   3 1   M A R C H   2 0 1 9

GOVERNANCE

C O R P O R AT E , 
E N V I R O N M E N TA L 
A N D   S O C I A L 
R E S P O N S I B I L I T Y 
R E P O R T

H E A LT H   A N D   S A F E T Y

E N V I R O N M E N TA L   I S S U E S

The Board of Directors understands its responsibility 

The Board has agreed the following  

to the health and safety of employees, customers and 

Environmental Statement:

others who are directly or indirectly affected by the 

Group’s operations.

The environment plays a key role in the continuing 

success of the Group and the Group recognises that  

The Group’s Health and Safety Committee is chaired 

it needs to set itself high environmental standards.

by Natasha Gadsdon and has representation from all 
Group activities.   The Health and Safety Committee is 

an open forum and minutes of the meetings are made 

available to all staff upon request.

The Group monitors energy consumption at its 

trading facilities.  This information is used to manage 

consumption through practical energy saving measures 

and targeted capital investment. The Group  has 

Committee meetings are also attended by the 

installed LED energy efficient lighting at the car parks 

Group’s Health and Safety Officer and an Independent 

and fisheries and will introduce metered power and 

Health and Safety Consultant.  The Committee has a 

water at the fisheries complex during 2019. 

comprehensive agenda and is briefed on new legislation 

or regulation by the Independent Health and Safety 

Consultant.

Sutton Harbour is equipped to manage accidental fuel 

spills to minimise pollution of land and sea.  The Marina 

at Sutton Harbour is equipped with black water tanks 

The Group does not undertake direct construction 

to facilitate the discharge of foul water and recycling 

on site.  An excellent Health and Safety management 

sorting waste bins.

record is a key criterion in the selection of contractors.

The Group has a good health and safety record with no 

enforcement notices and no prosecutions for breaches 

of Health and Safety legislation to report.

P O R T   M A R I N E   S A F E T Y   C O D E

Sutton Harbour Company, a Statutory Harbour 
Authority, and a wholly owned subsidiary of the 

Group, is committed to undertaking statutory duties in 

accordance with the standards defined within the  Port 

Marine Safety Code. To ensure full compliance with 

the code an independent audit of the Sutton Harbour 

Safety Management System is carried out annually. The 

last audit carried out by the Maritime and Coastguard 

Agency took place in March 2015.

Sutton Harbour Group plc – Annual Report & Financial Statements 2019  19

C O M M U N I T Y   E N G A G E M E N T   A N D 
C H A R I TA B L E   I N V O LV E M E N T

The Group supports local charities and  

other community initiatives.

The area of Sutton Harbour is located in the heart of 

The Group has a long established commitment to 

Plymouth, adjacent to the historic Barbican quarter and 

the community and its neighbourhood.  Throughout 

the City Centre. The Group supports city based arts, 

its regeneration work, the Group has undertaken 

sports, community and tourist initiatives and liaises with 

extensive public consultation exercises which have 

Destination Plymouth, Plymouth City Centre Company, 

led to the reshaping and design of many successful 

Plymouth City Council and other relevant public 

agencies and associations.

Sutton Harbour has hosted a number of yacht races 

in the recent past including the Fastnet finish, the start 

of the Transat race on two occasions, La Solitaire Du 

Figaro single handed yachting event as well as other 

local events. The Group has the twin objectives of 

stimulating tourism for the city’s benefit, and also 

quality regeneration projects surrounding the historic 

waterfront.  The Group sees itself as the custodian of 

the harbour for future generations and as such believes 

that working with the local community is essential to 

achieve this aspiration.

showcasing the developments around Sutton Harbour 

which have created a vibrant centre for leisure, 

N ATA S H A   G A D S D O N   
F I N A N C E   D I R E C T O R 

commercial and residential use. 

10 July 2019

20  Sutton Harbour Group plc – Annual Report & Financial Statements 2019

F O R   T H E   Y E A R   E N D E D   3 1   M A R C H   2 0 1 9

GOVERNANCE

R E P O R T   O N 
R E M U N E R AT I O N

R E M U N E R AT I O N   C O M M I T T E E   A N D   R E M U N E R AT I O N   P O L I C Y
The members of the Committee during the year were as follows:
Philip Beinhaker – Chairman 
Graham S. Miller 
Sean J. Swales

The Committee met several times during the year, within its terms of reference, to consider the remuneration 
packages of the Executive Directors and to make recommendations to the Board. The overriding objective is to 
ensure that salary, benefits and other remuneration is sufficient to attract, retain and motivate executives of high 
quality, capable of achieving the Group’s objectives and creating value for our Shareholders. The Committee also 
takes into account the scale and complexity of the Group’s operations and seeks independent advice, from  
specialist advisers, where appropriate. 

C O M P O S I T I O N   O F   R E M U N E R AT I O N
Executive Directors’ pay comprises basic salary reviewed annually, pension scheme contributions to the Group’s 
defined contribution pension scheme, annual bonus based on audited results of the Group, and other benefits in 
kind including provision of a company car/car allowance and private medical healthcare. Salary is paid monthly and 
the annual bonus is accrued in the financial year to which it relates. Non-Executive Directors receive fees; they do 
not have service contracts, are not eligible to join the pension scheme and have no entitlement to annual bonuses.  
It is a requirement that Directors purchase shares in the Company, although there is no specified minimum holding. 

B O N U S   P AY M E N T S   T O   E X E C U T I V E   D I R E C T O R S
Profit share bonuses earned on the achievement of targets agreed by the Remuneration Committee for the year 
ended 31 March 2019 were £3,850 in respect of Natasha C. Gadsdon (2018: £5,000) and £nil in respect of Jason 
W.H. Schofield (2018: £nil).

C O N T R A C T U A L   P AY M E N T S   T O   E X E C U T I V E   D I R E C T O R S
In accordance with the Executive Directors’ service contracts, which were signed by both Jason W. H. Schofield 
and Natasha C. Gadsdon in August 2011, in the event of the acquisition of 50 per cent. or more of the issued 
share capital of the Company by any individual, corporation, partnership or any concert party of such person(s) (a 
‘Specified Event’), the director is entitled to payment of a sum equivalent to one year’s salary (plus bonus and the 
value of all other benefits under the service contract) as liquidated damages within 28 days of the Specified Event. 
In addition, the director may resign on three months’ written notice provided that such notice expires before the 
period of nine months from the date of the Specified Event in which case he/she shall be entitled to payment of a 
further sum equivalent to one year’s salary (plus bonus and the value of all other benefits under the service contract).

Jason W. H. Schofield and Natasha C. Gadsdon, both being eligible, were paid the contractual sum due within 28 
days of the Specified Event which occurred on 3 January 2018, being £186,921 in respect of Jason W. H. Schofield 
and £144,416 in respect of Natasha C. Gadsdon. Jason W. H. Schofield then served notice of resignation on 23 April 
2018, and a contractual payment of £178,925 was paid on 23 July 2018, the date on which he left the Company. 
Being linked to the ‘Specified Event’ and change of ownership which occurred in January 2018, these payments were 
expensed through the Income Statement as ‘Exceptional costs of change in ownership’.

N O N - E X E C U T I V E   D I R E C T O R S   F E E S
The fees for Non-Executive Directors are determined by the Board after taking independent advice. 

TA B L E S   O F   D I R E C T O R S   R E M U N E R AT I O N
The total remuneration of the Directors of the Company is as follows:

Fees

Other Emoluments

Contractual Payments

Pension Contributions

2 0 1 9
£ 0 0 0

139

159

6

39

343

2 0 1 8
£ 0 0 0

86

268

510

82

946

Sutton Harbour Group plc – Annual Report & Financial Statements 2019  21

 
 
F O R   T H E   Y E A R   E N D E D   3 1   M A R C H   2 0 1 9

The remuneration, excluding pension contributions, of the individual Directors is as follows:

F O R   T H E   Y E A R 
T O   3 1   M A R C H 
2 0 1 9

Philip H. Beinhaker

Graham S. Miller

Jason W.H. Schofield (resigned 23 July 2018)

Natasha C. Gadsdon

Sean J. Swales

Directors’ 
salaries
£000

Taxable 
benefits
£000

Bonus 
Payments 
£000

Contractual
Payments
£000

Directors’ 
fees
£000

-

-

44

96

-

140

-

-

4

11

-

15

-

-

-

4

-

4

-

-

6

-

-

6

90

29

-

-

20

139

F O R   T H E   Y E A R 
T O   3 1   M A R C H 
2 0 1 8

Directors’ 
salaries
£000

Taxable 
benefits
£000

Bonus 
Payments 
£000

Contractual 
Payments 
£000

Directors’ 
fees
£000

Philip H. Beinhaker (appointed 22 January 2018)

Graham S. Miller

Jason W.H. Schofield

Natasha C. Gadsdon

Sean J. Swales

Robert H. De Barr (resigned 22 January 2018)

-

-

133

96

-

-

229

-

1

23

10

-

-

34

-

-

-

5

-

-

5

-

366

144

-

-

510

8

40

-

-

20

18

86

Total

£000

90

29

54

111

20

304

Total

£000

8

41

522

255

20

18

864

22  Sutton Harbour Group plc – Annual Report & Financial Statements 2019

F O R   T H E   Y E A R   E N D E D   3 1   M A R C H   2 0 1 9

The pension contributions made in respect of the Executive Directors to the Group’s defined contribution  

scheme were:

Jason W.H. Schofield

Natasha C. Gadsdon

C O N T R A C T S

2 0 1 9
£ 0 0 0

8

31

39

2 0 1 8
£ 0 0 0

51

31

82

On 27 June 2018, the Group entered into a revised service contract with Natasha C. Gadsdon. Under this 

agreement she is employed as a full time Executive Director with a one year rolling contract. She was appointed 

Finance Director in October 2004.

The Non-Executive Directors are appointed with three month’s notice and the Chairman has a six month 

notice period.

On Behalf of the Board
P H I L I P   H   B E I N H A K E R
E X E C U T I V E   C H A I R M A N   A N D   C H A I R   
O F   T H E   R E M U N E R AT I O N   C O M M I T T E E

10 July 2019 

Sutton Harbour Group plc – Annual Report & Financial Statements 2019  23

GOVERNANCE
Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities
For the year ended 31 March 2019

Statement of Directors’ responsibilities in respect of the Annual Report and the financial statements

The Directors are responsible for preparing the Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations.

Company law requires the Directors to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under that law the Directors have elected to prepare the Group 
financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the European Union, and the Company financial 
statements in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (United Kingdom Accounting Standards and applicable law), including 
Financial Reporting Standard 101 ‘Reduced Disclosure Framework’. Under company law the Directors must not approve the financial statements unless they 
are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Group and the Company and of the profit or loss of the Group for that period.  The 
Directors are also required to prepare financial statements in accordance with the rules of the London Stock Exchange for companies trading securities on the 
Alternative Investment Market.  In preparing these financial statements, the Directors are required to:

• select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;

• make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;

•  state whether they have been prepared in accordance with IFRSs, as adopted by the European Union and applicable UK Accounting Standards,  

subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the Group and Parent Company financial statements respectively;

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

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

Website publication

The Directors are responsible for ensuring the annual report and the financial statements are made available on a website. Financial statements are published on 
the Company’s website, in accordance with legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements, which may vary 
from legislation in other jurisdictions.  The maintenance and integrity of the Company’s website is the responsibility of the Directors.  The Directors’ responsibility 
also extends to the ongoing integrity of the financial statements contained therein.  

By Order of the Board
N ATA S H A   G A D S D O N   
C O M P A N Y   S E C R E TA R Y   

10 July 2019

24  Sutton Harbour Group plc – Annual Report & Financial Statements 2019

GOVERNANCE
Independent Auditor’s Report
For the year ended 31 March 2019

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE  
MEMBERS OF SUTTON HARBOUR GROUP PLC

Opinion 
We have audited the financial statements of Sutton Harbour Group plc (the 
‘parent company’) and its subsidiaries (the ‘group’) for the year ended 31 
March 2019 which comprise Consolidated Income Statement, Consolidated 
Statement of Other Comprehensive Income, the Consolidated and Company 
Balance Sheets, the Consolidated and Company Statement of Changes in 
Equity, the Consolidated Cash Flow Statement, and the notes to the financial 
statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial 
reporting framework that has been applied in the preparation of the group 
financial statements is applicable law and International Financial Reporting 
Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the European Union. The financial reporting 
framework that has been applied in the preparation of the parent company 
financial statements is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards 
including FRS 101 “Reduced Disclosure Framework” (United Kingdom Generally 
Accepted Accounting Practice). 

In our opinion: 

•   the financial statements give a true and fair view of the state  
of the group’s and of the parent company’s affairs as at 31  
March 2019 and of the group’s loss for the year then ended;  

•   the group financial statements have been properly prepared  
in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the European Union; 

•   the parent company financial statements have been properly  

prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted 
Accounting Practice; and

•   the financial statements have been prepared in accordance  

with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.

Basis for opinion 

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing 
(UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law.  Our responsibilities under those standards 
are further described in the Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the 
financial statements section of our report.  We are independent of the group 
and parent company in accordance with the ethical requirements that are 
relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC’s 
Ethical Standard as applied to SME listed entities, and we have fulfilled our other 
ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements.  We believe that 
the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a 
basis for our opinion. 

Conclusions relating to going concern

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to 
which the ISAs (UK) require us to report to you where:

Emphasis of matter – valuation of inventory 

We draw attention to note 4 of the consolidated financial statements which 
describes the potential impact of government future planning permission 
applications upon the valuation of the Plymouth airport site, which is held as 
inventory on the Balance Sheet at £12.4m. 

The ultimate outcome of these future applications cannot be presently 
determined, and the financial statements do not reflect any impairment that 
may be required if the result is unfavourable. Our opinion is not modified in 
respect of this matter.

Key audit matters 
We have identified the following key audit matters described below. Key audit 
matters include the most significant assessed risks of material misstatement, 
including those risks that had the greatest effect on our overall audit strategy, 
the allocation of resources in the audit and the direction of the efforts of the 
audit team. 

In addressing these matters, we have performed the procedures below which 
were designed to address the matters in the context of the financial statements 
as a whole and in forming our opinion thereon. Consequently, we do not 
provide a separate opinion on these individual matters.

GOING CONCERN 
Key audit matter description 

Management and the Board have prepared a budget and cash flow forecast 
indicating that the group and parent company can operate as a going concern 
for at least 12 months from the date the financial statements are approved. 
Cash flow projections are inherently judgemental and subject to fluctuation 
with expenditure requirements. Also, further investment is required to continue 
development of the Harbour Arch and Sugar Quay schemes, which indicates a 
risk in being able to obtain the required additional funding. As a result, the  
ability of the group and parent company to operate as a going concern for  
12 months from the date of approval of the financial statements was a key  
area of audit focus.

Response to key audit matter 

We discussed the detailed forecasts and budgets prepared by management. 
The main procedures performed on the model and areas where we challenged 
management were as follows:

•   Testing the quality of management forecasting by comparing forecasts for 

prior periods to actual outcomes.

•   Testing the appropriateness of the assumptions that had the most material 
impact. In challenging these assumptions actual results, external data and 
market conditions were taken into account.

•  Performing sensitivity calculations to test the adequacy of available headroom.

•   the directors’ use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation 

•  Performing sensitivity analysis on compliance with funding covenants

of the financial statements is not appropriate; or

•   the directors have not disclosed in the financial statements any identified 
material uncertainties that may cast significant doubt about the group’s or 
the parent company’s ability to continue to adopt the going concern basis of 
accounting for a period of at least twelve months from the date when the 
financial statements are authorised for issue.

•   Considering the appropriateness of the disclosures made in the financial 

statements in respect of going concern.

Sutton Harbour Group plc – Annual Report & Financial Statements 2019  25

 
 
GOVERNANCE
Independent Auditor’s Report
For the year ended 31 March 2019

VALUATION OF PLYMOUTH CITY AIRPORT 
(FORMER AIRPORT SITE) 
Key audit matter description 

Within development inventory the group holds the Former Airport Site, a 
113 acre site with unexpired 138 year leasehold, which at the year end has a 
carrying value of £12.4m. Under IAS 2, the carrying value has to be assessed for 
impairment with the group needing to satisfy itself that the asset is included in 
inventory at the lower of cost and net realisable value, with net realisable value 
including developer’s return where applicable. Amendments to IAS 40 require 
mandatory reassessment on adoption around the transfers between inventory 
and investment property.  A Department for Transport report, “Plymouth 
Airport Study Report”, published in December 2016, concluded that a lack of 
demand and short runway mean that passenger services could not be run out 
of the airport, but the report did not rule out general aviation purposes. An 
Examination in Public resulted in a Government Inspectors’ report issued in 
March 2019 which recommended the safeguarding of the former airport site 
for five years to allow time for a potential operator to bring forward a proposal 
for a licensed general aviation airport. This period of safeguarding impacts the 
value and timing of any potential development of the site, which is the basis of 
the emphasis of matter paragraph above. The current carrying value of the asset 
is based on this development strategy.  

Response to key audit matter 

The main procedures performed on the valuation assessment and areas where 
we challenged management were as follows:

•   Discussing with management the Board’s strategy with regard to the 

airport site and ensuring it is in line with our understanding. Considering 
the amendments to IAS 40 “Transfers to Investment Property” and basis of 
conclusion to support treating it as inventory.

•   Agreeing a sample of costs incurred on the site during the year to supporting 

documentation and comparing the nature of the expenditure to the 
requirements to classify as inventory according to IAS 2.

•  Agreeing the ownership of the airport site to land registry documentation.

•   Inspection of government reports and assessment of their impact on the 

ability of the group to apply for planning permission.

•   Consideration of the potential net realisable value of the site with reference 
to comparable land value and potential value post development discounted 
at an appropriate rate; sensitivity analysis was then performed against the 
value of land per acre to determine headroom over carrying value.

VALUATION OF INVESTMENT PROPERTIES  
AND OWNER OCCUPIED LAND AND BUILDINGS 
Key audit matter description 

The group adopts a policy of revaluation for its owner occupied land and 
buildings as well as its investment properties with valuation stated at fair value. 
Under IFRS 13, fair value measurement is required to be based on the ‘highest 
and best use’ and in most cases an entity’s current model is presumed to be its 
highest and best use, although consideration needs to be made on a property 
by property basis to ensure that market opportunities and conditions do not 
suggest otherwise. Investment properties (£19.4m) and fixed assets (£23.6m) 
held at valuation stand at £45.7m as at the year end. Due to the impact that the 
valuations can have on the financial statements and the inherently judgemental 
nature of these valuations, we have considered this area as a key audit focus.

Response to key audit matter 

The main procedures performed on the valuation assessment and areas where 
The main procedures performed on the valuation assessment and areas where 
we challenged management were as follows:

26  Sutton Harbour Group plc – Annual Report & Financial Statements 2019

•   Agreeing the valuations recognised in the accounts to the reports prepared 

by a professional third party.

•   Assessing the professional valuation firm as independent and sufficiently 
competent, with respect to qualifications, experience and reputation. 

•   Considering the appropriateness of the assumptions that had the most 
material impact and key variables included in the valuations, such as Fair 
Maintainable Operating Profit, yields and market rates. 

•   Considering the appropriateness of the disclosures made in the financial 

statements in respect of the properties.

VALUATION OF DEVELOPMENT SITES – SUGAR QUAY 
Key audit matter description 

Costs incurred on the Sugar Quay development site stand at £9.7m as at year 
end and are held within inventory. Planning permission has been granted during 
the year with construction due to commence by the end of the year. The costs 
include capitalised interest plus design and consultancy costs. 

Response to key audit matter 

The main procedures performed on the valuation assessment and areas where 
we challenged management were as follows:

•   Reviewing a sample of additional costs capitalised within the valuation of the 
development site and critically assessing these costs against the capitalisation 
criteria of IAS 2.

•   Reviewing of documentation prepared by management supporting the 

expectation for the site and potential sale value.

•   Considering the assumptions used within the calculation of expected cost 

and sale value by including sensitivity analysis and determining the impact of 
different outcomes.

Materiality 
The materiality for the group financial statements as a whole was set at 
£1.4m. This has been determined with reference to the benchmark of the 
group’s total assets, which we consider to be an appropriate measure for a 
group of companies with significant value in investments and development 
activities which are fundamental to the current and future trading of the group. 
Materiality represents 2% of group’s total assets as presented on the face of the 
Consolidated Balance Sheet.

We report to the Audit Committee any corrected or uncorrected identified 
misstatements exceeding £73k (0.1% of group’s total assets), in addition to 
other identified misstatements that warrant reporting on qualitative grounds.

The materiality for the parent company financial statements as a whole was 
set at £0.6m. This has been determined with reference to the net assets of the 
parent company, which we consider to be one of the principal considerations 
for members of the company in assessing the performance of the Group. 
Materiality represents 2% of parent company’s net assets as presented on the 
face of the Balance Sheet.

An overview of the scope of the audit 

Of the Group’s 7 reporting components, we audited individually 3 and 
subjected another 3 to audit procedures for Group reporting purposes where 
the extent of our audit work was based on our assessment of the risk of 
material misstatement and of the materiality of that component. The remaining 
component is immaterial.

 
 
GOVERNANCE
Independent Auditor’s Report
For the year ended 31 March 2019

The components within the scope of our work covered 97% of Group revenue, 
100% of Group profit before tax and 98% of Group net assets.

Other information 

The other information comprises the information included in the Annual 
Report and Financial Statements, other than the group and parent company 
financial statements and our auditor’s report thereon.  The directors are 
responsible for the other information.  Our opinion on the financial statements 
does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise 
explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance 
conclusion thereon.  

In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our responsibility 
is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the 
other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or 
our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially 
misstated.  If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material 
misstatements, we are required to determine whether there is a material 
misstatement in the financial statements or a material misstatement of the 
other information.  If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that 
there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to 
report that fact. 

In preparing the financial statements, the directors are responsible for assessing 
the group’s and parent company’s ability to continue as a going concern, 
disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going 
concern basis of accounting unless the directors either intend to liquidate 
the group and parent company or to cease operations, or have no realistic 
alternative but to do so. 

Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements 

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial 
statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due 
to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion.  
Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that 
an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material 
misstatement when it exists.  Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and 
are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably 
be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of 
these financial statements. 

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial 
statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council’s website at:  
www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities.  This description forms part of  
our auditor’s report.

We have nothing to report in this regard. 

Use of our report 

Opinion on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006 

In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit:

•   the information given in the strategic report and the directors’ report for the 
financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent 
with the financial statements; and

•   the strategic report and the directors’ report have been prepared in 

accordance with applicable legal requirements.

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

This report is made solely to the parent company’s members, as a body, in 
accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006.  Our audit 
work has been undertaken so that we might state to the parent company’s 
members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor’s report 
and for no other purpose.  To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not 
accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the parent company and 
the parent company’s members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or 
for the opinions we have formed.

In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the group and parent 
company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not 
identified material misstatements in the strategic report or the directors’ report.

C A R L   D E A N E 
Senior Statutory Auditor, for and on behalf of  

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters where the 
Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:

•   adequate accounting records have not been kept by the parent company, or 
returns adequate for our audit have not been received from branches not 
visited by us; or

•   the parent company financial statements are not in agreement with the 

accounting records and returns; or

Statutory Auditor  
Chartered Accountants 
Portwall Place  
Portwall Lane  
Bristol  
BS1 6NA

•   certain disclosures of directors’ remuneration specified by law are not made; 

10 July 2019 

or

•   we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our 

audit.

Responsibilities of directors 

As explained more fully in the directors’ responsibilities statement set out 
on page 24, the directors are responsible for the preparation of the financial 
statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for 
such internal control as the directors determine is necessary to enable the 
preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, 
whether due to fraud or error.

Sutton Harbour Group plc – Annual Report & Financial Statements 2019  27

 
 
Consolidated Income Statement
For the year ended 31 March 2019

Revenue 

Cost of sales 

Gross profit 

Fair value adjustments on investment properties and fixed assets 
Administrative expenses  
Exceptional costs of change in ownership 

Operating profit/(loss) 

Finance income 
Finance costs 

Net finance costs 

Profit/(loss) before tax from continuing operations 
Taxation credit on profit/(loss) from continuing operations 

Profit/(loss) for the year from continuing operations 

Profit/(loss) for the year attributable to owners of the parent 

Basic and diluted earnings/(loss) per share 
from continuing operations 

Note 

5 

13,14 

5,6 

9 
9 

10 

2019 
£000 

6,893 

(4,686) 

2,207 

1,444 
(1,234) 

- 

2,417 

1 
(902) 

(901) 

1,516 
315 

1,831 

1,831 

2018  
£000

6,503

(4,367) 

2,136

(626) 
(1,374) 
(1,741)

(1,605)

- 
(897)

(897)

(2,502) 
304

(2,198)

(2,198)

12 

1.68p 

(2.24)p

Consolidated Statement of Other Comprehensive Income
For the year ended 31 March 2019

Profit/(loss) for the year 
Items that will not be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss: 
Revaluation of property, plant and equipment 
Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss: 
Effective portion of changes in fair value of cash flow hedges 

Other comprehensive income for the year, net of tax 

Total comprehensive income for the year attributable to owners of the parent 

The notes on pages 32 to 59 are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements

Note 

13 

2019 
£000 

1,831 

1,640 

6 

1,646 

3,477 

2018 
£000

(2,198) 

(1,624) 

70 

(1,554)

(3,752)

28  Sutton Harbour Group plc – Annual Report & Financial Statements 2019

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Balance Sheet
As at 31 March 2019

Note 

13 
14 
17 

17 
18 
19 

22 
23 
21 
25 

20 
23 
21 
16 
25 

26 

2019 
£000 

26,632 
19,425 
12,448 

58,505 

11,119 
2,283 
1,296 
(5) 

14,693 

73,198 

1,496 
122 
1,398 
70 
- 

3,086 

22,500 
47 
646 
1,023 
164 

24,380 

27,466 

45,732 

16,266 
10,695 
11,696 
7,075 

45,732 

2018 
£000

23,973 
19,055 
- 

43,028

21,276 
2,170 
2,767 
8

26,221

69,249 

1,633 
117 
1,434 
70 
6

3,260    

24,350 
158 
646 
1,338 
169

26,661

29,921

39,328

16,162 
7,872 
10,050 
5,244

39,328

Non-current assets 
Property, plant and equipment 
Investment property 
Investment property 

Current assets 
Inventories 
Trade and other receivables 
Cash and cash equivalents 
Tax recoverable 

Total assets 

Current liabilities 
Trade and other payables 
Finance lease liabilities 
Deferred income 
Provisions 
Derivative financial instruments 

Non-current liabilities 
Bank loans  
Finance lease liabilities 
Deferred government grants 
Deferred tax liabilities 
Provisions 

Total liabilities 

Net assets 

Issued capital and reserves attributable to owners of the parent 
Share capital 
Share premium 
Other reserves 
Retained earnings 

Total equity 

The notes on pages 32 to 59 are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

The Financial Statements on pages 32 to 59 were approved and authorised by the Board of Directors on 10 July 2019 and were signed on its behalf by:

Natasha Gadsdon 
Director

Sutton Harbour Group plc – Annual Report & Financial Statements 2019  29

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity
For the year ended 31 March 2019

Notes 

Share 
capital 

Share 
premium 

£000 

£000 

Revaluation 
reserve 

Hedging 
reserve 
-------------- --- Other reserves ------------------ 
£000 

Merger 
reserve 

£000 

£000 

Retained 
earnings 

Total 
equity 

£000 

£000

Balance at 1 April 2017 

16,069 

5,368 

7,809 

3,871 

(76) 

7,442 

40,483

Comprehensive income/(expense) 
Loss for the year 
Other comprehensive expense 
Revaluation of property, plant and equipment  13 
Effective portion of changes in fair value of  
cash flow hedges 

Total other comprehensive expense 

Total comprehensive income/(expense) 

Transactions with owners of the parent) 
Issue of shares 

Total balance at 31 March 2018 

Balance at 1 April 2018 

Comprehensive income/(expense) 
Profit for the year 
Other comprehensive income/(expense) 
Revaluation of property, plant and equipment  13 
Effective portion of changes in fair value of  
cash flow hedges3 

Total other comprehensive expense 

Total other comprehensive income/(expense) 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

16,162 

16,162 

7,872 

7,872 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

(1,624) 

- 

(1,624) 

(1,624) 

(1,624) 

6,185 

6,185 

- 

1,640 

- 

1,640 

Purchase of shares 

26 

104 

2,823 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

3,871 

3,871 

- 

- 

- 

- 

Total balance at 31 March 2019 

16,266 

10,695 

7,825 

3,871 

The cumulative deferred tax relating to items that are charged to equity is £nil (2018: £nil).

The notes on pages 32 to 59 are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

Further information in relation to the other reserves set out within the statement of changes in equity can be found in note 26.

- 

- 

70 

70 

70 

70 

(6) 

(6) 

- 

- 

6 

6 

- 

- 

(2,198) 

(2,198) 

- 

- 

- 

(1,624)

70

(1,554)

(2,198) 

(3,752)

(2,198) 

(3,752)

5,244 

39,328

5,244 

39,328  

1,831 

1,831 

- 

- 

- 

1,640 

6

1,646 

2,927

7,075 

45,732

30  Sutton Harbour Group plc – Annual Report & Financial Statements 2019

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Cash Flow Statement
For the year ended 31 March 2019

Cash generated from total operating activities 

Cash flows from investing activities 
Net expenditure on investment property 
Expenditure on property, plant and equipment 
Proceeds from sale of plant and equipment 

Net cash used in investing activities 

Cash flows from financing activities 
Proceeds from issue of shares 
Expenses of share issuance 
Interest paid 
Loan (repayment) 
Loan drawdown 
Cash payments of finance leases 

Net cash generated (used in)/generated from financing activities 

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the year 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of the year 

Note 

28 

14 
13 

9 

19 

19 

2019  
£000 

(1,181) 

(60) 
(243) 
- 

(303) 

3,000 
(73) 
(958) 
(1,850) 
- 
(106) 

13 

(1,471) 
2,767 

1,296 

2018 
£000

(886)

- 
(227) 
12

(215)

2,750 
(152) 
(897) 
- 
1,550 
(86) 

3,165

2,064 
703

2,767

Reconciliation of financing activities for the  year ended 31 March 2019 

Bank loans 

Finance leases 

Long term debt 

2019 

£000 

Cash 
flow  
£000 

22,500 

(1,850) 

169 

(106) 

22,669 

(1,956) 

2018 

£000 

24,350 

275 

24,625 

Cash 
flow 
£000 

1,550 

(86) 

1,464 

2017 

£000 

22,800 

361 

23,161 

The notes on pages 32 to 59 are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. 

Sutton Harbour Group plc – Annual Report & Financial Statements 2019  31

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 March 2019

1. General information

Sutton Harbour Group plc, formerly Sutton Harbour Holdings plc, (‘the Company’) and its subsidiaries are together referred to as ‘the Group’. The Group 
is headquartered at Sutton Harbour, Plymouth and owns and operates the harbour and its ancillary facilities. The other principal activities of the Group are 
marine operations, waterfront real estate regeneration, investment and development and also provision of public car parking.

The Company is a public limited company which is listed on the Alternative Investment Market of the London Stock Exchange, is incorporated and 
domiciled in the UK and registered in England and Wales with number 02425189.  The address of its registered office is Sutton Harbour Office, Guy’s Quay, 
Plymouth, Devon, PL4 0ES.

2. Group accounting policies

Basis of preparation 
The Group financial statements consolidate those of the Company and its subsidiaries.

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) and International Financial 
Reporting Interpretation Committee (IFRIC) interpretations as adopted by the European Union, and the Companies Act 2006 applicable to companies 
reporting under IFRS. 

The accounting policies set out below have, unless otherwise stated, been applied consistently to all periods presented in these Group financial statements.

Judgements made by the Directors in the application of these accounting policies that have significant effect on the financial statements and estimates with a 
significant risk of material adjustment in the next year are discussed in note 4 to these financial statements. 

Going concern 
The review of the Group’s business activities is set out in the combined Chairman’s Statement and Chief Executive’s Report on pages 4 and 5.  The financial 
position of the Group, its cash flows and financing position are described in the Financial Review on page 7.  In addition, note 3 to the financial statements 
gives details of the Group’s financial risk management.

The Group’s forecasts and projections, taking account of reasonably foreseeable possible changes in trading performance, show that the Group should be 
able to operate within the level of the facilities and covenants over a period of at least twelve months.  The covenants measure interest cover, debt to fair 
value and capital expenditure.

After making enquiries, the Directors have a reasonable expectation that the Group has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the 
foreseeable future. The Group, therefore, continues to adopt the going concern basis in preparing its financial statements.

Measurement convention 
The financial statements are prepared on the historical cost basis as modified by the fair value of property and some  financial assets and financial liabilities. 

The functional currency of the Group and its subsidiaries is pounds sterling and therefore balances are shown in the financial statements in thousands of 
pounds sterling, unless otherwise stated.

Basis of consolidation 
The consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of Sutton Harbour Group plc and its subsidiaries at each reporting date. Control 
exists when the Group has the power, directly or indirectly, to govern the financial and operating policies of an entity so as to obtain benefits from its 
activities. The financial statements of subsidiaries are included in the consolidated financial statements from the date that control commences until the date 
that control ceases.

Intercompany transactions, balances and unrealised gains on transactions between Group companies are eliminated. Unrealised profits and losses are also 
eliminated. 

Property, plant and equipment 
Property, plant and equipment can be divided into the following classes:

Land and buildings 
Assets in the course of construction 
Plant, machinery and equipment 
Fixtures and fittings

Land and buildings 
Land and buildings include:

-   Freehold and leasehold land.  Where a lease has an unexpired term of more than 50 years it is considered to share the same characteristics as freehold 

land and is shown as such. 

-   Properties that are mainly owner-occupied, or that are an integral part of the Group’s trading operations (marina including the lock, quays, marina 

buildings, the fishmarket building and car parks).

Owner occupied assets are initially recorded at cost and are subsequently revalued and stated at their fair values.  Fair value is based on regular valuations 

32  Sutton Harbour Group plc – Annual Report & Financial Statements 2019

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 March 2019

by an external independent valuer and is determined from market-based evidence by appraisal.  Valuations are performed with sufficient regularity  
(at least annually) to ensure that the fair value of a revalued asset does not differ materially from its carrying amount.

Where owner occupied assets (such as marinas, the fishmarket and car parks) comprise land, buildings, plant and machinery the valuation is of the  
asset as a whole.  Any valuation movement is allocated to land and buildings; plant and machinery continue to be carried at cost less accumulated 
depreciation (see below).

Any revaluation surplus is credited to the revaluation reserve except to the extent that it reverses a decrease in the carrying value of the same asset 
previously recognised in the income statement, in which case the increase is recognised in the income statement.  Any revaluation deficits are recognised in 
the income statement, except to the extent of any existing surplus in respect of that asset in the revaluation reserve.

Assets in the course of construction 
Assets in the course of construction are held at cost.  Depreciation commences when the asset is fully operational as intended.

Plant, machinery and equipment, fixtures and fittings 
Plant, machinery and equipment includes items used in the operation of marina, fishmarket and car park trading operations (such as pontoons, piles, 
ice making equipment and chillers, car parking meters).  Fixtures and fittings includes building fit outs.  Plant, machinery and equipment, fixtures and  
fittings are all stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment losses.  Historical cost includes expenditure that is directly attributable  
to the acquisition of the items.

Leased assets 
Leases in which the Group assumes substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership of the leased asset are classified as finance leases.  Where buildings 
are held under finance leases the accounting treatment of leases of any associated land is considered separately from that of the buildings.  Leased assets 
acquired by way of finance lease are stated initially at an amount equal to the lower of their fair value and the present value of the minimum lease payments 
at inception of the lease, less accumulated depreciation and impairment losses.  Leased assets are depreciated over the shorter of the lease term and useful 
economic life. The lease liability is included in the balance sheet as a finance lease liability.  Lease payments are apportioned between finance charges and 
the reduction of lease liabilities so as to achieve a constant rate of interest on the remaining balance of the liability.  Finance charges are charged directly to 
the income statement.  Leased properties are subsequently revalued to their fair value.

The treatment of assets held under operating leases where the lessor maintains the risks and rewards of ownership is described in the operating lease 
payments accounting policy below.

Depreciation 
Depreciation is charged to the income statement over the estimated useful lives of each part of an item of property, plant, machinery and equipment, 
fixtures and fittings. Estimated useful lives and residual values are reassessed annually.  Where parts of an item of property, plant, machinery and equipment, 
fixtures and fittings have different useful lives, they are accounted for as separate items.  Freehold land is not depreciated. The estimated useful lives and 
depreciation basis of assets are as follows:

Freehold buildings 
Leasehold buildings 
Plant, machinery and equipment 
Fixtures and fittings 

 (straight line) 
 (straight line) 
 (straight line) 
 (straight line) 

10 to 50 years 
50 years or remaining period of lease 
4 to 30 years 
4 to 10 years

Investment property 
Investment properties are properties which are held to earn rental income and/or for capital appreciation. Investment properties are initially measured at 
cost and subsequently revalued to fair value which reflects market conditions at the balance sheet date.  Any gains or losses arising from changes in fair value 
are recognised in the income statement in the period in which they arise.  Fair value is the estimated amount for which a property could be exchanged, on 
the date of valuation, between a willing buyer and a willing seller, in an arm’s length transaction, after proper marketing, in which both parties had acted 
knowledgeably, prudently and without compulsion.

Some properties are held both to earn rental income and for the supply of goods and services and administration purposes.  Where the different portions 
of the property cannot be sold separately, the property is accounted for as an investment property only if an insignificant portion is held for the production 
and supply of goods and services and administration purposes.

The portfolio is valued on an annual basis by an external independent valuer, who is RICS qualified. The valuer will also have recent experience in the 
location and category of property being valued.

The valuations, which are supported by market evidence, are prepared by considering the aggregate of the net annual rents receivable from the properties 
and where relevant, associated costs. A yield which reflects the specific risks inherent in the net cash flows is then applied to the net annual rentals to arrive 
at the property valuation. 

Rental income from investment property is accounted for as described in the revenue accounting policy.

Investment property that is redeveloped for continued future use as an investment property remains classified as an investment property while the 
redevelopment is being carried out.  While redevelopment is taking place, the property will continue to be valued on the same basis as an investment property.

Sutton Harbour Group plc – Annual Report & Financial Statements 2019  33

 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 March 2019

All tenant leases have been examined to determine if there has been any transfer of the risks and rewards of ownership from the Group to the tenant in 
accordance with IAS 17 ‘Leases’.  All tenant leases were determined to be operating leases.  Accordingly, all the Group’s leased properties are classified as 
investment properties and included in the balance sheet at fair value.

Inventories 
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Cost is based on the first-in first-out principle and includes expenditure incurred in 
acquiring the inventories and bringing them to their existing location and condition. Where inventory has been transferred from fixed assets, deemed cost 
includes revaluation.  Net realisable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less estimated costs of completion and estimated 
costs necessary to make the sale.

Inventories – development property 
Land identified for development and sale, and properties under construction or development and held for resale, are included in non-current or current 
assets, depending on the estimated time of ultimate realisation,  at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Cost includes all expenditure related directly 
to specific projects, including capitalised interest, and an allocation of fixed and variable overheads incurred in the Group’s contract activities based on 
normal operating capacity.  Net realisable value is estimated selling value less estimated costs of completion and estimated costs necessary to make the sale 
and includes developer’s return where applicable.

Cash and cash equivalents 
Cash in the balance sheet comprises cash at bank and in hand. Bank overdrafts and similar borrowings that are repayable on demand and form an integral 
part of the Group’s cash management are included as a component of cash and cash equivalents for the purpose of the statement of cash flows.  Offset 
arrangements across Group businesses are applied to arrive at the net cash figure.

Impairment 
The carrying amounts of the Group’s assets other than investment property and inventories are considered at each balance sheet date to determine 
whether there is any indication of impairment. If any such indication exists, the asset’s recoverable amount is estimated. Where the asset does not generate 
cash flows that are independent from other assets, the Group estimates the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit to which the asset belongs. 
Where the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its recoverable amount it is impaired and is written down to its recoverable amount.  Impairment losses are 
recognised in the income statement.

The recoverable amount of the Group’s financial assets is calculated as the present value of estimated future cash flows, discounted at an appropriate 
effective interest rate taking into account the time value of money and the risks associated with future cash flows. The recoverable amount of non-financial 
assets is the higher of fair value less costs to sell and value in use.  If the recoverable amount of an asset (or cash-generating unit) is estimated to be less 
than its carrying amount, the carrying amount of the asset (or cash-generating unit) is reduced to its recoverable amount. An impairment loss is recognised 
as an expense immediately. Where an impairment loss subsequently reverses, the carrying amount of the asset (or cash-generating unit) is increased to 
the revised estimate of the recoverable amount, but so that the increased carrying amount does not exceed the carrying amount that would have been 
determined if no impairment loss had been recognised for the asset (or cash-generating unit) in prior years. A reversal of an impairment loss is recognised as 
income immediately.

Derivative financial instruments and hedging activities 
Derivative financial instruments, comprising interest rate swaps, were initially recognised at fair value on the date a derivative contract was entered into and 
was subsequently re-measured at their fair value.  The method of recognising the resulting gain or loss depends on whether the derivative was designated as 
a hedging instrument, and if so, the nature of the item being hedged.

The Group documents, at the inception of the transaction, the relationship between hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as its risk management 
objectives and strategy for undertaking various hedging transactions.  The Group also documents its assessment, both at hedge inception and on an ongoing 
basis, of whether the derivatives that were used in hedging transactions are highly effective in offsetting changes in cash flows or fair values of hedged items.

The fair values of various derivative instruments used for hedging purposes are disclosed in note 14.  Movements on the hedging reserve in shareholders’ 
equity are shown in the Statement of Changes in Equity and the Statement of Comprehensive Income.  The full fair value of a hedging derivative is classified 
as a non-current asset or liability when the remaining maturity of the hedged item is more than 12 months, and as a current asset or liability when the 
remaining maturity of the hedged item is less than 12 months. 

The fair values are calculated by reference to active market prices, forward exchange rates and LIBOR rates.

Cash flow hedges 
The effective portion of changes in the fair value of derivatives that are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges is recognised in equity.  The gain or 
loss relating to the ineffective portion is recognised immediately in the income statement within cost of sales for any foreign exchange derivatives and fuel 
hedging derivatives and within financing costs for any interest rate swaps.  Amounts accumulated in equity are recycled to the income statement in the 
periods when the hedged item affects profit or loss. 

When a hedging instrument expires or is sold, or when a hedge no longer meets the criteria for hedge accounting, any cumulative gain or loss existing in 
equity at that time remains in equity and is recognised when the forecast transaction is ultimately recognised in the income statement.  When a forecast 
transaction is no longer expected to occur, the cumulative gain or loss that was reported in equity is immediately transferred to the income statement. 

34  Sutton Harbour Group plc – Annual Report & Financial Statements 2019

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 March 2019

Derivatives at fair value through profit and loss 
Where derivative instruments do not qualify for hedge accounting, changes in fair value are recognised immediately in the income statement. 

The Group has applied hedge accounting for all hedge contracts entered into in both the current and prior year. The effective part of any gain or loss on the 
cash flow hedges is recognised directly in the hedging reserve.  Any ineffective portion of the hedge is recognised immediately in the income statement.  

Interest-bearing borrowings 
Interest-bearing borrowings are recognised initially at fair value less attributable transaction costs. Subsequent to initial recognition, interest-bearing 
borrowings are stated at amortised cost with any difference between cost and redemption value being recognised in the income statement over the period 
of the borrowings on an effective interest basis.

Own shares 
Ordinary and Deferred shares are classified as equity.  Incremental costs directly attributable to the issue of Ordinary and Deferred shares and share 
options are recognised as a deduction from equity.

Revenue 
Revenue comprises the fair value of the consideration received or receivable, net of value-added-tax, rebates and discounts.  Revenue is recognised in 
accordance with the transfer of promised goods or services to customers (i.e. when the customer gain control of ownership that has been transferred).  
The following criteria must also be met before revenue is recognised:

Rent and marina and berthing fees 
Rent from investment property and marina and berthing fees are typically invoiced in advance and are accounted for as deferred income and recorded to 
revenue during the period to which the tenant had control of the service.

Lease incentives and costs associated with entering into tenant leases are amortised over the lease term.  These are held in the balance sheet within 
accrued income.

Other marine related revenue 
Fuel sales, landing dues and other ancillary incomes, are recorded to revenue on the transfer of goods to the customer.

Car park revenue 
Car park revenue is recognised at the point that a car parking ticket is paid for, normally a maximum of one day’s parking Where seasonal parking permits 
are sold for longer periods the income is spread over the period the permit relates to.

Property sales 
Revenue from property sales is recognised when effective control of the asset have passed to the buyer.  This will be at the point of legal completion.

Interest Income 
Interest income is recognised as it becomes receivable.

Government grants 
Government grants are recognised when there is reasonable assurance that the grant will be received and that the Group will comply with all conditions 
associated with the grant. Government grants in respect of capital expenditure are credited to reduce the initial carrying value of the related asset.  Grants 
of a revenue nature are credited to a deferred income account and released to the income statement so as to match them with the expenditure to which 
they relate.

Operating lease payments 
Payments made under operating leases are recognised in the income statement on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. Lease incentives received 
are recognised in the income statement as an integral part of the total lease expense over the term of the lease.

Net financing costs 
Net financing costs comprise interest payable, commitment fees on unused portion of bank facilities, amortisation of prepaid bank facility arrangement fees, 
unwinding of discount on provisions, finance charge component of minimum lease payments made under finance leases and interest receivable on funds 
invested. Interest payable and interest receivable are recognised in profit or loss as they accrue, unless capitalised as described under “borrowing costs” 
below, using the effective interest method. The fair value movement of derivative financial instruments and any ineffective portion of cash flow hedges are 
also included within net financing costs.

Borrowing costs 
Borrowing costs are capitalised on qualifying assets. A qualifying asset is one that takes more than twelve months to complete.  The borrowing rate applied 
is that specifically applied to fund the development.  In the case of bank borrowings this is the weighted average cost of debt capital. Capitalisation ceases 
when substantially all the activities that are necessary to get the property ready for use are complete and is paused when a project pauses.

Employee benefits: defined contribution plans 
Obligations for contributions to defined contribution pension plans are recognised as an expense in the income statement as incurred.

Sutton Harbour Group plc – Annual Report & Financial Statements 2019  35

 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 March 2019

Employee benefits: share-based payment transactions 
The share option programme allows Group employees to acquire shares of the Company; these awards are granted by the Company.  The share-based 
payments are all equity-settled and are measured at fair value.  The fair value of options granted is recognised as an employee expense with a corresponding 
increase in equity. The fair value is measured at grant date and spread over the period during which the employees become unconditionally entitled to the 
options. The fair value of the options granted is measured using the Black-Scholes option pricing model, taking into account the terms and conditions upon 
which the options were granted. The amount recognised as an expense is adjusted to reflect the actual number of share options that vest except where 
forfeiture is due only to share prices not achieving the threshold for vesting. 

Provisions 
A provision is recognised in the balance sheet when the Group has a present legal or constructive obligation as a result of a past event, and it is  
probable that an outflow of economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation. If the effect is material, provisions are determined by  
discounting the expected future cash flows at a pre-tax rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and, where 
appropriate, the risks specific to the liability.  

Taxation 
Tax on the profit for the year comprises current and deferred tax. Tax is recognised in the income statement except to the extent that it relates to items 
recognised directly in equity, in which case it is recognised in equity.

Current tax is the expected tax payable on the taxable profit for the year, using tax rates enacted or substantively enacted at the balance sheet date.

Deferred tax is provided on temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts 
used for taxation purposes.  The amount of deferred tax provided is based on the expected manner of realisation or settlement of the carrying amount of 
assets and liabilities, using tax rates enacted or substantively enacted at the balance sheet date.

A deferred tax asset is recognised only to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profits will be available against which the asset can be utilised.

Deferred tax is recognised on all temporary differences except on the initial recognition of goodwill or on the initial recognition of an asset or liability in a 
transaction which is not a business combination and at the time of the transaction, affects neither accounting profit nor taxable profit.

Dividends 
Interim dividends are recognised when paid, final dividends are recognised when approved by the shareholders.  Dividends unpaid at the balance sheet  
date are only recognised as a liability at that date if they have been approved.  Unpaid dividends that have not yet been approved are disclosed in the  
notes to the financial statements.

Segment reporting 
An operating segment is a component of the Group that engages in business activities from which it may earn revenues and incur expenses and whose 
results are regularly reviewed by the Board .

The following operating segments have been identified:

Marine 
Real Estate 
Car Parking 
Regeneration

Revenue included within each segment is as follows: 

Marine: 
Marina and commercial berthing fees 
Fishmarket landing dues 
Other marine related revenue including fuel sales and other ancillary income

Car Parking: 
Car park revenue

Real Estate: 
Rent

36  Sutton Harbour Group plc – Annual Report & Financial Statements 2019

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 March 2019

Regeneration: 
Property sales

Costs, assets and liabilities are allocated to each business segment based on the revenue that they are used to generate.

Trade Receivables 
Trade receivables are amounts due from customers for items sold or services performed in the ordinary course of business. If settlement is expected in 
one year or less, they are classified as current assets. If not, they are presented as non-current assets. They are initially recognised at transaction price 
determined under IFRS 15.

Trade Payables 
Trade payables are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of business from suppliers. Accounts payable are 
classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less (or in the normal operating cycle of the business if longer). If not, they are presented 
as non-current liabilities. They are initially recognised at fair value and subsequently carried at amortised cost.

Changes in accounting policies and disclosures

(a) New and amended Standards and Interpretations adopted by the Company 

New Standards which have been adopted in these accounts, and which have given rise to changes in the Group’s accounting policies are:

-  IFRS 9 “Financial Instruments”; and

-  IFRS 15 “Revenue from Contracts with Customers”

The adoption of the above standards did not have a significant effect on the accounts. There were a number of Amendments to Standards adopted in the 
current year, but neither of these had a material impact on the Group in the current period.

(b) New and amended Standards and Interpretations issued but not effective for the financial year beginning 1 April 2018. 

At the date of authorisation of these financial statements, the following standards and interpretations which have not been applied in these financial 
statements were in issue but not yet effective:

-  IFRS 16 “Leases” will be effective for the year ending 31 March 2020 onwards and the impact on the financial statements will be immaterial.

Sutton Harbour Group plc – Annual Report & Financial Statements 2019  37

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 March 2019

3. Financial risk management

Fair values 
IFRS 13 requires disclosure of fair value measurements for balance sheet financial instruments by level according to the following measurement hierarchy:

  Level 1: Quoted prices unadjusted in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;

  Level 2:  Inputs other than quoted prices included within level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly as prices or indirectly  
  derived from prices; and

  Level 3: Inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data.

The Group does not hold any Level 1 balance sheet financial instruments. 

The fair values together with the carrying amounts of the Group’s financial instruments shown in the balance sheet are as follows:

Fair value 
1 April 2018  
£000 

Income 
Statement 
£000 

Other 
Comprehensive 
Income 
£000 

Cash-flow 

Total (Level 2) 
Movements   31 March 2019  
£000

£000 

Financial liabilities 
Derivative financial instruments 

6 

- 

- 

(6)  

-

Capital risk management 
The capital structure of the Group consists of net debt which includes the borrowings disclosed in notes 19 and 20 and shareholders’ equity comprising 
issued share capital, reserves and retained earnings.

The capital structure of the Group is reviewed annually with reference to the costs applicable to each element of capital, future requirements of the Group, 
flexibility of capital drawdown and availability of further capital should it be required.

The Group has a target gearing ratio of approximately 50% but gearing may exceed these levels where a project is in final stages before ultimate disposal or 
becoming fully operational. The Group structures borrowings into general facilities and secures specific financing for individual property projects as deemed 
appropriate.

The Board is not recommending the payment of a dividend for the year ended 31 March 2019.

The gearing ratio at the year end was as follows:

Borrowings and loans 
Finance lease liabilities 
Cash and cash equivalents 

Net debt 

Equity 

Net debt to equity ratio 

2019 
£000 

(22,500) 
(169) 
1,296 

(21,373) 

45,732 

46.7% 

2018 
£000

(24,350) 
(275) 
2,767

(21,858)

39,328

55.6%

Bank borrowing facilities and financial covenants  
In January 2018 the Group extended its banking facilities until 31 March 2021, with two term loans totalling £22.5m and a £2.5m revolving credit facility.  No 
amounts of any loan are due before 31 March 2021.

The banking facilities include financial covenants, including (i) a measure of EBITDA to interest covenant (ii) a debt to fair value of property valuation 
covenant and (iii) a capital expenditure covenant. The Group’s forecasts and projections, taking account of reasonably possible changes in trading 
performance, show that the Group will be able to operate within the level of the facilities and covenants over a period of at least twelve months. 

38  Sutton Harbour Group plc – Annual Report & Financial Statements 2019

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 March 2019

Liquidity risk 
The Group uses financial instruments, comprising bank borrowing and various items including trade receivables and trade payables that arise directly 
from its operations.  The main purpose of these financial instruments is to raise finance for the Group’s operations.  The main risk arising from the Group 
financial instruments is liquidity risk.  The Group seeks to manage liquidity risk by ensuring sufficient liquidity is available to meet foreseeable needs and to 
invest cash assets safely and profitably.  Short-term flexibility is achieved by overdraft facilities.  The Group has the ability to manage its liquidity through the 
timing of development projects and also the timing of the sale of assets.

Contractual maturity  
The following tables analyse the Group’s financial liabilities and net settled derivative financial liabilities into relevant maturity groupings based on 
the remaining period at the balance sheet to the contractual maturity date.  The amounts disclosed in the tables are the contractual undiscounted  
cash flows including principal.

As at 31 March 2019: 

Bank loans* 
Trade and other payables* 
Finance lease liabilities* 

As at 31 March 2018: 

Bank loans* 
Trade and other payables* 
Finance lease liabilities* 
Derivative financial instruments** 

Total 
£000 

 0 to <1 year 
£000 

1 to <2 years 
£000 

2 to <5 years 
£000

(22,500) 
(1,510) 
(169) 

- 
(1,510) 
(122) 

(22,500) 
- 
(47) 

(24,179) 

(1,632) 

(22,547) 

- 
- 
- 

-

Total 
£000 

 0 to <1 years 
£000 

1 to < 2 years 
£000 

2 to <5 years 
£000

(24,875) 
(1,633) 
(294) 
(6) 

(819) 
(1,633) 
(127) 
(6) 

(26,808) 

(2,585) 

(819) 
- 
(55) 
- 

(874) 

(23,237) 
- 
(112) 
-

(23,349)

* financial liabilities at amortised cost 
** financial liabilities at fair value

Interest rate risk 
Since June 2016, LIBOR were hedged on £10m of borrowings until March 2019.

Credit risk 
Many of the Group’s customers are required to pay for services in advance of supply which reduces the Group’s exposure to credit risk. Property rentals 
and marina berthing are examples of this. The Group pursues debtors vigorously where credit terms have been exceeded. The credit quality of the Group’s 
financial assets can be summarised as follows:

Trade receivables: 
New customers (less than 12 months) 
Existing customers (more than 12 months) with no defaults in the past 
Existing customers (more than 12 months) with some defaults in the past  

Total trade receivables net of provision for impairment 

2019 
£000 

66 
524 
40 

630 

2018 
£000

100 
389 
75

564

Commodity price risk 
The Group experiences volatile fuel prices throughout the year.  The Group only acts as a reseller of fuel at the fishmarket and marina.  
The sales prices are derived from the price paid for fuel and therefore fuel price exposure is no longer considered a risk.

Sutton Harbour Group plc – Annual Report & Financial Statements 2019  39

 
   
   
   
 
   
   
   
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 March 2019

Sensitivity analysis 
Interest rates 
In managing interest rate risks the Group aims to reduce the impact of short-term fluctuations on the Group’s earnings. Over the longer-term, however, 
permanent changes in interest rates would have an impact on consolidated earnings.

At 31 March 2019, it is estimated that a general increase of half a percentage point in interest rates (being the best estimate of future anticipated changes 
in interest rates), ignoring hedging, would have decreased the Group’s profit before tax from continuing operations by approximately £110,000 (2018: 
£110,000).   Net assets would have decreased by the same amount.

Valuation of investment property and property held for use in the business

Land & buildings valuations are complex, require a degree of judgement and are based on data some of which is publicly available and some that is not. We 
have classified the valuations of our property portfolio as level 3 as defined by IFRS 13 Fair Value Measurement. Level 3 means that the valuation model 
cannot rely on inputs that are directly available from an active market. All other factors remaining constant, an increase in trading income would increase 
valuation, whilst an increase in equivalent nominal yield would result in a fall in value and vice versa.

In establishing fair value the most significant unobservable input is considered to be the appropriate yield to apply to the trading income. This is based on a 
number of factors including the maturity of the business and trading and economic outlook.

Yields applied across the trading and investment assets are in the range of 4.35% – 10.47% with the average yield being 7.15%.  Assuming all else stayed the 
same; a decrease of 1.0% in the average yield would result in an increase in fair value of £1.17m. An increase of 1.0% in the average yield would result in a 
corresponding decrease in fair value of £1.17m. 

These assets were independently valued by Jones Lang LaSalle (“JLL”) at 31 January 2019.   The valuation by JLL was in accordance with the Practice 
Statements in the Valuations Standards (The Red Book) published by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, on a market-based evidence approach, 
which is consistent with the required IFRS 13 methodology.

4.  Accounting estimates and judgements 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the application of 
policies and reported amounts of assets and liabilities, income and expenses. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and various 
other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis of making judgements that are not readily apparent from 
other sources. Actual results may differ from these 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, or in the period of the revision and future periods if the revision affects both current and future periods.

Estimates  
The following are the areas that require the use of estimates that may impact the Group’s balance sheet and income statement:

a) 

  The valuation of investment property and property held for use in the business as at 31 January 2019 was £19,425,000 and £26,275,000 respectively; (2018: 
£19,055,000 and £23,600,000 respectively). In determining the fair value of properties, the Board relies on external valuations carried out by professionally 
qualified independent valuers in accordance with the Appraisal and Valuation Standards of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.  The valuation of 
investment properties uses estimated rental yields for each property based on market evidence at the date the valuation is carried out. Judgement is exercised in 
determining future rental income or profitability of the relevant properties.  Within the valuation of property held for use in the business, judgment is required to 
allocate the valuation between land and buildings.

Judgements 
The following are the areas that require the use of judgements that may impact the Group’s balance sheet and income statement:

a) 

b) 

c) 

  The Board exercises judgement in determining the useful life of fixed assets.  The useful lives of fixed assets range from 4 to 50 years and are reviewed regularly 
to ensure they continue to be appropriate.

 The Board exercises judgement in determining whether properties should be classified as investment property or development inventory and this is done by 
reference to criteria including whether the property is being marketed for sale in the ordinary course of business and the nature of the development activity 
ongoing (including planning applications and development of proposals for submission to the relevant authorities).

   Determining the net realisable value of development property 2019: £23,514,000 see note 18; (2018: £21,233,000) 
• The Board has exercised judgement in determining the net realisable value of development property, taking into account expected costs to complete 
and future sale proceeds, and hence whether any write-down of development property is required. Incorporated in the appraisal of net realisable value are 
judgements about: disposal revenue and/or investment value at completion; project formulation (including mix of development uses and development density); 
full development cost; amounts payable to third parties (for example, contributions to the local authority under section 106 agreements, sharing of proceeds 
with local authority and repayment of grants in the case of development of the former airport site); financing costs; time value of money; and, allowance for 
contingency. Included in development inventory is the Former Airport Site.  The Local Planning Authority is currently in the process of formulating a new planning 
policy framework to guide Plymouth’s planning strategy to 2034 period and the public hearing took place in early 2018 The public hearing took place in early 

40  Sutton Harbour Group plc – Annual Report & Financial Statements 2019

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 March 2019

2018, with the Government Inspectors’ report subsequently issued in March 2019. The Government Inspectors supported a ‘safeguard’ of the former airport 
site for five years to allow time for a potential airport operator to bring forward a plan for a licensed general aviation airport. The Inspectors also advised that 
a longer safeguarding period could risk the site being left vacant and unused and that that would not be appropriate. The Government Inspectors view of the 
importance of the site for alternative use, in absence of an airport operation, affirms the Company’s view of the value of the land.

Should the board change its strategy with a view to an alternative, this may have an effect on the carrying value of the asset. No write down has been included in the 
current year.

The second largest development inventory item relates to the Sugar Quay (East Quay) site at Sutton Harbour. At the present time, a planning submission is underway 
and it is expected that proceeds will exceed the carrying value of the inventory.

d) 

 Impairments 
The Board exercises judgement in identifying cash-generating units and utilises assumptions, which are often subject to uncertainty, in determining the recoverable 
amount of assets (or cash-generating units) to assess whether an asset (or cash-generating unit) is impaired.  In the year fixed assets totalling £nil (2018: £nil) and 
development inventory totalling £nil (2018: £nil) have been impaired.

e) 

  The calculation of deferred tax assets and liabilities (2019: Liability of £1,338,000; 2018: Liability of £1,338,000) The Group has not recognised deferred tax assets 
in respect of certain properties due to a high degree of uncertainty of when the asset may be realised.

5. Segment results 

Grants received for construction of assets between 1993 and 1999 were credited to the revaluation and profit and loss reserves. This was not in accordance 
with accounting standards and this has been rectified in the current year, with amounts being transferred from the revaluation and investment revaluation 
reserves to the assets funded. The impact of this adjustment to opening balances at 1 April 2017 is as follows:

Year ended 31 March 2019 

Revenue   

Segmental Operating Profit before fair value  
adjustment and unallocated expenses  
Fair value adjustment on investment 
properties and fixed assets  

Marine 
£000 

4,896 

1,057 

1,134 

Real Estate 
£000 

Car Parking 
£000 

Regeneration 
£000 

1,474 

941 

310 

523 

350 

- 

- 

(141) 

- 

Unallocated: 
Administrative expenses 

Operating profit 

Financial income 
Financial expense 

Profit before tax from continuing activities 
Taxation   

Profit for the year from continuing operations 

Depreciation charge 
Marine 
Car Parking 
Administration 

Total
£000

6,893

2,207 

1,444 

3,651

(1,234) 

2,417

1
(902)

1,516 
315

1,831

314
33
11

358

Sutton Harbour Group plc – Annual Report & Financial Statements 2019  41

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 March 2019

Year ended 31 March 2018 

Revenue   

Gross profit prior to non-recurring items 

Segmental Operating Profit before fair value  
adjustment and unallocated expenses  
Fair value adjustment on investment 
properties and fixed assets  

Marine 
£000 

4,578 

971 

971 

(221) 

Real Estate 
£000 

Car Parking 
£000 

Regeneration 
£000 

1,414 

946 

946 

(405) 

511 

318 

318 

- 

- 

(99) 

(99) 

- 

Unallocated: 
Administrative expenses 
Exceptional costs of change in ownership  

Operating profit 

Financial income 
Financial expense 

Profit before tax from continuing activities 
Taxation   

Profit for the year from continuing operations 

Depreciation charge 
Marine 
Car Parking 
Administration 

Total
£000

6,503

2,136

2,136 

(626) 

1,510

(1,374)
(1,741)

(1,605)

-
(897)

(2,502) 
304

(2,198)

297
12
16

325

42  Sutton Harbour Group plc – Annual Report & Financial Statements 2019

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 March 2019

Segment assets: 
Marine 
Real Estate 
Car Parking 
Regeneration 

Total segment assets 
 Unallocated assets:  
Property, plant & equipment 
Trade & other payables 
Cash and cash equivalents 

Total assets 

Segment liabilities: 
Marine 
Real Estate 
Car Parking 
Regeneration 

Total segment liabilities 
 Unallocated liabilities:  
Bank overdraft & borrowings 
Trade & other payables 
Financial derivatives 
Deferred tax liabilities 
Tax payable 

Total liabilities 

Additions to property, plant and equipment 

Marine 
Car Parking 
Unallocated 

Total 

2019 
£000 

23,514 
19,892 
4,456 
23,574 

71,436 

61 
405 
1,296 

73,198 

2019 
£000 

1,897 
575 
130 
1,085 

3,687 

22,669 
87 
- 
1,023 
- 

27,466 

183 
22 
38 

243 

2018 
£000

20,882 
19,460 
4,233 
21,414

65,989 

78 
415 
2,767

69,249

2018 
£000

1,858 
705 
131 
938

3,632 

24,625 
320 
6 
1,338 
-

29,921

227 
- 
-

227

Unallocated assets included in total assets and unallocated liabilities included in total liabilities are not split between segments as these items are centrally managed.

Unallocated expenses include central administrative costs that cannot be split between the various business segments because they are incurred in assisting the 
Group generate revenues across all business segments.

Revenue can be divided into the following categories:

Sale of goods 
Rental income and service recharges 
Provision of services 

No revenues from any one customer represented more than 10% of the Group’s revenue for the year.

2019  
£000 

2,357 
1,614 
2,922 

6,893 

2018  
£000

2,289 
1,547 
2,667

6,503

Sutton Harbour Group plc – Annual Report & Financial Statements 2019  43

 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 March 2019

6. Operating result

The following items are included within operating profit/(loss):

Staff costs  
Increase/(decrease) in provisions  
Rental income from investment property  
(Profit)/loss on sale of property, plant and equipment 
Direct operating expenses of investment properties (including repairs and maintenance) 
(Gain)/loss on remeasurement of investment property to fair value  
(Gain)/loss on re-measurement of fixed assets  
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment  
Operating lease payments  

7. Services provided by the Company’s auditors

During the year the Group obtained the following services from the Company’s auditors:

Note 

8 
25 
27 

14 
13 
13 
27 

Fees payable to Company’s auditors for the audit of Parent Company and consolidated financial statements 

Fees payable to the Company’s auditors for other services: 
The audit of Company’s subsidiaries pursuant to legislation 
Tax compliance services 

2019  
£000  

1,467  
(5)  
(1,474)  
-  
71  
(310)  
(1,133)  
385  
214  

2019  
£000  

24  

22  
11  

2018  
£000

1,687 
(14) 
(1,382) 
(10) 
117 
405 
221 
325 
228 

2018  
£000

22

22 
10 

44  Sutton Harbour Group plc – Annual Report & Financial Statements 2019

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 March 2019

8. Staff numbers and costs and Directors’ remuneration

The average number of persons employed by the Group (including Executive Directors, excluding Non-Executive Directors) during the year, analysed by 
category, was as follows: 
                                                                                                                                                                                                  Number of employees 
2018

2019  

Marine Activities 
Property and Regeneration 
Administration 

The aggregate payroll costs of these persons were as follows: 

Wages and salaries 
Social security costs 
Other pension costs  

Note 

25 

The total remuneration of the Directors of the Company was as follows: 

Fees 
Other Emoluments 
Contractual Payments 
Pension Contributions 

23  
1  
6  

30  

2019  
£000  

1,215  
126  
126  

1,467  

2019  
£000  

139  
159  
6  
39  

343  

23 
2 
7

32

2018 
£000

1,381 
147 
159 

1,687

2018  
£000

86 
268 
510 
82

946

Further details of Directors’ remuneration are given in the Remuneration Report on pages 21 to 23, which forms part of these financial statements. 

9. Finance income and finance costs 

Finance income 

Interest payable on bank loans and overdrafts 
Interest payable on finance leases 
Unwinding of provisions 
Other finance costs 

Finance costs 

2019  
£000  

2018  
£000

1  

892  
10  
-  
-  

902  

-

761 
14 
25 
97 

897

Finance costs are net of borrowing costs capitalised in the year which amounted to £55,000 (2018: £40,000).  

The capitalisation rate used to determine the amount of borrowing costs eligible for capitalisation was 4.4% (2018: 4.4%).

Sutton Harbour Group plc – Annual Report & Financial Statements 2019  45

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 March 2019

10. Taxation 

Deferred tax 
Adjustments in respect of previous years 
Origination and reversal of temporary differences  
Change in tax rate 

Total tax (credit)/charge in income statement  

Note 

19 

2019 
£000 

(318) 
3 
- 

(315) 

2018 
£000

- 
(304) 
- 

(304)

Finance Act 2016, which received Royal Assent on 15 September 2016, includes legislation to reduce the main rate of corporation tax from 19% to 17% 
from 1 April 2020. Accordingly, as this was enacted at the balance sheet date, deferred tax has been calculated at the tax rate of 17%.

The tax assessed for the year is lower (2018: lower) than the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK of 19% (2018: 19%).

Reconciliation of effective tax rate 

Profit/(loss) before tax 

Tax on profit at standard corporation tax rate of 19% (2018: 19%) 

Expenses not deductible for tax purposes 
Tax impact for adjustments made to fixed assets in respect of prior periods 
Movement on potential chargeable gain on revaluation 
Deferred tax assets not recognised 
Capital allowances in excess of depreciation 
Creation of tax losses 

Total tax (credit)/charge on continuing operations 

2019  
£000 

1,516 

288 

(274) 
(315) 
- 
- 
(47) 
33 

(315) 

2018  
£000

(2,502)

(475)

333 
(95) 
(172) 
105 
- 
-

(304)

11. Dividends paid on equity shares

During the year ended 31 March 2019 no dividends have been paid in respect of previous periods (2018: £nil) or proposed (2018: £nil).

The Board of Directors does not propose a final dividend for the year ended 31 March 2019 (2018: £nil).  

46  Sutton Harbour Group plc – Annual Report & Financial Statements 2019

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 March 2019

12. Earnings per share 

2019 
Pence 

Continuing operations: 
Basic (loss)/earnings per share 
Diluted (loss)/earnings per share 
Basic earnings per share 
Basic earnings per share have been calculated using the profit for the year of £1,831,000 (2018: loss of £2,198,000) for the continuing operations.  
On 4 December 2018 the Group issued 10,344,951 shares and the average number of ordinary shares in issue of 108,982,966 (2018: 98,320,272) 
has been used in the calculation.   

1.68 
1.68 

Diluted earnings per share 
Diluted earnings per share uses an average number of 108,982,966 (2018: 98,320,272) ordinary shares in issue in accordance with IAS 33 
‘Earnings per Share’.  The weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding after adjustment for the effects of all dilutive potential  
ordinary shares of nil (2018: nil), is calculated as follows:

2018 
Pence

(2.24) 
(2.24) 

Weighted average number of shares at 31 March 

2019 

2018

108,982,966 

98,320,272 

Weighted average number of ordinary shares (diluted) at 31 March 

108,982,966 

98,320,272

There is no adjustment for the effect of all dilutive potential ordinary shares because the exercise prices of the options are greater than the average market 
price of the shares during both the current and prior year.

Sutton Harbour Group plc – Annual Report & Financial Statements 2019  47

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 March 2019

13. Property, plant and equipment 

Assets in the 
course of 
Construction 
£000 

  Plant, machinery 
equipment,  
fixtures and 
fittings 
£000 

Land and 
buildings 
£000 

Cost or valuation 
Balance at 1 April 2017 
Additions 
Revaluations to income statement 
Revaluations to revaluation reserve 
Impairment 
Transfers 
Disposals 

Balance at 31 March 2018 

Balance at 1 April 2018 
Additions 
Revaluations to income statement 
Revaluations to revaluation reserve 
Impairment 
Transfers 
Disposals 

Balance at 31 March 2019 

Accumulated depreciation 
Balance at 1 April 2017 
Depreciation charge for the year 
Transfers 
Disposals 

Balance at 31 March 2018 

Balance at 1 April 2018 
Depreciation charge for the year 
Transfers 
Disposals 

Balance at 31 March 2018 

Net book value

At 31 March 2018 

At 31 March 2019 

22,867 
1 
(221) 
(1,624) 
- 
- 
- 

21,023 

21,023 
120 
1,133 
1,640 
- 
- 
- 

23,916 

160 
77 
- 
- 

237 

237 
134 
- 
- 

371 

71 
121 
- 
- 
- 
(105) 
- 

87 

87 
30 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

117 

- 
- 
- 
- 

- 

- 
- 
- 
- 

- 

20,786 

23,545 

87 

117 

5,300 
105 
- 
- 
- 
(80) 
(333) 

4,992 

4,992 
94 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

5,086 

1,970 
248 
- 
(326) 

1,892 

1,892 
224 
- 
- 

2,116 

3,100 

2,970 

Total 
£000

28,238 
227 
(221) 
(1,624) 
- 
(185) 
(333)

26,102

26,102 
244 
1,133 
1,640 
- 
- 
-

29,119

2,130 
325 
- 
(326)

2,129

2,129 
358 
- 
-

2,487

23,973

26,632

Included in Land and Buildings is long leasehold land at a value of £2,200,000 (2018: £2,200,000).

Revaluations 
Land and buildings are measured using the revaluation model as set out in note 2.  These assets were independently valued by Jones Lang LaSalle (“JLL”) at 31 
January 2019.  The valuation by JLL was in accordance with the Practice Statements in the Valuations Standards (The Red Book) published by the Royal Institution 
of Chartered Surveyors, on a market-based evidence approach.

At 31 March 2019, had the freehold land and buildings been measured using the cost model (historical cost less accumulated depreciation and accumulated 
impairment losses), their carrying value would be £19,304,000 (2018: £19,104,000).

At 31 March 2019, had the leasehold land and buildings been measured using the cost model (historical cost less accumulated depreciation and accumulated 
impairment losses), their carrying value would be £956,000 (2018: £956,000).

48  Sutton Harbour Group plc – Annual Report & Financial Statements 2019

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 March 2019

Assets in the course of construction, plant, machinery and equipment and fixtures and fittings are all measured using the cost model, as set out in note 2.

The Group’s obligations under finance leases are secured by the lessor’s title to the fixed assets.  The carrying value of plant, machinery and equipment which is 
subject to finance leases is £514,000 (2018: £586,000).

14. Investment property

At fair value: 

Balance at the beginning of the year 
Additions during the year 
Fair value adjustments 

Balance at the end of the year 

Notes 

2019  
£000 

19,055 
60 
310 

19,425 

2018 
£000 

19,460 
- 
(405)

19,055

Investment property is measured using the fair value model as set out in note 2.  The fair value of the Group’s investment property at 31 March 2019 has been 
determined by a valuation carried out on 31 January 2019 by independent, external valuers, JLL in accordance with the Practice Statements in the Valuation 
Standards (The Red Book) published by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.  JLL is a member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and have 
appropriate qualifications and recent experience in the valuation of properties in the relevant locations.  The valuations, which are supported by market evidence, 
are prepared by considering the aggregate of the net annual rents receivable from the properties and, where relevant, associated costs.  A yield which reflects the 
specific risks inherent in the net cash flows is then applied to the net annual rentals to arrive at the property valuation.

All of the Group’s investment property is held under freehold interests with the exception of four (2018: four) properties which are held under long leaseholds. 

15. Investments

At 31 March 2019 the Group has the following subsidiaries: 

Subsidiaries 
Sutton Harbour Company 
Sutton Harbour Services Limited 
Plymouth City Airport Limited 
Sutton Harbour Property and Regeneration Limited 
Harbour Arch Quay Limited 
Sutton Harbour Projects Limited 
Sutton Harbour Car Parks Limited 
Sugar Quay Holdings Limited 
Sugar Quay Limited 

Class of                      Ownership 

shares held 

2019 

2018 

Nature of Business

Ordinary 
Ordinary 
Ordinary 
Ordinary 
Ordinary 
Ordinary 
Ordinary 
Ordinary 
Ordinary 

100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 

100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 

Harbour Authority 
Marine Leisure & Property 
Property Developer 
Property 
Property 
Property 
Car Park Operator 
Investment Company 
Property Developer

All of the above companies were incorporated in the United Kingdom and registered in England and Wales and for each the registered address is Sutton Harbour 
Office, Guy’s Quay, Plymouth PL4 0ES.

All subsidiaries are included in the Group consolidated financial statements. 

Sutton Harbour Group plc – Annual Report & Financial Statements 2019  49

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 March 2019

16. Deferred tax assets and liabilities 

Recognised deferred tax assets and liabilities  
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are attributable to the following: 
                                                                                                                Assets 

                             Liabilities                                        Net 

Property, plant and equipment 
Investment property 
Employee benefits 
Losses carried forward 

Tax assets / (liabilities) 

Movement in deferred tax during the year 

Property, plant and equipment  
Investment property  
Employee benefits 
Losses carried forward 

2019  
£000 

2018  
£000 

- 
- 
- 
38 

38 

- 
- 
- 
33 

33 

1 April 
2018 
£000 

(1,102) 
(269) 
- 
33 

(1,338) 

2019  
£000 

(785) 
(276) 
- 
- 

(1,061) 

Change in 
deferred 
tax rate 
£000 

- 
- 
-  
- 

- 

2018  
£000 

(1,102) 
(269) 
- 
- 

(1,371) 

2019  
£000 

(785) 
(276) 
- 
38 

2018 
£000

(1,102)
(269)
- 
33

(1,023) 

(1,338)

Recognised 
in income 
£000 

Recognised 
in equity 
£000 

31 March 
2019 
£000

317 
(7) 
- 
5 

315 

- 
- 

- 
- 

- 

(785) 
(276)

- 
38

(1,023)

The Directors believe the deferred tax asset relating to losses carried forward will be utilised by future taxable profits.

17. Inventories 

Stores and materials 
Goods for resale 
Development property 

2019  
£000 

17 
36 
23,514 

2018  
£000

19 
24 
21,233

23,567 

21,276

Included within inventories is £23,514,000 (2018: £21,233,000) expected to be recovered in more than 12 months. 
£12,448,000, of the Development Property, being the carrying value of the former airport site, is classified in the  
Balance Sheet as a non-current asset as realisation of the asset may be in more than five years’ time.

Inventories to the value of £2,047,000 were recognised as an expense in the year (2018: £1,927,000). 

Interest capitalised during the year in relation to development property was £40,000 (2018: £40,000).

In the course of the year, £nil of development property inventory was written down (2018: £nil).

50  Sutton Harbour Group plc – Annual Report & Financial Statements 2019

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 March 2019

18. Trade and other receivables 

Trade receivables 
Provision for impairment of trade receivables 

Other receivables 
Prepayments and accrued income 

2019  
£000 

655 
(25) 

630 

135 
1,518 

2,283 

2018  
£000

649 
(85)

564

326 
1,280

2,170

Included within trade and other receivables is £634,000 (2018: £697,000) expected to be recovered in more than 12 months.

The fair value of trade and other receivables classified as loans and receivables are not materially different to their carrying values.

The Group regularly reviews the ageing profile of trade receivables and actively seeks to collect any amounts that have fallen outside the defined credit 
terms.  The Group provides, in full, for any debts it believes have become non-recoverable.  Movements on the Group specific provision for impairment of 
trade receivables are as follows:

As at the beginning of the year 
Provision for receivables impairment 
Receivables written off during the year as uncollectable 

As at the end of the year 

The ageing of trade receivables that have not been provided for are: 

Not yet due: 
0 – 29 days 

Overdue: 
30 – 59 days 
60 – 89 days 
90 – 119 days 
120 + days 

2019  
£000 

85 
2 
(62) 

25 

2019  
£000 

457 

56 
6 
13 
 98 

630 

2018 
£000

52 
44 
(11)

85

2018 
£000

338 

113 
14 
36 
63

564

As at 31 March 2019, trade receivables of £173,000 (2018: £226,000) were past due but not impaired (as disclosed in the above table).   
These relate to a number of independent customers for whom there is no recent history of default.

Sutton Harbour Group plc – Annual Report & Financial Statements 2019  51

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 March 2019

19. Cash and cash equivalents 

Cash and cash equivalents per Consolidated Balance Sheet 

Cash and cash equivalents per cash flow statement 

At 31 March 2019, the Group had an agreed bank facility of £25.0m (2018: £25.0m) which expires on 31 March 2021.   
The facility incurs interest charged at rates over LIBOR during the term of the facilities. 

Security over the assets of the Group has been given in relation to the bank facilities.

Undrawn facilities: 

Expiring within one year  
Expiring within one to two years 
Expiring between two and five years 

20. Bank loans

2019  
£000 

1,296 

1,296 

2019  
£000 

- 
2,500 
- 

2,500 

2018 
£000

2,767

2,767

2018 
£000

- 
650 
-

650

This note provides information about the contractual terms of the Group’s interest-bearing loans. For more information about the Group’s exposure to 
interest rate risk, see note 3. 

Non-current liabilities 
Secured bank loans 

2019 
£000 

22,500 

22,500 

2018 
£000

24,350

24,350

Secured bank loans: 
The current secured bank loans relate to a facility of £25.0m comprising two loans which incur interest at various rates over LIBOR during the term 
of the facilities and fall due for renewal more than 12 months from the Balance Sheet date. Assets with a carrying amount of £54.70m (2018: £54.70m)  
have been pledged to secure borrowings of the Group.

52  Sutton Harbour Group plc – Annual Report & Financial Statements 2019

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 March 2019

21. Deferred income and deferred government grants

Deferred income classified as current liabilities comprises advance rental income and advance marina fees. Deferred government grants relate to grants 
received in relation to the Airport runway and lighting surrounding the runway. The grant liability relating to the airport runway and lighting will not be 
released prior to any future sale of the site.

                             Deferred 

                                                                                                                                                  Deferred income                        government grants  
2018 
£000

2018 
£000 

2019 
£000 

2019 
£000 

At the beginning of the year 
Adjustment to opening balances  
Released to the income statement 
Income and grants received and deferred 

At the end of the year 

Current  
Non-current  

22. Trade and other payables 

Trade payables 
Other payables 
Other taxation and social security costs 
Accruals 

The ageing of trade payables is as follows: 

Not yet due: 
0 – 29 days 

Overdue: 
30 – 59 days 
60 – 89 days 
90 – 119 days 
120 + days 

1,434 
- 
(1,434) 
1,398 

1,398 

1,398 
- 

1,398 

1,479 
- 
(1,479) 
1,434 

1,434 

1,434 
- 

1,434 

646 
- 
- 
- 

646 

- 
646 

646 

2019  
£000 

1,090 
87 
112 
207 

1,496 

2019  
£000 

749 

285 
56 
- 
- 

1,090 

1,169 
(523) 
- 
-

646

- 
646

646

2018  
£000

967 
85 
117 
464

1,633

2018 
£000

685

240 
3 
10 
29

967

Sutton Harbour Group plc – Annual Report & Financial Statements 2019  53

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 March 2019

23. Finance lease liabilities

                      Capital element  
                                                                                                                                           Minimum lease payments                    of lease payments  
2018 
£000

2018 
£000 

2019 
£000 

2019 
£000 

Amounts payable under finance leases: 
Within one year 
In the second to fifth years inclusive 

Less: future finance charges 

Present value of lease obligations 

Current  
Non-current  

128 
48 

176 
(7) 

169 

127 
167 

294 
(19) 

275 

122 
47 

169 
n/a 

169 

122 
47 

169 

117 
158

275 
n/a

275

117 
158

275

It is the Group’s policy to lease certain of its property, plant and equipment under finance leases.  The average lease term is 2.2 years (2018: 2.9 years).   
For the year ended 31 March 2019, the average effective borrowing rate was 4.7% (2018: 4.6%).  Interest rates are fixed at the contract date.  
All finance leases are on a fixed repayment basis and no arrangements have been entered into for contingent rental payments.   
All lease obligations are denominated in sterling and the fair value of the Group’s lease obligations approximates to their carrying amount.

24. Employee benefits

Pension plans 
Defined contribution plans  
The Group operates a number of defined contribution pension plans. The total expense relating to these plans in the current year was £126,000 (2018: £159,000).  
There were no amounts outstanding or prepaid at the year end (2018: £nil).

54  Sutton Harbour Group plc – Annual Report & Financial Statements 2019

 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 March 2019

25.  Provisions for other liabilities and charges

Balance at 1 April 2017 
Provisions made during the year 
Provision utilised during the year 

Balance at 31 March 2018 

Balance at 1 April 2018 
Provisions made during the year 
Provisions utilised during the year 

Balance at 31 March 2019 

Current 
Non-current 

                     Onerous 

leases 
£000 

Total 
£000

253 
- 
(14) 

239 

239 
- 
(5) 

234 

70 
164 

234 

253 
- 
(14)

239

239 
- 
(5)

234

70 
164

234

Onerous leases are those where expected rents payable exceed rents receivable on sub-let office space in respect of two leases expiring in 2021.

Sutton Harbour Group plc – Annual Report & Financial Statements 2019  55

 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 March 2019

26. Capital and reserves 

Share capital 

                                                                               Ordinary shares                                       Deferred shares                                       Total shares 
Thousands of shares 

2019 

2019 

2019 

2018 

2018 

2018

In issue at the beginning of  
the financial year - fully paid 
Issued for cash 

In issue at the end of the 
financial year – fully paid 

105,599 
10,345 

96,277 
9,322 

62,944 
- 

62,944 
- 

168,543 
10,345 

159,221 
9,322

115,944 

105,599 

62,944 

62,944 

178,888 

168,543

Allotted, called up and fully paid 
115,944,071(2018: 105,599,120)   
Ordinary shares of 1p each (2018: 1p each) 

62,943,752 (2018: 62,943,752)   
Deferred shares of 24p each (2018: 24p each) 

2019 
£000 

1,160 

- 

1,160 

2018 
£000 

1,056 

- 

1,056 

2019 
£000 

2018 
£000 

2019 
£000 

2018 
£000

- 

- 

1,160 

1,056

15,106 

15,106 

15,106 

15,106 

15,106 

16,266 

15,106

16,162

There is no limit to the authorised deferred share capital.

The holders of Ordinary shares are entitled to receive dividends as declared from time to time and are entitled to one vote per share at meetings  
of the Company. On a winding up each Ordinary share shall rank in priority to the Deferred shares.

The holders of Deferred shares are not entitled to receive dividends nor are they entitled to vote at meetings of the Company. On a winding up each 
Deferred share shall only be entitled to the nominal capital paid up or credited as paid up after paying the nominal capital paid up or credited as paid up on 
the Ordinary shares, the Deferred shares and/or any other shares in issue, together with the sum of £1,000,000 on each Ordinary share.

Issue of shares during 2018 

On 6 December 2018, Sutton Harbour Group plc issued 10,441,657 ordinary shares of 1p each at a price of 29.0p each. Net proceeds after issue 
costs were £2.928m and the £2.823m excess of the value of the shares over their nominal value was credited to the Share Premium account.

Other reserves 
Share premium account 

The share premium account represents premiums paid over the nominal value of share capital issued less transaction costs. 

Revaluation reserve 

The revaluation reserve relates to the revaluation of land and buildings included within property, plant and equipment.

Merger reserve 

The merger reserve was created when Sutton Harbour Company was incorporated into the holding company, Sutton Harbour Group plc.  
It was further increased when a cash box placing of shares occurred on 4 September 2009, creating an additional £3.6m.

Hedging reserve 

The hedging reserve contains the effective portion of changes in the fair value of derivatives that are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges.

Retained earnings 

Retained earnings represent retained earnings attributable to owners of the parent. 

56  Sutton Harbour Group plc – Annual Report & Financial Statements 2019

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 March 2019

27. Operating leases

Leases as lessee 
Non-cancellable operating lease rentals are payable as follows: 

Less than one year 
Between one and five years 
Greater than five years 

During the year £214,000 was recognised in respect of operating leases expense in the income statement (2018: £228,000):  
£196,000 in cost of sales (2018: £196,000) and £18,000 in administrative expenses (2018: £32,000).

Included within operating lease rentals is an amount of £293,000 (2018: £489,000) due in relation to the lease of part of a  
property which has been sublet. Income will therefore be generated to offset some of these lease rental amounts.

Leases as lessor 
The Group leases certain properties under operating leases (see notes 13 and 14).  
The future minimum lease rentals receivable under non-cancellable leases are as follows:

Investment property: 
   Less than one year 
   Between one and five years 
   More than five years 

Owner-occupied properties: 
   Less than one year 
   Between one and five years 
   More than five years 

2019  
£000 

203 
111 
- 

314 

2019  
£000 

1,511 
4,668 
24,794 

30,973 

35 
139 
123 

297 

2018  
£000

220 
321 
-

541

2018  
£000

1,309 
4,474 
24,888

30,671

35 
139 
158

332

Total contingent rents recognised in the year were £74,000 (2018: £74,000). Contingent rents are determined by reference to specific  
clauses within the leases.

During the year ended 31 March 2019 £1,474,000 (2018: £1,382,000) was recognised as rental income in the income statement.   
Repair and maintenance expense recognised in cost of sales for the year to 31 March 2019 was £60,000 (2018: £46,000).

Owner-occupied property is classified within property, plant and equipment on the balance sheet, reflecting their principal use in the business.

Operating leases on the properties have terms between 5 years and 125 years in length and cannot be cancelled before the end of the lease,  
unless there is a break clause. Rent reviews usually occur at five year intervals.

Sutton Harbour Group plc – Annual Report & Financial Statements 2019  57

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 March 2019

28. Cash flow statements 

Cash flows from operating activities 
Profit for the year from continuing operations 
Adjustments for: 
Taxation on loss from continuing activities 
Financial expense 
Fair value adjustments on investment property 
Revaluation of property, plant and equipment 
Depreciation 
Loss on sale of property, plant and equipment 

Cash generated from continuing operations before changes in working capital and provisions 

(Increase) in inventories 
(Increase)/ decrease in trade and other receivables 
(Decrease)/increase in trade and other payables 
(Decrease) in deferred income 
(Decrease) in provisions 

Cash generated from continuing operations 

2019 
£000 

1,831 

(315) 
901 
(310) 
(1,133) 
358 
- 

1,332 
(2,236) 
(113) 
(124) 
(35) 
(5) 

(1,181) 

2018 
£000

(2,198) 

(304) 
897 
405 
221 
325 
(10)

(664) 
(707) 
82 
462 
(45) 
(14)

(886)

58  Sutton Harbour Group plc – Annual Report & Financial Statements 2019

 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 March 2019

29. Related parties

The parent of the Group is Sutton Harbour Group plc.  The ultimate controlling party is FB Investors LLP, which is owned jointly by  
Beinhaker Design Services Limited and 1895 Management Group ULC.  In the course of the year, Beinhaker Design Services Limited  
provided services to the value of £321,000 (2018: £67,000).

At 10 January 2018, as a result of the acquisition by FB Investors LLP of 72.65% of the increased issued share capital of Sutton Harbour Group plc,  
Philip Beinhaker joined the Board of Directors as Chairman and was appointed Executive Chairman in April 2018.  

Transactions between the Company and its subsidiaries, which are related parties of the Company, have been eliminated on consolidation  
and are not disclosed in this note.  

Transactions with key management personnel:

Executive Directors of the Company and their immediate relatives control 72.90% (2018 72.69%) of the voting shares of the Company. 

The compensation of key management personnel (the Executive and Non Executive Directors) is as follows:  

Fees 
Short term employee benefits including taxable benefits 
Social security costs 
Company contributions to money purchase pension schemes 

2019  
£000 

139 
165 
25 
39 

368 

2018 
£000

86 
778 
147 
82

1,093

30. Capital commitments

As at 31 March 2019 the Group has no capital commitments.

On 8 April 2019 the Group entered into a contract valued at £677,000 to supply a new Fuel Line System and Utilities Dispensary for Plymouth Fisheries. 

Sutton Harbour Group plc – Annual Report & Financial Statements 2019  59

 
 
Historical Financial Information
For the year ended 31 March 2019

Net Assets 

Revenue 

2019 
£000 

45,732 

2018 
£000 

2017 
£000 

2016 
£000 

2015 
£000

39,328 

40,483 

40,869 

40,459 

6,893 

6,503 

6,718 

6,509 

6,955 

Operating profit before fair value adjustments,  
impairments, costs of change in ownership and onerous leases 

973 

761 

1,288 

1,467 

1,274 

Fair value adjustments on investment  
property and fixed assets 

1,444 

(626) 

(105) 

1,452 

917 

Impairment of assets, onerous leases 

- 

- 

(173) 

(272) 

(403) 

Operating profit/(loss) after fair value adjustments  
and impairments 

2,417 

(1,605) 

1,010 

2,647 

1,788 

Net financing costs (excludes joint ventures/associates) 

(901) 

(897) 

(957) 

(1,057) 

(927) 

Profit/(loss) before tax on continuing activities 

1,516 

(2,502) 

53 

1,590 

861 

Profit/(loss) attributable to equity shareholders 

1,831 

(2,198) 

Dividends paid 

- 

- 

40 

- 

1,497 

655 

- 

- 

Basic earnings/(loss) per share 

Diluted earnings/(loss) per share 

1.68p 

1.68p 

(2.24)p 

0.04p 

1.55p 

0.68p 

(2.24)p 

0.04p 

1.55p 

0.68p 

60  Sutton Harbour Group plc – Annual Report & Financial Statements 2019

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed assets 
Investments 

Current assets 
Debtors 
Cash at bank and in hand 

Current liabilities 
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 

Net current assets 

Total assets less current liabilities 

Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year 

Net assets 

Capital and reserves 
Called up share capital 
Share premium account 
Merger Reserve 
Profit and loss account 

Total shareholders’ funds 

Company Balance Sheet
As at 31 March 2019

Note 

2019  
£000 

2018  
£000

5 

6 

7 

8 

9 
11 
11 
11 

11,268 

11,268 

29,003 
428 

29,431 

23 

29,408 

40,676 

8,807 

31,869 

16,266 
10,695 
3,620 
1,288 

31,869 

11,268

11,268

26,939 
2,008

28,947

29

28,918

40,186

11,539

28,647

16,162 
7,872 
3,620 
993

28,647

The notes on pages 63 to 67 are an integral part of these financial statements.  In the year the Company made a profit of £295,000 (2018: loss of £1,591,000).

The Financial Statements were approved and authorised by the Board of Directors on 10  July 2019 and were signed on its behalf by:

N ATA S H A   G A D S D O N   
D I R E C T O R 

Sutton Harbour Group plc – Annual Report & Financial Statements 2019  61

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Company Statement of Changes in Equity
As at 31 March 2019 

Called up 
capital 
£000 

Share premium 
account 
£000 

Merger 
reserve 
£000 

Profit and loss 
account 
£000 

Total 
£000

27,183 
(1,591) 
2,597

28,647

28,647 
295  
2,927

2,584 
(1,591) 
- 

993 

993 
295 
- 

1,288 

31,869

Balance at 1 April 2017 
Loss for the year 
Issues of shares 

Balance at 31 March 2018 

Balance at 1 April 2018 
Profit for the year 
Issue of shares 

Balance at 31 March 2019 

16,069 
- 
93 

16,162 

16,162 
- 
104 

16,266 

5,368 
- 
2,504 

7,872 

7,872 
- 
2,823 

10,695 

3,620 
- 
- 

3,620 

3,620 
- 
- 

3,620 

62  Sutton Harbour Group plc – Annual Report & Financial Statements 2019

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Company Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 March 2019

1. General information

Sutton Harbour Group plc, formerly known as Sutton harbour Holdings plc (“the Company”) is a limited company incorporated in the United Kingdom 
under the Companies Act 2006.  These financial statements cover the financial year from 1 April 2018 to 31 March 2019, with comparatives for the year 1 
April 2017 to 31 March 2018 and are compliant with FRS101.

2. Accounting policies

Basis of preparation 
The accounting policies which follow set out those policies which apply in preparing the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2019.

The company has taken advantage of the following disclosure exemptions under FRS 101:

•   the requirements of IFRS 7 Financial Instruments: Disclosure;

•  the requirements of paragraphs 30 and 31 of IAS 8 Accounting Policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates and Errors;

•  the requirements of paragraphs 91-99 of IFRS 13 Fair Value Measurement,

•   the requirement in paragraph 38 of IAS 1 ‘Presentation of Financial Statements’ to present comparative information  

in respect of paragraph  79(a)(iv) of IAS 1;

•   the requirements of paragraphs 10(d), 10(f ), 16,, 38(a), 38(b), 38(c), 38(d), 40(a), 40(b), 40(c), 40(d), 111 and 134- 136  

of IAS 1 Presentation of  Financial Statements;

•  the requirements of IAS 7 Statement of Cash Flows;

•  the requirements of paragraph 17 of IAS 24 Related Party Disclosures;

•   the requirements in IAS 24 Related Party Disclosures to disclose related party transactions entered into between two or more  
members of a group, provided that any subsidiary which is a party to the transaction is wholly owned by such a member ; and

•  the requirements of paragraphs 134(d)-134(f ) and 135(c)-135(e) of IAS 36 Impairment of Assets.

Going concern 
The Company meets its day to day working capital requirements through intercompany funding and is therefore reliant on bank finance in the form of 
Group wide term loan and revolving credit facilities. In January 2018, Sutton Harbour Group plc and subsidiary companies (the “Group”) renewed its 
banking facilities until March 2021, with two term loans totalling £22.5m and a £2.5m revolving credit facility.

The Group’s forecasts and projections, taking account of reasonably possible changes in trading performance, show that the Group should be able to 
operate within the level of the facilities and covenants over a period of at least twelve months from the date of approval of these financial statements.  

It has been confirmed that the intercompany balances in place will not be requested for repayment in the foreseeable future. 

In light of the above and considering the Group’s forecast covenant compliance, in the Directors’ opinion it remains appropriate to adopt the going concern 
basis of preparation for these financial statements.

Measurement convention 
The financial statements are prepared on the historical cost basis as modified by the fair value of share based payments, financial assets and financial 
liabilities (including derivative instruments) at fair value through the profit or loss. Investment property and other property are carried at fair value.  
Non-current assets held for sale are stated at the lower of previous carrying amount and fair value less costs to sell.

The functional currency of the Company is pounds sterling and therefore balances are shown in the financial statements in thousands of pounds 
sterling, unless otherwise stated.

The following accounting policies have been applied consistently in dealing with items which are considered material in relation to the  
Company’s financial statements:

Investments 
Investments are carried cost less any provision for impairment in value.

Cash and cash equivalents 
Cash in the balance sheet comprises cash at bank and in hand.

Sutton Harbour Group plc – Annual Report & Financial Statements 2019  63

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Company Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 March 2019

Impairment 
The carrying amounts of the Company’s assets are considered at each balance sheet date to determine whether there is any indication of impairment. If any 
such indication exists, the asset’s recoverable amount is estimated. Where the asset does not generate cash flows that are independent from other assets, 
the Company estimates the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit to which the asset belongs. Where the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its 
recoverable amount it is impaired and is written down to its recoverable amount.

Interest-bearing borrowings 
Interest-bearing borrowings are recognised initially at fair value less attributable transaction costs. Subsequent to initial recognition, interest-bearing 
borrowings are stated at amortised cost with any difference between cost and redemption value being recognised in the income statement over the period 
of the borrowings on an effective interest basis.

Own shares 
Ordinary and Deferred shares are classified as equity. Incremental costs directly attributable to the issue of Ordinary and Deferred shares and share options 
are recognised as a deduction from equity.

Taxation 
Tax on the profit for the year comprises current and deferred tax. Tax is recognised in the income statement except to the extent that it relates to items 
recognised directly in equity, in which case it is recognised in equity.

Current tax is the expected tax payable on the taxable profit for the year, using tax rates enacted or substantively enacted at the balance sheet date, and 
any adjustment to tax payable in respect of previous years.

Deferred tax is provided on temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts 
used for taxation purposes. The amount of deferred tax provided is based on the expected manner of realisation or settlement of the carrying amount of 
assets and liabilities, using tax rates enacted or substantively enacted at the balance sheet date.

A deferred tax asset is recognised only to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profits will be available against which the asset can be utilised.

Deferred tax is recognised on all temporary differences except on the initial recognition of goodwill or on the initial recognition of an asset or liability in a 
transaction which is not a business combination and at the time of the transaction, affects neither accounting profit nor taxable profit.

Dividends 
Interim dividends are recognised when paid, final dividends are recognised when approved by the shareholders. Dividends unpaid at the balance sheet 
date are only recognised as a liability at that date if they have been approved. Unpaid dividends that have not yet been approved are disclosed in the  
notes to the financial statements.

Financial instruments 
Trade and other debtors, trade and other creditors and all intercompany balances are financial instruments and are carried at amortised cost.

64  Sutton Harbour Group plc – Annual Report & Financial Statements 2019

Notes to the Company Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 March 2019

3. Services provided by the Company’s auditors

During the year the Company obtained the following services from the Company’s auditors:

Current auditors: 

Fees payable to Company’s auditor for the audit of Parent Company financial statements 

Fees payable to the Company’s auditor for other services: 
Tax services 

2019  
£000 

22 

1 

2018 
£000

22 

1

For further details on other services provided by the Company’s auditors, see note 7 of the main Group consolidated financial statements.

4. Employees and Directors

The Company has no employees. The Directors are not remunerated for their services to the Company.  Remuneration in respect of subsidiary undertakings 
is disclosed in note 8 to the consolidated financial statements.

5. Investments 

Cost and net book value 
Investments in subsidiary undertakings 

Subsidiary companies: 
At 31 March 2019, the Company has the following investments in subsidiaries:

2019 
£000 

2018 
£000

11,268 

11,268

Subsidiaries 
Sutton Harbour Company 
Sutton Harbour Services Limited 
Plymouth City Airport Limited 
Sutton Harbour Property and Regeneration Limited 
Harbour Arch Quay Limited 
Sutton Harbour Projects Limited 
Sutton Harbour Car Parks Limited 
Sugar Quay Holdings Limited 
Sugar Quay Limited 

Class of                       Ownership 

shares held 

2018 

2017   

Nature of Business

Ordinary 
Ordinary 
Ordinary 
Ordinary 
Ordinary 
Ordinary 
Ordinary 
Ordinary 
Ordinary 

100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 

100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 

Harbour Authority 
Marine Leisure & Property 
Property Developer 
Property 
Property 
Property 
Car Park Operator 
Investment Company 
Property Developer

All of the above companies were incorporated in the United Kingdom and registered in England and Wales and for each the registered address is  
Sutton Harbour Office, Guys’ Quay, Plymouth, PL4 0ES.

Sutton Harbour Group plc – Annual Report & Financial Statements 2019  65

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Company Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 March 2019

6. Debtors 

Amounts owed by subsidiary undertakings 
Other debtors and prepayments 

Total debtors 

Amounts owed by subsidiary companies are all due in more than one year. 

7. Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 

Other creditors 

Total creditors 

Security over the assets of the Group has been given in relation to the bank facilities.

8. Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year 

Amounts owing to subsidiary undertakings 
Bank borrowings 

Total creditors 

Interest is charged at rates over LIBOR during the term of the bank facilities. 

2019 
£000 

28,841 
162 

29,003 

2019 
£000 

23 

23 

2019 
£000 

8,807 
- 

8,807 

2018 
£000

26,560  
379

26,939

2018 
£000

29

29

2018 
£000

9,689 
1,850

11,539

9. Called up share capital

                                                                                        Ordinary Shares                                   Deferred Shares                                      Total

Thousands of shares 

2019 

2018 

2019 

2018 

2019 

2018

In issue at the beginning and end of the  
financial year – fully paid 
Issued for cash 

105,599 
10,345 

96,277 
9,322 

In issue at the end of the financial year – fully paid 

115,944 

105,599 

62,944 
- 

62,944 

62,944 
- 

62,944 

168,543 
10,345 

159,221  
9,322 

178,888 

168,543

                                                                                        Ordinary Shares                                   Deferred Shares                                      Total

2019 
£000 

2018 
£000 

2019 
£000 

2018 
£000 

2019 
£000 

2018 
£000

Authorised Ordinary share capital 
100,000,000 Ordinary shares of 1p each  
(2018: 100,000,000 Ordinary shares of 1p each) 

Allotted, called up and fully paid 
115,944,071 (2018: 105,599,120)  
Ordinary shares of 1p each (2018: 1p each) 

62,943,752 (2018: 62,943,752)  
Deferred shares of 24p each (2017: 24p each) 

Total 

1,000 

1,000 

1,160 

1,056 

- 

- 

- 

- 

1,000 

1,000 

1,160 

1,056 

- 

1,160 

- 

1,056 

15,106 

15,106 

15,106 

15,106 

15,106 

16,266 

15,106

16,162

66  Sutton Harbour Group plc – Annual Report & Financial Statements 2019

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Company Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 March 2019

There is no limit to the authorised deferred share capital.

The holders of Ordinary shares are entitled to receive dividends as declared from time to time and are entitled to one vote per share at meetings of the 
Company. On a winding up each Ordinary share shall rank in priority to the Deferred shares.

The holders of Deferred shares are not entitled to receive dividends nor are they entitled to vote at meetings of the Company. On a winding up each 
Deferred share shall only be entitled to the nominal capital paid up or credited as paid up after paying the nominal capital paid up or credited as paid up on 
the Ordinary shares, the Deferred shares and/or any other shares in issue, together with the sum of £1,000,000 on each Ordinary share.

Issue of shares year ended 31 March 2019 
On 10 December 2018, at a general meeting of shareholders, a resolution was passed to issue 10,344,951 new ordinary 1p shares by the Company each at 
a price of 29p.  The aggregate net consideration of £2.927m (after deducting £73,000 of costs) has been credited as follows: £104,000 to Share Capital and 
£2.823m to Share Premium Account.

10. Contingencies

The Company has given an unlimited guarantee in respect of bank borrowings of all subsidiary companies.  At 31 March 2019, these borrowings amounted 
to £22,500,000 (2018: £24,350,000).

11. Description of reserves

Called up share capital 
The called up share capital and share premium accounts represent equity share capital (see note 26 to the consolidated financial statements).

Share premium account 
The share premium account represents premiums paid over the nominal value of share capital issued (see note 26 to the consolidated financial statements). 

Merger reserve 
The merger reserve was created when a cash box placing of shares occurred on 4 September 2009.  In the opinion of the Directors, this reserve is 
distributable (see note 26 to the consolidated financial statements).

Profit and loss account 
The profit and loss account represents retained profits.

12. Ultimate controlling party

Sutton Harbour Group plc is the ultimate Parent Company of the Group.  The ultimate controlling party is FB Investors LLP, which is owned jointly  
by Beinhaker Design Services Limited and 1895 Management Group ULC, and owns 72.65% of the issued share capital of Sutton Harbour Group plc.   
The consolidated financial statements of the Group headed by Sutton Harbour Group plc are presented separately on pages 28 to 59 of this document.  
The results of the Company are not consolidated in any other group’s financial statements.

Sutton Harbour Group plc – Annual Report & Financial Statements 2019  67

Notes

68  Sutton Harbour Group plc – Annual Report & Financial Statements 2019