Quarterlytics / Consumer Cyclical / Auto - Parts / Standard Motor Products, Inc. / FY2016 Annual Report

Standard Motor Products, Inc.
Annual Report 2016

SMP · NYSE Consumer Cyclical
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Industry Auto - Parts
Employees 5600
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FY2016 Annual Report · Standard Motor Products, Inc.
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Annual report and  
financial statements  
2016

THE UK’S LEADING REGENERATION SPECIALIST

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Financial  
highlights

Contents

Strategic report 

Financial statements 

1  What we do
12  Group at a glance
14  Chairman’s statement 
16  Chief Executive’s review
20  Regeneration across 
the generations

22  Our markets
24  Our business model
26  Our resources 

and relationships
30  Our strategy and key 

performance indicators

34  Operating and 
portfolio review
41  Financial review
45  Risk management
49  Principal risks and 
uncertainties

104  Independent auditor’s report
110  Group income statement
110  Group statement of 

comprehensive income

111  Group balance sheet
112  Group statement 

of changes in equity
113  Group cash flow statement
114  Group accounting policies
121  Notes to the Group 
financial statements
151  Company balance sheet
152  Company statement 
of changes in equity

153  Company accounting policies
154  Notes to the Company 
financial statements

163  Five year record

Corporate governance 

Additional information 

164  Glossary of terms
166   Notice of annual 
general meeting

178  Information for shareholders

53  Chairman’s introduction 

to governance

 Corporate governance report

54  The Board
56  The Property Board
58 
64  Audit Committee report
71  Nomination Committee report
74  Directors’ remuneration report
99  Directors’ report

EPRA NAV per share*

460.5p +3.2%

NAV per share

431.0p +4.2%

Total accounting return*

4.5% -27.4ppts

Total dividend per share 

6.00p +4.3%

Profit before all tax* 

£60.8m -76.5%

Profit before tax

£66.9m -71.6%

Trading profit* 

£56.1m -11.4% 

Earnings per share

24.1p -75.4%

See-through loan-to-value 

30.5% +0.6ppts

Financial review 
See page 41

*  Reconciliations between all the statutory and non-statutory measures and the 

explanations as to why the non-statutory measures give valuable further insight 
into the Group’s performance are given in note 2 to the Group financial statements. 
In particular, profit before all tax is used because it reflects the way the Group is run 
on a proportionally consolidated basis, and because it also removes the taxation 
effects on equity accounted entities from the statutory profit before tax figure.

What we do

We respect
We take a principled, responsible and 
long-term approach to transforming 
brownfield land into cleaner, greener and 
brighter environments where businesses 
and communities can thrive.

We revive
We breathe new life into areas of the UK 
that need it the most, working closely with 
communities, businesses and government 
organisations to create sustainable places 
for people to live and work.  

We resource
We bring together everything needed 
to deliver a successful project; our skilled 
people, trusted suppliers and financial 
stability make us an attractive partner 
to work with.

We realise
We continually reinvest in the business 
through actively enhancing the value of 
our property assets at all stages of the 
development lifecycle. Partners can rely 
on us to deliver on our promises.

Above from left  
The regeneration of Coed Darcy, a 1,060 acre scheme 
and the former site of the Llandarcy oil refinery.

The Trentham Estate, Stoke-on-Trent continues to 
attract a growing number of visitors year on year.

1

Strategic report Corporate governance Financial statements Additional informationSt. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016Branston Leas, 
Burton upon Trent
Creating new communities

 1,500

new jobs created

A disused barren area of land, lacking 
any environmental or economic benefits, 
the site was previously extracted for 
gravel and filled with pulverised fuel 
ash, making it a less appealing option 
for many developers.

Progress to date
In 2013, St. Modwen secured planning 
permission for the new Branston Leas 
community, which includes a total of 660 
new homes. The first phase of 64 homes 
sold within 14 months of being launched, 
and there was a waiting list of over 200 
people for the second phase of 205 homes. 
Demonstrating that the development is 
answering the shortfall in new homes in this 
area, 100% of occupiers are local of which 
53% have used Help to Buy. 

The entire development is set to create 
1,500 jobs. The retail centre is already 80% 
let and an 87,000 sq ft distribution unit has 
recently been leased to Cimpress, a leading 
mass customisation company. We will start 
on site with a further phase of speculative 
development in the first quarter of 2017, 
having secured planning permission during 
2016 for two industrial and distribution units 
comprising 328,000 sq ft. 

Branston Leas Wood is also being 
delivered, and comprises 175 acres of 
public realm, which includes play areas, 
parkland and an 82 acre woodland. The 
latter is being created in partnership with 
The Woodland Trust, the National Forest 
Company and Staffordshire Wildlife Trust. 

The wood has enabled us to further engage 
with the local community with the creation 
of a Peace Wood and we have involved 
approximately 100 volunteers with the 
planting of some 17,000 (of 21,000) trees 
and scattering of 8,000 bluebell seeds. 

Next steps
We will continue to develop the next phase 
of housing starting on site in 2017. Over 
the next 12 months, we anticipate the retail 
centre being fully let and we will consider 
developing out further speculative phases 
of industrial space to answer demand. 
Planting of the wood will also continue 
with the new environment being overseen 
by the Staffordshire Wildlife Trust. 

2

Creating new communities 
that enhance the environment 
as well as the local and broader 
economy is a fundamental 
part of regeneration. Extending 
over 280 acres, Branston 
Leas demonstrates our skill 
at transforming brownfield land 
into sustainable mixed-use 
developments.

Above from left  
St. Modwen Homes is now progressing with 
the second phase of 205 homes. 

The first phase of St. Modwen Homes sold 
out in just 14 months.

We continue to engage with the local community 
with tree planting events.

St. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 201682 acres

of new woodland

660

new homes

3

Strategic report Corporate governance Financial statements Additional informationSt. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016St. Andrew’s Park, Uxbridge
Tackling complex sites

Our innovative approach 
enables us to tackle complex 
and challenging sites whilst 
managing risk throughout 
the development lifecycle, 
to create inspirational and 
thriving new business and 
residential communities. 

Above from left  
St. Modwen Homes started on site with 
85 homes in 2016.

Over 275 homes built by Persimmon plc 
are already sold.

The John Locke Academy primary school 
opened in 2014.

4

Home to the Battle of Britain, the formal 
closure of RAF Uxbridge on 31st March 
2010 ended 95 years of continuous 
military service, but the closing of one 
chapter was the catalyst of a new, more 
public and community focused feature.

VSM, a JV partnership between St. Modwen 
and VINCI plc, was appointed by the MoD 
in 2006 as the principal contractor for 
‘Project MoDEL’, a task involving the 
relocation of six London-based MoD 
units to an integrated site at RAF Northolt. 

We were charged with delivering the new 
facilities at RAF Northolt as well as securing 
planning consent for the six redundant 
sites, which were available for development 
for residential, commercial and community 
uses. Of the six sites, we retained two, 
including RAF Uxbridge (St. Andrew’s Park) 
which we are now transforming into a new 
residential-led mixed-use community. 

Progress to date
Extending over 110 acres, we secured 
planning consent for the new St. Andrew’s 
Park community in 2010, to include new 
homes, commercial space and community 
facilities. Construction started in 2011 
on 470 homes, delivered through our JV 
with Persimmon plc of which over 275 are 
sold. In 2016, St. Modwen Homes started 
on site with a phase of 85 family homes, 
forming part of the town centre extension. 

Planning permission was secured in the 
period for 120,000 sq ft of office space 
which will create around 1,000 jobs and 
could be delivered as early as 2018. 

Next steps
In 2017, we anticipate starting work 
on the first phase of the consented 249 
apartments. As the town centre begins 
to take shape, the offices will be developed 
to reflect occupier demand. 

The 40 acre public park, the largest new 
park in Greater London, will come to fruition 
in 2017 with 167 new trees planted, over 
4,800 cubic metres of top soil moved and 
almost 20 acres seeded. Works to the 
landscaping will also progress well into 
2017 as St. Modwen Homes continues 
to develop the new phase of housing. 

St. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016 1,340

new homes to be created

New

primary school

40 acre

new park

5

Strategic report Corporate governance Financial statements Additional informationSt. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016Longbridge, Birmingham
A long-term commitment  
to the areas in which we build

The birthplace of classic British 
motoring, the 468 acre Longbridge 
site was acquired by St. Modwen in 
2004, in partnership with the Homes 
and Communities Agency. Since then, 
the site has been subject to a long 
treatment process, painstakingly 
removing hydrocarbons from the 
soil and ground water. 

Progress to date 
We have already added £134m of value 
to the regional economy and created 
3,700 jobs, following a comprehensive 
redevelopment programme that has seen:

 § delivery of 400 new homes and six 

acres of new parkland;

 § completion of a £70m town centre;

 § creation of the Longbridge Technology 
Park and the Cofton Centre, collectively 
creating almost 1,000 jobs;

 § provision of a £30m infrastructure 

programme; and

 § delivery of the £66m Bournville College 

for over 3,500 students.

This year, we welcomed a range of new 
tenants to the commercial areas of the 
scheme, including the town centre. Here, 
a number of national brands opened their 
doors for trading including Smyths Toys, 
Holland and Barrett, Specsavers and 
Carphone Warehouse, joining Marks & 
Spencer, Sainsbury’s and Boots, along 
with other local retailers. We have also 
recently started on site with the next phase 
of housing for 215 homes on land south 
of the new town centre. This new phase 
will be delivered by St. Modwen Homes. 

Next steps
During the first half of 2017 the works to 
the £35m ExtraCare retirement village will 
complete, along with the 180 bedroom 
accommodation for the Royal Centre for 
Defence Medicine. In line with occupier 
demand, we will also seek to progress 
500,000 sq ft of manufacturing facilities 
at Longbridge West and phase three of 
the town centre.

6

We have a proven strategy 
of adding value to the land 
we own and generating 
returns through commercial 
and residential development 
at every stage of the property 
lifecycle. The regeneration 
of Longbridge, Birmingham 
reflects this skillset well. 

Above from left  
The 180 bedroom facility for the Royal Centre 
for Defence Medicine will complete in 2017.

We have uncovered 255m of the River Rea which 
has been in culvert for over 100 years.

The Longbridge Light Festival 2016 saw 6,000 
people visit the town centre.

£30m

infrastructure programme

St. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016£70m

town centre completed

£30m

infrastructure programme

3,700

new jobs created

7

Strategic report Corporate governance Financial statements Additional informationSt. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016 153,000 sq ft

under construction

Centurion Park, Tamworth 
Excellent track record in 
value creation

We have a strong track 
record in identifying sites 
with excellent potential for 
value creation that we realise 
through our skills in planning, 
development and asset 
management. We deliver 
sites ready for development 
and will make a commitment 
to their regeneration in the 
short, medium and long-term.

Above from left  
Our development activity at Tamworth 
is a long-standing commitment.

The 153,000 sq ft speculative industrial 
unit is progressing well.

53,000 sq ft space has also been let 
and sold during 2016.

8

St. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016 153,000 sq ft

under construction

Prime

industrial and logistics hub

St. Modwen has had a long-standing 
commitment to Tamworth and 
continues to invest in this strategic 
area. In recognition of its strategic 
position, since commencing 
development of Centurion Park in 
1994 our presence has grown with 
a number of other developments 
capitalising on the location. It is 
now recognised as a logistics and 
distribution hub for the Midlands. 

Following this early success, in 2014 
we acquired a site, located adjacent to 
Centurion Park, situated on junction 10 
of the M42, and for which we subsequently 
secured planning consent for 200,000 sq ft 
of industrial and distribution space. 

Progress to date
In response to the lack of supply of new 
warehouse space across the Midlands, 
we speculatively commenced works to 
a 53,000 sq ft distribution unit in 2015. 
In advance of its completion, we leased 
this unit to national furniture brand DFS 
for its customer distribution centre, at a 
rent of £314,000 per annum. The unit was 
subsequently sold to Limes Developments 
Ltd for £5.1m.

We have since speculatively commenced 
works on a 153,000 sq ft distribution unit 
in this popular logistics location. 

More recently, in 2016, we secured planning 
permission for 700,000 sq ft of industrial 
and logistics space at Tamworth East, 
which is located opposite Centurion Park.

Next steps
In 2017, we will progress works on the 
153,000 sq ft unit at Centurion Park and 
anticipate its completion in the first half 
of 2017. It is also expected that works 
to the first phase of Tamworth East will 
commence in the year.

Already in progress across the Midlands 
we have around 400,000 sq ft of industrial 
space under development, and we plan to 
add to this pipeline with additional projects 
over the course of the next 12 months.  

700,000 sq ft

of planning secured

9

Strategic report Corporate governance Financial statements Additional informationSt. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016Regeneration and remediation
The UK’s leading regeneration specialist

Glan Llyn is a 25 year 
brownfield regeneration 
project, located in Newport, 
South Wales. It occupies the 
site of the former Llanwern 
Steelworks and comprises 
800 acres of former  
derelict land.

The recycling and returning of previously 
developed (brownfield) land to beneficial 
use safeguards the countryside and 
helps to preserve natural habitats. 
It helps tackle the blight of dereliction 
in communities by bringing poor quality 
sites back into use and enables the reuse 
of existing infrastructure and utilities.

As experts in this field we have reclaimed 
thousands of acres over the last 30 years 
and brownfield land now makes up over 
80% of our land bank with specified use.

Once on site, we reclaim and recycle as 
many of the waste materials as possible to 
avoid unnecessary transportation from site 
that in turn could cause road congestion 
and unnecessary CO2 emissions. This year 
we reclaimed and recycled hundreds of 
thousands of tonnes of materials from site, 
including 128,000 tonnes of concrete waste 
which, in accordance with the Specification 
for Highways Works, is retained in order to 
avoid the use of natural quarried materials.

Equally, we ensure that protected species 
and habitats are safeguarded or new 
habitats provided in our developments, 
with site design allowing for the movement 
of protected wildlife. We also seek to 
enhance the wildlife value of sites by the 
retention or introduction of native species 
appropriate to the site and prevailing 
conditions, the creation of new wildlife 
habitats and corridors and by limiting 
the area of hard surfaces.

 83%

of our land bank with 
specified use is brownfield

10

St. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 20164,000

new homes

c.1.5m sq ft

Celtic Business Park

Glan Llyn
The Llanwern Steelworks was the first 
oxygen blown integrated steelworks 
in the UK and, at its peak, produced 
a combined four million tonnes of steel 
per year.

The site benefits from planning 
permission for:

 § 4,000 new homes for around 

10,000 people

 § Two primary schools

 § Community facilities and retail areas

 § Approximately 1.5m sq ft Celtic 

Business Park, providing 6,000 jobs

In 2004, following the purchase of 
the site an active reclamation and 
remediation programme started in 
earnest. The clean-up of this site is 
complex. In line with the remediation 
of coal tars, metals and potentially 
expansive slags, one of the principal 
constraints to redevelopment is the 
ground is peat and soft clay.

During construction of the steelworks 
in the 1960s a fill was used across 
the site to raise levels and provide a 
working platform. Major structures 
were piled with approximately 90,000 
piles being installed. Such a feat of 
engineering was not appropriate for 
Glan Llyn’s residential end use and 
therefore a more appropriate treatment 
had to be implemented which produced 
a platform for residential development.

A number of best practice techniques 
were therefore employed. The highly 
technical process, designed and 
monitored by experienced brownfield 
professionals, has resulted in an 
exemplary residential scheme for 
the new community.

To date, we have delivered over 
400 homes and plan to start on site 
with a further phase in 2017, alongside 
additional third party housebuilders. 
In addition, we anticipate starting on 
site with a new primary school this year 
and have recently leased 50,000 sq ft 
to Amazon at the Celtic Business Park 
with further employment phases to come.

11

Strategic report Corporate governance Financial statements Additional informationSt. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016Group at a glance

Business unit

Activity

Relative size

2016 key facts

Regeneration and 
remediation

We have over 30 years’ 
experience of cleaning up, 
recycling and reusing previously 
developed land which has 
enabled us to reclaim 
thousands of acres. Our 
expertise in this area rests 
with our team of highly skilled 
in-house construction and 
remediation experts. 

83% 

of land with specified 
use is brownfield

 128,000

tonnes of concrete reclaimed 
and recycled 

 14,000+

trees planted

Income producing 
properties

Commercial land 
and development

Residential land 
and development

Assets are managed and 
held with a long-term view 
to generate significant value. 
In the short-term, a large 
proportion generate income 
before development and in 
doing so, cover the running 
costs of the business.

This diverse portfolio is split into 
two distinct categories: high 
yielding and investment portfolio.

Maximising the value of 
commercial land through 
remediation, planning gain, 
development and asset 
management. 

Commercial development 
activities cover industrial 
and logistics, retail, student 
accommodation and office 
projects. 

Acquiring sites with potential 
for residential development 
and adding value to the land 
throughout the development 
process. We realise that 
residential value through two 
principal routes to market: 
residential land sales and 
housebuilding.

45%

Proportion of Group activity by 
value, representing £786.7m

£50.1m

see-through net rental 
and other income

 1,700+

tenants

13%

Proportion of Group activity by 
value, representing £223.6m

 1.6m sq ft 

commercial development 
pipeline

£30.4m  

commercial development 
profits

42%

Proportion of Group activity by 
value, representing £742.0m

25,000+

plots with planning 
recognition

 £27.1m

residential development 
profits

12

St. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016Explore our  
portfolio online
Across our 6,000 acre land bank we 
are progressing over 100 regeneration 
projects. This extensive portfolio 
diversifies risk and creates opportunities 
whilst our network of seven regional 
offices and highly skilled team of 
property professionals provides us 
with the local knowledge and expertise 
that keeps us abreast of the needs 
of the local communities. 

Find out more online via our interactive 
map which enables you to browse by 
region or sector. 

www.stmodwen.co.uk/
property-portfolio

13

Strategic report Corporate governance Financial statements Additional informationSt. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016Chairman’s statement

Regeneration 
remains at the 
heart of our 
business and 
our expertise in 
this area allows 
us to continue 
to generate 
value from 
our substantial 
land bank.

Bill Shannon 
Chairman

14

St. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016The year to November 2016 saw 
St. Modwen deliver a solid performance 
in an uncertain market environment. 
NAV per share increased 4.2% to 
431.0 pence (2015: 413.5 pence) and 
EPRA NAV per share increased 3.2% 
to 460.5 pence (2015: 446.4 pence) 
delivering, together with dividends 
paid in the year, a total accounting 
return per share of 4.5% (2015: 31.9%).

The Group reported a profit before all tax 
of £60.8m (2015: £258.4m) and earnings 
per share of 24.1 pence (2015: 97.9 pence) 
for the year. The results are therefore below 
those reported for last year and this is due 
largely to a combination of external market 
factors and significant valuation gains 
booked in 2015. 

Importantly, the business continued 
to generate healthy cash flows and net 
debt and gearing levels remain carefully 
controlled. Cash generated (before 
new investment, tax and dividends) 
was £306.4m (2015: £298.1m) and new 
investment was managed prudently such 
that net borrowings, including our share of 
JVs, increased only marginally to £517.0m 
from £489.3m at the start of the year.

Regeneration remains at the heart of 
our business and our expertise in this 
area allows us to continue to generate 
value from our substantial land bank of 
over 6,000 developable acres. Projects 
are well balanced between residential 
and commercial opportunities, with 
residential activities accounting for 
47% of development profits for the 
year and commercial activities 53%, 
and the Company is well diversified 
both geographically and from a sector 
perspective. This leaves us well placed to 
continue creating value for the longer-term.

Continued progress at three of our major 
projects also showcases the impact we 
can have in supporting and regenerating 
communities over the long-term:

 § New Covent Garden Market, London 
– We are well progressed in the planned 
redevelopment of the existing flower 
and fruit and vegetable markets, having 
recently completed the interim flower 
market facility which will release 20 
acres of land for the development of 

approximately 3,000 new homes in the 
centre of London in the medium-term. 
We started working with the Covent 
Garden Market Authority in 2010 and 
will continue our partnership with them 
well into the next decade.

 § Bay Campus, Swansea University –  

We are advancing with the development 
phase of the Bay Campus which will 
bring the number of student rooms to 
over 2,000 by the start of the 2017/18 
academic year. The Bay Campus now 
provides teaching and learning facilities 
for around 5,000 students across 35 
acres, with further opportunities in the 
future to expand across the remainder 
of the 65 acre site. Our Swansea 
regeneration activities started in 2011 
and are likely to continue into the 
early 2020s.

 § Longbridge, Birmingham – We 

commenced delivery of this 468 acre 
flagship scheme in 2004 and expect 
regeneration activity to continue for at 
least another 10 years as we progress 
through the remaining 185 acres 
of developable land. We have now 
completed and let the latest phase 
of the town centre, overseen the 
delivery of a total of 400 out of 2,000 
planned new homes and are nearing 
completion of the construction of a 
new accommodation facility comprising 
180 bedrooms for medical staff based 
at the Royal Centre for Defence Medicine. 
In addition, 2017 will see the opening of 
260 ExtraCare retirement apartments.

Dividend
In line with our stated policy of increasing 
dividends in line with NAV growth, the 
Board is pleased to recommend an 
increase in total dividend for the year 
of 4.3% to 6.00 pence per share (2015: 
5.75 pence per share). Taking into account 
the interim dividend already declared and 
paid this results in a proposed final dividend 
of 4.06 pence per share (2015: 3.85 pence 
per share).

The final dividend will be paid on 4th April 
2017 to shareholders on the register as 
at 10th March 2017.

Board changes
On 30th November 2016 Bill Oliver retired 
as Chief Executive, a role he had held since 
2006. In his 10 years as Chief Executive, 
and six years prior to that as Managing 
Director and Finance Director, Bill played 
a pivotal role in building St. Modwen into 
the business it is today. On behalf of the 
Board and everyone at St. Modwen, 
I would like to thank him for his service 
and wish him well in his future endeavours.

Bill’s successor as Chief Executive is 
Mark Allan, who joined us on 1st November 
2016 from The Unite Group plc, the FTSE 
250 student accommodation business, 
where he was Chief Executive for 10 years. 
We are pleased to have been able to 
appoint such an experienced successor to 
Bill and I look forward to working with him 
as he continues to settle into the business.

Prospects
St. Modwen is a long-term business but 
we operate in cyclical markets and must 
plan and manage our business accordingly. 
The past 12 months have been unsettled 
in this respect and the outlook for 2017 
and 2018 looks to be similarly uncertain, 
as a range of macro-economic factors play 
out both globally and more locally to the UK.

With this outlook, it will be important that 
we continue to manage our balance sheet 
prudently while also seeking out appropriate 
new value creation opportunities and 
converting existing ones. This will require 
an innovative and agile approach but our 
track record suggests we remain well 
placed to succeed.

Bill Shannon 
Chairman 
6th February 2017

15

Strategic report Corporate governance Financial statements Additional informationSt. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016Chief Executive’s review

St. Modwen is a business that is centred 
on value creation. Since its formation 
30 years ago, its business model has 
been focused on acquiring assets with 
limited initial intrinsic worth and applying 
its considerable development and asset 
management expertise to create and 
capture sustainable value over the 
long-term. This has resulted in a 
business today with a diverse £1.75bn 
property portfolio of approximately 
£800m of income generating assets 
and a 6,000 acre developable land 
bank, itself comprising approximately 
15m sq ft of consented commercial 
development and over 25,000 
consented residential units.

This diverse portfolio and focus on value 
creation formed the basis of St. Modwen’s 
solid performance during 2016, despite the 
broader uncertain market environment. The 
key performance metrics of the business for 
the year are set out below:

2016

2015

EPRA NAV per share* 460.5p

446.4p

NAV per share

431.0p

413.5p

Total accounting 
return*

Total dividend per 
share

4.5% 31.9%

6.00p

5.75p

Trading profit*

£56.1m £63.3m

Profit before all tax*

£60.8m £258.4m

Profit before tax

£66.9m £235.2m

Earnings per share

24.1p

97.9p

See-through net 
borrowing*

See-through LTV 
ratio*

£517.0m £489.3m

30.5% 29.9%

*  Reconciliations between all the statutory and 

non-statutory measures and the explanations as 
to why the non-statutory measures give valuable 
further insight into the Group’s performance are 
given in note 2 to the Group financial statements. 
In particular, profit before all tax is used because it 
reflects the way the Group is run on a proportionally 
consolidated basis, and because it also removes 
the taxation effects on equity accounted entities 
from the statutory profit before tax figure. 

While levels of performance are below that 
reported for 2015, this is largely due to:

 § the absence of the significant valuation 
gains booked for New Covent Garden 
Market (NCGM) in 2015 (£127.4m), 
coupled with a subsequent £24.3m 
reduction in the value of our NCGM 
investment in 2016;

 § a noticeably weaker investment market 
delivered £12.6m of market valuation 
gains versus £35.7m in 2015; and

 § the impact on valuations of changes 
to Stamp Duty Land Tax rates on 
commercial property in the year 
(£12.5m).

The underlying business performed 
well, as evidenced by trading profits, 
and importantly gearing levels were 
carefully controlled.

Value creation
The key areas of value creation during 
the year were as follows:

 § commercial development profits 

of £30.4m (2015: £38.3m);

 § profits from housebuilding activities 

of £27.1m (2015: £26.7m);

 § internally generated increases in 

the value of our portfolio of £28.3m 
(2015: £38.6m); and

 § market movements in the value of 

our portfolio of £12.6m (2015: £35.7m).

Profits from residential and housebuilding 
activities continue to grow and we 
expect this trend to continue in 2017 
such that development profits are likely 
to be evenly split between residential and 
commercial activities.

Taking account of our planned programme 
of activities and the outlook for the sectors 
in which we are invested, we anticipate 
overall returns for 2017 to be in line or 
slightly ahead of those achieved for 2016.

EPRA NAV per share

460.5p
+3.2%

Trading profit

£56.1m

16

St. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016Our diverse 
portfolio and 
focus on value 
creation formed 
the basis of our 
solid performance 
during 2016.

Mark Allan 
Chief Executive

17

Strategic report Corporate governance Financial statements Additional informationSt. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016Chief Executive’s review
continued

Income generating portfolio
Our income generating portfolio is valued at 
£786.7m, including our share of investment 
property held in JVs, and represents 45% 
of see-through gross asset value. This is 
split between £309.7m of high yielding 
assets which exhibit further value creation 
opportunities (the high yielding portfolio) 
and £477.0m of assets where further 
internal value creation potential is more 
limited (the investment portfolio).

The high yielding portfolio is split between 
industrial and logistics assets (£201.5m, 
or 65%), retail (£100.9m or 33%, 
predominantly town centres) and offices/
other (£7.3m or 2%) and has an average 
equivalent yield of 8.9% (2015: 8.9%). 
The outlook for high yielding industrial/
logistics assets remains substantially 
positive, based on robust demand 
for good value, secure, flexible space 
and longer-term re-planning potential. 
The outlook for town centre retail is more 
asset specific and needs to be considered 
in light of the broader environment of low 
or negative real wage inflation impacting 
on consumer spending and reduced 
investment demand following the outcome 
of the EU Referendum. We expect both 
of these factors to contribute to a modest 
level of yield expansion in our retail portfolio 
during 2017 while rental values are likely 
to remain broadly flat.

The investment portfolio principally 
comprises £241.3m of retail assets (51%), 
£115.8m of Private Rented Sector/student 
accommodation assets (24%), £82.0m 
of industrial/logistics (17%) and £37.9m 
of office/other (8%). The average equivalent 
yield of the investment portfolio is 6.3% 
(2015: 6.4%).

We are currently assessing our options 
with respect to our student accommodation 
assets at the Bay Campus in Swansea, 
comprising over 2,000 rooms, and this will 
form an important part of our strategy and 
portfolio review.

18

We consider the outlook for the remainder 
of the investment portfolio to be broadly 
neutral and we will be reviewing our strategy 
in respect of all income generating assets 
over the next few months to ensure that its 
longer term size and shape is appropriate.

Income generating portfolio

£786.7m

New space delivered (sq ft)

800,000

Commercial development 
activity
We invested £99.5m into commercial 
development activity in the year to 
30th November 2016, booking profits 
of £30.4m (2015: £38.3m) and delivering 
approximately 800,000 sq ft of new space.

As at 30th November, the anticipated 
value on completion of our committed 
development pipeline was £237.1m and 
weighted towards sectors with healthy 
long-term structural growth prospects 
(41% industrial/logistics, 18% student 
accommodation, 23% retail and 18% 
office/other). Our anticipated yield on cost 
for the full committed development pipeline 
is 8.0% with an expected valuation yield 
on completion of 6.7% and a profit on 
cost of approximately 20%.

We continue to undertake a proportion 
of development activity speculatively, 
particularly for industrial and logistics 
assets where we believe immediacy 
of availability is an important factor for 
prospective occupiers. In response to 
this anticipated demand, of our 1m sq ft 
of committed industrial/logistics pipeline 
80% is being developed speculatively, 
representing 50% of the entire 
development pipeline.

There is significant further value creation 
potential in our medium/longer-term 
commercial development pipeline. 
This medium-term pipeline includes 
major opportunities at Chippenham 
Gateway (over 900,000 sq ft of 
potential industrial/logistics space) and 
Stanton Cross (1.5m sq ft of industrial 
accommodation), as well as town centre 
regeneration projects at Kirkby and Great 
Homer Street, Liverpool. Bringing these 
opportunities forward in a timely manner 
will be an important focus for 2017.

St. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016Over the coming months, as with our 
income generating portfolio, we will be 
reviewing our strategy in respect of our 
development pipeline, both committed 
and longer term. The principal objective 
of this review will be to determine the 
appropriate level of activity as well as the 
balance between onward sales to realise 
development profits and assets that 
could be retained for the longer-term.

Residential activity
Our residential business continues to 
have two principal streams of activity: 
sales of ‘oven ready’ development 
sites to housebuilders and our own 
housebuilding activity, pursued both 
through St. Modwen Homes and our 
JV with Persimmon plc (Persimmon). 
Additionally, we see some potential to 
develop assets for the emerging Private 
Rented Sector (PRS) and we will assess 
the scale of this opportunity during 2017.

Housebuilding contributed £27.1m 
(2015: £26.7m) to profit before all tax 
(before indirect overheads of £5.2m), 
comprising £15.3m from St. Modwen 
Homes (2015: £10.3m) based on 485 
(2015: 315) units sold and £11.8m (2015: 
£16.4m) from our Persimmon JV based on 
a 50% share of 402 (2015: 652) units sold. 
Over the course of the year, the average 
selling price of a St. Modwen Homes unit 
has increased by 4.6% to £206,000 (2015: 
£197,000), demonstrating the strength of 
demand for quality housing in the regions. 

As previously indicated, activity in the 
Persimmon JV will decline in line with 
plan over the next two years as it reaches 
its conclusion, with expected unit volumes 
reducing by 35% in 2017. Conversely, 
we expect St. Modwen Homes to increase 
unit volumes meaningfully and this should 
at least offset reduced returns from the JV. 
The broader market remains supportive 
of regional housebuilding and we see 
significant potential for growth in our 
St. Modwen Homes business in the 
years ahead.

Residential land sales completed or agreed 
during the year, including our share of JVs, 
totalled £47.6m for the year and although 
there was some mid-year Brexit-related 
disruption, demand generally remained 
steady. The outlook for land sales remains 
firm for the year ahead and we expect activity 
to remain at a similar level provided there 
are no major shocks to the housing market.

As at 30th November 2016 our residential 
land and work in progress, including our 
share of JVs, was held at a total value 
of £742.0m (2015: £757.7m), of which 
approximately 45% was represented by 
holdings at NCGM and in South Wales. 
In total, our land bank comprises over 
25,000 consented residential units 
(approximately 14,500 units excluding 
NCGM and South Wales) and represents 
a significant source of potential future value. 

New Covent Garden Market 
(NCGM)
Our largest residential land holding by 
value is our 50% share of consented 
land at NCGM in London. Our share of 
the land, less our obligation to procure 
the new market and the associated tax, 
is now £97.7m, representing approximately 
10% of our NAV.

As previously disclosed, we commenced 
marketing of a substantial proportion of 
this site (10 acres at Nine Elms Square) in 
conjunction with our JV partner, VINCI plc 
(VINCI), in late summer 2016. While there 
can be no guarantee of any transaction 
completing, we are now in exclusive 
negotiations with a prospective purchaser 
at a level which is firmly supportive of book 
value. We will update the market on further 
progress as appropriate.

Financing
Group net borrowings, including 
our share of JVs, increased marginally 
to £517.0m at 30th November 2016 
(2015: £489.3m). Taking into account 
growth in the valuation of the Group’s 
portfolio, loan-to-value remained broadly 
consistent with the prior year at 30.5% 
(2015: 29.9%) and we are likely to seek 
to reduce this further over time.

People
St. Modwen’s pedigree as a creator 
of value is built on the experience, 
expertise, commitment and teamwork 
of its employees. In my first few months 
I have been extremely impressed with the 
calibre of people in the business and I am 
very much looking forward to working with 
them in the years ahead. On behalf of the 
Board I would like to thank all of my new 
colleagues for their efforts and congratulate 
them on their achievements.

Outlook
The broader economic environment is 
likely to remain unsettled throughout 
2017 as a range of macro factors, such 
as Brexit, continue to play out. We cannot 
seek to predict the outcomes of these 
various external events but with such 
an uncertain backdrop we can and will 
manage the business in a prudent and 
agile manner. However, uncertainty can 
also lead to opportunity and we remain 
confident in our ability to seek out and 
create value from such opportunities 
that may arise.

Of course, any change in leadership 
provides an opportunity for the Board to 
step back and review strategy and following 
my arrival as the Company’s new Chief 
Executive, we intend to do this during 2017. 
Given that the business is fundamentally 
strong, this review is likely to focus on how 
we can build on our existing strengths and 
focus our activities in the optimum manner. 
I am excited about the prospects ahead.

Mark Allan 
Chief Executive 
6th February 2017

19

Strategic report Corporate governance Financial statements Additional informationSt. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016Regeneration across the generations
30 years of St. Modwen

In 2016 we celebrated our 30th anniversary as a listed company. 

Since 1986 we’ve established our proud reputation as the UK’s 
leading regeneration specialist: we’ve built new communities, created 
new jobs and investment, and cleaned up thousands of acres of 
brownfield land. We owe much of this success to our strong presence 
in key areas across the UK. 

Today we own and manage a £1.75bn portfolio of over 100 development 
projects and 6,000 acres of land for ongoing development.

To mark this milestone we launched a series of initiatives, including 
a national schools photography competition supported by a number 
of organisations and experts in urban design, architecture, education 
and photography, such as The Prince’s Foundation for Building 
Community. A celebratory film and book were also produced 
to capture what 30 years of regeneration really looks like.

Read and watch the 
whole story online
www.stmodwen.co.uk/corporate-social-responsibility/ 
30th-anniversary

20

St. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016 1986

St. Modwen founded
St. Modwen established 
by reverse takeover in April 
1986 by Redman Heenan 
International plc and becomes 
a publicly listed company.

1986-1990 
Rapid growth and 
strategic shift
Rapid growth due to substantial 
development programme 
based on enterprise zones 
and industrial schemes. 

Programme moved to include 
retail schemes and office parks. 

1991 
Regeneration 
strategy established
Attention switched to increasing 
rental income.

Major expansion of range of 
partnerships with landowners, 
local authorities and major 
companies.

1997 
Major joint venture 
established
Established joint venture with 
Salhia Real Estate Company 
K.S.C. (KPI).

2012

£80m

retail bond issued

2015
Bay Campus, Swansea 
University opened to 1,462 
new student residents.

2013
Development Agreement 
signed with Swansea University 
for the first phase of the £450m 
Bay Campus development. 

£49m 

equity placing

2014

£100m

convertible bond 
launched
Planning permission secured 
for the regeneration of the New 
Covent Garden Market sites, 
Nine Elms, London.

2000-2003 
Significant 
acquisitions  
completed
Major acquisitions included 
portfolios from Alstom and 
Marconi (through KPI JV). 

St. Modwen entered FTSE 250 
(November 2003).

2005-2010 
Portfolio growth

Selected as preferred 
developer on many town 
centre regeneration schemes. 

Acquisition of large industrial 
sites including Longbridge, 
Llanwern, Project MoDEL 
and BP Portfolio. 

£107m equity issue in 2009. 

Established JV with 
Persimmon. 

Established St. Modwen 
Homes. 

Phase 2 Longbridge town 
centre plus 150,000 sq ft M&S 
store completed and trading. 

2016

Celebrates 30th 
anniversary as 
a publicly listed 
company
Mark Allan joins the business 
as Chief Executive. 

21

Strategic report Corporate governance Financial statements Additional informationSt. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016Retail

Online retail has undoubtedly caused 
significant structural change in the sector, 
which is continuing to evolve to meet 
changing consumer demand. The retail 
market is also facing other pressures arising 
from inflation and its impact on disposable 
income, increased costs following the fall 
in value of sterling and reduced investment 
demand following the outcome of the 
EU Referendum. Modest levels of yield 
expansion are anticipated during 2017 
whilst rental values are likely to remain 
broadly flat. There is a focus on 
repositioning to create ‘destination’ 
retail centres, which offer a range of 
shopping, dining and leisure facilities.

Investment market 

Whilst the investment market had seen 
strong demand in 2015, this noticeably 
weakened in 2016 caused in the main 
by uncertainty in the UK economic 
outlook following the EU Referendum. 
Interest from overseas purchasers, who 
are able to benefit from the fall in the value 
of sterling, remains strong, particularly for 
property in supply-constrained markets 
with long income and good covenants. 
The investment market is influenced by 
trends experienced across the wider 
property sector, as well as macro-economic 
factors, and is anticipated to remain subdued 
in line with reduced transaction activity.

Three mega trends 
impacting our market

Changing lifestyles

We are living and working longer 
and are developing multi-phased, 
less structured lives, such that across 
all demographic groups, people are 
reassessing their career and lifestyle 
choices, as well as their needs from 
property and their wider environments.

Urbanisation

The United Nations has recently 
projected that nearly all global 
population growth from 2016 to 2030 
will be absorbed by cities. This equates 
to over 1bn new city-dwellers over the 
next 14 years. Urbanisation is already 
impacting town and urban planning 
as people demand more convenience 
from their environment and more 
sustainable communities.

Technology

Innovations in energy, technology, 
science and food will have a significant 
macro impact over the next 15 years. 
In the nearer term, technology as a 
catalyst for cultural and social change 
will also affect the property industry 
in areas such as retail and housing.

Our markets
Responding to 
key opportunities

Whilst the outcome of the EU Referendum 
has reverberated across the property 
industry, there is little evidence to 
suggest that it has had any fundamental 
negative impact on the sector. Until 
the scope and impact of our separation 
from the EU becomes clearer and other 
macro-economic factors continue to 
play out, it is inevitable that uncertainty 
over the UK economy will remain. 
Our diverse portfolio, the flexibility of 
our land bank and our strong financial 
base support our resilience in uncertain 
times, whilst our vision and innovative 
approach enable us to adapt with 
agility to changing trends and an 
ever-evolving marketplace.

Trends

Industrial/logistics

The industrial and logistics sector has 
proved resilient in the last 12 months, 
with robust demand for good value, 
secure and flexible space with longer-term 
re-planning potential. Strong occupier 
demand, coupled with a lack of ready 
to occupy space, is driving an increase 
in speculative development. The Midlands’ 
‘golden triangle’ of the M1, M6 and M42 
continues to dominate the logistics sector, 
offering access to over 90% of the UK 
population within a four-hour drive, but 
there is also increasing demand for space 
in the South West. Prospects for continued 
growth in the sector are good as online 
retailing continues to increase.

Residential 

Stamp duty and other tax changes, 
combined with Brexit, have created some 
hesitation in the prime London residential 
market. However, regional demand for 
housing remains strong despite some 
uncertainties as to how the UK economy 
will evolve in the near term. The shortage 
of property for sale, low levels of 
housebuilding and exceptionally low 
interest rates are expected to support 
UK house prices. Demand for new homes 
remains robust against the backdrop of 
a housing shortage in the UK. Government 
policy will continue to stimulate growth 
in terms of facilitating demand but also, 
increasingly, through addressing supply. 

22

St. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016i

S
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Opportunities for St. Modwen

Growth of St. Modwen Homes
With a 49% increase in profitability this year, the growth of 
St. Modwen Homes demonstrates real demand for housing. 
Now build active on 18 sites and with an additional eight planned 
in 2017, the business is perfectly positioned to take advantage of 
the continued regional demand for new homes. With a substantial 
land bank, we can also satisfy the continued appetite from 
housebuilders for ‘oven ready’ land for development and 
exploit initiatives to drive housing supply.

Delivering mixed-use communities
We are a true mixed-use developer with a diverse development 
portfolio. We are increasingly using technology in order to 
understand customer spending habits and what drives footfall. 
This is helping us to better understand the spaces we are 
creating as well as finding and retaining the right retailer match. 

Often situated outside of established town centres, our mixed-use 
communities reflect the growth of urbanisation. They combine 
shopping, leisure, workspace and new homes and thus offer a hub 
that is well-suited to the growing market for convenience living.

Well positioned in the regions to capture 
the growing industrial marketplace
Our industrial portfolio is perfectly placed to capitalise on the 
growing regional demand for space, particularly in the historically 
strong Midlands and South West regions. We continue to develop 
speculatively in areas that demonstrate demand and currently 
have 1m sq ft of speculative schemes in the pipeline. Our ability 
to secure planning permissions and offer ‘oven ready’ land for 
development from our land bank enables us to react quickly 
to occupier demand, whilst continuing to add value through 
our own actions. 

Well positioned sites attract investors
Our regional portfolio is well-spread across the UK and we have 
realised £76m of value through asset sales in 2016. We anticipate 
continued interest in 2017 but with the focus predominantly on 
the industrial and logistics marketplace for which we have a good 
pipeline of speculative development that should capture demand 
for much needed space. 

23

St. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Our business model
The value we create

Inputs

Investment

Resources and 
relationships
 § Employees

 § Financial capital

 § Land bank

 § Buildings

 § Local communities and tenants

 § Partners and joint ventures

 § Supply chain

Investment
We acquire new assets 
that present opportunities 
for value creation throughout 
the development lifecycle. 

We continually reinvest in the 
business through acquiring new 
opportunities that we hold for 
income in the short-term and then 
actively enhance their value at all 
stages of the development lifecycle 
through our planning, development 
and asset management expertise. 

Land bank cleaning
We have over 30 years of 
experience in remediating 
and reclaiming brownfield land 
in advance of its redevelopment. 

We continue to make a long-term 
commitment to the areas in which 
we build. Both new and existing 
partners trust our proven capability 
to remove risk from any site and 
leave a positive and inspiring legacy 
for business and communities to 
enjoy for years to come. 

Our resources and 
relationships 
See pages 26 to 29

Income generating  
portfolio  
See pages 34 to 37

Regeneration and 
remeditation 
See pages 10 and 11 

Our business model generates 
recurring revenue and drives 
portfolio value. 

It is successful because it enables 
us to reinvest continually into the 
business, ensuring a steady stream 
of development opportunities 
and income. 

What makes 
us different?
Our land bank of over 6,000 acres 
provides us with the flexibility to move 
with market demands and pursue 
those projects that generate the 
greatest opportunity at any one time. 
We are a resilient business, operating 
from a strong financial position, with 
our income generating portfolio 
underpinning our cost base. 

CSR sits at our heart
Cleaning up or remediating brownfield 
land is fundamental to almost everything 
we do, enabling us to breathe new 
life into run-down or disused areas of 
the UK and create new communities 
that have a positive impact on the 
environment, the economy and socially.

Our values underpin 
the business model
They define our employee behaviour, 
our culture as a business and our 
approach to development and 
regeneration. Ultimately, they drive 
value creation. 

We think long-term

We are innovative

We do what we say

24

St. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016Returns

Outputs and 
outcomes

The business model enables us to 
invigorate once neglected spaces, 
former industrial estates and disused 
brownfield land and create thriving 
new business parks and new town 
centres that help to satisfy housing 
demand, create new jobs and 
provide a boost to the immediate 
regional and national economy. 

It also helps to ensure that we put 
into place the right mix of uses and 
supporting infrastructure and create 
new places that can be enjoyed for 
generations to come.

Asset development
Once a site is cleaned we start 
to realise our vision through our 
regional teams of planning experts 
who have local knowledge and are 
in touch with local communities. 

We are a true mixed-use developer 
with a diverse development portfolio. 
We have a strong track record 
in securing planning consents 
making us a reliable and attractive 
commercial and residential partner 
that delivers sites ready for 
development and will make a 
commitment to their regeneration 
in the short, medium and long-term.

Sales/rental income
We also secure income through 
disposals of mature assets and 
retained rental income. 

At the right time, we dispose of 
those assets to which we can 
add no further value and reinvest 
the capital back into the business, 
acquiring new opportunities and 
ensuring that we have a constant 
and reliable income stream. We also 
sell remediated brownfield land with 
planning permission to housebuilders 
at a significantly higher value than 
initially acquired. 

Whether awaiting redevelopment 
or newly completed, our robust 
asset management skills enable 
us to extract maximum value from 
our properties and deliver a strong 
income stream for the business.

Our innovative approach to 
development enables us to use 
our existing land bank to generate 
other sources of revenue.

Shareholder 
returns
Our proven value-added approach 
promotes NAV growth and deliver 
shareholder returns.

Chairman’s statement 
See pages 14 and 15 

Cash flow
The revenue raised through any 
of our value creating activities helps 
to underpin the running costs of 
the business and is reinvested into 
new property. 

Commercial land  
and development 
See pages 37 and 38 

Income generating  
portfolio  
See pages 34 to 37

Income generating  
portfolio  
See pages 34 to 37

What we do  
See pages 2 to 9 

25

Strategic report Corporate governance Financial statements Additional informationSt. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016CSR objectives achieved, 
exceeded or on target

 10/10

Days of training 
provided to staff 

227

Our resources and relationships
Building long lasting partnerships

We invest much needed time, financial 
capital and expertise into our sites. 
Across the entire lifecycle of our 
projects we continue to ensure that 
environmental, social and community 
considerations are integrated within our 
day-to-day practices. In order to do this 
successfully we look to our employees, 
our partners and our supply chain to 
enable us to achieve our short and 
long-term goals. Our relationship with 
each is therefore pivotal to the success 
of not only our Corporate Social 
Responsibility (CSR) activities but our 
business as a whole and consequently 
we continue to nurture and respect each.

Our 10 CSR objectives
We continue to use the 10 CSR objectives, 
set at the beginning of the financial year, 
to help focus our CSR capabilities and 
to further the positive work being carried 
out across our portfolio. We are pleased 
to report that this year these objectives 
have either been achieved or exceeded, 
with good progress made against the 
longer-term objectives. 

In addition, we continue to support individual 
project-led initiatives which have a positive 
impact on the local community, environment 
and economy in which we build. 

Working with charities
We continue to work with a variety of 
charities from across the UK which have 
a synergy with our developments. These 
charities are either located within the vicinity 
of our sites or have similar objectives to us 
in terms of ensuring sustainable business; 
creating better environments; or supporting 
the communities in which we build. 

CSR Steering Group
The CSR Steering Group, which is chaired 
by Steve Burke, Group Construction 
Director, meets once a quarter to review 
progress against our CSR objectives 
and to ensure the Company maintains a 
best practice approach to CSR activities 
across its operations. The Steering Group 
represents each of the St. Modwen 
business disciplines and continues 
to evolve as the business grows.

Employees
The experience, expertise, commitment 
and teamwork of our employees is critical 
to the continued success and growth of the 
business. In 2016 our recruitment activities 
were focused on increasing resource to 
support St. Modwen Homes as well as 
seeking staff to strengthen existing teams 
and provide for individual development 
and succession planning. We ended 
the year with 393 employees (2015: 345), 
a testament to our ability to continue to 
attract, develop and retain individuals who 
uphold our values and strive for excellence.

Training and development
We are committed to the training and 
continued professional development of 
all our employees. During the year, we 
have supported employees from all areas 
of the business on a total of 227 training 
days, including employment law; driving 
awareness; and numerous health and 
safety training courses.

In the period we have supported directly 
(or on site via our contractors) 58 graduates/
trainees across the business and for the 
second consecutive year have increased 
our graduates/trainees CSR objective. 

All new permanent employees attend a 
formal induction at the beginning of their 
employment. This covers all immediate 
and commercially important business 
matters and provides an opportunity 
for new staff to meet and spend time with 
key employees from across the business.

Employee diversity
We have a duty of care to look after the 
wellbeing of our staff. We are committed to 
providing an inclusive working environment 
where everyone feels valued and respected. 
The diverse range of talent, skills and 
experience across the business is reflected 
in the new communities that we build and 
ensures our continued success. 

The Company adheres to a clear equality 
policy which sets out individuals’ rights and 
obligations as defined by the Equality Act 
2010. This policy covers the responsibilities 
and approach we have to our employees 
and our duty to avoid discrimination in all 
aspects of recruitment and employment. 

26

St. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016Tree planting surpassing expectations 
across the UK

The charts below set out the number 
of men and women employed (full- and 
part-time) as at 30th November 2016, 
across our business and split between 
the Board, our senior management and 
our employees.

As part of our commitment to enhance 
the communities in which we operate, 
our CSR objectives have focused on 
the planting of trees across our UK-wide 
development portfolio. Our target has 
increased year on year, and in 2016 
was set at a minimum of 12,000 trees. 
We exceeded this again by planting 
in excess of 14,000 trees in the year.

Tree planting in 
South Wales
In 2009/10, we collected over 1,400 
acorns from the woodlands across 
our sites in South Wales and since then 
have carefully cultivated the acorns into 
saplings for planting on our development 
sites across the region.

In 2016, we planted all the surviving 
oak saplings, totalling over 1,200, at 
Coed Darcy, South Wales. Another 
468 whips of native species have also 
been planted and once established, 
the reintroduced woodland will open 
to the public for the first time since it 
was removed in the 1920s. 

Throughout 2016 we collected additional 
acorns from the established oak trees 
across our sites, enabling us to continue 
this initiative on a rolling programme.

Coed Darcy was previously the site 
of Britain’s first crude oil refinery, and 
having acquired it in 2008, we spent 
four years successfully remediating 
the land which was heavily polluted 
with the oil bi-products of more than 
70 years of industrial production. 

A 25 year project, the site is already 
a thriving new community which will 
eventually boast 4,000 homes, 40,000 
sq ft of retail and leisure space, three 
primary schools, 500,000 sq ft of new 
employment accommodation and now 
an expanse of public green open space.

Creating public green 
open space in 2017
Based on the success of our tree planting 
objective, the CSR Steering Group has 
extended the commitment to create 
public green spaces, including parks 
and wildlife areas, across a minimum 
of 100 acres.

27

Board diversityMale (78%) Female (22%) 72Total9Senior management diversityMale (91%)Female (9%)101Total11Employee diversityMale (58%)Female (42%)217156Total373Total diversityMale (60%)Female (40%)234159Total393Strategic report Corporate governance Financial statements Additional informationSt. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 201683% 

of land bank with specified 
use is brownfield

 1,700+

tenants across portfolio

Local communities 
and tenants
We continue to engage and maintain an 
ongoing relationship with local communities 
and our tenants; two-way communication 
is essential to both the regeneration and the 
long-term management of a site. We work 
with a variety of local schools, community 
and interest groups and stakeholders to 
reach residents and engage them in activities 
and conversation to ensure we remain 
sensitive to the impact of our schemes.

Supply chain
To further our relationship with the 
local communities in which we work. 
We encourage the use of local resources, 
materials, sub-contractors and apprentices 
through our supply chain.

As an extension of the St. Modwen brand 
it is vital that our supply chain partners 
share our core principles with regards to 
community engagement, health and safety 
and delivering projects to the highest 
quality, on time and within budget. Many of 
our contractors are active across a number 
of our development sites and this further 
enhances our working relationship and 
mutual trust with each. 

Our contractors adhere to site specific and 
Group recycling and reclamation objectives 
which reduce both cost and the impact on 
the environment. 

Our resources and relationships
continued

Human rights
We support the United Nation’s Universal 
Declaration of Human Rights and have 
policies in place to ensure that we act in 
accordance with our principles in relation 
to areas such as anti-corruption, diversity 
and whistleblowing.

Health and safety
In addition to our Safety, Health and 
Environment (SHE) Steering Group; our 
Group SHE Committee; independent 
consultants and SHE management system; 
in 2016, we appointed a SHE Manager 
whose role it is to help St. Modwen 
Homes set the highest standard across 
the construction industry in terms of 
health and safety. As part of this ongoing 
objective, we have been working on 
a number of projects during 2016 
which represent our commitment 
to health and safety. 

We take ownership and responsibility 
for the health, safety and welfare of our 
employees, contractors, subcontractors, 
customers and visitors to our sites. This 
contributes to us becoming the preferred 
development partner for both private and 
public sector organisations. In addition, 
our meticulous approach to health, safety 
and welfare directly influences the quality 
of our developments.

Our partners
Our ability to form long-lasting public 
and private sector partnerships is key 
to the success of many of our regeneration 
projects. We believe that the basis of a 
successful partnership includes working 
with transparency and integrity as well 
as understanding our partners’ needs, 
their objectives, core values and culture. 
We have formed many strong relationships 
with the public and private sector, with 
whom we work closely to bring about 
major economic change to areas across 
the UK. In turn, this has stimulated 
investment, growth and created better 
environments for businesses and 
communities alike. 

28

St. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016Buildings 
Where it is sustainably and economically 
viable, we seek to re-purpose existing 
buildings during the development process 
of a site. Where this is not feasible our 
CSR objectives ensure that the demolition 
process is led foremost by environmental 
concerns; we aim to reclaim and recycle 
as much existing material as is possible. 

The decisions we then make when 
designing new buildings, and indeed 
designing our sites as a whole, are 
important in delivering a sustainable 
development. A high quality building 
designed to reduce energy and water 
use can deliver benefits to both our tenants 
and the environment; in turn creating high 
quality, sustainable and safer communities.

Land bank
Over 80% of our land bank with specified 
use is brownfield. With this, we bring 
previously used buildings and land back 
into productive use; we provide accessible 
developments and whilst doing so, ensure 
that we utilise existing resources, protect 
the environment and contribute to the social 
and economic regeneration of communities.

Our 6,000 acre land bank comprises an 
assortment of sites all at differing stages in 
the development cycle. This gives us the 
flexibility to remediate, plan, design, develop 
and manage a number of sites at any one 
time. We have the wherewithal to then 
dispose of these sites and acquire new 
schemes at the appropriate time; our 
portfolio is ever evolving. 

Financial capital
By utilising our asset management activities 
across our land bank, our recurring income 
stream broadly covers our overheads. 

Through the sale of assets and the disposal 
of schemes, we have a diversified source 
of cash flow which we continue to reinvest 
into new property and generate returns for 
our shareholders.

Community engagement with the return of 
Longbridge Light Festival

Our approach to regeneration is to 
embrace change whilst appreciating 
the heritage of the site. The Longbridge 
Light Festival is a great example of 
our ability to do just that. 

This year, the theme the ‘Shadow 
Factory’ was adopted, a historical 
reference to the Shadow Scheme 
of WWII, when the MG Rover factory 
was painted by local artists to resemble 
houses and streetscapes from the air. 

Over 6,000 people descended on the 
town centre for this year’s Light Festival, 
where 35 international and locally based 
artists presented a dramatic series of 
spectacular light and art installations, 
alongside family workshops, live music, 
pop-up art and theatre performances. 

For more information 
on our CSR and 
charitable activities, 
please see our 
CSR Report
www.stmodwen.co.uk/
corporate-social-responsibility

29

Strategic report Corporate governance Financial statements Additional informationSt. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016Our strategy and  
key performance indicators
Measuring our success

As the UK’s leading 
regeneration specialist, 
our expertise in 
remediation, planning, 
asset development 
and construction 
supports our strategy 
of securing excellent 
returns through a focus 
on long-term significant 
added value while 
protecting our assets.

30

Secure 
excellent 
returns…

Our broad regeneration 
expertise and land bank 
of 6,000 acres provides us 
with the flexibility to move 
with market demands and 
pursue those opportunities 
that generate the greatest 
value at any one time.  

…through a 
focus on long-
term significant 
added value…

We have the financial strength 
and vision to acquire sites 
opportunistically that have 
clear potential to benefit from 
our specialist value-adding skills 
and which can generate profits 
from commercial and residential 
development at every stage of 
the property lifecycle. 

…while 
protecting our 
assets

As the UK’s leading 
regeneration specialist we 
strive to adopt only the most 
sustainable approaches to 
regeneration and development. 
We operate from a firm financial 
footing, carefully monitoring 
cash flow and debt, whilst 
our development activities 
are underpinned by a reliable 
and recurring income stream 
that enables us to fund our 
cost base and progress 
our longer-term regeneration 
projects at low risk and in 
a profitable manner. 

St. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016Secure  
excellent 
returns…

Principal  
risks

 § Changes to the planning framework 
at a national and regional level could 
impact our ability to obtain planning 
permissions, resulting in a failure to 
maximise returns from developments 
and a loss of competitive advantage. 

 § Unforeseen exposures, costs and 
liabilities on projects could impact 
our ability to deliver development 
schemes resulting in financial loss 
on major projects.

 § The absence of high quality contractors, 

consultants and third parties could 
adversely impact the quality of work 
on our projects resulting in an inability 
to meet demand and support the 
growth of the business and a financial 
impact on the returns achieved on 
individual developments. 

 § Downturn in market and economic 
conditions could result in reduced 
demand for sites and properties and 
declining yields and a fall in the valuation 
of our assets.

 § Financial collapse of, or dispute with, 

a key joint venture partner could result 
in financial loss and affect our ability 
to deliver development schemes 
on schedule.

Objectives
 § Invest at a point in the property lifecycle 
from which we can achieve maximum 
development returns.

 § Maximise individual asset values 

through our locally-based expertise.

 § Recycle assets where significant 
opportunities to add value are 
exhausted in order to generate 
capital for reinvestment.

Progress
 § We have performed solidly in the 
year, with NAV per share growing 
4.2%, in spite of an uncertain economic 
environment. Trading profit benefited 
from growth in net rental income from 
a larger income generating portfolio; 
strong residential profits as our 
St. Modwen Homes business continues 
to grow and a continued strong level 
of commercial development profits.

 § Added-value valuation gains of £28.3m 
were secured through our own asset 
management initiatives, handled in 
each region and including remediation, 
planning gains and rental growth.

 § Against the backdrop of some economic 
uncertainty, our prevalence in the regions, 
our strong financial position and the 
diverse nature of our UK-wide property 
portfolio enables us to avoid overexposure 
to a single scheme, tenant or sector and 
safeguards our strong financial position.

Next steps
 § Continue to grow commercial and 
residential profits and generate 
valuation gains through planning gain, 
strategic acquisitions and identifying 
new opportunities from our existing 
6,000 acre land bank.

 § Continue to promote and enhance 
the Group’s inherent value and 
long-term prospects.

 § Develop and grow our net asset 
base to maximise future dividend 
growth. Continue to secure profitable 
development to generate consistent 
future returns.

Key  
performance  
indicator

Profit before all tax
£m

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

NAV per share
pence

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

Trading profit
£m

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

60.8

258.4

135.4

77.2

52.8

431.0

413.5

325.1

278.8

250.8

56.1

63.3

45.7

33.3

25.5

Link to remuneration
Profit before all tax and growth in NAV 
per share were amongst the measures 
against which financial performance 
was assessed for the purposes of the 
executive directors’ annual bonus 
arrangements in the year ended 
30th November 2016. Trading profit 
performance is one of the metrics that 
will be used to determine annual bonus 
awards for the 2016/17 financial year.

Principal risks and uncertainties  
See pages 49 to 52 

Directors’ remuneration report  
See pages 74 to 98 

31

Strategic report Corporate governance Financial statements Additional informationSt. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016Our strategy and key performance indicators
continued

…through a 
focus on long-
term significant 
added value…

Principal  
risks

Objectives
 § Utilise our land bank to deliver future 

opportunities and secure planning gains, 
with a focus on brownfield renewal and 
sustainable development. 

 § Failure to manage long-term 

environmental issues relating to 
brownfield and contaminated sites 
could result in a major environmental 
issue and consequent financial and 
reputational damage.

 § Adapt our asset strategies over 
the long-term to meet changing 
market demands.

 § Employ highly skilled and motivated 
people to deliver our asset strategies 
and future growth.

 § Failure to recruit and retain staff with 
the necessary skills and expertise 
could result in significant disruption 
to the business and a loss of intellectual 
property, which may adversely affect 
our ability to grow the business.

Progress
 § We continue to acquire brownfield sites 

at low cost and prepare for development 
through remediation and securing planning 
permissions which in turn realises value. 

 § We have completed a number of 

strategic acquisitions during the year, 
including land at Wellingborough and 
Chippenham Gateway and business 
parks in South Wales and Long Marston. 
In this way, we have added value to the 
portfolio in terms of securing immediate 
rental income and presenting good 
future development potential.

 § The business has continued to grow 
throughout the year, particularly in 
St. Modwen Homes, through a number 
of senior appointments. The Group’s 
management team has grown by 1.5% 
to 64 (2015: 63). 

Next steps
 § Selective and capital efficient 

acquisitions. 

 § Continue to adopt the latest, 

most sustainable, development 
and remediation techniques.

 § Continued recycling of assets with 

limited opportunity for further significant 
added value. 

32

Key  
performance  
indicator

Total accounting return
%

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

Land bank
developable acres

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

4.5

31.9

17.2

10.1

10.2

6,003

6,012

5,873

5,943

5,801

Management with more than three 
years’ service
%

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

69

76

84

82

78

Link to remuneration
Total accounting return is to replace 
absolute TSR as a measure which, 
together with relative TSR, will form 
the performance criteria for the 
executive directors’ long-term 
share-based incentive arrangements. 
People succession and development 
objectives are set annually for each 
executive director, with performance 
contributing to the personal objective 
element of annual bonus awards.

Principal risks and uncertainties  
See pages 49 to 52

Directors’ remuneration report  
See pages 74 to 98

St. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016…while 
protecting our 
assets

Principal  
risks

Key  
performance  
indicator

Objectives
 § Maintain an appropriate capital 
structure to meet our future 
development and funding needs.

 § Generate cash-backed income 

streams to substantially cover the 
running costs of our business.

 § Promote positive Group-wide 
culture towards safety, health 
and environmental matters.

Progress
 § Recurring income levels have 

been enhanced by increases in 
the income generating portfolio, 
strategic acquisitions and robust 
asset management.

 § No facility refinancing is now required 

before 2019, with the weighted average 
facility life increased to 3.7 years (2015: 
3.6 years) and all facilities expiring either 
in 2019 or 2021. See-through headroom 
of £207m and maintenance of LTV at 
c.30% enables us to be agile in exploiting 
new opportunities while retaining a good 
level of prudence to support future 
development and funding requirements. 
At 30th November 2016 we had £517m 
see-through net borrowings against 
£724m see-through facilities.

 § Accident frequency rates for our 

development sites and for St. Modwen 
Homes significantly outperformed the 
industry benchmark in the year. 

Next steps
 § Continue to enhance the income 
generating portfolio through asset 
management whilst achieving 
an appropriate balance between 
retention of income producing assets 
and generation of cash to fund 
development opportunities.

 § Continue to keep our debt facilities under 
review to ensure they remain appropriate 
in the light of ongoing strategic planning.

 § Continue to attain or exceed 2017 health 

and safety related CSR objectives.

 § Failure to effectively manage major 

projects could result in financial loss 
and an adverse reputational impact.

 § A major health and safety incident or 
non-compliance with legislation could 
result in serious injury or death to an 
employee, client, contractor or member 
of the public in addition to financial 
penalties and reputational damage.

 § Reduced availability of funding and 
unforeseen changes to cash flow 
requirements from macroeconomic 
changes could lead to a lack of liquidity, 
which could adversely impact the 
saleability of assets, limit the business 
to meet its ongoing commitments 
and restrict the ability of the business 
to grow.

Ratio of rental and other income to 
operating costs including interest
%

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

See-through net borrowings
£m

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

Group adjusted gearing
%

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

See-through loan-to-value
%

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

98

96

92

89

94

517.0

489.3

380.2

373.7

448.5

48.9

48.1

46.6

54.3

71.2

30.5

29.9

30.6

32.7

40.8

Principal risks and uncertainties  
See pages 49 to 52 

Directors’ remuneration report  
See pages 74 to 98

Link to remuneration
Debt metrics are amongst the 
measures against which financial 
performance is assessed for the 
purposes of the executive directors’ 
annual bonus arrangements.

33

Strategic report Corporate governance Financial statements Additional informationSt. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016Operating and portfolio review

St. Modwen benefits from a portfolio which is diverse in terms of geography, 
sector and occupiers. It comprises over £1.75bn of assets, in three areas:

 § income generating properties;

 § commercial land and development; and

 § residential land and development.

We have experienced an active 12 months, during which we were able to protect, 
enhance and create value across this broad portfolio:

Nov 2015 valuation
Additions/other movements
Disposals
Added value gains
Market valuation gains
Nov 2016 valuation

Income 
generating
£m

Residential land/
development
£m

Commercial land/
development
£m

727.1
50.9
(11.0)
17.7
2.0
786.7

757.7
166.8
(160.2)
4.8
(27.1)
742.0

206.8
93.9
(83.8)
5.8
0.9
223.6

Total
£m

1,691.6
311.6
(255.0)
28.3
(24.2)
1,752.3

Stated on a proportionally consolidated basis, including our share of joint ventures and associates. See note 2c 
to the Group financial statements.

Additions/other movements include purchases, capital expenditure and inward reclassifications.

As at 30th November 2016 our income generating portfolio was made up as follows:

Income generating portfolio – valuation and equivalent yields

High yielding portfolio

Investment portfolio

Total

Valua-
tion 
£m

Equiva-

lent  
yield

Initial  
yield

Valua-
tion 
£m

Equiva-

lent  
yield

Valua-

Equiva-

Initial  
yield

tion  
£m

lent  
yield

Initial 
yield

Industrial/
Logistics 
Retail
Student/PRS/
Other
Total

201.5
100.9

8.7% 7.4% 82.0
9.0% 7.7% 241.3

6.9% 6.9% 283.5
6.6% 6.1% 342.2

8.4% 7.3%
7.5% 6.7%

7.3

9.8% 7.7% 153.7
309.7 8.9% 7.5% 477.0

5.4% 5.4% 161.0
6.3% 6.0% 786.7

6.0% 5.8%
7.5% 6.7%

Income generating portfolio – portfolio movements

Nov 2015
Additions/other movements

Disposals
Added value gains
Market valuation gains
Nov 2016

High yielding portfolio 
£m

Investment portfolio 
£m

277.1
24.6

(0.6)
8.5
0.1
309.7

450.0
26.3

(10.4)
9.2
1.9
477.0

Total
£m

727.1
50.9

(11.0)
17.7
2.0
786.7

Income generating portfolio
Representing £786.7m of value (45% of the 
portfolio), our income generating properties 
provide a robust and diverse see-through 
net rental income stream of £45.9m (2015: 
£38.7m) from over 1,700 tenants. Managed 
by our skilled teams of asset managers, the 
portfolio covers a broad range of sectors, 
such as industrial/logistics, retail and student 
accommodation and can be separated into 
two distinct categories of assets:

 § High yielding – Comprising £309.7m 
of high yielding assets that provide 
opportunity for further development 
and value creation in the longer-term; 
and

 § Investment portfolio – Comprising 

£477.0m of assets where our 
development and asset management 
activities are substantially complete. 

Industrial and logistics

Our industrial and logistics income generating 
portfolio represents a total £283.5m of value 
and is concentrated predominantly in the 
Midlands and the South West. Over the 
last 12 months, occupier demand has been 
robust and we have been well positioned to 
meet this demand. 

Throughout the year, equivalent yields have 
remained broadly in line with the prior year 
at 8.4% (2015: 8.5%) and net rental income 
has grown as a result of acquisitions, new 
lettings and rent reviews.

Across the industrial and logistics portfolio, 
during the year we achieved £1.6m of new 
lettings. Highlights include: 

 § Meon Vale Business Park, Long 

Marston – The commercial part of this 
new community comprises 800,000 
sq ft of retained industrial space. This is 
now 100% let after Ford Retail expanded 
its presence by taking 75,000 sq ft 
space on a 10 year lease. The total rental 
income of the fully occupied business 
park now stands at £2.1m per annum 
and a yield of 8.5%.

 § Celtic Business Park, South Wales –  
A 48,000 sq ft warehousing unit leased 
to Amazon for 10 years for an annual 
rent of £0.3m at this 100 acre business 
park development in Newport.  

34

St. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016Acquisitions, disposals and 
asset management

Acquisitions

Throughout the year, we have more 
than offset any income lost through the 
disposal of mature assets by acquiring 
new opportunities with good added value 
potential. Transactional highlights include:

 § Barming, Kent – Acquisition of this 
10.5 acre logistics depot for £6.2m, 
reflecting a net initial yield of 7.5%. 
The depot is leased to DHL Supply 
Chain Ltd at a rent of £0.5m per annum. 

 § Warth, Bury – Acquisition of this 

257,000 sq ft industrial estate situated 
on a 14.3 acre site for £9.3m, reflecting 
a net initial yield of 9.6%. The asset 
is leased to a range of tenants and 
provides an annualised net rental 
income of £0.9m.

Disposals

Realising value from the portfolio is an 
important element of our business model 
and during the year we completed or 
agreed a number of notable sales:

 § Centurion Park, Derby – Disposal 

of a 53,000 sq ft warehouse for £5.1m, 
reflecting a net initial yield of 5.75%. 
The unit is let to national brand DFS 
at a rent of £0.3m per annum. 

 § Heartlands Park, Birmingham –  

Disposal of this long-standing asset, 
held in joint venture with KPI, to the 
Secretary of State for Transport for 
the HS2 project for £24.5m. Acquired 
as part of the Alstom portfolio in 2002, 
this 50 acre business and industrial 
park comprises 880,000 sq ft of 
industrial accommodation which 
will be transformed into the proposed 
HS2 Rolling Stock Maintenance Depot.

Asset management

During the year, we have continued to 
add value to the portfolio through our 
own actions with highlights including:

 § Eastleigh Works, Hampshire – 

Following a £2.5m investment into its 
industrial premises, the long leasehold 
interest has been re-geared to provide 
an improved new lease to 2035 for 
tenant Arlington Fleet.

 § Parkside, Doncaster – Re-geared a 

lease to National Grid at this 80,000 sq ft 
industrial estate resulting in a 60% rental 
increase to £224,500.

 § Trident Business Park, Warrington –  
As a result of active asset management 
across this 223,000 sq ft office and 
industrial park, the rent has increased 
by 13% to £690,000.

Outlook

Our ability to add value through our own 
actions, combined with concentration 
of our portfolio in the historically strong 
Midlands and South West regions, 
positions us well to capitalise on the 
strength of this resilient sector.  

Retail 

Our retail assets represent £342.2m 
of value, of which the majority, reflecting 
£241.3m of value, are held in our investment 
portfolio. The remaining assets, reflecting 
£100.9m of value, are categorised as high 
yielding properties.

Our retail properties are mainly town 
centres where, over the last 12 months, 
performance has been more asset specific 
and where intensive asset management is 
often required. During the second half of the 
year, equivalent yields have moved out by 
approximately 10 bps to 7.5% (May 2016: 
7.4%, Nov 2015: 7.5%), although we were 
able to offset this impact through our own 
management actions.

Above Barming, Kent is one of the new additions to 
our income generating portfolio.

High yielding assets

£310m

Investment portfolio

£477m

35

Strategic report Corporate governance Financial statements Additional informationSt. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016Operating and portfolio review
continued

Investment portfolio – highlights:

 § Longbridge Town Centre, 

Birmingham – Phase 2 of the town 
centre is now complete and over 95% 
let, having leased space this year to 
national brands including Smyths Toys, 
Specsavers, Holland & Barrett and a 
number of local retailers. Longbridge 
now provides £4m of annual net rental 
income and with the third phase likely 
to commence development in 2017, 
there is further opportunity to grow 
the income.

 § Edmonton Green, Enfield – Since 
acquisition in 1999, over £100m has 
been invested in the regeneration of 
the centre. Totalling 450,000 sq ft and 
benefitting from an average annual 
footfall of 12 million, the centre is now 
almost 100% occupied. The annual 
net rental income is £4.3m and the long 
leasehold interest has been re-geared 
with the London Borough of Enfield to 
provide an improved new 150 year lease. 

 § The Trentham Estate, Stoke-on-Trent 
– Visitor numbers to the Gardens at this 
725 acre tourist and leisure destination 
grew by 17% in the period and annual 
net rental income from the Shopping 
Village increased on a like-for-like 
basis over the same period to £2.8m, 
whilst, total visitor income increased 
by 17.6% to £2.4m. Works are now 
well progressed to extend the Shopping 
Village by 21,000 sq ft which will lead 
to further growth in the rent roll in 2017 
and into 2018. 

High yielding properties – 
highlights:

 § Kirkby, Liverpool – This town centre 
scheme comprising 400,000 sq ft 
of retail and leisure space, across 
80 tenants, was acquired in 2015. 
In the period, we have completed a 
range of lease renewals and new lettings, 
securing a number of local and national 
retailers. The town centre currently 
generates an annual net rental income 
of over £2.5m and provides future 
potential for income and value creation 
through our ongoing asset management 
and planned redevelopment activities 
which will be a focus for 2017. 

 § Queensmead Shopping Centre, 

Farnborough – We disposed of this 
Shopping Centre, part of our town centre 
regeneration scheme in Farnborough and 
held in our KPI joint venture, for £16.8m, 
reflecting a net initial yield of 7.8%. 

Outlook

We continue to see some value-add 
opportunities across our retail portfolio, 
both through intensive asset management 
activity and development opportunities. 
However, we expect these upsides to 
be offset by modest yield expansion 
during 2017 as inflation puts pressure 
on consumer spending. Our retail portfolio 
will require careful management to ensure 
we are appropriately selective when 
pursuing value-add opportunities.

Student accommodation and PRS

The remaining income generating 
assets include the Bay Campus student 
accommodation facilities that we are 
developing and managing in partnership 
with Swansea University and our Private 
Rented Sector assets. Highlights during 
the year include: 

Bay Campus, Swansea University 

Now entering the second academic year 
at the Bay Campus, we have achieved 
£5.5m net rental income (before associated 
finance lease charges of £2.0m) from 
the first two phases of the student 
accommodation, totalling 1,462 student 
rooms. We are progressing works to the 
third phase of accommodation which is 
due to open in September 2017 and will 
bring total student rooms to over 2,000. 

We are already achieving 100% occupancy 
at the Bay Campus and the demand is set 
to remain strong as the University vacates 
its older accommodation at Hendrefoilan 
Campus, which is already being redeveloped 
in phases by St. Modwen Homes into a 
scheme of 300 high quality new homes. 
We expect this to support further growth 
and development opportunities across 
the remaining 30 acres of the 65 acre 
Bay Campus site in the coming years.

36

Above Kirkby town centre has benefited this year 
from an extensive asset management programme 
and community engagement initiatives.

Commercial land and 
development portfolio

£224m

Commercial 
development pipeline

 1.6m sq ft

St. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016We are currently assessing our options 
for our student accommodation assets 
at the Bay Campus, which will form an 
important element of our wider strategy 
and portfolio review.

Private Rented Sector (PRS)

We have started to realise some PRS 
opportunities from our existing portfolio on 
a small scale at Wembley Central, London 
and Edison Place, Rugby. Amounting to a 
total of 64 apartments, both schemes are 
now fully occupied and generating a total 
annualised income of £0.7m. During 2017 
we will continue to work on our strategy in 
this area and assess the land bank for PRS 
opportunities in terms of location and scale. 

In the right situation, PRS projects offer 
potential to accelerate residential development 
and gain exposure to a market with good 
structural growth prospects.

Commercial land and 
development
It has been an active year for our commercial 
land and development portfolio which now 
represents £223.6m of value. Overall, our 
committed programme of commercial 
development now stands at 1.6m sq ft, 

having added a steady stream of new 
opportunities to replace the approximate 
800,000 sq ft of space completed over 
the last 12 months. The following table 
summarises our committed development 
pipeline as at 30th November 2016.

Our investment of £99.5m into commercial 
development activity during the year 
was reflected in a strong performance in 
commercial development profits, particularly 
during the first half of the year. Following 
the outcome of the EU Referendum in June 
2016, we slowed down new development 
commitments to allow time to assess any 
changes in market conditions. Although we 
subsequently resumed development activity at 
similar levels, this pause resulted in reduced 
commercial development profits in the second 
half of the year. Profits from commercial 
development for the full year to 30th November 
2016 were £30.4m (2015: £38.3m). 

Our immediate commercial pipeline is 
largely focused on sectors with good 
long-term prospects for growth, namely 
industrial and logistics and student 
accommodation. Currently, it comprises 
approximately 700,000 sq ft of committed/
pre-let accommodation with the remaining 
approximate 900,000 sq ft made up of a 
programme of speculative development 

which is predominantly responding to 
healthy demand in the industrial and 
logistics sector, particularly in the 
Midlands and the South West. 

In the period, we have continued to be 
successful in securing commercial planning 
applications for delivery in the near term, 
with highlights including:

 § Tamworth East, Tamworth, 

Staffordshire – Planning consent secured 
for 700,000 sq ft of industrial and logistics 
space. We anticipate commencing works 
on the first phase of units during 2017.

 § Burton Gateway, Burton-upon-Trent –  

Planning approval granted for two 
industrial and logistics units totalling 
328,000 sq ft in the next phase of this 
64 acre business park which has outline 
consent for up to 1m sq ft of industrial 
space. Works on the next phase are 
anticipated to commence in 2017. 

 § Thurleigh Airfield Business Park –  

Planning consent has been secured for 
the development of a new 40,000 sq ft 
workshop and office facility for SMH 
Fleet Solutions, an existing tenant 
at the business park. Works started 
on the new facilities in January 2017 
and will complete later in the year. 

Commercial development pipeline

Movement during the year

Position at Nov 2015

Sold/moved to investment 
properties/other movements

Schemes added to the pipeline

Position at Nov 2016

Analysis of position at Nov 2016

Industrial/logistics

Retail

Student/PRS

Other

Total

* As at 31st January 2017.

No. of  

schemes

sq ft
’000

Pre-let/pre-sold
%*

Cost to 
complete
£m

Expected value 
on completion
£m

Yield on cost
%

Profit on cost
approx. %

33

(19)

15

29

18

8

1

2

29

1,590

(760)

790

1,620

1,025

255

180

160

1,620

51

114

213

41

21

51

100

89

41

136

54

24

28

30

136

237

96

55

43

43

237

8.5

8.6

6.2

7.7

8.0

20

15

25

20

20

37

Strategic report Corporate governance Financial statements Additional informationSt. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016Operating and portfolio review
continued

These new opportunities are replacing the 
approximate 800,000 sq ft of completed 
commercial space, from which we have 
realised £75.5m of value through asset 
sales, with highlights including: 

 § Travis Perkins, Whitley Business 

Park, Coventry – Delivery of a 215,000 
sq ft design and build unit for Travis 
Perkins for £23.4m. This transaction 
signified the completion of this 93 acre 
business park which, in addition to over 
50,000 sq ft of office space, houses the 
main UK Head Office and engineering 
works of Jaguar Land Rover. 

 § Kent Foods, Access 18, Avonmouth –  
Delivery of a 37,000 sq ft speculative unit 
that was sold to owner occupier Kent 
Foods Ltd for £3.7m. 

Over the course of 2017 we will continue 
to review our regional land bank and target 
development in those areas where we can 
capitalise on positive demand prospects for 
commercial accommodation. We expect 
both development capital expenditure and 
returns for 2017 to be broadly in line with 
the prior year.

In the medium to longer-term, our 
development pipeline comprises over 
13m sq ft of commercial space that already 
benefits from planning permission. At 
present, this is made up of 84% industrial 
and logistics space, 3% retail and the 
remainder comprising mainly offices and 
student accommodation. In addition, we 
have approximately a further 7m sq ft of 
space for which planning permissions are 
currently being pursued.

38

Adding to our medium to longer-term 
commercial development pipeline, during 
the period we have invested £38.5m 
in acquisitions, being a combination of 
Development Agreements and acquiring 
land with significant potential for commercial 
development. Highlights include:

 § Stanton Cross, Wellingborough –  
Signed an agreement with Bovis 
Homes to be the housebuilder’s 
commercial development partner for 
the delivery of 1.5m sq ft of industrial 
accommodation as part of this £900m 
major regeneration project. 

 § Chippenham Gateway, Wiltshire –  

Development of this 79 acre site for over 
900,000 sq ft of industrial accommodation. 

Outlook 

The efficient creation and realisation of value 
from our land bank through development 
will continue to form an important part of 
our future strategy. Over the coming 
months we will be undertaking a full review 
of the land bank to determine the most 
appropriate and effective prioritisation of 
activities for the years ahead. This will 
inform decisions regarding the allocation 
of resources and capital.

Residential land and 
development
Representing £742.0m of value and 42% 
of our portfolio, our residential business has 
completed another active year as a result of 
our strong presence in the regions, coupled 
with the ongoing success of St. Modwen 
Homes which is now active on 18 sites across 
the UK. We have also experienced continued 
appetite from third party housebuilders for 
‘oven ready’ land for development. 

We realise residential value through two 
principal routes to market:

 § Residential land sales – The sale of 

land benefiting from residential planning 
permission to third party housebuilders. 

 § Housebuilding – The sale and 

development of new homes through 
both St. Modwen Homes and the 
Persimmon joint venture. 

Over the course 
of 2017 we will 
continue to review 
our regional land 
bank and target 
those areas where 
we can capitalise 
on positive 
demand prospects 
for commercial 
accommodation.

St. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016We are also assessing the potential for PRS 
to become a third route to market, helping 
to accelerate development on larger sites 
and improving returns. However, the scale 
of opportunity will depend on the suitability 
of our land bank, which is not yet clear.

Residential land sales

During the period we have pursued a series 
of planning applications across our land 
bank which we have either taken forward 
ourselves through St. Modwen Homes or 
sold on to third party housebuilders at or 
above book value. This year, including our 
share of joint ventures, we sold or agreed 
for sale 42.7 acres of land for proceeds of 
£47.6m (2015: 70.1 acres, £58.1m) with 
highlights including: 

 § Millbrook Park, Mill Hill – The sale of 

5.75 acres in two transactions to Wilmott 
Dixon and Laidlaw Estates for a total of 
£47m, of which the St. Modwen share 
is £20.3m.

 § Glan Llyn, Newport, South Wales –  

The sale of 13 acres to Bellway for £6.4m.

 § Longbridge, Birmingham – The sale 

of six acres to Taylor Wimpey for £7.6m. 

The level of disposals achieved during 
the period reflects the ongoing appetite 
for regional land amongst third party 
housebuilders and we expect a similar 
level of sales to be achieved during 2017. 
Whilst we experienced a brief slow-down 
in demand following the result of the EU 
Referendum, this proved short-lived and 
demand soon returned to prior levels. It is 
this demand that supports our view for 2017.

Housebuilding

In response to continued strong regional 
demand for quality new homes, we have 
experienced another year of growth in 
our housebuilding activities, translating 
into an overall residential profit of £27.1m 
(2015: £26.7m). Of this, St. Modwen 
Homes has contributed £15.3m (2015: 
£10.3m), an increase of 49% year on year, 
and the Persimmon joint venture £11.8m 
(2015: £16.4m). We expect the joint venture 
to remain live for a further two years as 
Persimmon trades out of its remaining sites, 
with volumes declining by approximately 
35% in 2017.

House completions over the past 12 months 
have totalled 887 units (2015: 967), at a 
sales rate of 0.8 private units per outlet 
per week and comprise: 

 § 485 for St. Modwen Homes (2015: 315) 
at an average selling price of £206,000, 
an increase of 4.6% from £197,000 in 
2015; and

 § 402 for Persimmon (2015: 652) at an 
average selling price of £242,000 
(including St. Andrew’s Park, Uxbridge). 

For the coming year, we have already 
secured a healthy level of forward sales, 
achieving 42% of the target set for 
St. Modwen Homes and 58% of the 
Persimmon JV target, with the latter 
reflecting the relative maturity of the 
JV sites.

St. Modwen Homes

St. Modwen Homes was launched in 
2010 and in six years has grown to 129 
employees (2015: 84 employees), operating 
currently from 15 sales outlets. Over the 
course of 2017, we expect to operate 
from an average of 16 sales outlets (2016: 
average of 11 outlets), growing to 18 by 
the year end and we expect to achieve 
unit volume growth of approximately 40%, 
at least offsetting the reducing profits from 
the Persimmon joint venture as it continues 
to wind down.

Highlights include: 

 § St. Andrew’s Park, Uxbridge – 

Progressing with St. Modwen Homes’ 
first phase of 85 family homes as part 
of this 110 acre former RAF site, held 
in joint venture with VINCI plc. Once 
complete, this new community will 
comprise 1,340 new homes, 200,000 
sq ft of commercial space, a theatre and 
other key community facilities, including 
a new 40 acre park for Greater London. 

 § Meon Vale, Warwickshire – 

Progressing with St. Modwen Homes’ 
first phase of 258 homes as part of 
this 479 acre leisure-led, mixed-use 
community of 1,050 homes, 800,000 
sq ft of commercial accommodation, 
primary school, a community centre, 
gym and leisure hub. 

Above St. Modwen Homes is progressing well with 
the first phase at Meon Vale.

Below The second phase of homes at Branston Leas 
forms part of the wider mixed-use community which 
St. Modwen is delivering.

39

Strategic report Corporate governance Financial statements Additional informationSt. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016Our residential 
portfolio and 
business will be 
a key part of our 
growth plans for 
the long-term.

Above The Wolverton Works designs will enhance the 
unique identity of the town and reflect the much-loved 
railway heritage.

Below St. Modwen Homes is progressing well at 
Bramshall Meadows following detailed permission 
being achieved in the year. 

Operating and portfolio review
continued

 § Branston Leas, Burton upon Trent –  
Progressing with St. Modwen Homes’ 
second phase of 205 homes as part 
of this new community which, when 
complete, will comprise 660 homes, 
1m sq ft of employment space, an 
8,000 sq ft retail centre and 82 acres 
of new woodland. 

Subject to planning, the eight new sites 
where we anticipate commencing works 
in 2017 include:

 § Littlecombe, Dursley, Gloucestershire –  
The third phase of approximately 200 
homes at this long-term regeneration 
project which is the site of the former 
Lister Petter factory. When complete 
it will comprise 200,000 sq ft of 
commercial space and 600 homes.

 § Egstow Park, Derbyshire – The first 
phase of approximately 160 homes 
at this new community in Derbyshire 
which, when complete, will provide 
approximately 820 new homes and 
80,000 sq ft of commercial space, 
with a local centre and public house. 

 § Glan Llyn, Newport, South Wales –  
The fourth phase of approximately 
160 homes at this major regeneration 
scheme in South Wales which is 
transforming the former Llanwern 
Steelworks site. When complete 
it will provide 4,000 homes, two 
primary schools, a retail centre 
and a 500,000 sq ft business park. 

Highlights – planning 
consents achieved:

 § Bramshall Meadows, Uttoxeter –  
Outline planning permission secured 
for 700 homes and 25 acres of 
employment space. Detailed permission 
obtained for an initial 58 homes for 
which St. Modwen Homes has already 
commenced works. 

 § Leegate, London – For a £125m 
residential-led, mixed-use scheme 
in Lewisham, London comprising 229 
apartments and over 100,000 sq ft 
of retail, leisure and education facilities. 

 § Wolverton Works, Wolverton – For 
the £100m regeneration of Wolverton 
Works, providing 375 homes, 300,000 
sq ft of commercial space and a 
Lidl foodstore. 

Highlights – applications submitted:

 § Land West of Locking Parklands, 
Weston-super-Mare – For 300 
new homes at the adjacent Locking 
Parklands site which forms part of a 
£400m mixed-use project which will 
sit alongside 1,450 homes and be 
delivered over 20 years. 

 § The Fairway, Stafford – For 280 

homes, alongside a local retail centre 
and public open space.

 § Kenn, Clevedon – For 120 homes and 

three acres of employment space. 

Residential land

Outlook

Our medium to long-term residential 
pipeline represents a significant source of 
potential value creation and we expect to 
sustain the current levels of annual planning 
gain across our portfolio for at least the next 
few years. 

Over the last 12 months, we have secured 
planning permissions for 1,670 new plots 
and we are targeting a further 1,235 in 
2017. Now 25,230 plots or 84% of our 
portfolio (or approximately 14,500 plots 
excluding NCGM and South Wales) benefit 
from some form of planning recognition. 
Our total potential residential portfolio 
comprises 30,215 plots (2015: 32,516). 

Looking forward, we expect the housing 
shortage in the UK to persist and for 
Government policy to continue to stimulate 
growth, both in terms of facilitating demand 
but also increasingly through addressing 
supply. St. Modwen is well placed in this 
regard being a housebuilder that is able 
to cater for strong regional demand for 
housing and possessing a wider land bank 
that can benefit from supply side initiatives. 
Our residential portfolio and business will 
be a key part of our growth plans for the 
long-term.

40

St. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016Financial review
Solid performance in an 
uncertain market environment

Presentation of financial 
information 

As we use a number of joint venture 
arrangements, the statutory financial 
statement disclosures do not always 
provide a straightforward way of 
understanding our business. Reconciliations 
between all the statutory and non-statutory 
measures and the explanations as to why 
the non-statutory measures give valuable 
further insight into the Group’s performance 
are given in note 2 to the Group financial 
statements. In particular, profit before all 
tax is used because it reflects the way 
the Group is run on a proportionally 
consolidated basis, and because it also 
removes the taxation effects on equity 
accounted entities from the statutory profit 
before tax figure. 

The Group has four material joint ventures, 
three of which are in partnership with VINCI 
and one in partnership with Salhia. The 
VINCI joint ventures comprise the NCGM 
operation and joint ventures at Uxbridge 
and Mill Hill (the latter through the Inglis 
Consortium), both of which are engaged 
in the remediation and subsequent sale of 
land. The Salhia joint venture, Key Property 
Investments (KPI), owns a broad portfolio 
of principally income producing industrial 
assets acquired between 1998 and 2002. 

Overview
During the year, we have delivered a solid 
performance against the backdrop of an 
uncertain market environment. NAV per 
share increased 4.2% to 431.0 pence 
(2015: 413.5 pence) and EPRA NAV 
per share increased 3.2% to 460.5 pence 
(2015: 446.4 pence) delivering, together 
with dividends, a total accounting return 
per share of 4.5% (2015: 31.9%). The 
Group reported a profit before all tax of 
£60.8m (2015: £258.4m) and earnings per 
share of 24.1 pence (2015: 97.9 pence).

As previously highlighted in the Chief 
Executive’s review, there are a series of 
key factors that explain why these results 
are below those reported for the prior year. 

The underlying business performed well, 
as evidenced by trading profits of £56.1m 
(2015: £63.3m), with added value gains 
driven by our actions remaining strong 
at £28.3m (2015: £38.6m) following a 
particularly active year to 30th November 
2015 and despite a noticeably weaker 
investment market.

Group net borrowing, including our share 
of JVs, increased marginally to £517.0m 
at 30th November 2016 (2015: £489.3m). 
Taking into account growth in the valuation 
of the Group’s portfolio, see-through 
loan-to-value remained broadly in line with 
the prior period at 30.5% (2015: 29.9%). 
Excluding residential land value, the 
Group’s loan-to-value ratio was 54.3% 
(2015: 55.6%) and we are likely to seek 
to reduce this over time.

Rob Hudson 
Group Finance Director

These results 
demonstrate 
the underlying 
resilience of the 
business.

Trading profits

£56.1m

Added value gains

£28.3m

41

Strategic report Corporate governance Financial statements Additional informationSt. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016Financial review
continued

Income statement

Net rental and other income

Property profits

– commercial

– residential(1)

Overheads 

Operating profit

Interest

Trading profit

Valuation – added value

Valuation – market(2)

Valuation – NCGM 

Other finance credits/(charges)

Profit before all tax

Earnings per share 

Cost coverage(3)

30th Nov 2016
£m 

30th Nov 2015
£m 

50.1

42.9

30.4

27.1

(29.3)

78.3

(22.2)

56.1

28.3

0.1

(24.3)

0.6

60.8

24.1

98%

38.3

26.7

(24.1)

83.8

(20.5)

63.3

38.6

35.7

127.4

(6.6)

258.4

97.9

96%

(1) Residential property profits include direct residential overheads of £4.5m (2015: £2.4m).

(2) Valuation – market includes a £12.5m impact from the changes to SDLT for the year ended 30th November 2016.

(3) Cost coverage –  the ratio of recurring rental and other income to operating costs comprising interest and 

overheads, excluding the direct overheads relating to the residential business. 

Net rental and other income

We aim to cover our recurring overheads 
and interest costs with revenue from our 
income generating portfolio. The Group’s 
share of net rental and other income 
has increased in the year to £50.1m 
(2015: £42.9m). This is largely driven 
by acquisitions and asset management 
activity, along with strong income streams 
from major assets completed towards the 
end of 2015 including Longbridge Town 
Centre and the Bay Campus, Swansea 
University. As a result of these actions, 
we continue to largely cover the running 
costs of the business from recurring rental 
and other income.

As a result of proactive asset management, 
our occupancy levels have increased to 
90% (2015: 89%) and excluding the Bay 
Campus student accommodation at 
Swansea University, the average lease 
length has been maintained at five years. 
A degree of void in our portfolio will be 
structural as we secure vacant possession 
of units to prepare our high yielding income 
generating properties for redevelopment. 

Overheads

Administrative expenses for the year 
increased to £29.3m (2015: £24.1m). 
This increase included £3m of one-off costs 
relating to corporate restructuring of legal 
entities which is now complete. For 2017 
we expect £1.5m of costs associated 
with executive share buy-out arrangements 
and the underlying cost base to increase 
broadly in line with inflation.

42

Finance costs and income 

Finance costs have increased during the 
year in line with the marginal increases in 
the average levels of see-through net debt 
as a result of increased investment activity. 
See-through net interest charges have 
increased to £22.2m (2015: £20.5m) 
while our weighted average cost of 
borrowing reduced further in the year to 
3.8% (2015: 3.9%) as a result of increased 
borrowing at the low marginal rates on 
our banking facilities. Assuming LIBOR 
remains relatively stable, we would expect 
an increase to our finance costs of 
approximately £0.7m for the next financial 
year, as the convertible bond reverts to 
a fixed rate in March 2017, although we 
will seek to offset this through our intention 
to reduce borrowings over time.

Property valuation
All of our investment properties are 
independently valued every six months 
by our external valuers Cushman & 
Wakefield and Jones Lang LaSalle (the 
latter for NCGM only). Our valuers base 
their valuations upon an open market 
transaction between a willing buyer and 
a willing seller at the balance sheet date. 
Therefore, no value is taken for any future 
expected increases but discounts are 
applied to reflect any future uncertainties. 

In accordance with accounting standards, 
valuation movements are reflected as 
gains or losses in the income statement. 
Where appropriate, we will also 
independently assess our work in progress 
for any impairment issues. Valuations in 
all our asset classes have been validated 
wherever possible by open market 
transactions during the course of the year.

The total valuation gain in the year was 
£4.1m, compared to £201.7m in 2015, 
for the reasons previously outlined.

St. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016Profit before all tax
Profit before all tax for the year was 
£60.8m (2015: £258.4m), and is stated 
before tax on joint venture income and 
after movements in the market value of 
our interest rate swaps and our convertible 
bond. The derivative valuations are 
based on the financial market’s forward 
predictions for interest rates. In contrast to 
the previous year, the convertible bond was 
trading below par at the end of the financial 
reporting period and together with other 
non-cash financial items, this resulted in 
a credit of £0.6m (2015: £6.6m charge). 

Taxation and profits after tax
As a result of the reduction in profit before 
all tax noted above, our total tax charge 
(including joint venture tax and deferred tax 
included in negative goodwill) for the year 
reduced to £7.2m (2015: £41.1m) resulting 
in profit after tax on a proportionally 
consolidated basis of £53.6m (2015: 

£217.3m). Basic earnings per share were 
24.1 pence (2015: 97.9 pence).

As a property group, tax and its treatment 
is often an integral part of transactions. 
The outcome of tax treatments, including 
tax planning, is recognised by the Group 
to the extent that the outcome is reasonably 
certain. The effective rate of tax for the year 
fell to 11.8% (2015: 15.9%), as a result 
of a higher proportion of our 2016 profits 
being taxed at the Group rate of tax of 
14.0% (2015: 13.9%) as opposed to 
the JV rate of tax 17.8% (2015: 17.8%) 
in comparison to 2015. 

The Group rate benefits from land 
remediation relief, certain investment gains 
not being taxable as a result of indexation, 
and the property ownership structure within 
the Group. As a result of proposed changes 
in the Group structure, from 2017 the 
effective tax rate is expected to move 
towards, but remain below, the standard 
rate of tax of 19%.

Balance sheet
At the year-end the shareholders’ equity 
value of net assets was £955.2m (2015: 
£914.7m) or 431.0 pence per share which 
represents a 4.2% increase over the year 
(2015: 413.5 pence per share). This growth 
is after the increased dividend payments 
(2016 interim and 2015 final) of £12.8m 
(5.79 pence per share) in 2016 (2015: 
£11.1m or 5.04 pence per share). Our total 
dividend payable for 2016 is 6.00 pence 
(2015: 5.75 pence), an increase of 4.3%, 
in line with NAV growth. Our EPRA net 
asset value rose 3.2% to 460.5 pence 
per share from 446.4 pence per share.

Balance sheet 

Property portfolio

Other assets

Gross assets

Net borrowings

Finance leases

Other liabilities

Gross liabilities

Net assets

Non-controlling interests

Equity attributable to owners of the Company

NAV per share 

EPRA NAV per share

See-through LTV

Total accounting return 

Group
£m

1,370.5 

 126.2 

 1,496.7 

 (470.0)

 (56.8)

 (192.6)

 (719.4)

 777.3 

 (6.9)

 770.4 

2016

JV
£m

 381.8 

 44.4 

 426.2 

 (47.0)

 (0.9)

 (193.5)

 (241.4)

 184.8 

 – 

 184.8 

Total
£m

 1,752.3 

 170.6 

 1,922.9 

 (517.0)

 (57.7)

 (386.1)

 (960.8)

 962.1 

 (6.9)

 955.2 

431.0p

460.5p

30.5%

4.5%

2015

Total
£m

1,691.6

156.5

1,848.1

(489.3)

(56.3)

(381.0)

(926.6)

921.5

(6.8)

914.7

413.5p

446.4p

29.9%

31.9%

This table is presented on a proportionally consolidated basis, including the Group’s share of assets and liabilities of Joint Ventures and Associates in the balance sheet 
categories to which they relate, rather than on a statutory basis as one line representing the share of net assets of those joint ventures and associates.

43

Strategic report Corporate governance Financial statements Additional informationSt. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016Financial review
continued

Weighted average 
interest rate 

3.8%

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

Group adjusted gearing

48.9% 48.1% 46.6% 54.3%

71.2%

See-through loan-to-value

30.5% 29.9% 30.6%

32.7% 40.8%

See-through loan-to-value 
excluding residential land value

54.3% 55.6% 55.4% 56.6% 64.0%

See-through loan-to-value

Group adjusted gearing, see-through loan-to-value and see-through loan-to-value excluding residential land value 
are reconciled in note 2i to the Group financial statements.

30.5%

Financing 

Hedging and cost of debt

We aim to have predictable costs attached 
to our borrowing and therefore hedge a 
significant portion of our interest rate risk. 
At the year end, 50% of our borrowings 
were fixed or hedged (2015: 47%). This 
will increase further as the convertible bond 
reverts to fixed rate in March 2017, adding 
approximately 20% to the proportion of our 
debt that is fixed. As any new financing is 
put in place we will ensure that our hedging 
positions are appropriate for our future 
development expectations. 

Our actions and mix of debt have continued 
to benefit our weighted average interest 
rate, which reduced in the year to 3.8% 
from 3.9%. At current LIBOR levels, we 
expect our weighted average interest rate 
to increase partly through a 20 bps increase 
upon expiry of the convertible swap, and 
a further potential increase of 30 to 80 bps 
over time as we execute our likely strategy 
to de-gear, which will require us to pay 
down cheaper rate debt, impacting on mix.

Corporate funding covenants

Covenant compliance continues at all levels 
and across all metrics and we continue to 
operate with considerable headroom 
against all measures.

Following a year of net investment to grow 
our income generating asset base in 2015, 
we have continued to generate strong 
cash inflows and have carefully managed 
our net borrowing position. Cash generated 
(before new investment, tax and dividends) 
was £306.4m (2015: £298.1m) and new 
investment was managed tightly such that 
net borrowings, including our share of JVs, 
increased only marginally to £517.0m, from 
£489.3m at the start of the year. 

Taking into account growth in the 
valuation of the Group’s portfolio, 
see-through loan-to-value of 30.5% 
and adjusted gearing of 48.9% (at 
amortised cost and excluding finance 
leases) remained broadly in line with the 
prior year. Excluding residential land value, 
the Group’s see-through loan-to-value 
ratio fell to 54.3% (2015: 55.6%) and, 
whilst the Company’s capital structure 
remains strong, we are likely to seek to 
reduce this over time. 

Corporate facilities 
Our refinancing programme has 
continued with the increase of facilities 
with Barclays and HSBC to £163m and 
£150m, respectively, with both facilities 
now extending to 2021. These actions 
increased our weighted average facility 
life to 3.7 years (2015: 3.6 years) and 
going forward, we have no facility maturities 
until 2019. We have further reduced 
our weighted average cost of debt to 
3.8% (2015: 3.9%) and, with £724m of 
see-through committed facilities against 
see-through net borrowings of £517m, 
we have ample funding to transact. 

44

St. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016Risk management

Top-down risk 
management process
A top-down process is driven by 
the Board, who have responsibility 
for maintaining robust systems of risk 
management and internal control. 

The Board regularly considers and 
challenges the organisation’s risk profile 
and the effectiveness of mitigation 
strategies in order to ensure the risk 
exposure remains within the Board’s 
risk appetite. 

The Board formally reviews St. Modwen’s 
principal risks twice yearly and will 
consider the movements and trends 
of the existing risks, as well as the 
addition of new or emerging risks. 
In evaluating the risk exposure the 
Board considers the interdependency 
between risks across all financial and 
non-financial categories. The Board’s 
consideration of risk is further supported 
by the Audit Committee who will 
assess and challenge the robustness 
of St. Modwen’s risk management 
process twice per year.

The executive directors, consisting 
of the Chief Executive, Group Finance 
Director and Group Construction 
Director, maintain day-to-day 
responsibility for the management 
and monitoring of St. Modwen’s 
strategic risks in line with the delivery 
of the Group’s strategy. The executive 
directors also provide oversight and 
challenge to the Property Board who 
are responsible for the management 
of operational and functional risks.

Risk management 
and internal control
As the UK’s leading regeneration specialist, 
exposure to risk is inherent in the delivery 
of our strategy. The Board recognises 
that effective risk management and robust 
internal control is critical in managing 
risk effectively and enabling the business 
to mitigate the potential downside whilst 
leveraging the potential opportunities 
and upside that may arise in a considered 
and informed way. 

The Board is ultimately responsible 
for maintaining a sound system of risk 
management and internal control and 
for determining the nature and extent 
of the principal risks it is willing to take 
to achieve its strategic objectives. The 
Board has established a structure for the 
delivery of its responsibilities in assessing, 
monitoring and assuring the effectiveness 
of the management of risk within the Group. 

The Board, through the Audit Committee, 
has carried out a robust assessment of 
the principal risks facing the Company, 
including those that would threaten its 
business model, future performance, 
solvency or liquidity. Its evaluation of these 
solvency risks is described further in the 
going concern and viability statements 
on pages 102 and 52, respectively. 
Details of how St. Modwen’s principal 
risks are managed and mitigated are 
set out on pages 49 to 52.

Our risk management framework 
incorporates both a top-down and 
bottom-up approach to the evaluation 
of risk, to ensure there is a common 
understanding of those risks that the 
Group is exposed to and their potential 
impact on the performance of the business 
and achievement of strategy.

The Board and risk management

The Board
 § Maintaining sound risk management and internal control systems
 § Determining and reviewing risk appetite and key risk indicators
 § Assessing and monitoring principal risks

Audit Committee 

 § Monitoring the Group’s risk management 
and internal control systems
 § Receiving reports from management 
on its review of risk management 
and internal controls
 § Reviewing principal risks
 § Reviewing of reports from Internal Audit

Executive directors and 
Property Board
 § Delivering Group strategy and 
managing operational risk 

 § Reviewing principal risks
 § Monitoring and managing operational 
risk in line with risk appetite
 § Identifying emerging risks

Internal Audit 

 § Reviewing internal controls
 § Reporting to the Audit Committee

Regions, Functions, 
Employees
 § Sharing responsibility for effective 
management of risk
 § Contributing to risk registers at Group, 
regional and functional level
 § Maintaining risk registers and monitoring 
the management of risk at regional 
and functional levels
 § Identifying emerging risk

45

Strategic report Corporate governance Financial statements Additional informationSt. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016Risk management
continued

Bottom-up risk 
management process
Risks are identified and escalated via 
the bottom up process by individual 
regions, divisions and functional 
departments who maintain their 
own operational risk registers. 

The respective Regional/Divisional 
Director or Head of Department is 
responsible for ensuring their risks 
are subject to regular review, 
mitigating controls remain effective 
and additional actions are completed 
within the agreed timescales. 

External risk management specialists 
meet with the owners of the respective 
risk registers twice per year to facilitate 
the discussion of risk and to provide 
challenge to the status of risk. 

A revised summary of the consolidated 
operational risk profile is presented 
to the Property Board twice per year. 
Where the risk exposure of one or a 
number of operational risks may have 
a potentially significant impact on the 
Group, the Property Board will escalate 
these to the executive directors who 
will consider their inclusion within the 
Group risk register.

Risk profiles exist at a project level 
for significant projects and/or schemes 
with joint venture partners. These risks 
are managed and monitored by the 
respective project teams. The risks 
associated with these projects and 
schemes are also subject to regular 
review by the executive directors 
and Property Board.

46

Key features of St. Modwen’s risk 
management and internal controls 
framework

 § Clear organisational structure 

with delegations of authority and 
responsibilities for the management 
of risk across the Group.

 § Robust system of monthly reporting 

including financial budgeting, reporting 
and re-forecasting, and the monitoring 
of performance against financial and 
operational KPIs.

 § Monthly operational reviews between 
executive management, regional 
directors and functional heads.

 § Board and Audit Committee monitoring 
and review of business performance, 
risk and internal control.

 § Periodic assessment, reporting and 

monitoring of risk at a group, regional 
and departmental level.

 § Risk profiles and risk registers 

maintained and regularly reviewed 
for major projects and joint ventures.

 § Group-wide policy framework in place 
which includes key policies in areas 
such as anti-bribery, whistleblowing 
and IT security.

 § Independent reports from Internal Audit 
on the effective design and operation 
of controls within selected areas of risk.

 § Annual environmental audits undertaken 

at all sites with actions monitored 
through to completion.

 § Proactive management of health and 
safety across all sites supported by 
independent audits and regular 
management reporting.

Assurances over the effectiveness of 
internal controls to mitigate strategic and 
operational risk are also provided to the 
executive directors, Audit Committee and 
the Board by the Internal Audit function. 
A programme of internal audit activity is 
delivered throughout the year taking a risk 
based approach with the outcomes from 
the work of Internal Audit used to inform 
the residual risk exposure levels.

The Board has reviewed the effectiveness 
of the Group’s systems of internal control 
and risk management during the period 
covered by this Annual Report. It confirms 
that the processes described above, which 
accord with guidance on internal control, 
have been in place throughout that period 
and up to the date of approval of this 
report. The Board also confirms that it has 
not identified, nor been advised of, a failing 
or weakness which it has determined to 
be significant. 

St. Modwen’s risk management and 
internal control systems are designed to 
identify, manage and, where practicable, 
reduce and mitigate the effect of the risk of 
failure to achieve business objectives. They 
are not designed to eliminate such risk and 
can only provide reasonable, not absolute, 
assurance against material misstatement 
or loss.

Developments in our risk 
management process 
During 2016 the Board instigated a 
Group-wide initiative to review and refresh 
the risk management process, to ensure 
it remains effective in identifying and 
managing current and future challenges 
and uncertainties that may arise. 

External risk management specialists were 
engaged to work alongside management 
and support the Group in the delivery 
of these risk management activities, 
incorporating a ‘best in class’ approach 
both from within the industry and more 
broadly. These activities have been 
underpinned by strong leadership, 
and reinforcement of the importance 
of risk management from the Board 
and executive directors, which has 
been cascaded down to individual regions, 
divisions, and functional departments. 
The review of the risk management 
process covered a number of areas 
set out opposite.

St. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016 § The implementation of an automated 

risk management system which provides 
a single platform for recording, assessing 
and monitoring risk across the Group 
on an ongoing basis. This will improve 
the accountability and visibility of risk 
across St. Modwen and enable more 
effective risk reporting to the Property 
Board, Audit Committee and Board.

Our risk profile
During the year there have been a number 
of events, predominately at a macro-level, 
which have resulted in changes to our 
risk profile. 

The uncertainty within the investment 
market and concerns over the softening of 
the wider UK economy, to which the result 
of the EU Referendum in June 2016 was a 
contributory factor, has changed the profile 
of risks faced by the business with regards 
the potential level of investor and occupier 
demand, the potential impact on the UK 
housing market, and the valuation of our 
assets across all sectors. 

Whilst the longer-term impact of these 
macro-economic uncertainties are not yet 
known, we are proactively monitoring and 
managing these risks at both a strategic 
and operational level, underpinned by 
maintaining a strong financial position 
during this period of uncertainty.

Further details on the principal risks 
which could prevent the achievement 
of our strategic objectives and may have 
a material impact on our business are 
set out on pages 49 to 52. 

Review of the Board framework 
for risk appetite

During 2016 the Board commenced a 
review of the risk appetite framework to 
ensure that the Group continues to operate 
within a level of risk exposure acceptable 
to the Board. The revised risk appetite 
framework, and associated tolerance 
levels, will be completed in 2017 but will 
be regularly reassessed and will continue 
to evolve. A suite of key risk indicators will 
also be established and integrated into the 
overall framework for the monitoring of risk 
during 2017. This will assist the Board and 
executive directors in evaluating whether 
the business is operating within defined 
risk appetite tolerances.

Updated risk management 
process and risk registers 

A comprehensive business-wide refresh 
of our risk management process was 
completed during the year, which 
incorporated both the top-down and 
bottom-up risk assessment processes. 

This included:

 § Review and challenge of the Group risk 
register by the executive directors and 
the Board, including consideration of 
the bottom-up risk assessment, 
resulting in revisions to the description 
and assessment of specific risks 
detailed within the Group risk register. 
This reflected changes in the internal 
and external environment within which 
we operate, including consideration of 
the potential impact of the results of the 
EU Referendum in June 2016. 

 § Risk workshops with individual regions, 
divisions and functional departments 
to identify and assess their operational 
risks. Revised risk registers now exist 
for each region, division and functional 
department which contains clear 
ownership of risk and allocation of 
responsibility for the completion of further 
mitigating action where appropriate. 
Furthermore, the refresh of the bottom-
up process has enabled common risks, 
themes and trends to be identified 
which has improved the visibility of risk 
at all levels of the organisation. The risk 
registers have been reviewed as part of 
the regional and functional management 
meetings and have been subject to 
challenge by those independent of 
the region or function.

Risk appetite

Secure excellent returns

Focus on long-term significant value

Protecting our assets

Strategic risk profile and core values

Overarching risk appetite statement

Economic 
environment and 
external market 
risk appetite 
statement

Construction and 
development risk 
appetite statement

Regulatory and 
compliance risk 
appetite statement

Financial risk 
appetite statement

Organisational risk 
appetite statement

47

Strategic report Corporate governance Financial statements Additional informationSt. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016Risk management
continued

Principal risks heat map*

Risk level

Low

Medium

High

Severe

*  Representing residual 
risk after mitigation

n d   m a r k e t

n t a l  a

e

m

Construction a

n
d d

e

v

conomic enviro n

E

nvironment  
arket  
mic E
& M

o
n
o
c
E

Low

Medium

High

e
l

o

p

m

e

n

t

cial
n
a
Fin

C

o

n

s
t
r

u

c

t
i

o

n

&

D

e

v

e

l

o
p
m
e
n
t

Financial

O

r

g

a

n

i

s

a

t

i

o

n

a

l

O

r

g

a

n

i

s

a

tio

n

al

Regulatory & Co m p li a n c

e

Regulatory and c o m p l i a n c

e

Risk  
category

Ref
1

Strategic  
objective

Risk  
description

Risk  
level

Trend

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

Construction and 
development

Secure excellent returns

Changes to the planning framework at a national 
and regional level

Protecting our assets

Failure to effectively manage major projects

Secure excellent returns

Unforeseen exposures, costs and liabilities 
on projects

Secure excellent returns

Absence of high quality contractors, consultants 
and third parties

Secure excellent returns

Downturn in market and economic conditions

Economic environmental 
and market

Secure excellent returns

Regulatory and compliance

Protecting our assets

Financial collapse of, or dispute with, a key joint 
venture partner

A major health and safety incident occurs or 
non-compliance with legislation

Focus on long-term 
significant added value

Failure to manage long-term environmental issues 
relating to brownfield and contaminated sites

Focus on long-term 
significant added value

Failure to recruit and retain staff with the necessary 
skills and expertise

Protecting our assets

Reduced availability of funding and unforeseen 
changes to cash flow requirements

Organisational

10

Financial

Risk level

Low

Medium

High

48

St. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016 
 
Principal risks and 
uncertainties

Construction and 
development

1. Changes to the planning 
framework at a national 
and regional level

2. Failure to effectively 
manage major projects

3. Unforeseen exposures, 
costs and liabilities on 
projects

Risk assessment

Trend 

Impact
 § Financial loss
 § Negative reputational impact

Risk assessment

Trend 

Impact
 § Inability to deliver development scheme
 § Financial loss on major projects

Risk assessment 

Trend 

Impact
 § Inability to obtain planning permission
 § Failure to maximise returns from 

developments

 § Loss of competitive advantage

Commentary
Our daily exposure to all aspects of 
the planning process, and internal 
procedures for sharing best practice, 
ensure we remain abreast of 
most developments. Furthermore, 
we continue our efforts to influence 
public policy debate. 

Although the current fluctuations in 
proposed planning legislation mean that 
future rules are uncertain, at a national 
level there appears to be a continued 
focus on the regeneration of brownfield 
sites which, combined with our planning 
expertise, we believe will enable us to 
prosper relative to our competitors.

Commentary
We use our extensive knowledge 
and experience in remediation, 
asset development and construction 
to manage our major projects. A number 
of our major projects are joint ventures 
which shares the risk exposure whilst 
benefitting from the considerable 
expertise of both parties.

Major projects are subject to regular 
review by the executive directors and also 
by the Board to ensure that we continue 
to manage these risks effectively.

Mitigation
 § Use of high quality professional 

advisors

 § Active involvement in public 

consultations

 § Constant monitoring of the planning 
framework by in-house experts 
 § Regular dialogue with central and 

local government

Mitigation
 § Joint ventures on a number of 

major projects reduces the overall 
risk exposure

 § Significant in-house development 

skills and expertise 

 § Sites are often prime locations 

allowing flexibility over their use and 
increasing development options.
 § Regular performance review by 

executive directors and the Board 

Commentary
All developments are subject to financial 
appraisal and approved in accordance 
with defined authority limits. Contractor 
selection and management processes 
are rigorous whilst subcontractor 
packages and direct material purchases 
are subject to robust procurement 
processes and competitively tendered 
to secure best value. However, 
fluctuations in the value of sterling 
and inflationary pressures may lead 
to an increase in the cost of goods 
and materials.  

Progress on all developments is 
monitored at a regional level and 
through the Property Board, with 
regular oversight from the executive 
directors and the Board.

Mitigation
 § Robust procurement and purchasing 

processes in place

 § Detailed budgets are established 

for each project which are regularly 
monitored with significant variances 
investigated

 § Prime assets have alternate uses. 
 § Projects, acquisitions and disposals 

are reviewed and financially appraised 
in detail, with clearly defined authority 
limits

 § Contractual liability clearly defined

49

Strategic report Corporate governance Financial statements Additional informationSt. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016Principal risks and uncertainties
continued

Construction and 
development 
continued

Economic environment 
and market

4. Absence of high quality 
contractors, consultants 
and third parties 

5. Downturn in market and 
economic conditions

6. Financial collapse of, or 
dispute with, a key joint 
venture partner

Risk assessment 

Trend 

Impact
 § Adversely impacts on the quality 

of work

 § Inability to meet demand and support 

the growth of the business

 § Financial impact on the returns 

achieved on individual developments

Commentary
The expansion of the business and 
increased volume of work, particularly 
in residential housing, has resulted 
in the need for additional contractors 
and consultants in order to meet 
this demand.

We continue to use trusted contractors 
and consultants working in a partnership 
approach. We also seek to continually 
develop our pool of third party expertise 
and ensure value for money at both a 
national and regional level through regular 
market testing. This ensures we do not 
become overly reliant on a single supplier.

Risk assessment

Trend 

Impact
 § Reduced demand for sites 

and properties
 § Declining yields
 § A fall in the valuation of our assets

Risk assessment 

Trend 

Impact
 § Financial loss 
 § Delays and/or inability to deliver 

development schemes

Commentary
Our key partners are Persimmon, VINCI 
plc and Salhia Real Estate Company 
K.S.C of Kuwait. These are financially 
strong partners with good prospects 
and strong balance sheets. Where we 
had financially weaker partners, we 
have exited from those arrangements. 

Commentary
During 2016 there has been increased 
uncertainty in the UK property market 
and broader UK economy, partly as a 
consequence of the EU Referendum in 
June 2016. 

We mitigate the risk through the diversity 
of geographical regions and sectors 
within which we hold assets, including 
residential, industrial/logistics and retail 
which creates diversification meaning 
we are not exposed to any one sector 
or region. Additionally, the land bank 
of approximately 6,000 acres provides 
flexibility to move with market demands 
and pursue those opportunities that 
generate the greatest value at any 
one time.

We continue to focus on maximising net 
rent and other income in order that the 
revenue generated broadly covers the 
running costs of the business. 

Mitigation
 § Regular tendering is undertaken for 
new consultants and contractors
 § Reliance on a single consultant/

contractor minimised through the 
use of pools of specialists

 § Close monitoring of contractor/
consultant performance and 
financial viability

Mitigation
 § Regional spread and portfolio diversity 
mitigates sector or location specific risks
 § Active portfolio management achieves 
better than market utilisation of assets

 § PRS developments less susceptible 
to short-term market fluctuations

 § Extensive land bank with a continuing 

stream of planning applications

 § Regular monitoring of macro 

level indicators

Mitigation
 § Monthly review of performance 
to identify if senior management 
intervention is required

 § Flexible but legally secure contracts 

with partners

 § Funding structure has reduced 

the exposure

 § Fewer but financially strong 

JV partners

Risk level

Low

Medium

High

50

St. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016Regulatory and 
compliance

Organisational

7. A major health and safety 
incident occurs or non-
compliance with legislation

8. Failure to manage long-
term environmental issues 
relating to brownfield and 
contaminated sites

9. Failure to recruit and 
retain staff with the 
necessary skills and 
expertise

Risk assessment 

Trend 

Impact
 § Serious injury or death to an 
employee, client, contractor 
or member of the public

 § Financial penalties
 § Reputational damage

Risk assessment 

Trend 

Impact
 § Major environmental issue
 § Financial and reputational damage

Risk assessment 

Trend 

Impact
 § Significant disruption to the business
 § Loss of intellectual property
 § Adversely affects the ability to grow 

the business

Commentary
The nature of our operations means 
that ensuring effective health and safety 
arrangements remains a priority as the 
Group has no appetite for health and 
safety risk exposure. 

The SHE Committee has continued to 
meet during 2016 and has undertaken 
a review to further enhance our health 
and safety framework. This has resulted 
in the development of a revised health 
and safety training programme which 
will be rolled out to staff in 2017.

Commentary
In line with our risk appetite, we are willing 
to accept a degree of environmental risk 
where opportunities for higher returns 
exist. The inherent risks are minimised 
or passed on wherever possible and the 
residual risk remains acceptably low.

During 2016, as in previous years, we 
have undertaken regular environmental 
audits of our land bank to ensure we 
have visibility of, and can adequately 
manage, environmental risks effectively. 
Actions arising from these audits are 
monitored through to implementation. 

Commentary
In 2015 all members of our management 
team completed a multi-faceted 
development programme operated 
by external providers. During 2016 
we have also enhanced existing reward 
programmes as part of the annual salary 
review process to ensure that packages 
remain competitive. 

Staff turnover remains low and the 
proportion of management with more 
than three years’ service is 69%. There 
have been a number of new hires at 
senior management and Board level 
during 2015 and 2016, including a 
new Chief Executive and Group Finance 
Director. The ongoing effort to attract 
the best people with relevant skills will 
support the Company’s long-term 
business objectives.

Mitigation
 § Use of high quality HS&E advisors
 § Annual cycle of SHE audits
 § SHE Steering Group chaired by 
the Group Construction Director
 § Regular reporting of performance 
against indicators to executive 
directors and the Board

 § Defined business processes in place 
to proactively manage issues arising

Mitigation
 § Use of high quality external advisors
 § Risk assessments conducted as part 

of due diligence process
 § Contamination remediated 

immediately following acquisition 
 § Cost plans allow for unforeseen 

remediation costs

 § Annual independent audit of 

environment risk

Mitigation
 § Succession planning monitored 

at Board level and below

 § Leadership and management 
development plans in place

 § Targeted recruitment with competitive, 
performance-driven remuneration 
packages to secure highly-skilled 
and motivated employees.

 § Key information is documented 

 § Full warranties from consultants 

to safeguard knowledge

and contractors

51

Strategic report Corporate governance Financial statements Additional informationSt. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016Principal risks and uncertainties
continued

Financial

10. Reduced availability of 
funding and unforeseen 
changes to cash flow 
requirements

Risk assessment

Trend 

Impact
 § Lack of liquidity 
 § Adversely impacts the saleability 

of assets

 § Limits the business to meet its 

ongoing commitments 

 § Restricts the ability of the business 

to grow.

Commentary
The increased uncertainty in the UK 
property market and broader UK 
economy may impact on the Group’s 
cash flow requirements and also the 
availability of funding. 

Our prudent approach to forward 
commitments, speculative development 
and asset disposals has enabled us 
to optimise operational cash flows and 
offset the impact of fluctuating market 
conditions. We also continue to monitor 
cash flow carefully and regularly 
undertake downside risk analysis. 

Our banking relationships are strong, 
our gearing is broadly constant and the 
interest rate risk is hedged. We continue 
to operate within our headroom and 
during 2016 have increased our facilities 
further to provide greater flexibility.

Mitigation
 § Recurring net rental and other income 

broadly covers the overhead and 
interest cost base

 § Financial headroom is maintained 

to provide flexibility

 § Regular and detailed cash flow 
forecasts enable monitoring of 
performance and management of 
future cash flows

 § All corporate debt refinanced until 

at least 2019

The following risks were included in our 2015 Annual Report but have since been either 
aggregated with other risks or are no longer significant enough to warrant disclosure: 

 § inadequate due diligence on major new 
schemes, programme management, 
construction and delivery;

 § failure to anticipate market changes 
through poor market intelligence;

 § failure to identify a pipeline of future 

residential sites; and

 § inadequate security or business 
continuity or disaster recovery. 

Viability statement
The directors have assessed the viability 
of the Company over the period to 
30th November 2020, which is coterminous 
with our most recent strategy process. 
The Group currently has an average lease 
length of five years (excluding the Bay 
Campus at Swansea) but the four year 
timeframe gives more certainty over the 
availability of finance and the forecasting 
assumptions used. The strategy process 
is conducted at Group level and reviewed 
each year by the Board with key influencers 
within the business having ownership of 
the outcomes from the process. Once 
approved by the Board, the plan provides 
the basis for setting all detailed financial 
budgets and strategic actions that are 
subsequently used by the Board to 
monitor performance. 

The strategy process considers the 
Group’s cash flows including the normal 
level of capital recycling expected to occur, 
funding requirements, the sustainability of 
dividend payments and other key financial 
ratios over the period, as well as the 
headroom in the financial covenants 
contained in its various loan agreements. 
In making their assessment the directors 
assessed the potential impacts, in severe 
but plausible scenarios, of the principal 
risks and uncertainties set out on pages 
49 to 52 together with the likely degree 
of effectiveness of mitigating actions 
reasonably expected to be available to 
the Company. The most relevant potential 
impact of these risks on viability was 
considered to be:

 § the impact of the forthcoming triggering 
of Article 50, with the potential for a 
downturn in market and economic 
conditions, causing reduced demand for 

sites and properties, declining yields and 
a fall in the valuation of our assets;

 § reduced availability of funding and 
unforeseen changes to cash flow 
requirements, with the resultant lack 
of liquidity adversely impacting the 
saleability of assets, causing the 
business to limit its focus on meeting its 
ongoing commitments and restricting 
growth; and

 § failure to manage major projects 
effectively, causing financial loss 
and a negative reputational impact. 

On the basis of this and other matters 
considered and reviewed by the Board 
during the year, the Board has a reasonable 
expectation that the Company will be 
able to continue in operation and meet 
its liabilities as they fall due over the 
viability assessment period. In doing so, 
it is recognised that future assessments 
are subject to a level of uncertainty 
that increases with time and, therefore, 
future outcomes cannot be guaranteed 
or predicted with certainty. The directors 
also considered it appropriate to prepare 
the financial statements on the going 
concern basis, as discussed further in 
the Directors’ report on page 102. 

Approval of Strategic report

The Strategic report for the year ended 
30th November 2016 has been approved by 
the Board and was signed on its behalf by

Mark Allan 
Chief Executive 
6th February 2017

Risk level

Low

Medium

High

52

St. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016Chairman’s introduction to governance

Our governance framework 
is kept under close review 
to sustain success over the 
longer-term.
Bill Shannon 
Non-executive Chairman 

The Board remains committed to:
 § Driving the Group’s long-term objectives.

 § Oversight of operations to ensure competent and 

prudent management.

 § Sound planning and internal control.

 § Developing leadership and succession plans.

 § Maintaining strong relationships with key stakeholders.

Areas of focus for 2016/17:
 § Following the appointment of Mark Allan as Chief Executive, 
undertake a review of portfolio and business strategy, with 
outcomes to be communicated in early summer 2017.

 § Continue to ensure the business is managed in a prudent 

and agile manner against the continuing uncertain 
market environment.

 § Finalise a risk appetite framework, with associated 

tolerance levels and key risk indicators, to ensure that 
the business continues to operate within an acceptable 
level of risk exposure.

As a Board, we are responsible for the stewardship of the 
business and are committed to maintaining high standards 
of corporate governance across the Group. We believe good 
governance enhances business performance as well as our 
reputation within our market place and across relationships 
with our stakeholders.

Our approach to governance is outlined in the following report, 
which describes how we integrate into our business the main 
principles of the 2016 UK Corporate Governance Code (the Code). 
The Code’s principles on remuneration are addressed in the 
Directors’ remuneration report which is set out on pages 74 to 98. 
St. Modwen’s risk management and internal control framework 
together with details of the principal risks and uncertainties that 
the Group faces are described on pages 45 to 52.

We remain mindful of the need for businesses to operate in an 
open and transparent manner, supported by a strong, accountable 
cuIture and a clear approach to governance. In line with the 
development of our business, our governance framework is kept 
under close review in order to ensure that shareholders’ interests 
are safeguarded and to sustain the success of the Company over 
the longer-term.

In 2016, and with the support of the Board’s Committees, we 
appointed Mark Allan as Chief Executive; following competitive 
tenders we selected KPMG as our external auditors and PwC to 
provide internal audit services; we reviewed our remuneration policy 
and consulted with major shareholders on proposed amendments 
to it; and we continued to strengthen the risk and control environment.

At this year’s AGM, resolutions will be proposed to approve 
the revised remuneration policy for directors and to renew the 
Company’s long-term incentive arrangements for both directors 
and the wider management population. The notice of meeting, 
which includes the special business to be transacted and an 
explanation of all the resolutions to be considered at the AGM, 
is set out on pages 166 to 177.

I hope that you find the corporate governance section of this report 
informative and I look forward to seeing you at our AGM in March.

Bill Shannon 
Chairman 
6th February 2017

Code principles – how they are applied

Leadership
Continued focus on strategy 
and its execution.

Remuneration 
Prudent oversight of 
executive remuneration.

Leadership 
See pages 58 to 60 

Remuneration 
See pages 74 to 98 

Effectiveness 
A strong, open and 
effective Board.

Effectiveness 
See pages 61 and 62 

Accountability 
Close scrutiny of risks 
and controls.

Accountability 
See pages 45 to 52 

Relations with 
shareholders 
Open engagement 
with shareholders.

Relations with shareholders 
See page 63 

53

Strategic report Corporate governance Financial statements Additional informationSt. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016The Board

Bill Shannon 
Non-executive Chairman

Mark Allan 
Chief Executive

Appointed: November 2010 as non-executive 
director and Chairman Designate, March 2011 as 
non-executive Chairman.

Key strengths: significant management and board 
experience across retail, leisure, financial services 
and property sectors.

Experience: a 30-year career at Whitbread plc 
which culminated in his appointment as a main board 
director for 10 years until his retirement in 2004. Former 
Chairman of AEGON UK plc, Gaucho Grill Holdings Ltd 
and Pizza Hut (UK) Ltd, and former non-executive 
director of The Rank Group plc, Barratt Developments 
plc and Matalan plc. A qualified Chartered Accountant 
(Scotland).

External appointments: Deputy Chairman and Senior 
Independent Director of LSL Property Services plc, 
non-executive director of Johnson Service Group plc 
and Council Member of the University of Southampton.

Appointed: 1st November 2016 as Chief Executive 
Designate, 1st December 2016 as Chief Executive.

Key strengths: extensive knowledge and experience 
of the property sector combined with strong operational 
leadership and financial and strategic management skills.

Experience: joined St. Modwen from The Unite Group 
plc where he had been Chief Executive since 2006. 
He moved to Unite in 1999 from KPMG and held 
a number of financial and commercial roles in the 
business, including Chief Financial Officer from 
2003 to 2006. A qualified Chartered Accountant 
and a member of the Royal Institution of 
Chartered Surveyors.

External appointments: Trustee director on the 
non-executive board of Anchor Trust.

Steve Burke 
Group Construction Director

Appointed: November 2006.

Key strengths: strong operational leadership and 
project management experience in the construction 
sector, including brownfield reclamation. 

Experience: joined St. Modwen in 1995 as 
a Contracts Surveyor after a number of years’ 
construction experience in senior roles with national 
contracting companies including Balfour Beatty and 
Clarke Construction. Appointed Construction Director 
in 1998 and joined the Board as a director in 2006.

External appointments: none.

Rob Hudson 
Group Finance Director

Appointed: September 2015.

Key strengths: strong financial management, 
commercial and operational experience in financial 
services, information services and commercial property 
sectors.

Experience: over 20 years’ experience in finance, 
most recently as Group Financial Controller at British 
Land plc from 2011. Joined PricewaterhouseCoopers 
on graduating then moved to Experian plc in 2000 
where he held a number of senior financial roles, 
including Global Finance Director of its Decision 
Analytics business and UK Finance Director. 
A qualified Chartered Accountant.

External appointments: none.

Richard Mully 
Senior Independent Director 

Ian Bull 
Independent non-executive director 

Appointed: September 2013 as non-executive director, 
December 2013 as Senior Independent Director.

Key strengths: extensive experience in investment 
banking, fund management, capital markets and 
real estate private equity investing with considerable 
board experience.

Experience: Partner and Managing Director at Bankers 
Trust Company from 1992 to 1998 and Managing 
Director and Head of European Merchant Banking from 
1998 to 2000. Co-Founder and Managing Partner of 
Soros Real Estate Partners LLC and its successor firm, 
Grove International Partners LLP, a major real estate 
private equity firm from 2000 to 2011. Former Senior 
Independent Director of Hansteen Holdings plc and 
ISG plc.

External appointments: non-executive director of 
Aberdeen Asset Management plc and Great Portland 
Estates plc. Vice Chairman of Alstria Office REIT-AG.

Appointed: September 2014.

Key strengths: strong financial management and 
operational experience in major commercial businesses 
across a range of sectors.

Experience: Chief Financial Officer of Parkdean Resorts 
UK Ltd since March 2016. Previously Chief Financial 
Officer and main board director at Ladbrokes plc (2011 
to 2016) and Group Finance Director of Greene King plc 
(2006 to 2011). Over 25 years’ financial experience with 
companies such as Whitbread plc, Buena Vista Home 
Entertainment (Walt Disney Company) and BT Group. 
Former non-executive director of Paypoint Ltd. A Fellow 
of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants.

External appointments: none.

54

St. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Kay Chaldecott 
Independent non-executive director 

Simon Clarke, DL 
Non-executive director

Appointed: October 2012.

Appointed: October 2004.

Key strengths: significant knowledge of the retail 
property sector, including the retail development 
process, retail mix and leasing and shopping 
centre operations.

Experience: joined Capital Shopping Centres Group 
plc (now Intu Properties plc) on graduating and held 
a number of senior management positions, including 
Managing Director, during a career spanning 27 years. 
Also served as a main board director from 2005 until 
leaving the group in 2011. Former non-executive 
director of Boyer Planning Ltd. A member of the 
Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.

External appointments: non-executive director of 
NewRiver REIT plc and Advisory Board member of 
Next Leadership.

Key strengths: strong commercial and management 
experience in both farming and property and extensive 
knowledge of the Company’s history.

Experience: the son of Sir Stanley Clarke, the founder 
and former Chairman of St. Modwen, he represents 
the interests of the Clarke and Leavesley families, the 
Company’s largest shareholders, on the Board. Former 
Deputy Chairman of Northern Racing plc and director 
and Vice-Chairman of The Racecourse Association Ltd. 
An Honorary Doctor of Staffordshire University.

External appointments: Chairman of Dunstall 
Holdings Ltd. Trustee of Racing Welfare and 
Chairman of Racing Homes. Member of Staffordshire 
University’s Development Board. Deputy Lieutenant 
for Staffordshire.

Lesley James, CBE 
Independent non-executive director 

Tanya Stote 
Company Secretary

Appointed: October 2009.

Appointed: March 2012.

Key strengths: extensive executive remuneration and 
human resources experience and considerable board 
experience across public, private, voluntary and 
education sectors.

Experience: HR Director for Tesco plc from 1985 to 
1999 and a main board director from 1994. Former 
non-executive director for various companies including 
Alpha Airports Group plc, Anchor Trust, Care UK plc, 
Inspicio plc, Liberty International plc and the West 
Bromwich Building Society. Former trustee of the charity 
I CAN. Awarded a CBE in 2003 for services to the DTI 
Partnership at Work Assessment Panel. A Companion 
of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development.

External appointments: none.

Experience: over 15 years of governance and 
compliance experience in FTSE listed companies, 
including Misys plc, Taylor Woodrow plc (now Taylor 
Wimpey plc) and Travis Perkins plc. Joined St. Modwen 
from GKN plc where she was Deputy Company 
Secretary and Head of Secretarial Department. 
A Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries.

Key responsibilities: include Board and Board 
Committee support, corporate governance, statutory 
and regulatory compliance, insurance, HR and 
pensions.

Composition of the Board

Non-executive Chairman
Non-independent directors
Independent directors

Committee membership

Member of the Audit Committee

Member of the Nomination Committee

Member of the Remuneration Committee

Denotes Committee Chairman

Changes to the Board

 § Bill Oliver retired from the Board as 

Chief Executive on 30th November 2016.

 § Mark Allan joined the Board as Chief Executive 
Designate on 1st November 2016 and became 
Chief Executive on 1st December 2016.

55

Strategic report Corporate governance Financial statements Additional informationSt. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016Board diversityMale Female 72Length of directors’ tenuresLess than 3 years3-6 years7-9 yearsMore than 9 years3222Directors’ core area of expertiseProperty and operations FinanceHR531 
 
 
 
The Property Board

Richard Bannister 
Regional Director – 
Yorkshire and North East

Length of service: Eight years.

Experience: began his career at St. Modwen as 
Development Manager for the Yorkshire and North East 
region in 2008 and was promoted to Regional Manager 
in 2014 and Regional Director in 2015. Previously 
Strategic Director of Pearson Developments Ltd 
and worked at Turner & Partners Chartered Surveyors. 
A member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.

Key activity in the year: secured planning consent 
for and delivery of over 100,000 sq ft of pre-let and 
speculative build across the retail and industrial sectors 
in Doncaster. Continues to oversee the ongoing 
development of Waterdale Shopping Centre, Doncaster 
and Billingham Town Centre, including 22,000 sq ft of 
new development at Waterdale and lettings to Costa 
and Co-op at Billingham.

Guy Gusterson 
Group Residential Director

Length of service: 10 years.

Experience: joined St. Modwen as Land Director 
for Project MoDEL in 2006 and became Residential 
Director in 2009 and Group Residential Director in 2015. 
Previously Development Director at Crest Nicholson plc 
overseeing residential-led mixed-use developments in 
London and the South East. Led the establishment 
and early development of St. Modwen Homes.

Key activity in the year: responsible for maximising 
the value of the Group’s residential land bank 
through St. Modwen’s residential projects, delivery 
of infrastructure, working with joint venture partners 
and co-ordinating development with St. Modwen 
Homes and the Company’s PRS activities.

Mike Herbert 
Regional Director – 
The Trentham Estate

Length of service: 26 years.

Experience: began his career as a chartered surveyor 
at Louis Taylor Ltd advising on commercial property 
projects before joining St. Modwen as Development 
Surveyor and promoted to Regional Director in 1997. 
Delivered numerous major projects across the North 
Staffordshire region including Trentham Lakes, Etruria 
Valley and Festival Park.

Key activity in the year: continues to oversee the 
regeneration and management of the Trentham Estate, 
a 725 acre tourist, leisure and shopping destination 
centred on the restored Trentham Gardens and 
attracting over 3 million visitors per year. Construction 
of 26 new retail units in the Trentham Shopping Village 
commenced in the year; scheduled for completion 
in 2017 these units will increase the existing footprint 
of the Village which comprises 60 shops, cafés 
and restaurants.

Rupert Joseland 
Regional Director – 
South West and South Wales

Length of service: 15 years.

Experience: joined Chestertons on graduating before 
moving to Boots Properties Ltd and then to Miller 
Developments Ltd to gain further experience in 
commercial development and estate management. 
Promoted from Midlands Development Surveyor in 
2004 and moved to Bristol to establish the South West 
and South Wales regional office. A member of the Royal 
Institution of Chartered Surveyors.

Key activity in the year: continued development at 
Swansea University Bay Campus, now offering 
accommodation for over 1,640 students with facilities 
management provision through St. Modwen Student 
Living. Completed a number of speculative and occupier 
led deals during the year and signed a conditional 
contract to develop a distribution park at Chippenham 
Gateway, a strategic 79 acre site immediately adjacent 
to junction 17 of the M4 motorway.

Steven Knowles 
Regional Director – North West

Length of service: 13 years.

Experience: has over 20 years’ experience in the 
property sector, including in the investment and 
development division at Evans Property Group Ltd. 
Joined as Northern Development Surveyor in 2003 
and promoted to North West Regional Director 
in 2014. A member of the Royal Institution of 
Chartered Surveyors.

Key activity in the year: strategic acquisitions of Warth 
Business Park, Bury (£9.5m) and Crosby Town Centre 
(£2.675m) and selection as development partner for 
Chamberhall Business Park, Bury. Commenced 
construction work on the £150m regeneration scheme 
at Great Homer Street, including a Sainsbury’s food 
store and 80,000 sq ft of additional retail space with 
pre-lets at 90%. Further speculative development 
at Stonebridge Business Park, Liverpool, underway 
following completion of a 69,000 sq ft facility for 
DPD (UK).

Richard Powell 
Build Director

Length of service: 10 years.

Experience: a construction career spanning almost 
30 years, including commercial management and 
quantity surveying roles with companies such as 
Bovis Lend Lease Ltd, Balfour Beatty Building Ltd 
and Skanska Construction UK Ltd. Joined St. Modwen 
in 2006 as Construction Manager and promoted to 
Build Director in 2015.

Key activity in the year: responsible for delivery of 
the regional construction programme, including the 
ongoing management of the third phase of student 
accommodation at Swansea University Bay Campus 
which will provide a further 538 student rooms at the 
site by autumn 2017.

56

St. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016Stephen Prosser 
Regional Director – Midlands

Length of service: 19 years.

Experience: background in surveying, property 
valuation and asset management for both local councils 
and Allied London Properties plc. Established the 
Yorkshire and North East office in 2005 and became 
Regional Director for the North in 2012. Promoted to 
Midlands Regional Director in 2014. A member of the 
Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.

Key activity in the year: oversees the ongoing £1bn 
regeneration of Longbridge, including the continued 
development of the Town Centre and the new 180 
bedroom residential facility for the Defence Infrastructure 
Organisation. Other regional activity included progress 
at the mixed-use schemes at Bramshall Meadows, 
Uttoxeter and Egstow Park, Clay Cross.

Tim Seddon 
Regional Director – 
London and South East

Length of service: 10 years.

Experience: began his career at Edward Erdman 
as Development Surveyor before moving to Land 
Securities plc in 1994. Here he gained experience 
in both the retail and commercial offices sectors and 
became Development Director, with responsibility for 
a number of town and city centre regeneration-led 
projects throughout the UK.

Key activity in the year: concluded conditional land 
agreement for the £200m redevelopment of Spray 
Street Quarter, Woolwich (in joint venture with Notting 
Hill Housing) and secured the sale of the third residential 
scheme at South Ockendon. Completed refurbishment 
works of Farnborough Shopping Centre and secured 
various lettings at Henley Business Park. Oversight of 
the delivery of the new wholesale facility for the Covent 
Garden Market Authority at New Covent Garden 
Market.

Dave Smith 
Managing Director – 
St. Modwen Homes 

Length of service: One year.

Experience: joined St. Modwen in 2015 from Morgan 
Sindall where he was Construction and Infrastructure 
Managing Director and a member of the executive team. 
Previously worked for St. Modwen from 2003 until 2009 
as a Construction Manager. A member of the Royal 
Institution of Chartered Surveyors and a fellow of the 
Chartered Institute of Building.

Key activity in the year: responsible for St. Modwen 
Homes, the Group’s housebuilding business, which has 
18 schemes under development across the country and 
eight due to start on site in 2017. The business delivered 
485 completions in the year and £15.3m property profit.

Rupert Wood 
Regional Director – 
Northern Home Counties

Length of service: 10 years.

Experience: over 20 years’ real estate experience 
across investment, development, asset and property 
management. Joined St. Modwen in 2006 from 
LendLease where he was Senior Development 
Manager. Established the Northern Home Counties 
regional office in 2008 as Regional Manager and 
promoted to Regional Director in 2009. A member of 
the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.

Key activity in the year: secured the appointment of 
St. Modwen as Bovis Homes’ commercial development 
partner on 108 acres at Stanton Cross, Wellingborough. 
Sale of 90,000 sq ft speculatively developed industrial 
estate at Letchworth at a yield of 5.2%. Continues to 
lead St. Modwen Energy, established to promote large 
scale power generation projects such as Wrexham 
Energy Centre, North Wales and Meaford Energy 
Centre, Staffordshire; a Development Consent Order 
for the latter was secured in July.

Mark Allan, Steve Burke, Rob Hudson and 
Tanya Stote are also members of the Property 
Board. See pages 54 and 55 for their biographies.

57

Strategic report Corporate governance Financial statements Additional informationSt. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016Governance – Leadership

The Board
The Board provides leadership of the Company and direction 
for management. It is collectively responsible and accountable 
to shareholders for St. Modwen’s long-term success. It sets 
the strategy, oversees implementation and reviews performance, 
ensuring that only acceptable risks are taken and the appropriate 
people and resources are in place to deliver long-term value to 
shareholders and benefits to the wider community.

To assist the Board in carrying out its functions and to ensure 
independent oversight of matters such as remuneration, internal 
control and risk management, the Board delegates certain 
responsibilities to its three principal Committees. Membership 
of these Committees comprises primarily the independent 
non-executive directors and, in some cases, the Chairman. 
The Chairmen of each Board Committee report to the Board 
on matters discussed at Committee meetings.

Matters reserved to the Board
To help retain control of key decisions, the Board has put 
in place a formal schedule of reserved matters that require 
its approval. The principal reserved matters include:

 § strategy;

 § new business or geographical areas;

 § authorisation of transactions in excess of £10m and 

those which are otherwise significant;

 § risk management and internal control;

 § dividend policy;

 § documents to shareholders and the annual and half year 

report and financial statements; 

 § matters relating to share capital, such as share issues 

or buybacks; and

 § the appointment/removal of directors and the 

Company Secretary.

The Board
Develops strategy 
and leads 
St. Modwen to 
achieve long-term 
success

Nomination 
Committee

Oversees Board and 
senior management 
succession, leads the 
process for Board 
appointments and 
monitors membership 
of Board Committees

Nomination Committee 
report  
See pages 71 to 73

Supported by:

Remuneration 
Committee

Determines the 
remuneration 
arrangements for the 
executive directors, 
the Chairman and the 
Company Secretary

Directors’ remuneration 
report  
See pages 74 to 98

Audit  
Committee

Oversees financial and 
narrative reporting, 
property portfolio 
valuations, internal control, 
risk management 
systems, and internal and 
external audit processes

Audit Committee 
report  
See pages 64 to 70

Executive 
directors 

Capital Projects 
Committee 

Property 
Board 

Implement strategic 
decisions approved by 
the Board and monitor 
operational performance

Established  
to review significant 
projects, either in terms  
of capital investment 
 and/or risk

Reviews performance  
and considers  
Group-wide operational 
issues and initiatives

Safety, Health 
and Environment 
Steering Group

Oversees Group  
strategy, procedure and 
performance in relation  
to safety, health and 
environmental matters

CSR Steering 
Group 

Co-ordinates the Group’s 
approach to, and  
enhances the reporting  
of, its corporate social 
responsibility activities

58

St. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016How the responsibilities of the Board are divided
The Board comprises the Chairman, three executive directors and five non-executive directors. Their responsibilities are summarised in the 
table below and their biographical details can be found on pages 54 and 55. There is a clear division of responsibility between the Chairman, 
who is accountable for the leadership of the Board, and the Chief Executive, who manages and leads the business.

Chairman

Bill Shannon’s role is to lead the Board and ensure that it operates effectively. His responsibilities 
include:

 § setting appropriate agendas for Board meetings and ensuring that all matters are given 

due consideration;

 § maintaining a culture of openness, debate and constructive challenge in the boardroom;

 § ensuring effective dialogue takes place between St. Modwen and its shareholders;

 § providing a tailored induction programme for newly appointed directors and agreeing any 

training and development needs with other members of the Board; and

 § ensuring the Board’s effectiveness.

Chief Executive

Mark Allan is responsible for the leadership of the business and managing it within the authorities 
delegated by the Board. His responsibilities include:

 § day-to-day management of the business;

 § recommending proposals for St. Modwen’s strategic development and implementing the strategy 

agreed by the Board;

 § leading the executive management team; and

 § ensuring the efficient use of resources.

Group Finance Director

Rob Hudson is responsible for devising and implementing the Group’s financial strategy and 
policies, as well as financial reporting and internal controls. He also oversees investor relations, 
internal audit and IT.

Group Construction Director Steve Burke is responsible for procurement and programme delivery and oversees the Group’s 
major projects. He also chairs the Company’s Steering Groups for CSR and safety, health and 
the environment.

Senior Independent Director Richard Mully’s role involves:

 § acting as a sounding board for the Chairman;

 § serving as an intermediary for the other directors when necessary; and

 § providing an additional communication channel for shareholders.

Non-executive directors

The non-executive directors work with and challenge the executive directors in the development 
of St. Modwen’s strategy. They offer an independent, external perspective on the business and 
bring wide and varied commercial experience to both the Board and its Committees. With the 
exception of Simon Clarke, all non-executive directors are considered to be independent.

Company Secretary

Tanya Stote:

 § supports the Chairman and Chief Executive in fulfilling their duties;

 § is available to all directors for advice and support;

 § keeps the Board regularly updated on governance matters; and

 § attends, and maintains a record of the matters discussed and approved at, Board and 

Committee meetings.

She also oversees the Group’s HR and Insurance functions and supports the trustee of the 
Group’s pension scheme.

59

Strategic report Corporate governance Financial statements Additional informationSt. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016Governance – Leadership  
continued

Board meetings
The Board discharges its responsibilities through an annual 
programme of Board and Committee meetings which are 
supplemented by visits to sites within the Company’s property 
portfolio. In the year ended 30th November 2016 the Board met 
formally on eight occasions; individual director attendance is set  
out in the table below.

In addition, the Capital Projects Committee met on a number of 
occasions during the year to consider a range of projects deemed 
significant either in terms of capital investment and/or risk. Whilst 
not a formal committee of the Board, the activities of the Capital 
Projects Committee (whose membership is drawn from the Board) 
supported the Board in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities, 
particularly in light of Chief Executive succession activity during 
the year.

Matters considered at each Board meeting
 § Strategic matters

 § Acquisition and development opportunities

 § Operational updates

 § Trading results and forecasts

 § Management accounts, key performance indicators 

and financial commentary

 § Health and safety

 § Board Committee activities 

 § Investor relations and shareholder feedback

 § Legal, company secretarial and regulatory matters

 § Minutes of previous meetings

 § Implementation of actions from previous meetings

 § Rolling programme of agenda items

Key Board activity in 2016

 § Approved the 2015 

 § Toured the surplus land 

 § Reviewed the impact of 

 § Reviewed and approved 

preliminary results, including 
the Group’s property portfolio 
valuation and final dividend 
recommendation

 § Considered the annual 
renewal of insurance 
arrangements for the Group

sites at New Covent Garden 
Market in Nine Elms, London

 § Approved the appointment of 
Mark Allan as Chief Executive 
and KPMG as external auditor

the EU Referendum on the 
business, its strategy and 
its markets

 § Formalised the strategy to 

market the 10 acre Nine Elms 
Square site

the 2017 budget

 § Considered updates on 

Group PR & Communications

Jan

Mar

Apr

Jun

Jul

Sep

Nov (early)

Nov (late)

 § Discussed actions arising 
from the external Board 
evaluation

 § Considered Group 
financing strategy

 § Considered AGM-related 

matters

 § Approved the 2016 half 

year results

 § Through the Remuneration 
Committee, considered 
proposed changes to the 
Company’s remuneration 
policy for directors prior to 
consulting with major 
shareholders

 § Annual strategy review 

covering strategic context, 
forecast scenarios, 
residential and commercial 
development, and financing.

 § Joint broker presentation on 
St. Modwen in the context of 
the wider real estate market

 § Through the Remuneration 
Committee, considered 
investor feedback on 
remuneration policy proposals

Attendance at Board meetings

Director

Mark Allan(1)

Ian Bull

Steve Burke

Role

Chief Executive

Non-executive director

Group Construction Director

Kay Chaldecott

Non-executive director

Simon Clarke

Rob Hudson

Lesley James(2)

Richard Mully

Bill Oliver(3)

Bill Shannon 

Non-executive director

Group Finance Director

Non-executive director

Senior Independent Director

Chief Executive

Chairman 

Meetings attended 
in year out of 
maximum 
possible

% attended
in year

2/2

8/8

8/8

8/8

8/8

8/8

7/8

8/8

8/8

8/8 

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

87.5%

100%

100%

100%

Director since

Nov 2016

Sep 2014

Nov 2006

Oct 2012

Oct 2004

Sep 2015

Oct 2009

Sep 2013

Jan 2000

Nov 2010 

(1) Appointed to the Board as Chief Executive Designate on 1st November 2016 and became Chief Executive on 1st December 2016.

(2) Unable to attend the Board Meeting in late November 2016 due to illness.

(3) Retired from the Board on 30th November 2016.

60

St. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016Governance – Effectiveness

Induction of a new director
The Chairman, assisted by the Company Secretary, is responsible 
for the induction of all new directors.

On joining the Board, a director receives a comprehensive induction 
pack which includes background information on the Company, 
material on matters relating to the activities of the Board and its 
Committees and governance-related information (including the 
duties and responsibilities of directors).

Meetings are arranged with the executive directors for briefings on 
strategy and performance, as well as with the external auditor and 
valuers. Visits to key sites within the Company’s property portfolio 
are scheduled and external training, particularly on matters relating 
to membership of Board Committees, is arranged as appropriate. 
Major shareholders are also offered the opportunity to meet newly 
appointed directors should they express a desire to do so.

Director development
The Company is committed to the continuing development 
of directors in order that they may build on their expertise and 
develop an ever more detailed understanding of the business 
and the markets in which St. Modwen operates.

Training and development needs are discussed with each director 
by the Chairman as part of the annual individual performance 
evaluation process and kept under review. Development activities 
include visits to sites within the Company’s property portfolio, 
both as a Board and individually, regular presentations to the Board 
by regional directors and senior management on key issues and 
projects, and meetings with the external valuers to review their 
property valuation reports.

The attendance by members of Board Committees on courses 
relevant to aspects of their respective Committee specialisms is  
also encouraged.

Director independence and re-election to 
the Board
The Board considers Bill Shannon to have been independent on  
his appointment as Chairman in 2011 and that he remains so.

Simon Clarke, a non-executive director, represents the interests 
of the Clarke and Leavesley families on the Board. Together the 
families hold 14.5% of the Company’s issued share capital and are 
St. Modwen’s largest shareholder. Consequently, the Board has 
determined that Simon Clarke is not independent for the purposes 
of the Code.

The Board considers that all other non-executive directors are 
independent and is not aware of any relationship or circumstance 
likely to affect the judgement of any director. 

At the 2017 AGM, and in accordance with the Company’s Articles 
of Association, Mark Allan will retire and offer himself for election.  
All other directors will retire and offer themselves for re-election in 
accordance with the provisions of the Code.

The explanatory notes set out in the notice of meeting state the 
reasons why the Board believes that the directors proposed for 
re-election at the AGM should be re-appointed. The Board has 
based, in part, its recommendation for re-election on its review 
of the results from the Board evaluation process and the 
Chairman’s review of individual evaluations. It has concluded 
that the performance of each director continues to be effective, 
that they continue to demonstrate commitment to their respective 
roles, and that their respective skills complement one another to 
enhance the overall operation of the Board.

Notice of annual general meeting 
See pages 166 to 177

External appointments
On appointment directors are advised of, and requested to 
make, the necessary time commitment required to discharge their 
responsibilities effectively. This time commitment is also outlined  
in the letters of appointment issued to non-executive directors.

The Chairman reviews annually the time each director has 
dedicated to St. Modwen as part of their individual performance 
evaluations and is satisfied that their other duties and time 
commitments do not conflict with those as directors of the 
Company. Similarly, the Board is content that the Chairman’s 
external appointments do not impact on his ability to allocate 
sufficient time to discharge his responsibilities to St. Modwen.

Conflicts of interest
The Board operates a policy to identify and, where appropriate, 
manage any conflicts of interest affecting directors. This enables  
the Board to consider and, if thought appropriate, to authorise 
a director’s actual or potential conflict of interest, taking into 
consideration what is in the best interests of the Company and 
whether the director’s ability to act in accordance with his or 
her wider duties is affected. 

61

Strategic report Corporate governance Financial statements Additional informationSt. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016Governance – Effectiveness  
continued

Performance evaluation 
The annual Board performance evaluation review provides an 
opportunity for the directors to reflect on their collective and 
individual effectiveness and consider any changes that could 
improve the operation of the Board and its Committees.

The most recent evaluation review commenced in late 2015 
following the appointment of Rob Hudson as Group Finance 
Director in order that his initial views on the operation of the Board 
could be considered. In accordance with the Code, the assessment 
was facilitated by Dr. Tracy Long of Boardroom Review Ltd (BRR), 
who received a comprehensive brief from the Chairman. Neither 
Tracy nor BRR has any other connection with the Company and 
is considered by the Board to be independent.

The evaluation covered areas such as the operation of the Board, 
its culture and composition, its focus, and risk and control. Progress 
against some of the key findings identified by the review can be 
found in the table below.

Board Committee performance was also evaluated in late 2015  
by means of a questionnaire completed by relevant Committee 
members and meeting attendees. The outturn of these evaluations 
was considered as part of the Board performance review meeting 
in March 2016. In general, all were considered well-run, challenging, 
structured, trusted and effective. Specific findings of these 
evaluations can be found in the relevant Committee reports.

In light of the recent appointment of Mark Allan, the next evaluation 
of the performance of the Board and its Committees will be 
undertaken in the second half of 2017.

The individual performance of the directors was evaluated through 
one-to-one discussions with the Chairman. Richard Mully, as Senior 
Independent Director, led the review by the non-executive directors 
of the Chairman’s performance, which took into account the views 
of the executive directors. No actions were considered necessary 
as a result of these evaluations and the Board is of the view that 
the performance of all directors continues to be effective, that they 
continue to demonstrate commitment to their respective roles, and 
that their respective skills complement one another to enhance the 
overall operation of the Board.

2015-16 evaluation process

Review of governance framework

A suite of Board and Committee information was sent to 
BRR to provide information on the governance framework 
within which the Board operates.

One-to-one interviews

Individual in-depth interviews were conducted by BRR 
with each director and the Company Secretary. 

Board meeting observation

BRR attended the January 2016 Board meeting 
to observe the conduct and operation of the Board. 
Copies of meeting papers were circulated to BRR 
in advance for briefing purposes.

Reporting

BRR prepared a discussion document which analysed 
current strengths and set out potential areas for 
improvement and recommendations.

Discussion and evaluation

Draft conclusions were discussed with the Chairman and 
subsequently considered by all directors at a meeting with 
BRR in March 2016.

Implementation

An action plan to implement agreed recommendations was 
prepared and progress monitored by the Board.

2015/16 Board evaluation 

Key findings

Progress made in the year

The Board to play a key role in 
supporting the CEO transition 
process to facilitate on-boarding 
and stakeholder engagement 
whilst maintaining business 
performance and strategic 
delivery. 

A comprehensive, tailored 
induction programme was 
developed involving sessions 
with all Board and Property 
Board members, meetings 
with joint venture partners 
and institutional shareholders, 
and visits to key sites. 

The Board, through the 
Nomination Committee, to 
monitor its future composition 
to ensure that it continues to 
have an appropriate balance of 
knowledge and skills, combined 
with the right culture and 
diversity of views.

A skills matrix has been 
developed and Board 
composition assessed against 
it to ensure that succession 
planning remains closely 
aligned to the strategic direction 
of the Group.

The Board, with the assistance 
of the Audit Committee, to 
define and articulate its risk 
appetite and ensure the 
development and execution 
of strategy within defined risk 
appetite tolerances.

A review of the risk appetite 
framework has been 
commenced and a suite of key 
risk indicators considered; both 
will be integrated into the risk 
management framework in 2017.

62

St. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016Governance – Relations with shareholders

Dialogue with investors
The Board has a comprehensive investor relations programme 
which aims to provide existing and potential investors with a means 
of developing their understanding of St. Modwen. The programme 
is split between institutional shareholders (who, in aggregate, hold 
over 80% of the issued share capital in the Company), private 
shareholders and debt investors. Feedback from the programme of 
events is provided to the Board to ensure that directors develop an 
understanding of the views of the Company’s major investors.

As part of the programme, presentations on the half year and 
annual results are given by the Chief Executive and Group Finance 
Director in face to face meetings and on conference calls with 
institutional investors, analysts and the media. Copies of these 
presentations, together with trading updates, are published on 
the Company’s website at www.stmodwen.co.uk. Meetings with 
principal shareholders were also held and the Company had regular 
dialogue with its key relationship banks. The Chairman is available 
to meet with institutional shareholders and investor representatives 
to discuss matters relating to strategy and governance. Private 
shareholders are encouraged to give feedback and communicate 
with the Board through the Company Secretary.

Annual general meeting
The AGM provides an opportunity for all shareholders to vote on 
the resolutions proposed and to question the Board and the 
Chairmen of the Board Committees on matters put to the meeting. 
Resolutions for consideration at the 2017 AGM will be voted on by 
way of a poll rather than by a show of hands as the Board believes 
that this is a more transparent method of voting as it allows the 
votes of all shareholders to be counted, including those cast 
by proxy. The results of the poll vote will be published on the 
Company’s website, www.stmodwen.co.uk, after the meeting.

Notice of annual general meeting 
See pages 166 to 177

Compliance statement
This corporate governance report, together with the Audit 
Committee report, the Nomination Committee report, the 
Directors’ remuneration report and the sections of this Annual 
Report entitled ‘Risk management’ and ‘Principal risks and 
uncertainties’, provide a description of how the main principles 
of the Code have been applied by St. Modwen in 2015/16. 
The Code is published by the Financial Reporting Council and 
is available on its website at www.frc.org.uk.

It is the Board’s view that, throughout the financial year ended 
30th November 2016, the Company complied with the relevant 
provisions set out in the Code with the exception of provision 
B.1.2, which requires that at least half the Board, excluding 
the Chairman, should comprise independent non-executive 
directors. For the month of November 2016 only (following Mark 
Allan joining the Board on 1st November 2016 and prior to the 
retirement of Bill Oliver on 30th November 2016), the Board 
comprised four executive directors and six non-executive 
directors. Excluding the Chairman, the number of independent 
and non-independent directors in the month was four and five 
respectively. The Board was of the view that non-compliance 
with this provision of the Code during the month was sufficiently 
justified by the need to ensure a suitable period for a handover 
of responsibilities between Bill Oliver and Mark Allan.

With the exception of disclosures required by Rule 7.2.6  
which are set out in the Directors’ report, this corporate 
governance report contains the information required by Rule 
7.2 of the Disclosure and Transparency Rules of the Financial 
Conduct Authority.

The directors are responsible for preparing this Annual report. 
The statement of directors’ responsibilities on page 103 is made 
at the conclusion of a robust and effective process undertaken 
by the Company for the preparation and review of the Annual 
Report. The directors believe that these well-established 
arrangements, details of which are set out on pages 67 and 68, 
enable them to ensure that the information presented in this 
Annual Report is fair, balanced and understandable and 
provides the information necessary for shareholders to assess 
the Company’s position and performance, business model  
and strategy.

63

Strategic report Corporate governance Financial statements Additional informationSt. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016Audit Committee report

The Committee’s activities 
continue to enhance how 
we understand and monitor 
the business.
Ian Bull 
Chairman of the Audit Committee

Principal role
Monitors the integrity of the Group’s financial reporting and audit 
processes and the development and maintenance of sound 
systems of risk management and internal control.

Key activities in 2015/16
 § Competitive tender held for the external auditor appointment.

 § Oversight of outsourcing of internal audit function.

 § Focus on the Group’s approach to the management of risk, 

mitigating actions and provisions.

Areas of focus for 2016/17
 § Continuous improvement of risk management and 

internal controls.

 § Continuing enhancements to the Group’s risk assurance 

framework, including cyber security.

 § Embedding internal audit (now outsourced to PwC) into an 
integrated approach to management of risk and controls.

Terms of reference 
www.stmodwen.co.uk/about-us/corporate-governance 

64

At a glance

Committee member

Member since

Ian Bull

Kay Chaldecott(1)

Lesley James(2)

Richard Mully

Sep 2014

Dec 2012

Oct 2009

Sep 2013

Meetings
attended in 
year out of
maximum
possible

5/5

4/5

4/5

5/5

% attended
in year

100%

80%

80%

100%

(1)   Unable to attend the meeting in May 2016 due to a prior business commitment.

(2)   Unable to attend the meeting in June 2016 due to a prior personal commitment.

Committee meeting attendees (by invitation)

 § Bill Shannon (Chairman)

 § Rob Hudson (Group Finance Director)

 § Simon Clarke (non-executive director)

 § Andy Taylor (to 29th February 2016) and  Simon Redfern (from 

9th May 2016) (Group Financial Controller)

 § David Edwards (to 30th November 2016) and  Rebecca Cooke 

of PwC (from 1st December 2016) (Head of Internal Audit)

 § Tanya Stote (Company Secretary and secretary to the 

Committee) 

 § Representatives from Deloitte (external auditor)(1)

 § Representatives from Cushman & Wakefield and Jones Lang 

LaSalle (external valuers)

 § Representatives from PwC (tax compliance), RSM 

(risk management) and BDO (internal audit and controls) 
(external advisers)

(1)  Following the announcement made by the Company on 28th April 2016 regarding 
its intention to recommend to shareholders the appointment of KPMG as its 
external auditor for the year ending 30th November 2017, representatives from 
KPMG were also invited to attend to support a smooth transition from Deloitte 
from this point onwards.

As Chairman of the Audit Committee I am pleased to present the 
Committee’s report for the financial year ended 30th November 
2016. The report is intended to provide meaningful insight into 
the Committee’s activities in the year and sets out how we have 
performed our responsibilities in relation to those areas within 
the Committee’s terms of reference, including financial reporting, 
internal control, risk management and external audit matters.

The year was one of good progress in a number of areas which 
continue to enhance how we understand and monitor the business. 
A Group-wide initiative was instigated to review and refresh the risk 
management process to ensure it remained effective in supporting 
the identification and management of the uncertainties faced by 
St. Modwen. These activities were underpinned by strong leadership 
from the Board and executive directors, which was cascaded down 
to individual regions, divisions and functional departments, thereby 
enhancing the risk management culture across the business.

Additional scope for internal audit activities was agreed and 
implemented, initially through a co-sourcing model supported by 
BDO and culminating in the decision to fully outsource the function 
to PwC with effect from 1st December 2016 following a competitive 
tender process.

As noted in last year’s report, the Committee determined that the 
external audit would be put out to competitive tender during 2016 
in line with regulatory requirements. That process was concluded in 
April with a recommendation by the Committee to the Board to 

St. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016appoint KPMG as the Company’s external auditor for the 2016/17 
financial year. Deloitte, the Company’s current auditor, will remain 
in post to complete the 2015/16 year end audit; I would like to take 
this opportunity to offer my thanks to them for their service over the 
years and commitment to ensuring a smooth handover to KPMG.

In conjunction with the external audit tender, the Committee also 
considered and reaffirmed the arrangements it has developed to 
define and manage the use of the external auditor for non-audit 
services. These are key to ensuring the continued independence 
and objectivity of the external auditor and we will continue to 
report on the non-audit services undertaken in line with these 
arrangements in future reports.

I am encouraged by the progress which continues to be made 
and would like to thank my fellow Committee members for 
their continued support and commitment to ensuring effective 
governance through the Committee’s activities. My thanks also 
go to the executive team for their positive engagement on matters 
within the Committee’s remit.

Finally, after just over seven years’ service, Lesley James will be 
stepping down as a member of the Committee following the 
announcement of the Company’s 2016 results. I am grateful to 
Lesley for her unwavering advice and support and I look forward 
to continuing to work with her on the Board’s wider agenda.

I hope that the following report provides a useful guide to the 
activities of the Committee during the year.

Ian Bull 
Chairman of the Audit Committee 
6th February 2017

Committee membership
All members of the Committee are independent non-executive 
directors, with each bringing broad financial and commercial 
experience at senior levels across a range of industries. The 
Committee’s composition is kept under review by the Nomination 
Committee, which is responsible for making recommendations to 
the Board as to its membership. 

Ian Bull was appointed Committee Chairman in March 2015. Ian 
was Chief Financial Officer of Ladbrokes plc until February 2016 
and is currently Chief Financial Officer of Parkdean Resorts UK Ltd. 
The Board considers him to have significant, recent and relevant 
financial experience as required by the Code and is of the view that 
the Committee as a whole has competence relevant to the sector 
in which the Company operates. 

All members of the Committee receive an appropriate induction 
to ensure that they have an understanding of the principles of, 
and recent developments in, financial reporting, key aspects of 
the Company’s accounting policies and judgements, and internal 
control and risk management arrangements, as well as the role of 
the internal and external auditors. Ongoing training is undertaken 
as required.

How the Committee operates
The Committee met five times during the year; the schedule 
included a separate meeting with specific focus on risk 
management and internal controls plus a stand-alone meeting 
with the external valuers to review and discuss their valuation 
reports. Meetings of the Committee generally take place just prior 
to a Board meeting to maximise the efficiency of interaction with 
the Board and the Committee Chairman reports to the Board, 
as a separate agenda item, on the activity of the Committee 
and matters of relevance to the Board in the conduct of its work.

Representatives from the external auditor are invited to each 
meeting together with other Board members, the Group Financial 
Controller, the Head of Internal Audit and the Company Secretary. 
Representatives from both Cushman & Wakefield and Jones Lang 
LaSalle (JLL), the external valuers, are invited to attend meetings at 
which the half year and annual valuations of the Group’s investment 
properties are considered by the Committee. Representatives 
from the Group’s external advisors, such as PwC (tax compliance) 
and RSM (risk management), are invited to attend meetings as 
appropriate. Following the announcement made by the Company 
on 28th April 2016 regarding its intention to recommend to 
shareholders the appointment of KPMG as its external auditor for 
the year ending 30th November 2017, representatives from KPMG 
were also invited to attend meetings to support a smooth transition 
from Deloitte.

At least once a year, immediately following a Committee 
meeting, the Committee meets separately with the external 
audit engagement partner and with the Head of Internal Audit 
to give them the opportunity to discuss matters without executive 
management being present. The Committee Chairman also holds 
separate one to one meetings with the Group Finance Director, 
the Head of Internal Audit and with Deloitte, typically ahead of 
Committee meetings, to better understand the issues and areas 
of concerns and to make sure adequate time is devoted to these 
matters at the subsequent meeting. These arrangements will 
continue following the appointments of KPMG and PwC.

The Committee has direct access to the Head of Internal Audit, the 
external audit engagement partner and the external valuers outside 
formal Committee meetings. Whilst permitted to do so, no member 
of the Committee, nor the Committee collectively, sought outside 
professional advice beyond that which was provided directly to the 
Committee during the financial year. 

The performance of the Committee was evaluated during the year 
by way of a questionnaire which was completed by all members 
of the Committee as well as those who attended Committee 
meetings. Feedback received was supportive of the manner in 
which the Committee operated, but recommended that a further 
meeting be added to the annual schedule to better accommodate 
the Committee’s oversight of risk management and internal control; 
this was introduced during the year. The scope and resourcing 
of the internal audit function was also highlighted; steps taken to 
strengthen this during the year can be found in the section headed 
‘Internal audit’ on page 69.

Activities of the Committee during the year

Reporting

The Committee’s primary responsibility in relation to the Group’s 
financial reporting is to review with both management and the 
external auditor the integrity of the half year and annual financial 
statements with particular focus on:

 § the consistency of, and any changes to, accounting policies 

and practices;

 § material areas in which significant judgements have been 
applied or where significant financial issues have been 
discussed with the external auditor;

 § the clarity of the disclosures and compliance with financial 
reporting standards and relevant financial and governance 
reporting requirements, such as statements on viability and 
going concern; and

 § whether the Annual Report, taken as a whole, is fair, balanced 
and understandable and provides the information necessary 
for shareholders to assess the Company’s position and 
performance, business model and strategy.

65

Strategic report Corporate governance Financial statements Additional informationSt. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016Audit Committee report  
continued

Accounting policies and practices

Significant judgements and financial issues

The Committee received reports from management in relation to 
the continuing appropriateness of accounting policies applied by 
the Group and any changes required as a consequence of the 
implementation of new accounting standards.

During the year, the Group adopted the amendments to IAS19 
Defined benefit plans: Employee contributions and the amendments 
to IAS27 Equity method in separate financial statements along with 
amendments relating to IASB’s annual improvements exercise. 
The adoption of these amendments had no material impact on 
the Group financial statements.

Following consideration and discussions with Deloitte, the 
Committee was satisfied that the accounting policies and 
related disclosure in this Annual Report was appropriate.

Accounting policies 
See pages 114 to 120

The Committee pays particular attention to matters it considers 
to be important by virtue of their impact on the Group’s results, 
or the level of complexity, judgement or estimation involved in 
their application to the Group financial statements. The significant 
financial issues considered by the Committee in relation to the 2016 
financial statements, and how these were addressed, are outlined 
below. The Committee discussed these with the external auditor 
and, where appropriate, how these were addressed by Deloitte’s 
audit scope.

Independent auditor’s report 
See pages 104 to 109

Significant issue

Work undertaken by and conclusion of the Committee

The Committee adopts a formal approach by which the valuation process, 
methodology, assumptions and outcomes are reviewed and robustly challenged. 
This includes separate review and scrutiny by both management and the 
Committee, with members of the Committee discussing the valuations both prior 
to and at Committee meetings in January and June. It also includes the external 
auditor which is assisted by its own specialist team of chartered surveyors who 
are familiar with the valuation approach and UK property market. 

The external auditor has direct access to the Group’s valuers and their remit 
extends to investigating and confirming that no undue influence has been 
exerted by management in relation to the valuations. The external auditor 
reviewed the valuations and process and reported its findings to the Committee.

Both Cushman & Wakefield and JLL submit their valuation reports to the 
Committee as part of the half year and full year results process. Both valuers 
were asked to present their valuation reports at Committee meetings and 
highlight any significant judgements made or disagreements between 
themselves and management; there were none.

Against the backdrop of the uncertainty created by the UK’s vote to leave the 
EU, the Committee also considered the extent to which this could impact the 
property investment and lettings market in terms of both activity and liquidity.

Based on the degree of oversight and challenge applied to the valuation process, 
the Committee concluded that the valuation as a whole had each been 
conducted appropriately, independently and in accordance with the valuers’ 
professional standards.

The Committee reviewed management’s assessment as to whether any 
provision was required against the carrying value of inventory, either at Group 
level or within any joint venture arrangements. The assessment process 
undertaken to determine net realisable value was considered by the Committee, 
which included ongoing monitoring by management as well as detailed reviews 
at both the half and full year. Cushman & Wakefield also provided valuations for 
certain sites, typically new build units not yet sold.

The Committee concluded that the judgements and estimates made by 
management were in line with Group policy, reasonable and appropriate.

Valuation of investment properties

The valuation of St. Modwen’s investment properties 
is a key determinant of the Group’s balance sheet 
and performance as well as executive variable 
remuneration.

Although the portfolio valuation is conducted 
externally by independent valuers, the nature of 
valuation estimates is inherently subjective and 
requires significant judgements and assumptions 
to be made by the valuers. These include market 
comparable yields, estimates in relation to future 
rental income, void periods, purchaser costs, 
together with remediation and other costs to 
complete, some of which require management input. 
These judgements and assumptions are subject to 
market forces and will change accordingly.

Net realisable value of inventories

The Group’s inventories, comprising property held 
for sale, property under development commenced 
with a view to sale and land under option, is of 
significant value.

All inventory is carried at the lower of cost and net 
realisable value and appropriate allowances are 
made for remediation and other costs to complete. 
For the majority of inventories held, management rely 
on their own internal procedures for assessing the 
carrying value of inventory. These require a number 
of judgements to be made, such as forecast revenue 
and costs, that derive a profit margin over the 
development and provide an indication of the 
recoverability of the inventory.

66

St. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016Significant issue

Work undertaken by and conclusion of the Committee

New Covent Garden Market

Certain property transactions entered into by the 
Group involve an element of complexity and the need 
to exercise judgement to determine the most 
appropriate accounting treatment. Such transactions 
include the regeneration of the New Covent Garden 
Market site in Nine Elms, London, which became 
unconditional in April 2015.

Balance sheet recognition of the Group’s interest 
comprised accounting for the right to secure the 
interest in the surplus land together with the 
associated obligation to procure the new market 
for the Covent Garden Market Authority.

As with the rest of the portfolio, significant 
judgements and assumptions are made by 
JLL, our independent valuers of this project, 
in arriving at the valuation, some of which required 
management input.

Tax provisions

As a property group, tax and its treatment is often 
an integral part of transactions undertaken by 
St. Modwen. The outcomes of tax treatments are 
recognised by the Group to the extent the outcome 
is reasonably certain.

Where tax treatments have been challenged by 
HMRC, or management believe that there is a risk of 
such challenge, or new tax regulation is introduced, 
provision is made for the best estimate of potential 
exposure based on the information available at the 
reporting date.

Following the initial recognition in 2015, the Committee has continued to assess 
the appropriateness of the accounting treatment adopted and associated 
disclosure, particularly given the scale and complexity of the proposed 
development.

In particular, the Committee:

 § assessed with both JLL and management the valuation assumptions for the 
surplus land, enabling costs and overage, and the costs of procuring the new 
market facilities;

 § reviewed the measurement of the liability to procure the new market facilities; 

and

 § reviewed the classification of the Group’s interest in the surplus land as 

investment property.

The Committee concluded (and Deloitte concurred) that the accounting 
treatment adopted and valuation assumptions made were appropriate.

Further information on the accounting judgements made is set out in the 
accounting policies note on page 119.

Based on reports from management and PwC (the Group’s tax compliance 
advisor), the Committee has continued to assess the risk of challenge and 
individual judgements made by management in respect of tax provisions and 
was satisfied that the mitigating actions and resultant level of tax provisioning 
at both the full year and half year remained appropriate. 

Further disclosure on taxation is set out in note 5 to the Group financial 
statements and the accounting policies note on page 120. 

Viability and going concern

Fair, balanced and understandable

The Committee provides advice to the Board on the form and basis 
underlying both the going concern statement and the longer-term 
viability statement.

As both statements rely on forecasts, the Committee considered 
the assumptions and judgements applied by management in 
relation to the timing of receipt and payment cash flows, the 
ongoing availability of funding and covenant compliance. The 
Committee also reviewed the sensitivity analysis prepared by 
management, including the assumptions made.

The Committee concluded that it remains appropriate for the 
financial statements to be prepared on a going concern basis 
and recommended the viability statement to the Board.

Going concern statement 
See page 102

Viability statement 
See page 52

When reporting to shareholders the Board aims to present a fair, 
balanced and understandable assessment of the Company’s 
position and performance and is assisted in this by the Committee. 
This responsibility covers the annual and half year reports and 
financial statements, as well as trading updates and other financial 
reporting.

The Committee is satisfied and has confirmed to the Board that 
the 2016 Annual Report and financial statements are fair, balanced 
and understandable and provide the information necessary for 
shareholders to assess the Company’s position and performance, 
business model and strategy.

In reaching this view the Committee considered the robust and 
well-established processes in place to prepare the Annual Report 
and financial statements which includes:

 § clear guidance and instruction is given to all contributors;

 § revisions to regulatory requirements and governance principles, 

including the Code, are continually monitored;

 § meetings are held with the auditors in advance of the year 

end reporting process;

 § input is provided by senior management to identify relevant 
and material information and ensure accurate, consistent 
and balanced reporting;

 § detailed debates and discussions regarding principal risks 

and uncertainties;

67

Strategic report Corporate governance Financial statements Additional informationSt. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016Non-audit fees

To help safeguard Deloitte’s objectivity and independence, 
the Committee has approved a non-audit services policy which 
sets out the circumstances and financial limits within which the 
external auditor may be permitted to provide certain non-audit 
services (such as tax and other services).

This policy sets a presumption that Deloitte should only be 
engaged for non-audit services where there is an obvious 
and compelling reason to do so (for example their expertise 
or ability to provide the services) and provided such work does 
not impair their independence or objectivity and has no impact 
on the audited financial statements. It prohibits Deloitte from 
providing certain services including legal, valuation, actuarial 
and internal audit. Where Deloitte can be engaged and their 
fees are anticipated to exceed £25,000, advance approval 
of the Audit Committee on the recommendation of the Group 
Finance Director is required; no such approvals were sought 
in the year.

The Committee is advised of all non-audit services provided, 
irrespective of value, and reviews all expenditure annually. Save 
for any fees payable for non-audit work required to be carried 
out by the external auditor by law or regulation, the policy limits 
the total fees payable to the external auditor for non-audit 
services to no more than 70% of the average of the audit fees 
paid in the last three consecutive financial years for the audit 
of the Company and the Group.

Non-audit fees paid to Deloitte in the year totalled £22,000 
(2015: £107,000), representing 5% (2015: 31%) of the fees 
paid for audit and audit-related assurance services, and 
principally related to a minor piece of real estate advice. 

Further information on the remuneration of the external auditor 
can be found in note 3b to the Group financial statements.

Effectiveness

The Committee has undertaken a review of Deloitte’s performance 
and the effectiveness of the external audit process. The review 
was primarily undertaken by way of an extensive questionnaire on 
external audit effectiveness which was completed by management 
and assessed by the Committee. The Committee also considered 
a self-assessment carried out by Deloitte on audit objectives, 
leadership, qualification, quality and independence, together with 
Deloitte’s experience and expertise, the extent to which the audit 
plan had been met, its robustness and perceptiveness with regard 
to key accounting and audit judgements, and the content of its 
audit reports.

The Committee remains satisfied with Deloitte’s performance and 
is of the view that there is nothing of concern that would impact 
the effectiveness of the external audit process.

Audit Committee report  
continued

 § focused review and approval of specific sections by the relevant 
Board Committees, supported by regular reporting by Board 
Committees to the Board on their activities;

 § a review by the Committee of reports prepared by management 
on accounting estimates and judgements, auditor reports on 
internal controls, accounting and reporting matters and a 
management representation letter concerning accounting 
and reporting matters;

 § consideration of the draft Annual Report and financial 

statements by the Committee in advance of final sign-off; and

 § review and approval by the external auditor.

The Board takes into account the view of the Committee 
when undertaking its own review of the document prior to 
giving final approval.

External auditor
Deloitte, as the external auditor, is engaged to express an opinion 
on the Company’s and the Group’s financial statements. Their audit 
includes a review and test of the systems of internal control and 
data contained in the financial statements to the extent necessary 
to express an audit opinion on them.

Audit plan

In respect of the audit for the financial year ended 30th November 
2016, Deloitte presented their audit plan (prepared in consultation 
with management and the Head of Internal Audit) to the Committee. 
The audit plan took into account key changes in the business and 
the impact of these on materiality, scope and risk assessment. 
The audit fee, which was approved by the Committee, was felt 
to be appropriate given the scope of work whilst not adversely 
affecting Deloitte’s independence or objectivity.

Independence

The Committee is responsible for monitoring and reviewing the 
objectivity and independence of the external auditor. In undertaking 
its assessment, the Committee has reviewed:

 § the confirmation from Deloitte that they maintain appropriate 

internal safeguards in line with applicable professional standards;

 § the Financial Reporting Council’s May 2016 Audit Quality 

Inspection Report in respect of Deloitte’s audit engagements 
and the firm’s policies and procedures supporting audit quality;

 § the mitigating actions taken by the Committee in seeking to 

safeguard Deloitte’s independent status, including the operation 
of policies designed to regulate the appointment of former 
employees of the external audit firm and the extent of non-audit 
services provided by the external auditor;

 § the tenure of the audit engagement partner (not being greater 

than five years); and

 § the performance evaluation of Deloitte.

Taking the above review into account, the Committee concluded 
that Deloitte remained objective and independent in their role as 
external auditor.

68

St. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016Tender

Deloitte has been the Company’s external auditor since 2007. 
The current audit engagement partner, Jonathan Dodworth, 
was appointed for the 2011/12 financial year audit and, in line 
with ethical standards published by the Auditing Practices Board, 
can remain in post until the conclusion of the audit for the financial 
year ended 30th November 2016.

During the year, in line with UK regulatory requirements and 
the provisions of the UK Corporate Governance Code, the 
Committee undertook a competitive tender for the external audit. 
A management panel was formed, led by the Committee Chairman 
and involving the Chief Executive and Group Finance Director, 
to conduct the initial stages of the process which comprised:

 § meetings and follow up calls with the proposed audit teams to 
understand their audit approach and discuss key accounting 
judgements, governance and internal controls;

 § sessions with relevant employees, including the wider finance 

team, to better understand the Group’s operations;

 § tours of Longbridge Town Centre, Bay Campus at Swansea 
University and Nine Elms in London in respect of the surplus 
land at New Covent Garden Market;

 § discussions with Deloitte as to their experience of the audit 

process since appointment;

 § interviews with suggested audit engagement partners; and

 § a presentation to the Audit Committee.

Detailed evaluation criteria and a scoring matrix were used to assist 
the Committee in making its decision. Having taken appropriate 
references, the tender process concluded with a recommendation 
from the Committee to the Board that, subject to shareholder 
approval at the 2017 AGM, KPMG be appointed as external auditor 
for the financial year ending 30th November 2017. The transition 
process is underway, with representatives from KPMG attending 
Committee meetings by invitation.

There are no contractual obligations that restrict the Company’s 
choice of an external auditor and the Company confirms that it has 
complied with the relevant parts of the Competition and Markets 
Authority Final Order on the statutory audit market for the year 
ended 30th November 2016.

Internal audit
The Group has an internal audit function which reports to the 
Committee and works under the supervision of the Group Finance 
Director. Its key objectives are to provide independent and objective 
assurance that each business area implements and maintains 
appropriate and effective controls. An Internal Audit Charter, which 
is reviewed annually, governs its remit and sets out the standards 
against which activities are undertaken.

Internal audit is a standing agenda item at each Committee 
meeting. Reports from the Head of Internal Audit usually include 
updates on audit activities, progress of the Group audit plan, 
the results of internal audits and the status of implementation of 
recommendations to address any unsatisfactory areas. During the 
year, internal audits were carried out across a number of areas 
including third party contract management, cyber and IT security 
and the facilities management arrangements (St. Modwen Student 
Living) at Bay Campus, Swansea University.

The Committee reviews and approves annually the audit plan for 
a rolling three year period which is closely aligned to the key risks 
the business faces. It also has input into ensuring that adequate 
resources are made available and that the necessary support 
is provided by the business to accomplish the agreed work 
programme. The Committee Chairman meets with the Head 
of Internal Audit regularly to discuss activities and the nature of 
any significant issues which may have arisen.

During 2016 the Committee agreed to the extension of scope and 
resourcing of the internal audit function to ensure that the agreed 
audit plan could be delivered. BDO were initially engaged on a 
co-sourcing basis to work alongside the internal audit function 
and a number of improvements to enhance reporting were made. 
However, as the complexity and reach of the business continues to 
grow, the Committee recognised the benefits that a fully outsourced 
internal audit function could offer. Consequently, a competitive 
tender process was undertaken and the Committee approved the 
appointment of PwC to provide internal audit services with effect 
from 1st December 2016.

As PwC is engaged by the Group to provide tax compliance advice, 
extensive enquiries were made prior to their appointment to ensure 
that this advisory role did not compromise their independence. It is 
also intended that no new areas of tax work be allocated to PwC. 
Whilst both management and the Committee were comfortable 
that no potential conflicts arose from the foreseeable internal 
audit activities, safeguards have been put in place to ensure that 
alternative arrangements will be made, with Committee approval 
as necessary, should a conflict arise. 

The effectiveness of the internal audit function is reviewed annually 
by the Committee, primarily by assessing performance against 
the Internal Audit Charter. The Committee remained satisfied that 
the function continued to operate effectively throughout the year. 
It was the Committee’s intention to seek an independent external 
review of the function in 2016, however, in light of the decision to 
outsource, this has been postponed to allow PwC sufficient time 
to transition into the role. During 2017 the Committee will review 
PwC’s activities and performance to ensure that the internal audit 
services meet the scope and quality required.

Risk management and internal control
During the year, the Committee monitored and reviewed the 
effectiveness of the Group’s internal control systems, accounting 
policies and practices, standards of risk management and risk 
management procedures and compliance controls, as well as 
the Company’s statements on internal controls, before they 
were agreed by the Board for this Annual Report.

In doing so the Committee considered:

 § the Group’s risk register, including significant and emerging risks, 
mitigating controls in place and how exposures have changed 
over the reporting period;

 § internal audit reports on key audit areas and any significant 

deficiencies in the control environment;

 § management reports on the systems of internal controls and risk 

management, including tax compliance;

 § external audit reports from Deloitte which included details of their 

risk assessment process for the purposes of audit;

 § actual and potential legal claims and litigation involving the Group;

 § internal audit reports on potential fraudulent activities perpetrated 

against the Group;

 § the effectiveness of the internal audit function; and

 § the Group’s approach to IT, cyber security and whistleblowing.

69

Strategic report Corporate governance Financial statements Additional informationSt. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016Audit Committee report  
continued

A significant project to review the Group’s risk appetite, risk register 
and the monitoring and mitigation of risks has taken place during 
the year, in consultation with RSM. A risk appetite framework 
to ensure that St. Modwen continues to operate within a level of 
risk exposure acceptable to the Board is being developed. In 2017, 
the revised risk appetite framework, and associated tolerance 
levels, will be completed and will be regularly reassessed. A suite 
of key risk indicators will also be established and integrated into the 
overall framework for risk monitoring. 

The Committee has carried out a robust assessment of the principal 
risks facing the Company, including those that would threaten its 
business model, future performance, solvency or liquidity. The 
Group’s risk management framework incorporates both a top-
down and bottom-up approach to the evaluation of risk, to ensure 
that there is a common understanding of those risks to which the 
Group is exposed and their potential impact on the performance 
of the business and achievement of strategy.

To inform the Committee’s assessment of the effectiveness of the 
internal control environment, BDO were engaged during the year 
to review management’s self-assessment of the internal control 
environment and to feedback to the Committee. Positive assurance 
was derived from BDO being able to attest that the majority of 
the financial and non-financial control statements remained both 
relevant and in place. Control improvement recommendations 
made as a result of their review are in the process of being 
addressed.

Risk management 
See pages 45 to 47

Whistleblowing and fraud
The Group’s ‘whistleblowing’ policy encourages employees 
to report, in confidence and anonymously if preferred, concerns 
about suspected impropriety or wrongdoing in any matters 
affecting the business. Reports can be made by confidential 
telephone reporting lines and a secure website reporting facility 
which are operated by an independent third party. Any matters 
reported are investigated by management and, where 
appropriate, reported to the Committee together with details of 
any corrective action taken. During the year one whistleblowing 
incident was reported to the Committee and, following review, 
it was satisfied that matters had been dealt with appropriately.

The Group’s fraud prevention policy requires employees to 
be alert to the possibility of the threat of fraud and to report 
immediately any concerns they have. The Company remains 
vigilant against such risk, including fraudulent payment requests, 
and continues to ensure the adequacy of controls and procedures 
to prevent such fraud. The Committee is made aware of all 
potential fraudulent activity.

70

St. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016Nomination Committee report

The Committee will continue 
to review succession plans 
in the context of the Group’s 
strategy.
Bill Shannon 
Chairman of the Nomination Committee

Principal role
Reviews the succession planning and leadership needs of the 
Group and leads the process for Board appointments, ensuring 
that directors have an appropriate range of skills and experience 
to deliver St. Modwen’s strategy.

Key activities in 2015/16
 § Selected and recommended the appointment of Mark Allan 

as Chief Executive.

 § Reviewed and recommended the re-appointment of Simon 

Clarke, Lesley James, Richard Mully and Bill Shannon.

 § Development of a skills matrix against which Board 

competencies were assessed.

Areas of focus for 2016/17
 § Continue to monitor Board and senior management 
succession in the context of the Company’s medium 
and longer-term strategy.

 § Support management and the Board in promoting diversity 

across the workforce.

Terms of reference 
www.stmodwen.co.uk/about-us/corporate-governance 

At a glance

Committee member

Member since

Ian Bull

Kay Chaldecott

Lesley James

Richard Mully

Bill Shannon

Sep 2014

Mar 2013

Oct 2009

Sep 2013

Nov 2010

Meetings
attended in 
year out of
maximum
possible

6/6

6/6

6/6

6/6

6/6

% attended
in year

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

Committee meeting attendees (by invitation)

 § Bill Oliver (to 30th November 2016), Mark Allan (from 

1st December 2016) (Chief Executive)

 § Simon Clarke (non-executive director)

 § Tanya Stote (Company Secretary and secretary to 

the Committee)

The Committee plays a vital role in ensuring that St. Modwen 
is headed by a Board which is collectively responsible for the 
long-term success of the Company and is best placed to operate 
effectively in the context of our strategic objectives.

Its core responsibility is to manage the appointment of new 
directors to the Board and, in 2016, its primary focus was to 
identify a successor for Bill Oliver, who retired as Chief Executive 
on 30th November 2016. The Committee considered a number 
of strong candidates for the role and, following a comprehensive 
interview process, we were delighted to announce, in April 2016, 
the appointment of Mark Allan. Mark, previously Chief Executive of 
The Unite Group plc, has extensive knowledge and experience of 
the property sector combined with strong operational leadership 
and financial and strategic management capability. He joined the 
Board on 1st November 2016 as Chief Executive Designate and 
became Chief Executive on 1st December 2016.

To be effective, Board succession planning must look beyond 
matters such as tenure of appointment and consider the extent 
to which the collective skills, experience and capabilities of the 
directors support the Group’s strategic direction. The Committee 
has developed a skills matrix to support its assessment of such 
matters and to guide potential recruitment needs over the medium-
term. The Committee also considers the matrix, together with 
matters such as independence and individual performance, when 
making its recommendations to the Board on the re-appointment 
of non-executive directors. In the year, Simon Clarke, Lesley James, 
Richard Mully and Bill Shannon were re-appointed to the Board.

Looking forward to 2017, the Committee will continue to review 
succession plans in the context of the Group’s strategy to ensure 
that arrangements are in place for the orderly and progressive 
refreshing of the Board and to identify key talent within the 
business with potential for appointment to senior management 
and Board positions.

Recognising the benefits that diversity can bring, and noting 
publications such as Sir John Parker’s report on ethnic diversity 
and the Hampton-Alexander Review of gender diversity in 
FTSE companies, the Committee will also continue to support 
management and the Board in promoting parity of representation 
across the workforce.

71

Strategic report Corporate governance Financial statements Additional informationSt. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016Nomination Committee report  
continued

Meaningful reporting on the activities of the Committee is 
challenging due to the sensitive nature of the matters which fall 
within its remit. However, the remainder of this report attempts 
to provide insight into the way in which the Committee operates 
and its activities during the year; I hope you find it informative.

Bill Shannon 
Chairman of the Nomination Committee  
6th February 2017

Committee membership
All members of the Committee are independent non-executive 
directors, with each bringing broad financial and commercial 
experience at senior levels across a range of industries. The 
Committee is responsible for keeping its composition under 
review and for making recommendations to the Board as to 
its membership.

The Chairman of the Board chairs all meetings of the Committee 
unless they relate to the appointment of his successor; for these 
meetings, the Senior Independent Director (SID) is invited to take 
the Chair unless the SID is in contention for the role.

How the Committee operates
The Committee meets on an ad hoc basis, usually immediately prior 
to or following a Board meeting, but on other occasions as may be 
needed. It met formally on six occasions during the year, primarily 
to progress the appointment of a new Chief Executive. A number of 
informal meetings, conference calls and discussions also took place 
between Committee members, search consultants and potential 
candidates throughout the recruitment process. The Committee 
Chairman reports to the Board, as a separate agenda item, on the 
activity of the Committee and matters of particular relevance to the 
Board in the conduct of its work.

Only members of the Committee have the right to attend meetings. 
However, an invitation to attend meetings is extended to Simon 
Clarke, a non-executive director, and the Chief Executive attends for 
all or part of meetings by invitation in order that the Committee can 
understand his views, particularly on key talent within the business. 
Tanya Stote, Company Secretary, is secretary to the Committee.

The performance of the Committee was evaluated during the year 
by way of a questionnaire which was completed by all members 
of the Committee as well as those who attended Committee 
meetings. Feedback received was supportive of the manner in 
which the Committee operated, but highlighted that there was 
scope to improve further the structure and framework around its 
succession planning activities. Details of the steps taken to address 
this can be found below in the section headed ‘Succession 
planning’ on page 73.

Activities of the Committee during the year

Appointment and re-appointment of directors

The Committee leads the process for appointments to the 
Board and makes recommendations to the Board when suitable 
candidates have been identified in line with Board-approved 
procedures. When a vacancy arises, the Committee evaluates 
the balance of skills, experience, independence and knowledge on 
the Board before preparing a description of the role and capabilities 
required for that appointment. Where appropriate external 
recruitment consultants are engaged to assist with the search 
process. Appointments are made based on merit whilst having 
regard to the need to maintain Board diversity in all its forms.

72

Appointment of Chief Executive

In conjunction with the announcement made in February 2016 
regarding Bill Oliver’s intention to retire on 30th November 2016,  
the Committee engaged the Zygos Partnership, a leading executive 
search firm, to assist with the search for an individual to replace  
him as Chief Executive. Zygos has no other connection with the 
Company other than in its capacity as a search consultant.

The search, led by the Chairman, commenced with an assessment 
by the Committee of the skills and experience required for the 
role of Chief Executive in the context of the Group’s strategy. 
The outturn of this assessment was used to form the basis of a 
broad candidate specification which was agreed by the Committee 
and used by Zygos to identify potential candidates. Zygos was also 
given the opportunity to meet with the executive directors (including 
Bill Oliver) in order that they could gain further insights into the role 
within the context of the organisation.

A list of potential candidates, including both men and women 
that occupied Chief Executive or senior operational roles in listed 
and private companies across both property and other business 
sectors, was considered and a shortlist of candidates who were  
felt to offer the best ‘fit’ against the specification was drawn up. 
Interviews were conducted, initially by the Chairman and the SID 
and subsequently with all other non-executive directors. Once a 
preferred candidate had been identified, Steve Burke (Group 
Construction Director) and Rob Hudson (Group Finance Director) 
were invited to meet with the individual.

The Committee worked closely with the Remuneration Committee 
and its advisers to consider the detailed remuneration arrangements 
in respect of the appointment in the context of the Company’s 
shareholder-approved remuneration policy.

After careful consideration, the Committee unanimously concluded 
that the appointment of Mark Allan, then Chief Executive at 
The Unite Group plc, be recommended to the Board. The Board 
unanimously approved the recommendation and his appointment 
was confirmed in April 2016. Mark joined the Company on 
1st November 2016 as Chief Executive Designate to allow time 
for a handover of responsibilities from Bill Oliver. He became Chief 
Executive with effect from 1st December 2016.

Re-appointment of non-executive directors

Independent non-executive directors, including the Chairman, are 
appointed by the Board for an initial three-year term and typically 
serve a second three-year term. Beyond this, a third term of up to 
three years may be served subject to a particularly rigorous review 
and taking into account the need for progressive refreshment of 
the Board. Appointments are subject to satisfactory performance 
reviews, re-election by shareholders and statutory provisions 
relating to the removal of directors.

The terms of service of the Chairman and the other non-executive 
directors are contained in letters of appointment. These set out the 
time commitment expected from each non-executive director to 
ensure they perform their duties satisfactorily. Each non-executive 
director confirms that they are able to allocate the time commitment 
required at the time of their appointment and thereafter as part of 
their individual annual effectiveness review undertaken by the 
Chairman (or the SID in the case of the Chairman’s review).

During the year, the Committee considered the re-appointment 
of Simon Clarke (non-executive director), Lesley James 
(Remuneration Committee Chairman), Richard Mully (SID) and 
Bill Shannon (Chairman). In making its recommendations, which 
were approved by the Board and are set out on page 73, the 
Committee considered the relevant director’s skills, experience, 
independence and performance, succession planning in the context 
of the Company’s strategy and the extent to which it was satisfied 
that the director would be able to continue to dedicate sufficient 
time to fulfil their role on the Board.

St. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016 § Simon Clarke: completed 10 years’ service and re-appointed 

for a further one-year term. Whilst not considered to be 
independent for the purposes of the UK Corporate Governance 
Code, as the longest serving director Simon brings continuity 
and extensive knowledge of the business to the Board as well  
as strong commercial and management experience.

 § Lesley James: completed seven years’ service. Appointment 

renewed for a further year and annually thereafter as appropriate 
to 2018.

 § Richard Mully: completed three years’ service and 

re-appointed for a second, three-year term.

 § Bill Shannon: completed six years’ service. Appointment 

renewed for a further year and annually thereafter as appropriate 
to 2019.

Succession planning

Effective succession planning is critical to the long-term success  
of the Company. To support its activities in respect of succession 
planning at Board level, the Committee has developed a skills 
matrix which sets out the balance of skills and diversity of the 
Board in its current composition and assesses the extent to 
which these support the Group’s strategic direction.

The matrix is intended to act as a guide as to potential recruitment 
needs over the medium-term through the identification of any 
competencies or skills that will be required to support strategic 
delivery. Desired attributes, in terms of experience, general and 
sector-specific skills, and diversity, were established by the 
Committee and used as a benchmark against which to assess  
the current composition of the Board.

Whilst no immediate skills gaps were identified, the Committee 
intends to undertake a skills matrix assessment annually to ensure 
that succession planning remains closely aligned to the strategic 
direction of the Group and delivers the correct balance of 
knowledge, skills and attributes to enable the Board and its 
Committees to operate effectively.

The Board recognises the importance of developing employees of 
St. Modwen, particularly in relation to succession planning for senior 
positions within the Company. People development is reviewed by 
both the Nomination Committee and the Board to ensure that plans 
are in place to recognise and grow internal talent. 

Independence and re-election to the Board

Following his appointment in November 2016, Mark Allan will retire 
and offer himself for election at the 2017 AGM. In accordance with 
the UK Corporate Governance Code all other directors will retire 
and offer themselves for re-election to the Board.

Those directors who have been in post throughout the year 
have been subject to a formal performance evaluation process 
and both the Committee and the Board are satisfied that all 
directors continue to be effective in, and demonstrate commitment 
to, their respective roles on the Board and that each makes a 
valuable contribution to the leadership of the Company. The Board 
therefore recommends that shareholders approve the resolutions 
to be proposed at the 2017 AGM relating to the election and 
re-election of the directors. Further supporting information in respect 
of the non-executive directors can be found on page 169.

With the exception of Simon Clarke, who is not deemed to be 
independent by virtue of his representation of the interests of the 
Clarke and Leavesley families, the Committee has also reviewed 
and confirmed the independence of each non-executive director 
seeking re-election at the 2017 AGM.

Board diversity
All aspects of diversity, including but not limited to gender, are 
considered during the recruitment process at every level within 
the business, including appointments to the Board.

Recognising the benefits that diversity can bring, the Board seeks 
to recruit directors from different backgrounds with a range of 
experience, perspectives, personalities, skills and knowledge. 
Both the Committee and the Board have a fundamental obligation 
to ensure that the best candidates, selected on merit against 
objective criteria, are appointed. Subject to this, the availability 
of suitable candidates and compliance with the requirements of 
the Equality Act, the Board is committed to strengthening female 
representation at Board and senior management level. It has not 
however set prescriptive targets as it does not believe these are 
in the best interests of either the Company or its shareholders.

The Board currently comprises two female non-executive directors, 
Lesley James and Kay Chaldecott, who together represent 22% 
female Board membership. Gender diversity below Board level is 
set out on page 27.

In support of its diversity policy, the Committee will only engage 
executive search firms who have signed up to the Enhanced 
Voluntary Code of Conduct which supports more female 
appointments to FTSE 350 boards.

Composition of the Board

1

Independent directors
Non-independent directors
Non-executive Chairman (independent)

Length of directors’ tenures

Less than 3 years
3-6 years
7-9 years
More than 9 years

4

2

2

Directors’ core area of expertise

1

Property and operations
Finance
HR

Executive directors’ appointments

Internal promotion
External appointment

3

 2

4

3

5

 1

2

73

Strategic report Corporate governance Financial statements Additional informationSt. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016Directors’ remuneration report

Variable remuneration for 
the year reflects the financial 
performance of the Group.
Lesley James, CBE 
Chairman of the Remuneration Committee

Principal role
Determines the policy for the remuneration of the executive 
directors, which is designed to promote the long-term success 
of the Company, be compatible with risk policies and controls 
and be aligned to the Company’s long-term strategic goals.

Key activities in 2015/16
 § Reviewed the remuneration policy and consulted with major 
institutional investors and shareholder representative bodies 
on proposed amendments.

 § Determined the application of the remuneration policy in 
respect of the recruitment of Mark Allan, Chief Executive.

 § Monitored market trends in and the governance environment 

of remuneration arrangements.

Areas of focus for 2016/17
 § Triennial review of the Committee’s external advisers.

 § Ensuring close alignment of performance metrics and 

targets with the strategic goals.

 § Improving the clarity and transparency of performance 

target disclosure.

Terms of reference 
www.stmodwen.co.uk/about-us/corporate-governance 

74

At a glance

Committee member

Member since

Ian Bull

Kay Chaldecott

Lesley James

Richard Mully

Bill Shannon

Sep 2014

Dec 2012

Oct 2009

Sep 2013

Nov 2010

Meetings
attended in 
year out of
maximum
possible

4/4

4/4

4/4

4/4

4/4

% attended
in year

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

Committee meeting attendees (by invitation)

 § Bill Oliver (to 30th November 2016), Mark Allan (from 

1st December 2016) (Chief Executive)

 § Simon Clarke (non-executive director)

 § Tanya Stote (Company Secretary and secretary 

to the Committee)

 § Representatives from New Bridge Street (Committee advisor)

Annual Statement 
On behalf of the Board I am pleased to present the report 
on directors’ remuneration for the financial year ended 
30th November 2016.

Our approach to remuneration is governed by our directors’ 
remuneration policy, which was last approved by shareholders  
in 2014. Whilst the policy has served the Company well over its 
three-year life, a number of amendments are proposed to bring  
it up to date with good practice and to help drive performance  
over the next three years. Details of the proposed amendments, 
including the rationale, are set out opposite. Shareholders will be 
asked to approve the revised directors’ remuneration policy at  
the 2017 AGM by way of a binding vote. This annual statement, 
together with the annual report on remuneration (pages 84 to 98), 
will be put to an advisory shareholder vote at the 2017 AGM.

Remuneration outcomes in 2015/2016
In the year to November 2016, the Company delivered a solid 
performance against the backdrop of an uncertain market 
environment. The underlying business performed well, as evidenced 
by trading profits, and gearing levels were carefully controlled.

Reflecting both the financial results for the year and the individual 
performance of the executive directors in post throughout the year, 
Bill Oliver, Rob Hudson and Steve Burke were awarded bonuses  
of between 53.25% and 55.25% of their respective base salaries  
for the year ended 30th November 2016. These are substantially 
lower than the 125% of base salary awarded for the year 
ended 30th November 2015. Further details of the Committee’s 
assessment of performance against bonus objectives for the 
year can be found on pages 85 and 86.

The 2014 Performance Share Plan awards were due to vest in 
March 2017 based on performance over the three financial years  
to 30th November 2016. Vesting of half of this award was subject  
to TSR performance relative to the FTSE All-Share Real Estate 
Investment & Services Index, with the remaining 50% subject to  
an absolute TSR condition. Neither element met the performance 
required for vesting set by the Committee, so this LTIP cycle has 
delivered a zero payment for the executive directors. Actual 
performance is detailed on page 87.

St. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016The level of variable remuneration received by the executive 
directors in respect of the year ended 30th November 2016 has 
therefore reduced by 74% from the prior year. The Committee  
feels that this reflects the financial performance of the Group in  
the period, delivered in more challenging markets and against 
an uncertain economic backdrop.

Base salaries for the Group Finance Director and Group 
Construction Director were increased by 2.5% effective 
1st December 2016, in line with the general cost of living salary 
increase awarded to other employees across the business.  
The base salary for the new Chief Executive, Mark Allan, 
is not being reviewed during the year ending November 2017.

Proposed changes to the remuneration policy

Although the current directors’ remuneration policy was first 
approved by shareholders in 2014, our executive remuneration 
arrangements have in fact remained unchanged for many more 
years in both structure and opportunity. We have consistently 
maintained our policies for annual bonus and the Performance 
Share Plan for almost a decade and believe that it is incumbent  
on us to ensure that these arrangements remain both appropriate 
and competitive. 

The Committee has reviewed the current remuneration structure 
and has concluded that the existing framework of base salary  
(plus pension and other benefits), annual bonus (part cash and 
part invested in shares) and a single long-term incentive plan (LTIP) 

remains best suited to the business. We are not therefore proposing 
fundamental changes to the policy, but are recommending a 
number of amendments to ensure, primarily, that:

 § the alignment between the interests of executive directors 

and shareholders is further strengthened;

 § remuneration arrangements are competitive but not excessive, 

and performance expectations are stretching;

 § bonus and LTIP metrics are fully aligned with our KPIs and 

promote the long-term success of the Company; and

 § the policy is sufficiently flexible to remain applicable over the 

intended three-year policy period.

We are also proposing best practice changes, including the 
introduction of LTIP post-vesting holding periods and improved 
disclosure of performance targets.

We have consulted with major investors and shareholder advisory 
groups on the proposed amendments to our policy. Taking account 
of the feedback from the consultation, we made changes to the 
proposals, including reducing the LTIP vesting level at threshold 
performance, and placing a cap on how much of any bonus paid 
out can be related to personal performance.

Shareholders will also be asked to vote on separate resolutions to 
approve arrangements to replace the current Performance Share 
Plan and also the Employee Share Option Scheme (which is used 
below Board level). These votes are required as these plans will 
both reach the end of their ten-year life in 2017.

Remuneration element

Summary of changes proposed

Rationale

The changes to annual bonus are intended to 
help drive performance, enhance transparency, 
and increase alignment with shareholders 
through greater investment of the bonus 
in shares.

Annual bonus

 § Maximum opportunity to be set at 150% of salary, 

compared to 125% under the previous policy. However,  
any increase in bonus paid to apply for above-target 
performance only, as target bonus will decrease as a 
percentage of maximum. The higher maximum opportunity 
is to apply for new stretch performance requirements, to  
be fully disclosed in each year’s Remuneration Report.

 § On-target bonus level to reduce from 60% to 50% of 
maximum opportunity, thereby remaining constant at 
75% of salary.

 § The portion of bonus invested in shares and retained 
for a minimum period of three years to increase from 
one-third to 40%.

 § 25% of the bonus to relate to personal measures, but the 
amount paid for personal performance will be capped at 
one-third of the total actual bonus awarded. For example,  
if a target bonus of 75% of base salary is awarded, no more 
than one-third of this can relate to personal performance 
(i.e. 25% of base salary).

 § Greater clarity and transparency in disclosure to evidence 

stretching targets.

LTIP

 § Performance metrics will be relative TSR against a peer 
group and growth in financial performance, in contrast 
to the current policy which measures TSR only.

 § A two-year post-vesting share retention period is being 
introduced to align executives with shareholders over 
the full five-year period from the grant of an LTIP award.

The new approach provides more rounded 
metrics and longer-term shareholder alignment. 
The higher maximum level, balanced by lower 
threshold payouts, is important in enabling us  
to recruit and retain a high-calibre executive 
team, and to help drive performance.

 § Normal annual award limits to be set at 150% of base 

salary, compared to 125% under the previous policy (200% 
in exceptional circumstances, previously 180%). However, 
the amount paid at threshold performance will reduce to 
20% of the maximum, meaning that a lower percentage 
of salary is paid at threshold than under the previous policy. 

75

Strategic report Corporate governance Financial statements Additional informationSt. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016Directors’ remuneration report  
continued

Changes to the Board
We were delighted to welcome Mark Allan to the Board on 
1st November 2016. Mark succeeded Bill Oliver as Chief Executive 
on Bill’s retirement form the Board on 30th November 2016.

The remuneration arrangements for Mark, details of which can 
be found on page 90, are fully consistent with our remuneration 
policy. In order to secure his appointment, the Committee replaced 
unvested, share-based incentives awarded to him by his previous 
employer and forfeited as a consequence of him leaving to join 
St. Modwen. The Committee took particular care in ensuring 
that these arrangements were appropriate in light of our policy 
and replicate, as closely as possible, the expected value, form, 
and time horizons of, and performance conditions applicable to, 
the forfeited awards. Mark’s base salary is 13% higher than 
his predecessor, Bill Oliver, but this takes account of the larger 
total remuneration package he had in his previous role as Chief 
Executive of The Unite Group plc.

Bill Oliver’s base salary and contractual benefits ceased at his 
retirement date, and he received no payment for loss of office. 
He is eligible for an annual bonus award in respect of the 
financial year ended 30th November 2016, subject to the normal 
performance conditions. He retains the Performance Share Plan 
awards he held at retirement date, but pro rated for the period 
served, and subject to the normal performance conditions and 
vesting dates.

Conclusion
I thank shareholders for their helpful and constructive feedback 
during the consultation on our directors’ remuneration policy.  
We would welcome your support for the remuneration resolutions 
which will be put to shareholders for approval at the 2017 AGM. 

Lesley James 
Chairman of the Remuneration Committee 
6th February 2017

This report complies with the requirements of the Large and 
Medium-Sized Companies and Groups (Accounts and Reports) 
Regulations 2008 as amended in 2013 (the Regulations), the 
principles of the 2016 UK Corporate Governance Code and  
the Listing Rules of the Financial Conduct Authority.

76

Directors’ Remuneration 
Policy

This directors’ remuneration policy will be put to shareholders 
for approval by way of a binding vote at the 2017 AGM to be 
held on 29th March 2017. If approved by shareholders, the 
policy will take formal effect from the conclusion of the 2017 
AGM and will be subject to a shareholder vote at least every 
three years. 

How the Committee sets the remuneration 
policy
The primary objective of the Company’s remuneration policy is  
to promote the long-term success of the Company through the 
operation of competitive pay arrangements which are structured  
so as to be in the best interests of shareholders. Remuneration 
includes a significant proportion of performance-related elements 
with demanding targets to align the interests of directors with 
shareholders and to reward success. The policy is structured so  
as to be aligned with key strategic priorities and to be consistent 
with a Board-approved level of business risk. The Committee also 
considers developments in institutional investors’ best practice 
expectations and the views expressed by shareholders.

In setting the remuneration policy for the executive directors, the 
Committee takes into consideration the remuneration practices 
found in other UK companies of comparable size and scope and 
has regard to the remuneration arrangements for the Company’s 
employees generally. The components and levels of remuneration 
for other employees have some differences from the policy for 
executive directors. Greater emphasis is placed on variable pay  
for executive directors and senior employees, albeit with lower 
maximum incentive opportunities at levels below the Board. 
Similarly, long-term incentives are offered only to those expected  
to have the greatest impact on Company performance. 

The Committee is aware of the support expressed by some 
shareholders for the downward harmonisation of executive 
pension allowances to bring them into line with percentages 
for the wider workforce. Current allowances for the Company’s 
executive directors are 15% of base salary, which reflects 
mid-market practice and previous commitments made on 
appointment; however, the Committee is closely monitoring 
how market practice and investor views about this topic develop.

The Committee does not directly consult with employees 
regarding the remuneration of directors. However, when 
considering remuneration levels to apply to executive directors, 
the Committee takes into account the overall approach to reward 
for employees across the business. Salary increases are normally 
(in percentage of salary terms) no higher than those awarded to 
the wider workforce. 

How the Committee takes account of the 
views of shareholders
The Committee is committed to an ongoing dialogue with 
shareholders and seeks the views of its major investors when 
considering significant changes to remuneration arrangements. 
The Committee also considers shareholder feedback received in 
relation to the Directors’ remuneration report each year following 
the AGM. This, plus any additional feedback received from time 
to time, is then considered as part of the Committee’s annual 
review of remuneration policy and its implementation.

St. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016Changes to the remuneration policy 
approved by shareholders at the 2014 AGM
The Committee has undertaken a thorough review of the existing 
remuneration policy, including extensive consultation with our major 
shareholders, considering the Company’s objectives and in light  
of developments in the executive pay environment. As part of 
the revised policy the Committee proposes to renew the current 
Performance Share Plan which expires in 2017. Subject to the 
approval of shareholders at the 2017 AGM, the key changes to 
the policy are as follows:

Annual bonus

 § Maximum annual bonus opportunity is set at 150% of base 

salary, compared to 125% of base salary currently.

 § However, the proportion paid out at the on-target level has 

been reduced from 60% to 50% of maximum (resulting in the 
on-target bonus level remaining constant at 75% of salary).

 § The higher maximum bonus will be payable for new stretch 

performance requirements, to be disclosed in the Remuneration 
Report.

 § The proportion of bonus compulsorily invested in shares and 

retained for a minimum period of three years has been increased 
from one-third to 40%.

 § At least 75% of annual bonus to be based on corporate 

measures, with no more than 25% of the overall bonus based  
on personal performance objectives. However, the proportion  
of bonus that can paid for personal performance will be capped 
at one-third of the total actual bonus awarded. 

Long-term incentives

 § Performance metrics will be relative TSR against a peer group 
and growth in financial performance, in contrast to the current 
policy which measures TSR only.

 § A two-year post-vesting share retention period is being 

introduced for awards made in 2017 and beyond, to align 
executives with shareholders over the full five-year period from 
the grant of an LTIP award. This holding period will remain in 
place if the executive leaves employment during the two-year 
holding period.

 § Normal annual award limits to be set at 150% of base salary, 
compared to 125% under the previous policy. However, the 
amount paid at threshold performance will reduce to 20% of  
the maximum, meaning that a lower percentage of salary is  
paid at threshold than under the previous policy.

Shareholding requirement

 § Executive directors will be additionally required to retain all 

of the post-tax shares acquired as a result of the compulsory 
investment of bonus into shares and half of the post-tax shares 
vesting under the LTIP until the shareholding requirement is met.

 § The target achievement date for the shareholding requirement  
is five years from appointment to the Board, but the Committee 
has the discretion to extend this timeframe if necessary.

Revised directors’ remuneration policy
The remuneration policy that will apply, subject to shareholder 
approval, from the conclusion of the 2017 AGM is set out on pages 
77 to 83. Remuneration arrangements for the financial year ending 
30th November 2017 will be in line with this policy; further 
information can be found on pages 93 and 96.

Base salary

Purpose

To attract, retain and motivate individuals of the necessary calibre to execute the Company’s strategy.

To provide competitive base remuneration relative to the external market.

To recognise and reward performance, skills and experience.

Operation

Normally reviewed annually with changes typically effective from 1st December. Review reflects:

Opportunity

 § individual and corporate performance;

 § the individual’s level of skill and experience;

 § increases throughout the Company (including ‘cost of living’ awards); 

 § internal relativities; and

prevailing market conditions through periodic benchmarking for comparable roles in companies of  
a similar size and scope. The Committee is mindful of institutional investors’ concerns on the upward 
ratchet of base salaries and does not consider benchmark data in isolation.

Salaries may be adjusted and salary increases will normally be (in percentage of salary terms) no higher 
than those awarded to the wider workforce. Larger increases may be awarded at the Committee’s 
discretion to take account of exceptional circumstances such as:

 § changes in scope and responsibility of a role; and

 § where a new director is appointed at a salary which is at a lower level to reflect their experience at that 
point, the Committee may award a series of increases over time to achieve the desired salary position 
subject to satisfactory performance and market conditions.

Actual salary levels are disclosed in the annual report on remuneration for the relevant financial year 
(see page 93 for those effective 1st December 2016).

Performance measures

None, although overall performance of the individual is considered by the Committee as part of the  
annual review.

77

Strategic report Corporate governance Financial statements Additional informationSt. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016Directors’ remuneration report  
continued

Benefits

Purpose

Operation

Opportunity

To provide a competitive and cost-effective benefits package.

To assist with recruitment and retention.

The Company provides a range of non-pensionable benefits to executive directors which may, for  
example, include a combination of a company car or car allowance, private fuel, driver, private medical 
insurance, permanent health insurance, life assurance, holiday and sick pay, and professional advice 
in connection with their directorship. Other benefits such as relocation allowances may be offered if 
considered appropriate and reasonable by the Committee. 

Executive directors will be eligible for any other benefits which are introduced for the wider workforce on 
broadly similar terms.

Any reasonable business-related expenses can be reimbursed, including the tax thereon if determined 
to be a taxable benefit.

Executive directors are also eligible to participate in any all-employee share plans operated by the 
Company, in line with HMRC guidelines currently prevailing (where relevant), on the same basis as 
for other eligible employees.

There is no maximum limit set. Benefits are set at a level which the Committee considers to be 
appropriately positioned against comparable roles in companies of a similar size and scope and 
provides a sufficient level of benefit based on the role and individual circumstances. 

Performance measures

None.

Pension

Purpose

To provide competitive post-retirement benefits in a cost-effective manner.

To assist with recruitment and retention.

Operation

The Company offers an allowance (expressed as a percentage of base salary) which can be taken as:

 § an employer contribution to the defined contribution section of the Company’s pension scheme;

 § a cash allowance (which is not bonusable); or

 § a blend of the two.

As a result of historic contractual commitments retirement benefits for Steve Burke are also delivered 
by membership of the defined benefit section of the Company’s pension scheme which is closed to 
future accrual.

The Committee may amend the form of any executive director’s pension arrangements in response to 
changes in pensions legislation or similar developments, so long as any amendment does not increase  
the cost to the Company of a director’s pension provision.

Opportunity

Up to 15% of base salary for all executive directors.

Performance measures

None.

78

St. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016Annual bonus

Purpose

Operation

To incentivise and reward the delivery of stretching, near-term strategic, financial and operational 
measures at Company and personal levels.

Corporate measures selected are consistent with and complement the budget and strategic plan.

An element of compulsory investment in shares to align to shareholders’ interests in the creation 
of sustainable, long-term value.

All measures, weightings and targets are reviewed and set annually by the Committee at the beginning of 
the financial year and specific performance criteria will be aligned to the Company’s strategic objectives at 
that time. Levels of award determined by the Committee after the year end will be based on performance 
against the targets set.

The Committee retains an overriding discretion to ensure that overall bonus payments reflect its view of 
corporate performance during the year.

Bonuses are paid in cash and are non-pensionable. Directors are required to invest an amount equal to 
40% of the net bonus received in the Company’s shares and to retain these shares for a minimum period 
of three years.

Withholding (malus) and recovery (clawback) provisions apply to all bonuses paid such that, in exceptional 
circumstances such as misstatement of performance or misconduct, the Committee has discretion to 
reduce some or all of the value of an award within a period of four years following the end of the relevant 
bonus year.

Opportunity

Maximum bonus potential of up to 150% of salary for all executive directors. On-target performance  
would result in a bonus payment of half of the maximum potential.

Performance measures

Performance is assessed using the following metrics:

 § a majority of the award will be based on corporate measures; and

 § a minority (no more than 25% of the overall bonus opportunity) will be based on personal measures.(1) 

There is also a cap on the amount of bonus awarded for performance in respect of personal measures, 
set at one-third of the total actual bonus awarded.

The specific measures that will apply for the year ending 30th November 2017 are described in the annual 
report on remuneration on page 94. Measures for subsequent years will be summarised in the annual 
report on remuneration for the relevant year.

(1)  The annual bonus metrics are designed to ensure that annual performance is focused on key corporate measures which support the Company’s strategic targets. These 
are supported by individual performance measures to ensure that executive directors are incentivised to deliver across a range of objectives. Targets are set in line with  
the Company’s budget and strategic plan for the year with a stretch element to reward substantial outperformance.

79

Strategic report Corporate governance Financial statements Additional informationSt. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016Directors’ remuneration report  
continued

Long-term incentives

Purpose

 § To incentivise and reward the delivery of strong returns to shareholders and sustained, 

long-term performance.

 § Aligns the long-term interests of directors and shareholders.

 § Promotes retention.

Operation

Awards are normally made annually with vesting dependent on the achievement of stretching performance 
conditions set by the Committee.

A holding period will apply to awards granted in the financial year ending 30th November 2017 and beyond. 
The holding period will require executive directors to retain at least the after-tax value of shares acquired  
for a minimum period of 24 months from the vesting date and will remain in place if the executive leaves 
employment during the two-year holding period.

A dividend equivalent provision exists which allows the Committee to pay an amount (in cash or shares) 
equivalent to the dividends paid or payable on vested shares between the date of grant and the vesting  
of an award (or, if later, and only whilst an option remains unexercised in respect of vested shares, the 
expiry of the holding period). An amount payable may assume the reinvestment of dividends.

Withholding (malus) and recovery (clawback) provisions apply to all awards granted such that, in exceptional 
circumstances such as misstatement of performance or misconduct, the Committee has discretion to 
reduce some or all of the value of an award within a period of four years following the end of the relevant 
performance period.

Opportunity

The maximum annual grant level is 150% of salary (or 200% in exceptional circumstances, such as 
recruitment). The normal annual award limit is 150% of salary for all executive directors.

Awards vest on the following basis:

 § threshold performance delivers 20% of the shares awarded; and

 § maximum performance delivers 100% of the shares awarded,

with straight line vesting between.

Performance measures

Performance is normally measured over three years. 

Awards to vest based on performance against stretching financial targets and relative TSR performance, 
set and assessed by the Committee in its discretion.(1) Within these parameters, the Committee may 
introduce or reweight specific performance measures so that they are directly aligned with the 
Company’s strategic objectives for each performance period.

The Committee has discretion to decide whether and to what extent performance conditions have been 
achieved and must also be satisfied that certain underpinning conditions are met before permitting awards 
to vest (for example, that the extent of vesting under the performance conditions is appropriate given the 
general financial performance of the Company over the performance period). The underpin conditions will 
be set so that they are directly aligned with the Company’s strategic objectives for each performance 
period.

The specific measures that will apply for the year ending 30th November 2017 are described in the annual 
report on remuneration on pages 95 and 96. Measures for subsequent years will be summarised in the 
annual report on remuneration for the relevant year.

(1)  The Committee believes that a combination of relative TSR and key financial measures provides strong alignment with the interests of shareholders and complements the 
focus on operational performance measures in the annual bonus arrangements. Targets are set to ensure that only modest awards are available for delivering on-target 
performance with maximum rewards requiring substantial outperformance of the Company’s budget and strategic plans.

Shareholding requirement

Purpose

Operation

Opportunity

 § To ensure alignment of interests of executive directors and shareholders.

The Company operates a shareholding requirement which is subject to periodic review.

Executive directors are required to build up and maintain a shareholding worth at least 200% of base salary, 
which is normally expected to be reached within five years of appointment.

Executive directors are required to retain all of the post-tax shares acquired as a result of the compulsory 
investment of bonus into shares and half of the post-tax shares vesting under the LTIP until the shareholding 
requirement is met.

Performance measures None.

80

St. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016Fees payable to Chairman and non-executive directors

Purpose

 § To attract and retain the calibre of Chairman and non-executive directors necessary to promote 

the long-term success of the Company by offering market competitive fee levels.

Operation

Normally reviewed annually with changes effective typically from 1st December. 

Any increase will be guided by changes in market rates, time commitment and responsibility levels, as well 
as by increases made throughout the Company. 

Fees are structured as follows:

 § the Chairman is paid an all-inclusive fee for all Board responsibilities. This fee is determined by the Board 

on the recommendation of the Committee; and

 § non-executive directors are paid a basic fee, plus additional fees for chairing Board Committees 
or for undertaking the Senior Independent Director role, which are determined by the Board on 
the recommendation of the executive directors.

Fees are normally paid in cash.

Neither the Chairman nor the other non-executive directors participate in the annual bonus or long-term 
incentive arrangements or in the pension scheme, nor do they receive benefits in kind.

Any reasonable business-related expenses can be reimbursed, including the tax thereon if determined  
to be a taxable benefit.

Opportunity

Fees are set at a level which reflects the commitment and contribution that is expected and is  
appropriately positioned against comparable roles in companies of a similar size and scope.

Overall fees paid to directors will remain within the limit set out in the Company’s articles of association.

Actual fee levels are disclosed in the annual report on remuneration for the relevant financial year (see page 
96 for those effective 1st December 2016).

Performance measures None, although overall performance of the individual is considered as part of the annual review.

The Committee retains the discretion to make any payments, 
notwithstanding that they are not in line with the policy set out 
above, where the terms of the payment were agreed (i) before the 
policy came into effect, or (ii) at a time when the relevant individual 
was not a director of the Company and, in the opinion of the 
Committee, the payment was not in consideration of the individual 
becoming a director of the Company. For these purposes 
‘payments’ includes the Committee satisfying awards of variable 
remuneration and, in relation to an award over shares, the terms  
of the payment are determined at the time the award is granted. 
Details of any such payments will be disclosed in the annual report 
on remuneration for the relevant year.

The Committee will operate the annual bonus and long-term 
incentive arrangements according to their respective rules and in 
accordance with the Listing Rules where relevant. Consistent with 
market practice the Committee retains certain discretions in respect 
of the operation and administration of these arrangements which 
include, but are not limited to, the following:

 § the participants;

 § the timing of the grant of an award or payment;

 § the size of an award;

 § the determination of the extent to which performance measures 
have been met and the corresponding vesting or payment levels;

 § discretion required when dealing with a change of control or 

restructuring of the Group;

 § determination of the treatment of leavers based on the rules  
of the respective arrangement and the appropriate treatment 
chosen, including the pro rating of awards;

 § adjustments required in certain circumstances (e.g. rights  

issues, corporate restructuring events and special dividends);

 § the annual review of performance measures, weighting and 

targets from year to year; and

 § the manner in which share awards can be satisfied (i.e. through 
the use of new issue, market purchased or treasury shares or  
by way of a cash payment).

In addition, the Committee retains the ability to adjust the targets 
and/or set different measures if events occur (e.g. a material 
acquisition and/or divestment of a Group business) which cause  
it to determine that the conditions are no longer appropriate and 
the amendment is required so that the conditions achieve their 
original purpose and are not materially less difficult to satisfy.

Any use of the above discretions would be explained in the 
annual report on remuneration for the relevant year and may, 
as appropriate, be the subject of consultation with the Company’s 
major shareholders.

81

Strategic report Corporate governance Financial statements Additional informationSt. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016Directors’ remuneration report  
continued

Illustration of remuneration policy 
The following charts illustrate the remuneration opportunity provided 
to each executive director in line with the remuneration policy at 
different levels of performance for the 2016/17 financial year.

Three scenarios have been illustrated for each executive director:

1. Minimum performance: comprising the minimum remuneration 

receivable (i.e. fixed pay only, being base salary effective 
1st December 2016, pension allowances for the 2016/17 
financial year and benefits calculated using the 2015/16 
figure as set out in the table on page 84 for Steve Burke 
and Rob Hudson (excluding the amount paid to him during 
the year in respect of relocation). Benefits have been estimated 
for Mark Allan).

2. On-target performance: comprising fixed pay, an annual 
bonus payment of 50% of the maximum opportunity (75% 
of salary) and long-term incentive awards vesting at 20% of 
maximum opportunity (30% of salary).

3. Maximum performance: comprising fixed pay, 100% of annual 
bonus (150% of salary) and 100% vesting of long-term incentive 
awards (150% of salary).

The illustrations do not take into account share price appreciation  
or dividends.

Mark Allan, Chief Executive
£’000

Minimum

On-target

Maximum

100%

54%

28%

33%13%

£680

£1,273

36%

36%

£2,375

Steve Burke, Group Construction Director
£’000

Minimum

100%

On-target

Maximum

54%

33% 13%

28%

36%

36%

Rob Hudson, Group Finance Director
£’000

Minimum

100%

On-target

Maximum

54%

33% 13%

28%

36%

36%

Fixed pay
Annual bonus
Long-term incentives

£404

£759

£1,417

£338

£634

£1,184

Recruitment arrangements 
The remuneration package for a new executive director would  
be set in accordance with the terms of the prevailing approved 
remuneration policy at the time of the appointment and take into 
account the skills and experience of the individual, the market rate 
for a candidate of that level of experience and the importance of 
securing the relevant individual.

Base salary levels for new recruits will be set in accordance with  
the policy, taking into account the experience and calibre of the 
individual recruited. Where it is appropriate to offer a lower salary 
initially to reflect the individual’s experience at that point, the 
Committee may award a series of increases over time to achieve 
the desired salary position subject to performance and market 
conditions. Pension arrangements will be in line with the policy.

The maximum level of variable pay which may be awarded 
to new executive directors, excluding the value of any buyout 
arrangements, will be in line with the policy. In addition, the 
Committee may offer additional cash and/or share-based elements 
to replace deferred or incentive pay, or benefit arrangements, 
forfeited by an executive leaving a previous employer. In doing so 
the Committee will take account of relevant factors including the 
form (e.g. cash or shares), timing and expected value (i.e. likelihood 
of meeting any existing performance criteria) of the remuneration 
being forfeited. The Committee will generally seek to structure 
buyout awards on a comparable basis to awards forfeited. 
Replacement share awards, if used, will, to the extent possible, 
be granted using the Company’s existing share schemes, although 
awards may also be granted outside of these schemes if necessary 
and as permitted under the Listing Rules.

The Committee may also apply different performance measures, 
performance periods and/or vesting periods for initial awards made 
following appointment under the annual bonus and/or long-term 
incentive arrangements, subject to the rules of the scheme, if it 
determines that the circumstances of the recruitment merit such 
alteration. A long-term incentive award can be made shortly following 
an appointment provided the Company is not in a closed period.

Where a position is filled internally, the Committee may honour any 
pre-existing remuneration obligations or outstanding variable pay 
arrangements in relation to the individual’s previous role such that 
these shall be allowed to continue according to the original terms 
(adjusted as relevant to take account of the Board appointment).

For internal and external appointments, the Committee may agree 
that the Company will meet certain relocation and/or incidental 
expenses as appropriate.

Fees payable to a newly-appointed Chairman or non-executive 
director will be in line with the fee policy in place at the time of 
appointment. 

External appointments 
The Board recognises the benefit which the Company can obtain  
if executive directors serve as non-executive directors of other 
companies. Subject to review in each case, the Board’s general 
policy is that an executive director can accept one non-executive 
directorship of another company (but not the chairmanship) and 
can retain the fees in respect of such appointment. 

82

St. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016Executive director service agreements 
and payments for loss of office 
The Company’s policy is for executive directors to have service 
agreements which may be terminated by the Company for breach 
by the executive or with no more than 12 months’ notice from 
the Company to the executive and six months’ notice from the 
executive to the Company.

If notice is served by either party, the executive director can 
continue to receive base salary, benefits and pension for the 
duration of their notice period during which time the Company may 
require the individual to continue to fulfil their current duties or may 
assign a period of garden leave. The Company may elect to make  
a payment in lieu of notice equivalent in value to a maximum of 
12 months’ base salary and benefits, including pension contribution 
but excluding bonus, payable in monthly instalments, which would 
be subject to mitigation if alternative employment is taken up during 
this time. Alternatively, the Committee retains discretion to provide 
this payment as a lump sum. In the event of termination for cause 
(e.g. gross misconduct) neither notice nor payment in lieu of notice 
will be given and the executive director will cease to perform their 
services immediately. 

In redundancy situations the Committee will comply with prevailing 
relevant legislation. In addition, and consistent with market practice, 
the Company may pay a contribution towards the executive 
director’s legal fees for entering into a statutory agreement, may 
pay a contribution towards fees for outplacement services as part  
of a negotiated settlement, or may make a payment to compromise 
claims the executive director may have. There is no provision for 
additional compensation on termination following a change of 
control. Payment may also be made in respect of accrued benefits, 
including untaken holiday entitlement.

The principles set out in the table below will apply to annual bonus 
and long-term incentive arrangements in the event of loss of office.

In respect of all-employee share schemes and the Company’s 
Employee Share Option Schemes, the same leaver conditions will be 
applied to executive directors as those applied to other employees.

Non-executive director terms of appointment
The terms of service of the Chairman and the other non-executive 
directors are contained in letters of appointment. Appointments  
are for a fixed term of three years, during which period the 
appointment may be terminated by three months’ notice 
by either party.

Non-executive directors are typically expected to serve two 
three-year terms subject to mutual agreement and satisfactory 
performance reviews. There are no provisions for payment in  
the event of termination, early or otherwise.

Remuneration element

‘Good’ leavers

Other leavers

Unless the Committee exercises its discretion 
to treat the executive director as a good leaver, 
no bonus will be payable.

All awards will lapse in full where termination is 
by reason of summary dismissal.

In other circumstances, unvested awards will lapse 
in full unless the Committee applies discretion to 
treat the executive director as a good leaver.

Annual bonus

Long-term incentive 
awards

(As apply to the Company’s 
current Performance Share 
Plan. The terms of the 
replacement Performance 
Share Plan, which 
shareholders will be asked 
to approve at the 2017 
AGM, have been designed 
to materially continue with 
the main features of the 
current Plan, but with 
appropriate changes to  
take account of prevailing 
best practice and the 
revised policy.)

An executive director will be treated as a good 
leaver in certain circumstances, for example if 
he or she dies or ceases employment due to 
injury, disability, retirement with the Company’s 
agreement, or sale of the business in which he  
or she is employed, or for any other reason at 
the discretion of the Committee.

In these circumstances, the executive director 
remains eligible to be paid a bonus, subject to the 
applicable performance measures. Any payment 
awarded may be pro rated to reflect the period of 
time served from the start of the financial year to 
the date of termination, but not for any period in  
lieu of notice.

An executive director will be treated as a good 
leaver in certain circumstances, for example death, 
injury, disability or for any other reason at the 
discretion of the Committee. 

Awards will normally vest at the normal vesting 
date, subject to the satisfaction of the relevant 
performance conditions at that time and reduced 
pro rata to reflect the proportion of the vesting 
period actually served. However, under the plan 
rules, the Committee has discretion to determine 
that awards vest at cessation of employment and/
or to disapply the time pro rating if it considers it 
appropriate to do so. 

A good leaver may exercise their vested awards 
for a period of six months (12 months in the 
event of death) following the individual’s cessation 
of employment and unvested awards may be 
exercised for a period of six months (12 months 
in the event of death) from vesting.

83

Strategic report Corporate governance Financial statements Additional informationSt. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016Directors’ remuneration report  
continued

Annual report on remuneration
This part of the report has been prepared in accordance with Part 3, Schedule 8 to The Large and Medium-sized Companies and Groups 
(Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 as amended in 2013 and with the requirements of the Financial Conduct Authority’s Listing Rules. 

Remuneration payable (audited information) 

Base salary/fees 
£’000

Benefits(1) 
£’000

Annual bonus(2) 
£’000

Share plans 
vesting 
£’000

Pension 
contribution
allowance(5) 
£’000

Other items
£’000

Total 
£’000

2016

2015

2016

2015

2016

2015

2016(3)

2015(4)

2016

2015

2016

2015

2016

2015

47

499

329

275

–

485

320

49

159

155

53

44

44

53

53

49

42

42

51

51

2

27

16

40

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

31

11

39

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

266

182

146

–

606

400

61

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

736

486

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

7

75

49

41

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

73

48

7

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

15(8)

415(9)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

56

–

867 1,931

591 1,265

917

156

159

155

53

44

44

53

53

49

42

42

51

51

1,556 1,244

85

81

594 1,067

– 1,222

172

128

430

– 2,837 3,742

Executive directors

Mark Allan(6)

Bill Oliver(7)

Steve Burke

Rob Hudson

Non-executive 
directors

Bill Shannon

Ian Bull

Kay Chaldecott

Simon Clarke

Lesley James

Richard Mully

(1)  All benefits for the executive directors (comprising mainly the provision of company car/car allowance, private fuel and medical insurance) arise from employment with the 
Company and do not form part of final pensionable pay. Rob Hudson was also entitled to a relocation allowance of up to 25% of base salary in respect of reasonable and 
appropriate costs to enable him to relocate to the Midlands following his appointment on 28th September 2015; in the year ended 30th November 2016 payments totalling 
£26,342 (2015: £37,471) were made to Rob Hudson in connection with his relocation. No further payments are due.

(2)  Bonus payable in respect of the relevant financial year. Further information as to how the level of bonus awarded in 2016 was determined is provided on pages 85 and 86.

(3) The performance period for the 2014 PSP awards ended on 30th November 2016. The performance conditions to which these awards were subject were not achieved, 
hence the awards will lapse in full on 5th March 2017. Further information on the awards and the performance conditions to which they were subject can be found on 
page 87.

(4)  Relates to the 2013 PSP awards which vested and became exercisable on 6th March 2016. The share price used to value the awards was 305.6 pence, being the share 
price on the last dealing day immediately prior to the vesting date (which fell on a Sunday), plus 12.92 pence per share which was the value of the dividend equivalent 
deliverable in shares on vesting. The dividend equivalent is based on dividends paid to shareholders with record dates occurring between the date of grant and the date  
of vesting.

(5)  Further details regarding pension entitlements can be found on page 89.

(6) Appointed to the Board on 1st November 2016. Further information on the recruitment arrangements for Mark Allan can be found on page 90.

(7) Retired from the Board on 30th November 2016. Further information on the remuneration arrangements in connection with Bill Oliver’s retirement can be found on page 91.

(8) Reflects (a) the grant of a Sharesave option on 15th August 2016 (the value is based on the market value on the date of grant (274.5 pence), less the option price 

(246.0 pence), multiplied by the number of options granted); and (b) the exercise of a Sharesave option on 3rd October 2016 (the value is based on the market value 
on the date of exercise (298.4 pence), less the option price (156.0 pence), multiplied by the number of options exercised). Further details can be found on page 88.

(9) As set out in the 2015 Remuneration Report, the Committee agreed to compensate Rob Hudson for certain long-term incentives from his previous employer that he was 
required to forfeit on him leaving to join St. Modwen in September 2015. This included a one-off cash payment of £414,000 (subject to the deduction of tax and national 
insurance contributions) in recognition of an outstanding long-term incentive award which had reached the end of the performance measurement period in March 2015 
(such that the full value could be determined) but which was not due to vest until December 2015. As the vesting date fell soon after his appointment, a cash payment 
(rather than an award of shares) was considered fair and reasonable. The amount shown in the table above also reflects the grant of a Sharesave option on 15th August 
2016, with the value based on the market value on the date of grant (274.5 pence), less the option price (246.0 pence), multiplied by the number of options granted. 
Further details can be found on page 88.

84

St. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016 
Annual bonus outturn (audited information) 
In the financial year ended 30th November 2016 all executive directors (excluding Mark Allan) had the opportunity to be awarded an annual 
bonus of up to 125% of base salary as at 1st December 2015. Of this, 105% of salary was dependent on achieving corporate measures 
and 20% on meeting personal objectives.

The Committee determined that it was appropriate to allocate 10% of the corporate measures to New Covent Garden Market (NCGM), 
given that it represents approximately 10% of NAV. Weightings and targets for the corporate measures set at the beginning of the year 
reflected this allocation, with the resulting maximum opportunity for NCGM determined at 7%. Performance against targets and resulting 
bonus awards are set out in the tables below.

Corporate measures

Post dividend growth in shareholders’ 
equity net asset value per share

Profit before all tax

Total dividend for the year

Gearing levels(1)

Covenant compliance

Threshold 
performance 
(25% of salary)

On-target 
performance 
(65% of salary)

Maximum 
performance 
(105% of salary)

Weighting

27% 4% growth

5% growth

6% growth

27% £60m

£90m

£120m

9% 6.00 pence 
per share

6.05 pence 
per share

6.10 pence 
per share

10% 50%

10% N/A

49%

Full 

48%

N/A

Achievement against a number of strategic 
objectives which primarily included:

10%

Achievement determined by the 
Committee against measurable 
objectives set at the beginning of  
the year

 § achieving targeted development 

milestones to support future profit 
delivery; and

 § progressing acquisitions to enhance 

the Company’s land bank.

New Covent Garden Market

7%

Performance to be assessed on the 
extent to which the sale reflected 
book value

Actual performance

4.2% growth 
(to 431.00 pence)

£60.8m

6.00 pence 
per share

48.9%

Full 

On-target 
performance 

Award as a 
% of salary

6.75%

6.75%

2.25%

6.50%

6.50%

6.50%

No sale achieved 
in the year and a 
£24.3m fall in 
value recorded

0.00%

35.25%

Total

100%

(1) Defined as adjusted gearing, being the level of the Group’s net borrowings (at amortised cost and excluding finance leases) expressed as a percentage of net assets.

85

Strategic report Corporate governance Financial statements Additional informationSt. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016Directors’ remuneration report  
continued

Key personal measures

Bill Oliver:

 § Executive succession planning

 § Development of St. Modwen Homes

 § Progress planned asset disposals

Steve Burke:

 § Delivery of interim flower market at 

New Covent Garden Market

 § Delivery of the second phase of 

accommodation at the Bay Campus, 
Swansea University

 § Continue to evolve the Company’s 

CSR activities

On-target 
performance  
(10% of salary)

Maximum 
performance  

(20% of salary)

Actual performance(1)

Achievement determined by the 
Committee against measurable 
objectives set at the beginning 
of the year

St. Modwen Homes 
delivered 49% growth in 
profit in the year and is 
now active on 18 sites

Achievement determined by the 
Committee against measurable 
objectives set at the beginning 
of the year

Completion of interim 
flower market and 
successful delivery of 
phase two at Bay 
Campus. Driving 
enhancement of 
CSR through the 
Steering Committee

Refinancing programme 
delivered increased 
facilities at reduced cost. 
Instrumental in driving 
risk management 
activities across 
the business

Award as a 
% of salary

18.00%

20.00%

18.00%

Rob Hudson:

 § Enhance funding structure

 § Continued development of risk 

management activities

 § Finance team development and 

succession planning

Achievement determined by the 
Committee against measurable 
objectives set at the beginning 
of the year

(1) Specific commentary has not been provided for measures which are sensitive (such as succession planning).

In light of both corporate and individual performance, the Committee determined that the following bonus awards be made:

Executive director

Bill Oliver(1)

Steve Burke

Rob Hudson

Award – Corporate  
(as a % of salary)

Award – Personal  
(as a % of salary)

Total award  

(as a % of salary)

Salary on which bonus 
award is calculated

35.25%

35.25%

35.25%

18.00%

20.00%

18.00%

53.25%

55.25%

53.25%

£499,351

£329,481

£275,000

Total bonus award

£265,904

£182,038

£146,437

(1) Retired from the Board on 30th November 2016.

Bonus payments to Steve Burke and Rob Hudson were conditional upon the executive director undertaking to invest at least one third of 
the bonus received, after payment of income tax and national insurance, in the Company’s shares and to retain those shares for a minimum 
period of three years.

86

St. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016Long-term incentives (audited information)

Performance Share Plan (PSP)

The three-year performance period for the 2014 PSP awards ended on 30th November 2016. The performance conditions which applied  
to the awards together with actual performance are summarised in the table below.

Performance measure

Weighting

Threshold 
performance

Vesting of award 
at threshold 
performance

Maximum 
performance

Vesting of award 
at maximum 
performance

Actual 
performance

Proportion of 
award to vest

Absolute TSR growth

50% of award

20%

12.5%

50%

50%

(11.3)%

0.00%

TSR relative to FTSE 
All-Share Real Estate 
Investment & Services 
Index

Total

50% of award

Equal to 
Index

12.5%

120% of 
Index

50%

Below the 
Index

0.00%

0.00%

The Committee therefore determined that the PSP awards granted in 2014 will lapse in full on the third anniversary of grant (5th March 2017).

On 22nd February 2016, the following PSP awards were granted to executive directors as nil cost options: 

Executive director

Bill Oliver(3)

Steve Burke

Rob Hudson

Basis of award

125% of salary

125% of salary

125% of salary

Face value of award 
£’000(1)

Number of shares

% of award that would vest for
threshold performance(2)

£624

£412

£344

190,052

125,400

104,664

25%

25%

25%

(1)  Calculated using the average share price of 328.43 pence which was, in accordance with the rules of the PSP, used to determine the number of shares to be awarded 

(being the average over the three dealing days immediately preceding the date of grant).

(2)  The performance measures that apply to the awards mirror those proposed for the 2014 awards which are described above. The performance period started on 

1st December 2015 and will end on 30th November 2018. 

(3) Retired from the Board on 30th November 2016.

87

Strategic report Corporate governance Financial statements Additional informationSt. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016Directors’ remuneration report  
continued

All PSP awards held by the executive directors who served during the year, together with any movements, are shown below.

Executive director

Date of grant

Awards 
held on 
1st December 
2015

Awards made 
during year

Awards 
vested during 
year 

Awards 
exercised 
during year

Awards 
lapsed/ 
forfeited 
during year

Awards 
held on  

30th November
2016(1)

End of 
performance 

period  Exercise period

Bill Oliver(2)

06/03/13

231,077

05/03/14(4)

150,141

09/04/15

130,501

–

–

–

22/02/16

–

190,052(5)

231,077

231,077(3)

–

–

30/11/15 06/03/16 to 
05/03/23

–

–

–

–

–

–

13,015(2)

137,126

58,940(2)

71,561

141,152(2)

48,900

30/11/16 05/03/17 to 
04/03/24

30/11/17 09/04/18 to 
08/04/25

30/11/18 22/02/19 to 
21/02/26

511,719

190,052

231,077

231,077

213,107

257,587

Steve Burke

06/03/13

152,468

05/03/14(4)

99,066

09/04/15

86,107

–

–

–

22/02/16

–

125,400(5)

152,468

152,468(3)

–

–

–

–

–

–

337,641

125,400

152,468

152,468

Rob Hudson

02/10/15

119,018

–

22/02/16

–

104,664(4)

119,018

104,664

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

30/11/15 06/03/16 to 
05/03/23

99,066

86,107

125,400

310,573

119,018

104,664

223,682

30/11/16 05/03/17 to 
04/03/24

30/11/17 09/04/18 to 
08/04/25

30/11/18 22/02/19 to 
21/02/26

30/11/17 02/10/18 to 
01/10/25

30/11/18 22/02/19 to 
21/02/26

(1) The performance conditions for all awards held on 30th November 2016 mirror those for the 2014 awards as described on page 87. In addition, awards are subject to two 
underpin conditions, namely that (a) the extent of vesting under the performance conditions is appropriate given the general financial performance of the Company over 
the performance period; and (b) if no dividend has been paid on the last normal dividend date prior to the vesting date or if the Committee believes that no dividend will 
be paid in respect of the year in which the award vests, the award will not vest at that time and vesting will be delayed (subject to continued employment) until dividend 
payments are resumed.

(2) Retired from the Board on 30th November 2016. PSP awards granted in 2014, 2015 and 2016 have been pro rated to reflect the time elapsed from the date of grant to 

30th November 2016. Further information can be found on page 91.

(3) Awards exercised on 14th July 2016. The share price on exercise was 268.0 pence. In addition to the awards exercised, the executive directors received shares representing 

the value of dividends paid from the date of award to the date of exercise as follows: Bill Oliver – 14,680 shares; Steve Burke – 9,686 shares.

(4) Awards to lapse in full on 5th March 2017 as described on page 87.

(5) The share price used to calculate the number of shares awarded, under the rules of the PSP, was 328.43 pence. The closing mid-market share price on the date 

of the award was 326.6 pence.

Saving Related Share Option Scheme (SAYE)

SAYE awards held by the executive directors who served during the year, together with any movements, are shown below.

Options 
held on 
1st December 
2015

Options 
granted 
during year

Options 
exercised 
during year

Options 
lapsed  

during year

Options  
held on 
30th November 
2016

Date of grant

Exercise  
price

Exercise  
period

Executive director

Steve Burke

16/08/11

9,887

–

9,887(1)

15/08/16

–

3,658

–

Rob Hudson

15/08/16

9,887

–

3,658

3,658

9,887

–

–

–

–

–

– 156 pence 01/10/16 to 
31/03/17

3,658 246 pence 01/10/19 to 
31/03/20

3,658

3,658 246 pence 01/10/19 to 
31/03/20

(1) Exercised on 3rd October 2016. The share price on the date of exercise was 298.4 pence.

The closing mid-market share price on 30th November 2016 was 280.0 pence and the price range during the year was 222.2 pence 
to 428.8 pence.

88

St. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016Pension entitlements (audited information) 
All executive directors receive a pension contribution of 15% of base salary which is paid either into the defined contribution section of the 
Company’s pension scheme or as a cash allowance in lieu of pension contribution (or a combination of both). No compensation is offered 
for any additional tax suffered by an executive director in the event that the value of their pension exceeds the statutory Lifetime Allowance.

Executive director

Mark Allan(1)

Bill Oliver(2)

Steve Burke

Rob Hudson

Pension contribution
£

2016

2015

–

–

–

–

23,331

39,996

–

–

(1) Appointed to the Board on 1st November 2016.

(2) Retired from the Board on 30th November 2016.

23,331

39,996

149,306

Cash allowance in lieu of 
pension contribution
£

2016

7,063

74,903

26,090

41,250

2015

–

72,721

7,987

7,344

88,052

Total
£

2016

7,063

74,903

49,421

41,250

2015

–

72,721

47,983

7,344

172,637

128,048

Steve Burke is also a deferred member of the defined benefit section of the Company’s pension scheme, which was closed to new 
members in 1999 and to future accrual in 2009. Benefits are based on years of credited service and final pensionable pay; the maximum 
benefit generally payable under the scheme is two-thirds of final pensionable pay.

Information required by the Regulations in respect of defined benefit pension arrangements is set out below.

Executive director

Steve Burke

Age at 
30th November 
2016

Accrued pension  
at 30th November
2015(1)
£pa

Accrued pension  
at 30th November

2016(1) 
£pa

57

28,342(2)

28,342(2)

Increase in  
accrued pension 
during the year  

£pa

0

Increase in  
accrued pension 
during the year 
(excluding inflation) 
£pa

0

(1)  The accrued annual pension includes entitlements earned as an employee prior to becoming an executive director as well as for qualifying services after becoming 

an executive director and is that which would be paid annually on retirement at age 65 based on service to the end of the year.

(2)  These figures have been calculated by applying deferred revaluation to Steve Burke’s deferred pension as at 1st September 2009, being the date that accrual ceased 

under the defined benefits section of the scheme.

(3) The following is additional information relating to the defined benefit pension arrangements applicable to Steve Burke:

§  Normal retirement age is 65 years. Retirement may take place at any age after age 55 subject to Company consent. Pensions may be reduced to allow for their 

earlier payment.

§  There are no death in service benefits payable and no additional benefits due on early retirement.

§ Deferred pensions are assumed to increase in line with CPI capped at 5% per annum in the period before retirement.

Further information on the Company’s pension scheme is shown in note 18 to the Group financial statements.

89

Strategic report Corporate governance Financial statements Additional informationSt. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016 
 
 
Directors’ remuneration report  
continued

Recruitment arrangements for Mark Allan
Mark Allan’s service agreement and remuneration arrangements are consistent with the Company’s remuneration policy approved by 
shareholders at the 2014 AGM. Details are set out below:

 § Base salary of £565,000 per annum. Mark’s base salary is 13% higher than his predecessor, Bill Oliver, but this takes account of the 

larger total remuneration package he had in his previous role as Chief Executive of The Unite Group plc (including maximum variable pay 
at Unite being 94 percentage points higher than St. Modwen’s current policy). Mark’s remuneration also takes account of his impressive 
track record and the high regard in which he is held in the listed property sector. Mark’s salary was set at the point of recruitment in April 
2016 and will not be subject to review before 1st December 2017, with any increase subject to satisfactory performance.

 § Pension allowance of 15% of base salary and other benefits in accordance with the remuneration policy. 

 § Eligible to participate in the Company’s annual bonus arrangements.

 § Eligible to participate in the Company’s long-term share-based incentive arrangements, with the initial award to be granted in 2017  

at a value of 180% of base salary in line with the approved policy on remuneration in recruitment situations.

 § Minimum shareholding requirement of 200% of base salary. The normal expectation is that this will be achieved no later than five years 

from appointment.

The Company agreed to compensate Mark for unvested share-based incentives awarded to him by his previous employer and forfeited  
as a consequence of him leaving to join St. Modwen. The compensation comprised the grant, on 2nd November 2016, of an award over 
694,325 shares in the Company under and subject to the terms of a share award agreement entered into upon reliance of FCA Listing  
Rule 9.4.2(2).

The award was on a like-for-like basis at a level consistent with fair value at the time of recruitment, and comprises distinct nil-cost option 
tranches exercisable in accordance with the original vesting timeframe which applied to the forfeited awards subject to the achievement  
of the relevant performance condition (where applicable) as noted in the table below.

Tranche

One

Two

Three

Four

Five

Number of shares 
comprised within tranche

Tranche’s relevant 

vesting date Relevant performance condition

138,539

10 April 2017 None

211,353

10 April 2017 That which would have applied to the relevant former employer LTIP award granted 

in April 2014 with a normal performance period ended 31st December 2016

105,708

10 April 2018 That which would have applied to the relevant former employer LTIP award granted 

in April 2014 with a normal performance period ended 31st December 2016

159,134

2 April 2018 That which would have applied to the relevant former employer LTIP award granted 

in April 2015 with a normal performance period ending 31st December 2017

79,591

2 April 2019 That which would have applied to the relevant former employer LTIP award granted 

in April 2015 with a normal performance period ending 31st December 2017

The tranches will normally vest on their vesting date subject to Mark’s continued service and the extent to which the relevant performance 
condition (if any) is satisfied. The tranches will normally remain exercisable to their vested extent for a period of six months from time of 
vesting (or such longer period as the Board approves during such period).

On exercise the tranches will be satisfied using existing shares only.

The award includes an entitlement to a cash payment following a tranche’s vesting date in respect of dividend equivalent value that would 
have accrued under the forfeited awards to the extent they had vested.

90

St. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016Payments to past directors and for loss of office (audited information)

Michael Dunn

Further to the disclosure in prior year’s reports, Michael Dunn stepped down from the Board on 31st May 2015. He remained on garden 
leave for the remainder of his notice period to 18th December 2015 when he ceased to be an employee of the Company.

For the period from 1st December 2015 to 18th December 2015 Michael received £14,772 in base salary, £571 in benefits and £1,826  
in pension contribution.

On 9th June 2016 Michael exercised the SAYE award that had been granted to him in 2011 to the extent of his accumulated savings 
(plus any applicable interest). At the point of exercise this comprised an option over 9,160 shares at an option price of 156 pence per share.

On 6th July 2016 Michael exercised the PSP award that had been granted to him in 2013. The award, in the form of a nil-cost option, had 
been pro rated to reflect the time elapsed from the date of grant to 31st May 2015 and had vested in full. In addition to the award exercised 
(103,468 shares), Michael received 6,816 shares representing the value of dividends paid from the date of award to the date of exercise.

The PSP award granted to Michael in 2014, in the form of a nil-cost option, had been pro rated to reflect the time elapsed from the date  
of grant to 31st May 2015. As noted on page 87, neither absolute nor relative TSR measures achieved the level of performance required  
for vesting set by the Committee, such that the award (over 37,275 shares) will lapse in full.

Bill Oliver

Bill Oliver retired from the Board as Chief Executive and an executive director on 30th November 2016. His employment with the Company 
also ended on this date.

Details of Bill’s remuneration for the financial year ended 30th November 2016 can be found in the table on page 84. He remained eligible  
to be awarded a bonus, subject to the achievement of performance measures, in respect of the financial year ended 30th November 2016; 
further details can be found on pages 85 and 86.

The Committee has exercised discretion under the rules of the PSP to allow unvested awards to continue subject to time pro rating and 
performance assessment. Awards have been pro rated to reflect the time elapsed from the date of grant to 30th November 2016; details 
can be found on page 88. Satisfaction of the performance conditions will be assessed at the end of the relevant performance periods in line 
with the PSP rules and vesting will remain subject to the Committee’s determination as to whether the two financial underpins (details of 
which are set out in note 1 to the first table on page 88) have been met. To the extent that they vest, awards will be exercisable for a period 
of six months from the third anniversary of the date of grant. Bill will also receive shares representing the value of dividends paid on vested 
shares from the date of award to the date of exercise. All awards will continue to be subject to recovery and withholding provisions.

Statement of directors’ shareholding and share interests (audited information) 
The interests of the directors and their connected persons in the issued ordinary share capital of the Company are shown in the table below.

As at 30th November 2016

Long-term 
incentive 
awards  
vested but 
unexercised

Long-term 
incentive 
awards not 
yet vested

Ordinary  
shares

SAYE awards

Executive directors

Mark Allan

Bill Oliver(1)

Steve Burke

Rob Hudson

Non-executive directors

Bill Shannon

Ian Bull

Kay Chaldecott

Simon Clarke

Lesley James

Richard Mully

–

1,009,876

526,615

8,298

95,000

25,000

21,025

3,225,157

30,000

70,000

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(1) Retired from the Board on 30th November 2016.

There were no changes in these shareholdings or interests between 30th November 2016 and the date of this report.

694,325

257,587

310,573

223,682

–

–

3,658

3,658

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

91

Strategic report Corporate governance Financial statements Additional informationSt. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016Directors’ remuneration report  
continued

In order to reinforce the alignment of their interests with those of shareholders, executive directors are required to build up a holding of 
ordinary shares in the Company worth at least 200% of their base salary. Until this has been achieved, an executive director is required  
to retain all the shares acquired through the bonus investment process as well as 50% of any exercised long-term incentive award.

Both Bill Oliver and Steve Burke had met and exceeded the shareholding requirement as at 30th November 2016; Mark Allan and Rob 
Hudson have (unless the Committee deem it appropriate to extend the timeframe) until 1st November 2021 and 28th September 2020, 
respectively, to meet the shareholding requirement.

Executive director

Mark Allan(2)

Bill Oliver(3)

Steve Burke

Rob Hudson

Ordinary shares held as at 
30th November 2016

Shareholding requirement as  

% of base salary

Value of shareholding at 
30th November 2016  
as % of base salary(1)

–

1,009,876

526,615

8,298

200%

200%

200%

200%

–

556%

448%

8%

(1) Based on the closing mid-market share price on 30th November 2016 of 280.0 pence and salary as at 30th November 2016.

(2) Appointed to the Board on 1st November 2016.

(3) Retired from the Board on 30th November 2016.

External appointments
The Company is supportive of executive directors who wish to take on non-executive directorships in order to broaden their experience  
and they are entitled to retain any fees they may receive. Mark Allan is a trustee director on the non-executive board on Anchor Trust.  
For the period from 1st November 2016 to 30th November 2016 he received and retained fees from Anchor Trust of £2,083.

Historic Company performance and Chief Executive remuneration 
The following information allows comparison of the Company’s TSR (based on share price growth and dividends reinvested) with the 
remuneration of Bill Oliver, Chief Executive, over the last eight financial years.

Total Shareholder Return
£

600

500

400

300

200

100

30th Nov
2008

30th Nov
2009

30th Nov
2010

30th Nov
2011

30th Nov
2012

30th Nov
2013

30th Nov
2014

30th Nov
2015

30th Nov
2016

St. Modwen
FTSE 250
FTSE All-Share Real Estate Investment & Services

The chart is prepared in accordance with the Regulations. It shows the Company’s TSR and that of the FTSE 250 and the FTSE All-Share Real Estate Investment & Services 
Indices based on an initial investment of £100 on 30th November 2008 and values at intervening financial year ends over an eight-year period to 30th November 2016. Since the 
Company was a constituent of both the FTSE 250 and the FTSE All-Share Real Estate Investment & Services Indices during the year, these are considered to be appropriate 
benchmarks for the graph.

Chief Executive remuneration for  
year ended 30th November

Total remuneration (£’000)(1)

Annual bonus awarded  
(as a % of maximum opportunity)

PSP vesting 
(as a % of maximum opportunity)

2009

876

2010

902

2011

1,049

2012

1,672

2013

2,419

2014

3,083

2015

1,931

2016

867

50.00(2)

80.00

95.00

90.00

95.00

100.00

100.00

53.25

0.00

0.00

0.00

45.77(3)

100.00

100.00

100.00

0.00

(1) Total remuneration includes those elements shown in the single total figure of remuneration table on page 84. 

(2)  In addition to the annual bonus, the Chief Executive was also awarded a one-off, exceptional payment of £100,000 in relation to the successful equity raising and financial 

restructuring undertaken in the year.

(3) Comprises 45.64% of the 2009 PSP awards and 45.89% of the 2010 PSP awards.

92

St. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016Change in remuneration of Chief Executive compared to employees 
The table below shows the percentage change in salary, benefits and annual bonus between the years ended 30th November 2015 and 
30th November 2016 for both Bill Oliver, the then Chief Executive, and for all permanent employees of the Company.

Chief Executive

All permanent employees

Change in base 
salary % 

Change in 
benefits % 

Change in annual 
bonus %

3.0

3.0(1)

0.0(2)

0.0(3)

(56.1)

(21.3)(4)

(1)  General cost of living increase for permanent employees. Including adjustments for promotions and recognition of exceptional performance, the weighted average increase 

in salary was 4.9%.

(2)  The year on year decrease in benefits shown in the single total figure of remuneration table on page 84 reflects a reduction in taxable benefit arising following a change 

of company car.

(3) There was no change to the overall structure of benefits available to permanent employees.

(4) Weighted average decrease.

Relative spend on pay 
The table below shows the total expenditure on remuneration for all employees of the Company (including pension, variable pay and social 
security costs) compared to other key financial indicators as reported in the audited Group financial statements for the last two financial 
years. Information in respect of profit and net asset value performance has been provided for context.

Measure

Total spend on pay

Profit before all tax

Dividends paid

Equity attributable to owners of the Company

Implementation of remuneration policy for 2016/17 

Base salary

Relevant note 
to the Group 
financial 
statements

Year ended 
30th November 
2015

Year ended 
30th November 
2016

3c

2a

7

2f

£21.8m

£258.4m

£11.1m

£23.7m

£60.8m

£12.8m

£914.7m

£955.2m

% Increase

8.7%

(76.5)%

15.3%

4.4%

In line with the general cost of living salary increase awarded to the Company’s permanent employees, Rob Hudson and Steve Burke 
received an annual salary increase of 2.5% with effect from 1st December 2016. In accordance with his service agreement, the first such 
review for Mark Allan will take place in respect of an effective date of 1st December 2017.

Executive director

Mark Allan(1)

Steve Burke

Rob Hudson

(1) Appointed to the Board on 1st November 2016.

Benefits and pension arrangements

Base salary as at 
30th November 
2016

Base salary 
with effect from 
1st December 
2016

£565,000

£565,000

£329,481

£337,718

£275,000

£281,875

% Increase

–

2.5%

2.5%

Benefits and pension arrangements for the financial year ending 30th November 2017 will be consistent with the respective policies detailed 
on page 78. 

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Strategic report Corporate governance Financial statements Additional informationSt. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016Directors’ remuneration report  
continued

Annual bonus

Subject to shareholder approval of the proposed remuneration policy, executive directors will have the opportunity to be awarded a bonus 
of up to 150% of salary in the financial year ending 30th November 2017. Arrangements will be consistent with the annual bonus policy 
detailed on page 79.

Bonus awards will based on achievement of the following measures:

Measure

Corporate:

Trading profit

Total accounting return

See-through loan-to-value

Personal:

Individual targets for 
executive directors

Link to strategy

Weighting as  
% of award

Threshold 
performance

On-target 
performance

Stretch 
performance

Super stretch 
performance

25%

25%

25%

Budget  
-10%

Budget  
-15%

Budget  
+5%

Budget

Budget

Budget

Budget  
+10%

Budget  
+15% 

Budget  
-5%

Budget  
+20%

Budget  
+30%

Budget  
-10%

25% Substantially 
met

Met

Exceeded

Significantly 
exceeded

Reflects profitability of the 
business after operating costs

Recognises the delivery of 
significant added value

Ensures continued balance 
sheet strength

Ensures that each director 
focuses on his individual 
contribution in the broadest 
sense through business 
performance, leadership role, 
people and team, and 
personal development 
objectives

Award (% of salary)

Award (% of maximum opportunity)

37.5%

25.0%

75.0%

50.0%

112.5%

75.0%

150.0%

100.0%

The Committee has set specific targets for all corporate measures, which reflect the Committee’s judgement of the ability of management  
to influence performance within the year. On-target performance will deliver 50% of the maximum opportunity. Stretch targets are 
demanding and will require a very substantial outperformance of budget to achieve maximum payout.

Achievement of personal objectives will be determined through a formal performance review process. The proportion of the bonus that can 
be paid out in respect of the achievement of personal objectives will be limited to not more than one-third of the total actual bonus awarded.

The threshold, target, stretch and super stretch performance requirements for financial objectives, together with outcomes, will be disclosed 
in the Remuneration Report for the year ending 30th November 2017. This report will also include detailed commentary on the key 
deliverables, and assessment of outcomes, for personal objectives.

Any bonus awarded will be subject to the requirement to invest 40% of the net amount paid in purchasing shares in the Company and 
to retain these shares for at least three years, irrespective of whether the executive director has met the shareholding requirement.

94

St. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016Long-term incentives

Subject to shareholder approval of the proposed remuneration policy and 2017 Performance Share Plan (PSP) at the 2017 AGM, PSP 
awards to be granted to executive directors in the financial year ending 30th November 2017 will be over shares worth 150% of salary 
(180% of salary for Mark Allan as detailed on page 90) and will be consistent with the long-term incentives policy detailed on page 80.

Noting the concerns of some investors with regard to the use of absolute TSR as a performance measure, it is proposed that, for the 
2016/17 awards, this be replaced with total accounting return (TAR). TAR measures growth in net asset value (NAV), a key measure for  
the business, plus dividends and can be used effectively as an indicator of longer-term performance. The Committee believes that relative 
TSR remains an appropriate measure of performance for the Company and so intends to retain this for the 2016/17 awards, with equal 
weighting between relative TSR and TAR measures.

Relative TSR performance will be assessed on a median to upper quartile ranking approach, which the Committee believes is more 
appropriate than the current index outperformance basis. The TSR peer group, previously comprising all the constituents of the FTSE 
All-Share Real Estate & Investment Services Index, will be replaced with a bespoke comparator group of real estate companies but 
excluding specialist sub-sectors such as estate agencies, self-storage and healthcare. The constituents of the comparator group will  
be considered in advance of each award; the constituents of this bespoke group for the 2016/17 awards are set out below.

A&J Mucklow Group

Grainger

Land Securities Group

Shaftesbury

British Land Company

Great Portland Estates

LondonMetric Property

St. Modwen Properties

Capital & Counties Properties

Hammerson

Picton Property Income

Town Centre Securities

Capital & Regional

Derwent London

Hansteen Holdings

Helical 

Regional REIT

SEGRO

U and I Group

Workspace Group

The Committee is satisfied that the targets proposed for the 2016/17 awards, set out in the table below, are suitably stretching. Performance 
against each target will be measured independently over the three financial years ending on 30th November 2019. The vesting percentage 
for threshold performance has been reduced from 25% to 20% of the maximum opportunity; this will deliver less value as a percentage 
of salary at, and requiring stretching performance for vesting beyond, threshold performance.

Performance measure

Link to strategy

Relative TSR performance 
(50% of award)

 § Rewards outperformance of the returns 

generated by a comparator group 
comprising listed company peers

 § Directly correlates reward with the return 
delivered to shareholders through share 
price growth and dividend payments

 § Provides an objective measure of the 

Company’s long-term success

Threshold 
performance

Company’s 
TSR is ranked 
at median  
of the 
comparator 
group’s TSR

Vesting of award 
at threshold 
performance

Maximum 
performance

Vesting of award 
at maximum 
performance

20% Company’s 

100%

TSR is ranked 
at or above 
the upper 
quartile of the 
comparator 
group’s TSR

Total accounting return 
(50% of award)

 § Rewards delivery of continued long-term 

significant added value

5% average 
per annum

20% 11% average 

100%

per annum

 § Key internal measure of the Company’s 

long-term performance

 § Reflects value added by the Company’s 

asset management activities 

Vesting of awards between threshold and maximum performance will be on a straight-line basis. Performance below threshold would result 
in nil vesting for that measure.

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Strategic report Corporate governance Financial statements Additional informationSt. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016Directors’ remuneration report  
continued

In calculating TSR, a three-month average is used at both the start and the end of the performance period to ensure that the calculation is 
not impacted by potential volatility arising from day-to-day share price fluctuations. The TSR data and relative positioning of St. Modwen 
is provided by New Bridge Street to ensure that performance is independently verified. Total accounting return performance will be subject 
to audit by the Company’s auditor.

The 2016/17 awards will be subject to an underpin condition which the Committee must be satisfied has been met before permitting 
awards to vest, namely that the extent of vesting under the performance conditions is appropriate given the general financial performance  
of the Company over the three-year performance period.

The 2016/17 awards will also be subject to a compulsory two-year post-vesting holding period, which will require executive directors to 
hold any shares vesting (after tax) for a period of two years, meaning there can be no disposal of shares for a period of at least five years 
from grant. The holding period will remain in place if the executive leaves employment during the two-year holding period.

Chairman and non-executive director fees

Following a review by the Board, the annual fees payable to the Chairman and non-executive directors have been increased in line with 
the cost of living salary increase awarded to the Company’s employees with effect from 1st December 2016.

Base fee

Chairman

Non-executive directors

Additional fees

Senior Independent Director

Audit Committee Chairman

Remuneration Committee Chairman

Dates of appointment of directors

Director

Executive directors

Mark Allan(1)

Steve Burke

Rob Hudson

Non-executive directors

Bill Shannon(2)

Ian Bull 

Kay Chaldecott

Simon Clarke

Lesley James

Richard Mully

(1) Appointed Chief Executive on 1st December 2016.

(2) Appointed Chairman on 22nd March 2011.

Fee as at 
30th November 
2016

Fee with 
effect from 
1st December 
2016

% Increase

£159,135

£163,113

£43,709

£44,801

2.5%

2.5%

£9,000

£9,000

£9,000

£9,000

£9,000

£9,000

–

–

–

Date of appointment

Date of contract/original letter 
of appointment

Expiry of current term

1st November 2016

6th April 2016

30th November 2006

18th January 2016

28th September 2015

20th April 2015

N/A

N/A

N/A

1st November 2010

18th October 2010

31st October 2017

1st September 2014

21st August 2014

31st August 2017

22nd October 2012

22nd October 2012

21st October 2018

11th October 2004

4th October 2004

10th October 2017

19th October 2009

19th October 2009

18th October 2017

1st September 2013

16th July 2013

31st August 2019

96

St. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016Dilution limits 
In line with the rules of the PSP and Employee Share Option Plan, for which shareholder approval will be sought at the 2017 AGM, and the 
rules of the current SAYE, the Company observes the recommendation of the Investment Association that the number of new shares that 
may be issued to satisfy awards is restricted to 10% (5% for discretionary schemes) of the issued ordinary share capital of the Company 
in any rolling 10-year period.

The total number of shares which could be allotted under the Company’s share schemes compared to the dilution limits as at 30th November 
2016 was as follows:

Type of scheme

All schemes

Executive schemes only

Limit

10%

5%

Actual

3.82%

3.64%

As at 30th November 2016, the Company’s Employee Share Trust (the Trust) held 269,334 shares (2015: 690,274 shares) in the Company 
to enable it to satisfy the vesting and exercise of awards. In accordance with the Trust deed, the Trust has waived the right to receive 
dividends paid on these shares with the exception of a hundredth of a penny per share.

Committee membership 
The Committee’s composition is kept under review by the Nomination Committee, which is responsible for making recommendations  
to the Board as to its membership.

All members of the Committee receive an appropriate induction to ensure that they have a sound and objective understanding of the 
principles of, and recent developments in, executive remuneration matters. Ongoing training is undertaken as required.

Remuneration Committee members

Lesley James

Ian Bull

Kay Chaldecott

Richard Mully

Bill Shannon

Chairman

Member

Member

Member

Member

(1) Actual attendance/maximum number of meetings a director could attend.

Remuneration Committee attendees (by invitation)

Committee meetings and attendance during the 
year ended 30th November 2016(1)

4/4

4/4

4/4

4/4

4/4

Bill Oliver

Mark Allan

Simon Clarke

Tanya Stote

Chief Executive (to 30th November 2016)

Chief Executive (from 1st December 2016)

Non-executive director

Company Secretary and secretary to the Committee

Representatives from New Bridge Street

Remuneration Committee advisor

Advice provided to the Committee 
New Bridge Street (NBS), a trading name of Aon Hewitt Ltd (the parent company of NBS), was re-appointed by the Committee in 
2014 following a tender process to provide independent advice on remuneration matters. Representatives from NBS attend Committee 
meetings and provide advice to the Committee Chairman outside of meetings as necessary. In 2015/16 NBS provided specific advice 
to the Committee in respect of its review of the Company’s remuneration policy for directors and subsequent shareholder consultation 
on proposed amendments, remuneration arrangements relating to the retirement of Bill Oliver and the appointment of Mark Allan, and TSR 
monitoring services. NBS also provides advice in relation to non-executive director remuneration. Fees are charged on a cost incurred basis 
with advice to the Committee totalling £136,000 in the year ended 30th November 2016.

NBS is a member of the Remuneration Consultants Group and operates voluntarily under the Group’s code which sets out the scope 
and conduct of the role of executive remuneration consultants when advising UK listed companies. NBS does not undertake any other 
work for the Company, and the Committee is satisfied that the advice provided by NBS remains objective and independent.

The Committee also receives input from the Chief Executive on the remuneration arrangements of the other executive directors and of 
the Company Secretary, and advice from the Company Secretary on governance matters. Neither the Chief Executive nor the Company 
Secretary were present when their own remuneration was discussed.

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Strategic report Corporate governance Financial statements Additional informationSt. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016Directors’ remuneration report  
continued

Activities of the Committee
The Committee met on four occasions in the financial year ended 30th November 2016 to consider the following matters:

 § to consider investor feedback on the Company’s remuneration policy and the report on directors’ remuneration for the 

2015 Annual Report;

 § to review market trends and the governance environment in respect of remuneration arrangements;

 § to determine proposed amendments to the Company’s remuneration policy for directors and consult with major institutional investors 
and shareholder representative bodies on the intended changes ahead of the 2017 AGM at which shareholder approval will be sought;

 § to agree the rules of replacement long-term incentive arrangements for which shareholder approval will also be sought at 

the 2017 AGM; 

 § to determine the application of the remuneration policy for the recruitment of Mark Allan and the retirement of Bill Oliver;

 § to review the executive directors’ base salaries and the fee payable to the Chairman;

 § to set corporate and personal objectives for the 2016/17 annual bonus arrangements for executive directors and undertake 

an assessment of performance against targets for 2015/16;

 § to approve the outturn of PSP awards granted in 2013;

 § to approve share awards granted in 2016 together with associated performance criteria; and

 § to prepare this report on directors’ remuneration.

Statement of shareholder voting at the AGM 

The table below details the results of the shareholder vote to approve the Directors’ remuneration report at the 2016 AGM and the 
shareholder vote to approve the current remuneration policy at the 2014 AGM.

Resolution

AGM

Votes for % of vote for

Votes against % of vote against

Total votes cast

Votes withheld(1) 

Approval of Directors’ remuneration report 2016 148,367,066

89.65%

17,125,133

10.35% 165,492,199

1,681,491

Approval of remuneration policy

2014 156,644,976

98.79%

1,916,724

1.21% 158,561,700

3,962,858

(1) A vote withheld is not a vote in law and is not counted in the calculation of the proportion of votes cast for or against a resolution.

This report on remuneration has been approved by the Board and signed on its behalf by

Lesley James 
Chairman of the Remuneration Committee 
6th February 2017

98

St. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016Directors’ report

The directors present their report for the year ended 
30th November 2016.

As permitted by legislation, some of the matters historically 
included in this report have instead been included in the Strategic 
report on pages 1 to 52 as the Board considers them to be of 
strategic importance. Specifically these relate to the Company’s 
business model and strategy, future business developments and 
risk management. The corporate governance statement as required 
by the Disclosure and Transparency Rules of the Financial Conduct 
Authority (FCA) is set out on pages 53 to 98 and is incorporated 
into this report by reference.

Annual general meeting
The AGM will be held on Wednesday, 29th March 2017 in the 
Evolution Suite, Innovation Centre, 1 Devon Way, Longbridge 
Technology Park, Birmingham B31 2TS, commencing at 12.00 
noon. The notice of meeting, which includes the special business  
to be transacted and an explanation of all the resolutions to be 
considered at the meeting, is set out on pages 166 to 177.

Dividend
An interim dividend of 1.94 pence per ordinary share (2015: 1.9 pence) 
was paid on 5th September 2016.

The directors recommend a final dividend of 4.06 pence per 
ordinary share in respect of the year ended 30th November 2016 
(2015: 3.85 pence), making a total dividend for the year of 6.00 
pence per share (2015: 5.75 pence), payable on 4th April 2017 
to shareholders on the register on 10th March 2017.

Other than as referred to under the heading ‘Share capital’ below, 
during the year there were no arrangements under which a 
shareholder had waived or agreed to waive any dividends nor 
any agreement by a shareholder to waive future dividends.

Share capital

Capital structure

The Company has a single class of share capital which is divided 
into ordinary shares of 10 pence each, all ranking pari passu. 
Each share carries the right to one vote at general meetings of 
the Company.

At 30th November 2016, there were 221,876,988 ordinary shares in 
issue and fully paid. Further details relating to share capital, including 
movements during the year, are set out in note 17 to the Group 
financial statements.

Share allotments

At the 2016 AGM, shareholders renewed the directors’ authority 
to allot shares in the Company. No shares were allotted during the 
year. A resolution to renew this standard authority will be proposed 
at the 2017 AGM.

Purchase by the Company of its own shares

At the 2016 AGM, shareholders renewed the Company’s authority 
to make market purchases of up to 22,187,698 ordinary shares, 
representing 10% of the issued share capital at that time. No shares 
were repurchased during the year and the Company does not hold 
any shares in treasury. This standard authority will expire at the 
2017 AGM and a resolution to renew it will be proposed.

Employee Share Trust (Trust)

As at 30th November 2016, the Trust held 269,334 shares 
(2015: 690,274 shares), representing 0.12% (2015: 0.31%) 
of the Company’s issued share capital. The Trust deed contains 
a dividend waiver provision in respect of shares held by the Trust, 

such that dividends are waived with the exception of a hundredth 
of a penny per share. Any voting or other similar decisions relating 
to shares held by the Trust would be taken by the Trustee, who 
may take account of any recommendations of the Company. There 
were no purchases of shares by the Trust during the financial year.

Further details regarding the Trust and of shares issued pursuant 
to the Company’s share-based incentive arrangements are set out 
in note 17 to the Group financial statements.

Rights and obligations attaching to shares

The holders of ordinary shares in the Company are entitled to 
receive dividends when declared, to receive the Company’s annual 
report, to attend and speak at general meetings of the Company, 
to appoint proxies and to exercise voting rights. Full details of the 
deadlines for exercising voting rights in respect of the resolutions to 
be considered at the 2017 AGM are set out in the notice of meeting 
on pages 166 to 177.

Restrictions on the transfer of shares

As at 30th November 2016 and the date of this report, except as 
referred to below:

 § there were no restrictions on the transfer of ordinary shares 

in the Company;

 § there were no limitations on the holding of ordinary shares;

 § there were no requirements to obtain the approval of the 
Company, or of other holders of ordinary shares in the 
Company, for a transfer of shares; and

 § no person held shares in the Company carrying any special 

rights with regard to control of the Company.

The directors may refuse to register the transfer of a share in 
certificated form which is not fully paid or on which the Company 
has a lien, where the instrument of transfer does not comply with 
the requirements of the Company’s articles of association (Articles), 
or if the transfer is in respect of more than one class of share or is in 
favour of more than four joint holders. The directors may also refuse 
to register a transfer of a certificated share, which represents an 
interest of at least 0.25% in a class of shares, following the failure 
by the member or any other person appearing to be interested in 
the shares to provide the Company with information requested 
under section 793 of the Companies Act 2006 (Act).

Transfers of uncertificated shares must be carried out using  
CREST and the directors can refuse to register the transfer of an 
uncertificated share in accordance with the regulations governing 
the operation of CREST.

The Company is not aware of any agreements between 
shareholders that may result in restrictions on the transfer 
of shares or on voting rights.

Interests in voting rights

Information provided to the Company pursuant to the FCA’s 
Disclosure and Transparency Rules (DTR 5) is published on a 
Regulatory Information Service and on the Company’s website. 
As at 30th November 2016, the information overleaf had been 
received in accordance with DTR 5 from holders of notifiable 
interests in the Company’s issued share capital.

The information provided was correct at the date of notification; 
however, the date the notification received may not have been 
within the current financial year. It should be noted that these 
holdings are likely to have changed since the Company was 
notified. Notification of any change is not required until a notifiable 
threshold is crossed.

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Strategic report Corporate governance Financial statements Additional informationSt. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016Directors’ report  
continued

Shareholder

Date of notification

Nature of holding

Total voting rights

% of total voting rights

Simon Clarke and connected parties

J.D. Leavesley and connected parties

Aviva plc

3rd April 2014

23rd April 2015

19th September 2014

Royal London Asset Management Ltd

7th October 2015

TR Property Investment Trust plc

Norges Bank

12th July 2012

14th September 2016

Direct interest

Direct interest

Direct interest

Indirect interest

Total

Direct interest

Direct interest

Direct interest

18,575,196

13,447,099

8,889,142

5,582,987

14,472,129

11,186,531

6,802,638

6,680,599

8.43%

6.07%

4.02%

2.52%

6.54%

5.04%

3.40%

3.01%

Changes to the interests in the voting rights which have been notified to the Company in accordance with DTR 5 between 30th November 
2016 and 6th February 2017 are set out below:

Shareholder

Henderson Group plc

Date of notification

Nature of holding

Total voting rights

% of total voting rights

3rd February 2017

Indirect interest

11,157,532

Contracts for 
difference 

Total

55,000

11,212,532

5.02%

0.02%

5.05%

Directors

The Board

The following served as directors during the year ended 
30th November 2016:

 § Mark Allan (appointed on 1st November 2016)

 § Ian Bull

 § Steve Burke

 § Kay Chaldecott

 § Simon Clarke

 § Rob Hudson

 § Lesley James

 § Richard Mully

 § Bill Oliver (retired on 30th November 2016)

 § Bill Shannon

The biographical details of all the directors serving at 30th November 
2016, including details of their relevant experience and other significant 
commitments, are shown on pages 54 and 55.

The Directors’ remuneration report, which includes details 
of directors’ service agreements and their interests in the 
Company’s shares, is set out on pages 74 to 98. Copies of 
the service agreements of the executive directors and the letters 
of appointment for the non-executive directors are available for 
inspection at the Company’s registered office during normal 
business hours and will be available for inspection at the 
Company’s AGM.

Appointment and replacement of directors

The appointment and replacement of directors is governed by the 
Articles, the UK Corporate Governance Code (Code), the Act and 
related legislation. Under the Articles:

 § the number of directors is not subject to any maximum but 

must not be less than three, unless otherwise determined by 
the Company in general meeting;

 § directors may be appointed by an ordinary resolution of the 

Company or by resolution of the directors, either to fill a casual 
vacancy or as an additional director; and

 § all directors must retire at each AGM and shall, subject to his or 
her terms of appointment, be eligible for election or re-election.

At the 2017 AGM Mark Allan, who was appointed by the directors 
in November 2016, will retire and offer himself for election; all other 
directors will offer themselves for re-election.

A director may be removed by a special resolution of the Company. 
In addition, a director must automatically cease to be a director if 
he or she:

 § resigns from his or her office by notice in writing to the Company 

or, in the case of an executive director, the appointment is 
terminated or expires and the directors resolve that his or her 
office be vacated;

 § becomes bankrupt or makes any arrangement or composition 

with his or her creditors generally;

 § a registered medical practitioner who is treating the director 

gives a written opinion to the Company stating that he or she 
has become physically or mentally incapable of acting as a 
director and may remain so for more than three months;

 § is absent from meetings of the directors for more than six 

consecutive months without permission of the directors and  
the directors resolve that his or her office be vacated; or

 § becomes prohibited by law from acting as a director.

100

St. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016Financial instruments
The Group’s exposure to and management of capital risk, market 
risk, credit risk and liquidity risk is set out in note 16 to the Group 
financial statements.

Employee involvement
St. Modwen is committed to regular communication and consultation 
with its employees and encourages employee understanding of and 
involvement in its performance. News concerning St. Modwen, its 
activities and performance is published on the Company’s intranet. 
Regular management meetings are held to inform senior staff 
about matters affecting them as employees, at which their feedback 
is sought on decisions likely to affect their interest, and where a 
common awareness of the financial and economic factors affecting 
the Company’s performance is developed; this information is then 
cascaded to all employees. A performance-related annual bonus 
scheme and share option arrangements are designed to encourage 
and support employee share ownership.

Employment of disabled persons

It is the policy of the Company to give full and fair consideration  
to applications for employment received from disabled persons, 
having regard to their aptitudes and abilities. The policy includes, 
where practicable, the continued employment of those who may 
become disabled during their employment with the Company and 
the provision of appropriate training. St. Modwen provides the same 
opportunities for training, career development and promotion for 
disabled as for other employees.

Greenhouse gas emissions
The disclosures required by law relating to the Group’s greenhouse 
gas emissions (GHG) are set out in the table overleaf. GHG from 
those sources for which the Company is deemed to be directly 
responsible are monitored for reporting purposes, namely gas  
and electricity purchased for consumption at properties under 
the Company’s operational control (such as Head Office, certain 
regional offices, St. Modwen Homes’ sales offices and vacant 
space), and petrol and diesel used in Company cars. 

For information on our energy initiatives, please see our CSR Report 
and www.stmodwen.co.uk/corporate-social-responsibility

Powers of the directors

The Board may exercise all the powers of the Company, subject to 
the Articles, UK legislation including the Act and any directions given 
by the Company in general meeting.

The directors have been authorised by the Articles to allot ordinary 
shares and to make market purchases of the Company’s own 
shares. These powers are referred to shareholders for renewal 
at each AGM. Further information is set out under the heading 
‘Share capital’ on page 99.

Conflicts of interest

With the exception of service agreements or those contracts 
detailed in note 21 to the Group financial statements, no director 
had a material interest in any significant contract with the Company 
or any of its operating companies at any time during the year.

Under the Act, directors have a statutory duty to avoid conflicts 
of interest with the Company. As permitted by the Act, the Articles 
enable non-conflicted directors to authorise actual or potential 
conflicts of interest, either with or without limits or conditions. 
Formal procedures for the notification and authorisation of such 
conflicts are in place. Any potential conflicts of interest in relation 
to newly appointed directors are considered by the Board prior 
to appointment. All directors have a continuing duty to update 
any changes to conflicts.

Indemnities and insurance

The Company has granted indemnities to each of its directors and 
the Company Secretary to the extent permitted by law in respect 
of costs of defending claims against them and third party liabilities. 
These provisions, deemed to be qualifying third-party indemnity 
provisions pursuant to section 234 of the Act, were in force during 
the year ended 30th November 2016 and remain in force as at the 
date of this report.

A copy of the indemnity is available for inspection at the Company’s 
registered office during normal business hours and will be available 
for inspection at the Company’s AGM.

The Company also maintains directors’ and officers’ liability 
insurance which gives appropriate cover for any legal action 
taken against its directors.

Articles of Association
The Articles can only be amended, or new Articles adopted, by 
a special resolution passed at a general meeting of the Company. 
The Company’s current Articles are available on its website 
www.stmodwen.co.uk.

Change of control
There are a number of agreements that take effect, alter or 
terminate upon a change of control of the Company following a 
takeover bid. These include committed bank facilities, which would 
be terminable at the bank’s discretion, and the Company’s retail 
and convertible bonds, holders of which would have an option 
to require the Company to redeem the bonds.

The Company’s share-based incentive arrangements contain 
provisions that take effect in the event of a change of control but  
do not entitle participants to a greater interest in the shares of the 
Company than created by the initial grant or award under the 
relevant plan.

There are no agreements between the Company and its directors 
or employees providing for compensation for loss of office or 
employment that occurs specifically as a result of a takeover bid.

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Strategic report Corporate governance Financial statements Additional informationSt. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016Directors’ report  
continued

GHG

Scope 1:

Total purchased gas

Petrol and diesel

Total Scope 1

Scope 2:

Total purchased electricity

Total Scope 2

Total Scope 1 & 2

2016 intensity ratio

2015 intensity ratio

CO2
emissions 
(tonnes)

tCO2  
emissions/ 
full-time 
employees(1)

tCO2
emissions/£m 
property 
portfolio(2)

CO2
emissions 
(tonnes)

tCO2  
emissions/ 
full-time 
employees(1)

tCO2
emissions/£m 
property 
portfolio(2)

129

955

1,084

788

788

1,872

3.1

0.5

2.3

5.4

0.4

0.9

433

586

1,019

1,529

1,529

2,548

3.3

0.5

4.9

8.2

0.7

1.2

(1) Equivalent CO2 emissions per full-time employee.

(2) Equivalent CO2 per £m of property portfolio held by the Company.

Methodology
Emissions from gas and electricity consumption have been calculated using the main requirements of the GHG Protocol Standard (revised edition) and emission factors from 
UK Government’s GHG Conversion Factors for Company Reporting 2014. The measurement of emissions from Company cars is based on the ‘Environmental Reporting 
Guidelines: Including mandatory greenhouse gas emissions reporting guidance’ (June 2013) issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). 
Defra’s 2013 conversion factors have also been used within the reporting methodology.

Organisation boundary and responsibility
The Company does not have responsibility for GHG that are beyond the boundary of the Company’s operational control. As such, gas and electricity purchased and 
consumed by tenants is not included within the Scope 1 and 2 data above. Data also excludes the purchase for and consumption by those sites which fall within the 
Persimmon joint venture as Persimmon controls the procurement of utilities to these sites. GHG for all other joint ventures has been included as the Company is deemed 
to be wholly responsible for such GHG. 

Political donations
In accordance with the Company’s policy, no political donations 
were made and no political expenditure was incurred during 
the year.

Disclosure required by Listing Rule 9.8.4R
The information required to be disclosed by LR 9.8.4R of the 
FCA’s Listing Rules can be found on the following pages of this 
Annual Report:

Going concern
The Group’s business activities, together with the factors likely to 
affect its future development, performance and position, are set out 
in the Strategic report. The directors have considered these factors 
and reviewed the financial position of the Group, including its joint 
ventures and associates.

The review included an assessment of future funding requirements 
based on cash flow forecasts extending for 18 months from 
the date of signing the financial statements, valuation projections 
and the ability of the Group to meet covenants on existing 
borrowing facilities. The directors were satisfied that the forecasts 
and projections were based on realistic assumptions and that 
the sensitivities applied in reviewing downside scenarios 
were appropriate.

As described in the financial review on pages 41 to 44, there are 
no corporate or joint venture facilities requiring renewal before 2019. 
As a result, the directors are satisfied that the Group will have sufficient 
ongoing facilities available to meet its financing requirements.

Based on their assessment, the directors are of the opinion that 
the Group has adequate available resources to fund its operations 
for the foreseeable future and so determine that it remains 
appropriate for the financial statements to be prepared on 
a going concern basis.

Section

Topic

Page reference

(1)

(2)

(4)

(5) & (6)

(7) & (8)

(9)

(10)

(11)

Interest capitalised

Publication of unaudited 
information

Details of long-term incentive 
schemes established specifically 
to recruit or retain a director

Waiver of emoluments by 
a director

Non-pre-emptive issues of equity 
for cash

Parent company participation 
in placing by a listed subsidiary

Contracts of significance

Provision of services by a 
controlling shareholder

N/A

N/A

90

N/A

144

N/A

N/A

N/A

(12) & (13) Shareholder waiver of dividends

99

(14)

Agreements with controlling 
shareholders

N/A

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St. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016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 Act. They are also 
responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Company and hence 
for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud 
and other irregularities.

The directors are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of 
the corporate and financial information included on the Company’s 
website (www.stmodwen.co.uk). Legislation in the United Kingdom 
governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements 
may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

Each of the directors in office as at the date of this report, whose 
names and functions are set out on pages 54 and 55, confirm that 
to the best of their knowledge:

 § the financial statements, prepared in accordance with the 

relevant financial reporting framework, give a true and fair view 
of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit or loss of the 
Company and the undertakings included in the consolidation 
taken as a whole;

 § the management report (which comprises the Strategic 
report and the Directors’ report) includes a fair review of 
the development and performance of the business and the 
position of the Company and the undertakings included in the 
consolidation taken as a whole, together with a description of 
the principal risks and uncertainties that they face; and

 § the Annual Report and financial statements, taken as a whole, is 
fair, balanced and understandable and provides the information 
necessary for shareholders to assess the Company’s position 
and performance, business model and strategy.

Each of the directors in office as at the date of this report also 
confirms that:

 § so far as the director is aware, there is no relevant audit 

information of which the Company’s auditor is unaware; and

 § the director has taken all the steps that he/she ought to have 

taken as a director in order to make himself/herself aware of any 
relevant audit information and to establish that the Company’s 
auditor is aware of that information.

This confirmation is given and should be interpreted in accordance 
with the provisions of section 418 of the Act.

The Directors’ report, prepared in accordance with the 
requirements of the Act and the FCA’s Listing and Disclosure 
and Transparency Rules and comprising pages 99 to 103, 
was approved by the Board and signed on its behalf by

Tanya Stote 
Company Secretary 
6th February 2017

Important events since 30th November 2016
There have been no important events affecting the Company or any 
subsidiary since 30th November 2016.

Auditor
Resolutions to appoint KPMG LLP as auditor of the Company and 
to authorise the Audit Committee to determine their remuneration 
will be proposed at the 2017 AGM.

Management report
The Strategic report and the Directors’ report together comprise the 
‘management report’ for the purposes of the FCA’s Disclosure and 
Transparency Rules (DTR 4.1.8R).

Statement of directors’ responsibilities
The directors are responsible for preparing the Annual report 
and 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 are required 
to prepare the Group financial statements in accordance with 
International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs)  as adopted by 
the European Union and Article 4 of the IAS Regulation and have 
elected to prepare the Company financial statements in accordance 
with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice 
(United Kingdom Accounting Standards and applicable law), 
including FRS 101 ‘Reduced Disclosure Framework’. Under 
company law the directors must not approve the accounts unless 
they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of 
affairs of the Company and of the Group and of their profit or loss 
for that period.

In preparing the Group financial statements, International 
Accounting Standard 1 requires that directors:

 § properly select and apply accounting policies;

 § present information, including accounting policies, in a manner 

that provides relevant, reliable, comparable and understandable 
information;

 § provide additional disclosures when compliance with the 

specific requirements in IFRSs are insufficient to enable users 
to understand the impact of particular transactions, other events 
and conditions on the entity’s financial position and financial 
performance; and

 § make an assessment of the Company’s ability to continue as 

a going concern.

In preparing the Company financial statements, the directors are 
required to:

 § select suitable accounting policies and then apply them 

consistently;

 § make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable 

and prudent;

 § state whether applicable United Kingdom Accounting Standards 
have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed 
and explained in the financial statements; and

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

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Strategic report Corporate governance Financial statements Additional informationSt. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016Independent auditor’s report to the members of 
St. Modwen Properties PLC

Opinion on financial statements of St. Modwen Properties PLC
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 30th November 2016 and of the Group’s profit for the year then ended;

 § the Group financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards 

(IFRSs) as adopted by the European Union;

 § the Parent Company financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally 

Accepted Accounting Practice, including FRS 101 Reduced Disclosure Framework; and

 § the financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 and, 

as regards the Group financial statements, Article 4 of the IAS Regulation.

The financial statements that we have audited comprise:

 § the Group income statement;

 § the Group and Company balance sheets;

 § the Group and Company statements of changes in equity; 

 § the Group cash flow statement; and

 § the related Group and Company accounting policies, Group notes 1 to 21 and Company notes A to J.

The financial reporting framework that has been applied in the preparation of the Group financial statements is applicable law and 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 (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice), 
including FRS 101 Reduced Disclosure Framework.

Summary of our audit approach

Key risks

The key risks that we identified in the current year were:

 § Valuation of investment properties;

 § Accounting for the NCGM site;

 § Completeness of tax provisions;

 § Valuation of inventory; and

Materiality

Scoping

 § Property disposals and valuation of revenue recognition under IAS 11.

These key risks are consistent with those identified in the prior year. Last year our auditor’s report included 
‘One-off property transactions’ as a key risk. In the current year we have refined this risk to ‘Accounting for 
the NCGM site’.

The materiality that we used in the current year was £10.0m which was determined on the basis of 
net assets.

Our Group audit scope is consistent with our scope in the previous year and all audit procedures were 
performed directly by the Group audit team. Less than 1% of assets, revenue and profit before tax were 
not in our audit scope.

Significant changes in 
our approach

In the absence of substantive changes to the Group’s business model or activities our audit approach 
is consistent with the previous period, there were no new key risks identified or changes in basis for 
determining materiality.

Separate opinion in relation to IFRSs as issued by the IASB
As explained in the Group accounting policies, in addition to complying with its legal obligation to apply IFRSs as adopted by the European 
Union, the Group has also applied IFRSs as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB).

In our opinion the Group financial statements comply with IFRSs as issued by the IASB.

104

St. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016Going concern and the directors’ assessment of the principal risks that would threaten 
the solvency or liquidity of the Group

As required by the Listing Rules we have reviewed the directors’ statement regarding 
the appropriateness of the going concern basis of accounting contained within the Group 
accounting policies and the directors’ statement on the longer-term viability of the Group 
contained within the Strategic report on page 52.

We confirm that we have 
nothing material to add or 
draw attention to in respect 
of these matters.

We are required to state whether we have anything material to add or draw attention to in relation to:

 § the directors’ confirmation on page 45 that they have carried out a robust assessment of the 

principal risks facing the Group, including those that would threaten its business model, future 
performance, solvency or liquidity;

 § the disclosures on pages 49 to 52 that describe those risks and explain how they are being 

managed or mitigated;

 § the directors’ statement in the Group accounting policies on page 118 about whether they 

considered it appropriate to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing them 
and their identification of any material uncertainties to the Group’s ability to continue to do so 
over a period of at least 12 months from the date of approval of the financial statements; and

 § the directors’ explanation on page 52 as to how they have assessed the prospects of the Group, 

over what period they have done so and why they consider that period to be appropriate, and their 
statement as to whether they have a reasonable expectation that the Group will be able to continue 
in operation and meet its liabilities as they fall due over the period of their assessment, including any 
related disclosures drawing attention to any necessary qualifications or assumptions.

Independence

We are required to comply with the Financial Reporting Council’s Ethical Standards for Auditors 
and confirm that we are independent of the Group and we have fulfilled our other ethical 
responsibilities in accordance with those standards.

We agreed with the directors’ 
adoption of the going concern 
basis of accounting and we did 
not identify any such material 
uncertainties. However, because 
not all future events or conditions 
can be predicted, this statement 
is not a guarantee as to the 
Group’s ability to continue 
as a going concern.

We confirm that we are 
independent of the Group 
and we have fulfilled our 
other ethical responsibilities 
in accordance with those 
standards. We also confirm 
we have not provided any of the 
prohibited non-audit services 
referred to in those standards.

Our assessment of risks of material misstatement
The assessed risks of material misstatement described below are those that had the greatest effect on our audit strategy, the allocation 
of resources in the audit and directing the efforts of the engagement team.

Valuation of investment properties 

Risk description

How the scope of 
our audit responded 
to the risk

The Group owns a UK-wide property portfolio comprising income producing properties together with residential 
and commercial land. The Group’s investment property balance, as detailed in note 8 is £1,133m (2015: £1,081m) 
which is held at fair value. The Group’s accounting policy is disclosed on page 115 and further details of 
investment properties are disclosed in note 8. Valuation of investment property is a significant judgement area 
and includes a number of estimates. The directors employ an external valuer to assist in determining the fair 
value, who makes a number of key estimates and assumptions, in particular assumptions in relation to market 
comparable yields and estimates in relation to future rental income increases or decreases, void periods, 
occupancy rates, lease incentives, break clauses, lease lengths and purchaser costs. 

The Audit Committee report on page 66 discloses it as a significant financial matter.

Together with our real estate experts, who are Chartered Surveyors, we met with the third party valuer 
appointed by those charged with governance with the aim of understanding the valuation methodology 
adopted. We assessed the competence, capabilities and objectivity of the external valuer. We selected a 
sample of investment properties for further investigation (based on value, absolute and percentage movement, 
and some random properties). For this sample, we assessed and challenged the reasonableness of the 
significant judgements and assumptions applied in the valuation model for each property in our sample. 
We assessed the completeness and accuracy of the data provided by St. Modwen to the valuers for the 
purposes of their valuation exercise.

With the assistance of expert members of our audit team who are Chartered Surveyors, we reviewed the 
significant assumptions in the valuation process, tested a sample of properties by benchmarking against 
external appropriate property indices and understood the valuation methodology and the wider market analysis. 
We reviewed the information provided by the valuers both in the meeting and contained in the detailed valuation 
reports; and we undertook our own research into the relevant markets to evaluate the reasonableness of the 
valuation inputs and the resulting fair values.

105

Strategic report Corporate governance Financial statements Additional informationSt. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016Independent auditor’s report to the members of  
St. Modwen Properties PLC  
continued

Accounting for the NCGM site 

Risk description

How the scope of 
our audit responded 
to the risk

As disclosed in the Group accounting policies on page 119, the contractual agreement between VSM (NCGM) 
Ltd and the Covent Garden Market Authority (CGMA) involves VSM (NCGM) Ltd committing to procure a new 
market for the CGMA and in return receiving an option to acquire the surplus land on the site. Subsequent to 
the initial recognition of an asset and a matching liability for the delivery of the development in the Financial 
statements of VSM (NCGM) Ltd, the investment property asset is revalued externally at each reporting date. 
The consolidated financial statements of the Group recognise the investment in the joint venture company 
VSM (NCGM) Ltd using the equity method of accounting. Since 30th November 2015, the joint venture company 
continues to deliver the 57 acre regeneration. VSM (NCGM) Ltd recognised a valuation loss during the year 
of £48.6m, with the Group’s share of this loss being £24.3m.

The total liability of VSM (NCGM) Ltd for procurement of the new market is valued at £197m as at 30th November 
2016 (2015: £187m). The increase in the value results from a discount unwind of £10m which is recognised in 
finance costs in the joint venture company. VSM (NCGM) Ltd has commissioned £49m (2015: £11m) of work 
against this total liability.

NCGM is valued by external valuer Jones Lang LaSalle LLP (JLL). There are a number of judgements and 
assumptions applied by different parties involved in the valuation of the surplus land element, including gross 
value of residential property, forecast construction costs, an estimate of the inflationary impact of costs over 
the course of construction, profit margin and third party liability costs. 

Further, the liability, which was recorded on initial recognition for the obligation to procure the new market, 
has been recorded based on estimates as disclosed in note 10 to the financial statements.

Given the complexities of the model, the significant judgements and estimates involved, which depend on both 
internal and external inputs, many of which are interrelated, accounting for the NCGM site was considered to 
be a key risk.

The Audit Committee report on page 67 discloses it as a significant financial matter.

We involved our real estate experts to review and challenge the assumptions used by the external valuer in their 
valuation. In our testing we:

Assessed the competence, capabilities and objectivity of the external valuer; and

Held a meeting attended by senior members of our core engagement team, our real estate experts, who are 
also Chartered Surveyors, and the external valuer. During this meeting, the valuation basis and assumptions 
were challenged by our experts and the audit team by obtaining market evidence and testing supporting 
documentation. Our experts also performed sensitivity analysis around the key assumptions used by JLL 
to illustrate how the property responds to changes in those assumptions. Our experts reviewed the cost plan 
and compared the estimates contained therein with the valuers appraisals. 

Completeness of tax provisions 

Risk description

As set out in the Group’s key sources of estimation uncertainty on page 120, tax and its treatment is often an 
integral part of transactions as the Group is a property group. Further details of the provision are disclosed in 
note 5. The outcome of tax treatments are recognised by the Group to the extent the outcome is reasonably 
certain. Given significant judgements and estimates involved in calculation of the tax provision, we consider it 
to be a key risk.

The Audit Committee report on page 67 discloses it as a significant financial matter.

How the scope of 
our audit responded 
to the risk

We tested the Group tax workings and considered the current and deferred tax implications of property 
acquisitions, disposals and valuation movements which occurred during the year. We utilised our tax specialists 
to appraise the likely outcome of uncertain tax positions, including reviewing any correspondence with HMRC 
and considered the adequacy of disclosures made in the annual report.

106

St. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016Valuation of inventory 

Risk description

How the scope of 
our audit responded 
to the risk

The Group’s accounting policy on inventory is disclosed on page 115 and further details of inventory in note 12. 
The Group’s inventory balance of £229.7m (2015: £183.7m) includes properties under construction (90%), land 
under option (8%) and assets held for resale, which are being actively marketed (2%). The Group have continued 
to use their own internal appraisal monitoring process during the year to assess the net realisable value (NRV) 
of those properties held within inventories through the preparation of appraisals for each site. The risk within 
the valuation of inventory is that management site appraisals include a number of judgements that could be 
manipulated. Appraisals include forecast revenue and costs that derive a profit margin over the development 
and provide an indication of the recoverability of the inventory. We also considered sites that have been written 
down in prior periods. Events that have occurred since the original write-down might otherwise prove the site 
to be recoverable at the pre-written down value.

Given the quantum of the inventories balance recorded by the Group in its financial statements, a misstatement 
in this balance could have a material impact on the financial statements as a whole. 

The Audit Committee report on page 66 discloses it as a significant financial matter.

We identified the various components of the Group’s inventories and have audited and challenged management’s 
appraisal documentation for a representative sample of properties covering £191.0m of the total Group balance 
of £229.7m, mainly representing housebuilding sites under the St. Modwen Homes brand. For each site within 
the sample of properties we obtained the internal documentation to support the rationale for any transfers from 
investment properties to inventory; obtained evidence supporting classification as inventory; and challenged 
whether the expected revenues in site appraisals have been updated to reflect the revenue seen on similar assets 
in the inventory portfolio and tested the key cost assumptions within the appraisals to supporting evidence. Where 
a site has been appraised by management over a period of time, we also sought to understand the changes to 
assumptions over time. We also visited a sample of sites and held meetings with local management to support 
the appropriateness of classification as at 30th November 2016.

In addition we have reviewed marketed sites and post year-end sales prices to assess whether stock held is 
marketed below its valuation.

Property disposals and valuation of revenue recognition under IAS 11

Risk description

ISA 240 (UK and Ireland) The auditor’s responsibility to consider fraud in an audit of financial statements requires 
auditors to consider which types of revenue transactions may give rise to risk of fraud. The standard requires 
us to presume that there are risks of fraud in relation to revenue recognition and to conduct our audit testing 
accordingly to address this risk.

Development revenue represents 79% of total revenue of the Group, including £150m of revenue from residential 
projects. Consistent with our prior year assessment of the risk within revenue recognition in the Group, we have 
identified a revenue risk to the valuation of revenue recognised for properties under development in accordance 
with IAS11 Construction Contracts and IFRIC Interpretation 15 Agreements for the Construction of Real Estate. 
This is due primarily to the fact that judgement is required as to whether revenue can be recognised on a 
contract basis. Judgement is also exercised in determining the costs to complete for each site and the stage 
of completion at the balance sheet date. A key risk in relation to revenue recognition also arises from property 
disposal transactions occurring near the year-end being recognised in the wrong year. The Group’s accounting 
policy on revenue is disclosed on page 117 and further revenue details in note 1.

How the scope of 
our audit responded 
to the risk

We tested a sample of revenue recognised under IAS 11 during the year to ensure the Group policy is in line 
with the accounting standards. We assessed whether the stage of completion at the balance sheet date was 
reasonable by testing the sample of sites for the assessment of stage of completion to independent certification 
where possible or to the Group’s best estimate and contractual terms, recalculating any profit recognised and 
through our audit of inventories assessing the costs to complete for reasonableness. 

With respect to St. Modwen Homes, for a sample of homes sold during the year, we have obtained a copy of 
the Council of Mortgage Lenders’ certificates in order to confirm that the properties were physically complete 
prior to legal completion.

We have also considered all significant property transactions entered into near the year-end date to determine 
whether the Group policy with regard to revenue and profit recognition has been adhered to.

These matters were addressed in the context of our audit of the financial statements as a whole, and in forming our opinion thereon, 
and we do not provide a separate opinion on these matters.

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St. Modwen Properties PLC  
continued

Our application of materiality
We define materiality as the magnitude of misstatement in the financial statements that makes it probable that the economic decisions of a 
reasonably knowledgeable person would be changed or influenced. We use materiality both in planning the scope of our audit work and in 
evaluating the results of our work.

Based on our professional judgement, we determined materiality for the financial statements as a whole as follows:

Group materiality

£10.0m (2015: £9.0m)

Basis for 
determining 
materiality

We applied 1% (2015: 1%) to the Group’s forecasted equity for determining materiality. We did not subsequently 
revisit our materiality, as the percentage is within the normal range used for public entities in St. Modwen’s 
industry of between 1% and 2%. This percentage takes into account our knowledge of the Group, our 
assessment of audit risks and the reporting requirements for the financial statements.

Rationale for the 
benchmark applied

We have used the equity value as at 30th November 2016 as the benchmark for determining materiality, as this 
benchmark is deemed to be a key driver of business value, is a critical component of the financial statements 
and is a focus for users of those financial statements for property companies.

We agreed with the Audit Committee that we would report to the Committee all audit differences in excess of £0.5m (2015: £0.18m) as 
well as differences below that threshold that, in our view, warranted reporting on qualitative grounds. In the current year we increased the 
percentage applied to calculate the threshold based on market practice. We also report to the Audit Committee on disclosure matters that 
we identified when assessing the overall presentation of the financial statements.

An overview of the scope of our audit
Our Group audit scope is consistent with our scope in the previous year. We carried out a full scope audit of the Group, to enable us to 
sign off an audit opinion under International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland).

Our audit scope is summarised as follows:

 § For those entities subject to a statutory audit by Deloitte UK, we performed our audit procedures on these entities to a local statutory 
materiality. The range for standalone materialities was from less than £1,000 to £9.0m (2015: less than £1,000 to £8.1m) for entities in 
scope. There were no significant change in standalone materialities this year; 

 § For those entities where Deloitte UK are not the statutory auditors we performed our audit procedures to a component materiality 

of 50% of Group materiality level for the purpose of our Group opinion.

Less than 1% of assets, revenue and profit before tax were not in our audit scope.

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 part of the Directors’ remuneration report to be audited has been properly prepared in accordance with the Companies Act 2006; 

 § 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.

In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the Company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not 
identified any material misstatements in the Strategic report and the Directors’ report.

108

St. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016Matters on which we are required to report by exception

Adequacy of explanations received and accounting records

Under the Companies Act 2006 we are required to report to you if, in our opinion:

 § we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit; or

 § adequate accounting records have not been kept by the 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.

Directors’ remuneration

Under the Companies Act 2006 we are also required to report if in our opinion certain disclosures 
of directors’ remuneration have not been made or the part of the Directors’ remuneration report to 
be audited is not in agreement with the accounting records and returns.

Corporate Governance Statement

Under the Listing Rules we are also required to review part of the Corporate Governance 
Statement relating to the Company’s compliance with certain provisions of the UK Corporate 
Governance Code.

Our duty to read other information in the annual report

Under International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland), we are required to report to you if, 
in our opinion, information in the annual report is:

 § materially inconsistent with the information in the audited financial statements; or

 § apparently materially incorrect based on, or materially inconsistent with, our knowledge of 

the Group acquired in the course of performing our audit; or

 § otherwise misleading.

In particular, we are required to consider whether we have identified any inconsistencies between 
our knowledge acquired during the audit and the directors’ statement that they consider the 
annual report is fair, balanced and understandable and whether the annual report appropriately 
discloses those matters that we communicated to the Audit Committee which we consider should 
have been disclosed.

We have nothing to report in 
respect of these matters.

We have nothing to report 
arising from these matters.

We have nothing to report 
arising from our review.

We confirm that we have 
not identified any such 
inconsistencies or misleading 
statements.

Respective responsibilities of directors and auditor
As explained more fully in the directors’ responsibilities statement, the directors are responsible for the preparation of the financial 
statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view. Our responsibility is to audit and express an opinion on the financial 
statements in accordance with applicable law and International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland). We also comply with International 
Standard on Quality Control 1 (UK and Ireland). Our audit methodology and tools aim to ensure that our quality control procedures are 
effective, understood and applied. Our quality controls and systems include our dedicated professional standards review team and 
independent partner reviews.

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

Scope of the audit of the financial statements
An audit involves obtaining evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements sufficient to give reasonable assurance 
that the financial statements are free from material misstatement, whether caused by fraud or error. This includes an assessment of: 
whether the accounting policies are appropriate to the Group’s and the Parent Company’s circumstances and have been consistently 
applied and adequately disclosed; the reasonableness of significant accounting estimates made by the directors; and the overall 
presentation of the financial statements. In addition, we read all the financial and non-financial information in the annual report to identify 
material inconsistencies with the audited financial statements and to identify any information that is apparently materially incorrect based 
on, or materially inconsistent with, the knowledge acquired by us in the course of performing the audit. If we become aware of any apparent 
material misstatements or inconsistencies we consider the implications for our report.

Jonathan Dodworth (Senior statutory auditor)  
for and on behalf of Deloitte LLP 
Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditor 
Birmingham, UK 
6th February 2017

109

Strategic report Corporate governance Financial statements Additional informationSt. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016Group income statement
for the year ended 30th November 2016

Revenue

Net rental income

Development profits

Gains on disposals of investments/investment properties

Investment property revaluation gains

Other net income

(Losses)/profits of joint ventures and associates (post-tax)

Administrative expenses

Profit before interest and tax

Finance costs

Finance income

Profit before tax

Taxation

Profit for the year

Attributable to:

Owners of the Company

Non-controlling interests

Profit for the year

Basic earnings per share

Diluted earnings per share

Notes

1

1

1

1

8

1

10

3

4

4

5

Notes

6

6

Group statement of comprehensive income
for the year ended 30th November 2016

Profit for the year

Items that will not be reclassified to profit and loss:

  Pension fund actuarial losses

  Deferred tax thereon

Total comprehensive income for the year

Attributable to:

Owners of the Company

Non-controlling interests

Total comprehensive income for the year

Notes

18

18

2016
£m

 287.7 

 40.5 

 51.7 

 9.5 

 30.3 

 4.2 

(28.2)

 (33.0)

75.0

 (23.0)

 14.9 

66.9

 (13.3)

53.6

53.4

 0.2 

53.6

2016
Pence

24.1

19.8

2016
£m

53.6

 (0.1)

– 

53.5

53.3

 0.2 

53.5

2015
£m

 287.5 

 32.8 

 51.7 

 11.7 

 73.9 

 4.2 

 106.8 

 (26.1)

 255.0 

 (25.2)

 5.4 

 235.2 

 (17.9)

 217.3 

 216.4 

 0.9 

 217.3 

2015
Pence

 97.9 

 90.4 

2015
£m

 217.3 

 (0.1)

 –   

 217.2 

 216.3 

 0.9 

 217.2 

110

St. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016Group balance sheet
as at 30th November 2016

Non-current assets

Investment properties

Operating property, plant and equipment

Investments in joint ventures and associates

Trade and other receivables

Current assets

Inventories

Trade and other receivables

Derivative financial instruments

Cash and cash equivalents

Current liabilities

Trade and other payables

Derivative financial instruments

Borrowings and finance lease obligations

Current tax liabilities

Non-current liabilities

Trade and other payables

Borrowings and finance lease obligations

Deferred tax

Net assets

Capital and reserves

Share capital

Share premium account

Retained earnings

Share incentive reserve

Own shares

Other reserves

Notes

8

9

10

11

12

11

16

13

16

14

5

13

14

5

17

Equity attributable to owners of the Company

Non-controlling interest

Total equity

These financial statements were approved by the Board and authorised for issue on 6th February 2017.

Mark Allan 
Chief Executive 

Rob Hudson 
Group Finance Director

Company Number: 00349201

2016
£m

 1,133.0 

 4.2 

184.8

 8.2 

1,330.2

 229.7 

 115.8 

 1.6 

 4.2 

 351.3 

 (150.5)

 (8.8)

 (0.4)

 (7.1)

 (166.8)

 (3.6)

 (527.0)

 (22.0)

 (552.6)

962.1

 22.2 

 102.8 

779.7

 4.9 

 (0.6)

 46.2 

955.2

6.9 

962.1

2015
£m

 1,081.0 

 4.2 

 227.3 

 6.1 

 1,318.6 

 183.7 

 104.7 

 0.8 

 4.8 

 294.0 

 (146.6)

 (8.0)

 (0.4)

 (11.1)

 (166.1)

 (3.1)

 (506.5)

 (15.4)

 (525.0)

 921.5 

 22.2 

 102.8 

 739.3 

 5.2 

 (1.0)

 46.2 

 914.7 

 6.8 

 921.5 

111

Strategic report Corporate governance Financial statements Additional informationSt. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016 
 
Group statement of changes in equity
for the year ended 30th November 2016

Share 
capital
£m

Share 
premium 
account
£m

Retained 
earnings
£m

Share 
incentive 
reserve 
£m

Own 
shares
£m

Other 
reserves
£m

Equity
attributable 
to owners 
of the 
Company
£m

Equity at 30th November 2014

 22.1 

 102.8 

 544.0 

 4.8 

 (1.8)

 46.2 

 718.1 

Profit for the year attributable to shareholders

Pension fund actuarial losses (note 18)

Total comprehensive income for the year

Equity issue (note 17)

Share-based payments

Share transfers

Adjustment arising from change in  
non-controlling interest

Dividends paid (note 7)

 –   

 –   

 –   

 0.1 

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 216.4 

 (0.1)

 216.3 

 –   

 (8.6)

 (0.9)

 (0.4)

 (11.1)

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 0.4 

 –   

 –   

 –   

 (0.1)

 –   

 –   

 0.9 

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

Non-
controlling 
interests
£m

 5.9 

 0.9 

Total 
equity
£m

 724.0 

 217.3 

 –   

 (0.1)

 216.4 

 (0.1)

 216.3 

 0.9 

 217.2 

 –   

 (8.2)

 –   

 (0.4)

 (11.1)

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 (8.2)

 –   

 (0.4)

 (11.1)

Equity at 30th November 2015

 22.2 

 102.8 

 739.3 

 5.2 

 (1.0)

 46.2 

 914.7 

 6.8 

 921.5 

Profit for the year attributable 
to shareholders

Pension fund actuarial losses (note 18)

Total comprehensive income for the year

Share-based payments

Deferred tax on share-based payments

Settlement of share-based payments

Dividends paid (note 7)

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

53.4

 (0.1)

53.3

 –   

 –   

 (0.1) 

 (12.8)

 –   

 –   

 –   

 1.6

(0.8)

 (1.1)

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –  

 0.4 

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

53.4

 (0.1)

53.3

 1.6

 (0.8) 

 (0.8)   

 0.2 

 –   

 0.2

 –   

 –   

 –   

53.6

 (0.1)

53.5

1.6

 (0.8) 

(0.8)  

 (12.8)

 (0.1)

 (12.9)

Equity at 30th November 2016

 22.2 

 102.8 

779.7

 4.9 

 (0.6)

 46.2 

955.2

 6.9

962.1

Own shares represent the cost of 269,334 (2015: 690,274) shares held by The St. Modwen Properties PLC Employee Share Trust. 
The open market value of the shares held at 30th November 2016 was £754,135 (2015: £2,985,435).

The other reserves comprise a capital redemption reserve of £0.3m (2015: £0.3m) and the balance of net proceeds in excess of the nominal 
value of shares arising from an equity placing in 2013 of £45.9m (2015: £45.9m).

112

St. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016Group cash flow statement
for the year ended 30th November 2016

Operating activities

Profit before interest and tax

Gains on disposal of investments/investment properties

Share of losses/(profits) of joint ventures and associates (post-tax)

Investment property revaluation gains

Depreciation

Impairment losses on inventories

Increase in inventories

Increase in trade and other receivables

Increase/(decrease) in trade and other payables

Share options and share awards

Tax paid

Net cash inflow/(outflow) from operating activities

Investing activities

Proceeds from investment property disposals

Investment property additions

Interest received

Acquisition of subsidiary undertaking

Property, plant and equipment additions

Dividends received from joint ventures and associates

Net cash outflow from investing activities

Financing activities

Dividends paid

Dividends paid to non-controlling interests

Interest paid

Amounts advanced under finance lease arrangements

Net borrowings drawn

Repayment of borrowings

Net cash (outflow)/inflow from financing activities

(Decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents at start of year

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

Cash

Bank overdrafts

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

Notes

10

8

9

12

5

4

9

7

2016
£m

75.0

 (9.5)

28.2

 (30.3)

 0.7 

0.3  

 (31.2)

 (14.3)

 4.3 

 – 

 (10.7)

12.5

 64.3 

 (90.0)

5.4

–   

 (0.6)

 14.3 

 (6.6)

 (12.8)

 (0.1)

 (20.7)

 0.6 

 160.5 

 (134.0)

 (6.5)

(0.6)

 4.8 

4.2

 4.2 

 –   

 4.2 

2015
£m

 255.0 

 (11.7)

 (106.8)

 (73.9)

 0.8 

 1.4 

 (49.0)

 (32.9)

 (8.3)

 (7.8)

 (9.4)

 (42.6)

 84.4 

 (160.5)

3.9

 (0.2)

 (0.6)

 6.7 

 (66.3)

 (11.1)

 –   

 (18.0)

 32.5 

 190.9 

 (83.8)

 110.5 

 1.6 

 3.2 

 4.8 

 4.8 

 –   

 4.8 

113

Strategic report Corporate governance Financial statements Additional informationSt. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016Group accounting policies
for the year ended 30th November 2016

Basis of preparation
The Group’s financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as issued  
by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) and as adopted by the EU as they apply to the Group for the year ended  
30th November 2016, applied in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act 2006.

The financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis except for the revaluation of certain properties, derivative financial 
instruments, convertible bonds and the defined benefit section of the Group’s pension scheme.

In the current year the Group has adopted:

 § Amendments to IAS 19 Defined Benefit Plans: Employee Contributions

 § Amendments to IAS 27 Equity Method in Separate financial statements

 § Amendments to IFRSs Annual Improvements to IFRSs 2010 – 2012 Cycle

 § Amendments to IFRSs Annual Improvements to IFRSs 2011 – 2013 Cycle

The adoption of the above amendments has had no material impact on the Group’s financial statements.

The Company’s functional currency (together with that of all of its subsidiaries) and the presentation currency for the Group is pounds 
sterling and its principal IFRS accounting policies are set out below.

Basis of consolidation
The Group’s financial statements consolidate the financial statements of St. Modwen Properties PLC and the entities it controls. Control 
comprises exposure, or rights, to variable returns, the power to direct the relevant activities of the investee and the ability to use its power 
over the investee to affect the returns. This is achieved through direct or indirect ownership of voting rights or by contractual agreement. 
A list of the entities controlled is given in note D to the Company financial statements.

All entities are consolidated from the date on which the Group obtains control, and continue to be consolidated until the date that such 
control ceases. All intra-Group transactions, balances, income and expense are eliminated on consolidation.

Non-controlling interests represent the portion of profit or loss and net assets that are not held by the Group and are presented separately 
within equity in the Group balance sheet.

Interests in joint arrangements
Arrangements under which the Group has contractually agreed to share control with another party or parties are assessed to determine 
whether they represent joint ventures or joint operations. Joint arrangements are classified as joint ventures where the parties have rights 
to the net assets of the arrangement. Should the parties have rights to assets and obligations for liabilities relating to the arrangement they 
would instead be classified as joint operations. Currently, all arrangements where the Group has contractually agreed to share control have 
been determined to be joint ventures.

The Group recognises its interests in joint ventures using the equity method of accounting. Under the equity method, the interest in the joint 
venture is carried in the Group balance sheet at cost plus post-acquisition changes in the Group’s share of its net assets, less distributions 
received and less any impairment in the value of individual investments. The Group income statement reflects the Group’s share of the joint 
venture’s results after interest and tax.

Financial statements of joint ventures are prepared for the same reporting period as the Group. Where necessary, adjustments are made 
to bring the accounting policies used into line with those of the Group.

The Group statement of comprehensive income reflects the Group’s share of any income and expense recognised by the joint venture 
entities outside the Group income statement.

Interests in associates
The Group’s interests in its associates, being those entities over which it has significant influence and which are neither subsidiaries nor joint 
arrangements, are accounted for using the equity method of accounting, as described above.

Business combinations
The acquisition method of accounting is used to account for business combinations. The consideration transferred for the acquisition of a 
subsidiary comprises the fair values of the assets transferred, the liabilities incurred to the former owners and the equity interests issued by 
the Group. The consideration transferred also includes the fair value of any contingent consideration arrangement and is adjusted to reflect 
the fair value of any pre-existing equity interest in the subsidiary.

Acquisition-related costs are expensed as incurred. Identifiable assets acquired and liabilities and contingent liabilities assumed in a business 
combination are, with limited exceptions, measured initially at their fair values at the acquisition date.

On an acquisition-by-acquisition basis, the Group recognises any non-controlling interest in the acquiree either at fair value or at the 
non-controlling interest’s proportionate share of the acquiree’s net identifiable assets.

The excess of the consideration transferred (adjusted to reflect the fair value of any pre-existing equity interest in the subsidiary) and 
the amount of any non-controlling interest in the acquiree over the fair value of the Group’s share of the net identifiable assets acquired 
is recorded as goodwill. If those amounts are less than the fair value of the net identifiable assets of the acquired subsidiary and the 
measurement of all amounts has been reviewed, the difference is recognised directly in the Group income statement as a release of 
negative goodwill to income.

114

St. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016Where settlement of any part of cash consideration is deferred, the amounts payable in the future are discounted to their present value as 
at the date of exchange. The discount rate used is the entity’s incremental borrowing rate, which is the rate that a similar borrowing could 
be obtained from an independent financier under comparable terms and conditions.

Contingent consideration is classified either as equity or a financial liability. Amounts classified as a financial liability are subsequently 
remeasured to fair value with changes in fair value recognised in the Group income statement.

Properties

Investment properties

Investment properties, being freehold and leasehold properties held to earn rental income, for capital appreciation and/or for undetermined 
future use, together with land options where the land is for an undetermined future use, are carried at fair value following initial recognition 
at the present value of the consideration payable. To establish fair value, investment properties are independently valued on the basis of 
market value. Any surplus or deficit arising is recognised in the Group income statement for the year.

Once classified as an investment property, a property remains in this category until development with a view to sale commences, at which 
point the asset is transferred to inventories at current valuation.

Where an investment property is being redeveloped for continued use as an investment property, the property remains within investment 
property and any movement in valuation is recognised in the Group income statement.

Investment property disposals are recognised on completion. Profits and losses arising are recognised through the Group income statement 
and the profit or loss on disposal is determined as the difference between the sales proceeds and the carrying amount of the asset.

Investment properties are not depreciated.

Inventories

Inventories principally comprise properties previously developed and held for sale, properties under construction with a view to sale and 
land under option with a view to future sale. All inventories are carried at the lower of cost and net realisable value.

Cost comprises land, direct materials and, where applicable, direct labour costs that have been incurred in bringing the inventories to their 
present location and condition. When inventory includes a transfer from investment properties, cost is recorded as the book value at the 
date of transfer. Net realisable value represents the estimated selling price less any further costs expected to be incurred to completion and 
disposal. Inventory is transferred to investment properties only when the asset meets the definition of an investment property and there has 
been a change in use evidenced by commencement of an operating lease.

Due to the scale of the Group’s developments, the Group has to allocate site-wide development costs between properties on the site. 
Such site-wide costs are allocated to properties based on the forecast value of each individual unit as a proportion of the aggregate forecast 
value of the individual units on the site. In making these assessments, there is a degree of inherent uncertainty.

The Group has developed internal controls to assess and review carrying values and the appropriateness of estimates made.

Operating property, plant and equipment

Operating property, plant and equipment is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses. Such cost 
includes costs directly attributable to making the asset capable of operating as intended.

Depreciation is provided on all operating property, plant and equipment at rates calculated to write off the cost less estimated residual value 
of each asset evenly over its expected useful life as follows:

 § leasehold operating properties – over the shorter of the lease term and 25 years; and

 § plant, machinery and equipment – over two to five years.

Leases

The Group as lessee

Leases are classified as finance leases whenever the terms of the lease transfer substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership to the 
lessee. All other leases are classified as operating leases.

Non-property assets held under finance leases are capitalised at the inception of the lease with a corresponding liability being recognised for 
the fair value of the leased asset or, if lower, the present value of the minimum lease payments. Lease payments are apportioned between 
the reduction of the lease liability and finance charges in the Group income statement so as to achieve a constant rate of interest on the 
remaining balance of the liability. Non-property assets held under finance leases are depreciated over the shorter of the estimated useful life 
of the asset and the lease term.

Interests in leasehold investment properties are accounted for as finance leases with the value of guaranteed minimum rents inherent within 
the carrying value of the property and the liability reflected within long-term liabilities. On payment of a guaranteed rent, initially the majority 
of such costs is charged to the Group income statement as interest payable, with the balance reducing the liability.

Rentals payable under operating leases are charged in the Group income statement on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

115

Strategic report Corporate governance Financial statements Additional informationSt. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016Group accounting policies
for the year ended 30th November 2016
continued

The Group as lessor

Rental income from operating leases, adjusted for the impact of any cash incentives given to the lessee and to reflect any rent-free incentive 
periods, is recognised in the Group income statement on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

Income taxes
Current tax assets and liabilities are measured at the amount expected to be recovered from, or paid to, the taxation authorities, based on 
tax rates and laws that are enacted or substantively enacted by the balance sheet date.

The tax currently payable is based on the taxable result for the year. The taxable result differs from the result as reported in the Group 
income statement because it excludes items of income or expense that are taxable or deductible in other years and it further excludes items 
that will not be taxable or deductible.

Deferred income tax is recognised on all temporary differences arising between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying 
amounts in the financial statements, using the rates of tax expected to apply based on legislation enacted or substantively enacted at the 
balance sheet date, with the following exceptions:

 § in respect of taxable temporary differences associated with investments in subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates, where the timing 
of the reversal of the temporary differences can be controlled and it is probable that the temporary differences will not reverse in the 
foreseeable future; and

 § deferred income tax assets are recognised only to the extent that it is probable that taxable profit will be available against which the 

deductible temporary differences, carried forward tax credits or tax losses can be utilised.

Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are measured on an undiscounted basis at the tax rates that are expected to apply when the 
related asset is realised or liability is settled, based on tax rates and laws substantively enacted at the balance sheet date. Deferred tax 
assets and liabilities are offset when there is a legally enforceable right to set off current tax assets against current tax liabilities and when 
they relate to income taxes levied by the same authority and the Group intends to settle its current tax assets and liabilities on a net basis.

Income tax is charged or credited directly to equity or other comprehensive income if it relates to items that are credited or charged to equity 
or other comprehensive income. Otherwise, income tax is recognised in the Group income statement.

As a property group, tax and its treatment is often an integral part of transactions. The outcome of tax treatments, including tax planning, 
are recognised by the Group to the extent that the outcome is reasonably certain. Where tax treatments have been challenged by HMRC, 
or management believe that there is a risk of such challenge, provision is made for the best estimate of potential exposure based on the 
information available at the balance sheet date where such exposure is considered more likely than not to occur.

Pensions
The Group operates a pension scheme with both defined benefit and defined contribution sections. The defined benefit section is closed 
to new members and, from 1st September 2009, to future accrual.

The cost of providing benefits under the defined benefit section is determined using the projected unit credit method, which attributes 
entitlement to benefits to the current period (to determine current service cost) and to the current and prior periods (to determine the 
present value of defined benefit obligation) and is based on actuarial advice. Past service costs are recognised in the income statement 
on the earlier of:

 § the date on which the plan amendment or curtailment occurs; or

 § when the Company recognises related restructuring costs or termination benefits.

Net interest is calculated by applying a discount rate to the net defined benefit liability or asset and is recognised in the Group income 
statement as finance costs.

Actuarial gains and losses, the effect of the asset ceiling (if applicable) and the return on scheme assets (excluding interest) are recognised 
in full in the Group statement of comprehensive income in the year in which they occur. The defined benefit pension asset or liability in the 
Group balance sheet comprises the present value of the defined benefit obligation, less the fair value of plan assets out of which the 
obligations are to be settled directly.

When a pension asset (net surplus) arises from the above calculation, it is limited to the present value of any economic benefits that will 
be available to the Company in accordance with the requirements of IFRIC 14.

Contributions to defined contribution schemes are recognised in the Group income statement in the year in which they become payable.

Own shares
Shares in St. Modwen Properties PLC held by the Group are classified as a deduction from equity attributable to owners of the Company 
and are recognised at cost.

Dividends
Dividends declared and approved after the balance sheet date are not recognised as liabilities at the balance sheet date.

116

St. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016Revenue recognition
Revenue is recognised to the extent that it is probable that economic benefits will flow to the Group and the revenue can be reliably 
measured. Revenue is measured at the fair value of the consideration received (including the fair value of any residential properties 
received in part-exchange), excluding discounts, rebates, VAT and other sales taxes or duty. Where required, revenue is allocated 
between components in a multi-element transaction (e.g. where there is simultaneously a sale of land and a construction contract 
with the purchaser of the land) based on their respective fair values of the components.

The following criteria must also be met before revenue is recognised:

Sale of property

Revenue arising from the sale of property is recognised on legal completion of the sale.

Construction contracts

Revenue arising from construction contracts is recognised in accordance with the Group’s accounting policy on construction contracts 
(see below). An appropriate proportion of revenue from construction contracts is recognised by reference to the stage of completion of 
contract activity.

Rental income

Rental income arising from investment properties is accounted for on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

Management and performance fees

Where the Group is solely providing development management services (without being responsible for the performance of the underlying 
construction), management fees receivable are recognised over time as the service is performed in the period to which they relate. 
Performance fees are recognised when the Group has substantially fulfilled its obligations in respect of the transaction and hence the 
amount of revenue can be measured reliably and it is probable that economic benefits will flow to the Group.

Interest income

Interest income is accrued on a time basis, by reference to the principal outstanding and at the effective interest rate applicable, which is the 
rate that exactly discounts estimated future cash receipts over the expected life of the financial asset to that asset’s net carrying amount.

Dividend income

Dividend income from joint ventures is recognised when the shareholders’ rights to receive payment have been established.

Construction contracts
Where the outcome of a construction contract can be estimated reliably, revenue and costs are recognised by reference to the stage of 
completion of the contract activity at the balance sheet date. The extent to which the contract is complete is determined by the total costs 
incurred to date as a percentage of the total anticipated costs of the entire contract. Variations in contract work, claims and incentive 
payments are included to the extent that it is probable that they will result in revenue.

Where the outcome of a construction contract cannot be estimated reliably, contract revenue is recognised only to the extent of contract 
costs incurred where it is probable they will be recoverable. Contract costs are recognised as expenses in the period in which they are 
incurred.

When it is probable that total contract costs will exceed total contract revenue, the expected loss is recognised as an expense immediately.

Government grants
Government grants relating to property are treated as deferred income and released to profit or loss over the expected useful life of the 
assets concerned.

Share-based payments
Share-based payments to employees are equity-settled and are measured at the fair value of the equity instruments at the grant date, 
using an appropriate option pricing model. The fair value determined at the grant date is expensed on a straight-line basis over the vesting 
period, based on the Group’s estimate of equity instruments that will eventually vest.

Fair value hierarchy
Assets and liabilities that are measured subsequent to initial recognition at fair value, are required to be grouped into Levels 1 to 3 based 
on the degree to which the fair value is observable.

 § Level 1 fair value measurements are those derived from quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets.

 § Level 2 fair value measurements are those derived from inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable 

for the asset, either directly (i.e. as prices) or indirectly (i.e. derived from prices); and

 § Level 3 fair value measurements are those derived from valuation techniques that include inputs for the asset that are not based on 

observable market data (unobservable inputs).

117

Strategic report Corporate governance Financial statements Additional informationSt. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016Group accounting policies
for the year ended 30th November 2016
continued

Financial instruments
Financial assets and financial liabilities are recognised on the Group balance sheet when the Group becomes a party to the contractual 
provisions of the instrument. The Group derecognises a financial asset only when the contractual rights to the cash flows from the asset 
expire, or when it transfers the financial asset and substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership of the asset to another entity. 
If the Group neither transfers nor retains substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership and continues to control the transferred asset, 
the Group recognises its retained interest in the asset and an associated liability for any amounts it may have to pay. If the Group retains 
substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership of a transferred financial asset, the Group continues to recognise the financial asset 
and also recognises a collateralised borrowing for the proceeds received. The Group derecognises financial liabilities when, and only when, 
the Group’s obligations are discharged, cancelled, or expire.

Trade and other receivables

Trade receivables are recognised and carried at the lower of their original invoiced value or recoverable amount. Provision is made when 
there is evidence that the Group will not be able to recover balances in full. Balances are written off when the probability of recovery is 
assessed as being remote.

Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents comprises cash balances and short-term deposits with banks with initial maturity less than three months.

Trade and other payables

Trade and other payables are recorded at amortised cost. Where payment is on deferred terms the liability is initially recorded by discounting 
the nominal amount payable to net present value. The discount to nominal value is amortised over the period of the deferred arrangement 
and charged to finance costs.

Interest bearing loans and borrowings

All loans and borrowings are initially recognised at fair value less directly attributable transaction costs. After initial recognition, loans and 
borrowings are measured at amortised cost.

Gains and losses arising on the repurchase, settlement or otherwise cancellation of liabilities are recognised in finance income or finance 
expense, as appropriate.

The effective interest rate method is used to charge interest to the Group income statement.

Derivative financial instruments and hedging

The Group uses derivative financial instruments such as interest rate swaps to hedge its risks associated with interest rate fluctuations. 
Such instruments are initially recognised at fair value on the date on which a contract is entered into and are subsequently re-measured at 
fair value. The Group has determined that the derivative financial instruments in use do not qualify for hedge accounting and, consequently, 
any gains or losses arising from changes in the fair value of derivatives are taken to the Group income statement.

Equity instruments

An equity instrument is any contract that evidences a residual interest in the assets of the Group after deducting all its liabilities. Equity 
instruments issued by the Group are recorded at the proceeds received less direct issue costs.

Convertible bonds

Convertible bonds are assessed on issue as to whether they should be classified as a financial liability, as equity or as a compound financial 
instrument with both debt and equity components. This assessment is based on the terms of the bond and in accordance with IAS 32 
Financial Instruments: Presentation. The Group’s convertible bonds have been designated as at fair value through profit and loss.

Critical judgements in applying the Group’s accounting policies
In the application of the Group’s accounting policies outlined above, the directors are required to make judgements relating to the carrying 
amounts of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The following are the critical judgements, apart from those 
involving estimations (which are dealt with separately below), that the directors have made in the process of applying the Group’s accounting 
policies and that have the most significant effect on the amounts recognised in the financial statements.

Going concern

The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis. This is discussed in the Strategic report and as confirmed in the 
Directors’ report it is considered appropriate to prepare the financial statements for the year ended 30th November 2016 on a going concern 
basis. Further detail is contained in the viability statement included in the Strategic report on page 52.

Valuation of investment properties

The Group adopts the valuation performed by its independent valuers as the fair value of its investment properties, following review by 
management. The valuation is performed according to RICS rules, using appropriate levels of professional judgement for the prevailing 
market conditions. Professional judgement is applied in determining such things as an appropriate yield for a given property, estimated 
rental values and the appropriateness of remediation expenditure and costs to complete.

118

St. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016Complex transactions

Certain property transactions entered into by the Group involve an element of complexity and the need to exercise judgement to determine 
the most appropriate accounting policy. Such transactions include the accounting for the right to secure the interest in the surplus land at 
New Covent Garden Market together with the associated obligation to procure the new market for the Covent Garden Market Authority 
(further details of which are set out below).

New Covent Garden Market

The contractual arrangement between VSM (NCGM) Ltd (the group’s 50:50 joint venture with VINCI in respect of New Covent Garden 
Market) and the Covent Garden Market Authority (CGMA) involves VSM (NCGM) Ltd committing to procure a new market for the CGMA 
and in return receiving an option to acquire the surplus land on the site. In substance the arrangement represents a barter of development 
and construction services for the interest in the land.

In determining the most appropriate accounting policy for the arrangement, consideration was given as to whether to account for 
the transaction as the acquisition of an interest in the surplus land for non-cash consideration or to account for the development as a 
construction contract under IAS 11 Construction Contracts, with the consideration taking the form of the non-cash interest in the surplus 
land. It was concluded that the former more faithfully and fairly represented the substance of the arrangement, reflecting that the key 
strategic rationale for entering into the transaction was to secure the interest in the surplus land and then to unlock its significant value, 
rather than to secure construction activity in building a new market.

Judgement was also applied in determining the appropriate classification for the interest in the surplus land, which legally takes the form 
of an option. Given the intention to take physical delivery of the land and that, at the point of initial recognition, it had not been determined 
whether to hold the surplus land for capital appreciation or to sell it on to a third party, the surplus land interest was judged to meet the 
definition of an investment property under IAS 40 Investment Properties, and hence has been accounted for in this way (rather than as 
a financial asset or as inventory).

Subsequent to initial recognition of the interest in the land as investment property and the recognition of the liability to procure the new 
market facilities, judgement was also applied in determining whether there should be any on-going interaction between the two balances 
– for example, whether any subsequent adjustment to the estimate of the liability should be accounted for as an adjustment to the original 
investment property purchase price (which ultimately would give rise to an investment property revaluation gain or loss) or as a separate 
provision remeasurement gain or loss in the income statement. As, going forward, the two balances operate entirely independently of 
each other, it was determined that they should also be accounted for separately in accordance with the requirements of their respective 
applicable accounting standards.

Consequently, remeasurements of both the investment property valuation and provision liability are recognised, separately, in VSM (NCGM)’s 
income statement in accordance with the requirements of IAS 40 Investment Property and IAS 37 Provisions, Contingent Liabilities and 
Contingent Assets respectively. Remeasurements of both the investment property valuation and provision liability are reflected together 
as component parts of the ‘profits/losses of joint ventures and associates (post-tax)’ line within the group income statement.

Key sources of estimation uncertainty
In the application of the Group’s accounting policies outlined above, the directors are required to make estimates and assumptions about 
the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions 
are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant and so actual results may differ from these 
estimates. The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis and 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.

The key assumptions concerning the future, and other key sources of estimation uncertainty at the reporting period that may have a 
significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year, are discussed 
below.

Net realisable value of inventories

The Group has ongoing procedures for assessing the carrying value of inventories and identifying where this is in excess of net realisable 
value. The estimates and judgements for both revenue and costs were based on information available at, and pertaining to, 30th November 
2016. Any subsequent adverse changes in market conditions may result in additional provisions being required, although it would require 
a fall in average house prices in excess of 10% before any additional net realisable value provisions would be required on residential 
development land.

119

Strategic report Corporate governance Financial statements Additional informationSt. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016Group accounting policies
for the year ended 30th November 2016
continued

Taxation

As a property group, tax and its treatment is often an integral part of transactions. The outcome of tax treatments are recognised by the 
Group to the extent the outcome is reasonably certain. Where tax treatments have been challenged by HMRC, or management believe 
that there is a risk of such challenge, provision is made for the best estimate of potential exposure based on the information available at 
the balance sheet date. Management’s assessment of the level of provision required is, where applicable, supported by the Group’s tax 
advisors. If HMRC were to be successful in challenging tax treatments to a greater extent than has been provided at the balance sheet 
date then additional provisions may be required.

The tax currently payable is based on the taxable result for the year. The taxable result differs from the result as reported in the Group 
income statement because it excludes items of income or expense that are taxable or deductible in other years and it further excludes 
items that will not be taxable or deductible. In particular, as a property group, the effective tax rate for the year reflects the benefit of 
certain investment gains not being taxable because of indexation, capital allowances, land remediation and other reliefs on certain property 
expenditure, the utilisation of capital tax losses brought forward and the property ownership structure of the Group. The effect of these 
adjustments have to be estimated at the balance sheet date, based on historical corporation tax computations and the expected outcome 
from the preparation of the tax computations for the current year, in consultation with the Group’s tax advisors.

Standards and interpretations not yet effective
At the date of approval of these financial statements, the following standards, amendments and interpretations which have not been 
adopted in these financial statements were in issue but not yet effective (and in some cases had not yet been adopted by the EU):

 § IFRS 9 Financial Instruments

 § IFRS 14 Regulatory Deferral Accounts

 § IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers

 § IFRS 16 Leases

 § Amendments to IFRS 2 Classification and Measurement of Share-based Payment Transactions

 § Amendments to IFRS 10 and IAS 28 Sale or Contribution of Assets between an Investor and its Associate or Joint Venture

 § Amendments to IFRS 10, IFRS 12 and IAS 28 Investment Entities: Applying the Consolidation Exception

 § Amendments to IFRS 11 Accounting for Acquisitions of Interests in Joint Operations

 § Amendments to IAS 1 and IAS 7 Disclosure Initiative

 § Amendments to IAS 12 Recognition of Deferred Tax Assets for Unrealised Losses

 § Amendments to IAS 16 and IAS 38 Clarification of Acceptable Methods of Depreciation and Amortisation

 § Amendments to IAS 16 and IAS 41 Agriculture: Bearer Plants

 § Amendments to IFRSs Annual Improvements to IFRSs 2012 – 2014 Cycle

The directors are still assessing the impact that the adoption of these standards, amendments and interpretations will have on the financial 
statements of the Group in future periods. Adoption of the majority of these standards, amendments and interpretations are expected to 
have little or no impact on the reported results of the Group, although amended disclosures may be required.

IFRS 9 will impact both the measurement and disclosures of financial instruments and is effective for the Group’s year ending 
30th November 2019. The Group has not yet completed its evaluation of the effect of the adoption.

IFRS 15 may have an impact on revenue recognition and related disclosures and is effective for the Group’s year ending 30th November 
2019. Beyond the information above, it is not practicable to provide a reasonable estimate of the effect of IFRS 15 until a detailed review 
has been completed.

IFRS 16 provides a single lessee accounting model, requiring lessees to recognise assets and liabilities for all leases unless the lease term 
is 12 months or less or the underlying asset has a low value. Lessors continue to classify leases as operating or finance, with IFRS 16’s 
approach to lessor accounting substantially unchanged from its predecessor, IAS 17. The Group has not yet completed its evaluation of 
the effect of the adoption and this standard is not effective until the Group’s year ending 30th November 2020.

120

St. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016Notes to the Group financial statements
for the year ended 30th November 2016

1. Segmental information

a. Reportable segments

IFRS 8 Operating Segments requires the identification of the Group’s operating segments, defined as being discrete components of the 
Group’s operations whose results are regularly reviewed by the Chief Operating Decision Maker (being the Chief Executive) to allocate 
resources to those segments and to assess their performance. The Group divides its business into the following segments:

 § residential development, being housebuilding activity through St. Modwen Homes and the Persimmon joint venture; and 

 § the balance of the Group’s portfolio of properties which the Group manages internally, and reports, as a single business segment.

The accounting policies of the reportable segments are the same as the Group’s accounting policies.

b. Segment revenues and results

Rental income

Development

Other income

Revenue

2016

Residential 
development
£m

 – 

 150.0 

 – 

Portfolio
£m

 53.1 

 77.8 

 6.8 

 137.7 

 150.0 

Total
£m

 53.1 

 227.8 

 6.8 

 287.7 

2015

Residential 
development
£m

 – 

 140.5 

 – 

 140.5 

Portfolio
£m

 41.2 

 98.4 

 7.4 

 147.0 

Total
£m

 41.2 

 238.9 

 7.4 

 287.5 

All revenues in the table above are derived from continuing operations exclusively in the UK.

The Group’s total revenue for 2016 was £302.5m (2015: £300.8m) and in addition to the amounts above included service charge income 
of £9.4m (2015: £9.4m), for which there was an equivalent expense and interest income of £5.4m (2015: £3.9m).

Net rental income

Development profits

Gains on disposal of investments/
investment properties

Investment property revaluation gains

Other net income

(Losses)/profits of joint ventures 
and associates(2)

Administrative expenses

Allocation of administrative expenses

Finance costs(3)

Finance income(4)

Attributable profit

Other losses of joint ventures 
and associates(2)

Other finance costs(3)

Other finance income(4)

Profit before tax

2016

Residential
development(1)

£m

 – 

 31.6 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 (4.5)

(5.2)

 –

 – 

21.9 

Portfolio
£m

 40.5 

20.1

9.5

30.3

4.2

(18.4)

(28.5)

5.2

(19.2)

5.4

49.1

2015

Residential
development(1)

£m

 – 

 29.1 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 (2.4)

(2.8)

 (2.0)

 – 

 21.9 

Portfolio
£m

 32.8 

 22.6 

 11.7 

 73.9 

 4.2 

 125.6 

 (23.7)

2.8

 (15.1)

 3.9 

 238.7 

Total
£m

 32.8 

 51.7 

 11.7 

 73.9 

 4.2 

 125.6 

 (26.1)

–

 (17.1)

 3.9 

 260.6 

 (18.8)

 (8.1)

 1.5 

 235.2 

Total
£m

40.5

51.7

9.5

30.3

4.2

(18.4)

(33.0)

–

(19.2)

5.4

71.0

 (9.8)

(3.8) 

9.5

66.9

(1) In the Strategic report, housebuilding profit of £27.1m (2015: £26.7m) is stated before the allocation of administrative expenses and finance costs of £5.2m (2015: £4.8m).

(2) Stated before mark-to-market of derivatives, amortisation of loan arrangement fees, other non-cash items and tax of £9.8m (2015: £18.8m). These amounts are reclassified 

to other losses of joint ventures and associates.

(3) Stated before mark-to-market of derivatives, amortisation of loan arrangement fees and other non-cash items of £3.8m (2015: £8.1m). These amounts are reclassified 

to other finance costs.

(4) Stated before mark-to-market of derivatives and other non-cash items of £9.5m (2015: £1.5m). These amounts are reclassified to other finance income.

121

Strategic report Corporate governance Financial statements Additional informationSt. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016Notes to the Group financial statements
for the year ended 30th November 2016
continued

1. Segmental information continued
Other net income of £4.2m (2015: £4.2m) comprises revenue of £6.8m (2015: £7.4m) less associated costs of £2.6m (2015: £3.2m).

Cost of sales in respect of rental income comprise direct operating expenses (including repairs and maintenance) related to the investment 
property portfolio and total £12.6m (2015: £8.4m), of which £0.3m (2015: £0.6m) is in respect of properties that did not generate any 
rental income. 

During the year the following amounts were recognised (as part of development revenue and cost of sales) in respect of construction contracts:

Revenue

Cost of sales

Gross profit

2016
£m

27.5

(21.5)

6.0 

2015
£m

 87.7 

 (75.2)

 12.5 

Amounts recoverable on contracts as disclosed in note 11 comprise £12.1m (2015: £23.5m) of contract revenue recognised and £3.2m 
(2015: £7.8m) of retentions.

Contracts in progress at 30th November 2016 include the aggregate amount of costs incurred £17.2m (2015: £134.3m), recognised profits 
less recognised losses to date £8.6m (2015: £35.5m) and advances received £25.6m (2015: £27.4m).

There were amounts due to customers of £nil (2015: £nil) included in trade and other payables in respect of contracts in progress at the 
balance sheet date.

c. Segment assets and liabilities

Investment property

Inventories

Investments in joint ventures and associates

2016

Residential 
development
£m

Total
£m

Portfolio
£m

2015

Residential 
development
£m

Total
£m

 – 

1,133.0

 1,081.0 

 – 

 1,081.0 

 126.2 

 – 

229.7

184.8

 84.2 

 227.3 

 99.5 

 – 

 183.7 

 227.3 

Portfolio
£m

1,133.0

103.5

184.8

Attributable assets

1,421.3

 126.2 

1,547.5

 1,392.5 

 99.5 

 1,492.0 

Operating property, plant and equipment

Trade and other receivables

Cash and cash equivalents

Trade and other payables

Derivative financial instruments

Borrowings and finance lease obligations

Tax payable

Deferred tax

Net assets

 4.2 

124.0

4.2

(154.1)

(7.2)

(527.4)

(7.1)

(22.0)

962.1

 4.2 

 110.8 

 4.8 

 (149.7)

 (7.2)

 (506.9)

 (11.1)

 (15.4)

 921.5 

2. Non-statutory information
The purpose of this note is to explain, analyse and reconcile a number of non-statutory financial performance and financial position 
metrics, which are used extensively by the Group to monitor its performance. These metrics reflect the way in which the Group is run 
and in particular that the Group reviews and reports performance of its joint ventures and associates in the same way as it would if they 
were subsidiaries, meaning that proportionally consolidated (see-through) measures are particularly relevant whilst also having the benefit 
of removing the taxation effects on equity accounted entities from the statutory profit before tax figure. A number of these measures are 
explained below:

Profit before all tax (note 2a): This proportionally consolidated measure adjusts profit before tax to remove taxation on joint venture and 
associate profits from the profit before tax figure and as such, Group profit before tax of £66.9m (2015: £235.2m) can be reconciled to profit 
before all tax of £60.8m (2015: £258.4m) by adjusting profit before tax for the tax credit relating to joint ventures and associates of £6.1m 
(2015: charge of £23.2m).

Trading profit (note 2a): Trading profit is derived similarly to profit before all tax, but is stated before the principal non-cash income 
statement items included in this measure, being revaluation gains and non-cash financing charges. For a property company with a low 
depreciation charge and no amortisation, this therefore represents a more useful measure than the EBITDA alternative performance 
measure used by many other companies.

122

St. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016Property profits (note 2a): This measure represents proportionally consolidated development profits plus proportionally consolidated gains 
on disposals of investment properties and therefore, like profit before all tax, ostensibly represents the proportionally consolidated amounts 
in respect of these two income statement lines, after a (historically de minimis) adjustment for net realisable value provisions.

EPRA NAV per share (note 2g): Whilst it is a non-GAAP measure, EPRA NAV is a standard real estate measure. Its objective is to highlight 
the fair value of net assets on an ongoing, long-term basis. Assets and liabilities that are not expected to crystallise in normal circumstances 
such as the fair value of derivative financial instruments and deferred taxes on property valuation surpluses are therefore excluded, which 
facilitates a more objective comparison with peer companies.

Total accounting return (note 2g): Our shareholders measure their returns in terms of both the Group’s growth and the dividend return. 
Total accounting return combines these two items by adding EPRA NAV per share (defined above) to the annual dividend paid per share 
and measuring this against opening EPRA NAV per share. Whilst this is often measured by Total Shareholder Return which combines share 
price growth and dividend return, in the real estate sector, it is also insightful to consider net asset growth, which therefore directly reflects 
the most recent valuation of assets.

a. Trading profit and profit before all tax

Net rental income

Development profit(1)

Gains on disposal of investments/
investment properties

Other income

Administrative expenses

Finance costs(2)

Finance income(3)

Trading profit

Investment property revaluation 
gains/(losses)(1)

Other net finance costs(2)

Other finance income(3)

Profit/(loss) before all tax

Taxation

Profit/(loss) for the year

Effective tax rate

2016

Joint ventures 
and associates 
£m

 5.4 

 – 

0.5 

 – 

 (0.8)

(9.2)

0.8

(3.3)

 (25.9)

 (5.8)

 0.7

(34.3)

 6.1 

(28.2)

17.8%

Group
£m

40.5

52.0

9.5

4.2

(33.0)

(19.2)

5.4

59.4

30.0

(3.8)

9.5

95.1

(13.3)

81.8

14.0%

Total
£m

45.9

52.0

10.0

4.2

(33.8)

(28.4)

6.2

56.1

4.1

(9.6)

10.2

60.8

(7.2)

53.6

11.8%

2015

Joint ventures 
and associates 
£m

 5.9 

 – 

 2.6 

 – 

 (0.4)

 (8.3)

 1.0 

 0.8 

Total
£m

 38.7 

 53.1 

 14.3 

 4.2 

 (26.5)

 (25.4)

 4.9 

 63.3 

 129.2 

 201.7 

 (0.6)

 0.6 

 130.0 

 (23.2)

 106.8 

17.8%

 (8.7)

 2.1 

 258.4 

 (41.1)

 217.3 

15.9%

Group
£m

 32.8 

 53.1 

 11.7 

 4.2 

 (26.1)

 (17.1)

 3.9 

 62.5 

 72.5 

 (8.1)

 1.5 

 128.4 

 (17.9)

 110.5 

13.9%

(1)  Stated before the deduction of net realisable valuation provisions within the Group of £0.3m (2015: £1.4m) and for joint ventures and associates of £nil (2015: £nil). 

These items are reclassified to investment property revaluation gains.

(2) Stated before mark-to-market of derivatives, amortisation of loan arrangement fees and other non-cash items within the Group of £3.8m (2015: £8.1m) and for joint ventures 

and associates of £5.8m (2015: £0.6m). These items are reclassified to other finance costs.

(3)  Stated before mark-to-market of derivatives and other non-cash items within the Group of £9.5m (2015: £1.5m) and for joint ventures and associates of £0.7m (2015: £0.6m). 

These items are reclassified to other finance income.

b. Property valuations

The split of property valuations gains and losses between added value and market movements, including the Group’s share of joint ventures 
and associates, is based on analysis of the total property valuation movements provided by the Group’s external valuers as set out below:

Property revaluation gains/(losses)

Net realisable value provisions

Property valuation gains/(losses)

Added value

Market movements

Property valuation gains/(losses)

2016

Joint ventures 
and associates 
£m

(25.9)

 – 

(25.9)

0.8

(26.7)

(25.9)

Group
£m

30.3

(0.3)

30.0

27.5

2.5

30.0

Total
£m

4.4

(0.3)

4.1

28.3

(24.2)

4.1

2015

Joint ventures 
and associates 
£m

 129.2 

 – 

 129.2 

 128.3 

 0.9 

 129.2 

Group
£m

 73.9 

 (1.4)

 72.5 

 37.7 

 34.8 

 72.5 

Total
£m

 203.1 

 (1.4)

 201.7 

 166.0 

 35.7 

 201.7 

123

Strategic report Corporate governance Financial statements Additional informationSt. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016Notes to the Group financial statements
for the year ended 30th November 2016
continued

2. Non-statutory information continued

c. Balance sheet

The balance sheet, including the Group’s share of joint ventures and associates, is derived from the Group balance sheet as follows:

2016

Joint ventures 
and associates 
£m

381.8

44.4

426.2

(47.0)

(0.9)

(193.5)

(241.4)

184.8

– 

Group
£m

1,370.5

126.2

1,496.7

(470.0)

(56.8)

(192.6)

(719.4)

777.3

(6.9)

Total
£m

1,752.3

170.6

1,922.9

(517.0)

(57.7)

(386.1)

(960.8)

962.1

(6.9)

2015

Joint ventures 
and associates 
£m

 418.9 

 43.9 

 462.8 

 (46.4)

 (1.2)

 (187.9)

 (235.5)

 227.3 

– 

Group
£m

 1,272.7 

 112.6 

 1,385.3 

 (442.9)

 (55.1)

 (193.1)

 (691.1)

 694.2 

 (6.8)

Total
£m

 1,691.6 

 156.5 

 1,848.1 

 (489.3)

 (56.3)

 (381.0)

 (926.6)

 921.5 

 (6.8)

770.4

184.8

955.2

 687.4 

 227.3 

 914.7 

Property portfolio

Other assets

Gross assets

Net borrowings

Finance leases

Other liabilities

Gross liabilities

Net assets

Non-controlling interest

Equity attributable to owners of 
the Company

d. Property portfolio

The property portfolio, including the Group’s share of joint ventures and associates, is derived from the Group balance sheet as follows:

2016

Group
£m

Joint ventures 
and associates 
£m

Total
£m

2015

Group
£m

Joint ventures 
and associates 
£m

Total
£m

Investment properties

 1,133.0 

 375.6 

 1,508.6 

 1,081.0 

 416.8 

 1,497.8 

Less assets held under finance leases  
not subject to revaluation

Add back lease incentives (recorded in 
receivables)

Inventories (held at lower of cost and net 
realisable value)

Property portfolio

 (3.9)

 11.7 

 229.7 

 1,370.5 

 (0.9)

 (4.8)

 0.7 

 6.4 

 12.4 

 236.1 

 381.8 

 1,752.3 

 (3.9)

 11.9 

 (1.2)

 1.4 

 (5.1)

 13.3 

 183.7 

 1,272.7 

 1.9 

 418.9 

 185.6 

 1,691.6 

As at 30th November 2016 the Group had assets of £328.3m (2015: £633.2m) included within the Group property portfolio (excluding joint 
ventures and associates) which were wholly owned, unencumbered and able to be pledged as security for the Group’s debt facilities.

The Group’s property portfolio, including share of joint ventures can be split by category as detailed below:

2016
£m

283.5

342.2

161.0

786.7

742.0

223.6

2015
£m

247.2

333.7

146.2

727.1

757.7

206.8

 1,752.3 

 1,691.6 

Industrial and logistics

Retail

Residential and other

Income producing property

Residential land

Commercial land

Property portfolio

124

St. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016e. Movement in net debt

The movement in net debt is set out below: 

Movement in cash and cash equivalents

Borrowings drawn

Repayment of borrowings

Increase in net borrowings

Fair value movements on convertible bonds

Finance leases 

Increase in net debt

f. Trading cash flow

Trading cash flows are derived from the Group cash flow statement as set out below:

2016
£m

 (0.6)

(160.5)

134.0

 (27.1)

 7.7

 (1.7)

 (21.1)

Net rent and other income

Property disposals

Property acquisitions

Capital expenditure

Working capital and other movements

Overheads and interest

Taxation

Trading cash flow

Finance leases

Net borrowings

Net dividends

Operating 
activities
£m

 44.7 

 244.9 

– 

 (208.8)

 (25.3)

 (32.3)

 (10.7)

 12.5 

– 

– 

– 

Movement in cash and cash equivalents

 12.5 

Net rent and other income

Property disposals

Property acquisitions

Capital expenditure

Working capital and other movements

Overheads and interest

Taxation

Trading cash flow

Finance leases

Net borrowings

Net dividends

Movement in cash and cash equivalents

 (42.6)

Investing  
activities
£m

– 

 64.3 

 (38.5)

 (52.1)

– 

 5.4 

– 

 (20.9)

– 

– 

 14.3 

 (6.6)

Investing  
activities
£m

 – 

 84.4 

 (57.2)

 – 

 3.9 

 – 

 (73.0)

 – 

 – 

 6.7 

 (66.3)

 (208.2)

 (104.1)

Operating 
activities
£m

 37.0 

 180.5 

 – 

 (9.4)

 (33.1)

 (9.4)

 (42.6)

 – 

 – 

 – 

2016

Financing 
activities
£m

Total
£m

Joint ventures 
and associates
£m

 – 

 – 

 – 

– 

 – 

 (20.7)

– 

 (20.7)

 0.6 

 26.5 

 (12.9)

 (6.5)

2015

Financing 
activities
£m

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 (18.0)

 – 

 (18.0)

 32.5 

 107.1 

 (11.1)

 110.5 

 44.7 

 309.2 

 (38.5)

 (260.9)

 (25.3)

 (47.6)

 (10.7)

 (29.1)

 0.6 

 26.5 

 1.4 

 (0.6)

Total
£m

 37.0 

 264.9 

 (57.2)

 (312.3)

 (9.4)

 (47.2)

 (9.4)

 (133.6)

 32.5 

 107.1 

 (4.4)

 1.6 

 5.4 

 25.1 

 – 

 (10.1)

 3.8 

 (9.2)

 (1.0)

 14.0 

 (0.3)

 (2.8)

 (14.3)

 (3.4)

Joint ventures 
and associates
£m

 5.9 

 1.2 

 – 

 (14.2)

20.9 

 (7.7)

 (0.3)

 5.8 

 – 

 3.6 

 (6.7)

 2.7 

2015
£m

 1.6 

 (190.9)

 83.8 

 (105.5)

 (4.1)

 (32.5)

 (142.1)

Total
£m

 50.1 

 334.3 

 (38.5)

 (271.0)

 (21.5)

 (56.8)

 (11.7)

 (15.1)

 0.3 

 23.7 

 (12.9)

 (4.0)

Total
£m

 42.9 

 266.1 

 (57.2)

 (326.5)

 11.5 

 (54.9)

 (9.7)

 (127.8)

 32.5 

 110.7 

 (11.1)

 4.3 

125

Strategic report Corporate governance Financial statements Additional informationSt. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016Notes to the Group financial statements
for the year ended 30th November 2016
continued

2. Non-statutory information continued

g. Net assets per share and total accounting return

Net assets per share and total accounting return are calculated as set out below:

2016

Movement

£m

Pence per

share(1)

Pence per

share(1)

%

Total equity

Less non-controlling interests

Equity NAV attributable to owners 
of the Company

 962.1 

 (6.9)

 955.2 

431.0

17.5

Adjustments of inventories to fair value

 13.6 

EPRA NNNAV

 968.8 

437.2

18.3

Deferred tax on capital allowances 
and revaluations

Mark-to-market of derivative 
financial instruments

 47.9 

 3.8 

EPRA NAV

 1,020.5 

460.5

Dividend paid per share (note 7)

Total accounting return

14.1

 5.8 

19.9

4.2

4.4

3.2

4.5

£m

921.5

(6.8)

914.7

11.9

926.6

50.0

10.9

987.5

2015

Movement

Pence per

share(1)

Pence per

share(1)

%

413.5

88.4

27.2

418.9

88.6

26.8

446.4

104.1

5.0

109.1

30.4

31.9

(1) The number of shares in issue used to calculate the net asset values per share is 221,607,654 (2015: 221,186,714), excluding those shares held by The St. Modwen 

Properties PLC Employee Share Trust, as disclosed in note 17.

h. Net borrowing and net debt

Net borrowing and net debt are calculated as set out below:

Cash and cash equivalents

Borrowings due within one year

Borrowings due after more than one year

Less fair value movements on convertible bonds

Net borrowings

Fair value movements on convertible bonds

Finance lease liabilities due within one year

Finance lease liabilities due after more than one year

Net debt

i. Gearing and loan-to-value

2016
£m

 4.2 

 – 

 (470.6)

 (3.6)

 (470.0)

 3.6 

 (0.4)

 (56.4)

 (523.2)

2015
£m

 4.8 

 – 

 (451.8)

 4.1 

 (442.9)

 (4.1)

 (0.4)

 (54.7)

 (502.1)

The Group’s capacity to borrow is primarily linked to the quantum of the property portfolio excluding assets held under finance leases. 
Accordingly both adjusted gearing and loan-to-value are calculated using the comparable measure of net borrowings.

The table overleaf shows the calculation of:

 § gearing, being the ratio of net debt to total equity;

 § adjusted gearing, being the ratio of net borrowings to total equity;

 § loan-to-value, being the ratio of net borrowings to the property portfolio excluding valued assets held as finance leases (representing 

amounts that could be used as security for that debt); and

 § loan-to-value excluding residential land, being the ratio of net borrowings to the property portfolio excluding valued assets held 

as finance leases and residential land (reflecting that residential land is a less attractive asset for security purposes).

126

St. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016Property portfolio (note 2d)

Less valued assets under finance leases

Net property portfolio

Less residential land (note 2d)

Net property portfolio excluding 
residential land

Total equity

Net debt (note 2h)

Net borrowings (note 2h)

Gearing 

Adjusted gearing

Loan-to-value

Loan-to-value excluding residential land

2016

Group
£m

Joint ventures 
and associates 
£m

Total
£m

2015

Group
£m

Joint ventures 
and associates 
£m

Total
£m

 1,370.5 

 (57.8)

 1,312.7 

(460.2)

852.5

 962.1 

 523.2 

 470.0 

54.4%

48.9%

35.8%

N/A

 381.8 

 1,752.3 

 1,272.7 

 418.9 

 1,691.6 

 – 

381.8 

(281.8)

100.0

N/A

 47.9 

 47.0 

 (57.8)

 1,694.5 

(742.0)

952.5

 962.1 

 571.1 

 517.0 

59.4%

53.7%

30.5%

54.3%

 (53.1)

 1,219.6 

 (442.1)

 777.5 

 921.5 

 502.1 

 442.9 

54.5%

48.1%

36.3%

N/A

– 

 418.9 

 (315.6)

 103.3 

N/A

 47.6 

 46.4 

 (53.1)

 1,638.5 

 (757.7)

 880.8 

 921.5 

 549.7 

 489.3 

59.7%

53.1%

29.9%

55.6%

Bank covenant compliance is based on the ratio of gearing being net debt to equity of 54.4% (2015: 54.5%) against a covenant of 175.0% 
(2015: 175.0%).

3. Other income statement disclosures

a. Administrative expenses

Administrative expenses have been arrived at after charging:

Depreciation

Operating lease costs

b. Auditor’s remuneration

2016
£m

 0.7 

 1.5 

The table below sets out the fees payable to the Company’s auditor and their associates for the following services:

2016

2015

The audit of the Company's Annual Report 
and financial statements

The audit of the Company's subsidiaries 
and joint ventures

Total audit fees

Audit-related assurance services

Other assurance services

Tax compliance services

Tax advisory services

Property consulting

Other

Total non-audit fees

Total fees

Audit and 
audit-related 
services  
£’000

Other services  

£’000

 130 

 250

 380 

 67

 25 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

92 

 472 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

–

–

 20 

 2 

 22 

 22 

Audit and 
audit-related 
services  
£’000

Other services 
£’000

 125 

 162 

 287 

 60 

 3 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 63 

 350 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 16 

 20 

 69 

 2 

 107 

 107 

Total  
£’000

 130 

 250 

 380 

 67 

 25 

– 

–

 20 

 2 

 114 

 494 

2015
£m

 0.8 

 1.5 

Total 
£’000

 125 

 162 

 287 

 60 

 3 

 16 

 20 

 69 

 2 

 170 

 457 

The Group continues to monitor the provision of audit and other services by the auditor. Fees charged for other services in 2016 were 5% 
(2015: 31%) of audit and audit-related fees. The Group’s policy permits the auditor to provide non-audit services where alternative providers 
do not exist or where it is cost effective or in the Group’s interest for the external auditor to provide such services, as long as such services 
are permissible under the Audit Regulations. Further information is included in the Audit Committee report.

127

Strategic report Corporate governance Financial statements Additional informationSt. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016Notes to the Group financial statements
for the year ended 30th November 2016
continued

3. Other income statement disclosures continued

c. Employees

The monthly average number of full-time employees (including executive directors) employed by the Group during the year was as follows: 

Property and administration

Leisure and other activities

Total employees

The total payroll costs of these employees were:

Wages and salaries

Social security costs

Pension costs

Total payroll costs

d. Share-based payments

2016 
Number

 301 

 44 

 345 

2016 
£m

 20.1 

2.8 

 0.8 

23.7 

2015 
Number

 257 

 52 

 309 

2015 
£m

 18.6 

 2.4 

 0.8 

 21.8 

The Group has a Save As You Earn share option scheme open to all employees. Employees must ordinarily remain in service for a period of 
three or five years from the date of grant before exercising their options. The option period ends six months following the end of the vesting 
period. 

The Group also operates a discretionary Executive Share Option Scheme (ESOS). Options are granted at a fixed price equal to the market 
price at the date of grant. With the exception of awards made to executive directors in conjunction with PSP awards granted in 2012, there 
are no performance conditions attached to ESOS awards. Employees must ordinarily remain in service for a period of three years from the 
date of grant before exercising their ESOS awards. The option ends on the 10th anniversary of the date of grant.

Details of the Group’s Performance Share Plan (PSP) are given in the Directors’ remuneration report.

The following table illustrates the movements in share options during the year. As the PSP includes the grant of options at £nil exercise 
price, the weighted average prices below are calculated including and excluding the options under this plan. 

Outstanding at start of year

Granted

Forfeited

Exercised

Outstanding at end of year

Exercisable at year end

2016

2015

Weighted average price

Weighted average price

Number of 
options

All options
£

Excluding PSP 
£

Number of 
options

All options
£

Excluding PSP 
£

 6,090,088 

 3,045,446 

 (637,445)

 (811,487)

 7,686,602 

 2,537,505 

 2.33 

 1.70 

 2.42 

 0.67 

 2.27 

 2.18 

 2.89 

 2.68 

 3.64 

 1.68 

 2.83 

 2.18 

 9,117,437 

 1,288,365 

 (398,241)

 (3,917,473)

 6,090,088 

 1,887,986 

 1.87 

 3.46 

 3.23 

 1.57 

 2.33 

 1.75 

 2.31 

 4.67 

 3.23 

 2.03 

 2.89 

 1.75 

Share options are priced using a Black-Scholes valuation model. The aggregate of the fair values calculated and the assumptions used for 
share options granted during the year are as follows:

30th November 2016

30th November 2015

(1) Based on the closing share price on the date of grant.

Aggregate of fair 
values
£m

Risk-free interest 
rate
%

Expected 
volatility
%

Dividend yield
%

Share price(1)

£

 3.2 

 2.1 

0.1-0.3

22.3-32.9

1.1-2.0

31.0-50.3

 1.1 

 1.1 

2.69-3.23

4.17-4.75

128

St. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016The charge to the Group income statement in respect of share-based payments during the year was £1.6m (2015: £2.0m).

The fair value of the share incentive reserve in respect of share options outstanding at the year end was £4.9m (2015: £5.2m) and included 
£2.2m (2015: £1.8m) in respect of options that had vested at the year end.

In arriving at fair value it has been assumed that, when vested, share options are exercised in accordance with historical trends. Expected 
volatility was determined by reference to the historical volatility of the Group’s share price over a period consistent with the expected life of 
the options.

The weighted average share price at the date of exercise was £2.76 (2015: £4.63). The executive share options outstanding at the year end 
had a range of exercise prices between £1.78 and £4.75 (2015: £1.75 and £4.74) with PSP options exercisable at between £nil and £4.71 
(2015: £nil and £4.71). Outstanding options had a weighted average maximum remaining contractual life of 4.7 years (2015: 5.8 years).

4. Finance costs and finance income

Interest payable on borrowings

Amortisation of loan arrangement fees

Amortisation of discount on deferred payment arrangements

Head rents treated as finance leases

Movement in fair value of convertible bond

Movement in fair value of derivative financial instruments

Interest on pension scheme liabilities

Total finance costs

Interest receivable 

Movement in fair value of convertible bond

Movement in fair value of derivative financial instruments

Interest income on pension scheme assets

Total finance income

5. Taxation

a. Tax on profit on ordinary activities

The tax charge in the Group income statement is as follows:

Current tax

Current year tax

Adjustments in respect of previous years

Total current tax

Deferred tax

Impact of current year revaluations and indexation

Net use of tax losses

Other temporary differences

Change in rate for provision of deferred tax

Adjustments in respect of previous years

Total deferred tax

Total tax charge in the Group income statement

2016
£m

 18.1 

 1.2 

 0.4 

 1.1

–

 1.3

 0.9

 23.0 

2016
£m

 5.4 

 7.7

0.8 

 1.0 

 14.9 

2016
£m

 11.9 

 (5.2) 

 6.7

 2.9 

 0.5 

1.1

 – 

 2.1 

6.6 

 13.3 

The tax charge relating to actuarial losses on pension schemes in the Group statement of comprehensive income is £nil (2015: £nil).

2015
£m

 16.5 

 1.1 

 1.1 

 0.6 

 4.1 

 0.8 

 1.0 

 25.2 

2015
£m

 3.9 

 – 

 0.4 

 1.1 

 5.4 

2015
£m

 13.9 

 (0.8)

 13.1 

 4.3 

 – 

0.4

 (0.1)

 0.2 

 4.8 

 17.9 

129

Strategic report Corporate governance Financial statements Additional informationSt. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016Notes to the Group financial statements
for the year ended 30th November 2016
continued

5. Taxation continued

b. Reconciliation of effective tax rate

Profit before tax

Less loss/(profit) of joint ventures and associates (post-tax)

Pre-tax profit attributable to the Group

Corporation tax at 20.0% (2015: 20.3%)

Effect of non-deductible expenses and non-chargeable income

Impact of current year revaluations and indexation

Difference between chargeable gains and accounting profit

Change in rate used for provision of deferred tax

Recognition of previously unrecognised deferred tax assets in respect of losses

Current year charge

Adjustments in respect of previous years

Tax charge for the year

Effective rate of tax

2016
£m

 66.9 

 28.2 

 95.1 

 19.0 

 0.5 

 (3.1)

 – 

 – 

 – 

 16.4 

 (3.1)

 13.3 

14.0%

2015
£m

 235.2 

 (106.8)

 128.4 

 26.1 

 0.3 

 (6.3)

 0.2 

 (0.1)

 (1.7)

 18.5 

 (0.6)

 17.9 

13.9%

The post tax results of joint ventures and associates are stated after a tax credit of £6.1m (2015: a charge of £23.2m). The effective tax 
rate for the Group including joint ventures and associates is a charge of 11.8% (2015: 15.9%).

Legislation substantively enacted at 30th November 2016 included provisions which reduced the main rate of corporation tax from 20% 
to 19% from 1st April 2017 and 17% from 1st April 2020. Current tax has therefore been provided at 20% and deferred tax at rates from 
17% to 20%.

c. Balance sheet

Balance at start of the year

Charged to the Group income statement

Net payment

Other

Balance at end of the year

2016

Current tax
£m

 11.1 

 6.7 

 (10.7)

 – 

 7.1 

An analysis of the deferred tax provided by the Group is given below:

Property revaluations

Capital allowances

Appropriations to trading stock

Unutilised tax losses

Other temporary differences

Total deferred tax

Asset
£m

 – 

 – 

 – 

 –

 (2.8)

 (2.8)

2016

Liability
£m

 19.4 

 5.1 

 0.3 

 – 

 – 

 24.8

Deferred tax
£m

2015

Current tax
£m

Deferred tax
£m

 15.4 

6.6 

 – 

–

 22.0 

Net
£m

 19.4 

 5.1 

 0.3 

–

 (2.8)

 22.0 

 7.3 

 13.1 

 (9.4)

 0.1 

 11.1 

2015

Asset
£m

 – 

 – 

 – 

 (1.7)

 (3.7)

 (5.4)

Liability
£m

 16.4 

 3.9 

 0.5 

 – 

 – 

 20.8 

 11.7 

 4.8 

 – 

 (1.1)

 15.4 

Net
£m

 16.4 

 3.9 

 0.5 

 (1.7)

 (3.7)

 15.4 

At the balance sheet date, the Group has unused tax losses in relation to 2016 and prior years of £0.8m (2015: £2.9m), of which £nil (2015: 
£1.7m) has been recognised as a deferred tax asset. A deferred tax asset of £0.8m (2015: £1.2m) has not been recognised in respect of 
current and prior year tax losses as it is not considered sufficiently certain that there will be taxable profits available in the short-term against 
which these can be offset. These unrecognised losses arise predominantly from pre-acquisition activity or within connected parties, which 
are not able to be group relieved. 

130

St. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016 
 
 
 
 
6. Earnings per share

Weighted number of shares in issue

Weighted number of diluted shares relating to the convertible bond

Weighted number of diluted shares relating to share options

2016
Number of shares

2015
Number of shares

 221,368,096 

 221,076,984 

 18,867,925 

 1,923,809 

 18,867,925 

 6,383,088 

Weighted number of shares for the purposes of diluted earnings per share

 242,159,830 

 246,327,997 

Earnings for the purposes of basic earnings per share being net 
profit attributable to owners of the Company

Effect of dilutive potential ordinary shares:

  Interest on convertible bond (net of tax)

  Movement in fair value of the convertible bond

Earnings for the purposes of diluted earnings per share

Basic earnings per share

Diluted earnings per share

2016
£m

 53.4 

 2.3 

 (7.7)

 48.0 

2016
Pence

24.1

19.8

2015
£m

 216.4 

 2.3 

 4.1 

 222.8 

2015
Pence

 97.9 

 90.4 

Shares held by the St. Modwen Properties PLC Employee Share Trust are excluded from the above calculation.

As the Group is principally a development business EPRA earnings per share on a basic and diluted basis are not provided. These 
calculations exclude all revaluation gains, including value added by management actions, and development profits. These are the key 
activities of the Group and excluding such gains and profits would not provide a meaningful measure of the performance of the business.

7. Dividends
Dividends paid during the year were in respect of the final dividend for 2015 and interim dividend for 2016. The proposed final dividend 
is subject to approval at the annual general meeting and has not been included as a liability in these financial statements.

Paid

Final dividend in respect of previous year

Interim dividend in respect of current year

Total paid

Proposed

Current year final dividend

2016

2015

Pence per share

£m

Pence per share

 3.85 

 1.94 

 5.79 

 4.06

 8.5 

 4.3 

 12.8 

 9.0 

 3.14 

 1.90 

 5.04 

 3.85 

The St. Modwen Properties PLC Employee Share Trust waives its entitlement to dividends with the exception of 1/100p per share.

£m

 6.9 

 4.2 

 11.1 

 8.5 

131

Strategic report Corporate governance Financial statements Additional informationSt. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016Notes to the Group financial statements
for the year ended 30th November 2016
continued

8. Investment property

a. Fair value reconciliation

At 30th November 2014

Additions – new properties 

Other additions 

Net transfers from inventories (note 12) 

Disposals 

Gain on revaluation 

At 30th November 2015

Additions – new properties 

Other additions 

Net transfers to inventories (note 12) 

Disposals 

Gain on revaluation 

At 30th November 2016

Freehold investment 
properties
£m

Leasehold investment 
properties 
£m

 132.9 

 – 

 2.6 

 13.3 

 (21.7)

 6.1 

 133.2 

 – 

 0.8 

 – 

 (3.7)

6.3

Total
£m

 856.8 

 57.2 

 105.3 

 64.9 

 (77.1)

 73.9 

 1,081.0 

 38.5 

 51.5 

 (13.3)

 (55.0)

 30.3 

 723.9 

 57.2 

 102.7 

 51.6 

 (55.4)

 67.8 

 947.8 

 38.5 

 50.7 

 (13.3)

 (51.3)

 24.0 

996.4 

 136.6

 1,133.0 

Investment properties were valued at 30th November 2016 and 30th November 2015 by Cushman & Wakefield, Chartered Surveyors, in 
accordance with the Appraisal and Valuation Manual of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, on the basis of market value. Cushman 
& Wakefield are professionally qualified independent external valuers and had appropriate recent experience in the relevant location and 
category of the properties being valued.

The historical cost of investment properties at 30th November 2016 was £893.3m (2015: £840.5m).

As at 30th November 2016, £800.5m (2015: £498.2m) of investment property was pledged as security for the Group’s loan facilities. 

Included within investment properties are £61.7m (2015: £57.0m) of assets held under finance leases.

b. Fair value measurement disclosures

IFRS 13 Fair Value Measurement disclosures in respect of investment property are detailed below.

The following table provides an analysis of the categorisation of the Group’s investment properties measured subsequent to initial 
recognition at fair value:

Income producing properties

Residential land

Commercial land 

Assets held under finance leases(1)

Lease incentives (recorded in receivables)

Investment property

Level 3

Level 3

Level 3

N/A

N/A

2016
£m

701.4

319.1

120.3

 3.9 

 (11.7)

2015
£m

 656.6 

 339.8 

 92.6 

 3.9 

 (11.9)

 1,133.0 

 1,081.0 

(1)  £3.9m (2015: £3.9m) of the Group’s assets held under finance leases are not subject to valuation. These assets represent head leases on certain investment property 
and are carried at the value recognised at inception less repayments of principal. This does not include lease arrangements at Swansea University, which are subject 
to revaluation.

132

St. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016Income producing properties

Income producing properties have been valued using the investment method which involves applying a yield to rental income streams. 
Inputs include equivalent yields, current rent and estimated rental value (ERV). The resulting valuations are cross checked against the 
resulting initial yields and, for certain assets, the land value underpin if the assets were to be redeveloped. 

Equivalent yields and ERV are considered to be unobservable inputs and details of the aggregate ERV and weighted average equivalent 
yields used for each category of income producing properties is provided in the following table:

Industrial and logistics

Retail

Residential and other

Total income producing properties

Industrial and logistics

Retail

Residential and other

Total income producing properties

Aggregate ERV

Average equivalent yield

Fair value at 
30th November 2016
£m

High yielding 
properties
£m

Investment 
portfolio
£m

High yielding 
properties
%

Investment 
portfolio 
%

223.7

327.9

149.8

701.4

18.6

9.6

0.8

6.0

17.0

8.8

8.7

9.0

9.8

6.9

6.6

5.4

Aggregate ERV

Average equivalent yield

Fair value at 
30th November 2015
£m

High yielding 
properties
£m

Investment 
portfolio
£m

High yielding 
properties
%

Investment 
portfolio 
%

 202.5 

 310.0 

144.1 

 656.6 

16.2

9.2

0.4

5.8

16.6

8.3

8.7

9.0

10.0

7.8

6.6

5.5

As the Group holds property both directly and through joint ventures and associates the Strategic report discusses yields applied to investment 
property on a weighted average see-through basis. This provides a composite position with respect to the Group’s exposure to asset types 
by sector. The equivalent yield ranges provided above are consistent with those for assets held by the Group together with joint ventures 
and associates.

The Group’s portfolio has a wide spread of yields as it includes assets that are at various stages of the property lifecycle. Income producing 
assets are generally acquired at high yields where the Group has the opportunity to add significant value. As assets are enhanced and 
development activity is undertaken, improved and new assets are created and valued at lower yields.

All other factors being equal, a higher equivalent yield would lead to an decrease in the valuation of an asset and an increase in the current 
or estimated future rental stream would have the effect of increasing the capital value, and vice versa. However, there are interrelationships 
between the unobservable inputs which are partially determined by market conditions, which would impact on these changes.

Residential land

Residential land is valued using the residual development method. To derive the value of land the valuers will estimate the gross development 
value of completed residential units on a site from which deductions will be made for build costs (including costs to remediate and service 
land), finance costs and an appropriate profit margin.

Sales prices, build costs and profit margins are considered to be unobservable inputs and details of the ranges used is provided in the 
following table:

At 30th November 2016

At 30th November 2015

Fair value
£m

 319.1 

 339.8 

Sales price  

per square foot
£

144-310

144-270

Build costs  

per square foot
£

83-110

82-110

Profit margin
%

 20.0 

 20.0 

All other factors being equal, a higher sales price would lead to an increase in the valuation of an asset, a higher profit margin would lead 
to a decrease in the valuation of an asset, and a decrease in the build costs would have the effect of increasing the capital value, and vice 
versa. However, there are interrelationships between the unobservable inputs which are partially determined by market conditions, which 
would impact on these changes.

133

Strategic report Corporate governance Financial statements Additional informationSt. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016Notes to the Group financial statements
for the year ended 30th November 2016
continued

8. Investment property continued

Commercial land

Commercial land is valued on a land value per acre less costs to remediate and service the land. Land value per acre is considered to be 
an unobservable input and details of the ranges used are detailed in the following table:

At 30th November 2016

At 30th November 2015

Fair value
£m

 120.3 

 92.6 

Land value per acre
£’000

75-500

125-595

All other things being equal, a higher value per acre would lead to an increase in the valuation of an asset and vice versa.

9. Operating property, plant and equipment

Operating  
properties
£m

Operating plant  
and equipment
£m

Cost

At 30th November 2014

Additions

Disposals

At 30th November 2015

Additions

Disposals

At 30th November 2016

Depreciation

At 30th November 2014

Charge for the year

Disposals

At 30th November 2015

Charge for the year

Disposals

At 30th November 2016

Net book value

At 30th November 2014

At 30th November 2015

At 30th November 2016

All operating properties are freehold operating properties.

 7.0 

 – 

 (2.5)

 4.5 

 – 

 – 

 4.5 

 1.0 

 0.1 

 – 

 1.1 

 – 

 – 

 1.1 

 6.0 

 3.4 

 3.4 

 5.9 

 0.6 

 (0.5)

 6.0 

 0.6 

 (0.1)

 6.5 

 4.9 

 0.7 

 (0.4)

 5.2 

 0.7 

 (0.2)

 5.7 

 1.0 

 0.8 

 0.8 

Total
£m

 12.9 

 0.6 

 (3.0)

 10.5 

 0.6 

 (0.1)

 11.0 

 5.9 

 0.8 

 (0.4)

 6.3 

 0.7 

 (0.2)

 6.8 

 7.0 

 4.2 

 4.2 

134

St. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 201610. Joint ventures and associates
The Group has the following four material joint venture companies, for which information is provided separately in this note:

Name

Key Property Investments Ltd

VSM Estates Uxbridge (Group) Ltd

VSM Estates (Holdings) Ltd

VSM (NCGM) Ltd

Status

Joint venture

Joint venture

Joint venture

Joint venture

Interest

50%

50%

50%

50%

Activity

Property investment and development

Property investment and development

Property development

Property development

The remainder of the Group’s joint ventures and associates are listed in note D to the Company financial statements.

The Group’s share of the results for the year of its joint ventures and associates is:

Revenue

Net rental income

Gains/(losses) on disposal of 
investments/investment properties

Investment property revaluation 
gains/(losses)

Administrative expenses 

Profit/(loss) before interest and tax

Finance cost

Finance income

Profit/(loss) before tax

Taxation

Profit/(loss) for the year

Key Property 
Investments Ltd
£m

 7.5 

 5.5 

 0.8 

 1.2 

 (0.3)

 7.2 

 (2.2)

 0.4 

 5.4 

 (0.6)

 4.8 

2016

VSM Estates 
(Holdings) Ltd
£m

VSM (NCGM) Ltd
£m

Other joint 
ventures and 
associates
£m

VSM Estates 
Uxbridge
 (Group) Ltd
£m

 – 

 (0.1)

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 (24.3)

 (0.1)

 (24.4)

 (7.3)

 – 

 (31.7)

 6.3 

 (25.4)

 0.2 

 – 

 (0.1) 

 0.1

 (0.3)

 (0.3)

 (0.2) 

  –

 (0.5)

 – 

 (0.5)

 – 

 (0.2)

 (1.8)

 – 

 (1.9)

 (3.4)

 0.4 

 (4.9)

 0.9 

 (4.0)

 (1.1)

 (0.1)

 (1.4)

 (1.9)

 0.7 

 (2.6)

 (0.5)

 (3.1)

2015

Revenue

Net rental income

Gains/(losses) on disposal of 
investments/investment properties

Investment property revaluation 
gains/(losses)

Administrative expenses 

Profit/(loss) before interest and tax

Finance cost

Finance income

Profit/(loss) before tax

Taxation

Profit/(loss) for the year

Key Property 
Investments Ltd
£m

VSM Estates 
Uxbridge 
(Group) Ltd
£m

VSM Estates 
(Holdings) Ltd
£m

VSM (NCGM) Ltd
£m

Other joint 
ventures and 
associates
£m

 16.8 

 5.9 

 2.8 

 6.7 

 (0.1)

 15.3 

 (2.3)

 0.5 

 13.5 

 (2.3)

 11.2 

 – 

 (0.2)

 – 

 (3.9)

 – 

 (4.1)

 (3.3)

 0.4 

 (7.0)

 1.8 

 (5.2)

 – 

 – 

 (0.9)

 (1.3)

 (0.1)

 (2.3)

 (1.6)

 0.7 

 (3.2)

 2.8 

 (0.4)

 0.4 

 – 

 0.4 

 127.4 

 (0.1)

 127.7 

 (1.5)

 – 

 126.2 

 (25.5)

 100.7 

 4.6 

 0.2 

 0.3 

 0.3 

 (0.1)

 0.7 

 (0.2)

 – 

 0.5 

 – 

 0.5 

Included in other joint ventures and associates above are results from associated companies of £0.1m (2015: £0.3m).

Total
£m

 7.7 

 5.4 

 0.5 

 (25.9)

 (0.8)

 (20.8)

 (15.0)

 1.5 

 (34.3)

 6.1 

 (28.2)

Total
£m

 21.8 

 5.9 

 2.6 

 129.2 

 (0.4)

 137.3 

 (8.9)

 1.6 

 130.0 

 (23.2)

 106.8 

135

Strategic report Corporate governance Financial statements Additional informationSt. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016Notes to the Group financial statements
for the year ended 30th November 2016
continued

10. Joint ventures and associates continued
The Group’s share of the balance sheet of its joint ventures and associates is:

Non-current assets

Current assets

Current liabilities

Non-current liabilities

Net assets

Equity at 30th November 2015

Profit/(loss) for the year

Dividends paid

Equity at 30th November 2016

Non-current assets

Current assets

Current liabilities

Non-current liabilities

Net assets

Equity at 30th November 2014

Profit/(loss) for the year

Dividends paid

Equity at 30th November 2015

Key Property 
Investments Ltd
£m

VSM Estates 
Uxbridge
 (Group) Ltd
£m

VSM Estates 
(Holdings) Ltd
£m

VSM (NCGM) Ltd
£m

Other joint 
ventures and 
associates
£m

2016

 97.4 

 5.8 

 (10.5)

 (36.6)

 56.1 

 65.8 

 4.8 

 (14.3)

 56.3 

 47.6 

 5.0 

 (20.1)

 (21.1)

 11.4 

 15.4 

 (4.0)

 – 

 11.4 

 197.5 

 1.1 

 (29.8)

 (93.6)

 75.2 

 100.7 

 (25.4)

 – 

 75.3 

 32.7 

 26.3 

 (22.4)

 (1.9)

 34.7 

 37.9 

 (3.1)

 – 

 34.8 

2015

 7.5 

 5.3 

 (3.2)

 (2.2)

 7.4 

 7.5 

 (0.5)

 – 

 7.0

Key Property 
Investments Ltd
£m

VSM Estates 
Uxbridge
 (Group) Ltd
£m

VSM Estates 
(Holdings) Ltd
£m

VSM (NCGM) Ltd
£m

Other joint 
ventures and 
associates
£m

 104.8 

 1.9 

 (6.7)

 (34.2)

 65.8 

 61.3 

 11.2 

 (6.7)

 65.8 

 52.0 

 4.7 

 (17.2)

 (24.1)

 15.4 

 20.6 

 (5.2)

 – 

 15.4 

 41.6 

 28.5 

 (25.4)

 (6.8)

 37.9 

 38.3 

 (0.4)

 – 

 37.9 

 220.0 

 – 

 (5.5)

 (113.8)

 100.7 

 – 

 100.7 

 – 

 100.7 

 3.0 

 6.3 

 (3.4)

 1.6 

 7.5 

 7.0 

 0.5 

 – 

 7.5 

Total
£m

 382.7 

 43.5 

 (86.0)

 (155.4)

 184.8 

 227.3 

 (28.2)

 (14.3)

 184.8 

Total
£m

 421.4 

 41.4 

 (58.2)

 (177.3)

 227.3 

 127.2 

 106.8 

 (6.7)

 227.3 

Included in other joint ventures and associates above are net assets in relation to associated companies of £3.3m (2015: £3.3m). These 
net assets comprise total assets of £3.9m (2015: £3.9m) and total liabilities of £0.6m (2015: £0.6m).

In the Strategic report a series of commercial contracts with Persimmon are referred to as the ‘Persimmon joint venture’. This is not a statutory 
entity and the results from these commercial contracts are not included in the figures disclosed in this note. Revenue and profit from the 
Persimmon joint venture are recognised in Group development profit on legal completion of housing unit sales to third party customers. 

Many of the shareholder agreements for joint ventures and associates contain change of control provisions, as is common for 
such arrangements.

136

St. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016New Covent Garden Market

New Covent Garden Market (NCGM) received unconditional status in the prior year and the valuation of the site continues to have a 
significant impact on the results and net assets of the Group’s joint ventures. The figures below represent the Group’s share of this site.

NCGM was valued at 30th November 2016 and 30th November 2015 by Jones Lang LaSalle LLP, Chartered Surveyors, in accordance with 
the Appraisal and Valuation Manual of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, on the basis of market value. Jones Lang LaSalle LLP 
are professionally qualified independent external valuers and had appropriate recent experience in the relevant location and category of the 
property being valued.

The liability of VSM (NCGM) Ltd to procure a new market facility for CGMA has been calculated by:

 § the Board of VSM (NCGM) Ltd, including representatives of VINCI and St. Modwen, assessing the costs of procuring the market facility 

at current rates;

 § applying a current estimate of inflation for the period of the build of 4%; and

 § discounting the forecast cash flows to today’s value using a discount rate of 5%, considered by the Board of VSM (NCGM) Ltd 

to appropriately reflect the risks and rewards of the procurement.

The following information on unobservable inputs on the NCGM valuation is detailed below for understanding and completeness:

At 30th November 2016

At 30th November 2015

11. Trade and other receivables

Non-current

Other debtors

Amounts due from joint ventures

Non-current receivables

Current

Trade receivables

Prepayments and accrued income

Other debtors

Amounts recoverable on contracts

Amounts due from joint ventures

Current receivables

Range of  
sales prices per 
square foot
£

Average  
sales price per 
square foot
£

Average  
build costs per 
square foot
£

Fair value
£m

197.5

875-1,419

 220.0 

900-1,566

1,244

 1,326 

433

 434 

Profit margin
%

20.0

 20.0 

2016
£m

 2.2 

 6.0 

 8.2 

 8.2 

 8.1 

 22.0 

 15.3 

 62.2 

 115.8 

2015
£m

 0.1 

 6.0 

 6.1 

 5.6 

 8.6 

 22.2 

 31.3 

 37.0 

 104.7 

137

Strategic report Corporate governance Financial statements Additional informationSt. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016Notes to the Group financial statements
for the year ended 30th November 2016
continued

12. Inventories

Properties held for sale

Properties under construction

Land under option

Inventories

The movement in inventories during the two years ended 30th November 2016 is as follows:

At 30th November 2014

Additions

Net transfers to investment property (note 8)

Disposals (transferred to development cost of sales)

At 30th November 2015

Additions

Net transfers from investment property (note 8)

Disposals (transferred to development cost of sales)

At 30th November 2016

2016
£m

 5.1 

 206.6 

 18.0 

 229.7 

2015
£m

 5.3 

 161.6 

 16.8 

 183.7 

£m

 201.0 

 234.8 

 (64.9)

 (187.2)

 183.7 

 208.8 

 13.3 

 (176.1)

 229.7 

The directors consider all inventories to be current in nature. The operational cycle is such that a proportion of inventories will not be realised 
within 12 months. It is not possible to determine with accuracy when specific inventory will be realised as this will be subject to a number of 
issues including the strength of the property market.

Included within disposals of inventories are net realisable value provisions made during the year of £0.3m (2015: £1.4m).

As at 30th November 2016 £19.7m (2015: £43.4m) of inventory was pledged as security for the Group’s loan facilities.

13. Trade and other payables

Current

Trade payables

Amounts due to joint ventures

Other payables and accrued expenses

Other payables on deferred terms

Current payables

Non-current

Other payables on deferred terms

Non-current payables

2016
£m

 41.1 

 17.8 

 82.9 

8.7 

 150.5 

 3.6 

 3.6

2015
£m

 38.5 

 15.4 

 75.6 

 17.1 

 146.6 

 3.1 

 3.1 

The payment terms of the other payables on deferred terms are subject to contractual commitments. In the normal course of events the 
payments will be made in line with either the disposal of investment properties held on the Group balance sheet, or the commencement 
of development. Net cash outflows on the settlement of the deferred consideration will therefore be limited.

138

St. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 201614. Borrowings and finance lease obligations

Current

Finance lease liabilities due in less than one year

Current borrowings and finance lease obligations

Non-current

Amounts repayable between two and five years

Amounts repayable after more than five years

Non-current borrowings

Finance leases liabilities due after more than one year

Non-current borrowings and finance lease obligations

2016
£m

 0.4 

 0.4 

 470.6 

– 

 470.6 

 56.4 

 527.0 

2015
£m

 0.4 

 0.4 

 344.3 

 107.5 

 451.8 

 54.7 

 506.5 

Where borrowings are secured, the individual bank facility has a fixed charge over a discrete portfolio of certain of the Group’s property assets.

a. Borrowings

Maturity profile of committed borrowing facilities

The Group’s debt is provided by floating rate bilateral revolving credit facilities (providing the flexibility to draw and repay loans as required) 
together with an £80m retail bond and £100m convertible bonds. The maturity profile of the Group’s committed borrowing facilities is set 
out below:

2016

2015

Drawn(1)
£m

Undrawn
£m

Total
£m

Drawn(1)
£m

Undrawn
£m

Total
£m

Secured floating rate borrowings

Two to three years

Three to four years

Four to five years

More than five years

Unsecured fixed rate borrowings

Two to three years

Three to four years

 23.2 

 – 

 271.0 

 – 

 101.7 

 – 

 92.0 

 – 

 124.9 

 – 

 363.0 

 – 

 89.0 

 71.2 

 70.0 

 37.5 

 10.0 

 53.8 

 30.0 

 12.5 

 294.2 

 193.7 

 487.9 

 267.7 

 106.3 

 99.0 

 125.0 

 100.0 

 50.0 

 374.0 

 – 

 184.1 

 558.1 

Total committed borrowing facilities

 470.6 

 193.7 

 664.3 

 176.4 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 176.4 

 – 

 – 

 184.1 

 451.8 

 – 

 – 

 106.3 

(1)  In addition to the principal amounts included above, £1.6m (2015: £1.8m) of interest payable was committed at the year end. These amounts all fall due within three months 

of the year end.

Interest rate profile

The interest rate profile of the Group’s borrowings after taking into account the effects of hedging is:

2016

2015

£m

Applicable interest rate

£m

Applicable interest rate

Floating rate bank debt 

 139.2  Margin + 3 month LIBOR

 137.7  Margin + 3 month LIBOR

Fixed rate bank debt

Retail bond (matures in 2019)

Convertible bonds (mature in 2019)

Total borrowings

Margin + 2.10% weighted 
average swap rate

6.25% fixed rate

2.875% fixed rate – 
swapped to 1.43%  
+ 6 month LIBOR until  
6th March 2017

 155.0 

 80.0 

 96.4 

 470.6 

Margin + 2.76% weighted 
average swap rate

6.25% fixed rate

2.875% fixed rate –  
swapped to 1.43%  
+ 6 month LIBOR until  
6th March 2017

 130.0 

 80.0 

 104.1 

 451.8 

139

Strategic report Corporate governance Financial statements Additional informationSt. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016Notes to the Group financial statements
for the year ended 30th November 2016
continued

14. Borrowings and finance lease obligations continued

Convertible bonds

On 6th March 2014 St. Modwen Properties Securities (Jersey) Ltd (the ‘issuer’) issued £100.0m 2.875% Guaranteed Convertible Bonds 
due 2019 at par. The Company has unconditionally and irrevocably guaranteed the due and punctual performance by the issuer of all its 
obligations (including payments) in respect of the convertible bonds and the obligations of the Company, as Guarantor, constitute direct, 
unsubordinated and unsecured obligations of the Company.

Subject to certain conditions, the convertible bonds are convertible into preference shares of the issuer which are automatically transferred 
to the Company in exchange for ordinary shares in the Company or (at the Company’s election) any combination of ordinary shares and 
cash. The convertible bonds can be converted at any time from 16th April 2014 up to the seventh dealing day before the maturity date.

The initial exchange price was £5.29 per ordinary share, a conversion rate of approximately 18,889 ordinary shares for every £100,000 
nominal of the convertible bonds. Under the terms of the convertible bonds, the exchange price is adjusted on the occurrence of certain 
events including the payment of dividends by the Company in excess of a yield of 1.00% of the average share price in the 90 days 
preceding the dividend ex date. No changes to the exchange price have been made up to 30th November 2016.

The convertible bonds may be redeemed at par at the Company’s option subject to the Company’s ordinary share price having traded at 
30% above the conversion price for a specified period, or at any time once 85% of the convertible bonds have been traded or cancelled. 
If not previously converted, redeemed or purchased and cancelled, the convertible bonds will be redeemed at par on 6th March 2019.

A total of £100.0m nominal value of the convertible bonds were issued and remain outstanding at 30th November 2016. The convertible 
bonds are designated as at fair value through profit of loss and so are presented on the balance sheet at fair value with all gains and losses 
taken to the income statement through the movement in fair value of derivative financial instruments line. At 30th November 2016 the fair 
value of the convertible bonds was £96.4m (2015: £104.1m) with the change in fair value charged to the income statement. The convertible 
bonds are listed on the Official List of the Channel Islands Security Exchange.

b. Derivative financial instruments

The Group’s derivative financial instruments, which are classified as fair value through profit or loss, consist of sterling denominated interest 
swaps. The change in fair value of all derivative financial instruments charged or credited to the Group income statement is disclosed in note 
4. Further detail of the instruments held by the Group are detailed below:

Sterling denominated interest rate swaps from fixed rate to floating rate

Following the issue of the convertible bonds disclosed above, the Group was in an over-hedged position with an excess of debt at fixed 
rate. In order to reduce the level of fixed rate borrowings an interest rate derivative financial instrument was entered into to swap the interest 
rate in the convertible bonds from a fixed rate of 2.875% to a floating rate of 6 month LIBOR plus 1.43% through to its third anniversary in 
March 2017.

Sterling denominated interest rate swaps from floating rate to fixed rate

These swaps hedge the Group’s floating rate bank debt as at 30th November 2016. The fixed rates for these swaps range from 0.49% to 
5.16% (2015: 2.01% to 5.16%) and details of their maturity profile are given below. Certain of the interest rate swaps are extendable at the 
bank’s option; the tables below therefore show the dates of normal termination and extended termination. The weighted average maturity 
of the interest rate swaps below to the earliest termination date is 3.6 years (2015: 2.0 years).

2016

2015

Earliest termination

Latest termination

Earliest termination

Latest termination

£m

%(1)

 11.0 

 4.87 

– 

 50.0 

 10.0 

 84.0 

 155.0 

 – 

 3.00 

 1.60 

 1.26 

 2.10 

£m

 1.0 

 10.0 

 50.0 

 10.0 

 84.0 

 155.0 

%(1)

 2.01 

 5.16 

 3.00 

 1.60 

 1.26 

 2.10 

£m

 50.0 

 20.0 

 – 

 50.0 

 10.0 

 130.0 

%(1)

£m

%(1)

 3.06 

 2.01 

 – 

 3.00 

 1.60 

 2.76 

 40.0 

 20.0 

 10.0 

 50.0 

 10.0 

 130.0 

 2.54 

 2.01 

 5.16 

 3.00 

 1.60 

 2.76 

Less than one year

One to two years

Two to three years

Three to four years

Four to five years

(1) Weighted average interest rate.

140

St. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016Forward starting sterling denominated interest rate swaps from floating rate to fixed rate 

These swaps provide continuity of hedging beyond the term of the interest rate swaps applicable as at 30th November 2016 and increase 
interest rate certainty through to bank facility renewal dates. The fixed rates for these swaps range from 2.90% to 2.97% (2015: 2.72% to 
2.97%) and details of their maturity profile are given below.

Commencing in less than one year, 
terminating in two to three years

Commencing in one to two years, 
terminating in two to three years

Commencing in one to two years, 
terminating in three to four years

Commencing in less than one year, 
terminating in more than five years

(1) Weighted average interest rate.

c. Obligations under finance leases

2016

£m

 25.0 

– 

– 

– 

%(1)

 2.96 

– 

– 

– 

 25.0 

 2.96 

2015

£m

– 

15.0

25.0

20.0 

 60.0 

%(1)

– 

2.72

2.96

 2.90 

 2.88 

Finance lease liabilities payable in respect of certain leasehold investment properties are as follows:

Less than one year

Between one and five years

More than five years

Total

2016

2015

Minimum lease 
payments
£m

 2.7 

 13.6 

 163.7 

 180.0 

Interest
£m

 2.3

 11.2 

 109.7 

123.2

Principal
£m

Minimum lease 
payments
£m

 0.4 

 2.4

54.0

56.8 

 2.7 

 13.6 

 164.2 

 180.5 

Interest
£m

 2.3 

 11.4 

 111.7 

 125.4 

Principal
£m

 0.4 

 2.2 

 52.5 

 55.1 

Finance leases are for periods of up to 999 years from inception and a discount rate of 6.0% (2015: 6.0%) has been used to derive the fair 
value of the principal amount outstanding. All lease obligations are denominated in sterling.

15. Operating leases

Operating lease commitments where the Group is the lessee

The Group leases certain of its premises, motor vehicles and office equipment under operating leases. Future aggregate minimum lease 
rentals payable under non-cancellable operating leases are as follows:

In one year or less

Between one and five years

In five years or more

Total minimum lease rentals payable

2016
£m

1.5

2.1

0.1

3.7

2015
£m

0.9

2.4

0.2

3.5

Operating leases where the Group is the lessor

The Group leases out its investment properties under operating leases. The future aggregate minimum rentals receivable under non-cancellable 
operating leases are as follows:

In one year or less

Between one and five years

In five years or more

Total minimum lease rentals payable

2016
£m

43.6

126.4

743.4

913.4

2015
£m

55.7

156.1

431.4

643.2

Contingent rents, calculated as a percentage of turnover for a limited number of tenants, of £0.7m (2015: £0.7m) were recognised during 
the year.

141

Strategic report Corporate governance Financial statements Additional informationSt. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016Notes to the Group financial statements
for the year ended 30th November 2016
continued

16. Financial instruments

a. Categories and classes of financial assets and liabilities

Financial assets

Loans and receivables:(1)

  Cash and cash equivalents

  Trade and other receivables

Fair value through profit or loss:(2)

  Derivative financial instruments

Total financial assets

Financial liabilities

Amortised cost:(1)

  Bank loans and overdrafts

  Retail bond

  Trade and other payables

  Other payables on deferred terms

  Finance lease liabilities (head rents)

Fair value through profit or loss:(2)

  Convertible bonds

  Derivative financial instruments

Total financial liabilities

2016
£m

 4.2 

 86.7

 1.6 

92.5 

2016
£m

294.2 

 80.0 

 96.0 

 12.3 

 56.8

 96.4 

 8.8 

 644.5

2015
£m

 4.8 

 55.1 

 0.8 

 60.7 

2015
£m

 267.7 

 80.0 

 86.5 

 20.2 

 55.1 

 104.1 

 8.0 

 621.6 

(1) The directors consider that the carrying amount recorded in the financial statements approximates their fair value.

(2) Fair values are calculated using quoted market prices relevant for the term and instrument.

Trade and other receivables above comprise other debtors, trade receivables and amounts due from joint ventures as disclosed in note 11, 
for current and non-current amounts, after deduction of £13.9m (2015: £15.8m) of non-financial assets.

Trade and other payables above comprise trade payables, amounts due from joint ventures and other payables and accrued expenses 
as disclosed in note 13, for current and non-current amounts, after deduction of £45.8m (2015: £43.0m) of non-financial liabilities. 

Derivative financial instruments and the convertible bonds are externally valued based on the present value of future cash flows estimated 
and discounted based on the applicable yield curves derived from market expectations for future interest rates at the balance sheet date. 
Where applicable, the value of early termination or conversion options in favour of the issuing party are included in the external valuations. 
The following table sets out the net assets and liabilities in respect of financial instruments held at fair value through profit or loss:

Derivative financial instrument assets

Derivative financial instrument liabilities

Convertible bonds liability

Level 2

Level 2

Level 2

2016
£m

 1.6 

(8.8)

(96.4)

 (103.6)

2015
£m

 0.8 

(8.0)

 (104.1)

(111.3)

142

St. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016b. Risk management objectives

Capital risk

The Group manages its capital to ensure that the entities in the Group will be able to continue as a going concern while maximising the 
return to shareholders through the optimisation of the debt and equity balance. The capital structure of the Company consists of debt (as 
disclosed in note 14), cash and cash equivalents and equity, comprising issued capital, reserves and retained earnings as disclosed in the 
Group statement of changes in equity.

Market risk

Market risk is the potential adverse change in the Group’s income or the Group’s net worth arising from movements in interest rates or other 
market prices. Interest rate risk is the Group’s principal market risk and the Group is exposed to interest rate risk as some of its borrowings 
are at variable interest rates. The Group uses a combination of variable rate borrowings and interest rate swaps to manage the risk.

The following table details the Group’s sensitivity, after tax, to a 1% change in interest rates based on year end levels of debt:

1% increase in interest rates

Interest on borrowings

Effect of interest rate swaps

Net impact on profit

1% decrease in interest rates

Interest on borrowings

Effect of interest rate swaps

Net impact on profit

Credit risk

2016
£m

 (2.3)

 0.4

 (1.9)

2016
£m

 2.3 

 (0.4)

 1.9 

2015
£m

 (2.1)

 0.2 

 (1.9)

2015
£m

 2.1 

 (0.2)

 1.9 

Credit risk is the risk of financial loss where counterparties are not able to meet their obligations as they fall due.

The credit risk on the Group’s liquid funds and derivative financial instruments is limited because the counterparties are banks with strong 
(generally A and above) credit ratings. Bank deposits are only placed with banks in accordance with Group policy that specifies minimum 
credit rating and maximum exposure. Credit risk on derivatives is closely monitored. 

Trade and other receivables consist of amounts due from a large number of parties spread across geographical areas. The Group does 
not have any significant concentrations of credit risk as the tenant base is large and diverse with the largest individual tenant accounting 
for £7.2m (2015: £4.0m) of gross rental income.

The carrying amount of financial assets, as detailed above, represents the Group’s maximum exposure to credit risk at the reporting date.

Included within trade and other receivables is £0.6 (2015: £0.4m) which is provided against as it represents estimated irrecoverable amounts. 
This allowance has been determined by a review of all significant balances that are past due considering the reason for non-payment and 
the creditworthiness of the counterparty. A reconciliation of the changes in this account during the year is provided below:

Movement in the allowance for doubtful debts

At start of year

Impairment losses recognised

Amounts written off as uncollectable

Impairment losses reversed

At end of year

2016
£m

 0.4 

0.4

(0.1)

(0.1)

0.6

2015
£m

 0.6 

 0.4 

 (0.4)

 (0.2)

 0.4 

Trade and other receivables include £1.5m (2015: £0.8m) which are past due as at 30th November 2016 for which no provision has been 
made because the amounts are considered recoverable. The following table provides an ageing analysis of these balances:

Number of days past due but not impaired

1-30 days

31-60 days

60 days +

2016
£m

0.5

0.2

0.8

1.5

2015
£m

 0.3 

 0.1 

 0.4 

 0.8 

143

Strategic report Corporate governance Financial statements Additional informationSt. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016Notes to the Group financial statements
for the year ended 30th November 2016
continued

16. Financial instruments continued

Liquidity risk

Liquidity risk is the risk that the Group does not have sufficient financial resources available to meet its obligations as they fall due. 
The Group manages liquidity risk by continuously monitoring forecast and actual cash flows, matching the maturity profiles of financial 
assets and liabilities and through the use of fixed rate bilateral facilities, overdrafts and cash with a range of maturity dates to ensure 
continuity of funding. 

The maturity profile for the cash flows of the Group’s non-derivative financial liabilities, on an undiscounted basis is as follows:

Bank loans and overdrafts and bonds

Trade and other payables

Finance leases – minimum lease 
payments (note 14)

Other payables on deferred terms

Bank loans and overdrafts and bonds

Trade and other payables

Finance leases – minimum lease payments 
(note 14)

Other payables on deferred terms

Less than  
one month
£m

One to  

three months
£m

Three months  
to one year
£m

2016

0.6

60.3

0.7

 – 

61.6

3.5

3.6

–

 – 

7.1

12.0

32.1

2.0

8.7

54.8

2015

Less than  
one month
£m

One to  

three months
£m

Three months  
to one year
£m

 1.2 

 57.3 

 0.7

 – 

 59.2

 2.7 

 5.8 

 – 

 – 

 8.5 

 11.6 

 23.3 

 2.0 

 17.1 

 54.0 

One to 
five years
£m

533.3

 –

13.6

3.6

550.5

One to  

five years
£m

 452.5 

 – 

 13.6 

 3.1 

 469.2 

More than  
five years
£m

–

–

163.7

 – 

163.7

More than  
five years
£m

 37.5 

 – 

 164.2 

 – 

 201.7 

Total
£m

549.4

96.0 

180.0

12.3 

837.7

Total
£m

 505.5 

 86.4 

 180.5 

 20.2 

 792.6 

The Group’s approach to cash flow, financing and bank covenants is discussed further in the financial review section of the Strategic report.

17. Share capital

At start of year

Issue of shares

At end of year

2016

2015

Ordinary 10p shares
Number

Equity share capital
£m

Ordinary 10p shares
Number

Equity share capital
£m

 221,876,988 

 – 

 221,876,988 

 22.2 

 – 

 22.2 

 221,376,988 

 500,000 

 221,876,988 

 22.1 

 0.1 

 22.2 

During the year ended 30th November 2015, the Group issued 500,000 Ordinary shares of 10p each at par. The shares were allotted 
and issued to The St. Modwen Properties PLC Employee Share Trust to satisfy the exercise of awards made under the Company’s 
share-based incentive arrangements. No shares were issued during the year ended 30th November 2016. See note 3d for details 
of outstanding options to acquire ordinary shares.

Excluding 269,334 (2015: 690,274) of own shares held by The St. Modwen Properties PLC Employee Share Trust, shares in issue 
at 30th November 2016 are 221,607,654 (2015: 221,186,714).

144

St. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 201618. Pensions
The Group operates a UK based pension scheme, the St. Modwen Pension Scheme, with both defined benefit and defined contribution 
sections. The defined benefit section is closed to new members and, from 1st September 2009, future accrual. The Group income 
statement includes the following charges:

Defined benefit section

Defined contribution section

2016
£m

 0.3 

 0.8 

2015
£m

 0.2 

 0.7 

The St. Modwen Pension Scheme is governed by the trustee company, St. Modwen Pensions Ltd. It is regulated by the UK regulatory 
regime, overseen by the Pensions Regulator.

The last formal actuarial valuation of the scheme was at 5th April 2014, when the market value of the net assets of the scheme was £38m and 
the funding level was 97% based on the Trustees’ proposed assumptions for technical provisions. The main actuarial assumptions were:

Investment rate of return (pre-retirement)

Investment rate of return (post-retirement) 

Increase in pensions 

Funding policy

% per annum

 5.6 

 3.8 

 2.7 

As the scheme is almost fully funded, the current schedule of contributions requires the Group to fund the Scheme to such an extent as to 
cover administrative expenses only. The contribution for year ended 30th November 2017 is expected to be £nil, consistent with the current 
year contributions of £nil. From 1st January 2015 the administrative expenses were met by St. Modwen Properties PLC.

The actuarial valuation of the defined benefit section, a final salary scheme, was updated to 30th November 2016 on an IAS basis by a qualified 
independent actuary. The valuation was performed using the Projected Unit Credit Method under IAS 19 Employee Benefits. The major 
assumptions used by the actuary were:

Rate of increase in deferred pensions 

Rate of increase in pensions in payment (pre 6 April 1997 benefits)

Rate of increase in pensions in payment (post 5 April 1997 benefits)

Discount rate 

Inflation assumption 

2016
%

 2.40 

2.55

 3.30 

 2.80 

 2.40 

2015
%

 2.10 

 3.00 

 3.10 

 3.50 

 2.10 

Following the closure of the defined benefit section to future accrual, the assumption regarding the rate of increase in salaries is no longer 
applicable as retirement benefits will be based on salaries at 31st August 2009. Benefits earned up to the point of the scheme closure 
will be protected and will be increased in line with inflation, subject to a maximum of 5% per annum. From 2010 the basis of the inflation 
assumption has been amended, in line with market practice, from the Retail Price Index to the Consumer Price Index.

The mortality rates adopted are from the VITA Tables with CMI_2013 ‘core’ projections and a long-term improvement of 1% pa with peaked 
short-term improvements and improvements remaining level at the oldest ages. The resultant assumptions are, for example:

 § Average future life expectancy (in years) for a pensioner aged 65 at 30th November 2016: 23.2 (male) and 24.0 (female).

 § Average future life expectancy (in years) at age 65 for a non-pensioner aged 40 at 30th November 2016: 24.1 (male) and 26.3 (female).

145

Strategic report Corporate governance Financial statements Additional informationSt. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016Notes to the Group financial statements
for the year ended 30th November 2016
continued

18. Pensions continued

Analysis of the fair value of assets

Equities:

  UK equity

  Overseas equity

Debt securities:

  UK corporate bonds

  Overseas corporate bonds

  UK Government bonds

  UK index-linked gilts

Property 

Infrastructure

Cash

Fair value of assets

Actuarial value of liabilities

Unrecognised surplus

Recognised surplus in the scheme 

Related deferred tax liability

Fair value of pension asset net of deferred tax

2016
£m

 3.5 

 2.5 

 6.9 

 1.9 

 0.3 

 10.0 

 4.7 

 0.3 

 1.3 

 31.4 

 (29.4)

 (2.0)

 – 

 – 

 – 

The cumulative amount of actuarial gains and losses (before the unrecognised surplus of £2.0m) recorded in the Group statement 
of comprehensive income is a loss of £3.4m (2015: £0.1m).

Analysis of the amounts recognised in the Group income statement

Recognised within administrative expenses

Current service cost and total operating charge

Recognised within finance costs and finance income

Interest income on scheme assets

Interest on pension scheme liabilities

Total net interest

Total

The actual return on pension scheme assets was a gain of £3.5m (2015: £1.3m).

Analysis of the amount recognised in the Group statement of comprehensive income

The returns on scheme assets (excluding amounts included in net interest)

Experience gains and losses arising on fair value of scheme liabilities 

Actuarial gains and losses arising from changes in financial assumptions

Change in unrecognised surplus

Remeasurement of the net defined benefit asset

2016
£m

 (0.4)

 1.0 

 (0.9)

 0.1 

 (0.3)

2016
£m

 2.5 

 0.4 

 (3.3)

 0.3 

 (0.1)

146

2015
£m

 4.2 

 2.4 

 7.0 

 1.2 

 0.4 

 8.3 

 5.3 

 0.4 

 0.6 

 29.8 

 (27.5)

 (2.3)

 – 

 – 

 – 

2015
£m

 (0.3)

 1.1 

 (1.0)

 0.1 

 (0.2)

2015
£m

 0.2 

 0.5 

 (0.2)

 (0.6)

 (0.1)

St. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016Analysis of the movement in the present value of the scheme liabilities

At start of year

Interest cost

Experience gains and losses arising on fair value of scheme liabilities 

Actuarial gains and losses arising from changes in financial assumptions

Benefits paid

At end of year

Analysis of the movement in the fair value of the scheme assets

At start of year

Interest income

Return on assets excluding amounts included in net interest

Benefits paid

At end of year

Information about the defined benefit obligation

2016
£m

 27.5 

 0.9 

 (0.4)

 3.3 

 (1.9)

 29.4 

2016
£m

 29.8 

 1.0 

 2.5 

 (1.9)

 31.4 

Active members

Deferred members

Pensioners

Total

Risk factors

2016

Liability split
%

 – 

 36 

 64 

 100 

Duration
Years

 – 

 19 

 11 

 14 

2015

Liability split
%

 – 

 34 

 66 

 100 

2015
£m

 28.6 

 1.0 

 (0.5)

 0.2 

 (1.8)

 27.5 

2015
£m

 30.3 

 1.1 

 0.2 

 (1.8)

 29.8 

Duration
Years

 – 

 20 

 12 

 15 

The Group is exposed to a number of risks related to its defined benefit scheme, the most significant of which are detailed below.

Asset volatility

Pension scheme liabilities are calculated using discount rates set with reference to bond yields. If the assets within the scheme deliver a return 
which is lower than the discount rate this will create or increase a deficit within the scheme. This risk is reduced by holding a significant proportion 
of the scheme assets in matching assets (bonds or similar). As the scheme matures, it is anticipated that this proportion will increase to 
better match the assets and liabilities of the scheme.

Changes in bond yields

A decrease in bond yields will typically increase liabilities, although this will be partially offset by an appreciation in the value of scheme 
assets held in bonds.

Inflation risk

As the pension obligations are linked to inflation, higher inflation expectations will lead to higher liabilities. The asset portfolio includes 
a significant proportion of inflation linked bonds to reduce this risk.

Member longevity

The pension obligations provide benefits for the life of the members, therefore increases in life expectancy will result in an increase 
in liabilities (and vice-versa).

147

Strategic report Corporate governance Financial statements Additional informationSt. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016Notes to the Group financial statements
for the year ended 30th November 2016
continued

18. Pensions continued

Sensitivity analysis

Change in assumptions compared with 30th November 2016 actuarial assumptions:

 § A 0.5% decrease in the discount rate would increase the actuarial value of liabilities by £2.1m to £31.5m.

 § A one-year increase in life expectancy would increase the actuarial value of liabilities by £0.9m to £30.3m.

 § A 0.5% increase in the inflation rate would increase the actuarial value of liabilities by £1.4m to £30.8m.

 § A 0.5% increase in the rate of increase in deferred pensions would increase the actuarial value of liabilities by £0.2m to £29.6m.

 § A 0.5% increase in the rate of increase in pensions in payments would increase the actuarial value of liabilities by £1.2m to £30.6m.

19. Capital commitments
At 30th November 2016 the Group had contracted capital expenditure of £21.6m (2015: £12.2m). In addition the Group’s share 
of the contracted capital expenditure of its joint venture undertakings was £8.9m (2015: £1.4m). All capital commitments relate 
to investment properties.

20. Contingent liabilities
The Group has a joint and several unlimited liability with VINCI plc and the Ministry of Defence under guarantees in respect of the financial 
performance of VSM Estates (Holdings) Ltd (VSM). This is a guarantee in the ordinary course of business and would require the guarantors 
to step into VSM’s place in the event of a default on Project MoDEL. Completion of the project is not considered onerous as the forecast 
revenues exceed the anticipated costs and it is not expected that there would be any net outflow in this regard.

The Group, together with VINCI plc has provided a joint and several parent company guarantees in respect of the £26.3m bank facility 
provided to VSM Estates (Uxbridge) Ltd, a subsidiary of VSM Estates Uxbridge (Group) Ltd.

The Group, together with VINCI plc, has provided a joint and several guarantees in respect of the obligations of VSM (NCGM) Ltd relating 
to the redevelopment of New Covent Garden Market, London. This is a guarantee in the ordinary course of business and would require the 
guarantors to comply with the terms of the development agreement and to indemnify Covent Garden Market Authority against any breach 
of those terms.

The Group, together with Salhia Real Estate K.S.C. has provided a parent company guarantee in respect of the £80.0m bank facility 
provided to Key Property Investments Ltd. The guarantee provided by the Group is capped at 50% of the total commitment under the 
agreement from time to time, limiting the Group guarantee to £40.0m as at 30th November 2016.

St. Modwen Properties PLC has guaranteed the liabilities of the following subsidiaries in order that they qualify for the exemption from 
audit under Section 479A of the Companies Act 2006 in respect of the year ended 30th November 2016:

Name of subsidiary

Blackpole Trading Estate (1978) Ltd

Boughton Holdings

Broomford Vange Ltd

Festival Waters Ltd

Holaw (462) Ltd

Shaw Park Developments Ltd

St. Modwen Developments (Meon Vale) Ltd

St. Modwen Securities Ltd

St. Modwen Developments (Connah's Quay) Ltd

St. Modwen Developments (Eccles) Ltd

St. Modwen Developments (Hillington) Ltd

St. Modwen Developments (Holderness) Ltd

St. Modwen Developments (Hull) Ltd

St. Modwen Developments (Kirkby 2) Ltd

St. Modwen Developments (Longbridge) Ltd

St. Modwen Developments (Telford) Ltd

St. Modwen Developments (Weston) Ltd

St. Modwen Investments Ltd

148

Company registration number

00581658

04112012

05697168

04354481

03666441

04625000

05294589

00460301

05726352

05867740

04150262

05726995

05593517

09746395

02885028

05411357

05411348

00528657

St. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 201621. Related party transactions
All related party transactions involving directors, and those involving a change in the level of the Group’s interest in non-wholly owned 
subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates are specifically reviewed and approved by the Board. Monitoring and management of 
transactions between the Group and its non-wholly owned subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates is delegated to the executive 
directors. All related party transactions are clearly justified and beneficial to the Group, are undertaken on an arm’s length basis on 
fully commercial terms and in the normal course of business. Related party transactions are detailed as follows:

Joint ventures and associates

The following table sets out the income and expenditure with joint ventures and associates during the year, together with the balances 
outstanding at the year-end:

2016

2015

Barton Business Park Ltd

Key Property Investments Ltd

Meaford Energy Ltd

Meaford Land Ltd

Skypark Development Partnership LLP(1)

VSM (NCGM) Ltd

VSM Estates (Ashchurch) Ltd

VSM Estates (Holdings) Ltd

VSM Estates Uxbridge (Group) Ltd(2)

Wrexham Land Ltd

Wrexham Power Ltd

Manage-
ment fee 
income/ 
(expense) 
£m

 – 

 0.7 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

Interest 
income/ 
(expense) 
£m

Funding 
repaid/ 
(provided) 
£m

Balance 
receivable/ 
(payable) 
£m

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 0.1 

 2.2 

 – 

 0.4 

 2.5 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 (3.8)

 1.0

 (0.2)

 (0.1)

 0.5 

 (17.6)

 – 

 – 

1.0

 0.5 

 0.1 

1.5

 24.4 

 0.2 

 – 

 (0.2)

 24.9 

 – 

 (0.3)

 0.1 

 1.5 

Manage-
ment fee 
income/ 
(expense) 
£m

 – 

 0.4 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

Interest 
income/ 
(expense) 
£m

Funding 
repaid/ 
(provided) 
£m

Balance 
receivable/ 
(payable) 
£m

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 0.1 

 – 

 – 

 1.1 

 2.6 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 (0.3)

 – 

 (0.6)

 (1.7)

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 (0.2)

 (2.8)

 (3.8)

 1.3 

 0.3 

 – 

 1.9 

 4.6 

 0.2 

 (0.4)

 22.2 

 0.1 

 1.2 

 27.6 

 0.7 

 5.2 

 (16.9)

 50.4 

 0.4 

 3.8 

(1) Included within the balance due to the Group at the year-end was £1.5m (2015: £1.4m) of loan notes.

(2) Included within the balance due to the Group at the year-end was £6.0m (2015: £6.0m) of loan notes.

Pension

The Group occupies offices owned by the St. Modwen Pension Scheme with an annual rental payable of £0.1m (2015: £0.1m). The balance 
due from the Group at year end was £0.1m (2015: £nil).

Non-wholly owned subsidiaries

The Company provides administrative and management services and provides a central purchase ledger system to subsidiary companies. 
In addition, the Company also operates a central treasury function which lends to and borrows from subsidiary undertakings as appropriate. 
The following table sets out the income and expenditure during the year, together with the balances outstanding at the year-end, with 
subsidiaries in which the Company has a less than 90% interest:

Norton & Proffitt Developments Ltd

Stoke-on-Trent Regeneration (Investments) Ltd

Stoke-on-Trent Regeneration Ltd

Uttoxeter Estates Ltd

Widnes Regeneration Ltd

2016

2015

Interest income/ 
(expense)
£m

Balance receivable/ 
(payable)
£m

Interest income/ 
(expense)
£m

Balance receivable/ 
(payable)
£m

 – 

 – 

 0.4 

 – 

 – 

 0.4 

5.7 

 (0.6)

 (21.0)

 1.9

 (1.5) 

 (15.5)

 – 

 – 

 0.2

 – 

 – 

 0.2 

 0.3 

 (0.6)

 (21.7)

 – 

 2.0 

 (20.0)

All amounts due to the Group are unsecured, will be settled in cash and are stated before provisions for doubtful debts of £nil (2015: £nil). 
No guarantees have been given or received from related parties.

149

Strategic report Corporate governance Financial statements Additional informationSt. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016Notes to the Group financial statements
for the year ended 30th November 2016
continued

21. Related party transactions continued

Transactions in which directors have an interest

Branston Properties Ltd

During the year ending 30th November 2015, £0.1m was paid by the Group as consideration for the acquisition of the remaining 12.5% 
of the issued share capital at market value of Branston Properties Ltd, a company of which Simon Clarke was a shareholder. No amounts 
were paid during the year ending 30th November 2016.

Key management personnel

The directors are considered to be the Group’s key management personnel and their remuneration is disclosed in the Directors’ 
remuneration report.

150

St. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016Company balance sheet
as at 30th November 2016

Non-current assets

Investment properties

Operating plant and equipment

Investments in subsidiaries and joint ventures

Trade and other receivables

Deferred tax

Current assets

Trade and other receivables

Derivative financial instruments

Tax receivables

Cash and cash equivalents

Current liabilities

Trade and other payables

Derivative financial instruments

Non-current liabilities

Borrowings

Net assets

Capital and reserves

Called up share capital

Share premium account

Retained earnings

Fair value reserve

Share incentive reserve

Own shares

Other reserves

Total equity

Notes

B

C

D

E

F

E

G

H

2016
£m

 0.3 

 0.5 

 735.7 

 6.0 

 2.8 

 745.3 

 967.2 

 0.8 

 4.5 

 4.0 

 976.5 

 (350.0)

 (8.8)

 (358.8)

 (407.8)

 (407.8)

 955.2 

 22.2 

 102.8 

 350.1 

 429.6 

 4.9 

 (0.6)

 46.2 

 955.2 

These financial statements were approved by the Board and authorised for issue on 6th February 2017.

Mark Allan 
Chief Executive 

Rob Hudson 
Group Finance Director

Company Number: 00349201

2015
£m

 0.3 

 0.6 

 1,037.2 

 6.0 

 2.7 

 1,046.8 

 608.6 

 0.8 

 18.9 

 3.7 

 632.0 

 (339.9)

 (17.0)

 (356.9)

 (354.3)

 (354.3)

 967.6 

 22.2 

 102.8 

 24.9 

 767.3 

 5.2 

 (1.0)

 46.2 

 967.6 

151

Strategic report Corporate governance Financial statements Additional informationSt. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016 
 
Company statement of changes in equity
for the year ended 30th November 2016

Share capital
£m

Share 
premium 
account 
£m

Retained 
earnings 
£m

Fair value 
reserve 
£m

Share 
incentive 
reserve 
£m

Own shares
£m

Other 
reserves 
£m

Total equity
£m

Equity at 30th November 2014

 22.1 

 102.8 

 48.2 

 526.9 

 4.8 

 (1.8)

 46.2 

Profit for the year attributable to shareholders

Pension fund actuarial losses (note 18)

Total comprehensive income for the year

Equity issue (note 17)

Share-based payments

Share transfers

Transfer of unrealised gains to fair 
value reserve

Dividends paid (note 7)

 – 

 – 

 – 

 0.1 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

Equity at 30th November 2015

 22.2 

 102.8 

Profit for the year attributable to 
shareholders

Pension fund actuarial losses (note 18)

Total comprehensive income for 
the year

Share-based payments

Deferred tax on share-based payments

Settlement of share-based payments

Transfer of unrealised losses to fair 
value reserve

Dividends paid (note 7)

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 237.8 

 (0.1)

 237.7 

 – 

 (8.6)

 (0.9)

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 (240.4)

 240.4 

 (11.1)

 24.9

 0.5 

 (0.1)

 0.4 

 – 

 – 

 (0.1)

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

– 

– 

 – 

 337.7 

(337.7)

 (12.8)

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 0.4 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 (0.1)

 – 

 0.9 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 749.2 

 237.8 

 (0.1)

 237.7 

 – 

 (8.2)

 – 

 – 

 (11.1)

 – 

 – 

 – 

 1.6 

 (0.8)

 (1.1)

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 0.4 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 0.5 

 (0.1)

 0.4 

 1.6 

 (0.8)

 (0.8)

– 

 (12.8)

 767.3 

 5.2 

 (1.0)

 46.2 

 967.6 

Equity at 30th November 2016

 22.2 

 102.8 

 350.1 

 429.6

 4.9 

 (0.6)

 46.2 

 955.2 

Own shares represent the cost of 269,334 (2015: 690,274) shares held by The St. Modwen Properties PLC Employee Share Trust. 
The open market value of the shares held at 30th November 2016 was £754,135 (2015: £2,985,435). In addition the Trust has £0.1m 
(2015: £0.1m) of cash and an intercompany receivable of £14.9m (2015: £13.8m), that can only be used for the benefit of employees.

The other reserves comprise a capital redemption reserve of £0.3m (2015: £0.3m) and the balance of net proceeds in excess of the 
nominal value of shares arising from an equity placing in 2013 of £45.9m (2015: £45.9m).

Unrealised gains and losses arising from the revaluations of investments in subsidiaries and joint ventures and investment properties 
are recognised with profit for the year and subsequently transferred to the fair value reserve.

152

St. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016Company accounting policies
for the year ended 30th November 2016

Basis of preparation
The Company’s financial statements have been prepared in accordance with FRS 101 Reduced Disclosure Framework as issued by the 
Financial Reporting Council as it applies to the Company for the year ended 30th November 2016, applied in accordance with the provisions 
of the Companies Act 2006.

The financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis except for the revaluation of certain properties, derivative financial 
instruments, the convertible bonds and the defined benefit section of the Company’s pension scheme.

The Company meets the definition of a qualifying entity under FRS 100 Application of Financial Reporting Requirements. Accordingly, 
in the year ended 30th November 2016, the Company has changed its accounting framework from UK GAAP to FRS 101. In doing so, 
the Company has applied the requirements of IFRS 1.6 - 33 and related appendices, but has taken advantage of the exemption in 
FRS 101 (September 2015) not to present a third statement of financial position. For more information see note J.

The Company has taken advantage of the disclosure exemptions included within paragraph 8 of FRS 101. The main impact of these 
disclosure exemptions is that these separate financial statements do not include a cash flow statement, financial instruments and related 
party disclosures and comparative information for plant and equipment and investment properties.

Certain disclosures required for the Company are included within the Group financial statements and are therefore not repeated within these 
separate financial statements. Specifically, the following information relevant to the Company is found in the respective notes to the Group 
financial statements:

 § Share-based payments (note 3d)

 § Dividends (note 7)

 § Share capital (note 17)

 § Pensions (note 18)

 § Contingent liabilities (note 20)

 § Related party transactions (note 21)

As explained above, the Company has adopted FRS 101 for the first time in the current year. As part of this adoption, all IFRS Standards 
and Interpretations applicable for the year ended 30th November 2016 have been applied to these financial statements.

The Company’s functional and presentational currency is pounds sterling and its principal accounting policies are as set out for the Group 
on pages 114 to 120, except for the additional policy below:

Investments in subsidiaries and joint ventures
The Company recognises its investments in subsidiaries and joint ventures using the equity method of accounting. Under the equity 
method, the interest in the subsidiary or joint venture is carried in the Company balance sheet at cost plus post-acquisition changes in 
the Company’s share of its net assets, less distributions received and less any impairment in value of individual investments. The income 
statement reflects the Company’s share of the subsidiary’s or joint venture’s results after interest and tax.

153

Strategic report Corporate governance Financial statements Additional informationSt. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016Notes to the Company financial statements
for the year ended 30th November 2016

A. Income statement disclosures 

a. Result for the financial year   

The Company has taken advantage of Section 408 of the Companies Act 2006 and has not included its own income statement or 
statement of comprehensive income in these financial statements. The Company’s profit for the year ended 30th November 2016 
was £0.5m (2015: £237.8m).

b. Auditor’s remuneration

The table below sets out the fees payable to the Company’s auditor and their associates for the following services:

The audit of the Company's Annual Report 
and financial statements

Total audit fees

Audit-related assurance services

Other assurance services

Tax compliance services

Tax advisory services

Other

Total non-audit fees

Total fees

2016

Audit and 
audit-related 
services
£’000

Other services
£’000

 130

 130

 50 

 25 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 75 

 205

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 2 

 2 

 2 

2015

Audit and 
audit-related 
services
£’000

Other services
£’000

 125 

 125 

 50 

 3 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 53 

 178

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 16 

 20 

 2 

 38 

 38 

Total
£’000

 130

 130

 50 

 25 

 – 

 – 

 2 

 77 

 207 

B. Investment property
The fair value of long leasehold investment property at 30th November 2016 was £0.3m (2015: £0.3m).

Investment properties were valued at 30th November 2016 and 30th November 2015 by Cushman & Wakefield, Chartered Surveyors, 
in accordance with the Appraisal and Valuation Manual of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, on the basis of market value. 
Cushman & Wakefield are professionally qualified independent external valuers and had appropriate recent experience in the relevant 
location and category of the properties being valued.

The historical cost of investment properties at 30th November 2016 was £0.7m (2015: £0.7m).

C. Operating plant and equipment

Cost

At 30th November 2015

Additions

At 30th November 2016

Depreciation

At 30th November 2015

Charge for the year

At 30th November 2016

Net book value

At 30th November 2015

At 30th November 2016

154

Total
£’000

 125 

 125 

 50 

 3 

 16 

 20 

 2 

 91 

 216 

£m

 3.8 

 0.4

 4.2 

 3.2 

0.5

 3.7 

 0.6 

 0.5 

St. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
D. Investments in subsidiaries and joint ventures

At 30th November 2015

Changes to cost

Revaluation of investments

At 30th November 2016

Cost

Valuation

Investment in 
subsidiaries 
£m

Investment  
in joint ventures 
£m

 278.4 

37.4

 – 

315.8

 26.5 

(1.2)

 – 

25.3

Total 
£m

 304.9 

36.2

 – 

341.1

Investment in 
subsidiaries 
£m

Investment  
in joint ventures 
£m

Total 
£m

 777.0 

37.4

(263.5)

550.9

 260.2 

 1,037.2 

(1.2)

(74.2)

184.8

36.2

(337.7)

735.7

The following is a list of all subsidiary undertakings, joint ventures and associates owned by the Company or Group at 30th November 2016. 
Unless otherwise stated, all are incorporated in England and Wales with registered office at Park Point, 17 High Street, Longbridge, Birmingham 
B31 2UQ. The share capital of each of the companies, where applicable, comprises of ordinary shares.

Name

Wholly owned subsidiaries

Company 
registration 
number

Proportion of 
entity owned 
directly by the 
Company

Proportion of 
entity owned by 
a subsidiary of 
the Company

Ultimate 
percentage 
holding

Activity

Blackpole Trading Estate (1978) Ltd

00581658

100.0%

06160293

02616865

05068420

04112012

02893827

05697168

0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

00456386

100.0%

Blue Ice (Widnes) Ltd

Boltro Properties Ltd

Boughton Enterprises Ltd

Boughton Holdings

Branston Properties Ltd

Broomford Vange Ltd

Chaucer Estates Ltd

Chertsey Road Property Ltd

Coed Darcy Estates Management Ltd

Coed Darcy Management Ltd

Festival Waters Ltd

Glan Llyn Management Ltd

Great Yarmouth Regeneration Ltd

Heenan Group Pensions Ltd

Holaw (462) Ltd

Killingholme Energy Ltd

Killingholme Land Ltd

Lawnmark Ltd

Leisure Living Ltd

Longbridge Innovation Centre Ltd

Newcastle Regeneration Partnership Ltd

Petre Court Management (Number 1) Ltd

Radclyffe Estates Ltd

Redman Heenan Properties Ltd

Sandpiper Quay (Management Company No.2) Ltd

Shaw Park Developments Ltd

SMP 14H S.à.r.l.(1)

Sowcrest Ltd

St Modwen Developments (Meon Vale) Ltd

St Modwen Securities Ltd

St. Modwen (SAC1) Ltd

06899060

07848407

06477385

04354481

07848409

05594264

00548316

03666441

08320277

08320297

04089229

02106984

06163526

02741086

06160268

05816682

00073265

02485456

04625000

B187462

02948648

05294589

00460301

08296927

0.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

0.0%

100.0%

100.0%

0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

100.0%

100.0%

0.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

100.0%

100.0%

0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

0.0%

0.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

Property investment

Dormant

Ceased trading

Dormant

Dormant

100.0% Property development

100.0%

Property investment 

100.0% Property investment/
development

100.0%

Dormant

100.0% Property management

100.0%

100.0%

Dormant

Property investment

100.0% Property management

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

Dormant

Dormant

Ceased trading

100.0% Property development

100.0% Property development

100.0%

Dormant

100.0% Property development

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

Dormant

Dormant

Dormant

Dormant

100.0% Property investment/
development

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

Dormant

Ceased trading

Investment

Property investment

Ceased trading

100.0% Property development

100.0%

Dormant

155

Strategic report Corporate governance Financial statements Additional informationSt. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016Notes to the Company financial statements
for the year ended 30th November 2016
continued

D. Investments in subsidiaries and joint ventures continued

Name

St. Modwen (SAC2) Ltd

St. Modwen (Shelf 1) Ltd

St. Modwen Corporate Services Ltd

St. Modwen Development (Coed Darcy) Ltd

St. Modwen Developments (Bedford) Ltd

St. Modwen Developments (Belle Vale) Ltd

St. Modwen Developments (Blackburn) Ltd

St. Modwen Developments (Bognor Regis) Ltd

02741186

06163437

06163563

05411282

04145782

05732825

06160250

St. Modwen Developments (Brighton West Pier) Ltd

04069008

St. Modwen Developments (Chorley) Ltd

St. Modwen Developments (Colne) Ltd

St. Modwen Developments (Connah's Quay) Ltd

St. Modwen Developments (Cranfield) Ltd

St. Modwen Developments (Daresbury) Ltd

St. Modwen Developments (Eccles) Ltd

St. Modwen Developments (Edmonton) Ltd

05727011

05726325

05726352

06163509

06163550

05867740

02405853

Company 
registration 
number

Proportion of 
entity owned 
directly by the 
Company

Proportion of 
entity owned by 
a subsidiary of 
the Company

08296934

100.0%

0.0%

Ultimate 
percentage 
holding

100.0%

100.0%

Activity

Property investment

Dormant

100.0% Property management

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

Dormant

Dormant

Dormant

Property investment

Dormant

Dormant

Dormant

Dormant

Ceased trading

Dormant

Dormant

Property investment

0.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

100.0%

100.0% Property investment/
development

St. Modwen Developments (Facility Services) Ltd

08996358

0.0%

100.0%

100.0%

Dormant

St. Modwen Developments (Hatfield) Ltd

04354480

100.0%

0.0%

St. Modwen Developments (Hillington) Ltd

St. Modwen Developments (Holderness) Ltd

St. Modwen Developments (Hull) Ltd

St. Modwen Developments (Kirkby 2) Ltd

St. Modwen Developments (Longbridge) Ltd

04150262

05726995

05593517

09746395

02885028

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

100.0%

100.0%

St. Modwen Developments (Queens Market) Ltd

05289380

100.0%

0.0%

St. Modwen Developments (Quinton) Ltd

St. Modwen Developments (Silverstone) Ltd

St. Modwen Developments (Skelmersdale) Ltd

St. Modwen Developments (St Helens) Ltd

St. Modwen Developments (Telford) Ltd

St. Modwen Developments (Weston) Ltd

St. Modwen Developments (Wythenshawe 2) Ltd

St. Modwen Developments (Wythenshawe) Ltd

St. Modwen Developments Ltd

St. Modwen Holdings Ltd

St. Modwen Homes Ltd

St. Modwen Hungerford Ltd

St. Modwen Investments Ltd

St. Modwen Neath Canal Ltd

St. Modwen Pensions Ltd

St. Modwen Properties 11 S.à.r.l.(1)

St. Modwen Properties I S.à.r.l.(1)

St. Modwen Properties II S.à.r.l.(1)

156

01479159

05594232

06163591

05726666

05411357

05411348

05851760

05594279

00892832

01991339

09095920

06160323

0.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

100.0%

00528657

100.0%

0.0%

06160309

0.0%

100.0%

00878604

100.0%

B199875

B154036

B154040

0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0% Property investment/
development

100.0%

Ceased trading

100.0% Property development

100.0% Property development

100.0% Property development

100.0% Property investment/
development

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

Dormant

Dormant

Dormant

Dormant

Dormant

Ceased trading

100.0% Property development

100.0%

100.0%

Dormant

Dormant

100.0% Property investment/
development

100.0%

Dormant

100.0% Property development

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

Dormant

Ceased trading

Dormant

Dormant

Investment

Property investment

Property investment

St. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016Non-wholly owned subsidiaries, with non-controlling interest

Name

St. Modwen Properties III S.à.r.l.(1)

St. Modwen Properties IV S.à.r.l.(1)

St. Modwen Properties IX S.à.r.l.(1)

St. Modwen Properties S.à.r.l.(1)

St. Modwen Properties Securities (Jersey) Ltd(2)

St. Modwen Properties V S.à.r.l.(1)

St. Modwen Properties VI S.à.r.l.(1)

St. Modwen Properties VII S.à.r.l.(1)

St. Modwen Properties VIII S.à.r.l.(1)

St. Modwen Properties X S.à.r.l.(1)

St. Modwen Residential Living Ltd

St. Modwen Services Ltd

St. Modwen Ventures Ltd

Statedale Ltd

Trentham Gardens Ltd

Trentham Leisure Ltd

Tukdev 11 Ltd

Walton Securities Ltd

Woking Developments Ltd

Woodingdean Estate Management Company Ltd

Castle Hill Dudley Ltd

Stoke on Trent Regeneration (Investments) Ltd

Stoke-on-Trent Regeneration Ltd

Uttoxeter Estates Ltd

Widnes Regeneration Ltd

Norton & Proffitt Developments Ltd

The Company of Proprietors of the Neath 
Canal Navigation

Company 
registration 
number

Proportion of 
entity owned 
directly by the 
Company

Proportion of 
entity owned by 
a subsidiary of 
the Company

Ultimate 
percentage 
holding

B154089

B154061

B154099

B153339

114977

B154141

B154133

B154093

B154097

B154153

09266033

02885024

01486151

03656832

00533242

0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

100.0%

100.0%

0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

0.0%

0.0%

03246990

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

0.0%

0.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

100.0%

100.0%

0.0%

02885000

02314059

05411325

09293061

0.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

100.0%

05411315

04289476

02265579

02725709

03643210

03717397

81.0%

0.0%

81.0%

81.0%

81.0%

0.0%

0.0%

100.0%

0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

75.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

Activity

Property investment

Ceased trading

Ceased trading

Holding company

Financing company

Ceased trading

Ceased trading

Ceased trading

Property investment

Ceased trading

100.0% Property management

100.0%

Dormant

100.0% Property investment/
development

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

Dormant

Dormant

Property investment

Dormant

Dormant

Dormant

Dormant

81.0% Property development 

81.0%

Property investment

81.0% Property investment/
development

81.0%

Property investment

81.0% Property development

75.0% Property investment/
development

ZC000173

0.0%

64.4%

64.4%

Property investment

Littlecombe Community Interest Company

05896419

0.0%

51.0%

51.0% Property management

Joint ventures

Barton Business Park Ltd

Bay Campus Developments LLP(3)

Key Property Investments Ltd

Meaford Energy Ltd

Meaford Land Ltd

Skypark Development Partnership LLP

Spray Street Quarter LLP(4)

VSM (NCGM) Ltd

VSM Estates (Ashchurch) Ltd

VSM Estates (Holdings) Ltd

VSM Estates Uxbridge (Group) Ltd

Wrexham Land Ltd

Wrexham Power Ltd

03807742

OC389022

03372175

08575649

08575760

OC343583

OC404205

08333203

09494284

05867718

08083799

06748467

06762265

0.0%

0.0%

50.0%

0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

50.0%

50.0%

50.0%

50.0%

0.0%

0.0%

50.0%

50.0%

0.0%

50.0%

50.0%

50.0%

50.0%

0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

50.0%

50.0%

50.0%

Property investment

50.0% Property development

50.0%

Holding company

50.0% Property development

50.0% Property development

50.0% Property development

50.0% Property development

50.0% Property development

50.0% Property development

50.0% Property development

50.0% Property development

50.0% Property development

50.0% Property development

157

Strategic report Corporate governance Financial statements Additional informationSt. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016Notes to the Company financial statements
for the year ended 30th November 2016
continued

D. Investments in subsidiaries and joint ventures continued

Name

Associates

Coed Darcy Ltd(5)

Saxon Business Centre (Management) Ltd

Snipe Centre (Management) Ltd

Baglan Bay Company Ltd(5)

Swan Business Park (Management) Ltd

Company 
registration 
number

Proportion of 
entity owned 
directly by the 
Company

Proportion of 
entity owned by 
a subsidiary of 
the Company

Ultimate 
percentage 
holding

Activity

00577934

02470756

02485535

06383208

02424524

0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

25.0%

49.0%

40.0%

33.3%

25.0%

0.0%

49.0% Property development

40.0%

33.3%

Dormant

Dormant

25.0% Property development

25.0%

Dormant

(1) The registered office of these companies is 121, avenue de la Faïencerie, L-1511. Luxembourg.

(2) The registered office of this company is 47 Esplanade, St Helier, Jersey JE1 0BD, United Kingdom.

(3) The registered office of this limited liability partnership is Finance Department, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea, Wales SA2 8PP, United Kingdom.

(4) The registered office of this limited liability partnership is Bruce Kenrick House, 2 Killick Street, London, England N1 9FL, United Kingdom.

(5) The registered office of these companies is Dumfries House, Dumfries Place, Cardiff, South Glamorgan, Wales CF10 3ZF, United Kingdom.

Many of the shareholder agreements for joint ventures and associates contain change of control provisions, as is common for 
such arrangements.

E. Trade and other receivables

2016
£m

 6.0 

 6.0 

 0.6 

 5.6 

 0.4 

 900.8 

 59.8 

 967.2 

2015
£m

 6.0 

 6.0 

 0.3 

 4.1 

 0.7 

 569.2 

 34.3 

 608.6 

Non-current

Amounts due from joint ventures

Non-current receivables

Current

Trade receivables

Prepayments and accrued income

Other debtors

Amounts due from subsidiaries

Amounts due from joint ventures

Current receivables

158

St. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016F. Deferred taxation

Balance at start of the year

Charged to the Company income statement

Balance at end of the year

An analysis of the deferred tax provided by the Company is given below:

2016
£m

 2.7 

0.1

 2.8 

Other temporary differences

Total deferred tax

G. Trade and other payables

Current

Trade payables

Amounts due to subsidiaries

Amounts due to joint ventures

Taxation and social security

Other payables and accrued expenses

Current payables

H. Borrowings

Non-current

Amounts repayable between two and five years

Amounts repayable after more than five years

Non-current borrowings

Asset
£m

 (2.8) 

 (2.8)

2016

Liability
£m

 – 

 – 

Net
£m

 (2.8) 

 (2.8)

Asset
£m

 (2.7)

 (2.7)

2015

Liability
£m

 – 

 – 

2016
£m

 1.4

 320.3 

 17.7 

 0.9 

 9.7

 350.0 

2016
£m

407.8

 –

 407.8 

2015
£m

 2.2 

 0.5 

 2.7 

Net
£m

 (2.7)

 (2.7)

2015
£m

 – 

 311.8 

 15.5 

1.6

 11.0

 339.9 

2015
£m

 316.8 

 37.5 

 354.3 

Where borrowings are secured, the individual bank facility has a fixed charge over a discrete portfolio of certain of the Company and its 
subsidiaries’ property assets. All borrowings are secured, other than the retail bond and convertible bond disclosed in note 14.

I. Operating leases   

Operating lease commitments where the Company is the lessee 

The Company leases certain of its premises, motor vehicles and office equipment under operating leases. Future aggregate minimum lease 
rentals payable under non-cancellable operating leases are as follows:

In one year or less

Between one and five years

In five years or more

Total minimum lease rentals payable

2016
£m

1.5

2.1

0.1

3.7

2015
£m

0.9

2.4

0.2

3.5

159

Strategic report Corporate governance Financial statements Additional informationSt. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016 
Notes to the Company financial statements
for the year ended 30th November 2016
continued

J. Transition to FRS 101 
This is the first year that the Company has presented its financial statements in accordance with FRS 101 Reduced Disclosure Framework 
issued by the Financial Reporting Council. Previously, the Company reported under UK GAAP. Reconciliations and descriptions of the effect 
of the transition to FRS 101 are set out below:

Company balance sheet as at 1st December 2014:

As previously reported
£m

Transition effect(1)

£m

Reclassification

 adjustments(2)

£m

As restated  

under FRS 101
£m

 0.3 

 0.7 

 796.8 

 212.6 

 – 

 1,010.4 

 335.0 

 1.0 

 12.5 

 2.2 

 3.2 

 353.9 

 (311.8)

 (3.7)

 (13.0)

 (328.5)

 (286.6)

 (286.6)

 749.2 

 22.1 

 102.8 

 526.9 

 48.2 

 – 

 4.8 

 (1.8)

 46.2 

 749.2 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 (526.9)

 526.9 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 (206.6)

 2.2 

 (204.4)

 206.6 

 – 

 – 

 (2.2)

 – 

 204.4 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 (526.9)

 526.9 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 0.3 

 0.7 

 796.8 

 6.0 

 2.2 

 806.0 

 541.6 

 1.0 

 12.5 

 – 

 3.2 

 558.3 

 (311.8)

 (3.7)

 (13.0)

 (328.5)

 (286.6)

 (286.6)

 749.2 

 22.1 

 102.8 

 – 

 48.2 

 526.9 

 4.8 

 (1.8)

 46.2 

 749.2 

Non-current assets

Investment properties

Operating plant and equipment

Investments in subsidiaries and joint ventures

Trade and other receivables

Deferred tax

Current assets

Trade and other receivables

Derivative financial instruments

Tax receivables

Deferred tax

Cash and cash equivalents

Current liabilities

Trade and other payables

Borrowings

Derivative financial instruments

Non-current liabilities

Borrowings

Net assets

Capital and reserves

Called up share capital

Share premium account

Revaluation reserve

Retained earnings

Fair value reserve

Share incentive reserve

Own shares

Other reserves

Total equity

160

St. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016 
 
 
Company balance sheet as at 30th November 2015:

As previously reported
£m

Transition effect(1)

£m

Reclassification

 adjustments(2)

£m

As restated  

under FRS 101
£m

Non-current assets

Investment properties

Operating plant and equipment

Investments in subsidiaries and joint ventures

Trade and other receivables

Deferred tax

Current assets

Trade and other receivables

Derivative financial instruments

Tax receivables

Deferred tax

Cash and cash equivalents

Current liabilities

Trade and other payables

Borrowings

Derivative financial instruments

Non-current liabilities

Borrowings

Net assets

Capital and reserves

Called up share capital

Share premium account

Revaluation reserve

Retained earnings

Fair value reserve

Share incentive reserve

Own shares

Other reserves

Total equity

 0.3 

 0.6 

 1,037.2 

 212.6 

 – 

 1,250.7 

 402.0 

 0.8 

 18.9 

 2.7 

 3.7 

 428.1 

 (339.9)

 – 

 (17.0)

 (356.9)

 (354.3)

 (354.3)

 967.6 

 22.2 

 102.8 

 767.3 

 24.9 

 – 

 5.2 

 (1.0)

 46.2 

 967.6 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 (767.3)

 767.3 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 (206.6)

 2.7 

 (203.9)

 206.6 

 – 

 – 

 (2.7)

 – 

 203.9 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 (767.3)

 767.3 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 0.3 

 0.6 

 1,037.2 

 6.0 

 2.7 

 1,046.8 

 608.6 

 0.8 

 18.9 

 – 

 3.7 

 632.0 

 (339.9)

 – 

 (17.0)

 (356.9)

 (354.3)

 (354.3)

 967.6 

 22.2 

 102.8 

 – 

 24.9 

 767.3 

 5.2 

 (1.0)

 46.2 

 967.6 

161

Strategic report Corporate governance Financial statements Additional informationSt. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016Notes to the Company financial statements
for the year ended 30th November 2016
continued

J. Transition to FRS 101 continued

Company result for the year ended 30th November 2015:

Result for the year

As previously reported
£m

 (2.7)

Transition effect(1)

£m

 240.5 

Reclassification

 adjustments(2)

£m

 – 

As restated  

under FRS 101
£m

 237.8 

(1) Under UK GAAP, the revaluation of investments in subsidiaries and joint ventures and investment properties was taken to the revaluation reserve. Under FRS 101, such 

revaluations are debited or credited to the income statement and included within retained earnings, therefore the impact of these current year and cumulative revaluations 
is transferred from the revaluation reserve to the income statement and retained earnings respectively.

(2) Under FRS 101, certain intercompany balances and deferred tax assets have been reclassified on the balance sheet to reflect the expected settlement as due within less 

than one year or more than one year. In addition, any cumulative retained earnings that have been derived from revaluations of investments in subsidiaries and joint ventures 
and investment properties are considered to represent non-distributable reserves. As a result, these have been transferred from retained earnings to a separate fair value 
reserve to better distinguish those reserves that are distributable.

162

St. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016Five year record

Rental income(1)

Property profits(1)(2)

Revaluation surplus(1)(3)

Profit before all tax(4)

Earnings per share (pence)

Dividends paid per share (pence)

Dividend cover (times)

Shareholders' equity net assets per share (pence) 

Increase on prior year

Net assets employed

Investment properties

Investments

Inventories

Other net liabilities

Net debt

Minority interests

Equity attributable to owners of the Company

Financed by

Share capital

Reserves

Own shares

(1) Including share of joint ventures and associates.

(2) Stated before net realisable value provisions.

2012
£m

 36.2 

 29.0 

 28.0 

 52.8 

 21.3 

 3.41 

 6.2 

 250.8 

8.2%

 770.4 

 75.2 

 175.2 

 (141.1)

 (366.0)

 (11.1)

 502.6 

 20.0 

 483.1 

 (0.5)

 502.6 

2013
£m

 36.3 

 37.7 

 39.1 

 77.2 

 30.9 

 3.75 

 8.2 

 278.8 

11.2%

 744.6 

 120.1 

 199.7 

 (112.9)

 (334.9)

 (4.5)

 612.1 

 22.0 

 590.4 

 (0.3)

 612.1 

2014
£m

 37.1 

 51.3 

 93.5 

 135.4 

 53.8 

 4.13 

 13.0 

 325.1 

16.6%

 856.8 

 127.2 

 201.0 

 (101.0)

 (360.0)

 (5.9)

 718.1 

 22.1 

 697.8 

 (1.8)

 718.1 

2015
£m

 38.7 

 67.4 

 201.7 

 258.4 

 97.9 

 5.04 

 19.4 

 413.5 

27.2%

2016
£m

 45.9 

 62.0 

 4.1 

 60.8 

 24.1 

 5.79 

 4.2 

 431.0 

4.2%

 1,081.0 

 1,133.0 

 227.3 

 183.7 

 (68.4)

 (502.1)

 (6.8)

 914.7 

 22.2 

 893.5 

 (1.0)

 914.7 

 184.8 

 229.7 

 (62.2)

 (523.2)

 (6.9)

 955.2 

 22.2 

 933.6 

 (0.6)

 955.2 

(3) Including net realisable value provisions and, where applicable, negative goodwill arising on acquisitions as a result of fair value adjustments to property assets.

(4) Stated before taxation of joint ventures and associates.

The figures above are all presented under IFRSs as restated, where applicable.

163

Strategic report Corporate governance Financial statements Additional informationSt. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016Glossary of terms

Active management/added value – the component of property revaluations delivered as a direct result of management actions and 
initiatives, for example obtaining planning consent, achieving remediation milestones and improving lease terms.

Adjusted gearing – the level of the Group’s net borrowings (at amortised cost and excluding finance leases) expressed as a percentage 
of net assets.

Average lease length – the weighted average lease term to the first tenant break.

Cost cover ratio – the ratio of recurring rental and other income to operating costs excluding direct overheads incurred by St. Modwen Homes.

EPRA – the European Public Real Estate Association, a body that has put forward recommendations for best practice in financial reporting 
by real estate companies.

EPRA net asset value (EPRA NAV) – the Group balance sheet net assets, adjusted to include the fair value of inventories and exclude 
deferred tax on capital allowances and revaluations, and mark-to-market of derivative financial instruments.

EPRA net asset value per share – EPRA net asset value divided by the number of ordinary shares in issue at the period end (excluding 
shares held by The St. Modwen Properties PLC Employee Share Trust).

EPRA triple net asset value (EPRA NNNAV) – the Group balance sheet net assets, adjusted to include the fair value of inventories.

Equivalent yield – a weighted average of the initial yield and reversionary yield and represents the return a property will produce based 
on the timing of the income received.

Estimated rental value (ERV) – the Group’s external valuers’ opinion as to the open market rent which, on the date of valuation, could 
reasonably be expected to be obtained on a new letting or rent review of the property.

Gearing – the level of the Group’s net debt expressed as a percentage of net assets.

Gross development value (GDV) – the sale value of property after construction. 

High yielding portfolio – income generating assets with high yields that provide the Group with opportunity for further development 
and value creation in the longer term.

IFRIC – International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee.

IFRSs – International Financial Reporting Standards.

Initial yield – the annualised net rent of a property expressed as a percentage of the property’s valuation.

Interest – net finance costs (excluding the mark-to-market of derivative financial instruments, amortisation of loan arrangement fees and 
other non-cash items) for the Group (including its share of joint ventures and associates).

Interest cover – the ratio of operating income less overheads to interest for the Group (including its share of joint ventures and associates).

Investment portfolio – income generating assets where the Group’s development and asset management activities are substantially 
complete.

Land bank – 100% of the land and property owned and controlled by the Group together with joint ventures and associates (including land 
under option and development agreements).

LIBOR – the London interbank offered rate is the interest rate which banks charge when lending to other banks.

Loan-to-value (LTV) – the level of the Group’s net borrowings expressed as a percentage of the Group’s property portfolio excluding 
valued assets held under finance leases (representing amounts that could be used as security of that debt).

Market value – an opinion of the best price at which the sale of an interest in the property would complete unconditionally for cash 
consideration on the date of valuation, as determined by the Group’s external valuers. In accordance with usual practice, the Group’s 
external valuers report valuations net, after the deduction of the prospective purchaser’s costs, including stamp duty, agent and legal fees.

Net asset value (NAV) per share – equity attributable to owners of the Company divided by the number of ordinary shares in issue at the 
period end (excluding shares held by The St. Modwen Properties PLC Employee Share Trust).

Net borrowings – total borrowings (at amortised cost and excluding finance leases and fair value movements on the Group’s convertible 
bonds) less cash and cash equivalents.

Net debt – total borrowings and finance leases including fair value movements in the Group’s convertible bonds less cash and cash 
equivalents.

Net equivalent yield (NEY) – the weighted average income return (after adding notional purchaser’s costs) a property will produce based 
upon the timing of the income received. In accordance with usual practice, the equivalent yields (as determined by the external valuers) 
assume rent is received annually in arrears.

Net initial yield (NIY) – the yield that would be received by a purchaser, based on the current annualised rental income, net of costs, 
expressed as a percentage of the acquisition cost, being the market value plus assumed actual purchasers’ costs at the reporting date. 
The calculation is in line with EPRA guidance.

Net rental income – the rental income receivable in the period less non-recoverable property costs for the Group (including its share 
of joint ventures and associates).

Occupancy rates/levels – the ERV attributable to vacant units as a proportion of total ERV (including the Group’s share of joint ventures 
and associates).

164

St. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016Operating costs/business running costs – administrative expenses plus net finance costs (excluding the mark-to-market of derivative 
financial instruments, amortisation of loan arrangement fees and other non-cash items) for the Group (including its share of joint ventures 
and associates).

Operating income – the total of net rental income, other income and property profits for the Group (including its share of joint venture 
and associates).

Other income – other rental type income generated from the operating assets of the Group (including its share of joint ventures and 
associates).

Persimmon joint venture – a series of commercial contracts with Persimmon to develop residential units on agreed sites within 
St. Modwen’s land bank.

Pre-sold properties under construction – those properties we are constructing that have been specified by and designed for, or adapted 
by, a specific client under a specific construction contract. On such projects, profit is recognised using the stage completion method.

Profit before all tax – profit before tax stated before the deduction of tax payable by joint ventures and associates.

Project MoDEL – Project MoDEL originally saw six former London-based RAF sites freed up for disposal and development as the MoD 
relocated to an integrated site at RAF Northolt. VINCI St. Modwen (VSM) was appointed by the MoD in 2006 to secure planning consent 
to redevelop the six sites of which VSM disposed of four, retaining RAF Mill Hill and RAF Uxbridge. The latter was removed from the MoD 
arrangement and transferred to a separate joint venture with VINCI in 2012.

Property portfolio – investment properties and inventories of the Group (including its share of joint ventures and associates) comprising 
income producing properties together with residential and commercial land, but excluding assets held under finance leases not subject 
to revaluation and including accrued income relating to lease incentives.

Property profits – development profit (before the deduction of net realisable value provisions made during the period) plus gains on 
disposals of investments/investment properties for the Group (including its share of joint ventures and associates).

Rent roll – the gross rent plus rent reviews that have been agreed as at the reporting date.

Reversionary yield – the anticipated yield to which the initial yield will rise or fall once the rent reaches the ERV.

RICS – Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.

Section 106 agreement – planning obligations attached to a development, often improvements to local infrastructure and facilities, 
to ensure that wherever possible a development makes a positive contribution to the local area and community.

See-through loan-to-value – the level of the Group’s net borrowings expressed as a percentage of the Group’s property portfolio 
excluding valued assets held under finance leases, calculated on a proportionally consolidated basis (including the Group’s share of 
its joint ventures and associates).

See-through loan-to-value excluding residential land – the level of the Group’s net borrowings expressed as a percentage of the 
Group’s property portfolio excluding assets held under finance leases and residential land, calculated on a proportionally consolidated basis 
(including the Group’s share of its joint ventures and associates).

Serviced land value – the value of the land held at New Covent Garden Market (NCGM) assuming that all the necessary pre-development 
work has been performed and any third party obligations had been settled, such that the site was ready for the scheme to be implemented 
(or to be sold to a third party developer to implement).

SIC – Standards and Interpretations Committee.

Total accounting return (TAR) – the increase in EPRA NAV per share for the period, plus dividends paid per share during the period, 
expressed as a percentage of EPRA NAV per share at the start of the period.

Total shareholder return (TSR) – the growth in value of a shareholding over a specified period, assuming that dividends are reinvested 
to purchase additional units of stock.

Trading profit – operating income less operating costs.

Weighted average term of borrowings – each tranche of the Group’s borrowings is multiplied by the remaining period to its maturity 
and the result is divided by total Group borrowings at the period end.

Weighted average interest rate – the Group’s annualised loan interest and derivative financial instrument costs at the period end, divided 
by total Group borrowings at the period end.

165

Strategic report Corporate governance Financial statements Additional informationSt. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016Notice of annual general meeting

Notice is hereby given that the seventy sixth annual general meeting 
(AGM) of St. Modwen Properties PLC (the Company) will be held 
in the Evolution Suite, Innovation Centre, 1 Devon Way, Longbridge 
Technology Park, Birmingham B31 2TS on Wednesday, 29th March 
2017 at 12.00 noon to consider and, if thought fit, to pass the 
following resolutions. Resolutions 1 to 18 inclusive will be proposed 
as ordinary resolutions and resolutions 19 to 22 will be proposed 
as special resolutions.

Ordinary business

Annual Report and financial statements

1.   To receive the Company’s Annual Report and financial 

statements for the financial year ended 30th November 2016.

Directors’ remuneration report and directors’ 
remuneration policy

2.   To approve the Directors’ remuneration report (excluding 
the part containing the directors’ remuneration policy) as 
set out on pages 74 to 98 of the Annual Report and financial 
statements for the financial year ended 30th November 2016.

3.   To approve the directors’ remuneration policy as set out on 

pages 76 to 83 of the Annual Report and financial statements 
for the financial year ended 30th November 2016, to take effect 
immediately at the conclusion of the 2017 AGM.

Dividend

4.   To declare a final dividend for the financial year ended 

30th November 2016 of 4.06 pence per ordinary share, 
payable on 4th April 2017 to those shareholders on 
the register of members at the close of business on 
10th March 2017.

Election and re-election of directors

5.   To elect Mark Allan as a director.

6.   To re-elect Ian Bull as a director.

7.   To re-elect Steve Burke as a director.

8.   To re-elect Kay Chaldecott as a director.

9.   To re-elect Simon Clarke as a director.

10.  To re-elect Rob Hudson as a director.

11.  To re-elect Lesley James as a director.

12.  To re-elect Richard Mully as a director.

13.  To re-elect Bill Shannon as a director.

Appointment and remuneration of auditor

14.  To appoint KPMG LLP as the Company’s auditor until the 
conclusion of the next general meeting of the Company at 
which accounts are laid.

15.  To authorise the Audit Committee to determine the remuneration 

of the Company’s auditor on behalf of the Board.

Special business

Share-based incentive plans

16.  To approve the rules of the St. Modwen Properties PLC 2017 
Performance Share Plan (the 2017 PSP), the principal terms of 
which are summarised in Appendix 1 to this notice and the draft 
rules of which are produced to the meeting and signed by the 
Chairman of the meeting for the purposes of identification, and 
to authorise the directors to make such modifications to the 
2017 PSP as they may consider appropriate to take account of 
any applicable statutory or regulatory requirements or prevailing 
best practice and to adopt the 2017 PSP as so modified and 
to do all such other acts and things as they may consider 
necessary or appropriate to implement the 2017 PSP.

17.  To approve the rules of the St. Modwen Properties PLC 2017 
Employee Share Option Plan (2017 ESOP), the principal terms 
of which are summarised in Appendix 2 to this notice and the 
draft rules of which are produced to the meeting and signed by 
the Chairman of the meeting for the purposes of identification, 
and to authorise the directors to make such modifications to  
the 2017 ESOP as they may consider appropriate to take 
account of any applicable statutory or regulatory requirements 
or prevailing best practice and to adopt the 2017 ESOP as  
so modified and to do all such other acts and things as they 
may consider necessary or appropriate to implement the  
2017 ESOP.

Authority to allot shares

18.  To generally and unconditionally authorise the directors in 
accordance with section 551 of the Companies Act 2006 
(the Act) to exercise all the powers of the Company to:

(a)   allot shares in the Company or grant rights to subscribe  
for or to convert any security into shares in the Company  
up to an aggregate nominal amount of £7,395,899; and

(b)   allot equity securities (within the meaning of section 560(1) 
of the Act) up to a further aggregate nominal amount of 
£7,395,899 in connection with an offer by way of a rights 
issue to:

(i) 

 ordinary shareholders in proportion (as nearly as may  
be practicable) to their existing holdings; and

(ii)   holders of other equity securities, as required by the 
rights of those securities or, subject to such rights, 
as the directors otherwise consider necessary,

 subject to such exclusions or other arrangements as the 
directors consider necessary or appropriate to deal with 
treasury shares, fractional entitlements, record dates, or 
legal, regulatory or practical problems in, or under the laws 
of, any country or territory or any other matter.

 Unless previously renewed, revoked or varied, the authorities 
conferred by this resolution 18 shall apply in substitution for 
all existing authorities under section 551 of the Act until the 
conclusion of the next AGM of the Company after the date on 
which this resolution is passed or, if earlier, 28th June 2018, but, 
in each case, so that the Company may make offers and enter 
into agreements before the authority expires which would or 
might require shares to be allotted or rights to be granted after 
the authority expires and the directors may allot shares or grant 
such rights under such an offer or agreement as if the authority 
had not expired.

166

St. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Disapplication of pre-emption rights

Special resolution

19.  That, subject to the passing of resolution 18, the directors 
be generally empowered pursuant to section 570 of the 
Companies Act 2006 (the Act) to allot equity securities (within 
the meaning of section 560(1) of the Act) for cash pursuant to 
the authority conferred by resolution 18 and/or to sell ordinary 
shares held by the Company as treasury shares for cash as 
if section 561 of the Act did not apply to any such allotment 
or sale, provided that this power shall be limited to:

(a)   any such allotment and/or sale in connection with an offer  

or issue by way of rights or other pre-emptive offer or issue, 
open for acceptance for a period fixed by the directors, to:

(i) 

 ordinary shareholders in proportion (as nearly as may  
be practicable) to their existing holdings; and

(ii)   holders of other equity securities, as required by the 
rights of those securities or, subject to such rights, 
as the directors otherwise consider necessary,

 subject to such exclusions or other arrangements as the 
directors consider necessary or appropriate to deal with 
treasury shares, fractional entitlements, record dates, 
or legal, regulatory or practical problems in, or under the 
laws of, any country or territory or any other matter; and

(b)   any such allotment and/or sale, other than pursuant to 

paragraph (a) of this resolution 19, having, in the case of 
ordinary shares, an aggregate nominal amount or, in the 
case of other equity securities, giving the right to subscribe 
or convert into ordinary shares having an aggregate nominal 
amount, not exceeding £1,109,384.

 Unless previously renewed, revoked or varied, the powers 
conferred by this resolution 19 shall apply in substitution for all 
existing powers under sections 570 and 573 of the Act until the 
conclusion of the next AGM of the Company after the date on 
which this resolution is passed or, if earlier, 28th June 2018, but, 
in each case, so that the Company may make offers and enter 
into agreements before the power expires which would or might 
require equity securities to be allotted or equity securities held 
as treasury shares to be sold for cash after the power expires 
and the directors may allot equity securities and/or sell equity 
securities held as treasury shares for cash under such an offer 
or agreement as if the power had not expired.

Special resolution

20.  That, subject and in addition to the passing of resolution 19,  

the directors be generally empowered pursuant to section 570 
of the Companies Act 2006 (the Act) to allot equity securities 
(within the meaning of section 560(1) of the Act) for cash 
pursuant to the authority conferred by resolution 18 and/or to 
sell ordinary shares held by the Company as treasury shares  
for cash as if section 561 of the Act did not apply to any such 
allotment or sale, provided that this power shall be:

(a)   limited to any such allotment and/or sale of equity securities 
having, in the case of ordinary shares, an aggregate nominal 
amount or, in the case of other equity securities, giving the 
right to subscribe or convert into ordinary shares having an 
aggregate nominal amount, not exceeding £1,109,384; and

 (b)   used only for the purposes of financing (or refinancing, if 

the authority is to be used within six months after the original 
transaction) a transaction which directors determine to 
be an acquisition or other capital investment of a kind 
contemplated by the Statement of Principles on Disapplying 
Pre-Emption Rights most recently published by the 
Pre-Emption Group prior to the date of this notice.

 Unless previously renewed, revoked or varied, the powers 
conferred by this resolution 20 shall apply in substitution for all 
existing powers under sections 570 and 573 of the Act until the 
conclusion of the next AGM of the Company after the date on 
which this resolution is passed or, if earlier, 28th June 2018, but, 
in each case, so that the Company may make offers and enter 
into agreements before the power expires which would or might 
require equity securities to be allotted or equity securities held 
as treasury shares to be sold for cash after the power expires 
and the directors may allot equity securities and/or sell equity 
securities held as treasury shares for cash under such an offer 
or agreement as if the power had not expired.

Purchase of own ordinary shares by the Company

Special resolution

21.  That the Company be generally and unconditionally authorised 

for the purposes of section 701 of the Companies Act 2006 (the 
Act) to make market purchases (as defined in section 693 of the 
Act) of ordinary shares of 10 pence each in its capital (Ordinary 
Shares) on such terms and in such manner as the directors 
may from time to time determine provided that:

(a)   the maximum aggregate number of Ordinary Shares hereby 

authorised to be purchased is 22,187,698;

(b)   the minimum price which may be paid for an Ordinary Share 

is 10 pence (exclusive of expenses);

(c)   the maximum price which may be paid for an Ordinary 

Share is the highest of (in each case exclusive of expenses):

(i) 

 an amount equal to 105% of the average market 
value of an Ordinary Share for the five business days 
immediately preceding the day on which the Ordinary 
Share is contracted to be purchased; and

(ii)   the higher of the price of the last independent trade and 
the highest current independent bid for any number of 
Ordinary Shares on the London Stock Exchange; and

(d)   this authority shall, unless previously renewed, expire at the 
conclusion of the next AGM of the Company after the date 
on which this resolution is passed or, if earlier, 28th June 
2018, except in relation to the purchase of any Ordinary 
Shares the contract for which was concluded before the 
date of expiry of the authority and which would or might 
be completed wholly or partly after that date.

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Notice of annual general meeting
continued

Notice of meetings other than AGMs

Explanatory notes to proposed resolutions

Special resolution

Ordinary resolutions

22.  To authorise the Company to call a general meeting other than 
an AGM on not less than 14 clear days’ notice, provided that 
this authority shall expire at the conclusion of the next AGM of 
the Company after the date on which this resolution is passed.

Recommendation
The Board confirms that, in its opinion, all of the resolutions are in 
the best interests of the Company and its shareholders as a whole. 
The directors unanimously recommend that shareholders vote in 
favour of each of the above resolutions, as they intend to do in 
respect of their own beneficial shareholdings.

By order of the Board

Tanya Stote 
Company Secretary 
16th February 2017

St. Modwen Properties PLC

Registered number: 349201

Registered office: Park Point, 17 High Street, Longbridge, 
Birmingham B31 2UQ

For a resolution proposed as an ordinary resolution to be passed, 
more than half of the votes cast must be in favour of the resolution.

Resolution 1 – Annual Report and financial statements

Resolution 1 is an ordinary resolution to receive the Annual Report 
and financial statements for the financial year ended 30th November 
2016. Copies will be available at the AGM.

Resolutions 2 and 3 – Directors’ remuneration

Resolution 2 is an ordinary resolution to approve the Directors’ 
remuneration report, other than the part containing the directors’ 
remuneration policy. In accordance with the Companies Act 2006 
this vote is advisory only and the directors’ entitlement to receive 
remuneration is not conditional on it. The resolution and vote 
provide a means for shareholders to give feedback to the Board  
on directors’ remuneration.  

Resolution 3 is an ordinary resolution to approve the directors’ 
remuneration policy. Following a review of the policy approved by 
shareholders at the 2014 AGM, a new remuneration policy is being 
proposed to be applied from the current financial year and is being 
put to a binding shareholder vote. The policy, described on pages 
76 to 83, has been developed taking into account the principles of 
the UK Corporate Governance Code and the views of our major 
shareholders and shareholder advisory groups. If approved by 
shareholders, the directors’ remuneration policy will take effect  
from the conclusion of the 2017 AGM.

Resolution 4 – Declaration of final dividend

Resolution 4 is an ordinary resolution by which shareholders 
are asked to declare a final dividend. The directors recommend 
a final dividend for the financial year ended 30th November 
2016 of 4.06 pence per ordinary share. If approved, this will 
be paid on 4th April 2017 to shareholders on the register of 
members at the close of business on 10th March 2017.

Resolutions 5 to 13 – Election and re-election of 
directors

Resolutions 5 to 13 are ordinary resolutions which deal with 
the election and re-election of the directors. In accordance 
with the Company’s articles of association and the UK Corporate 
Governance Code, all directors must retire at each AGM and shall, 
subject to his or her terms of appointment, be eligible for election  
or re-election.

Following his appointment to the Board on 1st November 2016, 
Mark Allan will retire and offer himself for election; all other directors 
will retire and offer themselves for re-election.

Biographical details of all directors are set out on pages 54 and 55. 
The performance of and contribution made by individual directors 
has been reviewed by the Chairman during the course of the year 
and the Chairman has confirmed that the performance of each 
director continues to be effective, that they continue to demonstrate 
commitment to their respective roles, and that their respective skills 
complement one another to enhance the overall operation of the 
Board. The Board therefore recommends the reappointment of all 
directors standing for re-election. Further supporting information 
regarding the non-executive directors can be found opposite.

168

St. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016Ian Bull (resolution 6)

Richard Mully (resolution 12)

Ian was appointed to the Board in September 2014 and is 
Chairman of the Audit Committee. He is currently Chief Financial 
Officer of Parkdean Resorts UK Ltd. His career in finance spans 
over 25 years, including board level finance roles at Ladbrokes plc 
and Greene King plc. Ian brings to the Board a wealth of corporate 
and financial knowledge, together with a sound understanding of 
accounting and regulatory matters.

During the past year, Ian led the Audit Committee through the 
selection process for the Company’s external auditor and was a 
member of the interview panel for the tender of the internal auditor 
appointment. As Committee Chair he also ensured that the Audit 
Committee considered a number of significant matters in relation  
to financial reporting, including the valuation of the Group’s  
property portfolio. 

Kay Chaldecott (resolution 8)

Kay was appointed to the Board in October 2012. She is currently  
a non-executive director of NewRiver REIT plc. Her executive career 
in property spans over 25 years with Capital Shopping Centres 
Group plc (now Intu Properties plc) where she also served as a 
main board director.

With her extensive knowledge of the retail property sector, including 
the retail development process, retail mix and leasing and shopping 
centre operations, Kay makes a meaningful contribution to discussions 
and brings effective challenge at Board and Committee meetings.

Simon Clarke (resolution 9)

Simon was appointed to the Board in October 2004 following 
the death of his father, Sir Stanley Clarke, the founder and 
former Chairman of St. Modwen. He is currently Chairman 
of Dunstall Holdings Ltd, Trustee of Racing Welfare and 
Chairman of Racing Homes.

Whilst not considered to be independent for the purposes of the UK 
Corporate Governance Code, as the longest serving director Simon 
brings continuity and extensive knowledge of the business to the 
Board as well as strong commercial and management experience.

Lesley James, CBE (resolution 11)

Lesley was appointed to the Board in October 2009 and is 
Chairman of the Remuneration Committee. She has considerable 
board experience across public, private, voluntary and education 
sectors and, as HR Director at Tesco plc for 14 years, has extensive 
knowledge of executive remuneration.

During the past year, Lesley led the Remuneration Committee’s 
discussions in respect of the remuneration arrangements for Mark 
Allan, who was appointed Chief Executive on 1st December 2016. 
She also guided the Remuneration Committee’s strategic review  
of the Company’s remuneration policy, engaging with the Group’s 
major investors and shareholder advisory bodies. A revised 
remuneration policy will be presented to shareholders for 
approval at the 2017 AGM (resolution 3). 

Richard was appointed to the Board in September 2013 and 
became Senior Independent Director in December 2013. He is 
currently a non-executive director of Aberdeen Asset Management 
plc and Great Portland Estates plc, and Vice Chairman of Alstria 
Office REIT-AG.

Richard brings to the Board broad financial knowledge and 
experience gained over a long career in investment banking, 
fund management, capital markets and real estate private equity 
investing. He has been an active Senior Independent Director, 
acting as a sounding board for the Chairman and meeting with  
the non-executive directors without the Chairman being present.

Bill Shannon (resolution 13)

Bill was appointed to the Board in November 2010 and became 
non-executive Chairman in March 2011. He chairs the Nomination 
Committee and is currently Deputy Chairman and Senior Independent 
Director of LSL Property Services plc and a non-executive director 
of Johnson Service Group plc.

Bill has proven ability in leading large public and private companies 
as Chairman and has significant management and board level 
experience across retail, leisure, financial services and property 
sectors. He continues to oversee succession planning for Board 
appointments, heading the recruitment for the role of Chief 
Executive and guiding the induction programme for Mark Allan.  
Bill also supported the remuneration policy review to ensure that  
the views of major shareholders were communicated to and 
understood by the Board. 

Resolutions 14 and 15 – Auditor appointment and 
remuneration

As detailed in the Audit Committee report on page 69 a competitive 
tender process for the Company’s external audit was undertaken 
during the year, resulting in a recommendation by the Audit 
Committee to the Board to appoint KPMG LLP. Resolution 14 
is an ordinary resolution to appoint KPMG LLP as the Company’s 
auditor with effect from the conclusion of the AGM and resolution 
15, also an ordinary resolution, authorises the Audit Committee 
to determine the auditor’s remuneration on behalf of the Board.

Resolution 16 – Approval of the St. Modwen Properties 
PLC 2017 Performance Share Plan

The Company’s existing long-term incentive arrangement for 
its executive directors is the St. Modwen Properties PLC 2007 
Performance Share Plan (the 2007 Plan). Since its approval by 
shareholders, the 2007 Plan has provided for annual share-based 
awards ordinarily vesting three years from grant, subject to the 
participant’s continued service and to the extent to which objective 
performance criteria are met over a three-year measurement period. 
The 2007 Plan reaches the end of its 10 year life on 26th April 2017. 

The Remuneration Committee has undertaken a review of 
the 2007 Plan and concluded that, through resolution 16, 
shareholder authority be sought for a replacement arrangement, 
the St. Modwen Properties PLC 2017 Performance Share Plan 
(the 2017 Plan).

The terms of the 2017 Plan have been designed to materially 
continue with the main features of the 2007 Plan, but with 
appropriate changes to take account of prevailing best practice 
expectations and the new directors’ remuneration policy proposed 
for approval under resolution 3. One such update in line with best 
practice is the inclusion of a two-year post-vesting holding period 
for the Company’s executive directors (and other participants at  
the discretion of the Remuneration Committee).

169

Strategic report Corporate governance Financial statements Additional informationSt. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016Notice of annual general meeting
continued

Resolution 16 seeks the approval of shareholders to the 2017 Plan 
and authorises the Board to do all such acts and things necessary 
to give effect to the amendments. 

A summary of the principal terms of the 2017 Plan is set out in 
Appendix 1 to this notice. A copy of the draft rules of the 2017 
Plan will be available for inspection at the registered office of the 
Company, and at the offices of New Bridge Street (an Aon Hewitt 
Ltd company) at 10 Devonshire Square, London EC2M 4YP, during 
normal business hours from the date of this notice of AGM until  
the close of the AGM, and at the place of the AGM for at least  
15 minutes prior to and during the AGM.

The 2017 Plan is proposed to be adopted as an employees’  
share scheme within the meaning of section 1166 of the 
Companies Act 2006.

Resolution 17 – Approval of the St. Modwen Properties 
PLC 2017 Employee Share Option Plan

The Company’s existing long-term incentive arrangement for 
employees below Board level is the St. Modwen Properties PLC 
2007 Executive Share Option Scheme (the 2007 ESOS). The  
2007 ESOS reaches the end of its 10 year life on 26th April 2017.

The Remuneration Committee has undertaken a review of 
the 2007 ESOS and concluded that, through resolution 17, 
shareholder authority be sought for a replacement arrangement, 
the St. Modwen Properties PLC 2017 Employee Share Option 
Plan (the 2017 ESOP).

The terms of the 2017 ESOP have been designed to materially 
continue with the main features of the 2007 ESOS but with 
appropriate changes to take account of prevailing best practice 
expectations and changes in relevant legislation governing HMRC 
tax advantaged share options.

Resolution 17 seeks the approval of shareholders to the 2017 
ESOP and authorises the Board to do all such acts and things 
necessary to give effect to the amendments. 

A summary of the principal terms of the 2017 ESOP is set out 
in Appendix 2 to this notice. A copy of the draft rules of the 2017 
ESOP will be available for inspection at the registered office of the 
Company, and at the offices of New Bridge Street (an Aon Hewitt 
Ltd company) at 10 Devonshire Square, London EC2M 4YP, during 
normal business hours from the date of this notice of AGM until  
the close of the AGM, and at the place of the AGM for at least  
15 minutes prior to and during the AGM.

The 2017 ESOP is proposed to be adopted as an employees’ 
share scheme within the meaning of section 1166 of the 
Companies Act 2006.

Resolution 18 – Authority to allot shares

The authority conferred on the directors at last year’s AGM to allot 
shares in the Company expires at the conclusion of the 2017 AGM. 
Resolution 18 is an ordinary resolution to renew this authority.

The Investment Association (IA) guidelines on directors’ authority to 
allot shares state that IA members will permit, and treat as routine, 
resolutions seeking authority to allot new shares representing 
up to one-third of a company’s issued share capital. In addition, 
they will treat as routine a request for authority to allot shares 
representing an additional one-third of a company’s issued share 
capital provided that it is only used to allot shares pursuant to a 
fully pre-emptive rights issue.

Paragraph (a) of resolution 18 will, if resolution 18 is passed, 
authorise the directors to allot shares up to a maximum aggregate 
nominal amount of £7,395,899, which represents one-third of the 
Company’s issued ordinary share capital as at 8th February 2017 
(being the latest practicable date prior to the publication of the 
notice of AGM). Paragraph (b) of resolution 18 proposes that, in 
accordance with IA guidance, an additional authority be conferred 
on the directors to allot shares in connection with a rights issue up 
to a further maximum aggregate nominal amount of £7,395,899.

The authorities sought in paragraphs (a) and (b) of resolution 18 are 
in substitution for all existing authorities granted in the Company’s 
articles of association or otherwise, and are without prejudice to 
previous allotments or agreements or offers to allot made under 
such existing authorities. The authorities will each expire at the 
earlier of the conclusion of the next AGM of the Company or  
28th June 2018.

The directors have no present intention of exercising these 
authorities other than to fulfil the Company’s obligations under 
its share incentive plans approved previously by shareholders, 
but believe that it is in the best interests of the Company to have 
the authorities available to respond to market developments and 
to enable allotments to take place without the need for a general 
meeting should they determine that it is appropriate to do so.

Special resolutions

For a resolution proposed as a special resolution to be passed,  
at least three-quarters of the votes cast must be in favour of  
the resolution.

Resolutions 19 and 20 – Authority to disapply 
pre-emption rights

If the directors wish to allot new shares and other equity securities, 
company law requires that these shares are offered first to 
shareholders in proportion to their existing holdings. At last year’s 
AGM a special resolution was passed, under section 570 of the 
Companies Act 2006, empowering the directors to allot equity 
securities for cash without first being required to offer such shares 
to existing shareholders. It is proposed that this authority be 
renewed in line with institutional shareholder guidelines.

Under resolution 19, it is proposed that the directors be authorised 
to issue shares for cash and/or sell shares from treasury (if any are 
so held) without offering them first to existing shareholders in 
proportion to their current holdings:

(a)   in respect of a rights issue, open offer or other offer that 

generally provides existing shareholders with the opportunity 
to subscribe for new shares pro rata to their existing holdings.  
This part of the authority is designed to give the directors 
flexibility to exclude certain shareholders from such an offer 
where the directors consider it necessary or desirable to do 
so in order to avoid legal, regulatory or practical problems that 
would otherwise arise; or

(b)   up to an aggregate nominal amount of £1,109,384 (up to 
11,093,840 new ordinary shares of 10 pence each). This 
amount represents approximately 5% of the Company’s issued 
ordinary share capital as at 8th February 2017 (being the latest 
practicable date prior to the publication of the notice of AGM). 
This part of the authority is designed to provide the Board with 
flexibility to raise further equity funding and to pursue acquisition 
opportunities as and when they may arise.

170

St. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016Resolution 22 – Notice period of general meetings

The Company must give at least 21 clear days’ notice of any 
general meeting, but is permitted to call meetings other than 
the AGM on at least 14 clear days’ notice if annual shareholder 
approval is obtained beforehand. The Company must also offer,  
for any meeting held on less than 21 clear days’ notice, a facility  
to vote by electronic means that is accessible to all shareholders.

Resolution 22 is a special resolution to renew the authority granted 
at last year’s AGM to allow the Company to hold general meetings 
(other than AGMs) on not less than 14 clear days’ notice. This 
authority will be effective until the Company’s next AGM.

The shorter notice period would not be used as a matter of routine 
for such meetings, but only where the flexibility is merited by the 
business of the meeting and is thought to be to the advantage of 
shareholders as a whole.

Shareholder notes

1. Entitlement to attend and vote

To be entitled to attend and vote at the AGM (and for the purpose 
of determining the number of votes they may cast), shareholders 
must be entered on the Company’s register of members at 6.30pm 
on Monday, 27th March 2017 (or, in the event of any adjournment, 
at 6.30pm on the date which is two days before the date of the 
adjourned meeting). Changes to the register of members after the 
relevant deadline shall be disregarded in determining the rights of 
any person to attend and vote at the meeting in respect of the 
number of shares registered in their name at that time. It is 
proposed that all votes on the resolutions at the AGM will be  
taken by way of a poll.

2. Appointment of proxies – general

A shareholder entitled to attend and vote at the meeting convened 
by the notice of AGM is entitled to appoint a proxy to exercise all 
or any of his or her rights to attend and to speak and vote on his 
or her behalf at the meeting. A shareholder may appoint more than 
one proxy in relation to the meeting provided that each proxy is 
appointed to exercise the rights attached to a different share or 
shares held by that shareholder. A proxy need not be a shareholder 
of the Company but must attend the meeting in person.

For the appointment to be effective, a proxy form (or electronic 
appointment of proxy, see note 4 below) must be received 
by the Company’s registrar not less than 48 hours before the 
time of the meeting, i.e. not later than 12.00 noon on Monday, 
27th March 2017. The appointment of a proxy will not prevent a 
shareholder from subsequently attending the meeting and voting 
in person if he or she is entitled to do so and so wishes.

The authority proposed under resolution 20 is in addition to 
the authority granted by resolution 19. Under resolution 20, it is 
proposed that the directors be authorised to disapply statutory 
pre-emption rights in respect of an additional 5% of the Company’s 
issued ordinary share capital as at 8th February 2017 (being the 
latest practicable date prior to the publication of the notice of AGM). 
This further authority may only be used in connection with an 
acquisition or specified capital investment which is announced 
contemporaneously with the issue, or that has taken place in the 
preceding six-month period and is disclosed in the announcement 
of the issue as contemplated by the Pre-Emption Group’s March 
2015 Statement of Principles.

Excluding any shares issued in connection with an acquisition 
or specified capital investment as described above, the directors 
do not intend to issue more than 7.5% of the Company’s issued 
ordinary share capital on a non-pre-emptive basis in any rolling 
three-year period without prior consultation with shareholders.

The authorities sought in resolutions 19 and 20 are in substitution 
for all existing authorities granted in the Company’s articles of 
association or otherwise, and are without prejudice to previous 
allotments or agreements or offers to allot made under such existing 
authorities. The authorities will each expire at the earlier of the 
conclusion of the next AGM of the Company or 28th June 2018.

The directors have no present intention of exercising these 
authorities other than to fulfil the Company’s obligations under 
its share incentive plans approved previously by shareholders, 
but consider it prudent to obtain the flexibility that these 
authorities provide.

Resolution 21 – Authority to purchase shares

Resolution 21 is a special resolution to renew the authority granted 
to the directors at last year’s AGM to make purchases of its own 
ordinary shares through the market as permitted by the Companies 
Act 2006 and in line with institutional shareholder guidelines. No 
shares were purchased during the year and the Company does  
not hold any shares in treasury.

If passed, the resolution gives authority for the Company to purchase 
up to 22,187,698 of its ordinary shares, which represents 10% 
of the Company’s issued ordinary share capital as at 8th February 
2017 (being the latest practicable date prior to the publication 
of the notice of AGM). The resolution specifies the minimum 
and maximum prices which may be paid for any ordinary shares 
purchased under this authority. The authority will expire at the 
earlier of the conclusion of the next AGM of the Company and 
28th June 2018.

The directors have no present intention for the Company to exercise 
the authority granted by this resolution to purchase its own shares. 
They would do so only after taking account of the overall financial 
position of the Company and in circumstances where to do so 
would be regarded by the Board as being in the best interests of 
shareholders generally and result in an increase in earnings per 
ordinary share. The Company may either cancel any shares it 
purchases under this authority or transfer them into treasury (and 
subsequently sell or transfer them out of treasury or cancel them).

As at 8th February 2017 (being the latest practicable date prior to 
the publication of the notice of AGM), the Company had options 
outstanding over 6,960,649 ordinary shares, representing 3.14%    
of the issued share capital on that date. If the Company was to 
purchase the maximum number of shares permitted pursuant to 
this resolution, the options outstanding at 8th February 2017 would 
represent 3.92% of the issued share capital.

171

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continued

3. Appointment of proxies – proxy form

5. Appointment of proxies through CREST

A form which may be used to appoint a proxy and give proxy 
instructions has been sent to shareholders. If you do not have a 
proxy form and believe that you should have one, or if you require 
additional forms to appoint more than one proxy, please contact 
the Company’s registrars, Equiniti, on 0371 384 2198 (overseas 
callers should dial +44 (0)121 415 7047). Lines are open from 
8.30am to 5.30pm (UK time), Monday to Friday, excluding public 
holidays in England and Wales. Alternatively, photocopy the proxy 
form which has been sent to you. All forms must be signed and 
should be returned together in the same envelope.

The notes to the proxy form explain how to direct your proxy to 
vote on each resolution or withhold their vote. Please note that the 
vote withheld option on the proxy form is provided to enable you 
to abstain on any particular resolution; it is not a vote in law and 
will not be counted in the calculation of votes for or against the 
resolution. If you sign the proxy form and return it without any 
specific directions your proxy will vote or abstain from voting at 
his or her discretion. If you wish to appoint a proxy other than the 
Chairman of the meeting, please insert the name of your chosen 
proxy holder in the space provided on the proxy form. If the proxy  
is being appointed in relation to less than your full voting entitlement, 
please enter in the box next to the proxy holder’s name the number 
of shares in relation to which they are authorised to act as your 
proxy. If left blank your proxy will be deemed to be authorised in 
respect of your full voting entitlement (or if the proxy form has been 
issued in respect of a designated account for a shareholder, the full 
voting entitlement for that designated account).

In the case of joint holders, the vote of the senior joint holder who 
tenders a vote, whether in person or by proxy, in respect of the 
holding will be accepted to the exclusion of the votes of the other 
joint holders. For this purpose seniority is determined by the order  
in which the names appear in the Company’s register of members 
in respect of the joint holding. In the case of a corporate shareholder, 
the proxy form must be executed under its common seal or signed 
on its behalf by a duly authorised officer or attorney. In the case of an 
individual, the proxy form must be signed by the appointing shareholder. 
Any alterations made to the proxy form should be initialled.

4. Appointment of proxies electronically

Shareholders who would prefer to register the appointment of their 
proxy electronically via the internet can do so through Equiniti’s 
website at www.sharevote.co.uk using their personal Voting ID, 
Task ID and Shareholder Reference Number (which are printed  
on the proxy form). Alternatively, shareholders who have already 
registered with Equiniti’s online portfolio service, Shareview, can 
appoint their proxy electronically by logging on to their portfolio 
at www.shareview.co.uk. Full details and instructions on these 
electronic proxy facilities are given on the respective websites.  
A proxy appointment made electronically will not be valid if sent 
to any address other than those provided or if received after 
12.00 noon on Monday, 27th March 2017.

CREST members who wish to appoint a proxy or proxies for 
the AGM, and any adjournment(s) thereof, through the CREST 
electronic proxy appointment service may do so by using the 
procedures described in the CREST Manual. CREST Personal 
Members or other CREST sponsored members, and those CREST 
members who have appointed a voting service provider(s), should 
refer to their CREST sponsor or voting service provider(s), who will 
be able to take the appropriate action on their behalf.

In order for a proxy appointment or instruction made using the 
CREST service to be valid, the appropriate CREST message (a 
CREST Proxy Instruction) must be properly authenticated in 
accordance with Euroclear UK & Ireland Ltd’s (EUI) specifications 
and must contain the information required for such instructions, as 
described in the CREST Manual (available at www.euroclear.com). 
The message, regardless of whether it relates to the appointment  
of a proxy or an amendment to the instruction given to a previously 
appointed proxy must, in order to be valid, be transmitted so as 
to be received by Equiniti (ID RA19) by the latest time for receipt 
of proxy appointments specified above. For this purpose, the time 
of receipt will be taken to be the time (as determined by the time 
stamp applied to the message by the CREST Applications Host) 
from which Equiniti is able to retrieve the message by enquiry to 
CREST in the manner prescribed by CREST. After this time any 
change of instructions to proxies appointed through CREST  
should be communicated to the appointee through other means.

CREST members and, where applicable, their CREST sponsors  
or voting service providers should note that EUI does not make 
available special procedures in CREST for any particular messages. 
Normal system timings and limitations will therefore apply in relation 
to the input of CREST Proxy Instructions. It is the responsibility of 
the CREST member concerned to take (or, if the CREST member  
is a CREST Personal Member or sponsored member or has 
appointed a voting service provider(s), to procure that his CREST 
sponsor or voting service provider(s) take(s)) such action as shall be 
necessary to ensure that a message is transmitted by means of the 
CREST system by any particular time. In this connection, CREST 
members and, where applicable, their CREST sponsors or voting 
service providers are referred, in particular, to those sections of the 
CREST Manual concerning practical limitations of the CREST 
system and timings.

The Company may treat as invalid a CREST Proxy Instruction in the 
circumstances set out in Regulation 35(5)(a) of the Uncertificated 
Securities Regulations 2001.

6. Changing and revoking proxy instructions

To change your proxy instruction simply submit a new proxy 
appointment using the methods set out above. Where two or 
more valid separate appointments of proxy are received in respect 
of the same share and for the same meeting, those received last 
by Equiniti will take precedence.

172

St. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016In order to revoke a proxy instruction, a shareholder will need to 
inform the Company by sending a signed hard copy notice clearly 
stating his/her intention to revoke a proxy appointment to Equiniti 
Ltd, Aspect House, Spencer Road, Lancing BN99 6DA. In the case 
of a corporate shareholder, the revocation notice must be executed 
under its common seal or signed on its behalf by a duly authorised 
officer or attorney. Any power of attorney or any other authority 
under which the revocation notice is signed (or a duly certified copy 
of such power of attorney) must be included with the revocation 
notice. Termination of proxy appointments made through CREST 
must be made in accordance with the procedures described in 
the CREST Manual.

7. Corporate representatives

A corporate shareholder can appoint one or more corporate 
representatives who may exercise on its behalf all of its powers  
as a shareholder provided that they do not do so in relation to the 
same shares. Representatives of shareholders that are corporations 
will have to produce evidence of their proper appointment when 
attending the AGM. Please contact Equiniti for further guidance.

8. Nominated persons

Any person to whom this notice is sent who is not a shareholder 
but is a person nominated by a shareholder under section 146 of 
the Companies Act 2006 to enjoy information rights (a Nominated 
Person) may, under an agreement with the shareholder who 
nominated him/her, have a right to be appointed, or have someone 
else appointed, as a proxy for the AGM. If a Nominated Person has 
no such right or does not wish to exercise it, he/she may, under any 
such agreement, have a right to give voting instructions to the 
shareholder.

The statement of the rights of shareholders in relation to the 
appointment of proxies set out in notes 2 to 7 above does not 
apply to Nominated Persons. The rights described in those notes 
can only be exercised by shareholders of the Company. If you are 
a Nominated Person it is important to remember that your main 
contact in terms of your investment remains the registered 
shareholder or the custodian or broker who administers the 
investment on your behalf.

9. Shareholder participation

Any shareholder attending the AGM has the right to ask questions 
relating to the business of the meeting and the Company has an 
obligation to answer such questions unless (i) to do so would 
interfere unduly with the preparation for the meeting or involve the 
disclosure of confidential information, (ii) the answer has already 
been given on a website in the form of an answer to a question,  
or (iii) it is undesirable in the interests of the Company or the good 
order of the meeting that the question be answered.

10. Availability of information on a website

A copy of this notice of AGM, and other information required by 
section 311A of the Companies Act 2006, can be found on the 
Company’s website at www.stmodwen.co.uk.

11. Website publication of audit concerns

Shareholders satisfying the threshold requirements in section 527  
of the Companies Act 2006 can require the Company to publish 
a statement on its website setting out any matter that such 
shareholder proposes to raise at the meeting relating to (a) the audit 
of the Company’s accounts (including the auditor’s report and the 
conduct of the audit) that are to be laid before the AGM or (b) any 
circumstances connected with an auditor of the Company ceasing 
to hold office since the last AGM. The Company cannot require the 
shareholders requesting the publication to pay its expenses in 
complying with the request. Any statement placed on the website 
must also be sent to the Company’s auditor no later than the time 
the statement is made available on the website. The business which 
may be dealt with at the meeting includes any statement that the 
Company has been required to publish on its website under section 
527 of the Companies Act 2006.

12. Total voting rights

As at 8th February 2017 (being the latest practicable date prior to 
the publication of the notice of AGM), the Company’s issued share 
capital consisted of 221,876,988 shares carrying one vote each. 
Therefore the total voting rights in the Company as at 8th February 
2017 was 221,876,988.

13. Documents available for inspection

The following documents are available for inspection at the 
registered office of the Company during normal business hours 
and will be at the place of the AGM for at least 15 minutes prior 
to and during the AGM:

(a)   copies of the directors’ service agreements with the Company;

(b)   copies of the non-executive directors’ letters of appointment;

(c)   a copy of the Company’s articles of association;

(d)   a copy of the Company’s indemnity for directors;

(e)   a copy of the draft rules of the 2017 Performance Share Plan; 

and

(f) 

 a copy of the draft rules of the 2017 Employee Share Option 
Plan.

14. Communication with the Company

You may not use any electronic address provided in this notice 
of AGM or any related documents (including the proxy form) to 
communicate with the Company for any purposes other than 
those expressly stated.

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Strategic report Corporate governance Financial statements Additional informationSt. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016Notice of annual general meeting  
– Appendix 1

The Committee may vary the performance conditions applying 
to any outstanding award following grant if an event or set of 
circumstances occurs which causes the Committee to consider 
that it would be appropriate to do so. In the case of any awards 
held by the Company’s executive directors, the Committee must  
be satisfied that the varied conditions are fair and reasonable and 
not materially less challenging than the original conditions would 
have been but for the event or set of circumstances in question.

Vesting of awards
Awards granted to executive directors shall normally vest on 
the third anniversary of grant or, if later, when the Committee 
determines the extent to which the performance conditions have 
been satisfied. Awards granted to executive directors will have a 
normal vesting period of not less than three years. The Committee 
may specify different vesting or performance periods on or prior to 
the grant of awards to participants who are not executive directors.

Where awards are granted in the form of options, once vested, 
such options will then be exercisable up until the tenth anniversary 
of grant (or such shorter period specified by the Committee at the 
time of grant) unless they lapse earlier. Shorter exercise periods 
shall apply in the case of ‘good leavers’ and/or vesting of awards  
in connection with corporate events.

Holding period
The terms of the Plan require that executive director participants 
(and such others, if any, as the Committee requires) will ordinarily  
be required to retain any vested Shares (on an after-tax basis) 
acquired under the Plan (or, where relevant, the full number of the 
vested Shares whilst held under an unexercised but vested option) 
until at least the second anniversary of the vesting of the relevant 
award. Such holding period will continue post cessation of 
employment unless the Committee determines otherwise.

Exceptionally, the Committee may, in its discretion, allow such 
participants to sell, transfer, assign or dispose of some or all of 
these Shares before the end of the holding period, subject to such 
additional terms and conditions that the Committee may specify.

Dividend equivalents
The Committee may decide that participants will receive a payment 
(in cash and/or Shares) of an amount equivalent to the dividends 
that would have been payable on an award’s vested Shares 
between the date of grant and the vesting of an award (or if later, 
and only whilst an option remains unexercised in respect of vested 
Shares, the expiry of any holding period). This amount may assume 
the reinvestment of dividends and shall be paid at the same time as 
the delivery of the related vested Shares (or cash payment as relevant).

Leaving employment
As a general rule, an award will lapse upon a participant ceasing  
to hold employment or be a director within the Company’s group. 
However, if a participant ceases to be an employee or a director 
because of death, injury or disability or in other circumstances at  
the discretion of the Committee, then their award will normally vest 
on the date when it would have vested if they had not ceased such 
employment or office. 

Summary of the principal terms of the St. Modwen Properties 
PLC 2017 Performance Share Plan (the Plan)

Operation
The Remuneration Committee of the Board (the Committee) will 
supervise the operation of the Plan.

Eligibility
Any employee (including an executive director) of the Company  
or its subsidiaries will be eligible to participate in the Plan at the 
discretion of the Committee. It is currently anticipated that 
participation in the Plan will be limited to the Company’s 
executive directors and selected senior management.

Grant of awards
The Committee may grant awards to acquire ordinary shares in  
the Company (Shares) within six weeks following the Company’s 
announcement of its results for any period. The Committee may 
also grant awards within six weeks of shareholder approval of the 
Plan or at any other time when the Committee considers there are 
sufficiently exceptional circumstances which justify the granting  
of awards.

The Committee may grant awards as conditional share awards, 
nil (or nominal) cost options or forfeitable shares. The Committee 
may also grant cash-based awards of an equivalent value to 
share-based awards, and satisfy share-based awards in cash, 
although it does not currently intend to do so. 

An award may not be granted more than 10 years after shareholder 
approval of the Plan.

No payment is required for the grant of an award. Awards are not 
transferable, except on death. Awards are not pensionable.

It is proposed that the first awards under the Plan would be made 
within six weeks following shareholder approval of the Plan or as 
soon as reasonably practicable thereafter.

Participation in the Plan by the Company’s executive directors will 
be limited to participation consistent with the relevant approved 
remuneration policy (which initially would be that for which approval 
is sought pursuant to resolution 3).

Individual limit
An employee may not receive awards in any financial year over or  
in relation to Shares which have a market value in excess of 150% 
of their annual base salary in that financial year, save in exceptional 
circumstances in which case this limit increases to 200% of their 
annual base salary. Market value for the purposes of the above 
limits shall be based on the market value of Shares on the dealing 
day immediately preceding the grant of an award or by reference 
to a short averaging period. 

Performance conditions
The extent of vesting of awards granted to the Company’s 
executive directors will be subject to the achievement of 
performance conditions set by the Committee when awards 
are granted. Performance conditions may also be set for other 
participants in the Plan, as determined by the Committee.

Details of the performance conditions applied to executive 
directors’ awards will normally be set out in the respective Directors’ 
remuneration report for the year in which the award is granted and 
will be in line with the shareholder-approved remuneration policy.

174

St. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016Overall Plan limits
The Plan may operate over new issue Shares, treasury Shares or 
Shares purchased in the market. In any 10 calendar year period,  
the Company may not issue (or grant rights to issue) more than:

(a)   10% of the issued ordinary share capital of the Company  

under the Plan and any other employee share plan adopted  
by the Company; and

(b)   5% of the issued ordinary share capital of the Company  
under the Plan and any other discretionary share plan  
adopted by the Company.

Treasury Shares will count as new issue Shares for the purposes  
of these limits unless institutional investor guidelines provide that 
they need not count.

Recovery (clawback) and withholding (malus)
The Committee may apply the Plan’s recovery and withholding 
provisions if, not later than four years following the vesting of an 
award, it is discovered that there has been any of the following:  
a material misstatement of the Company’s financial results or 
performance; an error of calculation (including on account of 
inaccurate or misleading information); serious misconduct by 
the relevant participant; or in other exceptional circumstances 
(for example, failure of adequate risk control).

The recovery and withholding may be satisfied by way of a 
reduction in the amount of any future bonus, subsisting award or 
future share awards and/or a requirement to make a cash payment.

The discovery period may be extended by the Committee for 
an additional period of up to two years in the event of ongoing 
investigation as at the expiry of the normal four year discovery period.

Alterations to the Plan
The Committee may, at any time, amend the Plan in any respect, 
provided that the prior approval of shareholders is obtained for any 
amendments that are to the advantage of participants in respect of 
the rules governing eligibility, limits on participation, the overall limits 
on the issue of Shares or the transfer of treasury Shares, the basis 
for determining a participant’s entitlement to, and the terms of, the 
Shares or cash to be acquired and the adjustment of such awards.

The requirement to obtain the prior approval of shareholders 
will not, however, apply to any minor alteration made to benefit 
the administration of the Plan, to take account of a change in 
legislation or to obtain or maintain favourable tax, exchange control 
or regulatory treatment for participants or for any company in the 
Company’s group. 

Shareholder approval will also not be required for any amendments 
to any performance condition applying to an award under the Plan 
to the extent that it is amended in accordance with the constraints 
relating to adjusting performance conditions described above.

The extent to which an award will vest in these situations will depend 
upon two factors: (i) the extent to which the performance conditions 
(if any) have been satisfied; and (ii) pro rating of the award to reflect 
the proportion of the original vesting period which has elapsed at 
the time of cessation, although the Committee can decide not to 
pro rate an award (or pro rate to a lesser extent) if it regards it as 
appropriate to do so in the particular circumstances and where it 
is permitted by the Company’s approved remuneration policy.

Alternatively, if a participant ceases to be an employee or a director 
in the Company’s group for one of the ‘good leaver’ reasons 
specified above (including in the case of a discretionary good leaver) 
the Committee can decide that their award will vest when they 
leave, subject to: (i) the performance conditions (if any) measured at 
that time; and (ii) pro rating by reference to the time of cessation as 
described above (including, as above, discretion retained for the 
Committee in respect of pro ration).

The Committee may make ‘good leaver’ status contingent on the 
satisfaction of such (ordinarily, post-cessation of service) terms as 
the Committee considers appropriate and in such circumstances 
shall retain discretion to revoke ‘good leaver’ status to such extent  
it considers appropriate upon the discovery of a breach of the 
relevant terms.

Corporate events
In the event of a takeover or winding up of the Company (not 
being an internal corporate reorganisation) all awards will vest early 
subject to: (i) the extent that the performance conditions (if any) 
have, in the opinion of the Committee, been satisfied at that time; 
and (ii) the  pro rating of the awards to reflect the reduced period of 
time between their grant and vesting, although the Committee can 
decide not to pro rate an award (or pro rate to a lesser extent) if it 
regards it as appropriate to do so in the particular circumstances.

In the event of an internal corporate reorganisation, awards will be 
replaced by equivalent new awards over shares in a new holding 
company unless the Committee decides that awards should vest 
on the basis which would apply in the case of a takeover.

If a demerger, special dividend or other similar event is proposed 
which, in the opinion of the Committee, would affect the market 
price of Shares to a material extent, then the Committee may 
decide that awards will vest on such basis as it decides.

Participants’ rights
Awards settled in Shares will not confer any shareholder rights  
until the awards have vested or the options have been exercised  
as relevant and the participants have received their Shares.

Rights attaching to Shares
Any Shares allotted when an award vests or is exercised will 
rank equally with Shares then in issue (except for rights arising 
by reference to a record date prior to their allotment).

Variation of capital
In the event of any variation of the Company’s share capital or in 
the event of a demerger, payment of a special dividend or similar 
event which materially affects the market price of the Shares, the 
Committee may make such adjustment as it considers appropriate 
to the number of Shares subject to an award and/or the exercise 
price payable (if any).

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Strategic report Corporate governance Financial statements Additional informationSt. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016Notice of annual general meeting  
– Appendix 2

Summary of the principal terms of the St. Modwen Properties 
PLC 2017 Employee Share Option Plan (the Plan)

Operation
The Remuneration Committee of the Board (the Committee) will 
supervise the operation of the Plan.

Eligibility
Any employee (excluding an executive director) of the Company  
or its subsidiaries will be eligible to participate in the Plan at 
the discretion of the Committee. It is currently anticipated that 
participation in the Plan will be limited to those employees 
who do not participate in the 2017 Performance Share Plan.

Grant of options
The Committee may grant options to acquire ordinary shares in  
the Company (Shares) within six weeks following the Company’s 
announcement of its results for any period. The Committee may 
also grant options within six weeks of shareholder approval of 
the Plan or at any other time when the Committee considers there 
are sufficiently exceptional circumstances which justify the granting 
of options.

An option may not be granted more than 10 years after shareholder 
approval of the Plan.

No payment is required for the grant of an option. Options are not 
transferable, except on death. Options are not pensionable.

It is proposed that the first options under the Plan would be made in 
line with the Company’s normal grant cycle following the publication 
of the half-year results in July 2017.

The Plan has two parts. Part A provides for the grant of HMRC tax 
advantaged options, and Part B provides for the grant of non-tax 
advantaged options. Save for minor differences to take account 
of relevant tax legislation governing HMRC tax advantaged options, 
the terms of such parts are materially identical. Part B will also allow 
the Committee to grant cash-based awards of an equivalent value 
to share-based awards or to satisfy share-based awards in cash, 
although it does not currently intend to do so.

Individual limit
An employee may not receive options in any financial year over or 
in relation to Shares which have a market value in excess of 150% 
of their annual base salary in that financial year, save in exceptional 
circumstances in which case this limit increases to 300% of their 
annual base salary. Market value for the purposes of the above 
limits shall be based on the market value of Shares on the dealing 
day immediately preceding the grant of an option or by reference 
to a short averaging period.

The individual limit on tax advantaged options available under Part A 
of the Plan is a maximum holding of no more than £30,000 worth of 
such options at any one time by reference to grant value, or such other 
limit that may apply from to time under the relevant tax legislation.

Option price
The price per Share payable upon exercise of an option will not 
be less than:

(a)   the middle market price of a Share on the London Stock 
Exchange on the dealing day immediately before the date 
of grant (or by reference to a short averaging period not 
exceeding five days looking back from the date of grant); and

(b)   if the option relates only to new issue Shares, the nominal value 

of a Share.

Performance conditions
The Committee may, at the time of grant of options, impose a 
performance condition on the exercise of options.

The Committee may vary the performance conditions applying 
to any outstanding options following grant if an event or set of 
circumstances occurs which causes the Committee to consider 
that it would be appropriate to do so, provided the Committee is 
satisfied that the varied conditions are fair and reasonable and not 
materially less challenging than the original conditions would have 
been but for the event or set of circumstances in question.

Exercise of options
Options will normally become capable of exercise three years 
after grant to the extent that any performance condition has been 
satisfied and provided the participant remains employed in the 
Company’s group. Unexercised options will lapse on the day 
before the tenth anniversary of the date of grant or after such 
shorter period as determined by the Committee at the time of grant.

The Committee may specify different normal vesting periods on 
or prior to the grant of options under Part B of the Plan.

Shares will be allotted or transferred to participants within 30 days 
of exercise. The Committee can decide to satisfy options which are 
not tax advantaged by the payment of a cash amount or Shares 
equal in value to the gain made on the exercise of the option.

Leaving employment
As a general rule, an option will lapse upon a participant ceasing  
to hold employment within the Company’s group. However, if a 
participant ceases to be an employee because of injury, disability, 
retirement, redundancy, their employing company or the business 
for which they work being sold out of the Company’s group or in 
other circumstances at the discretion of the Committee, their option 
will usually vest on the normal vesting date, unless the Committee 
decides otherwise. Options will be exercisable for a period of  
12 months from the date of vesting.

The extent to which an option will vest in these situations will 
depend upon two factors: (i) the extent to which the performance 
conditions (if any) have been satisfied; and (ii) pro rating of the option 
to reflect the proportion of the original vesting period which has 
elapsed at the time of cessation, although the Committee can 
decide not to pro rate an option (or to pro rate to a lesser extent) if  
it regards it as appropriate to do so in the particular circumstances.

Alternatively, if a participant ceases to be an employee in the 
Company’s group for one of the ‘good leaver’ reasons specified 
above (including in the case of a discretionary good leaver), the 
Committee can decide that their option will vest when they leave, 
subject to: (i) the performance conditions (if any) measured at that 
time; and (ii) pro rating to the time of cessation as described above 
(including, as above, discretion retained for the Committee in 
respect of pro ration). Options will then be exercisable for a period 
of six months from the date of vesting, unless the Committee 
determines otherwise. 

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St. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016Recovery (clawback) and withholding (malus)
The Committee may apply the Plan’s recovery and withholding 
provisions if, not later than four years following the vesting of an 
option, it is discovered that there has been any of the following:  
a material misstatement of the Company’s financial results or 
performance; an error of calculation (including on account of 
inaccurate or misleading information); serious misconduct by 
the relevant participant; or in other exceptional circumstances 
(for example, failure of adequate risk control).

The recovery and withholding may be satisfied by way of a 
reduction in the amount of any future bonus, subsisting award/
option or future share awards/options and/or a requirement to 
make a cash payment.

The discovery period may be extended by the Committee for 
an additional period of up to two years in the event of ongoing 
investigation as at the expiry of the normal four year discovery period.

Alterations to the Plan
The Committee may, at any time, amend the Plan in any respect, 
provided that the prior approval of shareholders is obtained for any 
amendments that are to the advantage of participants in respect of 
the rules governing eligibility, limits on participation, the overall limits 
on the issue of Shares or the transfer of treasury Shares, the basis 
for determining a participant’s entitlement to, and the terms of, the 
Shares or cash to be acquired and the adjustment of such awards.

The requirement to obtain the prior approval of shareholders will 
not, however, apply to any minor alteration made to benefit the 
administration of the Plan, to take account of a change in legislation 
or to obtain or maintain favourable tax, exchange control or 
regulatory treatment for participants or for any company in the 
Company’s group.

Shareholder approval will also not be required for any amendments 
to any performance condition applying to an option under the Plan 
to the extent that it is amended in accordance with the constraints 
relating to adjusting performance conditions described above.

In the case of death, any unvested options will vest immediately, 
subject to any performance conditions and time pro rating as 
above. Options will be exercisable for a period of 12 months from 
the date of death. 

For options granted under Part B of the Plan, the Committee may 
make ‘good leaver’ status contingent on the satisfaction of such 
(ordinarily, post-cessation of service) terms as the Committee 
considers appropriate and in such circumstances shall retain 
discretion to revoke ‘good leaver’ status to such extent it considers 
appropriate upon the discovery of a breach of the relevant terms.

Corporate events
In the event of a takeover or winding up of the Company (not 
being an internal corporate reorganisation) all options will become 
exercisable early for a limited time subject to: (i) the extent that 
the performance conditions (if any) have, in the opinion of the 
Committee, been satisfied at that time; and (ii) the pro rating of 
options to reflect the reduced period of time between their grant 
and vesting, although the Committee can decide not to pro rate 
an option (or pro rate to a lesser extent) if it regards it as appropriate  
to do so in the particular circumstances.

In the event of an internal corporate reorganisation, options will be 
replaced by equivalent new options over shares in a new holding 
company unless the Committee decides that options should vest 
on the basis which would apply in the case of a takeover.

If a demerger, special dividend or other similar event is proposed 
which, in the opinion of the Committee, would affect the market 
price of Shares to a material extent, then the Committee may 
decide that options will vest on such basis as it decides.

Rights attaching to Shares
Any Shares allotted when an option is exercised will rank equally 
with Shares then in issue (except for rights arising by reference  
to a record date prior to their allotment).

Variation of capital
In the event of any variation of the Company’s share capital or in 
the event of a demerger, payment of a special dividend or similar 
event which materially affects the market price of the Shares, the 
Committee may make such adjustment as it considers appropriate 
to the number of Shares under option and/or the price payable on 
the exercise of an option.

Overall Plan limits
The Plan may operate over new issue Shares, treasury Shares or 
Shares purchased in the market. In any 10 calendar year period, 
the Company may not issue (or grant rights to issue) more than:

(a)   10% of the issued ordinary share capital of the Company under 
the Plan and any other employee share plan adopted by the 
Company; and

(b)   5% of the issued ordinary share capital of the Company under 
the Plan and any other discretionary share plan adopted by 
the Company.

Treasury Shares will count as new issue Shares for the purposes of 
these limits unless institutional investor guidelines provide that they 
need not count.

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Strategic report Corporate governance Financial statements Additional informationSt. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016Information for shareholders

Financial calendar
Ordinary shares quoted ex-dividend 

9th March 2017

2015/16 final dividend record date 

10th March 2017

AGM 

29th March 2017

2015/16 final dividend payment date 

4th April 2017

Announcement of 2017 half year results 

July 2017

Announcement of 2017 final results 

February 2018

Annual general meeting
The AGM will be held on Wednesday, 29th March 2017 in the 
Evolution Suite, Innovation Centre, 1 Devon Way, Longbridge 
Technology Park, Birmingham B31 2TS, commencing at 
12.00 noon. The notice of meeting, together with an explanation 
of the resolutions to be considered at the meeting, is set out 
on pages 166 to 177.

Website
Information about St. Modwen, including this and prior years’ 
Annual Reports, results announcements and presentations, 
together with the latest share price information, is available on  
our website at www.stmodwen.co.uk/investor-relations.

Shareholding enquiries and information
All general enquiries concerning holdings of shares in St. Modwen 
should be addressed to our registrar:

Equiniti 
Aspect House 
Spencer Road 
Lancing 
West Sussex 
BN99 6DA

Telephone: 0371 384 2198* (+44 (0)121 415 7047 if calling from 
outside the UK)

A range of shareholder information is available online at Equiniti’s 
website www.shareview.co.uk. Here you can also view information 
about your shareholding and obtain forms that you may need to 
manage your shareholding, such as a change of address form  
or a stock transfer form.

Dividend mandate
If you are a shareholder who has a UK bank or building society 
account, you can arrange to have dividends paid direct via a bank 
or building society mandate. There is no fee for this service and 
notification confirming details of the dividend payment will be sent to 
your registered address. Please contact Equiniti on 0371 384 2198* 
or go to www.shareview.co.uk for further information.

Overseas dividend payment service
If you are resident outside the UK, Equiniti (by arrangement with 
Citibank Europe PLC) can provide dividend payments that are 
automatically converted into your local currency and paid direct to 
your bank account. For more information on this overseas payment 
service please contact Equiniti on +44 (0)121 415 7047 or 
download an application form at www.shareview.co.uk.

*  Lines are open 8.30am to 5.30pm (UK time), Monday to Friday, excluding public 

holidays in England and Wales.

178

Share dealing service
If you are UK resident, you can buy and sell shares in St. Modwen 
through Shareview Dealing, a telephone and internet based service 
provided by Equiniti Financial Services Ltd. For further details please 
visit www.shareview.co.uk/dealing or call Equiniti on 03456 037037. 
Equiniti Financial Services Ltd is authorised and regulated by the 
Financial Conduct Authority. Other brokers and banks or building 
societies also offer share dealing facilities.

Electronic communications
As an alternative to receiving documents in hard copy, shareholders 
can elect to be notified by email as soon as documents such as our 
Annual Report are published. This notification includes details of 
where you can view or download the documents on our website. 
Shareholders who wish to register for email notification can do 
so via Equiniti’s website at www.shareview.co.uk.

Shareholder security
Shareholders are advised to be very wary of unsolicited mail or 
telephone calls offering free investment advice, offers to buy shares 
at a discount or sell shares at a premium, or offers of free company 
reports. Such contact is typically from overseas based ‘brokers’ who 
target UK shareholders through operations commonly known as 
‘boiler rooms’. These ‘brokers’ can be very persistent and extremely 
persuasive and often have websites to support their activities.

To avoid share fraud:

 § Keep in mind that firms authorised by the Financial Conduct 
Authority (FCA) are unlikely to contact you unexpectedly with 
an offer to buy or sell shares.

 § Do not get into a conversation, note the name of the person and 

firm contacting you and then end the call.

 § Check the Financial Services Register at www.fca.org.uk to see 
if the person and firm contacting you is authorised by the FCA.

 § Beware of fraudsters claiming to be from an authorised firm, 

copying its website or giving you false contact details.

 § Use the firm’s contact details listed on the Register if you want 

to call it back.

 § Call the FCA on 0800 111 6768 if the firm does not have contact 

details on the Register or you are told they are out of date.

 § Search the list of unauthorised firms to avoid at www.fca.org.uk/

consumers/scams.

 § Consider that if you buy or sell shares from an unauthorised firm 
you will not have access to the Financial Ombudsman Service 
or the Financial Services Compensation Scheme.

 § Think about getting independent financial and professional 

advice before you hand over any money.

 § Remember: if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!

If you are approached by fraudsters please tell the FCA using 
the share fraud reporting form at www.fca.org.uk/consumers/
report-scam-unauthorised-firm, where you can find out more 
about investment scams. You can also call the FCA Consumer 
Helpline on 0800 111 6768.

If you have already paid money to share fraudsters you should 
contact Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.

St. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016Shareholder analysis
Holdings of ordinary shares as at 30th November 2016:

By shareholder

Individuals

Directors and connected persons

Insurance companies, nominees and pension funds

Other limited companies and corporate bodies

By shareholding

Up to 500

501 to 1,000

1,001 to 5,000

5,001 to 10,000

10,001 to 50,000

50,001 to 100,000

100,001 to 500,000

500,001 to 1,000,000

1,000,001 and above

Shareholders

Shares

Number

%

Number

%

2,991

45

867

70

75.29

1.13

11,132,563

28,551,241

21.82

181,495,963

1.76

697,221

5.02

12.87

81.80

0.31

3,973

100.00

221,876,988

100.00

1,033

650

1,393

351

279

74

105

37

51

26.00

16.36

35.06

8.84

7.02

1.86

2.64

0.93

1.29

255,923

503,991

3,330,326

2,565,503

5,853,305

5,402,144

26,060,473

27,042,137

150,863,186

0.11

0.23

1.50

1.16

2.64

2.43

11.75

12.19

67.99

3,973

100.00

221,876,988

100.00

179

Strategic report Corporate governance Financial statements Additional informationSt. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016South West and South Wales
Green Court 
Kings Weston Lane 
Avonmouth 
Bristol 
BS11 8AZ

0117 316 7780

St. Modwen Homes
Park Point 
17 High Street 
Longbridge 
Birmingham 
B31 2UQ

0121 647 1000

The Trentham Estate
Stone Road 
Trentham 
Stoke-on-Trent 
ST4 8JG

01782 645222

Yorkshire and North East
Ground Floor 
Unit 2 
Landmark Court 
Elland Road 
Leeds 
LS11 8JT

0113 272 7070

Contacts

St. Modwen Properties PLC 
Company No. 349201

Head Office
Park Point 
17 High Street 
Longbridge 
Birmingham 
B31 2UQ

0121 222 9400

London and South East
180 Great Portland Street 
London 
W1W 5QZ

020 7788 3700

Midlands
Park Point 
17 High Street 
Longbridge 
Birmingham 
B31 2UQ

0121 647 1000

Northern Home Counties
IMEX 
575-599 Maxted Road 
Hemel Hempstead 
Hertfordshire 
HP2 7DX

01727 732690

North West
Chepstow House 
Trident Business Park 
Daten Avenue 
Risley 
Warrington 
WA3 6BX

01925 825950

180

St. Modwen Properties PLCAnnual report and financial statements 2016Disclaimer
This Annual Report and financial statements has been 
prepared for the members of St. Modwen Properties 
PLC and should not be relied upon by any other party 
or for any other purpose. The Company, its directors 
and employees, agents and advisors do not accept 
or assume responsibility to any other person to whom 
this document is shown or into whose hands it may 
come and any such responsibility or liability is 
expressly disclaimed.

The Annual Report and financial statements contains 
certain forward looking statements which, by their 
nature, involve risk and uncertainty because they relate 
to future events and circumstances. Actual outcomes 
and results may differ materially from any outcomes 
or results expressed or implied by such forward 
looking statements. Any forward looking statements 
made by or on behalf of the Company are made in 
good faith based on the information available at the 
time the statement is made; no representation or 
warranty is given in relation to them, including as 
to their completeness or accuracy or the basis on 
which they were prepared. The Company does not 
undertake to update forward looking statements 
to reflect any changes in its expectations with regard 
thereto or any changes in events, conditions or 
circumstances on which any such statement is based. 
Nothing in this Annual Report and financial statements 
should be construed as a profit forecast.

Designed by Gather  
+44 (0)20 7610 6140

www.gather.london

Imagery used throughout the report has been taken by: 
Commercial Property Photography; Josh Kearns 
Photography; Matthew Nichol Photography; Metro 
Photographic; Nine Elms Vauxhall Partnership; Page 
Seven Photography; Philip Gatward; Roger Smith Aerial 
Photography; and Sam Orchard.

This Report is printed on materials 
which are FSC® certified from 
well-managed forests.

These materials contain ECF 
(Elemental Chlorine Free) pulp 
and are 100% recyclable.

Cover from left   
The regeneration of Coed Darcy, a 1,060 acre scheme 
and the former site of the Llandarcy oil refinery.

320,000 sq ft extension to Screwfix, Stoke on Trent.

The Trentham Estate, Stoke-on-Trent features a range 
of innovative installations for visitors to enjoy.

THE UK’S LEADING REGENERATION SPECIALIST

www.stmodwen.co.uk

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