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FY2022 Annual Report · Thermo Fisher Scientific
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Time Out Group plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2022
For 12 months ended 30 June 2022

THE BEST  
OF YOUR CITY

Time Out Group is a leading global 
media and hospitality business that 
inspires and enables people to discover 
and experience the best of the city.
Through two highly synergistic business divisions –  
Time Out Media and Time Out Market – we help our 
large audience go out better in the world’s greatest 
cities and connect global brands as well as local talent 
with this valuable audience.

Time Out is the only global brand dedicated to city 
life and since 1968, our professional journalists have 
curated and created content about the best things  
to Do, See and Eat. Today we do this across 333  
cities in 59 countries through a unique multi-platform 
model spanning both digital and physical channels.

For more information visit 
timeout.com

01

Time Out Group plc – Annual Report and Accounts 2022

What’s inside

OVERVIEW

Highlights 
Our purpose 
Transformation 
At a glance 
Time Out Media 
Time Out Market 
Our global audience 
Chairman’s letter 
Q&A with the Group CEO 

STRATEGIC 
REPORT 

Our business model 
Strategy update 
Chief Executive’s review 
Financial review 
Corporate social responsibility 
Section 172 statement 
Principal risks and uncertainties 

2
4
6
8
12
20
28
30
32

38
40
44
50
52
56
60

GOVERNANCE

Board of Directors 
Corporate Governance report 
QCA Code principles and disclosures 
Audit Committee report 
Directors’ remuneration report 
Directors’ report 
Independent Auditors’ report 

FINANCIAL  
STATEMENTS

Consolidated income statement 
 Consolidated statement of comprehensive income 
Consolidated statement of financial position 
Company statement of financial position 
 Consolidated statement of changes in equity 
 Company statement of changes in equity 
 Consolidated statement of cash flows 
Notes to the financial statements 
Company information 

64
66
68
70
72
75
79

86
86
87
88
89
90
91
92
120

OverviewStrategic ReportGovernanceFinancial Statements02

Time Out Group plc – Annual Report and Accounts 2022

Highlights

2022 FINANCIAL  
& OPERATING  
SUMMARY

£72.9m

£44.6m

£1.2m

Gross revenue up by 62%

Gross profit increase 

Group adjusted EBITDA3

Gross revenue increased by 62% to £72.9m 
(20211 18m: £44.9m) and net revenue2 by 
47% to £55.4m (2021 18m: £37.8m).

Gross profit increased 48% to £44.6m  
(2021 18m: £30.2m).

Improved significantly to positive 
territory of £1.2m  
(2021 18m: £17.6m loss).

£14.1m

£4.8m

Group operating loss reduced

Cash

€35.0m

New four-year facility

Group operating loss reduced significantly  
to £14.1m (2021 18m: £60.5m loss).

Cash of £4.8m at 30 June 2022 (2021: 
£19.1m) and borrowings of £21.9m 
(2021: £23.5m), resulted in Adjusted 
net debt4 of £17.1m. Reported net debt 
was £44.5m (2021: £26.9m) including 
£27.4m (2021: £22.5m) of IFRS 16 
lease liabilities. 

Refinancing completed post year-end 
with new four-year term loan facility of 
€35.0m signed on 24 November 2022. 
€5.8m of the facility remains undrawn 
and the agreement allows an extension to 
€47.5m by mutual consent. 

1  All comparative information relates to the 18-month period to 30 June 2021.

2  Net revenue is calculated as gross revenue less the concessionaires’ share of revenue. See note 4 to the condensed consolidated statements.

3  Adjusted EBITDA is operating loss stated before interest, taxation, depreciation, amortisation, share-based payments, exceptional items 

and profit/(loss) on the disposal of fixed assets. This is a non-GAAP alternative performance measure (“APM”) that management uses to aid 
understanding of the underlying business performance. See note 4 for reconciliation to statutory numbers.

4  Adjusted net cash/(debt) excludes lease-related liabilities under IFRS 16. This is an APM. See note 7 to the consolidated financial statements for a 

reconciliation to statutory numbers.

OverviewStrategic ReportGovernanceFinancial Statements03

Time Out Group plc – Annual Report and Accounts 2022

Operational highlights

Market:

Significant 
revenue growth 
and progress with 
new Management 
Agreements

Media:

Digital-first strategy 
driving improved 
economics

 › All seven Markets are open with a restored curation of the 
best of the city, return of footfall and strong trading with 
net revenue increasing to £28.9m (2021 18m: £12.2m)

 › Osaka and post year-end, Cape Town, Vancouver and 
Riyadh management agreements signed, taking the 
number of open and contracted sites to fourteen

 › A significant pipeline of further Management Agreements 

in advanced negotiations as a result of increased 
engagement with real estate developers

 › Completion of transition from a traditional print to a digital-
first multi-platform strategy, enabling the Media division 
to increasingly tap into the higher-margin, growing digital 
advertising space

 › 20% growth in digital net revenue with particular success  
from Creative Solutions campaigns for major global brands

 › Combined digi-physical Media and Market campaigns 
attracting new clients and increased, high-revenue 
advertiser spend

OverviewStrategic ReportGovernanceFinancial Statements04

Time Out Group plc – Annual Report and Accounts 2022

Our purpose

WE KNOW 
CITIES LIKE 
NOBODY ELSE 

Our purpose is to enrich people’s lives by 
helping them go out better and experience 
the best of the world’s greatest cities.
We know cities like nobody else – we know because we 
go. Every day, we discover extraordinary, new, unique 
experiences in cities around the world. Our expertise is 
unparalleled and our mission brilliantly simple: we show 
people how to go out better and have an amazing time in the 
cities we love as much as they do. In a world with too much 
information, our professional journalists curate the best of 
the city. It’s a mission that has never been more relevant 
now that we can all make the most of our cities again.

OverviewStrategic ReportGovernanceFinancial Statements05

Time Out Group plc – Annual Report and Accounts 2022

What makes Time Out Group stand out

333

cities are covered by our content

Trusted

by partners around the world

Time Out’s professional journalists curate 
and create unique content about the best of 
the city – about things to Do, See and Eat

From blue chip advertising clients to the 
world’s best chefs and real estate companies – 
we have the ability to build strong relationships

72m 

global monthly brand audience

Time Out is a globally recognised 
brand with a highly engaged and 
experience-hungry audience

Global

expansion of Time Out Market 

There are now 7 Time Out Markets open and 
7 signed – with a growing pipeline of further 
locations around the world

50+

years brand history & editorial expertise

Digital 

transformation of Time Out Media

An ambassador of the city and weaved 
into the fabric of urban cultures around the 
world, Time Out is a strong brand known 
for its expertise, authority and impact

We distribute our content through multiple 
platforms from web, mobile, social, video to 
email combined with “in real life” experiences 
via Live Events and Time Out Market

OverviewStrategic ReportGovernanceFinancial Statements06

Time Out Group plc – Annual Report and Accounts 2022

Transformation

TRANSFORMING 
FROM A UK ONLY 
PRINT BUSINESS 
TO A LEADING  
MULTI-PLATFORM 
GLOBAL BRAND

A digitally led Media business and  
an expanding global Market footprint

OverviewStrategic ReportGovernanceFinancial Statements07

Time Out Group plc – Annual Report and Accounts 2022

1968-2010 
From London 
magazine to 
global expansion

 › Distribution of Time Out content 
through London print magazine

 › 1995 launch of first website and  
global expansion to New York

 › Further international expansion  
through franchise partners and  
new Owned & Operated cities

Explosion of 
digital channels

 › With consumers increasingly moving 
to digital channels, Time Out has 
focused on a digital-first strategy 

 › Investment to become a leading 

digital Media brand

 › Digital multi-platform model including 
web, mobile, email, social media and 
video plus physical experiences

Expansion of 
Markets 

 › Opening of flagship Time Out Market 

Lisbon (2014)

 › Further four Owned & Operated 
Markets open in the US (2019)

 › First Management Agreements: 

Montreal (2019) and Dubai (2021)

 › Currently 7 open and 7 signed 

Markets with a strong pipeline of new 
openings under capex-free model in 
advanced negotiations

Today
Global Market 
footprint & digital 
Media brand

 › Asset-light Market model with  

significant recurring revenue base

 › Growing audience driving multi-

channel advertising solutions for 
global brand clients

 › Robust, diverse B2C and B2B high-

margin revenue base

 › Clear strategy to profitable growth

 › Strengthened leadership team to 
leverage post-pandemic recovery

LOW MARGIN

HIGH MARGIN

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Time Out Group plc – Annual Report and Accounts 2022

At a glance

TWO  
DISTINCT BUT 
COMPLEMENTARY 
BUSINESS 
DIVISIONS

Time Out Media and Time Out Market

OverviewStrategic ReportGovernanceFinancial Statements09

Time Out Group plc – Annual Report and Accounts 2022

TIME OUT 
MEDIA

333 cities in 59 countries

Time Out is the only global city-focused 
media brand – a highly recognised, respected 
and trusted household name.

Time Out’s professional journalists curate and create 
high-quality content about the best of the city: the best 
food, drinks, culture, art, music, theatre, entertainment 
and travel – distributed through multiple platforms.

Following a successful print-only to digital-first 
transformation Time Out’s platforms span web,  
mobile, emails, social media, video and Live Events.

Time Out monetises its global reach and desirable 
audience by offering bespoke 360-degree multi-
channel advertising solutions to international, national 
and local brands and businesses.

  See page 12

OverviewStrategic ReportGovernanceFinancial Statements10

Time Out Group plc – Annual Report and Accounts 2022

At a glance

TIME OUT 
MARKET

14 open & signed Markets

Time Out Market brings the best of the 
city together under one roof: the best 
chefs, drinks and cultural experiences 
based on Time Out’s editorial curation.

It is the world’s first editorially curated food 
and cultural market, bringing the Time Out 
brand to life with the best local food and drinks 
complemented by cultural activities – from 
cooking classes with top chefs to art from 
local talent and live entertainment. Time Out 
Market also offers new, innovative “in real life” 
opportunities for our advertising clients.

  See page 20

OverviewStrategic ReportGovernanceFinancial Statements11

Time Out Group plc – Annual Report and Accounts 2022

Open: 5 Owned &
Operated Markets

The Group’s flagship Time Out Market Lisbon 
opened in 2014; following its success, four 
additional Owned & Operated Markets opened in 
2019 in Miami, New York, Boston and Chicago.

In Owned & Operated Markets, Time Out is 
responsible for design, curation, brand and day-to-
day management with revenue generated from a 
share of food turnover and bar sales.

Open: 2 Management 
Agreements

New: 7 signed sites and 
more in the pipeline

The first Management Agreement Market opened 
in 2019 in Montreal, followed in 2021 by Dubai.

Under a Management Agreement, Time Out 
partners with a real estate company that funds 
all capital and operational expenditure; Time Out 
receives a pre-development fee and, once the 
Market is trading, a share of revenue and profit 
(subject to a minimum guarantee). 

Signed sites with expected opening dates between 
2023 and 2025 include Porto (Owned & Operated) 
as well as Abu Dhabi, Prague, Cape Town, Osaka, 
Vancouver and Riyadh (Management Agreements) 
with continued interest from and high engagement 
with global real estate companies driving a growing 
pipeline.

The Company’s focus on Management Agreements 
represents a growth engine for global expansion 
under a capex-free model with recurring revenue.

OverviewStrategic ReportGovernanceFinancial Statements12

Time Out Group plc – Annual Report and Accounts 2022

Time Out Media

Our digital-first strategy

A DIGITAL  
MULTI-PLATFORM 
MEDIA BRAND

Time Out’s global team of local expert journalists creates content for 
digital channels where our audience is now, all day long: on the web 
and mobile, in their social feeds, in the videos they watch, and in their 
inbox. This combined with ‘in real life’ experiences via Live Events and 
Time Out Markets provides powerful solutions for advertising clients. 

OverviewStrategic ReportGovernanceFinancial Statements13

Time Out Group plc – Annual Report and Accounts 2022

1

2

OUR CONTENT  
HAS IMPACT

MULTI DIGI-PHYSICAL 
PLATFORMS

Time Out’s content inspires and enables people to 
explore and enjoy the best of the city. 
Our content about the best culinary and cultural experiences in cities 
around the world is relevant and trusted around the world – we pride 
ourselves on championing the city, capturing its spirit, culture and 
social life. Today, a global team of local expert journalists is curating 
the best things to do in 333 cities in 59 countries – their voice has 
authority and influence, and is always inspiring, insightful, funny and 
surprising.

As we have seen the most exciting growth and 
engagement from digital channels – alongside 
Live Events and Time Out Market – we continue to 
evolve our digital strategy. 
We now deliver our curation of the best of the city straight to millions 
of urbanites and we meet them where they take inspiration and make 
decisions: on digital platforms spanning web, mobile, email, video 
and social channels including Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter 
and TikTok. This combined with our Live Events and Time Out Markets 
enables us to offer our partners digi-physical opportunities that are 
unique in our sector.

OverviewStrategic ReportGovernanceFinancial Statements14

Time Out Group plc – Annual Report and Accounts 2022

Time Out Media
Our digital-first strategy

3

A SUITE OF NEW 
DIGITAL INITIATIVES

How Time Out brings its much-loved,  
trusted content to life digitally

Enhanced  
social media  
strategy

In order to further increase engagement 
and reach, a more engaging publishing 
strategy was implemented across social 
media, including new formats and series 
plus the transition of popular print themes in 
innovative ways to social channels.

“Out Here” –  
a more frequent 
newsletter

Sent on several days every week, this newsletter is 
all that anyone who loves London (both locals and 
visitors) really needs to guide them to the very best 
things to do and places to go. It comes beautifully 
designed and with a tone of voice that’s every bit 
Time Out: funny, passionate, expert. “Out Here” 
creates a closer, more regular and more meaningful 
relationship between Time Out’s content and its 
audience via their inboxes.

OverviewStrategic ReportGovernanceFinancial Statements15

Time Out Group plc – Annual Report and Accounts 2022

The launch  
of digital  
covers

The classic Time Out magazine cover lives on – 
on social media, in newsletters and online – as 
a multimedia moment bringing together the best 
of Time Out design, photography, text and video. 
The new digital covers are a window into Time 
Out’s digital world, throwing a spotlight on what 
is exciting the Time Out team – maybe a band or 
an actor, maybe a hot new restaurant or the city’s 
latest cultural trends.

New short- 
form video  
series

Mobile-optimised videos are increasingly the 
preferred media in which our audience engages 
with the world around them – and we are 
investing and innovating to continue to reach 
and grow this audience. In June 2022, a range 
of short-form video series launched to bring 
Time Out’s expert curation of the city to life via 
lively videos for the website and social media 
such as Instagram and TikTok.

  See page 37

OverviewStrategic ReportGovernanceFinancial Statements16

Time Out Group plc – Annual Report and Accounts 2022

Time Out Media
Our digital-first strategy

4

OUR ADVERTISING 
SOLUTIONS

We generate revenue by providing brands and 
businesses the opportunity to connect with 
our iconic brand, unique positive content and 
highly desirable global audience – all this 
makes Time Out attractive for a variety of 
advertisers across many sectors. 

The shift from print to digital platforms has enabled us 
to tap increasingly into the higher margin and growing 
digital advertising space, with social video being one of 
the fastest growing segments.

Create content that 
delivers our brand’s 
core purpose 

Curated by a global network 
of local expert journalists 

Bespoke multi-
channel Creative 
Solutions

Clients get to connect 
with our brand, content 
and audience in new ways 
through campaigns 
spanning digi-physical 
channels

Distribute content 
through digital 
channels where our 
audience is now 

Web, mobile, social media, 
video, email complemented 
by Live Events and Time 
Out Market

MONETISE 
THE 
AUDIENCE

Our  
digital multi-
platform model

BUILD  
THE 
AUDIENCE

Strengthen 
digital & 
programmatic 
advertising

Shift to digital tactics 
enhances targeting 
capabilities and 
digital advertising 
opportunities

Deliver deeper, more 
engaging storytelling 

Digital formats allow us 
to bring our content to life 
through engaging always-on 
storytelling

Constantly analyse 
data to grow digital 
reach and engagement 

A digital focus provides 
more insights to understand 
our audience better, 
innovate and optimise 
tactics

OverviewStrategic ReportGovernanceFinancial Statements17

Time Out Group plc – Annual Report and Accounts 2022

“ Cities never stand still and never stop. 
So Time Out never stops – every day, we 
discover the extraordinary. That’s why 
our digital-first strategy is about being 
always-on across digital channels which is 
aligned with city life as it is today: vibrant 
and dynamic – full of energy and people 
enjoying it like never before. We are where 
our audience is; we are in their lives and 
we put the best of the city in the palm of 
their hands.”

Stacy Bettman
Time Out Media, President, North America & UK

OverviewStrategic ReportGovernanceFinancial Statements18

Time Out Group plc – Annual Report and Accounts 2022

Time Out Media
Our digital-first strategy

5

BENEFITS 
FOR OUR 
ADVERTISING 
CLIENTS

Time Out offers brands across a 
variety of sectors a credible and 
authentic route into the passions  
of its highly-engaged audience

Brand-safe environment
Time Out’s brand and content provides a positive 
environment for clients to bring their brands to life.

Experience-hungry audience
Time Out’s diverse audience skews higher income,  
active millennials with a high intention to go out and 
interest in a wide range of city-based offerings.

Engaging, immersive storytelling 
Tapping into Time Out’s high-quality content,  
our partners can showcase their brand story and 
reach a highly responsive audience in less intrusive 
and more authentic ways.

Bespoke advertising solutions 
Time Out creates custom solutions offering unique 
and powerful opportunities for clients to connect with 
our brand and content to bring their brand needs to 
life (see case study on page 19: “Creative Solutions 
campaigns for the world’s leading brands”).

360-degree multi-channel campaigns
Time Out provides an impactful mix of digi-physical 
– digital and physical – channels including Time 
Out Market which provides unique advertising 
opportunities that no other brand can offer (see 
case study on page 19: “A synergistic approach for 
advertising clients”).

OverviewStrategic ReportGovernanceFinancial Statements19

Time Out Group plc – Annual Report and Accounts 2022

We have created and delivered  
campaigns for a diverse client base
Time Out has a Creative Solutions team that drives large, bespoke 
multi-platform campaigns, supporting clients who wish to go above and 
beyond the standard advertising opportunities.

Food & Beverage

Travel & Transport

Technology

Media & Entertainment

Retail & Services

Strategy in action

Time Out Media & Time Out Market

A SYNERGISTIC 
APPROACH FOR 
ADVERTISING 
CLIENTS

By capitalising on the combined 
strengths of Time Out Media and 
Time Out Market, we have a unique 
position amongst our competitors 
to offer a mix of digital and real-
life experiences to elevate our 
advertising offerings. This allows 
us to extend campaigns from URL 
to IRL by creating memorable and 
impactful in-person events that 
include the best food, drinks and 
live entertainment all under one 
roof. We continue to successfully 
sell high-revenue campaigns 
because of the distinctive synergy 
that exists between our two 
business divisions, enabling greater 

storytelling and strengthening the 
overall Time Out brand globally with 
advertisers and our audiences. 
Examples include an Oscars Watch 
Party at Time Out Market New York 
with Visit California and LA Tourism, 
alongside social, email and native 
digital promotion across Time Out. 
Planned in the 2022 financial year, 
and executed from July 2022, we 
created a 360-degree campaign for 
Maybelline, the world’s #1 cosmetic 
brand, spanning a variety of Time 
Out’s digital channels, social videos 
as well as Live Events at Time Out 
Market in New York, Chicago and 
Miami.

OverviewStrategic ReportGovernanceFinancial Statements20

Time Out Group plc – Annual Report and Accounts 2022

Time Out Market

The world’s leading food hall brand

THE BEST  
OF THE CITY  
UNDER ONE  
ROOF

OverviewStrategic ReportGovernanceFinancial Statements21

Time Out Group plc – Annual Report and Accounts 2022

In numbers: 7 Time Out Markets already open
(Owned & Operated Markets and Management Agreement Markets)

232,000

Sq ft total space

2

Cooking schools

4,500+

Seats

4

Demo kitchens

140+

World-class chefs

27

Bars

6

Shops

7

Art & cultural spaces

OWNED &  
OPERATED  
MARKETS

In 2014, Time Out Lisbon’s editorial team 
created Time Out Market Lisbon – the world’s 
first food and cultural market based on 
editorial curation.
Deeply rooted in the heritage of Time Out, Time Out Market is 
a perfect brand extension as its “best of the city” curation is 
now also being brought to life in physical locations. Following the 
success in Lisbon, the Group has opened four Owned & Operated 
Markets in the US. 

Under the Owned & Operated model, Time Out Market takes 
responsibility for the design, curation, branding and day-to-day 
operational management, with the Market generating revenue 
from a share of food turnover and bar sales. 

OverviewStrategic ReportGovernanceFinancial Statements22

Time Out Group plc – Annual Report and Accounts 2022

Time Out Market
Time Out Market 
Owned & Operated

OPENED 2019 

The second Time Out Market location, and first 
in North America, Time Out Market Miami is 
located just off South Beach’s famed Lincoln 
Road. Close to the iconic Art Deco District, the 
fabulous beach and some of the best hotels, its 
curated mix features outstanding talent from the 
city’s vibrant culinary scene. A demonstration 
kitchen offers chefs the opportunity to try out 
new concepts.

18k

Sq ft

18

Restaurants

3

Bars

LISBON

MIAMI

NEW YORK

OPENED 2014 

Time Out Market Lisbon, the Group’s flagship, 
was the first location to open. A once neglected 
building – a historic market hall – has been 
turned into a hugely popular destination for 
both locals and tourists and now has a global 
reputation as a must-visit place. Visitors get 
to explore food from the city’s award-winning 
chefs and much-loved restaurateurs, enjoy 
drinks from eight bars and cafés, buy from five 
shops, attend cooking workshops in the Chef’s 
Academy or events in the Time Out Studio, a 
900-capacity entertainment venue.

32k

Sq ft

32

Restaurants

8

Bars

OPENED 2019 

Time Out Market New York occupies two floors of 
the historic Empire Stores at 55 Water Street in 
Dumbo, Brooklyn. The ground floor hosts culinary 
concepts and two bars, and on the fifth floor there 
are additional chef-driven eateries, a bar, a stage 
for cultural experiences and an outdoor rooftop 
overlooking the East River, offering spectacular 
views of Manhattan’s skyline, the Brooklyn Bridge 
and the Manhattan Bridge. 

24k

Sq ft

21

Restaurants

3

Bars

OverviewStrategic ReportGovernanceFinancial Statements23

Time Out Group plc – Annual Report and Accounts 2022

OPENED 2019 

Time Out Market Boston is located at the iconic 
401 Park – a striking Art Deco building right at 
the heart of the popular and dynamic Fenway 
neighbourhood. The Market features much-loved 
local eateries and award-winning chefs as well 
as a demonstration kitchen. It is a unique food 
and cultural destination in a part of the city 
which attracts millions of visitors each year to its 
museums, restaurants, bars, offices, universities 
and Fenway Park, home to the Boston Red Sox. 

25k

Sq ft

15

Restaurants

2

Bars

The second Time Out Market location, and first in North 
America, Time Out Market Miami is located just off South 
Beach’s famed Lincoln Road. Close to the iconic Art Deco 
District, the fabulous beach and some of the best hotels, its 
curated mix features outstanding culinary talent from the city’s 
vibrant culinary scene. A demonstration kitchen offers chefs 
the opportunity to try out new concepts.

SET TO OPEN 2023

Following the success of Time Out Market Lisbon, 
a second Portuguese location will open in Porto 
on the grounds of the São Bento train station in 
the Historic Centre of the city which has been 
declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is a 
major destination in a city which is known for its 
outstanding food scene. While the Market’s interior 
space will span around 24,000 sq ft, there is also 
a large outside space of over 27,000 sq ft that will 
be used for outdoor seating and activations.

24k

Sq ft

14

Restaurants

2

Bars

BOSTON

CHICAGO

PORTO

OPENED 2019 

Located at 916 W Fulton Market and spanning 
50,000 sq ft across three floors, Time Out Market 
Chicago is the largest of the US sites. It is a big 
celebration of a city rich in culinary and cultural 
experiences. There is a communal dining area 
surrounded by the kitchens and an impressive 
bar on the ground floor. The first floor offers a 
demonstration and an event kitchen, a speakeasy 
and an entertainment platform with bleacher 
seating. The intimate rooftop bar Tony’s is an 
ode to Time Out’s founder Tony Elliott and offers 
amazing skyline views. 

50k

Sq ft

18

Restaurants

3

Bars

OverviewStrategic ReportGovernanceFinancial Statements24

Time Out Group plc – Annual Report and Accounts 2022

Time Out Market

MANAGEMENT 
AGREEMENT  
MARKETS

Going forward, the Group will focus on Management 
Agreements with a significant pipeline of locations 
signed and further sites in advanced negotiations.
Management Agreements represent a growth opportunity to expand Time Out 
Market globally and grow the Group’s recurring revenues without the need for 
further capital expenditure.

Under a Management Agreement, the partner funds all capital and operational 
expenditure and, in return, the Group receives a pre-development fee and, 
once the Market is trading, a share of revenue and profit (subject to a 
minimum guaranteed fee). 

At a time when commercial landlords and real estate developers are seeking 
concepts that attract consumer footfall, Time Out Market has proven its 
regenerative power and ability to transform spaces that become the anchor 
in prime locations. We continue to see significant interest, demonstrating the 
brand’s strength and appeal for the world’s leading real estate companies. 

OverviewStrategic ReportGovernanceFinancial Statements25

Time Out Group plc – Annual Report and Accounts 2022

OPENED 2019 

Time Out Market Montréal is the centrepiece of 
Centre Eaton de Montréal on Sainte-Catherine 
Street – a major downtown destination owned 
by global real estate leader Ivanhoé Cambridge 
which Time Out Market partnered with for its 
first Management Agreement. The Market is an 
exciting and popular space with top chefs, bars, 
a demonstration kitchen, a cooking school and 
a shop. 

40k

Sq ft

17

Restaurants

5

Bars

SET TO OPEN 2023

Time Out Market’s first location in Africa is 
expected to open towards the end of 2023 in 
Cape Town at the vibrant V&A Waterfront on 
the Atlantic shore. This is one of the city’s top 
destinations attracting millions of visitors per 
year who come here to live, dine, play, shop and 
work. There will be a curated mix of 14 chefs 
and restaurateurs, four bars and one stage. With 
approximately 750 seats, guests will be able to 
sit indoors or quayside with the spectacular view 
of Table Mountain as a backdrop.

27k

Sq ft

14

Restaurants

4

Bars

MONTREAL

DUBAI

CAPE TOWN

OPENED 2021 

Time Out Market Dubai was arguably the most 
exciting, one-of-a-kind culinary and cultural 
destination – and the largest food hall – to come 
to the UAE in 2021. Opened in partnership with 
Emaar Malls, it is located in the Souk Al Bahar 
with incredible scenic views from the 3,000 sq 
ft wraparound outdoor terrace which overlooks 
the Dubai Fountain and the Burj Khalifa. Fully 
licensed, the concessions are complemented by 
three bars that surround the open and intimate 
dining spaces. 

43k

Sq ft

17

Restaurants

3

Bars

OverviewStrategic ReportGovernanceFinancial Statements26

Time Out Group plc – Annual Report and Accounts 2022

Time Out Market
Management Agreements

SET TO OPEN 2025

Time Out Market Abu Dhabi will be the Group’s 
second location in the UAE. Working together 
with leading real estate developer Aldar 
Properties, Time Out Market will open on Abu 
Dhabi’s Saadiyat Island, a prime destination 
that attracts millions of locals and visitors each 
year. The Market will feature 15 of Abu Dhabi’s 
best restaurateurs, three bars and a cultural and 
entertainment space.

35k

Sq ft

15

Restaurants

3

Bars

VANCOUVER

ABU DHABI

PRAGUE

SET TO OPEN 2024

Time Out Market Vancouver will be located at 
Oakridge Park, Vancouver’s designated new 
town centre being developed in partnership 
by QuadReal Property Group and Westbank, 
the real estate companies this Management 
Agreement has been signed with. Currently 
under construction, Oakridge Park will be a 
highly sustainable, mixed-use cultural hub with 
residential towers, workspace, a public park,  
a 1m sq ft shopping centre and more.

69k

Sq ft

17

Restaurants

3

Bars

SET TO OPEN 2025

Time Out Market Prague will open in partnership 
with Crestyl Group, a leading developer in 
the Czech Republic. Located in the Savarin, 
a development in the historic downtown 
neighbourhood around the famous Wenceslas 
Square, this prime retail and cultural centre 
is the perfect location for Time Out Market 
to curate the best of the city. Its eateries will 
be home to excellent culinary talent, and, in 
addition to the bars, there will also be a cultural 
space and a shop.

25k

Sq ft

14

Restaurants

2

Bars

OverviewStrategic ReportGovernanceFinancial Statements27

Time Out Group plc – Annual Report and Accounts 2022

SET TO OPEN 2025

Time Out Market Osaka will be located in the 
Umekita Second Project – a large-scale urban 
development in the heart of Osaka, which aims to 
create a next-generation town centred on a park 
that will be unparalleled in the world. Osaka is well 
known as a city of “kuidaore” (“too much good 
food to eat”) in Japan. Time Out Market Osaka 
is set to launch in 2025, when the city will host 
the World Expo. It will open in partnership with 
real estate developer Hankyu Hanshin Properties 
Corporation. 

31k

Sq ft

15

Restaurants

2

Bars

PRAGUE

OSAKA

RIYADH

SET TO OPEN 2027

In November 2022, we signed a Management 
Agreement with Diriyah Gate Development 
Authority (DGDA) to open Time Out Market 
Riyadh in Diriyah Square, forecast to open in 
2027. Diriyah Square is the commercial, retail 
and lifestyle heart of the Diriyah project being 
developed by DGDA in Riyadh and the Market 
as a key anchor will be located across 95k sq 
ft and two levels. It will feature 23 kitchens, 
five beverage serveries, multiple stages, event 
and exhibition spaces, a demonstration kitchen, 
kitchen academy and kitchen lab.

95k

Sq ft

23

Restaurants

“ Our Time Out Markets 
remain as popular as ever. 
Since we reopened our 
Markets, consumer footfall 
has steadily returned, we 
have restored the best of 
the city curation with top 
culinary talents and cultural 
activations, and leading real 
estate companies want to 
work with Time Out Market 
to transform their spaces. 
The appeal of our concept 
is strong and this has 
helped us create the world’s 
leading food hall brand.”

Sandy Hayek
Time Out Market, Co-CEO (Operations)

OverviewStrategic ReportGovernanceFinancial Statements28

Time Out Group plc – Annual Report and Accounts 2022

Our global audience

A GLOBAL BRAND 
WITH A NATIONAL 
FOOTPRINT AND  
A LOCAL VOICE

We attract a global, urban 
audience of experience seekers

Experience-loving
95% take action after  
engaging with Time Out

Attitude, not age
Centred on but not exclusively  
21–45, skewing millennial

Diverse
An audience as diverse as  
the cities which Time Out is in

Active
Time Out-ers are curious, discerning 
and culturally aware – they go out a lot

OverviewStrategic ReportGovernanceFinancial Statements29

Time Out Group plc – Annual Report and Accounts 2022

333

Cities 

Staffed cities

Franchise cities

Travel content cities

Open Markets

Signed Markets

Global monthly brand audience

72.0m
25.4m

Unique monthly site visitors

8.9m

Instagram unique 
monthly users

30.2m

Facebook unique 
monthly users

6.7m

Twitter followers

OverviewStrategic ReportGovernanceFinancial Statements30

Time Out Group plc – Annual Report and Accounts 2022

Chairman’s letter

“ I am pleased to report that 
2022 has seen the Company 
return to its pre-pandemic 
trajectory, but in an even 
stronger position.”

In the 2019 annual report I wrote  
of our success in uniting our large,  
global, ever-growing digital audience 
and our handpicked city highlights  
in a physical platform.
A physical platform which grew to 185,000 sq ft that 
year with the opening of five Time Out Market sites —  
in addition to our flagship in Lisbon — and attracting in 
the process 5.5m visitors. We were then interrupted.

OverviewStrategic ReportGovernanceFinancial Statements31

Time Out Group plc – Annual Report and Accounts 2022

I am pleased to report that 2022 has seen the Company return to 
its pre-pandemic trajectory, but in an even stronger position. Led 
by a new senior leadership team the Company has restored and 
enhanced the existing Market portfolio, signed four new Markets 
between May and November 2022, re-established a significant 
pipeline of Market opportunities and a digital-first Media division 
has returned to profitability. All this built on a foundation of 
relevant and engaging content that has seen audience numbers 
reach a record level across an increasing range of digital 
channels.

Results
The shadow of the pandemic looms large over the full year 
financial performance to June 2022, with repeated lockdowns  
and trading restrictions hampering all areas of the Company.  
In the short period since these restrictions have been lifted, we 
have seen very encouraging progress, reflected in Group gross 
revenue growing 62% to £72.9m compared to the prior  
18 months and adjusted EBITDA moving into positive territory. 
The biggest contributor to both was the reopening of the seven 
existing Markets, which all saw an encouraging return of footfall 
and sales. In the summer months we have seen record trading 
days even at a mature site like Lisbon. The focus within Media 
has been completing the digital transition and generating profits 
on a stable cost base. This it achieved with the division profitable 
in the period and gross margins remaining consistent at 77%. 
Global brand audience growth of 19% to a monthly average of over 
72 million is testament to the power and relevance of this leading 
global brand. The appeal of this valuable, young, active, mobile 
audience was evident from the c.20% growth in digital advertising 
in the year, compared to the prior 18-month period, despite wider 
market trends.

We were pleased to arrange new debt funding post period end. 
A €35m four-year facility replaces the Company’s existing debt 
and secures the balance sheet. Whilst now cash-generative, the 
Company is expected to be self-funding from here onwards.

Markets
The ball is rolling again, with newly signed sites in Osaka, Cape 
Town, Vancouver and Riyadh, taking the portfolio of existing and 
signed sites to 14. A footprint that will cover over 500,000 sq 
ft, offer over 11,000 seats and provide kitchens for 250 of our 
host cities’ best chefs. Eight of these sites are Management 
Agreements, in effect a franchise model, which will contribute 
guaranteed minimum fees per site.

With increased resources and re-engaging real estate developers, 
the pipeline of opportunities has quickly grown. Bolstered by the 
success of Management Agreement Markets in Montreal and 
Dubai, three heads of terms have been signed and paid for post 
period end and a further ten sites are in early negotiation.

Media
Digital media revenue continued to grow, recovering to pre-
pandemic levels, with the majority of the 333 cities in which we 
publish content being fully digital. We look forward to replicating 
our recent success in the US, where the team has focused 
on leveraging its digital channels and physical sites to create 
big ticket, innovative, multi-territory and multi-platform creative 
solutions for major global brands.

This progress and the reputation of Time Out is built on our expert 
journalists, who continue to provide authoritative and engaging 
insights and advice on the best of city life. Our approach will never 
change, however the form the content takes, the topics covered, 
and the channels used will continue to adapt to the fast-changing 
nature of our audience. Few could imagine that a Company born 
of a paper-based list of things to do in London in the 1960s could 
now include mobile-delivered reviews of what to do in the virtual 
world.

Team
On behalf of our Board and our shareholders I would like to thank 
everyone at Time Out Group for their hard work, dedication and 
passion for our brand and business. We appreciate the support 
you have given CEO Chris Ohlund during his first year at the 
helm, in which he has focused the Group, transformed the senior 
leadership team and set Time Out on course for an ambitious 
future. And whilst we recognise that you have incredibly uncertain 
geopolitical and economic waters to navigate, we are optimistic 
that a combination of a large global digital audience, a unique 
Market platform and future planned innovations will create value 
for shareholders in 2023 and beyond.

Peter Dubens 
Non-Executive Chairman

OverviewStrategic ReportGovernanceFinancial Statements32

Time Out Group plc – Annual Report and Accounts 2022

Q&A with the Group CEO

Q

What is the key to 
performance within 
the existing Markets?

A&

Chris Ohlund joined Time 
Out Group in July 2021 as 
Executive Vice Chairman  
and was appointed Group 
CEO in October 2021.

There are many ingredients that make up the secret sauce of our 
seven existing Markets. Time Out Market is a food and cultural 
market bringing the best of the city together under one roof. At the 
heart of everything is the curation of a city’s best culinary talents, 
complemented by a compelling bar menu. To further differentiate 
and drive footfall, each Market has an exciting programme of 
cultural activations and entertainment.

Visitors coming to our Markets include both locals and tourists – so 
the easing of various restrictions allowing people to travel, go out 
and return to offices has been key. It is great to see our guests 
once again in our communal environment, connecting with other 
visitors while enjoying our culinary and cultural experiences.

Finally – we know that our Time Out Market concept is very 
successful but we are always exploring how we can evolve. Just 
recently, we launched an innovative fine-dining concept: Valhalla 
– by award-winning Chef Stephen Gillanders – is the first–ever 
standalone restaurant located within Time Out Market Chicago. At 
the core of what we do is making fine-dining accessible – and now 
Valhalla takes this to a new level and further positions Time Out 
Market as an innovator in the industry.

OverviewStrategic ReportGovernanceFinancial Statements33

Time Out Group plc – Annual Report and Accounts 2022

Has the quality of 
the Market offering 
returned post Covid?

How integrated are 
the Media and Market 
divisions?

We have reopened all seven Markets with an excellent curation 
of the best of the city and there are ongoing efforts to keep our 
offering fresh and build back the number of concessions. In the 
second half of the year alone, we have signed around 30 new 
concessions. This roster of new talent complements the already 
impressive culinary mix which includes chefs whose restaurants 
have been awarded with Michelin stars (Chef Vincent Farges in 
Lisbon), James Beard Award winners (Chef Michelle Bernstein who 
introduced Little Liberty in Miami) and Instagram favourites (JoJo’s 
ShakeBar in Chicago).

In total, across all Time Out Markets there are currently two chefs 
with Michelin stars in their own restaurants (one of them – Henrique 
Sá Pessoa in Lisbon – has two Michelin stars), four chefs honoured 
as Bib Gourmands and four James Beard award winners as well as 
three semi-finalists – this is testament to the high calibre of culinary 
talent Time Out Market continues to attract.

Time Out Market brings the best of the city together under one 
roof – based on Time Out’s editorial curation. So at the heart of 
our Market division is the expertise and authority of our Media 
division which means our editorial teams are involved in the 
curation processes for our Markets.

Furthermore, we feature Time Out content on big screens across 
our Markets – this is an area where we believe we can do more 
and we are working on further integrating our content in a way that 
adds value for our guests and positions Time Out Market as a 
physical extension of Time Out Media.

An area where we have made progress is leveraging synergies 
between Time Out Media and Time Out Market for our advertising 
clients. The bespoke 360-degree campaigns we deliver for them 
increasingly include – alongside digital tactics – experiences in our 
Markets which offers unique and powerful opportunities for our 
partners.

What is driving the 
growth in signed 
heads of terms 
and how likely are 
these to convert to 
Market Management 
Agreements?

Global hospitality has seen a strong rebound post Covid and food 
halls benefit from increasing popularity with their variety of cuisines 
and shared experiences. Time Out Market has been spearheading 
this trend – it is considered to be one of the world’s leading food and 
cultural markets which appeals to both commercial landlords and 
real estate developers. They are seeking stand-out concepts that 
attract footfall and Time Out Market has the ability to drive a desirable 
audience and transform spaces.

Management Agreements with landlords and real estate companies 
– the model we focus on going forward – are a growth engine to 
expand Time Out Market globally, driving recurring revenues without 
the need for further capital expenditure. There is continued interest 
as well as a significant pipeline of new signed locations and several 
sites in advanced negotiations. To ensure we cover initial costs 
in early stages of Management Agreement discussions, we have 
introduced the signing of heads of terms which provides us with cash 
benefits early on. We have also evolved our systematic approach to 
sourcing new opportunities to further accelerate the rate of signings. 
As a result, we expect to convert a number of heads of terms into 
Management Agreements in the year ahead and beyond.

OverviewStrategic ReportGovernanceFinancial Statements34

Time Out Group plc – Annual Report and Accounts 2022

Q&A with the Group CEO

What has been 
the key to recent 
profitable growth 
in the US media 
division?

Our trusted iconic brand, our positive unique content and our 
highly desirable audience are significant draws for advertisers 
globally. What has been key to drive profitable growth in the US in 
particular is a shift to higher-margin digital advertising leading to 
EBITDA improvements – behind this success is a clear strategy 
built on several pillars:

We build strong relationships with both major advertising and 
media agencies as well as directly with international blue chip 
brands across a variety of sectors. We are in regular contact 
with our clients, host events for them and meet in our Time Out 
Markets to drive deeper immersion into our brand. This has 
helped us develop a diverse client base featuring some of the 
world’s biggest brands that keep coming back, driving repeat 
revenue.

This thoughtful approach is also reflected in the bespoke 
multiplatform advertising solutions we offer. Our expansion across 
digital platforms has enabled us to respond to increasing demand 
in that space and while our clients have access to our suite of 
digital channels, “in real life” often is part of our campaigns too 
through Live Events or activations in our Time Out Markets – this 
is unique and something that differentiates us.

Finally, we have worked hard to prepare for a post-pandemic 
world. We understood that brands would want to try new things. 
For example, we anticipated that cosmetic brands would want to 
drive awareness once people go out again – this is a sector we 
hadn’t worked with previously so we created dedicated pitches for 
potential clients, opening up a new sector for us.

Why did you take 
the decision to close 
print (in the UK)?

54 incredible years after our late founder Tony Elliott started it,  
June 2022 saw our last Time Out London print magazine – our 
content team ensured that it was a bold statement that Time Out’s 
mission continues beyond print, on digital channels.

The decision to close print and focus on digital came as we 
continue to see the most exciting growth from digital channels, 
Live Events and Time Out Market – areas that we focus our efforts 
on to further drive profitable growth. In the US, a digital focus has 
delivered great success so the shift to a digital-first strategy was 
already well under way – this was not a decision driven by crisis, the 
pandemic only served to accelerate it. We asked ourselves what 
we want to look like in two, five and ten years’ time and where the 
Millennial and Gen Z audiences are getting inspiration for what to 
do in cities – of course it is mostly through digital channels.

So while our last regular issue of Time Out London magazine 
marked the end of one chapter, it also marked the beginning of 
the next as we continue to be an essential guide across online, 
video and social media. Many more people engage with our digital 
channels than they did through the magazine – which was still well 
loved and successful – and this enables us to tap more into the 
growing digital advertising space. To drive the business forward, you 
sometimes have to be ready to let go of elements of your portfolio 
that no longer feel like the future.

The world has changed, cities have changed, people have changed 
and Time Out has changed too. We are proud that one thing 
hasn’t changed throughout the pandemic and that is our large 
global audience. Now people go out again and they engage with 
our content through a variety of digital channels, often social 
media, while out and about. That’s why we believe our mission 
has never been more relevant as there is so much happening in 
cities around the world and we are here to capture it all. That’s 
why digital channels are our perfect home – they allow us to share 
the best of the city in a way print wouldn’t. I believe that the way 
Time Out has transformed through huge shifts since 1968 is a 
fantastic story of how a brand can stay true to its heritage while 
constantly reinventing itself to continue to engage with and attract 
its audience.

Has the nature 
of the audience 
interaction with 
Time Out changed 
as a result of the 
pandemic and social 
media?

OverviewStrategic ReportGovernanceFinancial Statements35

Time Out Group plc – Annual Report and Accounts 2022

What is your focus 
within Time Out 
Media in the 2023 
financial year?

We continue our transformation as a digital Media brand and as 
such we will focus on a number of areas. Firstly, we will continue 
to grow our audience and the shift from print to digital allows us 
to expand our footprint. To attract a valuable audience, our expert 
journalists create content for digital channels where this audience 
is now, all day long. More than ever before we meet them where 
they take inspiration and make decisions: in their social feed, 
online, in their inbox, in the videos they watch. In print, you can’t 
track what your readers engage with as much as you can via digital 
so going forward, we will have more data available which will enable 
us to understand our audience better and match their needs.

Another key area is to add value for advertising clients. Our digital-
first model offers exciting advertising propositions and enhanced 
targeting capabilities not available before to them to connect with 
our brand, content and audience in new ways.

Finally, we have launched a variety of new digital initiatives and 
continue to invest in new channels. Across social media, TikTok has 
been our fastest growing channel which offers new opportunities 
for our advertising clients. In June for example we delivered our first 
commercial TikTok partnership for FREE NOW, The Mobility Super 
App, which is a repeat client.

What has most 
exceeded your 
expectations in your 
first year as CEO?

I am pleased that – despite the impact of the pandemic on the 
financial year – we have reached a turning point for the Group in 
delivering a positive adjusted EBITDA. This demonstrates a strong 
recovery and a return to our pre-pandemic trajectory as well as the 
continued relevance and strength of our brand    — we are emerging 
from this period stronger than ever.

We have invested in our strategy with measures in place to drive 
profitable growth and have made significant progress across both 
of our business divisions. I want to take this opportunity to thank 
everyone at Time Out Group around the world for their hard work 
and dedication during a time of significant disruption.

“ The way Time Out has 

transformed through huge 
shifts since 1968 is a great 
story of how a brand can 
stay true to its heritage while 
constantly reinventing itself 
to continue to engage with 
and attract its audience.”

OverviewStrategic ReportGovernanceFinancial Statements36

Time Out Group plc – Annual Report and Accounts 2022

STRATEGIC 
REPORT

Our business model  
Strategy update 
Chief Executive’s review 
Financial review 
Corporate social responsibility 
Section 172 statement 
Principal risks and uncertainties 

38
40
44
50
52
56
60

OverviewStrategic ReportGovernanceFinancial Statements37

Time Out Group plc – Annual Report and Accounts 2022

Strategy in action

BRINGING  
TIME OUT’S MUCH 
LOVED CONTENT 
TO LIFE DIGITALLY

As we continue to evolve our digital-first 
strategy, we are working on a variety of 
initiatives to cement our positioning as 
the essential guide to the best of the city 
across digital channels, including social 
media and video. 

The goal is to be where our customers are so we are 
constantly innovating to reach, engage and increase our 
audience across the right channels with the right content that 
delivers our brand’s core purpose. So today, Time Out’s expert 
journalists more than ever create content for digital channels 
which our audience increasingly engages with.

A key part of our digital-first strategy is a focus on video 
designed for mobile consumption and therefore filmed in 
portrait mode. To that end, we have made a leap forward in 
developing our video storytelling with the launch of several 

new short-form video series designed to bring Time Out’s 
inspiring expert curation of the city to life – one moving 
image at a time – for both our on-site video player and social 
channels (in particular for Instagram and TikTok). In the 
period, we had a total of almost 8 million video views across 
our global Time Out Instagram channels.

Our new video series includes Behind the Scenes, 48 Hours 
In…, Hype Dish and Secrets of Your City. As part of the 
latter we created videos about the secret story of a Brooklyn 
brownstone building and the Seven Noses art installation in 
Soho, London – both were the most successful Instagram 
videos in the period with a total of 1.2 million views. In 
addition, we have also increased our output of one-off short 
videos to feature new events, festivals and restaurants. We 
plan to create more videos and mobile-optimised formats as 
these are tactics which our audience engages with more and 
more, and which match the energy and vibrancy of city life 
today.

OverviewStrategic ReportGovernanceFinancial Statements38

Time Out Group plc – Annual Report and Accounts 2022

Our business model

1

Our competitive 
advantage

Multiple  
platforms

A diversified  
business

We attract

Our activities

What it drives

An iconic  
brand & trusted 
authority  
since 1968

The best of  
the city content 
and experiences 
distributed 
via multiple 
channels

Curation of the best of 
the city via web, mobile, 
email, social, video and 
live events.

Consumers

Advertising and  
brand partners

Global, national and  
local businesses

Cultural institutions

Creative Solutions

Digital advertising

Live Events

Franchises

Local Marketing Solutions

Ecommerce, Affiliates  
and Offers

333 
cities

59  
countries

14 
languages

URL & IRL

Reaching a large & engaged global audience

Monetising this  
reach and traffic

At the heart of everything 
we do: a global team of local 
expert journalists curate, 
write and create content 
about the best of the city. 

In a world with too much 
information, we discover and 
share the extraordinary,  
new and unique.

This is now more important 
than ever as people can go 
out and explore cities again.

Our content and  
experiences are distributed 
across digital and physical 
channels. 

We are where our  
audience is, all day long.

We are in their lives whether 
that’s in the palm of their 
hand, at the bar or at a 
communal dining table.

Curation of the city’s  
best food, drinks  
and culture  
– all under one roof

Consumers

A city’s best chefs  
and local talent

Landlords and real  
estate developers

Owned &  
Operated Markets

Management  
Agreement Markets

Brand growth

High-margin 
B2C & B2B 
revenues

Sustainable 
returns

Continued 
profitable 
growth

OverviewStrategic ReportGovernanceFinancial Statements39

Time Out Group plc – Annual Report and Accounts 2022

2

OUR BUSINESS 
MODEL 
ENSURES THAT 
WE MAXIMISE 
VALUE FOR OUR 
STAKEHOLDERS

Shareholders
With city life back and our business recovering, our 
global Market footprint will expand to drive recurring 
revenues while our Media revenues will increase – as 
a result, Time Out Group’s valuation and share price 
will grow

Employees
We continue to create a diverse and inclusive 
workplace and attract outstanding talent who take 
pride in working for our iconic brand

  See page 52

Cities
As an ambassador of the city, Time Out celebrates 
and supports its culture and local businesses; in 
addition, each Time Out Market means a significant 
contribution to a local economy, employment and 
opportunities for a variety of talents in a city

Consumers
We help people – both locals and visitors – go out 
better in cities around the world 
Landlords & real estate developers
Time Out Market has the ability to transform a space 
into a premium environment that becomes the 
anchor of a property, driving consumer footfall

Chefs, vendors & local talent
Time Out Market offers chefs, restaurateurs  
and local talent a platform to drive revenue and 
reach a new audience within a cost-effective 
structure

Media clients
We provide our clients with exciting, bespoke 
solutions to connect with our content and audience 
in new ways within a positive brand environment

  See page 12

OverviewStrategic ReportGovernanceFinancial Statements40

Time Out Group plc – Annual Report and Accounts 2022

Strategy update

DELIVERING 
AGAINST OUR 
STRATEGY

Significant progress and consistent 
delivery against our strategy to drive 
profitable growth

OverviewStrategic ReportGovernanceFinancial Statements41

Time Out Group plc – Annual Report and Accounts 2022

TIME OUT 
MARKET

Progress In The Year

Grow existing Market business to deliver 
continued revenue and profitability

Accelerate global expansion through new 
Management Agreements to drive increased 
recurring revenue without the need for 
further capital expenditure

•  All seven existing Time Out Markets have successfully  

reopened, driving significant revenue growth
•  We continue to attract the cities’ best chefs and 

restaurateurs to join our Markets with around 30 new 
concessions signed in the second half of the period 
alone, further strengthening our “best of the city” 
positioning with an excellent culinary curation restored

•  Time Out Market Osaka Management Agreement  
signed in May 2022 with a planned 2025 opening

•  Management Agreements signed post period end: Cape 
Town signed in October 2022 with a planned 2023 
opening; Vancouver singed in November 2022 with a 
planned 2024 opening; Riyadh signed in November 2022 
with a planned 2027 opening

•  Several Time Out Market chefs with Michelin stars, 

•  Significant global pipeline of further Management 

James Beard awards and Bib Gourmands in their own 
local restaurants which is testament to the high calibre 
of concessions we continue to attract

•  All Markets have a regular programme of cultural 

activations and entertainment, complementing the 
culinary offering

•  Synergies delivered between Time Out Market and 

Time Out Media through in-Market Creative Solutions 
campaigns (for example the Oscars Watch Party at  
Time Out Market New York as part of a campaign for 
Visit California and LA Tourism)

Agreements in advanced negotiations

•  Increased landlords engagement who wish to introduce  
our leading concept in cities around the world as an  
anchor in prime locations to drive consumer footfall

•  Investment in the central infrastructure to further 
strengthen the team in order to capitalise the 
opportunities and the potential of the pipeline

•  Use of relationships with global real estate partners 
to provide a more systematic approach to sourcing 
opportunities for new Markets and further accelerate  
the rate of signing Management Agreements

OverviewStrategic ReportGovernanceFinancial Statements42

Time Out Group plc – Annual Report and Accounts 2022

Strategy update

TIME OUT 
MEDIA

Progress In The Year

Grow higher-margin digital and multi-channel big 
ticket campaigns

•  Shift from a print to a digital multi-platform strategy to increasingly 
tap into the higher-margin and growing digital advertising space
•  Creative Solutions attracting global brand partnerships, delivering 

highly visible and engaging branded moments spanning our 
360-degree platform with a higher digital component

•  Campaigns delivered for major advertising partners including 

Diageo, Samsung, Transport for London, FreeNow, Mastercard  
and more – with a roster of returning clients secured

•  Strong client relationships across direct, agency and programmatic 

partners

•  Media Sales teams upskilled with digital capabilities
•  Leverage the combination of digital advertising with Live Events 
and opportunities for activations within Time Out Markets to 
provide a unique, differentiated offering for advertising clients 
•  Optimised performance of international franchise programme
•  Investment in the teams focusing on our Affiliates and Offers 

business as our audiences look for engaging but economical ways 
to go out

OverviewStrategic ReportGovernanceFinancial Statements43

Time Out Group plc – Annual Report and Accounts 2022

Deliver world-class content about the best 
of the city to help people go out better

Grow our global audience across 
a variety of channels

•  Content published on 333 cities in 59 countries
•  Our professionally curated content is once again back  
to a focus on the best things to do in cities around the 
world, following a successful, award-winning pivot to align 
content with homebound audiences during the pandemic 
(“Time In”) 

•  Continued investment in developing our video  

storytelling capabilities and increasing the volume of 
video content across all channels through the launch of 
several short-form video series designed for both on-site 
video player and social media for mobile consumption
•  Across key cities, a number of Time Out editors have – 

•  Global brand audience has continued to grow by  

19% to 72m which is testament to the relevance and 
authority of our content

•  Digital audience growth achieved, for example through 

video for rapidly growing social media platforms 
such as TikTok and Instagram Reels as well as via 
partnerships with leading media and content brands 
such as Apple News

•  Significant viewing numbers, for example through our 
partnership with Apple News for content campaigns  
such as World’s Coolest Neighbourhoods and Best 
Cities Right Now

thanks to their authority – regular broadcast appearances 
to present the best things to do, driving brand visibility 
and awareness

•  Featuring Time Out Market across global Time Out 

channels to drive awareness and footfall for Time Out 
Market

•  Extensive PR exposure and earned media for the 

brand through a variety of activities and campaigns for 
both Time Out Media and Time Out Market

OverviewStrategic ReportGovernanceFinancial Statements44

Time Out Group plc – Annual Report and Accounts 2022

Chief Executive’s review

“ We are pleased to have reached a turning point for the Group in delivering 
positive Group Adjusted EBITDA, despite the impact of the pandemic during 
the financial year. This marks a return to our pre-pandemic trajectory and 
demonstrates that we are now in an even stronger position for future growth. 
I want to thank everyone at Time Out Group for their hard work and dedication 
to achieve this milestone — even more so as we have achieved it despite 
significant disruption.

We have invested in our strategy with ambitious measures in place to drive 
profitable growth and have made significant progress across both of our 
business divisions. Time Out Media’s content that focuses on the best of 
the city has helped millions go out once again, attracting a growing digital 
audience and key brand partners advertising with us. Our seven existing 
Time Out Markets have seen footfall and sales return, with record days 
exceeding pre-pandemic levels. In addition, we have a strong pipeline of seven 
locations set to open between 2023 and 2027, six of which are Management 
Agreements which have associated contracted minimum levels of revenues 
secured for several years. Interest from landlords in our Markets proposition 
has never been stronger as they seek to drive footfall to increase the value of 
their property. We are in advanced negotiations with real estate developers 
around the globe who wish to make Time Out Market the anchor of their 
properties as they consider our concept to be the world’s leading food and 
cultural market.”

Chris Ohlund, Group Chief Executive

OverviewStrategic ReportGovernanceFinancial Statements45

Time Out Group plc – Annual Report and Accounts 2022

Group overview
The financial year has seen the Group return to its pre-pandemic trajectory, starting with the gradual 
reopening of hospitality in most parts of the world and a transition to something approaching normality 
in our trading environments. All our Markets re-opened with increasing footfall and revenue, and our 
Media business experienced a marked recovery in digital advertising. The shadow of Covid-19 stalled 
this momentum with further disruption as the rapid spread of the Omicron variant in the winter months 
resulted in new restrictions and another dent in consumer activity; however, the key spring and summer 
months saw a period of encouraging progress and recovery.

The Group’s net revenue increased by 47% to £55.4m (2021 18m: £37.8m), albeit from a comparative 
period that was severely impacted by Covid-19. Gross margin was maintained at 80% despite 
temporarily resuming an element of our UK print products, which ceased in June 2022. Operating 
expenses continue to be monitored to ensure optimal Market profitability. These combined to produce 
an improvement in the Divisional Adjusted EBITDA of £3.9m (2021 18m: £15.9m Adjusted EBITDA 
loss). Corporate costs increased to £2.7m against a comparative (2021 18m: £1.6m) that benefitted 
from temporary Covid-19 related cost savings. This resulted — for the first time since becoming a 
listed company in 2016 — in a positive Group Adjusted EBITDA of £1.2m (2021 18m: £17.6m Group 
Adjusted EBITDA loss).

Time Out Market
Time Out Market net revenue increased materially to £28.9m (2021 18m: £12.2m) and generated 
Adjusted EBITDA of £2.2m (2021 18m: £8.4m Adjusted EBITDA loss) as the hospitality sector emerged 
from the severe restrictions experienced for the majority of the comparative period, despite some 
restrictions still in place in the first few months of the financial year. The easing of international travel 
restrictions has seen tourists return to the cities in which we operate, and people going out once again, 
as well as returning to offices, have all helped drive this revenue growth and a return to steady trading. 
Operating expenses continue to be monitored to ensure optimal Market profitability. Market central 
costs have increased as we further strengthened the Time Out Market team facilitating both growth in 
our existing Markets and to drive our global expansion. 

Sandy Hayek — previously Time Out Market Dubai General Manager — was promoted in May to Time Out 
Market Co-CEO Operations with a focus on day-to-day management across our existing locations. Working 
alongside Sandy is Time Out Market Co-CEO Development Jay Coldren, who focuses on continued global 
expansion. He brings a strong background in development and expansion as well as more than 30 years 
of hospitality experience spanning restaurants, boutique hotels and gourmet retail. Until 30 September 
2022, this role was held by Didier Souillat who left the business to explore new opportunities.

Time Out Market is a food and cultural market that brings the best of the city under one roof – it offers 
a curated mix of a city’s best chefs and as we have reopened our Markets, we have restored exceptional 
chef line-ups. In the second half of the period alone, around 30 new concessions signed across all 
Markets including James Beard award-winning Chef Michelle Bernstein who brought Little Liberty to Time 
Out Market Miami; Luella’s Southern Kitchen by Chef Darnell Reed (a James Beard semi-finalist) at Time 
Out Market Chicago; and Time Out Market Lisbon welcomed Chef Vincent Farges – one of the city’s top 
chefs with a Michelin star in his own local restaurant.

OverviewStrategic ReportGovernanceFinancial Statements46

Time Out Group plc – Annual Report and Accounts 2022

Chief Executive’s review continued

Group overview
Financial summary

Market

Media

Group net revenue1

Gross profit

Gross margin %2

Divisional Adjusted operating expenses3

Divisional Adjusted EBITDA3

Market

Media

Corporate costs

Group Adjusted EBITDA3

28,924

26,479

55,403

44,583

80%

(40,654)

3,929

2,225

1,704

(2,710)

1,219

12,233

25,570

37,803

30,170

80%

(46,116)

(15,946)

(8,418)

(7,528)

(1,622)

(17,568)

1  Net revenue is calculated as gross revenue less the concessionaires’ share of revenue. See note 4 of the Financial Statements.
2  Gross margin calculated as gross profit as a percentage of net revenue.
3  Adjusted measures are stated before interest, taxation, depreciation, amortisation, share based payments, exceptional items and profit/(loss) on 
the disposal of fixed assets. These are APMs that management use to aid understanding of the underlying business performance. See note 4 of the 
Financial Statements for reconciliation to statutory numbers.

“ We have invested in our strategy 
with ambitious measures in place 
to drive profitable growth and have 
made significant progress across 
both of our business divisions.”

Time Out Market trading overview

12 months to  
30 June 2022
£’000

18 months to  
30 June 2021
£’000

12 months ended  
30 June 2022
£’000

18 months ended  
30 June 2021
£’000

Owned Operations

Management Fees

Net Revenue

Gross profit

Gross margin %

Adjusted Operating expenditure (trading)2

Trading EBITDA1

Market central costs

Pre-opening costs

Adjusted EBITDA2

24,734

4,190

28,924

24,081

83%

(17,320)

6,761

(4,524)

(12)

2,225

10,112

2,121

12,233

10,272

84%

(14,323)

(4,051)

(4,367)

–

(8,418)

1  Trading EBITDA represents the Adjusted EBITDA from owned and operated markets post opening, management agreement fees, and the 

development fees relating to management agreements. It is presented before pre-opening costs of new markets and other central costs of  
the Market business.

2  Adjusted measures are stated before interest, taxation, depreciation, amortisation, share based payments, exceptional items and profit/(loss) on 
the disposal of fixed assets. These are APMs that management use to aid understanding of the underlying business performance. See note 4 of the 
Financial Statements for reconciliation to statutory numbers. 

Time Out Market not only offers culinary but also cultural experiences, which is a key differentiator and 
helps drive footfall as well as media attention. In the period, numerous activations took place from local 
live bands and DJs to comedy nights. Other cultural highlights included a giant mural, paying tribute to 
late designer Virgil Abloh, at Time Out Market Chicago; an NFT digital art exhibit at Time Out Market 
Miami to coincide with Miami Art Week, and Time Out Market Dubai’s first Wine Market.

Alongside seven existing Markets, as part of the global expansion plans there is a significant pipeline 
of new locations signed as well as several in advanced negotiations. This is a result of ongoing interest 
from landlords and real estate developers who value Time Out Market as a concept that can transform 
spaces and drive consumer footfall. Our engagement with landlords has continued, albeit with the 
conclusion of new Management Agreements being delayed due to pandemic-related restrictions earlier 
in the financial year. The opening of the Markets in Montreal in 2019 and of Dubai in 2021 commenced 
the Group’s first Management Agreements which offers further expansion opportunities. Under a 
Management Agreement, the real estate partner funds all capital and operational expenditure with the 
Group receiving a pre-development fee and share of revenue and profit. This has grown as an important 
part of the portfolio mix as Time Out Market continues to its global expansion. 

OverviewStrategic ReportGovernanceFinancial Statements47

Time Out Group plc – Annual Report and Accounts 2022

Time Out Media trading overview

Digital advertising

Print

Live events

Local Marketing Solutions

Advertising sales

Affiliates

Offers

Franchises

Net revenue

Gross Profit

Gross Margin %

Adjusted operating expenditure1

Adjusted EBITDA1

12 months ended  
30 June 2022
£’000

18 months to  
30 June 2021
£’000

17,928

3,378

1,098

1,161

23,565

1,414

826

674

26,479

20,502

77%

(18,798)

1,704

14,923

4,516

131

1,762

21,332

1,882

1,287

1,069

25,570

19,898

78%

(27,426)

(7,528)

1  Adjusted measures are stated before interest, taxation, depreciation, amortisation, share based payments, exceptional items and profit/(loss) on the 

disposal of fixed assets. These are APMs that management use to aid understanding of the underlying business performance. See note 4 of the Financial 
Statements for reconciliation to statutory numbers.

Furthermore, we have evolved our systematic approach to sourcing new opportunities, designed to 
accelerate the rate of new signings. As a result, we expect to sign more Management Agreements in the 
year ahead and beyond as they represent a key focus area and growth engine, increasing the Group’s 
recurring earnings stream, without the need for further capital expenditure. 

Between May and November 2022, four Management Agreements were signed: In May 2022, we 
announced that we have entered into an agreement with real estate developer Hankyu Hanshin 
Properties Corporation to open Time Out Market Osaka in 2025. An agreement with V&A Waterfront 
Holdings Ltd was signed in October 2022 to bring Time Out Market to Cape Town towards the end of 
2023. In November 2022 agreements were signed with QuadReal Property Group and Westbank to 
open Time Out Market Vancouver at the end of 2024 and with Diriyah Gate Development Authority 
(DGDA) to open the new Time Out Market Riyadh at Diriyah Gate which is forecast to open in 2027. 
Furthermore, we have agreed Head of Terms for three locations with the initial feasibility costs being 
met by the prospective Management Agreement partner. 

OverviewStrategic ReportGovernanceFinancial Statements48

Time Out Group plc – Annual Report and Accounts 2022

Chief Executive’s review continued

The current opening pipeline for new Markets – in addition to seven 
existing locations – includes:

•  Porto (owned & operated) – calendar 2023

•  Cape Town (management agreement) – calendar 2023

•  Vancouver (Management Agreement) — calendar 2024

•  Abu Dhabi (Management Agreement) – calendar 2025

•  Prague (Management Agreement) – calendar 2025

•  Osaka (Management Agreement) – calendar 2025

•  Riyadh (Management Agreement) — calendar 2027

Time Out Media
Time Out Media trading was encouraging in the year with net 
revenue up 4% to £26.5m (2021 18m: £25.6m) generating 
Adjusted EBITDA of £1.7m (2021 18m: £7.5m Group Adjusted 
EBITDA loss). Digital revenue continued to grow and recovered to 
pre-pandemic levels, supplemented by selective print products in 
the UK, Spain, and Portugal, which slightly diluted gross margin for 
the year due to the higher cost of delivering print solutions.

June 2022 saw the last regular Time Out London print magazine 
as part of a shift towards a digital-first multi-platform strategy. As 
a result, the majority of the 333 cities in which we cover content 
are now fully digital, with only monthly print issues in Barcelona 
and quarterly in Madrid and Lisbon (and in a few cities within our 
franchise network). While this approach has incurred additional 
costs this year, we are already seeing the benefit of a focused 
digital offering, with a sales team driving and attracting higher 
margin digital advertising as well as more bespoke creative 
campaigns.

On the back of strong relationships with direct and agency partners, 
the Creative Solutions team delivered big-ticket campaigns in 
the period, across multiple territories and multiple platforms. 
This included working with the likes of Diageo, Samsung, Google, 
Transport for London, Visit California and Mastercard to name a few. 
Many of these campaigns had a 360-degree approach spanning all 
of Time Out’s digital channels plus Live Events, which rebounded 
in the period. To leverage the synergies between Time Out Media 
and Time Out Market, we increasingly host Live Events for clients 
in our Markets which is a unique proposition, attracting new clients 
and increased advertiser spend. One example is the Oscars Watch 
Party at Time Out Market New York as part of a campaign for Visit 
California and LA Tourism.

Our ‘best of the city’ content is now being distributed across an 
increasing range of digital channels spanning websites, mobile, 
email, social media and video. A key element of our strategy is a 
focus on short-form video for mobile consumption, and therefore 
filmed in portrait mode – this is an area we have invested in as it is 
increasingly the preferred medium in which our audience engages 
with the world around them. As such, we have made a leap forward 
in developing Time Out’s video storytelling with the launch of 
several short form video series; these include series called Behind 
the Scenes, 48 Hours In…, Secrets of Your City and Hype Dish. 
The videos are published onsite, via Instagram Reels and TikTok. 
The latter is the fastest growing channel for Time Out London and 
within one year has seen follower numbers go from zero to almost 
100,000 in June 2022 when we delivered the first commercial 
TikTok video for FreeNow.

We are doing much to grow our global brand audience(1), which 
went up 19% to 72m (2021 18m: 60m). In a period of disruption 
of the leisure industry this is testament to the continued relevance 
and authority of our brand and content, attracting a valuable, active 
audience. In a world with too much information, this audience 
values that we curate the best of the city for them and that we 
deliver our content to them across the digital channels where they 
are now. Partnerships with leading media and content brands 
such as Apple News drive additional traffic to our content and 
we have also continued to see significant viewing numbers for 
editorial campaigns such as World’s Coolest Neighbourhoods and 
Best Cities rankings — these are annual stories which have built 
authority and interest, driving traffic as well as hundreds of pieces 
of press coverage and thereby global earned media. 

Outlook
The post pandemic recovery has continued in the new financial 
year, with revenue growth in both Time Out Group divisions meeting 
management expectations in Q1. Given the near-term weaker 
economic outlook, rising inflation and geo-political uncertainty, the 
Board recognises the head winds the Group may face in FY2023. 
However, it is cautiously optimistic given the increasing engagement 
of global brands seeking our multi-channel advertising solutions and 
the recent record trading days within the Time Out Market portfolio. 

In contrast to most media and hospitality operators, Time Out Group 
is building a valuable long term recurring earnings stream. Already 
in place are eight Time Out Market management agreements, either 
open (two) or signed (six) with a term of at last 10 years, which will 
generate a contracted minimum aggregate contribution to EBITDA of 
c.£13m per annum when all are operational. Driven by the appeal 
of the concept and the increased resource committed to new site 
development, the signing of new Market management agreements 
in cities around the world is expected to accelerate in 2023 and 
beyond.

With a strengthened balance sheet, the Company is in a position 
to continue to execute its ambitious plans and deliver further 
profitable growth.

Chris Ohlund

Group Chief Executive

6 December 2022

1  Global brand audience is the estimated monthly average in the period including all Owned and 
Operated cities and franchises. It includes print circulation and unique website visitors (O&O), 
unique social users (as reported by Facebook and Instagram with social followers on other platforms 
used as a proxy for unique users), social followers (for other social media platforms), opted-in 
members and Market visitors. The metric for the 18- month period ended 30 June 2021 of 60.3m 
(previously 64.5m) has been restated to exclude data in respect of franchisee countries where the 
information is no longer reliably obtainable and to reflect a change in the measurement of opted-in 
members.

OverviewStrategic ReportGovernanceFinancial Statements49

Time Out Group plc – Annual Report and Accounts 2022

Strategy in action

CULTURAL ACTIVATIONS 
AT TIME OUT MARKET

Time Out Market offers the city’s best culinary and cultural experiences. In the period, 
numerous activations have helped attract footfall, differentiate the brand and position 
the Markets as not-to-be-missed destinations. Ongoing entertainment features local live 
bands, comedy nights, DJs and other cultural highlights which included:

 › Time Out Market Chicago revealed a mural that pays tribute to Virgil Abloh -— created by local 
artist Rahmaan Statik, it is a visual homage to the late iconic fashion designer and former 
Chicagoan; a ticketed Tupac vs. Biggie-themed event featured on local TV whilst the DJ Van on the 
patio went viral on TikTok with 5.4m views and increased bar sales by 60% after 10pm

 › Time Out Market Miami presented during Miami Art Week “Metaversal_Language: Digital Art as 
NFTs” – a programme featuring an NFT digital art exhibit, an artist panel talk, A.I. poetry reading 
and more

 › Time Out Market Dubai hosted its first four-day Wine Market with a curated showcase of over 200 
of the world’s best wines as well as educational and entertaining experiences to bring together 
wine lovers and purveyors

 › Time Out Market Lisbon threw a big party themed “We’re in (food) heaven” to celebrate its 8th 

birthday

 › Time Out Market New York was the first-ever food hall to join NYC Restaurant Week in its 30-year 
history and in June, we hosted a fireside chat with mixologists Karl Franz Williams, Colin Asare-
Appiah and author Tamika Hall for the launch of ‘Black Mixcellence: A Comprehensive Guide to 
Black Mixology’

 › Time Out Market Boston held a New England Beer Festival, drawing in weekend crowds — the two-

day event featured a curated collection of the best New England microbrews

 › Time Out Market Montreal launched a new tasting experience called ‘La Tournée Gourmande’, 

allowing guests to try four smaller-portion sized dishes at a reduced price to enjoy a culinary trip 
around the world — it proved so popular that the activation has been brought back several times

OverviewStrategic ReportGovernanceFinancial Statements50

Time Out Group plc – Annual Report and Accounts 2022

Financial review

Gross revenue

Concessionaire share

Net revenue

Gross profit

Administrative expenses

Operating loss

Operating loss

Depreciation & amortisation

– Intangible assets

– Property, plant and equipment

– Right-of-use assets

Share-based payments

Exceptional items

Loss on disposal of property,  
plant and equipment

Adjusted EBITDA1

Finance income

Finance costs

Loss before tax

12 months ended  
30 June 2022
£’000

18 months ended  
30 June 2021
£’000

72,933

(17,530)

55,403

44,583

80%

(58,724)

(14,141)

(14,141)

2,540

6,575

2,065

1,817

2,316

47

1,219

8

(5,329)

(19,462)

44,896

(7,093)

37,803

30,170

80%

(90,717)

(60,547)

(60,547)

6,168

10,449

4,952

1,480

19,894

36

(17,568)

35

(10,544)

(71,056)

1  Adjusted EBITDA is operating loss stated before interest, taxation, depreciation, amortisation,  
share based payments, exceptional items and profit/(loss) on the disposal of fixed assets.  
This is an APM that management use to aid understanding of the underlying business performance. 
See note 4 of the Financial Statements for reconciliation to statutory numbers. 

Revenue and gross profit
Group gross revenue for the period increased by 62% to £72.9m 
(2021 18m: £45.0m) as the business recovered from the effect 
of the Covid-19 pandemic. The year began strongly as restrictions 
eased, international travel resumed and our audience once again 
began enjoying their cities. However in early December, the Omicron 
variant resulted in renewed restrictions which had a severe impact 
on our seasonally higher performing December period. This trickled 
into the second half of the year with trading returning over the rest 
of the year. Despite this, Group gross profit as a percentage of net 
revenue is consistent at 80%.

Market performance drove the increase in revenue with our 
markets open more consistently over the year, supplemented by 
the revenue generated from signing heads of terms in respect of 
future management agreement markets. Media revenue progressed 
to a recovery to pre-pandemic levels of business as digital revenue 
returned with increased consumer confidence, driving an increase 
across other revenue streams, in particular Live which delivered 
£1.1m revenue in the year from virtually none in the prior period 
(2021 18m: £0.1m). In the year we have invested in the teams 
to focus on our Affiliates and Offers business as our audiences 
increasingly look for engaging but economical ways to go out.

Administrative expenses
Adjusted Group operating expenses decreased by £4.3m to 
£43.4m (2021 18m: £47.7m). 

Market Adjusted operating expenses increased by £3.1m to 
£21.9m (2021 18m: £18.7m), comprising Trading operating 
expenditure increase of £3.0m and an increase in Market central 
costs of £0.2m.

Media Adjusted operating expenses decreased by £8.6m to 
£18.8m (2021 18m: £27.4m). Corporate costs increased to £2.7m 
against a comparative (2021 18m: £1.6m) that benefitted from 
temporary Covid-19 related cost savings. 

Overall administrative expenses for the year also includes 
£0.8m (2021 18m: nil) related to redefining and beginning the 
implementation of our digital-first strategy.

Adjusted EBITDA
Group Adjusted EBITDA, which is stated before interest, taxation, 
depreciation, amortisation, share-based payments, exceptional 
items and profit/(loss) on disposal of fixed assets, improved to 
£1.2m (2021 18m: £17.6m Group Adjusted EBITDA loss). The 
material improvement was driven by the significant growth in 
revenue as the business begins to recover from the impact of the 
pandemic.

Operating loss
The reported operating loss was £14.1m (2021 18m: £60.5m 
loss). 

The net exceptional costs of £2.3m (2021 18m: £19.9m) 
includes costs related to a discontinued corporate transaction 
(£0.8m), staff redundancy costs of staff who left the Group 
following the discontinuation of Print in the UK (£2.0m), the 
contractual exit costs of the former Chief Executive (£0.7m) and 
a gain on the modification of the Lisbon property lease of £0.5m. 
The majority of the prior period exceptional costs of £19.9m 
comprised of the impairment of Media-related goodwill (£20.0m), 
staff redundancy costs (£1.1m), Time Out Market Waterloo exit 
costs (£0.7m) and fundraising costs (£1.0m), offset by the gains 
on the modification of property leases (£2.4m).

The depreciation charge of £8.6m (2021 18m: £14.0m) 
decreased by £5.4m, driven principally by reduced Media office 
space in the UK and US.

The amortisation of intangible assets of £2.5m (2021 18m: 
£6.2m) decreased by £3.7m principally due to certain acquired 
intangible assets now being fully amortised.

Net finance costs
Net finance costs of £5.3m (2021 18m: £10.5m) primarily 
relates to interest on debt of £2.4m (2021 18m: £4.8m), 
amortisation of deferred financing costs of £0.2m (2021 18m: 
£0.4m) and interest cost in respect of lease liabilities of £2.6m 
(2021 18m: £4.9m). 

OverviewStrategic ReportGovernanceFinancial Statements51

Time Out Group plc – Annual Report and Accounts 2022

Foreign exchange
The revenue and costs of Group entities reporting in dollars have 
been consolidated in these financial statements at an average 
exchange rate of $1.34 (2021: $1.32). The operations reporting in 
euros have been consolidated at a rate of €1.18 (2021: €1.14).

Cash and debt

Cash and cash equivalents

Borrowings

Adjusted net debt

IFRS 16 Lease liabilities

Net debt

30 June 2022
£’000

30 June 2021
£’000

4,849

(21,978)

(17,129)

(27,420)

(44,549)

19,070

(23,517)

(4,447)

(22,453)

(26,900)

Cash and cash equivalents decreased by £14.2m since 30 June 
2021 to £4.8m (2021: £19.1m). This was driven primarily by the 
Group Adjusted EBITDA of £1.2m (2021 18m: £17.6m Group 
Adjusted EBITDA loss), exceptional costs cash outflow of £2.8m 
(2021 18m: £2.2m), net working capital outflow of £2.6m (2021 
18m: £24.1m), capital expenditure of £1.8m (2021 18m: £5.3m), 
net repayment of capital and interest on borrowings of £3.7m 
(2021 18m: £18.6m) and the repayment of lease liabilities of 
£4.0m (2021 18m: £6.7m).

Essential Market capital expenditure of £0.2m was undertaken 
to ensure the markets remain Covid-safe and £0.6m invested in 
the initial stages of the development of Time Out Market Porto. 
Media invested £0.7m (2021 18m: £0.6m) in capitalised software 
development costs to support the Group’s increasingly important 
digital platforms and £0.4m in the reopening of all offices.

At 30 June 2022 borrowings comprise principally the fully drawn 
Incus Capital Finance facility of £20.9m (2021: £19.0m). The 
facility was fully repaid on 30 November 2022.

On 24 August, the Group agreed an unsecured loan facility of up to 
£8.0 million with Oakley Capital Investments Limited (“OCI”). The 
drawn balance on this facility as at 30 November 2022 of £5.2m 
has been converted to a loan note (“OCI Loan Note”) and extended 
to 31 December 2023. Interest will be charged at a 90 day average 
SONIA rate plus 10% per annum, with an arrangement fee of 2% 
and an exit premium.

On 24 November 2022, the Group agreed a new €35.0m secured 
four-year term loan facility with Crestline Europe LLP (“Crestline 
facility”) which will be used to refinance the Incus Capital Facility. 
The facility has a term of four years, with the right to settle in full 
after two years. Interest may be capitalised or paid in cash, at the 
election of the Company, during the first year at a rate of 9.5% plus 
3-month EURIBOR and from the second year onwards interest will 
be paid in cash at a rate of 8.5% plus 3-month EURIBOR. There 
will separately be an exit premium payable upon full repayment 
of the facility, calculated by reference to the principal amount 
drawn. The facility is subject to quarterly financial covenants based 
on minimum liquidity levels (quarterly testing commencing on 
31 December 2022) and target leverage ratio (quarterly testing 
commencing on 30 June 2023). The Company has also executed 
an equity warrant instrument and agreed to issue 11,400,423 
equity warrants on 30 November 2022 and a further 2,264,468 
at full drawdown of the Loan Note Facility (in total representing 
approximately 3.6% of its fully diluted share capital) to the Crestline 
subscribers. The five-year equity warrants, which have customary 
anti-dilution protections, have an exercise price of 39 pence per 
ordinary share.

Going concern
The financial statements have been prepared under the going 
concern basis of accounting as the Directors have a reasonable 
expectation that the Group and Company will continue in 
operational existence and be able to settle their liabilities as they 
fall due for the foreseeable future, being a period of not less than 
one year from the date of approval of the financial statements 
(“forecast period”). In making this determination, the Directors have 
considered the financial position of the Group, projections of its 
future performance and the financing facilities that are in place.

In making this assessment the Directors have considered two 
scenarios over the forecast period:

The base case assumes a slow but steady period of growth across 
both Market and Media. Market revenue is assumed to improve 
driven by Time Out Market Lisbon returning to pre-pandemic 
trading levels and other O&O markets progressing towards 
steady-state trading levels by the end of the forecast period. 
Our strong Management Agreement pipeline is also forecast to 
deliver incremental revenue in the forecast period. Media revenue 
is assumed to return to pre-pandemic levels driven by a focus in 
high-margin digital-first offerings complemented by the return of Live 
Events, Affiliate and Offers revenue. This scenario does assume 
an appropriate element of cost inflation but does not include 
the impact of extended global economic uncertainty or further 
pandemic-related restrictions. The downside case sensitises the 
base case to assume that the Market Owned & Operated revenue 
and Media revenue underperforms the base case by 10% while 
maintaining the base case gross margin, with no further lock-downs 
and no corresponding reduction in budgeted operating costs over 
the forecast period. Consistent with the base it also assumes 
an appropriate element of cost inflation but does not include 
the impact of extended global economic uncertainty or further 
pandemic-related restrictions.

The Directors consider the downside case reduction in revenue for 
each division to be unlikely given recent performance, however with 
the uncertainty created by inflationary and recessionary factors this 
scenario is considered severe but plausible. 

As set out earlier, the Group has successfully refinanced the 
Incus Capital loan facility which was fully settled on 30 November. 
€5.8m of the new €35.0m Crestline facility remains undrawn and 
the agreement allows for the facility to be extended to €47.5m by 
mutual consent.

The Board is satisfied that under both scenarios the Group will be 
able to operate within the level of its current debt and financial 
covenants and will have sufficient liquidity to meet its financial 
obligations as they fall due for a period of at least 12 months from 
the date of signing these financial statements. For this reason, the 
Group and Company continue to adopt the going concern basis in 
preparing its financial statements.

OverviewStrategic ReportGovernanceFinancial Statements52

Time Out Group plc – Annual Report and Accounts 2022

Corporate social responsibility

CHAMPIONING 
DIVERSITY, 
SUPPORTING LOCAL 
COMMUNITIES, 
EVOLVING SUSTAINABLE 
PROCESSES.

Time Out has been at the heart of city life for decades and is committed to engaging with and supporting local 
communities and causes in cities around the world. This includes highlighting green issues to raise awareness 
amongst our audience, championing diversity and inclusion, or developing further sustainable processes across our 
business. We care about responsible and sustainable practices – and while we have initial steps and activities in 
place, there is still much for us to do and we are committed to evolving and expanding our initiatives.

OverviewStrategic ReportGovernanceFinancial Statements53

Time Out Group plc – Annual Report and Accounts 2022

EDITORIAL

DIVERSITY & INCLUSION

Time Out has a global audience that 
is very interested in sustainability 
– we are dedicated to raising 
awareness amongst our readers 
around sustainability through regular 
editorial features and campaigns. 
Our global reach enables us to give 
people around the world a nudge to 
enjoy city life more responsibly and 
to create awareness around relevant 
issues.

In November 2021, Time Out put 
the spotlight on climate action and 
sustainable living via its digital and 
social editorial content. This focus 
on how cities across the world are 
creatively tackling climate change 
was timed to coincide with the high-
profile United Nations Climate Change 
Conference in the UK.

We believe the richness of the world is in its diversity. The 
cities we represent are melting pots of different people, ideas, 
experiences and beliefs. To champion these cities and inform 
readers, Time Out must reflect them. Time Out has advocated 
for diversity and inclusion since 1968: our founder, Tony Elliott, 
was passionate about equality and diversity. 

Diversity develops creativity and enables personal and 
professional growth. Our aim is to create an open culture and 
we are committed to supporting and celebrating diversity and 
equality, and we consciously work towards reflecting this in our 
organisation. Steps include:

 › We have an editorial ethos that reflects the cities we serve. Our 
hiring and commissioning of employees, freelancers, illustrators 
and photographers reflect diverse backgrounds, perspectives 
and voices.

 › We practice blind recruitment and for applications received from 
third parties we insist on a candidate longlist where more than 
one gender or ethnicity is represented.

 › We support women leaders by ensuring gender equality within 
our senior leadership team and at all levels of the organisation.
 › Employees completing – if they wish so – an ethnicity census, so 

that we have a baseline to measure and improve upon.

 › We believe that everyone has the right to express themselves 
and empower everyone to bring their full authentic selves to 
work. A diverse and inclusive workforce is creative and enables 
us to learn from each other.

In July 2021, Time Out was announced as an official media 
partner for Copenhagen 2021 WorldPride – one of the most 
significant LGBTI+ events taking place in the year – and 
EuroGames. The media partnership featured across Time Out’s 
global network of websites and social media channels.

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Time Out Group plc – Annual Report and Accounts 2022

Corporate social responsibility continued

SUPPORTING 
CHARITIES

Time Out members of staff in offices around the world regularly organise and 
participate in local charity initiatives. This includes Payroll Giving, staff joining 
marathons and other charity support.

This year, team members took part in the Ride London 100 Miles Cycle Challenge to 
fundraise for The Ickle Pickles Children’s Charity. At our Time Out Markets, we regularly 
run “cocktail for a cause” as part of which a share of the sale of a particular cocktail 
will go to a charity.

LOVE LOCAL

Time Out regularly runs its global Love Local Awards to help support local 
restaurants, bars, galleries, live music venues, theatres and clubs that make each 
city unique.

For the Time Out Love Local Awards 2021 a total of 187,000 votes have been cast by 
our audience to reveal those venues that locals love the most in 11 cities round the 
world. These Awards offer local, independent businesses a platform to give them the 
recognition they deserve – it is a big celebration of small businesses.

Time Out Market New York has an ongoing residency with The Migrant Kitchen – a local 
New York food concept focused on providing meaningful opportunities for immigrants 
– through a pop-up kitchen, where for every meal purchased, one is donated to a New 
Yorker in need.

OverviewStrategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsSUSTAINABILITY

Time Out Market aims to be a 
responsible neighbour and to engage 
with the local community. We focus 
on managing and limiting waste with 
local recycling, sustainable sourcing 
and charitable initiatives (such as 
working with our chefs to host charity 
events in the Markets, supporting local 
organisations and causes).

We are committed to do more and to 
evolving our approach to sustainability. 
In September 2022, we kicked off work 
with The SRA, the Sustainable Restaurant 
Association, on a sustainability strategy 
for Time Out Market which will include 
transparent waste reduction targets, 
community engagement, sustainability 
standards for vendors and more.

55

Time Out Group plc – Annual Report and Accounts 2022

SUSTAINABLE 
PROCESSES

At Time Out Market, we use chinaware, 
cutlery and glassware to serve guests 
which helps us reduce single-use 
plastic.

And as part of our digital-first strategy, 
we no longer print magazines in most of 
our cities which in London alone (where 
we printed the last regular magazine 
in June 2022) will result in not printing 
approximately 500 million pages a year – 
that’s how much we would print annually 
with a fortnightly circulation of 310,000 
and around 64 pages per magazine. 

However, it is worth mentioning that when 
printing our London magazines these 
were produced, delivered and distributed 
in a sustainable way, ensuring our 
suppliers are environmentally conscious 
with ethical business practices; in 
the UK our printer used eco-friendly 
materials, robust recycling processes 
and compostable paper, reducing and 
eliminating single-use plastic, and 
minimising the carbon footprint. 

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Time Out Group plc – Annual Report and Accounts 2022

Section 172 statement

Maximising value and ensuring long-term  
success includes taking account of what  
is important to our key stakeholders. 

Our stakeholders

Why we engage

What matters to this group

How we engage

Shareholders and  
debt providers

Employees

Continued access to capital is 
important for our business as 
we continue to grow. Whilst we 
focus on expanding through 
Management Agreements, we will 
be developing Owned & Operated 
Time Out Markets.

We work to ensure that 
our shareholders and key 
debt providers have a good 
understanding of our strategy 
and business model, growth 
opportunities and performance.

Our experienced and diverse 
workforce is our key asset, and 
attracting and retaining this 
talent is critical to our success.

 › Strategy and business model, 

 › The Group CEO, CFO and Investor Relations Director conduct an ongoing investor relations programme which 

incorporating responses to possible 
impacts of a global recession 
 › Demonstrating flexibility and 

maximising resilience against the 
impacts of a global recession

 › Long-term growth potential
 › Financial performance
 › Capital expenditure requirements and 

liquidity

includes individual meetings with institutional shareholders following the interim and full-year results

 › Copies of the Annual Report are sent to all shareholders and can be downloaded from the Investors section 

on www.timeout.com, which also contains other information relevant to our investors

 › Shareholders have the opportunity to ask the Board questions during each Annual General Meeting
 › The Group CFO and Time Out Market Co-CEOs hold an annual meeting with the Group’s key debt provider 

 › Business strategy and financial 

 › The Group CEO conducts regular inductions for all new starters globally to ensure understanding of the 

stability, including resilience against 
possible impacts of a global 
recession 

 › Opportunities for development and 

progression

 › Key values such as diversity and 

inclusion

 › Fair pay and benefits
 › Job satisfaction
 › Working for an innovative company 
rooted in an iconic brand, with a 
strong sense of our values
 › Appropriate adjustments to 

office working and home working 
opportunities, due to Covid-19 
pandemic

brand, our Company values and business objectives

 › The Group CEO shares regular updates with all global staff, covering key recent developments in the 

business

 › Executive management team makes presentations to all global staff providing an update on financial 

performance, business strategy and key progress

 › Employee engagement and exit surveys provide employees a chance to provide anonymous feedback which 

is shared with management and used to develop strategies to increase employee satisfaction

 › Annual performance reviews (with mid-year check-ins) engage staff about their contribution, development 

and career aspirations, as well as their alignment with the Company’s values. There is also a Company-wide 
culture of weekly one-to-ones with line managers, team meetings and regular functional “stand-ups”

 › Social events are organised by local social committees
 › A diversity & inclusion framework is in place (including practising blind recruitment) and will be evolved as 

regular engagement surveys will provide us with the opportunity to capture the ethnicity data that makes up 
our workforce to better understand the diversity within our global teams

 › Training opportunities include GDPR refresher training and financial contributions to professional training 

contracts

 › Environment initiatives are led by cross-functional teams across our regional offices and work is under way 

on a more comprehensive sustainability strategy

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Time Out Group plc – Annual Report and Accounts 2022

Our stakeholders

Why we engage

What matters to this group

How we engage

Global audience

Time Out’s brand and curated 
content, and the audience that 
engages with it, is at the heart of 
everything we do.

 › High-quality, independent and 

professionally generated content 
which helps our audience discover 
and experience the best things to do 
in a city

 › The confidence that they can 
trust Time Out’s curation and 
recommendations

 › A consistent, authentic brand 

experience across all our digital and 
physical channels

 › The ability to experience the best 

food, drink and cultural experiences 
in a unique single location at all Time 
Out Markets

 › All Time Out’s interactions with our audience are tracked in real time through multiple analytics platforms
 › We also engage with our audience via large-scale surveys, panels, user-generated content, voting and via 

content which inspires direct consumer action – as well as through Markets and Live Events

 › Time Out works with professional journalists to ensure expertise, experience and local knowledge
 › In the Time Out Markets, we regularly refresh the curation and proposition to ensure the culinary mix is up to 

date and the experience is as frictionless as possible

 › We implemented a mobile app to enable pre or at-table ordering for visitors at our Markets

Advertising clients

Agency and direct client 
relationships are critical to 
generation and growth of 
advertising revenues.

 › Brands are seeking innovative, 

 › Regular sales calls, in person and via video conference drive deep, long-term relationships and immersion 

integrated and bespoke advertising 
solutions from a trusted media 
partner which can reach a highly 
desirable audience

 › Advertising clients seek a positive, 
brand-safe environment for their 
campaigns which Time Out’s trusted 
high-quality content and global brand 
can offer

into the brand including meetings at Time Out Market

 › Senior management hold a series of meetings with agency investment teams to update them on our 

business proposition

 › Agency-wide presentations and “lunch & learn” events, to strengthen mutual understanding and build 

awareness of our brand

 › Attendance at industry events, conferences and networking groups to grow and enrich client relationships, 

whilst widening our footprint in the market

 › C-level introductions (in-person) elevate Time Out’s relationships with key advertising clients, so we better 

understand their business needs

 › Integrated campaigns bringing Media and Market together generating larger revenue, long-term deals, 

offering multi-platform and on-site activations

 › We leverage our editorial voice to create bespoke branded content solutions to offer our clients 360-degree 

platform campaigns

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Time Out Group plc – Annual Report and Accounts 2022

Section 172 continued

Our stakeholders

Why we engage

What matters to this group

How we engage

Concessionaires

Time Out Market’s proposition 
depends on attracting and 
retaining the best chefs and 
restaurateurs of a city – it is 
crucial that we build strong 
partnerships that create long-
term value for both parties.

 › Visitor volumes and consistent 

footfall

 › Revenue and margin potential
 › The accolade of being the “best of 

the city”

 › Access to a Commercial Manager 
who holds quarterly meetings (in 
person or via video conference) 
providing advice and insights

 › Building a profile with an international 

customer base

 › Regular operational communication by Time Out Market General Managers with each concessionaire
 › Marketing teams deliver marketing plans, including summaries of recent activity and planned upcoming 

activity

 › One to two meetings every year with Time Out Market Co-CEOs
 › Commercial Manager, assisted by the General Managers, completes a performance review, which includes a 

deep dive on menu, pricing, sales, covers, average spend and customer service

Landlords

Strong, long-term relationships 
with landlords – whether Owned 
& Operated or Management 
Agreements – in a unique 
location are key to creating long-
term value for both parties.

 › Visitor footfall to drive site appeal to 

 › Time Out Market Co-CEOs maintain regular contact with all landlords and meet with them in person, 

other potential tenants
 › Real estate value growth
 › Long-term partnership
 › The addition of a new destination to 
their site, neighbourhood and city
 › The value of working with a highly 

quarterly or half-yearly

 › Time Out Market General Managers interact with landlords and/or the landlord’s representative(s) on a 

monthly basis

 › General Managers hold regular meetings with Management Agreement partners for operational reviews
 › Time Out Market Finance Director conducts regular meetings with each Management Agreement partner’s 

Finance team to review results

recognised, global brand

 › Time Out Market Co-CEOs and key staff hold quarterly meetings with Management Agreement partners to 

review operations, financial performance and relationship

Community  
and environment

We are committed to engaging 
with and supporting the 
communities we operate in and 
minimising the impact of our 
business operations on the 
environment.

 › Time Out readers are interested in 

 › Time Out is dedicated to raising awareness amongst its readers around green issues and sustainability 

sustainability

through regular editorial features and campaigns

 › Time Out Market being a responsible 
neighbour and minimising disruption

 › Waste management working with 

 › Time Out Market is dedicated to companies and suppliers, and part of this is to engage with the local 

community; for example, top chefs host charity events in the markets, supporting local organisations and 
causes

local recycling

 › Sustainable sourcing
 › Charitable donations

 › Time Out members of staff in offices around the world organise and participate in charity initiatives
 › Work is under way on a sustainability strategy across the business; in September 2022, work started on a 

strategy for Time Out Market, in collaboration with The SRA, the Sustainable Restaurant Association

OverviewStrategic ReportGovernanceFinancial Statements59

Time Out Group plc – Annual Report and Accounts 2022

OverviewStrategic ReportGovernanceFinancial Statements60

Time Out Group plc – Annual Report and Accounts 2022

Principal risks and uncertainties

The Board continually reviews the potential  
risks facing the Group and the controls in place 
to mitigate any potential adverse impacts.

The Board also recognises that the nature and scope of risks can 
change and that there may be other risks to which the Group is 
exposed. The list is therefore not intended to be exhaustive.

Regulatory Risks

Risk

Mitigation Action/Control

Risk

Mitigation Action/Control

Privacy and data 
protection risk

As the Group’s digital offering expands, the Group increasingly needs to gather 
and use customers’ personal data in order to transact with both businesses 
and customers. Unauthorised access to customer data could lead to 
reputational damage, compliance issues and a loss of customer confidence. 
The Group relies on third-party contractors and its own employees to collect 
personal data and to maintain its databases and therefore the Group is 
exposed to the risk that such data could be wrongfully appropriated, lost or 
disclosed, damaged or processed in breach of data protection regulations.

The Group has developed and implemented information security policies and 
procedures (for example, password policies and remote access policies), 
security monitoring software, physical access limitations and detection and 
monitoring of fraud from internal staff. Access to the network is protected by 
a firewall system supplied by specialist third parties. The Group also operates 
fraud detection systems which use various industry standard anti-fraud rules 
to prevent fraudulent transactions in real time. The Group encrypts sensitive 
data such as passwords and other certain information to ensure there is an 
additional layer of security.

Health and safety

The health and safety of the Group’s employees and customers is a key 
priority. We are required to comply with local health and safety legislation, 
including fire safety, food hygiene and allergens in our Markets.

Each Time Out Market location completes site-specific risk assessments and 
General Managers are required to undertake regular compliance inspections. 
Furthermore, third-party consultants conduct bi-monthly “mock” inspections at 
each Market and any action points are addressed by the General Manager.

Each Time Out Media location has a nominated health and safety co-ordinator 
to ensure that local health and safety requirements are fully assessed, and 
the required actions are implemented to ensure compliance.

In response to Covid-19, all Group locations have been modified to include 
sanitation facilities and to allow social distancing. In our Media offices, app-
based booking systems allow staff to book a desk in the office while ensuring 
that the maximum capacity is not exceeded.

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Time Out Group plc – Annual Report and Accounts 2022

Operational Risks

Risk

Mitigation Action/Control

Risk

Mitigation Action/Control

Technological risk

IT systems

Brand protection

The Group is particularly dependent on its IT infrastructure, and any 
system performance issues or shortcomings, such as system, software or 
infrastructure failure, damage or denial of access, could cause significant 
business interruption. The efficient and uninterrupted operation of the 
systems, technology and networks on which the Group relies and its ability to 
provide consumers with reliable, real-time access to its products and services 
is fundamental to the success of the Group’s business.

The Group mitigates these risks by moving critical systems to the cloud where 
possible and is currently completing the migration of its publishing system to 
the cloud. The Group continues to partner with specialist third-party solution 
providers to review and maintain our business continuity and disaster recovery 
plans, to ensure these can be effectively delivered if required.

Technological risk

Technological advancements

Time Out’s continued growth is dependent on up-to-date and effective 
technological systems. Any failure to ensure that IT capacity and capability 
keep pace with the business could impair the Group’s ability to grow.

The Group depends on its brand name and any damage to its brand or 
reputation could impact the ability to attract and retain customers with a 
resultant impact on revenue, as well as its ability to attract high-calibre 
employees.

The Group has brand guidelines in place which are regularly communicated 
to all employees and key third parties to ensure consistency of voice and 
approach throughout all marketing activities. There is also a robust strategy 
in place for actively pursuing and defending the Time Out brand name and 
all supporting trademarks, domain names and other intellectual property 
in all key markets in all relevant classes. Furthermore, the Group employs 
internal and external legal personnel who are experts in intellectual property 
to manage the trademark and domain name portfolios and there is an 
ever-increasing number of trademarks and domain names applied for and 
registered across the world.

Key management

Potential security 
incidents 

The Group makes ongoing investments in IT systems, security and people to 
ensure that systems keep pace with the development of the business. Key 
investment areas are identified annually, and progress tracked regularly to 
ensure that the objectives are being met.

The Group’s success depends on its key personnel, particularly its senior 
management team, and its ability to retain them and hire other qualified 
employees. The loss of a significant number of key personnel may have a 
negative effect on the Group’s ability to deliver its products in a timely manner 
and would, amongst other things, require the remaining key personnel to divert 
immediate and substantial attention to seeking a replacement.

The HR department monitors employee satisfaction through employee surveys 
and forums and uses the information to develop staff retention programmes. 
The Remuneration Committee also seeks to ensure that rewards correspond 
with performance and retention, and key individuals are incentivised through 
the Group’s LTIP scheme.

Each Time Out Market is exposed to some risk of terrorist and/or other visitor 
incidents. These incidents would have an immediate impact on the Group’s 
revenue and a longer-term impact on the Group’s reputation. Each Market 
engages third-party security specialists to provide a visible security presence 
throughout, in addition to Market-wide CCTV monitoring. Each Market has a 
General Manager responsible for ongoing monitoring of physical security and 
regular testing of evacuation plans. This is supplemented by “Active Shooter” 
training to ensure that local teams react appropriately. General Managers 
regularly meet with local police to understand and address any additional 
threats and provide regular communication to concessionaires about relevant 
government policies.

Economic Risks

Risk

Mitigation Action/Control

Macroeconomic 
uncertainty  
(Recession, Inflation, 
Russo-Ukrainian War)

The Group aims to minimise the possible effects of macroeconomic 
uncertainty through diversification. The Group’s Media business is digitally led 
across a diverse range of customers globally. The Group’s Market business is 
globally diversifying and focusing on capex-free Management Agreements. The 
impact of the Russo-Ukrainian war has not had, and is not expected to have, a 
significant impact on the Group. 

Consideration of risk 
posed by Covid-19

During the periods of closure and lockdown, we have taken all possible action 
to reduce our cost base. The Board continues to monitor government advice 
and actively communicate with our employees, customers and suppliers as 
operations return to a pre-Covid-19 level.

Consideration of risks 
posed by Brexit

The Group continues to monitor the impact on its business now that the UK 
has left the European Union. The Group currently considers that key areas of 
risk are around staff, currency volatility and data privacy regulation. To date 
there has been limited impact on the Group’s operations.

Competition

The Group operates in a highly competitive industry and the advent of 
new technologies and industry practices may adversely affect the Group’s 
business, results of operations and financial condition. The Group is subject 
to several risk factors relating to product demand, prices, recognition of the 
Time Out brand and the ability to attract and retain new customers.

The Group continues to invest in the development of its digital offering to 
ensure that it remains innovative, competitive and attractive in the markets in 
which it operates. The focus on the quality of offerings means that the Group 
can respond to changes in the competitive landscape and to the needs of its 
readership audience and commercial partners.

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Time Out Group plc – Annual Report and Accounts 2022

GOVERNANCE

Board of Directors 
Corporate Governance report 
QCA Code principles and disclosures 
Audit Committee report 
Directors’ remuneration report 
Directors’ report 
Independent Auditors’ report 

64
66
68
70
72
75
79

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Time Out Group plc – Annual Report and Accounts 2022
Time Out Group plc – Annual Report and Accounts 2022

Overview

Strategic Report

Governance

Financial Statements

Strategy in action

Time Out Market curation 

BRINGING A CITY’S 
BEST CHEFS TOGETHER 
UNDER ONE ROOF

We continue to attract top culinary talent 
to join Time Out Market as part of our 
ongoing curation of the best of the city. 

In this financial year, our focus was to keep our offering fresh  
and appealing, building back up the number of chefs in all  
Markets following the reopenings. Around 30 new 
concessions were signed in the second half of the year alone 
across our seven Markets globally. The roster of new chefs 
joining and complementing the already impressive culinary 
mix included some of the world’s top culinary talent:

•  Chef Chanthy Yen – who is also Justin Trudeau’s  
personal chef – has opened a new concept at  
Time Out Market Montréal.

•  Time Out Market Miami welcomed James Beard award-
winning Chef Michelle Bernstein who introduced her 
concept Little Liberty; and The Rogue Panda – by culinary 
innovators from Momofuku and Eleven Madison Park – 
launched their new plant-based Chinese vegan concept at 
Time Out Market Miami.

•  Time Out Market New York kicked off a collaboration 

with “The Migrant Kitchen” – a New York concept focused 
on providing meaningful opportunities for immigrants 
through a pop-up kitchen, where for every meal 
purchased, one is donated to a New Yorker in need.

•  Time Out Market Chicago welcomed Luella’s Southern 

Kitchen by Chef Darnell Reed (a James Beard semi-finalist) 
and Instagram favourite, JoJo’s ShakeBar.

•  New, recent vendors at Time Out Market Dubai include 

SLAB cocina, Lana Lusa, Boon Coffee and The Lighthouse 
– Pastry and Dessert.

•  Say Coffee Co. joined Time Out Market Boston, putting 

a spotlight on Vietnamese-rooted, fair trade coffee that is 
bold and rich in taste and flavour.

•  At Time Out Market Lisbon, Chef Vincent Farges opened 

his kitchen – one of the city’s top chefs with a Michelin star 
in his local restaurant. In August 2022, another new vendor 
joined: O Frade offers traditional food from the Portuguese 
region Alentejo and is a Bib Gourmand – an award given 
to restaurants that offer what Michelin deems to be good 
quality and good value cooking.

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Time Out Group plc – Annual Report and Accounts 2022

Board of Directors

PETER  
DUBENS

CHRIS 
OHLUND

Non-Executive Chairman

Chief Executive Officer

Date joined
Mr Dubens joined the Group in November 2010 as a 
Non-Executive Director and was appointed Non-Executive 
Chairman in May 2016.

Experience
Mr Dubens is the founder and Managing Partner of 
the Oakley Capital Group, a privately-owned asset 
management and advisory group comprising Private 
Equity, Venture Capital and Corporate Finance operations 
managing approximately €5bn. Mr Dubens founded Oakley 
Capital in 2002 to be a best-of-breed, entrepreneurially-
driven investment house, creating an ecosystem that 
supports the companies the Oakley Capital Group invests 
in, whether they are early-stage companies or established 
businesses.

Date joined
Mr Ohlund joined the Group in July 2021 as Executive 
Vice-Chairman, and was appointed CEO in October 2021.

Experience
Mr Ohlund has over 25 years of leadership experience 
in international digital businesses ranging from leading 
media brands, consumer platforms and film production. 
He has served on various boards including as Chairman 
of then-publicly listed Ricardo (part of Tradus) – which 
was eventually sold to Naspers for $1.9bn. Mr Ohlund 
served as Non-Executive Director at Oscar-winning Condor 
Films in Switzerland, London-based internet start-up 
Shutl.com (until its sale to eBay), Facile and Casa in Italy 
and currently serves on the board of the UK’s leading 
PropTech, Residently. As CEO of Germany’s leading online 
comparison portal Verivox, he quadrupled annual revenue 
and increased enterprise value sixfold to over €500m. 
Previously he turned around the digital business unit of 
Blick, a daily Swiss newspaper, to become the number one 
digital news portal in Switzerland. Prior to that he served 
as CEO of logistics firm DPD.

OverviewStrategic ReportGovernanceFinancial Statements65

Time Out Group plc – Annual Report and Accounts 2022

CHRIS 

OHLUND

LORD ROSE  
OF MONEWDEN

ALEXANDER 
COLLINS

DAVID  
TILL

Chief Executive Officer

Non-Executive Director

Non-Executive Director

Non-Executive Director

Date joined
Lord Rose joined the Group in December 2015 as 
Chairman of Time Out Market Limited and was appointed 
as a Non-Executive Director in June 2016.

Experience
Lord Rose has worked in the retail industry for over 40 
years, including over 25 years’ board-level experience. 
He has held Chief Executive Officer positions at Argos, 
Booker, Iceland, Arcadia Group and Marks & Spencer 
and Chair positions at EG Group, Marks & Spencer and 
Ocado Group. Lord Rose was knighted for services to the 
retail industry and corporate social responsibility in 2008 
and was appointed to the House of Lords in 2014. He is 
the Chair of the Audit Committee and the Remuneration 
Committee.

Date joined
Mr Collins joined the Group in November 2010 as a  
Non-Executive Director. 

Date joined
Mr Till joined the Group in October 2020 as a  
Non-Executive Director.

Experience
Mr Collins is a Partner at Oakley Capital where he joined in 
2007 and has over 24 years of private equity investment 
and operational experience. His focus at Oakley is 
primarily on deal origination, execution, and investment 
advice. Mr Collins began his career at GE Capital in 
1995 before being seconded to Advent International 
for two years as Associate Director. He subsequently 
joined Henderson Private Capital as Principal. Mr Collins 
joined Oakley in 2007 from Wharfedale Capital where he 
was a Partner involved in purchasing secondary assets. 
Mr Collins holds an MSc from the London School of 
Economics and a BA in Economic History from Union 
College, New York.

Experience
Mr Till co-founded the Oakley Capital Group in 2002 
with Peter Dubens. He plays a key role within the 
Oakley Capital Group and has overall responsibility for 
operations, finance, due diligence, compliance and fund 
formation. Mr Till holds a BA (Hons) in Economics from 
Essex University. He started his career in the British 
Army, then later qualified as a chartered accountant 
with Coopers & Lybrand and worked in industry as 
a finance director, before returning to the profession 
holding senior M&A roles before co-founding Oakley 
Capital. Mr Till is a member of the Audit Committee  
and the Remuneration Committee.

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Time Out Group plc – Annual Report and Accounts 2022

Corporate Governance report

Composition of the Board
The Board is the link between the shareholders and executive 
management and is responsible for the successful stewardship 
of the Group. As such the Board plays a key role in the corporate 
governance process.

During the period 1 July 2021 to 29 October 2021, the Board 
comprised six Directors, two of whom were Executive Directors 
and four of whom were Non-Executive Directors. From 29 October 
2021 the Board comprised five Directors, one of whom was 
an Executive Director and four of whom were Non-Executive 
Directors. The composition of the Board throughout the year 
ended 30 June 2022 reflects a blend of different experiences 
and backgrounds. Biographical details of current Board members 
during the year ended 30 June 2022 are shown on pages 64 and 
65. The Board believes that the composition of the Board brings a 
desirable range of skills and experience in light of the Company’s 
challenges and opportunities, while at the same time ensuring 
that no individual (or small group of individuals) can dominate the 
Board’s decision-making. The Company regarded Lord Rose an 
“Independent Non-Executive Director” within the meaning of the 
QCA Code and free from any business or other relationship that 
could materially interfere with the exercise of their judgement.

The Board’s composition and skill set is considered appropriate 
for the Group’s current stage of development. The experience 
and knowledge of each of the Directors gives them the ability to 
constructively challenge strategy and to scrutinise performance. 
As the Board is small, there is not a separate Nominations 
Committee and recommendations for appointments to the Board 
will be considered by the Board as a whole after due evaluation.

Board role and meetings
The Board is responsible for the Group’s strategy and for its 
overall management, as well as setting the Group’s values and 
standards. The operation of the Board is documented in a formal 
schedule of matters reserved for its approval which is reviewed 
annually. These matters relate to:

•  all of the Group’s strategic aims and objectives;

•  the structure and capital of the Group;

•  financial reporting, controls and policies including those around 

cyber protection;

•  setting budgets and forecasts;

•  internal controls;

•  approval of any significant contracts, expenditure, partnerships 

and/or ventures;

•  effective communication with shareholders;

•  any changes to the Board membership or structure, including 

delegation of authority;

•  approval of remuneration for Executive Directors; and

•  approval of appointment of Key Management Personnel and 

Directors.

Non-Executive Directors communicate directly with Executive 
Directors and senior management in between formal Board 
meetings.

The Board met four times during the year ended 30 June 2022. 
Directors are expected to attend all meetings of the Board and 
committees on which they sit, and to devote sufficient time to 
their duties to the Group.

In the event that Directors are unable to attend a meeting, their 
comments on papers to be considered at the meeting will be 
discussed in advance with the Chairman so that their contribution 
can be included in the wider Board discussion.

The following table shows Directors’ attendance at scheduled 
Board and Committee meetings for the year ended 30 June 2022:

Peter Dubens

David Till 

Lord Rose

Alexander Collins

Chris Ohlund*

Julio Bruno*

Board

Audit

Remuneration

4/4

4/4

3/4

4/4

4/4

1/1

–

2/2

2/2

–

1/1

1/1

–

2/2

2/2

–

–

–

*  These Directors are not members of the Audit Committee but were invited to be in attendance at 

some meetings.

Board Committees
The Board has delegated specific responsibilities to the Audit 
Committee and the Remuneration Committee, details of which 
are set out below. Each committee has written terms of reference 
setting out its duties, authorities and reporting responsibilities.

Audit Committee

The Audit Committee has primary responsibility for monitoring 
the quality of internal controls to ensure that the financial 
performance of the Group is properly measured and reported. 
It receives and reviews reports from the Group’s management 
relating to the interim and annual accounts and the accounting 
and internal control systems in use throughout the Group. It 
meets with the external Auditors throughout the year to discuss 
their findings in relation to the annual accounts.

The Audit Committee aims to meet not less than two times in 
each financial year, and it has unrestricted access to the Group’s 
external Auditors.

During the year ended 30 June 2022 the Audit Committee 
comprised of Lord Rose and David Till and is chaired by Lord 
Rose.

More information about this Board committee can be found in the Audit 
Committee report on page 70.

OverviewStrategic ReportGovernanceFinancial Statements67

Time Out Group plc – Annual Report and Accounts 2022

Remuneration Committee

The Remuneration Committee reviews the performance of the 
Executive Directors and makes recommendations to the Board on 
matters relating to their remuneration and terms of service. The 
Remuneration Committee also makes recommendations to the 
Board on proposals for the granting of share options and other 
equity incentives pursuant to any employee share option scheme 
or equity incentive plans in operation from time to time.

The Remuneration Committee meets as and when necessary, but 
aims to meet at least twice each year.

During the year ended 30 June 2022 the Remuneration 
Committee comprised of Lord Rose and David Till and is chaired 
by Lord Rose.

More information about this Board Committee can be found in the Directors’ 
remuneration report on page 72.

Board effectiveness
All Directors take part in a thorough induction process on joining 
the Board, tailored to the existing knowledge and experience of 
the Director concerned.

The performance of the Board is fundamental to the Company’s 
success. The performance of the Board and its Committees, 
including individual members, is evaluated regularly by the 
Chairman, with the aim of improving their effectiveness.

All Directors are able to take independent professional advice in 
the furtherance of their duties, if necessary, at the Company’s 
expense. In addition, the Directors have direct access to the 
advice and services of the Company Secretary and Chief Financial 
Officer.

Key management
The key management roles for the year ended 30 June 2022 that 
have been identified by the Board are as follows:

•  Group Chief Executive Officer;

•  Time Out Market Co-Chief Executive Officer (Development); and

•  Time Out Market Co-Chief Executive Officer (Operations). 

Next financial year, key management will include the leadership 
team.

Internal controls
The Board has ultimate responsibility for the Group’s system of 
internal control and for reviewing its effectiveness.

However well the system is designed to manage risk, it cannot 
eliminate all risk, and therefore it provides reasonable, not 
absolute, assurance against material misstatement or loss. The 
Board considers that the internal controls in place are appropriate 
for the size, complexity and risk profile of the Group. The principal 
elements of the Group’s internal control system include:

•  close management of the day-to-day activities of the Group by 

the Executive Directors;

•  an organisational structure with defined levels of responsibility, 
which promotes entrepreneurial decision making and rapid 
implementation whilst minimising risks;

•  a comprehensive annual budgeting process, producing a 

detailed integrated profit and loss, balance sheet and cash flow, 
which is approved by the Board;

•  detailed monthly reporting of performance against budget; and

•  central control over key areas such as capital expenditure 

authorisation and banking facilities.

The Group continues to review its system of internal control to 
ensure compliance with best practice, whilst also having regard 
to its size and the resources available. The Board considers that 
the introduction of an internal audit function is not appropriate 
at the current time, however an internal review is completed by 
internal senior members of the finance function in order to ensure 
accuracy in the financial reporting.

The Group continues to refine its approach to business continuity 
and disaster recovery and further testing and risk assessments 
were carried out through the year ended 30 June 2022 for both 
head office and overseas locations. The Group continues to 
mitigate risks by moving critical systems to the cloud where 
possible. The Group uses the services of a specialised third-party 
solution provider, currently working on refining business continuity 
and disaster recovery plans, to ensure these shall be effectively 
delivered if needed.

The QCA Code
The Company continues to observe the QCA Code (the QCA 
Corporate Governance Code for Small and Mid-Size Quoted 
Companies, published by the Quoted Companies Alliance Code). 
In accordance with the requirements of the QCA Code, the Board 
continues to set out its corporate governance statement on the 
Group’s website, including clear signposting to the availability of 
corporate governance disclosures by the Group, which are also set 
out in the section following this one.

Relations with shareholders
Copies of the Annual Report are sent to all shareholders. Copies 
of the annual and interim reports can be downloaded from the 
investors section on www.timeout.com. Other information for 
shareholders and interested parties is also provided on that 
website. Written or emailed enquiries are handled by the Group’s 
Investor Relations Director and/or the Company Secretary.

The Group has an ongoing programme of individual meetings with 
institutional shareholders and analysts following the preliminary 
and half-year results presentations to the City. These meetings 
allow the Group Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial 
Officer to update shareholders on strategy and the Group’s 
performance. Additional meetings with institutional investors 
and/or analysts are arranged from time to time. All members 
of the Board receive copies of feedback reports from the City 
presentations and meetings, thus keeping them in touch with 
shareholder opinion.

Shareholders are given the opportunity to ask questions and raise 
issues at the Annual General Meeting (“AGM”); this can be done 
formally during the meeting or informally with the Directors after 
it. The Annual General Meeting will be held on 30 December at 
1st Floor, 172 Drury Lane, London, WC2B 5QR. The Notice of the 
Annual General Meeting accompanies this Annual Report and 
Accounts.

Approved by the Board and signed by order of the Board by

Emma Louise Humphrey 
Company Secretary

OverviewStrategic ReportGovernanceFinancial Statements68

Time Out Group plc – Annual Report and Accounts 2022

QCA Code principles and disclosures

Principal

Disclosure

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

Seek to understand and meet 
shareholder needs and expectations.

The Group’s business model and strategy is set out on pages 38 of the Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 30 June 2022. The business model and strategy promote long-term value 
for our shareholders.

Both the Chairman and Executive Director engage frequently with shareholders. There is an ongoing programme of individual meetings with institutional shareholders following the preliminary 
and half-year results presentations, at which the Group CEO and CFO update shareholders on strategy and the Group’s performance. Copies of the Annual Report and Accounts are sent to all 
shareholders and copies of the Annual and Interim reports can be downloaded from the investors section on www.timeout.com, where other information for investors and shareholders is also 
available. Shareholders have the opportunity to ask questions of the Board during each Annual General Meeting and to speak with Board members informally after the meeting. The Group has an 
Investor Relations Director, engaging with shareholders.

Take into account wider stakeholder 
and social responsibilities and their 
implications for long-term success.

The Group takes its impact on the environment seriously. Employees are required to use the organisation’s equipment and materials wisely and reduce wastage where possible. In local offices 
there are initiatives seeking to limit environmental impacts, such as a group planning and implementing practical local initiatives and delivering reminders to all, in order to reduce environmental 
impact by staff and the Company.

Staff members engage with charities in cities where the Company has a presence, by volunteering their time and through fundraising activities.

The Group has a whistleblowing policy in place and arrangements for employees to report any concerning activity, so that appropriate action can be taken.

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

The Board and Group’s approach to risk is set out in the Audit Committee report on page 70 in the Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 30 June 2022 and Principal Risks and 
Uncertainties on pages 60 and 61.

The Board has overall responsibility for the system of internal control and for reviewing its effectiveness in managing the risks we face. Such systems are designed to manage rather than 
eliminate risks and can provide only reasonable and not absolute assurance against material misstatement or loss.

Each year, on behalf of the Board, the Audit Committee reviews the effectiveness of these systems. This is achieved primarily by considering the risks potentially affecting the Group and from 
discussions with the external auditor.

The Audit Committee, on behalf of the Board, reviews the risk environment faced by the Group on a regular basis and how the Group manages and mitigates these risks.

The key risks of the Group are summarised in the Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 30 June 2022 on page 60 and 61.

On the recommendation of the Audit Committee, the Board has determined that an internal audit function is not required due to the small size of the Group administrative function and the high 
level of Director review and authorisation of transactions. The Board will keep this matter under review as the Group develops. A comprehensive budgeting process is completed once a year and 
is reviewed and approved by the Board. In addition, the Group conducts regular re-forecasts. The Group’s results, as compared against budget and the latest forecast, are reported to the Board 
on a monthly basis and discussed in detail at each meeting of the Board.

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

The Board aims to meet at least four times a year. In addition to full Board meetings, there are regular discussions on various matters, including strategy, business updates and KPIs, between 
individual Board members and/or smaller group(s) from the Board. The Audit Committee and Remuneration Committee report to the Board.

Each Director serves on the Board until the annual general meeting following his or her election or appointment. The Board is comprised of experienced individuals, with current skills and 
capabilities from a mix of global and local industries.

Biographies for the Board Directors are on pages 64 and 65 of the Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 30 June 2022 and also on the Investor Relations area of  
www.timeout.com.

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Time Out Group plc – Annual Report and Accounts 2022

Principal

Disclosure

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

Evaluate all elements of board 
performance based on clear and 
relevant objectives, seeking 
continuous improvement. 

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

The Board’s members, between them, bring current experience and skills from a variety of business sectors and territories across the world. The Board is comprised of a Non-Executive Chairman, 
one Executive Director and three Non-Executive Directors. For the purposes of the QCA Code, the Company considers that from the four Non-Executive Directors (being the Non-Executive 
Chairman and three other Non-Executive Directors) Lord Rose of Monewden is an independent Director and he has been CEO of publicly listed companies.

Biographies for the Board Directors are on pages 64 and 65 of the Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 30 June 2022 and also on the Investor Relations area of  
www.timeout.com.

The Board is relatively small, and has not at this time adopted a formal Board evaluation process/cycle. The Chairman regularly evaluates the Board, individual members and its committees,  
with the aim of improving their effectiveness. The Company considers this appropriate given the Company’s size and current stage of development.

The Company has adopted the following policies:

Anti-Bribery Policy; Anti-Fraud Policy; Business Ethics Policy; Code of Conduct; Communication Policy; Data Protection Policy; Employee Privacy Notice; IT Security Policy; Mental Health Policy; Risk 
Management and Identification Policy; Travel & Expense Policy; Whistleblowing Policy;

so that all aspects of the Company are run in a robust and responsible way.

The Company has adopted a share dealing code to ensure Directors and employees do not abuse, and do not place themselves under suspicion of abusing, inside information of which they are 
in possession, and to comply with its obligations under the Market Abuse Regulation, which applies to the Company by virtue of its shares being traded on AIM. Furthermore, the Company’s share 
dealing code is compliant with the AIM Rules for Companies published by the London Stock Exchange (as amended from time to time).

The Company has a Human Resources team and resources available, including a Company HR Portal accessible by all, where a wide variety of resources can be accessed, including employee 
support services, all Company policies and an anonymous “suggestions box” with publicly posted responses. The Company encourages personal development, inter-departmental communication 
and team strategising and building through provision of training, department/team summits, and social events which are free to attend.

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

The Group has established committees and policies, to ensure that:

•  it is led by an effective Board which is collectively responsible for the long-term success of the Group;

•  the Board and the committees have the appropriate balance of skills, experience, independence, and knowledge of the Group to enable them to discharge their respective duties and 

responsibilities effectively;

•  the Board established a formal and transparent arrangement for considering how it applies the corporate reporting, risk management, and internal control principles and for maintaining an 

appropriate relationship with the Group’s auditors; and

•  there is a dialogue with shareholders based on the mutual understanding of objectives.

In compliance with UK best practice, the Board has established an Audit Committee and Remuneration Committee.

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

There is an ongoing programme of meetings between Executive Directors with existing shareholders and also between Executive Directors with potential investors. The Annual Report and 
Accounts is sent to all shareholders and copies of both the Annual and Interim reports are available to the general public and can be downloaded from www.timeout.com. On the Investor 
Relations section of the website there is other information available for investors and shareholders, including on how the Company is governed and compliance with the QCA Code. Shareholders 
have the opportunity to ask questions of the Board during each Annual General Meeting and to speak with Board members informally after the meeting. Both the Chairman and Executive 
Directors engage frequently with shareholders, including via scheduled meetings following full-year and half-year results.

OverviewStrategic ReportGovernanceFinancial Statements70

Time Out Group plc – Annual Report and Accounts 2022

Audit Committee report

The Audit Committee is responsible 
for ensuring that the financial 
performance of the Group is 
properly reported and reviewed. 

Its role includes monitoring the integrity of the financial 
statements (including the Annual Report and Accounts and 
interim accounts and results announcements), reviewing internal 
control and risk management systems, reviewing any changes 
to accounting policies, reviewing and monitoring the extent of 
the non-audit services undertaken by the external Auditors, and 
advising on the appointment of the external Auditors. 

Composition and role of the Audit Committee
The Audit Committee’s members for the year ended 30 June 2022 
were David Till and Lord Rose of Monewden who is Chair of the 
Audit Committee. Neil Wood attended Committee meetings in his 
role as interim Chief Financial Officer. The Committee met twice in 
the year ended 30 June 2022. Details on attendance for these 
meetings can be found in the Corporate Governance report on 
page 66.

The Board is satisfied that the members of the Committee during 
the year ended 30 June 2022 have appropriate, recent and relevant 
financial experience. Lord Rose has experience as Chief Executive 
Officer in major listed companies, ultimately responsible for finance 
functions, and Mr Till is a qualified chartered accountant, with a 
wealth of experience in finance including ultimate responsibility 
for finance functions. More information on Lord Rose and Mr Till’s 
backgrounds can be found in the Directors’ biographies on pages 
64 and 65.

Lord Rose Of Monewden 
Chairman of the Audit Committee

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Time Out Group plc – Annual Report and Accounts 2022

The main duties of the Audit Committee are set out in its Terms of 
Reference which are available on the Company’s website 
www.timeout.com and are also available on request from the 
Company Secretary.

The main items of business to be considered by the Audit 
Committee include:

•  review of the Annual Report and Accounts;

•  consideration of the external audit report and management 

representation letter;

•  going concern review;

•  review of the audit plan and audit engagement letter;

•  review of the suitability of the external Auditors;

•  review of the risk management and internal control systems;

•  review of the interim results and dividend;

•  assessment of the need for an internal audit function; and

•  review of the regular whistleblowing reports.

Role of the external Auditors
The Audit Committee monitors the relationship with the external 
Auditors, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP who were appointed in 
2014, to ensure that auditor independence and objectivity are 
maintained. As part of its review the Committee monitors the 
provision of non-audit services by the external Auditors. The 
breakdown of fees between audit and non-audit services is 
provided in note 7 of the Group’s accounts. No non-audit fees 
were incurred in the year ended 30 June 2022.

The Audit Committee also assesses the Auditors’ performance. 
Having reviewed the Auditors’ independence and performance, the 
Audit Committee has recommended that PricewaterhouseCoopers 
LLP be reappointed as the Company’s Auditors at the next Annual 
General Meeting.

Audit process
The Auditors prepare an audit plan for their review of the full-year 
financial statements. The audit plan sets out the scope of the 
audit, areas to be targeted and the audit timetable. This plan is 
reviewed and agreed in advance by the Audit Committee.

Following its review, the Auditors present their findings to the 
Committee for discussion.

Areas of significant risk and other matters of audit relevance are 
regularly communicated.

Internal audit
At present, the Group does not have an internal audit function, 
and the Committee believes that management is able to derive 
assurance as to the adequacy and effectiveness of internal 
controls and risk management procedures without one. The 
Committee will continue to review this decision.

Risk management and internal controls
As described on page 67 of the Corporate Governance report, 
the Group has established a framework of risk management and 
internal control systems, policies and procedures.

The Audit Committee is responsible for reviewing the risk 
management and internal control framework and ensuring that it 
operates effectively. During the year, the Committee has reviewed 
the framework and the Committee is satisfied that the internal 
control systems in place are currently operating effectively.

Whistleblowing
The Group has in place a whistleblowing policy which sets out 
the formal process by which an employee of the Group may, 
in confidence, raise concerns about possible improprieties in 
financial reporting or other matters. Whistleblowing is a standing 
item on the Committee’s agenda and updates are provided 
at each meeting. During the year there were no incidents for 
consideration. 

Approved by the Board and signed on behalf of the Board by

Lord Rose of Monewden
Chairman of the Audit Committee

Committee Members
Lord Rose of Monewden
(Chair) 

David Till
(Member)

Meetings in the year

2

Activities for the year
The main activities for the year included:

•  review of the FY21/22 audit plan and audit  

engagement letter;

•  consideration of key audit matters and how  

they are addressed;

•  review of the interim financial results and  

Annual Report and Accounts;

•  consideration of the external audit report and  

management representation letter;

•  going concern review;

•  review of levels of financial processes and procedures;

•  meeting with the external Auditors without  

management present;

•  consideration of the external Auditors’ lead Partner rotation, 
and alternative external Auditors service providers; and

•  review of whistleblowing and anti-bribery arrangements.

OverviewStrategic ReportGovernanceFinancial Statements72

Time Out Group plc – Annual Report and Accounts 2022

Directors’ remuneration report

The Group is not required to 
prepare a Directors’ remuneration 
report. The following disclosures  
are prepared on a voluntary basis.

Composition and role
The Remuneration Committee’s members during the year ended 
30 June 2022 were David Till and Lord Rose who was Chair of 
the Remuneration Committee. The Committee operated under 
the Terms of Reference and was responsible for reviewing 
the performance of the Executive Directors and for making 
recommendations to the Board on matters relating to their 
remuneration and terms of service. The Committee was also 
responsible for making recommendations to the Board on 
proposals for the granting of share options.

The Remuneration Committee met twice during the year ended 
30 June 2022.

More information about the members of this Committee can be found on pages 64 
and 65 in the Directors’ biographies.

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Time Out Group plc – Annual Report and Accounts 2022

Remuneration policy
The objective of the Group’s remuneration policy is to attract, 
motivate and retain high-quality individuals who will contribute 
fully to the success of the Group. To achieve this objective, the 
Group provides competitive salaries and benefits to all employees. 
Executive Directors’ remuneration is set to create an appropriate 
balance between both fixed and performance-related elements. 
Remuneration is reviewed each year in light of the Group’s 
business objectives. It is the Remuneration Committee’s intention 
that remuneration should reward achievement of objectives and 
that these are aligned with shareholders’ interests over the 
medium term.

No Director has any involvement in setting their own remuneration.

Remuneration consists of the following elements:

•  Basic salary;

•  Performance-related annual bonus;

•  Share options;

•  Pensions; and

Service contracts and letters of appointment
Executive Directors

The service agreement of the Group Chief Executive Officer is 
terminable by either party giving the other six months’ notice in 
writing. 

During this financial year the Chief Financial Officer served in 
an interim capacity under a short-term consultancy contract. 
On 5 September 2022 Patrick Foley joined the Group as the 
new Chief Financial Officer. 

Non-Executive Directors

The Non-Executive Directors’ letters of appointment may be 
terminated by either party giving three months’ written notice.

Directors’ remuneration
The following table summarises the actual total gross 
remuneration, for qualifying services, of the Directors who served 
during the year ended 30 June 2022 and the prior period.

•  Benefits including insurance and allowances.

Year ended 30 June 2022 (Audited)

Committee Members
Lord Rose of Monewden
(Chair) 

David Till
(member)

Meetings in the year

2

Salary
£’000

Benefits
£’000

Pension
£’000

Loss of office
£’000

Share Options 
exercised
£’000

Bonus
£’000

Share options
The Company operates a Long Term Incentive Plan (“LTIP”) which 
is a discretionary share plan.

The LTIP is designed to encourage continual improvement and 
to align the interests and objectives of senior management 
with those of shareholders in the medium term. More details of 
this scheme are in note 27 of the consolidated accounts. The 
Remuneration Committee supervises the operation of the LTIP and 
the grant of Awards to Executive Directors and the Board oversees 
the LTIP for employees.

EXECUTIVE

Chris Ohlund (appointed 20 July 2021)

Julio Bruno (resigned 29 October 2021)1

NON-EXECUTIVE

Peter Dubens

Lord Rose of Monewden2

Alexander Collins

David Till

TOTAL

464

100

–

45

–

–

609

–

3

–

–

–

–

3

–

9

–

–

–

–

9

Julio Bruno received £6,000 in cash in lieu of pension contributions.

1 
2  Lord Rose of Monewden receives £10,000 per annum in respect of his committee chair fees.

Total
£’000

964

2,536

–

45

–

–

–

369

–

–

–

–

–

500

2,055

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

369

2,055

500

3,545

OverviewStrategic ReportGovernanceFinancial Statements74

Time Out Group plc – Annual Report and Accounts 2022

Directors’ remuneration report continued

1 January 2020 to 30 June 2021 (audited)

EXECUTIVE

Julio Bruno1

Adam Silver (resigned 31 July 2020)

NON-EXECUTIVE

Peter Dubens

Lord Rose of Monewden2

Alexander Collins

Tony Elliott (deceased 17 July 2020)

Matthew Riley (resigned 9 February 2021)3

David Till (appointed 1 October 2020)

TOTAL

Salary
£’000

Benefits
£’000

Pension
£’000

Loss of office
£’000

Share Options 
exercised
£’000

413

100

–

56

–

23

50

–

642

14

7

–

–

–

12

–

–

33

41

6

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

182

–

–

–

–

–

–

47

182

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Total
£’000

468

295

–

56

–

35

50

–

904

Julio Bruno received £26,000 in cash in lieu of pension contributions.

1 
2  Lord Rose of Monewden receives £10,000 per annum in respect of his committee chair fees from February 2021.
3  Matthew Riley received £10,000 per annum in respect of his committee chair fees.

Directors’ shareholdings
The Directors, who served in the year ended 30 June 2022 and 
who held an interest in the ordinary shares of the Company, were 
as follows:

Directors’ interests
Options granted to Directors in the year ended 30 June 2022 
and in the period 1 January 2020 to 30 June 2021, together with 
details of the share option schemes, are set out in note 27.

EXECUTIVE

Chris Ohlund

Julio Bruno

NON-EXECUTIVE

Peter Dubens

Lord Rose of Monewden

Alexander Collins

David Till

Shareholding at 
30 June 2022

Shareholding at 
30 June 2021

In the year ended 30 June 2022, Julio Bruno exercised 3,613,333 
options on 19 November 2021. At 30 June 2022 the total number 
of shares Mr Bruno held in the Company was 1,791,276. 

–

–

1,791,276

392,124

4,945,022

4,945,022

–

–

–

–

214,280

214,280

In the period 1 January 2020 to 30 June 2021, Adam Silver 
exercised options over 133,333 ordinary shares on 19 January 
2021. 16,666 options were awarded at nil cost on 13 April 2018, 
16,668 options were awarded at nil cost on 13 April 2019, and 
100,000 options were awarded at nil cost on 13 April 2019, and 
100,000 options were awarded at nil cost on 28 March 2019. 
Mr Silver sold all 133,333 of the ordinary shares exercised at an 
average price of 33p per share on the same day. Following this 
share option exercise, Mr Silver does not hold any shares in the 
Company. In the period 1 January 2020 to 30 June 2021, Julio 
Bruno did not exercise any options. 

Share price

The market price of the Company’s ordinary shares at 30 June 
2022 was 49p (30 June 2021: 60p) and the range during the year 
was 48 to 60p (18 months ended 30 June 2021: 28p to 122p). 

Approved by the Board and signed on behalf of the Board by 

Lord Rose of Monewden
Chairman of the Remuneration Committee

OverviewStrategic ReportGovernanceFinancial Statements75

Time Out Group plc – Annual Report and Accounts 2022

Directors’ report

The Directors present 
their report together with 
the audited consolidated 
financial statements for 
the year ended 30 June 
2022. The Corporate 
Governance report 
on pages 66 to 68 
also forms part of the 
Directors’ report.

General information
The Company referenced in the Annual Report and Accounts is 
Time Out Group plc, a company registered in England and Wales 
and located at 1st Floor, 172 Drury Lane, London WC2B 5QR. The 
Group referenced in the Annual Report and Accounts includes the 
Company as well as the subsidiaries listed in note 15 of the financial 
statements.

Principal activities
Time Out launched in London in 1968 as a magazine to help people 
discover the exciting new urban cultures that had started up all over 
the city. Today, the Group’s digital and physical presence comprises 
websites, mobile, Live Events and Time Out Market. Across these 
platforms, Time Out distributes its curated content – written by 
professional journalists – around the best food, drink, culture, 
entertainment and travel across 333 cities in 59 countries. Time 
Out Market is a food and cultural market which brings the best of 
the city together under one roof: its best chefs, drinks and cultural 
experiences – based on editorial curation. The first Time Out Market 
opened in Lisbon in 2014, followed by Miami, New York, Boston, 
Montreal and Chicago in 2019, and Dubai in 2021. A pipeline of 
further global locations is in development. 

Review of business
This Annual Report and Accounts has been prepared to provide 
shareholders with a fair and balanced review of the Group’s business 
and the outlook for the future development of the Group as well as 
the principal risks and uncertainties which could affect the Group’s 
performance.

The table below identifies where to find specific information related to 
the business review:

Content

Section

Pages

Key Performance Indicators (“KPIs”)

Strategic section

1, 44 – 48

Business Review including Outlook

Strategic section

44 – 48

Principal Risks & Uncertainties

Strategic section

Corporate Governance

Governance section

Accounts and Note Disclosure

Financial statements

60, 61

66, 67

86

OverviewStrategic ReportGovernanceFinancial Statements76

Time Out Group plc – Annual Report and Accounts 2022

Directors’ report continued

Branches outside the UK
The Group has subsidiaries in the UK, Portugal, Spain, Australia, 
Hong Kong, Singapore, Canada, Czech Republic and the United 
States of America. It also operates a branch in France.

Directors
The Directors of the Company who were in office during the year 
ended 30 June 2022 and up to the date of this report, together 
with their biographical details, are shown on pages 64 and 65.

In preparing the financial statements, the Directors are required 
to:

•  select suitable accounting policies and then apply them 

consistently;

Future developments
A review of the Group’s outlook can be found in the Chief 
Executive’s review on page 48.

Result and dividends
The Group has reported its audited accounts in accordance 
with International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted 
by the United Kingdom. The Group’s results are set out in the 
Consolidated Income Statement on page 86. The Company has 
prepared the individual Company accounts in accordance with UK 
GAAP, including The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the 
UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 101).

The Group loss for the year after taxation was £19.6m (2021: 
£70.5m). The Directors do not recommend the payment of a 
dividend (2021: £nil).

Post balance sheet events
On 24 November 2022, the Group agreed a new €35.0m secured 
four-year term loan facility with Crestline Europe LLP (“Crestline 
facility”) which will be used to refinance the Incus Capital Facility. 
The facility has a term of four years, with the right to settle in 
full after two years. Interest may be capitalised or paid in cash, 
at the election of the Company, during the first year at a rate of 
9.5% plus 3-month EURIBOR and from the second year onwards 
interest will be paid in cash at a rate of 8.5% plus 3-month 
EURIBOR. There will separately be an exit premium payable 
upon full repayment of the facility, calculated by reference to the 
principal amount drawn. The facility is subject to quarterly financial 
covenants based on minimum liquidity levels (quarterly testing 
commencing on 31 December 2022) and target leverage ratio 
(quarterly testing commencing on 30 June 2023).

Directors’ interests
The Directors’ interests in the Company’s shares and options over 
ordinary shares are shown in the Directors’ remuneration report 
on page 74.

Except for the amounts disclosed in the remuneration report, no 
Director has any beneficial interest in the share capital of any 
subsidiary or associate undertaking.

Directors’ indemnity and liability insurance
The Company has purchased and maintained during the year 
ended 30 June 2022 Directors’ and Officers’ liability insurance in 
respect of itself and its Directors.

The Directors also have the benefit of the indemnity provision 
contained in the Company’s Articles of Association which 
represents a qualifying third-party indemnity provision as defined 
by Section 234 of the Companies Act 2006. The indemnity was in 
force throughout the financial year and at the date of approval of 
the financial statements.

Statement of Directors’ responsibilities in 
respect of the financial statements
The Directors are responsible for preparing the Annual Report and 
the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and 
regulation.

Company law requires the Directors to prepare financial 
statements for each financial year. Under that law the Directors 
have prepared the Group and the Company financial statements in 
accordance with international accounting standards in conformity 
with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006. Under 
company law, Directors must not approve the financial statements 
unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the 
state of affairs of the Group and Company and of the profit or loss 
of the Group for that year.

•  state whether applicable international accounting standards in 
conformity with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 
have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed 
and explained in the financial statements;

•  make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable 

and prudent; and

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

The Directors are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of 
the Group and Company and hence for taking reasonable steps for 
the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

The Directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting 
records that are sufficient to show and explain the Group and 
Company’s transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy 
at any time the financial position of the Group and Company and 
enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with 
the Companies Act 2006.

The Directors of the ultimate parent Company are responsible for 
the maintenance and integrity of the ultimate parent Company’s 
website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the 
preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ 
from legislation in other jurisdictions.

In the case of each Director in office at the date the Directors’ 
report is approved:

•  so far as the Director is aware, there is no relevant audit 

information of which the Group and Company’s Auditors are 
unaware; and

•  they have taken all the steps that they ought to have taken as 
a Director in order to make themselves aware of any relevant 
audit information and to establish that the Group and Company’s 
Auditors are aware of that information.

OverviewStrategic ReportGovernanceFinancial Statements77

Time Out Group plc – Annual Report and Accounts 2022

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

Political donations
The Company made no political donations during the year ended 
30 June 2022 (2021: £nil).

Financial instruments and related matters
The financial risk management objectives and policies of the 
Group, including credit risk, interest rate risk and currency risk are 
provided in note 22 of the accounts.

Share capital
The Company’s share capital comprises one class of ordinary 
shares with a nominal value of £0.001 each. At 30 June 2022, 
335,870,417 ordinary shares were in issue (2021: 331,960,417 
ordinary shares).

Substantial shareholdings
In accordance with the Disclosure and Transparency Rules DTR 5, 
the Company as at 14 November 2022 (being the last practicable 
date before the publication of this report) has been notified of the 
following disclosable interests in its issued ordinary shares:

Shareholder

Ordinary  

shares held

% of ownership

Lombard Odier Asset Management

88,173,236

Oakley Capital Private Equity Limited

80,461,015

Oakley Capital Investment Limited

67,436,385

Richard Caring

Landsdowne Partners

19,977,057

13,483,717

Barclays Capital Collateral Account

9,935,034

26.25%

23.96%

20.08%

5.95%

4.01%

2.96%

Relationships with major shareholders  
and associates
On admission of its shares following the IPO in June 2016, the 
Company entered into a relationship agreement with TO (Bermuda) 
Limited, TONY (Bermuda) Limited, Oakley Capital Investment 
Limited, Oakley Capital Private Equity (“Oakley Entities”), the 
principal purpose of which is to ensure the Company is capable of 
carrying on, at all times, its business independently of them and 
their associates.

Under the relationship agreement, providing that the Oakley 
Entities’ combined holdings are greater than 20%, they shall be 
entitled to appoint two Directors.

Share option schemes
Details of employee share option schemes are set out in note 27 
of the accounts.

Going concern
The Directors’ assessment of going concern is set out on page 51 
of the Strategic Report.

Research and development
The Group undertakes activity which could be classified as 
research and development. This is further explained in note 2 of 
the accounts.

Conflicts of interest
Save as set out below, there are no actual or potential conflicts of 
interest between the duties of the Directors of the Company and 
the private interests or other duties that they may also have.

Peter Dubens is a managing partner of and founder of Oakley 
Capital and has direct involvement in that company, its 
subsidiaries and associated companies.

David Till is managing partner of and founder of Oakley Capital 
and has direct involvement in that company, its subsidiaries and 
associated companies.

Alexander Collins is also a partner of Oakley Capital.

Further information is set out in note 28 of the accounts.

Employee involvement
The Group is committed to being an equal opportunities employer 
and opposes all forms of discrimination.

Applications from people with disabilities will be considered 
fairly and if existing employees become disabled, every effort is 
made to retain them within the workforce wherever reasonable 
and practicable. The Group also endeavours to provide equal 
opportunities in the training, promotion and general career 
development of disabled employees.

The Group regularly provides employees with information 
of concern to them, which incorporates the Group’s current 
performance and its future aims and strategies. The Group has 
created an HR portal to ensure all employees have access to 
relevant policies and information. We also use it to encourage 
suggestions from employees in areas that are important to them.

Diversity
The Group is committed to reflecting diversity in its workforce and 
aims to improve this balance going forward. As of 30 June 2022, 
the Group had the following employees:

All employees

Senior managers

Board of Directors

Male

216

28

5

Female

237

16

–

Total

453

44

5

OverviewStrategic ReportGovernanceFinancial Statements78

Time Out Group plc – Annual Report and Accounts 2022

Directors’ report continued

Streamlined energy and carbon reporting
We are aware of the impact our business has on the environment 
and it is our aim to ensure that we minimise any adverse impacts 
from our operations.

Given the nature of its activities, the Group’s direct impact on 
the environment is relatively modest. Nonetheless, policies 
and standards are in place which aim to minimise this impact 
wherever possible. These include:

•  compliance with all relevant national legislation as a minimum 

standard;

•  employment of practical energy efficiency and waste 

minimisation measures;

•  use of technology to reduce the need for business travel.

Greenhouse gas emissions and kWh consumption data for the 
year ended 30 June 2022 for Time Out England Limited, the 
Group’s UK trading subsidiary, is set out below:

Scope 2

Grid-supplied electricity

18.92

97,864

Activity

Tonnes 
C02e

kWh

Energy Intensity measure

Tonnes CO2e per £m revenue

0.3

We have used the UK Government GHG Conversion Factors for 
Company Reporting 2022 to calculate our total CO2 figures.

Human rights
The Group communicates its ethical standards to employees 
through the Group’s Business Ethics Policy and our Code of 
Conduct, which includes bribery, competition, conflicts of interest, 
inside information, confidentiality, gifts and entertainment, 
discrimination, harassment and fair dealing with customers and 
suppliers. Information on the above as well as a statement of 
compliance with the Modern Slavery Act 2015 is contained on 
our website. In addition, the Group’s whistleblowing policy and 
procedures means every employee can have a voice and a means 
to raise concerns to the Group.

Independent Auditors
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (“PwC”) has expressed willingness 
to continue in office as Auditors and a resolution to reappoint 
them will be proposed at the Annual General Meeting.

Annual General Meeting
The Annual General Meeting will be held on 30 December 2022. 
The ordinary business comprises receipt of the Directors’ report 
and the audited financial statements for the year ended 30 June 
2022, the re-election of Directors, the reappointment of PwC 
as independent Auditors and authorisation of the Directors to 
determine the Auditors’ remuneration.

The Notice of Annual General Meeting and ordinary and special 
resolutions to be put to the meeting are included at the end of 
this Annual Report and Accounts.

Other policies in place
The Group has policies in place to mitigate risk surrounding fraud, 
bribery, modern slavery and whistleblowing amongst other things. 
It operates a Code of Conduct.

Statement S172
The Directors are required by law to act in a way that promotes 
the success of the Company for the benefit of shareholders as a 
whole. In doing so, the Company must also give due consideration 
to the wider expectations of responsible business behaviour, 
having regard to the interests of its key stakeholders, as set out 
in the Strategic Report on page 56 to 58. The Board is conscious 
of its obligations under the Companies Act 2006, including s172 
duties.

Duty to promote the success of the Company

As required by Section 172 of the UK’s Companies Act 2006, a 
director of a company must act in the way he/she considers, in 
good faith, would most likely promote the success of the company 
for the benefit of shareholders. In doing this, the director must 
have regard, amongst other matters, to the:

•  likely consequences of any decisions in the long term;

•  interests of the company’s employees;

•  need to foster the company’s business relationships with 

suppliers, customers, and others;

•  impact of the company’s operations on the community and 

environment;

•  company’s reputation for high standards of business conduct; 

and

•  need to act fairly as between members of the company.

By understanding our key stakeholder groups, we can factor their 
concerns and needs into boardroom discussions.

Board processes are reviewed and will be updated where 
necessary to ensure key stakeholders are considered in those 
discussions.

The Directors’ report was approved by the Board on 6 December 
2022 and signed by order of the Board.

Emma Louise Humphrey 
Company Secretary

OverviewStrategic ReportGovernanceFinancial Statements79

Time Out Group plc – Annual Report and Accounts 2022

Independent auditors’ report
to the members of Time Out Group plc

Report on the audit of the financial statements
Opinion

In our opinion:

•  Time Out Group plc’s group financial statements and company 

financial statements (the “financial statements”) give a true and 
fair view of the state of the group’s and of the company’s affairs 
as at 30 June 2022 and of the group’s and company’s loss and 
the group’s cash flows for the year then ended;

•  the group financial statements have been properly prepared in 

accordance with UK-adopted international accounting standards;

•  the company financial statements have been properly prepared 

in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted 
Accounting Practice (United Kingdom Accounting Standards, 
comprising FRS 101 “Reduced Disclosure Framework”, and 
applicable law); and

•  the financial statements have been prepared in accordance with 

the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.

We have audited the financial statements, included within 
the Annual Report and Accounts 2022 (the “Annual Report”), 
which comprise: the Consolidated and Company statements of 
financial position as at 30 June 2022; the Consolidated income 
statement, the Consolidated statement of comprehensive income, 
the Consolidated and Company statements of changes in equity 
and the Consolidated statement of cash flows for the year then 
ended; and the notes to the financial statements, which include 
a description of the significant accounting policies.

Basis for opinion

We conducted our audit in accordance with International 
Standards on Auditing (UK) (“ISAs (UK)”) and applicable law. 
Our responsibilities under ISAs (UK) are further described in the 
Auditors’ responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements 
section of our report. We believe that the audit evidence we have 
obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our 
opinion.

Independence
We remained independent of the group in accordance with the 
ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial 
statements in the UK, which includes the FRC’s Ethical Standard, 
as applicable to listed entities, and we have fulfilled our other 
ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements.

Our audit approach

Overview

Audit scope
•  The group is organised into 26 individual reporting components 
and the group financial statements are a consolidation of these 
reporting components;

•  Of the 26 components we identified 7 which, in our view, 
required a full scope audit either due to their size or risk 
characteristics, 6 of these were audited by the group 
engagement team;

•  There is one significant component based overseas, Time Out 
Market Mercados da Capital LDA, which has been audited by 
PwC component auditors;

•  Audit procedures were performed in 2 further reporting units, 
Time Out Market Limited and Time Out Digital due to their 
contributions to the financial statement line items in the group 
financial statements; and

•  As a result of this scoping we obtained coverage over 77% of the 

consolidated revenues.

Key audit matters
•  Valuation and impairment of goodwill and intangible assets 

(group)

•  Valuation and impairment of investments in subsidiaries 

(company)

•  Going concern (group and company)

Materiality
•  Overall group materiality: £1,400,000 (2021: £765,000) based 

on 5% of loss before tax using a 3 year average.

•  Overall company materiality: £1,330,000 (2021: £726,750) 

based on 1% of total assets capped at 95% of group materiality.

•  Performance materiality: £1,000,000 (2021: £573,000) (group) 

and £997,500 (2021: £545,000) (company).

The scope of our audit
As part of designing our audit, we determined materiality and 
assessed the risks of material misstatement in the financial 
statements.

Key audit matters
Key audit matters are those matters that, in the auditors’ 
professional judgement, were of most significance in the audit 
of the financial statements of the current period and include 
the most significant assessed risks of material misstatement 
(whether or not due to fraud) identified by the auditors, including 
those which had the greatest effect on: the overall audit strategy; 
the allocation of resources in the audit; and directing the efforts 
of the engagement team. These matters, and any comments we 
make on the results of our procedures thereon, were addressed 
in the context of our audit of the financial statements as a whole, 
and in forming our opinion thereon, and we do not provide a 
separate opinion on these matters.

This is not a complete list of all risks identified by our audit.

The impact of COVID-19, which was a key audit matter last year, is 
no longer included because the key audit matter was to address 
the response to the initial year impacted by COVID-19. Otherwise, 
the key audit matters below are consistent with last year.

OverviewStrategic ReportGovernanceFinancial Statements80

Time Out Group plc – Annual Report and Accounts 2022

Independent auditors’ report continued
to the members of Time Out Group plc

Key audit matter

How our audit addressed the key audit matter

Valuation and impairment of goodwill and intangible assets (group) 
The group has £29.9 million (2021: £28.9 million) of goodwill and intangible assets of £8.2 million  
(2021: £10.3 million).

The determination of whether an impairment exists can be judgemental. Management must determine the 
recoverable amount when impairment indicators are identified.

The determination of recoverable amount, being the higher of value-in use (“VIU”) and fair value less costs 
of disposal (“FVLCD”), requires judgement and estimation on the part of management in identifying and then 
determining the recoverable amounts for the relevant cash generating units (“CGUs”). Recoverable amounts are 
based on management’s view of key assumptions which include;

•  Forecast cash flows for the next five years;

Upon obtaining the group’s impairment analysis we tested the reasonableness of the key assumptions, including 
the following:

•  We verified the integrity of formulae and the mathematical accuracy of management’s valuation models;

•  We evaluated and assessed the reasonableness of the group’s future cash flow forecasts, and the process by 

which they were prepared, confirming that they were the forecasts approved by the board of directors, assessing 
the reasonableness of the budget, including the revenue, costs and EBITDA included in those budgets based on 
our understanding of the group and the past performance of the group;

•  We performed look back procedures to assess the historical reasonableness and accuracy of managements forecasts;

•  We tested the directors’ key assumptions for long-term growth rates outside the budget period, by comparing 

them to forecast long-term growth rates using our valuation experts;

•  A long-term (terminal) growth rate applied beyond the end of the five year forecast period; and

•  We tested the mathematical integrity of the forecasts and the models and reconciled them to the board 

•  A discount rate applied to the model. Management consider there to be 2 CGUs in respect of goodwill within  
Time Out Group plc, we have therefore assessed each CGU separately to assess the future cash flows of the 
relevant entities which represent the CGUs. 

Refer to the accounting policies section within the financial statements for disclosure of the related accounting 
policies, judgements and estimates and Note 11 for detailed goodwill disclosures and Note 12 for detailed  
intangible asset disclosures within the consolidated financial statements.

Valuation and impairment of investments in subsidiaries (company) 
At 30 June 2022, the company holds investments in subsidiaries amounting to £86.9 million (2021: £77.4 million). 
Investments in subsidiaries are accounted for at historical cost less accumulated impairment.

Judgement is required to assess if an impairment exists and whether the investment carrying value is supported 
by the recoverable amount. In assessing for impairment, management considers if the underlying net assets of the 
investment support the carrying amount and whether other facts and circumstances, including impairments recorded 
in the group financial statements, would be indicative of an impairment.

Based on management’s assessment, impairment in respect of the carrying value of investments in subsidiaries were 
identified at the balance sheet date and therefore an impairment totalling £103 million was recognised during the year.

Refer to note 15 of the company’s financial statements.

approved budget;

•  With the support of our valuations experts, assessing the discount rate used in each model and whether it 

fell within a reasonable range taking account of external market data. Our assessment of discount rates also 
included consideration of country and asset specific risks and challenging management to ensure that these 
had been appropriately captured in either the discount rate or underlying cash flow forecasts; and

•  We performed our own sensitivities over the key drivers of the cash flow forecasts, being revenue, EBITDA, the 
long-term growth rate and the discount rate used. We have reviewed the financial statement disclosures made 
with respect to the sensitivity of the discount rate, cash flows and growth rates.

As a result of our work, we are satisfied that management’s impairment assessment of intangible assets is appropriate.

In respect of investments in subsidiaries in the company, we undertook the following to test management’s 
assessment for indicators of impairment:

•  Evaluated and challenged management’s assessment and judgements, including ensuring that consideration 
had been given to the results of the group’s impairment assessment in respect of intangible assets and 
property, plant and equipment;

•  Verified the mathematical accuracy of management’s assessment and that the net assets of the subsidiaries 

being assessed agreed to the respective subsidiary balance sheet at 30 June 2022; and

•  Independently performed an assessment of other internal and external impairment triggers, including considering 
the market capitalisation of the group with reference to the carrying value of investments in subsidiaries in the 
company to identify other possible impairment indicators.

As a result of our work, we are satisfied that management’s impairment assessment of the company’s investments 
and that the impairment recognised within the company’s investments are both appropriate.

OverviewStrategic ReportGovernanceFinancial Statements81

Time Out Group plc – Annual Report and Accounts 2022

Key audit matter

How our audit addressed the key audit matter

Going Concern (group and company) 
In the prior year the directors modelled a ‘base case’ and a ‘severe but plausible’ downside scenario which, under 
the ‘severe but plausible’ scenario indicated the existence of a material uncertainty as the group had insufficient 
funding in place to settle their contractual obligations in full when their existing facility expired in November 2022.

As a result of the material uncertainty with respect to going concern in the prior year in conjunction with significant 
refinancing activities in the current year, we considered going concern to be a significant risk area warranting 
additional audit focus as part of our procedures.

The directors, for the current financial year’s financial statements, modelled a ‘base case’ and a ‘severe but plausible 
downside’ of the group’s and Company’s expected liquidity and covenant position. This is for a going concern 
assessment period through to March 2024.

We assessed the directors’ going concern analysis and obtained evidence to support the key assumptions used 
in preparing the going concern model, including assessing liquidity and covenant headroom within the base and 
downside case scenarios.

As this was determined to be an area of significant risk the engagement team spent significant resources to 
challenge the position reached by the directors’.

Senior members of the engagement team were heavily involved in this assessment and they consulted internally 
with other experienced individuals to ensure that the conclusion reached and the disclosures applied were 
appropriate. 

Further details of our audit procedures performed in respect of going concern and our conclusions on going concern 
are set out in the “Conclusions relating to going concern” section of our report below.

During November 2022 the group:

Completed a new debt facility agreement with Crestline Direct Finance, L.P. refinancing €35 million of new debt 
facilities with a four year maturity profile. 

Using the new facility, the group settled its existing financing in advance of the expiry period totalling €25.3 million.

The base case model is generated from the Board approved forecasts which take into account expected trading 
revenue from its Media and Markets CGU alongside other assumptions around inflation and foreign exchange rates.

The downside scenario introduces more prudent assumptions on some of the key inputs and also incorporates a 
number of cost saving measures if required to mitigate costs and improve the groups position over the course of the 
going concern period.

Refer to note 2 of the consolidated financial statements.

How we tailored the audit scope
We tailored the scope of our audit to ensure that we performed 
enough work to be able to give an opinion on the financial 
statements as a whole, taking into account the structure of the 
group and the company, the accounting processes and controls, 
and the industry in which they operate.

The group is organised into 26 reporting components and the 
group financial statements are a consolidation of these reporting 
components. The reporting components vary in size and we 
identified 7 components, in the UK and Portugal, that required a 
full scope audit of their financial information due to either their 
size or risk characteristics, 6 of these were audited by the group 
engagement team. There is one significant component based 
overseas, Time Out Market Mercados da Capital LDA which has 
been audited by PwC component auditors.

Our audit scope was determined by considering the significance of 
each component’s contribution to revenue, and individual financial 
statement line items, with specific consideration to obtaining 
sufficient coverage over significant risks. As a result of this scoping 
we obtained coverage over 77% of the consolidated revenues.

The group engagement team were significantly involved at all stages 
of the component audits by virtue of numerous communications 
throughout, including the issuance of detailed audit instructions 
and review and discussions of the audit approach and findings, in 
particular over our areas of focus. The group audit team met with 
local management and the component audit teams and attended 
their clearance meetings.

In addition, we reviewed the component team reporting results and 
their supporting working papers, which together with the additional 
procedures performed at group level, gave us the evidence required 
for our opinion on the financial statements as a whole.  

Our audit procedures at the group level included the audit of the 
consolidation, goodwill and other intangible assets and taxes. The 
group engagement team also performed the audit of the company.

Materiality
The scope of our audit was influenced by our application of 
materiality. We set certain quantitative thresholds for materiality. 
These, together with qualitative considerations, helped us to 
determine the scope of our audit and the nature, timing and extent 
of our audit procedures on the individual financial statement 
line items and disclosures and in evaluating the effect of 
misstatements, both individually and in aggregate on the financial 
statements as a whole.

OverviewStrategic ReportGovernanceFinancial Statements82

Time Out Group plc – Annual Report and Accounts 2022

Independent auditors’ report continued
to the members of Time Out Group plc

Based on our professional judgement, we determined materiality for the financial statements as a whole as follows:

Financial statements – group

Overall materiality

£1,400,000 (2021: £765,000).

How we determined 
it

Rationale for 
benchmark applied

5% of loss before tax using a 3 year average

Based on the benchmarks used in the Annual Report, loss before tax is the primary measure used 
by the shareholders in assessing the performance of the group, and is a generally accepted 
auditing benchmark.

We have chosen this as our benchmark as it is a key performance measure disclosed to 
users of the financial statements.

This figure takes prominence in the Annual Report, as well as the communications to both 
the shareholders and the market. Based on this it is considered appropriate to use loss 
before tax figure for the year as an appropriate benchmark.

Financial statements – company

£1,330,000 (2021: £726,750).

Based on 1% of total assets capped 
at 95% of group materiality

We believe that total assets are 
considered to be appropriate as it 
is not a profit oriented company. 
The company is a holding company 
only and therefore total assets 
is deemed a generally accepted 
auditing benchmark.

For each component in the scope of our group audit, we allocated 
a materiality that is less than our overall group materiality. The 
range of materiality allocated across components was between 
£800,000 and £1,330,000. Certain components were audited 
to a local statutory audit materiality that was also less than our 
overall group materiality.

We use performance materiality to reduce to an appropriately 
low level the probability that the aggregate of uncorrected and 
undetected misstatements exceeds overall materiality. Specifically, 
we use performance materiality in determining the scope of our 
audit and the nature and extent of our testing of account balances, 
classes of transactions and disclosures, for example in determining 
sample sizes. Our performance materiality was 75% (2021: 75%) of 
overall materiality, amounting to £1,000,000 (2021: £573,000) for 
the group financial statements and £997,500 (2021: £545,000) 
for the company financial statements.

In determining the performance materiality, we considered 
a number of factors – the history of misstatements, risk 
assessment and aggregation risk and the effectiveness of 
controls – and concluded that an amount at the upper end of our 
normal range was appropriate.

We agreed with those charged with governance that we would report 
to them misstatements identified during our audit above £70,000 
(group audit) (2021: £38,000) and £70,000 (company audit) 
(2021: £38,000) as well as misstatements below those amounts 
that, in our view, warranted reporting for qualitative reasons.

Conclusions relating to going concern

Our evaluation of the directors’ assessment of the group’s and the 
company’s ability to continue to adopt the going concern basis of 
accounting included:

•  Obtaining and examining management’s base case forecast 

and downside scenarios, including those that incorporate the 
unpredictability of the global pandemic on the group’s operations 
and the macroeconomic environment, checking that the 
forecasts have been subject to board review and approval;

•  Considering the historical reliability of management forecasting for 
cash flow and net debt by comparing budgeted results to actual 
performance;

•  Auditing the key inputs into the models, to ensure that these 

were consistent with our understanding and the inputs used in 
other key accounting judgements in the financial statements;

•  Performing our own independent sensitivity analysis to 

understand the impact of changes in cash flow and net debt on 
the resources available to the group;

•  Auditing the detail supporting the new financing facility and also 
auditing the covenants applicable to the group’s borrowings. 
We have also reviewed whether management’s assessment 
supports ongoing compliance with those covenants; and

•  Reading management’s paper to the Audit Committee in respect 
of going concern, and agreeing the forecasts set out in this 
paper to the underlying base case cash flow model.

Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified 
any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, 
individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the 
group’s and the company’s ability to continue as a going concern 
for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial 
statements are authorised for issue.

In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the 
directors’ use of the going concern basis of accounting in the 
preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.

However, because not all future events or conditions can be 
predicted, this conclusion is not a guarantee as to the group’s and 
the company’s ability to continue as a going concern.

Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the directors with respect 
to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.

Reporting on other information

The other information comprises all of the information in the 
Annual Report other than the financial statements and our 
auditors’ report thereon. The directors are responsible for the 
other information. Our opinion on the financial statements 
does not cover the other information and, accordingly, we do 
not express an audit opinion or, except to the extent otherwise 
explicitly stated in this report, any form of assurance thereon.

In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our 
responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, 
consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent 
with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in 
the audit, or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. 
If we identify an apparent material inconsistency or material 
misstatement, we are required to perform procedures to conclude 
whether there is a material misstatement of the financial 
statements or a material misstatement of the other information. 
If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there 
is a material misstatement of this other information, we are 
required to report that fact. We have nothing to report based on 
these responsibilities.

With respect to the Strategic report and Directors’ report, we also 
considered whether the disclosures required by the UK Companies 
Act 2006 have been included.

OverviewStrategic ReportGovernanceFinancial Statements83

Time Out Group plc – Annual Report and Accounts 2022

Based on our work undertaken in the course of the audit, the 
Companies Act 2006 requires us also to report certain opinions 
and matters as described below.

Strategic report and Directors’ report
In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the 
audit, the information given in the Strategic report and Directors’ 
report for the year ended 30 June 2022 is consistent with the 
financial statements and has been prepared in accordance with 
applicable legal requirements.

In light of the knowledge and understanding of the group and 
company and their environment obtained in the course of the 
audit, we did not identify any material misstatements in the 
Strategic report and Directors’ report.

Responsibilities for the financial statements and the audit

Responsibilities of the directors for the financial statements
As explained more fully in the Statement of Directors’ 
responsibilities in respect of the financial statements, the directors 
are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements 
in accordance with the applicable framework and for being 
satisfied that they give a true and fair view. The directors are also 
responsible for such internal control as they determine is necessary 
to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from 
material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

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

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

Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance 
with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our 
responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements 
in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which our 
procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud, 
is detailed below.

Based on our understanding of the group and industry, we identified 
that the principal risks of non-compliance with laws and regulations 
related to health and safety regulations, and we considered the extent 
to which non-compliance might have a material effect on the financial 
statements. We also considered those laws and regulations that have 
a direct impact on the financial statements such as the Companies Act 
2006 and international tax legislation. We evaluated management’s 
incentives and opportunities for fraudulent manipulation of the financial 
statements (including the risk of override of controls), and determined 
that the principal risks were related to posting inappropriate journal 
entries and management bias in accounting estimates. The group 
engagement team shared this risk assessment with the component 
auditors so that they could include appropriate audit procedures in 
response to such risks in their work. Audit procedures performed by 
the group engagement team and/or component auditors included:

•  Understanding and evaluating the design and implementation of 
controls designed to prevent and detect irregularities and fraud;

•  Inquiry of management and the group’s legal function regarding 
their consideration of known or suspected instances of non-
compliance with laws and regulations and fraud;

•  Identifying and testing journal entries, in particular any journal 

entries posted with unusual account combinations; and

•  Challenging assumptions and judgements made by management 

in respect of critical accounting judgements and significant 
accounting estimates, and assessing these judgements and 
estimates for management bias.

There are inherent limitations in the audit procedures described 
above. We are less likely to become aware of instances of non-
compliance with laws and regulations that are not closely related 
to events and transactions reflected in the financial statements. 
Also, the risk of not detecting a material misstatement due to 
fraud is higher than the risk of not detecting one resulting from 
error, as fraud may involve deliberate concealment by, for example, 
forgery or intentional misrepresentations, or through collusion.

Our audit testing might include testing complete populations 
of certain transactions and balances, possibly using data 
auditing techniques. However, it typically involves selecting a 
limited number of items for testing, rather than testing complete 
populations. We will often seek to target particular items for 
testing based on their size or risk characteristics. In other cases, 
we will use audit sampling to enable us to draw a conclusion 
about the population from which the sample is selected.

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

Use of this report
This report, including the opinions, has been prepared for and 
only for the company’s members as a body in accordance with 
Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006 and for no other 
purpose. We do not, in giving these opinions, accept or assume 
responsibility for any other purpose or to any other person to 
whom this report is shown or into whose hands it may come save 
where expressly agreed by our prior consent in writing.

Other required reporting
Companies Act 2006 exception reporting

Under the Companies Act 2006 we are required to report to you if, 
in our opinion:

•  we have not obtained all the information and explanations we 

require for our audit; or

•  adequate accounting records have not been kept by the 

company, or returns adequate for our audit have not been 
received from branches not visited by us; or

•  certain disclosures of directors’ remuneration specified by law 

are not made; or

•  the company financial statements are not in agreement with the 

accounting records and returns.

We have no exceptions to report arising from this responsibility.

Mark Jordan (Senior Statutory Auditor)
for and on behalf of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP 
Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditors 
London 
6 December 2022

OverviewStrategic ReportGovernanceFinancial Statements84

Time Out Group plc – Annual Report and Accounts 2022

FINANCIAL 
STATEMENTS

Consolidated income statement 
86
Consolidated statement of comprehensive income  86
87
Consolidated statement of financial position 
88
Company statement of financial position 
89
Consolidated statement of changes in equity 
90
Company statement of changes in equity 
91
Consolidated statement of cash flows 
92
Notes to the financial statements 
120
Company information 

OverviewStrategic ReportGovernanceFinancial  Statements85

Time Out Group plc – Annual Report and Accounts 2022

Strategy in action

Time Out Media 

CREATIVE SOLUTIONS 
CAMPAIGNS FOR THE 
WORLD’S LEADING BRANDS

The Time Out Creative Solutions team with 
its strong client relationships – both direct 
and agency side – continues to bring 
our partners’ brands to life, delivering 
impactful and engaging campaigns.

We differentiate in the industry with our 360-degree  
multi-channel approach and bespoke campaigns so our 
partners can connect with our brand, content and audience. 

In the US, we have seen increasing demand from leading 
blue chip brands which want to advertise with us. For 
Mastercard, we delivered a multi-platform programme 
including 12 bespoke events (four of which took place at 
Time Out Market) and a custom content series. For Visit 
California and LA Tourism Board, we ran digital and “in real 
life” promotions including an Oscars Watch Party at Time 
Out Market New York. Other brand clients in the period 
included Grubhub, Guinness, Get Your Guide, TD Bank, 
Bowery Farming and more.

In the UK, Time Out delivered its first commercial TikTok 
partnership with FREE NOW, The Mobility Super App. This 
was part of a wider bespoke campaign that Time Out’s 
Creative Solutions Team developed for the client, spanning 
a variety of channels including the newsletter, Instagram and 
digital content. For Samsung, we continued our ever popular 
events residency at their flagship London store, Samsung 
KX; the partnership consisted of curation, organisation, 
sale and delivery of 48 ticketed events between April and 
December and the promotion of these events via Time Out’s 
website and social channels. Other key clients in the year 
included the lastminute.com London Eye, Jet2 Malta, Levi’s, 
TfL Transport for London and the Elizabeth Line opening.

Across APAC we have seen demand from domestic tourism 
boards such as Hong Kong Tourism, Visit Victoria and 
Destination New South Wales. And in Singapore for  
example, we saw a shift to campaigns with brands such  
as Remy Cointreau, Beam Suntory and Schweppes as 
people spent more time at home in light of changing bar 
opening regulations.

OverviewStrategic ReportGovernanceFinancial  Statements86

Time Out Group plc – Annual Report and Accounts 2022

Consolidated income statement
for the year ended 30 June 2022

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income
for the year ended 30 June 2022

Gross revenue

Cost of sales

Gross profit

Administrative expenses

Operating loss

Finance income

Finance costs

Loss before income tax

Income tax (charge)/credit

Loss for the period

Loss for the period attributable to:

Owners of the parent

Non-controlling interests

Loss per share:

Year ended  
30 June 2022  

18 months ended  
30 June 2021  

Note

4

7

8

8

9

£’000

72,933

(28,350)

44,583

(58,724)

(14,141)

8

(5,329)

(19,462)

(97)

£’000

44,897

(14,727)

30,170

(90,717)

(60,547)

Loss for the period

Other comprehensive income/(expense):

Items that may be subsequently reclassified to the profit or loss:

Currency translation differences

Other comprehensive income/(expense) for the period, net of tax

(10,544)

(71,056)

507

Total comprehensive expense for the period attributable to:

Owners of the parent

Non-controlling interests

Year ended  
30 June 2022  

18 months ended  
30 June 2021  

£’000

£’000

(19,559)

(70,549)

4,803

4,803

(2,458)

(2,458)

(14,748)

(8)

(14,756)

(69,360)

(3,647)

(73,007)

35

Total comprehensive expense for the period

(14,756)

(73,007)

(19,559)

(70,549)

(19,553)

(6)

(19,559)

(66,770)

(3,779)

(70,549)

Basic and diluted loss per share (pence)

10

(5.9)

(27.9)

All amounts relate to continuing operations.

The notes on pages 92 to 119 are an integral part of these consolidated accounts.

The Company has elected to take the exemption under section 408 of the Companies  
Act of 2006 from presenting the parent Company profit and loss account. 

OverviewStrategic ReportGovernanceFinancial  Statements87

Time Out Group plc – Annual Report and Accounts 2022

Consolidated statement of financial position
As at 30 June 2022

Assets

Non-current assets

Intangible assets – Goodwill

Intangible assets – Other

Property, plant and equipment

Right-of-use assets

Trade and other receivables – non-current

Current assets

Inventories

Trade and other receivables

Cash and bank balances

Total assets

Liabilities

Current liabilities

Trade and other payables

Borrowings

Lease liabilities

Non-current liabilities

Trade and other payables

Deferred tax liability

Borrowings

Lease liabilities

Total liabilities

Net assets

Note

30 June 2022  

£’000

30 June 2021 
£’000

11

12

13

14

17

16

17

18

19

20

21

19

9

20

21

29,893

8,219

37,851

20,490

3,554

100,007

986

14,906

4,849

20,741

28,911

10,253

39,037

17,031

3,197

98,429

995

9,932

19,070

29,997

120,748

128,426

(14,872)

(21,131)

(5,056)

(41,059)

–

(1,158)

(847)

(22,364)

(24,369)

(65,428)

(11,286)

(5,395)

(985)

(17,666)

(1,158)

(1,185)

(18,122)

(21,468)

(41,933)

(59,599)

55,320

68,827

Equity

Called up share capital

Share premium

Translation reserve

Capital redemption reserve

Accumulated losses

Total parent shareholders’ equity

Non-controlling interest

Total equity

Note

24

30 June 2022  

£’000

30 June 2021 
£’000

336

332

185,563

185,563

7,862

1,105

3,057

1,105

(139,522)

(121,182)

55,344

(24)

55,320

68,875

(48)

68,827

The financial statements on 92 to 119 were authorised for issue by the Board of Directors on 6 
December 2022 and were signed on its behalf.

Chris Ohlund 
Chief Executive

Time Out Group plc  
Registered No: 07440171

OverviewStrategic ReportGovernanceFinancial  Statements88

Time Out Group plc – Annual Report and Accounts 2022

Company statement of financial position
As at 30 June 2022

Assets

Non-current assets

Investments

Current assets

Trade and other receivables

Total assets

Net assets

Equity

Called up share capital

Share premium

Capital redemption reserve

Retained earnings

Total equity

Note

30 June 2022  

£’000

30 June 2021 
 £’000

15

17

24

86,926

86,926

30,954

30,954

117,880

77,496

77,496

121,232

121,232

198,728

 117,880 

198,728

336

185,563

1,105

(69,124)

117,880

332

185,563

1,105

11,728

198,728

The Company loss for the year ended 30 June 2022 was £82.7m (18 months ended 30 June 
2021: loss of £66.6m). 

The financial statements on pages 92 to 119 were authorised for issue by the Board of Directors 
on 6 December 2022 and were signed on its behalf. 

Chris Ohlund
Chief Executive

Time Out Group plc  
Registered No: 07440171

OverviewStrategic ReportGovernanceFinancial  Statements89

Time Out Group plc – Annual Report and Accounts 2022

Consolidated statement of changes in equity
Year ended 30 June 2022

Called up 
 share capital
£’000

Note

Share 
premium
£’000

Translation 
 reserve
£’000

Capital  
redemption 
 reserve
£’000

Retained 
earnings/ 
(Accumulated 
losses)
£’000

Total parent 
shareholders’ 
equity
£’000

Non-controlling 
 interest
£’000

Total  

equity
£’000

Balance at 1 January 2020

148

123,290

5,647

1,105

(47,420)

82,770

(4,873)

77,897

Changes in equity

Loss for the 18-month period

Other comprehensive (expense)/
income

Total comprehensive expense

Share-based payments

27

Adjustment arising on change 
in non-controlling interest

Issue of shares

Balance at 30 June 2021

Changes in equity

Loss for the year

Other comprehensive income/
(expense)

Total comprehensive expense

Share-based payments

27

Adjustment arising on change in 
non-controlling interest

Issue of shares 

As at 30 June 2022

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

184

332

62,273

185,563

–

(2,590)

(2,590)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

3,057

1,105

(121,182)

–

62,457

68,875

(66,770)

(66,770)

(3,779)

(70,549)

–

(2,590)

132

(2,458)

(66,770)

(69,360)

(3,647)

(73,007)

1,480

1,480

–

1,480

(8,472)

(8,472)

8,472

–

–

–

–

–

4

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

4,805

4,805

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(19,553)

(19,553)

–

4,805

(19,553)

(14,748)

1,817

1,817

(604)

–

(604)

4

336

185,563

7,862

1,105

(139,522)

55,344

–

(48)

(6)

(2)

(8)

–

32

–

(24)

–

62,457

68,827

(19,559)

4,803

(14,756)

1,817

(572)

4

55,320

The notes on pages 92 to 119 are an integral part of these financial statements.

OverviewStrategic ReportGovernanceFinancial  Statements90

Time Out Group plc – Annual Report and Accounts 2022

Company statement of changes in equity
Year ended 30 June 2022

Balance at 1 January 2020

Changes in equity

Loss for the 18-month period

Total comprehensive expense

Share-based payments

Issue of shares 

Balance at 30 June 2021

Changes in equity

Loss for the year

Total comprehensive expense

Share-based payments

Issue of shares 

Balance at 30 June 2022

Note

27

27

Called up  
share capital  

£’000

148

–

–

–

184

332

–

–

–

4

Share 
 premium  
£’000

Capital  
redemption  
reserve  
£’000

Retained  
earnings  
£’000

Total  
equity  
£’000

123,290

1,105

76,869

201,412

–

–

–

62,273

185,563

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(66,621)

(66,621)

1,480

–

(66,621)

(66,621)

1,480

62,457

1,105

11,728

198,728

–

–

–

–

(82,669)

(82,669)

1,817

–

(82,669)

(82,669)

1,817

4

336

185,563

1,105

(69,124)

117,880

The notes on pages 92 to 119 are an integral part of these financial statements.

OverviewStrategic ReportGovernanceFinancial  Statements91

Time Out Group plc – Annual Report and Accounts 2022

Consolidated statement of cash flows
Year ended 30 June 2022

Note

25

Cash flows from operating activities

Cash used in operations

Interest paid

Tax paid

Net cash used in operating activities

Cash flows from investing activities

Purchase of property, plant and equipment

Purchase of intangible assets

Interest received

Net cash used in investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities

Costs relating to share issues

Proceeds from share issue

Proceeds from borrowings

Repayment of borrowings

Repayment of lease liabilities

Acquisition of minority interest

Net cash (used in)/ generated by financing activities

(Decrease)/Increase in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

Effect of foreign exchange rate change

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

Year ended 
 30 June 2022  

£’000

18 months ended  
30 June 2021  

£’000

(4,544)

(2,497)

–

(7,041)

(1,173)

(740)

2

(1,911)

–

–

254

(1,505)

(4,035)

(203)

(5,489)

(14,441)

19,070

220

4,849

(20,219)

(5,430)

(311)

(25,960)

(3,108)

(2,145)

35

(5,218)

(1,835)

64,148

3,865

(22,500)

(6,731)

–

36,947

5,769

13,420

(119)

19,070

The notes on pages 92 to 119 are an integral part of these financial statements.

OverviewStrategic ReportGovernanceFinancial  Statements92

Time Out Group plc – Annual Report and Accounts 2022

Notes to the financial statements

1. CORPORATE INFORMATION
The consolidated financial statements of Time Out Group plc and its subsidiaries (the “Group”) 
for the year ended 30 June 2022 were authorised for issue in accordance with a resolution of the 
Directors on 6 December 2022. Time Out Group plc (the “Company”) is a public limited company 
incorporated in England and Wales whose shares are publicly traded on the Alternative Investment 
Market. The registered office is located at 1st Floor 172 Drury Lane, London WC2B 5QR. 

Basis of preparation

The consolidated financial statements of Time Out Group plc have been prepared under the 
historical cost convention except for certain financial liabilities measured at fair value and in 
accordance with the recognition and measurement criteria of UK-adopted International Accounting 
Standards (“IAS”) and with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 as applicable to 
companies reporting under those standards. 

The Company has taken advantage of the exemption from preparing a cash flow statement under 
paragraph 8(g) of the disclosure exemptions for qualifying entities included in Financial Reporting 
Standard 101 Reduced Disclosure Framework (“FRS 101”). The Time Out Group plc consolidated 
financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2022 contain a consolidated statement of cash 
flows. The Company is exempt under paragraph 8(k) of the disclosure exemptions included in FRS 
101 for qualifying entities from disclosing related party transactions with entities that form part of 
the Time Out Group plc group of which Time Out Group plc is the ultimate parent undertaking. The 
Company’s financial statements are presented in pounds sterling (£), which is also the Company’s 
functional currency, and all values are rounded to the nearest thousand (£’000) except when 
otherwise indicated. The Company’s financial statements are individual entity financial statements.

The principal activities of the Group are described in the Strategic Report that accompanies these 
financial statements.

2. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The principal accounting policies applied in the preparation of these consolidated financial 
statements are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied to all the years 
presented, unless otherwise stated.

Alternative performance measures (“APM”)

Adjusted EBITDA is profit or loss before interest, taxation, depreciation, amortisation, share-
based payments, exceptional items and profit/(loss) on the disposal of fixed assets. It is used 
by management and analysts to assess the business before one-off and non-cash items. A 
reconciliation of adjusted EBITDA to operating loss is presented in note 4.

Net revenue is calculated as gross revenue less the concessionaires’ share of revenue and is 
further explained in note 4.

Adjusted net debt is cash less borrowings and excludes any finance lease liability recognised under 
IFRS 16. See note 18. 

The Company financial statements were prepared in accordance with FRS 101 and the Companies 
Act 2006. The financial statements are prepared on a going concern basis under the historical cost 
convention except for certain financial liabilities measured at fair value. The accounting policies which 
follow in note 2 set out those policies which apply in preparing the financial statements for the year 
ended 30 June 2022 and have been applied consistently to all periods presented.

The Company has taken advantage of the disclosure exemptions under FRS 101 in respect of:

a.  IFRS 3 Business Combinations;

b.  IFRS 7 Financial Instruments: Disclosures;

c.  IFRS 13 Fair Value Measurement;

d.  Share-based payments;

e.  Intra-Group-related party transactions;

f.  Related party transactions; and

g.  IAS 7 Statement of cash flows.

Going concern

The financial statements have been prepared under the going concern basis of accounting as the 
Directors have a reasonable expectation that the Group and Company will continue in operational 
existence and be able to settle their liabilities as they fall due for the foreseeable future, being a 
period of not less than one year from the date of approval of the financial statements (“forecast 
period”). In making this determination, the Directors have considered the financial position of the 
Group, projections of its future performance and the financing facilities that are in place.

In making this assessment the Directors have considered two scenarios over the forecast period:

The base case assumes a slow but steady period of growth across both Market and Media. Market 
revenue is assumed to improve driven by Time Out Market Lisbon returning to pre-pandemic trading 
levels and other O&O markets progressing towards steady-state trading levels by the end of the 
forecast period. Our strong Management Agreement pipeline is also forecast to deliver incremental 
revenue in the forecast period. Media revenue is assumed to return to pre-pandemic levels driven by 
a focus in high-margin digital-first offerings complemented by the return of Live Events, Affiliate and 
Offers revenue. This scenario does assume an appropriate element of cost inflation but does not 
include the impact of extended global economic uncertainty or further pandemic-related restrictions. 

OverviewStrategic ReportGovernanceFinancial  Statements93

Time Out Group plc – Annual Report and Accounts 2022

Overview

Strategic Report

Governance

Financial  
Statements

In the Group financial statements the acquisition method is adopted. Under this method, the 
results of subsidiary undertakings acquired or disposed of in the period are consolidated for the 
periods from or to the date on which control is passed. The consideration transferred for the 
acquisition of a subsidiary is the fair values of the assets transferred, the liabilities incurred to 
the former owners of the acquiree and the equity interests issued by the Group. The consideration 
transferred includes the fair value of any asset or liability resulting from a contingent consideration 
arrangement. Identifiable assets acquired and liabilities and contingent liabilities assumed in a 
business combination are measured initially at their fair values at the acquisition date. The Group 
recognises any non-controlling interest in the acquiree on an acquisition-by-acquisition basis, either 
at fair value or at the non-controlling interest’s proportionate share of the recognised amounts of 
the acquiree’s identifiable net assets.

Acquisition-related costs are expensed as incurred and presented as exceptional items.

The downside case sensitises the base case to assume that the Market Owned & Operated 
revenue and Media revenue underperforms the base case by 10% while maintaining the base case 
gross margin, with no further lock-downs and no corresponding reduction in budgeted operating 
costs over the forecast period. Consistent with the base it also assumes an appropriate element 
of cost inflation but does not include the impact of extended global economic uncertainty or further 
pandemic-related restrictions.

The Directors consider the downside case reduction in revenue for each division to be unlikely given 
recent performance, however with the uncertainty created by inflationary and recessionary factors 
this scenario is considered severe but plausible. 

As set out earlier, the Group has successfully refinanced the Incus Capital loan facility which was 
fully settled on 30 November. €5.8m of the new €35.0m Crestline facility remains undrawn and the 
agreement allows for the facility to be extended to €47.5m by mutual consent.

The Board is satisfied that under both scenarios the Group will be able to operate within the level 
of its current debt and financial covenants and will have sufficient liquidity to meet its financial 
obligations as they fall due for a period of at least 12 months from the date of signing these 
financial statements. For this reason, the Group and Company continue to adopt the going concern 
basis in preparing its financial statements.

New and amended standards adopted by the Group

During the year ended 30 June 2022, the following standards and guidance were adopted by the 
Group and had no material impact on the financial statements:

Amendments to IFRS 9, IAS 39, IFRS 7, IFRS 4 and IFRS 16 – Interest Rate Benchmark Reform 
Phase 2.

Basis of consolidation

The Group financial statements consolidate the financial statements of Time Out Group plc and all 
its subsidiary undertakings drawn up to 30 June each year.

As permitted by S408 of the Companies Act 2006, the income statement of the parent Company 
is not presented as part of these financial statements. The parent Company’s loss for the financial 
year was £82.7m (2021: £66.6m loss). The parent Company is primarily a holding company and 
had minimal cash flows during the year. It did not hold any cash or cash equivalents at the  
beginning or end of the year.

Subsidiaries

Subsidiaries are all entities (including structured entities) over which the Group has control. The 
Group controls an entity when the Group is exposed to, or has rights to, variable returns from its 
involvement with the entity and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the 
entity. Subsidiaries are fully consolidated from the date on which control is transferred to the Group. 
They are deconsolidated from the date that control ceases.

Notes to the financial statements continued94

Time Out Group plc – Annual Report and Accounts 2022

2. ACCOUNTING POLICIES CONTINUED
Subsidiaries 

If the business combination is achieved in stages, the acquisition date carrying value of the 
acquirer’s previously held equity interest in the acquiree is remeasured to fair value at the 
acquisition date; any gains or losses arising from such remeasurement are recognised in profit or 
loss.

Any contingent consideration to be transferred by the Group is recognised at fair value at the 
acquisition date. Subsequent changes to the fair value of the contingent consideration that is 
deemed to be an asset or liability is recognised in accordance with IFRS 9, either in profit or loss or 
as a change to other comprehensive income. Contingent consideration that is classified as equity is 
not remeasured, and its subsequent settlement is accounted for within equity.

Inter-company transactions, balances and unrealised gains on transactions between Group 
companies are eliminated. Unrealised losses are also eliminated on consolidation. When 
necessary, amounts reported by subsidiaries have been adjusted to conform to the Group’s 
accounting policies.

Non-controlling interests

Transactions with non-controlling interests that do not result in a loss of control are accounted for 
as equity transactions – that is, as transactions with the owners in their capacity as owners. The 
difference between the fair value of any consideration paid and the relevant share acquired of the 
carrying value of net assets of the subsidiary is recorded in equity. Gains or losses on disposals to 
non-controlling interests are also recorded in equity.

Non-controlling interests in the net assets of consolidated subsidiaries are identified separately 
from the Group’s equity and consist of the amount of those interests at the date of the original 
business combination plus their share of changes in equity since that date.

Segmental reporting

Operating segments are reported in a manner consistent with the internal reporting provided to the 
chief operating decision-maker.  
The chief operating decision-maker, who is responsible for allocating resources and assessing 
performance of the operating segments, has been identified as the group of key management 
personnel, as identified in the Strategic Report, that makes strategic decisions.

Foreign currencies

The functional and presentational currency of the Group is pound sterling. Assets and liabilities 
of subsidiaries with a functional currency which is a foreign currency are translated into sterling 
at rates of exchange ruling at the end of the financial year and the result of foreign subsidiaries 
are translated at the average exchange rate for the year. All transactions denominated in foreign 
currency are translated at the rate of exchange ruling at the time of the transaction.

All foreign exchange differences are taken to the income statement in the year in which they arise. 
At the statement of financial position date, monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign 
currencies are translated using the closing rate. Upon the translation of any subsidiary’s results for 
the year and financial position at any given year end, the foreign exchange differences which may arise 
are recognised directly in other comprehensive income as currency translation differences.

Property, plant and equipment

The cost of property, plant and equipment includes the original purchase price of the asset and the 
costs attributable to bringing the asset to its working condition for its intended use. Depreciation 
is provided on all tangible fixed assets at rates calculated to write off the cost, less estimated 
residual value, of each asset over its expected useful life, as follows:

Computer equipment – over three years on a straight-line basis 

Fixtures and fittings – over five years on a straight-line basis

Leasehold improvements – over the lease term or useful life, whichever is shorter

The Group operates in jurisdictions which have set useful lives for certain types of assets, and 
where different, local guidelines override the Group policies mentioned above. However, the Group 
confirms that this treatment does not materially change the accounts.

The assets’ residual values and useful lives are reviewed, and adjusted if appropriate, at the end of 
each reporting period.

Goodwill

Goodwill arises on the acquisition of subsidiaries and represents the excess of the consideration 
transferred over Time Out Group plc’s interest in the net fair value of the net identifiable assets, 
liabilities and contingent liabilities of the acquiree and the fair value of the non-controlling interest 
in the acquiree.

For the purpose of impairment testing, goodwill acquired in a business combination is allocated 
to each cash-generating unit (“CGU”) that is expected to benefit from the synergies of the 
combination. Each CGU to which the goodwill is allocated represents the lowest level within the 
entity at which the goodwill is monitored for internal management purposes.

Goodwill impairment reviews are undertaken annually or more frequently if events or changes in 
circumstances indicate a potential impairment. The carrying value of the CGU containing the goodwill 
is compared to the recoverable amount, which is the higher of value in use and the fair value less 
costs of disposal. Any impairment is recognised immediately as an expense and is not subsequently 
reversed.

When the ownership of an acquired company is less than 100%, the non-controlling interest is 
measured at either the proportion of the recognised net assets attributable to the non-controlling 
interest or at the fair value of the acquired company at the date of acquisition. The excess of the 
cost of acquisition over the fair value of the Group’s share of identifiable net assets acquired is 
recorded as goodwill.

Notes to the financial statements continuedOverviewStrategic ReportGovernanceFinancial  Statements95

Time Out Group plc – Annual Report and Accounts 2022

Intangible assets

Impairment of non-financial assets

Trademarks and copyrights
Trademark and copyright assets are amortised over a period of 15 years from the month of acquisition.

Development costs
Development costs comprising costs incurred relating to websites and other digital platform 
elements are written off over a period of two, three or four years, depending on the relevant 
project. The cost of internally generated and acquired technology is recognised as an intangible 
asset providing it satisfies all of the conditions set out in the research and development policy 
below. Assets are subsequently measured and amortised on a straight-line basis over their useful 
economic lives, from the month in which the expenditure is incurred.

Customer relationships and other intangible assets
These intangible assets are comprised of customer and advertiser relationships and internally 
generated software related to the US business, acquired in 2014, reacquired trade-name rights 
and customer relationships relating to the Portuguese businesses acquired in 2015 and 2016 
respectively, as well as those relating to the acquisition of Australia and Spain in 2018.

The fair value of these assets was determined by agreement between the Directors and an 
independent valuation consultant, and was conducted in order to comply with IFRS 3, “Business 
Combinations”. These assets are amortised over five years (internally generated software and 
customer relationships), 15 years (advertiser relationships), or two years (reacquired trade-
name rights).

Research and development

Expenditure on the research phase of an internal project is recognised as an expense in the  
period in which it is incurred. Development costs incurred on specific projects are capitalised  
when all of the following conditions are satisfied:

•  completion of the asset is technically feasible so that it will be available for use or sale;

•  the Group intends to complete the asset and use or sell it;

•  the Group has the ability to use or sell the asset and it will generate probable future economic 

benefits;

•  there are adequate technical, financial and other resources to complete the development and to 

use or sell the asset; and

•  the expenditure attributable to the asset during its development can be measured reliably.

Development costs not meeting the criteria for capitalisation are expensed as incurred. The cost of 
an internally generated asset comprises all directly attributable costs necessary to create, produce 
and prepare the asset to be capable of operating in the manner intended by management. Directly 
attributable costs include employee (other than Director) costs incurred along with third-party costs.

Non-financial assets that are not ready to use are not subject to amortisation and are tested annually 
for impairment. Assets that are subject to amortisation are reviewed for impairment whenever events 
or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. An impairment 
loss is recognised for the amount by which the asset’s carrying amount exceeds its recoverable 
amount. The recoverable amount is the higher of an asset’s fair value less costs of disposal and 
value in use. For the purposes of assessing impairment, assets are grouped at the lowest levels for 
which there are largely independent cash inflows (“CGUs”). Prior impairments of non-financial assets 
(other than goodwill) are reviewed for possible reversal at each reporting date.

Government grants

Grants from the government are recognised at their fair value where there is a reasonable 
assurance that the grant will be received and that the Group will comply with all attached 
conditions.

Government grants relating to costs are deferred and recognised in the income statement over the 
period necessary to match them with the costs that they are intended to compensate. Government 
grants relating to property, plant and equipment are included in non-current liabilities as deferred 
government grants, and they are credited to the income statement on a straight-line basis over the 
expected lives of the related assets.

During the year, the Group has utilised the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, in which the 
Government reimbursed 80% of the wages of certain employees who were asked to stop working 
(“furloughed”) during Covid-19, but who were retained as employees. These grants have been 
credited against Staff Costs (note 5).

Financial instruments

Financial assets and financial liabilities are recognised in the Group’s statement of financial 
position when the Group becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument. Financial 
assets and financial liabilities are initially measured at fair value. Transaction costs that are 
directly attributable to the acquisition or issue of financial assets and financial liabilities (other 
than financial assets and financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss) are added to or 
deducted from the fair value of the financial assets or financial liabilities, as appropriate, on initial 
recognition. Transaction costs directly attributable to the acquisition of financial assets or financial 
liabilities at fair value through profit or loss are recognised immediately in profit or loss.

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Time Out Group plc – Annual Report and Accounts 2022

2. ACCOUNTING POLICIES CONTINUED
Financial assets

Classification of financial assets
The Group classifies its financial assets in the following categories: at fair value through profit or 
loss; loans and receivables; and available for sale. The classification depends on the purpose for 
which the financial assets were acquired. Management determines the classification of its financial 
assets at initial recognition.

Loans and receivables financial assets
Loans and receivables are non-derivative financial assets with fixed or determinable payments 
that are not quoted in an active market. They are included in current assets, except for maturities 
greater than 12 months after the end of the reporting period. These are classified as non-current 
assets. The Group’s loans and receivables comprise of “trade and other receivables” and “cash 
and cash equivalents” in the balance sheet.

Available-for-sale financial assets
Available-for-sale financial assets are non-derivatives that are either designated in this category 
or not classified in any of the other categories. They are included in non-current assets unless the 
investment matures or management intends to dispose of it within 12 months of the end of the 
reporting period.

Foreign exchange gains and losses
The carrying amount of financial assets that are denominated in a foreign currency is determined 
in that foreign currency and translated at the spot rate at the end of each reporting period. 
Specifically:

•  for financial assets measured at amortised cost that are not part of a designated hedging 

relationship, exchange differences are recognised in profit or loss in the “other gains and losses” 
line item;

•  for debt instruments measured at FVTOCI that are not part of a designated hedging relationship, 
exchange differences on the amortised cost of the debt instrument are recognised in profit or 
loss in the “other gains and losses” line item. Other exchange differences are recognised in other 
comprehensive income in the investments revaluation reserve;

•  for financial assets measured at FVTPL that are not part of a designated hedging relationship, 

exchange differences are recognised in profit or loss in the “other gains and losses” line item; and

•  for equity instruments measured at FVTOCI, exchange differences are recognised in other 

comprehensive income in the investments revaluation reserve.

Impairment of financial assets
The Group recognises a loss allowance for expected credit losses (“ECL”) on investments in 
financial assets that are measured at amortised cost or at FVTOCI, trade receivables and other 
receivables. The amount of expected credit losses is updated at each reporting date to reflect 
changes in credit risk since initial recognition of the respective financial instrument. The Group 
always recognises lifetime ECL for trade receivables. The expected credit losses on these 
financial assets are estimated using a provision matrix based on the Group’s historical credit loss 
experience, adjusted for factors that are specific to the debtors, general economic conditions and 
an assessment of both the current as well as the forecast direction of conditions at the reporting 
date. For all other financial instruments, the Group recognises lifetime ECL when there has been 
a significant increase in credit risk since initial recognition. However, if the credit risk on the 
financial instrument has not increased significantly since initial recognition, the Group measures 
the loss allowance for that financial instrument at an amount equal to 12-month ECL. Lifetime 
ECL represents the expected credit losses that will result from all possible default events over the 
expected life of a financial instrument. In contrast, 12-month ECL represents the portion of lifetime 
ECL that is expected to result from default events that are possible within 12 months after the 
reporting date.

Financial liabilities and equity classification as debt or equity

Debt and equity instruments are classified as either financial liabilities or as equity in accordance 
with the substance of the contractual arrangements and the definitions of a financial liability and an 
equity instrument.

Equity instruments
An equity instrument is any contract that evidences a residual interest in the assets of an entity 
after deducting all of its liabilities. Equity instruments issued by the Group are recognised at the 
proceeds received, net of direct issue costs.

Repurchase of the Company’s own equity instruments is recognised and deducted directly in equity. 
No gain or loss is recognised in profit or loss on the purchase, sale, issue or cancellation of the 
Company’s own equity instruments.

Financial liabilities

All financial liabilities are measured subsequently at amortised cost using the effective interest 
method or at FVTPL.

Financial liabilities at FVTPL
Financial liabilities are classified as at FVTPL when the financial liability is: (i) contingent 
consideration of an acquirer in a business combination; (ii) held for trading; or (iii) it is designated 
as at FVTPL.

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Time Out Group plc – Annual Report and Accounts 2022

Financial liabilities at FVTPL are measured at fair value, with any gains or losses arising on changes 
in fair value recognised in profit or loss to the extent that they are not part of a designated hedging 
relationship. The net gain or loss recognised in profit or loss incorporates any interest paid on the 
financial liability and is included in profit or loss. However, for financial liabilities that are designated 
as at FVTPL, the amount of change in the fair value of the financial liability that is attributable to 
changes in the credit risk of that liability is recognised in other comprehensive income, unless the 
recognition of the effects of changes in the liability’s credit risk in other comprehensive income 
would create or enlarge an accounting mismatch in profit or loss. The remaining amount of 
change in the fair value of liability is recognised in profit or loss. Changes in fair value attributable 
to a financial liability’s credit risk that are recognised in other comprehensive income are not 
subsequently reclassified to profit or loss; instead, they are transferred to retained earnings upon 
derecognition of the financial liability.

Financial liabilities measured subsequently at amortised cost
Financial liabilities that are not: (i) contingent consideration of an acquirer in a business 
combination; (ii) held for trading; or (iii) designated as at FVTPL, are measured subsequently at 
amortised cost using the effective interest method. The effective interest method is a method of 
calculating the amortised cost of a financial liability and of allocating interest expense over the 
relevant period. The effective interest rate is the rate that exactly discounts estimated future cash 
payments (including all fees and points paid or received that form an integral part of the effective 
interest rate, transaction costs and other premiums or discounts) through the expected life of the 
financial liability, or (where appropriate) a shorter period, to the amortised cost of a financial liability.

Foreign exchange gains and losses
For financial liabilities that are denominated in a foreign currency and are measured at amortised 
cost at the end of each reporting period, the foreign exchange gains and losses are determined 
based on the amortised cost of the instruments. These foreign exchange gains and losses are 
recognised in the profit or loss for financial liabilities that are not part of a designated hedging 
relationship. For those which are designated as a hedging instrument for a hedge of foreign 
currency risk, foreign exchange gains and losses are recognised in other comprehensive income 
and accumulated in a separate component of equity.

The fair value of financial liabilities denominated in a foreign currency is determined in that foreign 
currency and translated at the spot rate at the end of the reporting period. For financial liabilities 
that are measured as at FVTPL, the foreign exchange component forms part of the fair value gains 
or losses and is recognised in profit or loss for financial liabilities that are not part of a designated 
hedging relationship.

Derecognition of financial liabilities
The Group derecognises financial liabilities when, and only when, the Group’s obligations are 
discharged, cancelled or have expired. The difference between the carrying amount of the financial 
liability derecognised and the consideration paid and payable is recognised in profit or loss. When 
the Group exchanges with the existing lender one debt instrument into another one with the 
substantially different terms, such exchange is accounted for as an extinguishment of the original 
financial liability and the recognition of a new financial liability. Similarly, the Group accounts for 
substantial modification of terms of an existing liability or part of it as an extinguishment of the 
original financial liability and the recognition of a new liability.

Investments

Investments held as fixed assets are stated at cost less provision for impairment. The Company 
assesses these investments for impairment wherever events or changes in circumstances 
indicate that the carrying value of an investment may not be recoverable. If any such indication of 
impairment exists, the Company makes an estimate of the recoverable amount. If the recoverable 
amount is less than the value of the investment, the investment is considered to be impaired and is 
written down to its recoverable amount. An impairment loss is recognised immediately in the profit 
and loss account.

Inventories

Inventories are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value, after making due allowance 
for obsolete items. Inventories are comprised of raw materials and goods held for resale. Cost 
is determined on a first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) method. Net realisable value is based on estimated 
selling price less further costs expected to be incurred to completion and disposal.

Trade receivables

Trade receivables are amounts due from customers for merchandise sold or services performed 
in the ordinary course of business. If collection is expected in one year or less (or in the normal 
operating cycle of the business if longer), they are classified as current assets. If not, they are 
presented as non-current assets.

Cash and bank balances

Cash and bank balances comprises cash and cash equivalents, being cash at bank and in hand 
and short-term deposits with a maturity of three months or less, and monies held in restricted 
accounts and deposits which represent cash held by the Group in accounts with conditions that 
restrict the use of these monies by the Group and, as such, does not meet the definition of cash 
and cash equivalents.

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Time Out Group plc – Annual Report and Accounts 2022

2. ACCOUNTING POLICIES CONTINUED
Share capital

Ordinary shares are classified as equity, only to the extent that they do not meet the definition of 
a financial liability. Incremental costs directly attributable to the issue of new ordinary shares of 
options are shown in equity as a deduction, net of tax, from the proceeds.

Trade payables

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

Borrowings

All interest-bearing loans and borrowings are initially recognised at fair value, net of transaction 
costs incurred. Borrowings are subsequently carried at amortised cost; any difference between 
the proceeds (net of transaction costs) and the redemption value is recognised in the income 
statement over the period of the borrowings using the effective interest rate method.

Fees paid on the establishment of loan facilities are recognised as transaction costs of the loan to 
the extent that it is probable that some or all of the facility will be drawn down. In this case, the fee 
is deferred until the draw-down occurs.

To the extent there is no evidence that it is probable that some or all of the facility will be drawn 
down, the fee is capitalised as a pre-payment for liquidity services and amortised over the period to 
which it relates.

Borrowing costs

General and specific borrowing costs directly attributable to the acquisition, construction or 
production of qualifying assets, which are assets that necessarily take a substantial period of time 
to get ready for their intended use or sale, are added to the cost of those assets until such time as 
the assets are substantially ready for their intended use or sale.

Taxation

The charge for taxation is based on profits for the year and takes into account taxation deferred 
because of temporary differences between the treatment of certain items for taxation and 
accounting purposes. Tax is recognised in the income statement, except to the extent that it relates 
to items recognised in other comprehensive income or directly in equity. In this case, the tax is also 
recognised in other comprehensive income or directly in equity, respectively.

Current and deferred tax
The tax expense for the year comprises current and deferred tax. Tax is recognised in the income 
statement, except to the extent that it relates to items recognised in other comprehensive income 
or directly in equity, respectively.

The current tax charge is calculated on the basis of the tax laws enacted or substantively enacted 
at the balance sheet date in the countries where the Company and its subsidiaries operate and 
generate taxable income. Management periodically evaluates positions taken in tax returns with 
respect to situations in which applicable tax regulation is subject to interpretation. It establishes 
provisions where appropriate on the basis of amounts expected to be paid to the tax authorities.

Deferred tax is recognised on temporary differences arising between the tax bases of assets and 
liabilities and their carrying amounts in the consolidated financial statements. However, deferred 
tax liabilities are not recognised if they arise from the initial recognition of goodwill; deferred tax 
is not accounted for if it arises from the initial recognition of an asset or liability in a transaction 
other than a business combination that at the time of the transaction affects neither accounting nor 
taxable profit or loss. Deferred tax is determined using tax rates (and laws) that have been enacted 
or substantially enacted by the balance sheet date and are expected to apply when the related 
deferred tax asset is realised or the deferred tax liability is settled.

Deferred tax assets are recognised only to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profit 
will be available against which the temporary differences can be utilised.

Deferred tax liabilities are provided on taxable temporary differences arising from investments in 
subsidiaries, associates and joint arrangements, except for any deferred tax liability where the 
timing of the reversal of the temporary difference is controlled by the Group and it is probable that 
the temporary difference will not reverse in the foreseeable future. Generally, the Group is unable to 
control the reversal of the temporary difference for associates. Only where there is an agreement 
in place that gives the Group the ability to control the reversal of the temporary difference is the 
deferred tax liability not recognised.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset when there is legally enforceable right to offset current 
tax assets against current tax liabilities and when the deferred tax assets and liabilities relate to 
income taxes levied by the same taxation authority on either the same taxable entity or different 
taxable entities and there is no intention to settle the balances on a net basis.

Tax grants related to research and development expenditure are recognised under IAS 12 against 
expenditure and are recognised when reasonably certain estimates can be made.

Notes to the financial statements continuedOverviewStrategic ReportGovernanceFinancial  Statements99

Time Out Group plc – Annual Report and Accounts 2022

Employee benefit costs

Revenue recognition

The Group contributes to certain employees’ personal pension plans on a defined contribution 
basis. A defined contribution plan is a pension plan under which the Group and employee pay 
fixed contributions, on a mandatory, contractual or voluntary basis depending on the location, to a 
third-party financial provider. The Group has no further payment obligations once the contributions 
have been paid. The contributions are recognised as an employee benefit expense in the income 
statement when due.

Share-based payments

The Group operates a number of equity-settled, share-based compensation plans, under which the 
entity receives services from employees as consideration for equity instruments (options) of the 
Group. The fair value of the employee services received in exchange for the grant of the options is 
recognised as an expense. The total amount to be expensed is determined by reference to the fair 
value of the options granted.

At the end of each reporting period, the Group revises its estimates of the number of options 
that are expected to vest based on the non-market vesting conditions and service conditions. It 
recognises the impact of the revision to original estimates, if any, in the income statement, with a 
corresponding adjustment to equity.

When the options are exercised, the Company issues new shares. The proceeds received net of 
any directly attributable transaction costs are credited to share capital (nominal value) and share 
premium.

The grant by the Company of options over its equity instruments to the employees of subsidiary 
undertakings in the Group is treated as a capital contribution. The fair value of employee services 
received, measured by reference to the grant date fair value, is recognised over the vesting period 
as an increase to investment in subsidiary undertakings, with a corresponding credit to equity in the 
parent entity accounts.

The social security contributions payable in connection with the grant of the share options is 
considered an integral part of the grant itself, and the charge will be treated as a cash-settled 
transaction.

Revenue, which is stated net of sales tax, represents the amounts derived from the sale of goods 
and services which fall within the Group’s ordinary activities.

•  Advertising revenue is recognised at the time the advertisement is published.

•  Subscription and Premium Profiles revenue is recognised evenly over the length of each 

subscription.

•  Circulation revenue is recognised at the time of sale. Provision is made for returns of distributor 

returns.

•  Ticket revenues for Time Out events are recognised in the month of the event. Tickets for Time Out 
offers and commissions for sales of tickets to external events and experiences are recognised at 
the point of sale.

•  Licence/royalty revenue is recognised over the contract period in accordance with the substance 
of the underlying agreement. Where these revenues are uncertain, they are recognised only on 
receipt.

•  Market-related revenue is predominantly turnover-related rent from restaurants in the markets and 

is recognised as the turnover is earned by the sub-letting restaurants.

Interest income and expenses

Interest income and expenses are recognised using the effective interest method.

Leases

The Group assesses whether a contract is or contains a lease, at inception of the contract. The 
Group recognises a right-of-use asset and a corresponding lease liability with respect to all lease 
arrangements in which it is the lessee, except for short-term leases and leases of low-value assets. 
For these leases, the Group recognises the lease payments as an operating expense on a straight-
line basis over the term of the lease unless another systematic basis is more representative of 
the time pattern in which economic benefits from the leased assets are consumed. The lease 
liability is initially measured at the present value of the lease payments that are not paid at the 
commencement date, discounted by using the rate implicit in the lease. If this rate cannot be 
readily determined, the Group uses its incremental borrowing rate.

Provisions

Lease payments included in the measurement of the lease liability comprise:

Provisions are recognised when the Group has a present legal or constructive obligation as a result 
of past events, it is probable that an outflow of resources will be required to settle the obligation, 
and the amount has been reliably estimated.

Provisions are measured at the present value of the expenditures expected to be required to settle 
the obligation using a pre-tax rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of 
money and the risks specific to the obligation. The increase in provision due to the passage of time 
is recognised as an interest expense.

•  Fixed lease payments (including in-substance fixed payments), less any lease incentives 

receivable;

•  Variable lease payments that depend on an index or rate, initially measured using the index or rate 

at the commencement date;

•  The amount expected to be payable by the lessee under residual value guarantees;

•  The exercise price of purchase options, if the lessee is reasonably certain to exercise the options; 

and

•  Payments of penalties for terminating the lease, if the lease term reflects the exercise of an option 

to terminate the lease. The lease liability is presented as a separate line in the consolidated 
statement of financial position.

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Time Out Group plc – Annual Report and Accounts 2022

2. ACCOUNTING POLICIES CONTINUED
Leases continued

The lease liability is subsequently measured by increasing the carrying amount to reflect interest 
on the lease liability (using the effective interest method) and by reducing the carrying amount to 
reflect the lease payments made.

The Group remeasures the lease liability (and makes a corresponding adjustment to the related 
right-of-use asset) whenever:

•  The lease term has changed or there is a significant event or change in circumstances resulting in 
a change in the assessment of exercise of a purchase option, in which case the lease liability is 
remeasured by discounting the revised lease payments using a revised discount rate.

•  The lease payments change due to changes in an index or rate or a change in expected payment 
under a guaranteed residual value, in which cases the lease liability is remeasured by discounting 
the revised lease payments using an unchanged discount rate (unless the lease payments change 
is due to a change in a floating interest rate, in which case a revised discount rate is used).

•  A lease contract is modified and the lease modification is not accounted for as a separate lease, 
in which case the lease liability is remeasured based on the lease term of the modified lease by 
discounting the revised lease payments using a revised discount rate at the effective date of the 
modification.

The right-of-use assets comprise the initial measurement of the corresponding lease liability, lease 
payments made at or before the commencement day, less any lease incentives received and any 
initial direct costs. They are subsequently measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and 
impairment losses.

Whenever the Group incurs an obligation for costs to dismantle and remove a leased asset, restore 
the site on which it is located or restore the underlying asset to the condition required by the terms 
and conditions of the lease, a provision is recognised and measured under IAS 37. To the extent 
that the costs relate to a right-of-use asset, the costs are included in the related right-of-use asset, 
unless those costs are incurred to produce inventories.

Variable rents that do not depend on an index or rate are not included in the measurement of the 
lease liability and the right-of-use asset. The related payments are recognised as an expense in 
the period in which the event or condition that triggers those payments occurs and are included 
in the line “Other expenses” in profit or loss. As a practical expedient, IFRS 16 permits a lessee 
not to separate non-lease components, and instead account for any lease and associated non-
lease components as a single arrangement. The Group has not used this practical expedient. 
For contracts that contain a lease component and one or more additional lease or non-lease 
components, the Group allocates the consideration in the contract to each lease component on the 
basis of the relative stand-alone price of the lease component and the aggregate stand-alone price 
of the non-lease components.

Exceptional items

Exceptional items are disclosed separately in the financial statements where, given their nature or 
size, it is necessary to do so to provide further understanding of the financial performance of the 
Group. Exceptional items mainly relate to costs associated with a material restructuring (including 
termination payments and associated legal fees), costs relating to acquisitions, including legal and 
consultancy fees and the revaluation of minority interests.

Critical accounting estimates and judgements

The preparation of the Group’s consolidated financial statements requires management to make 
judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of revenues, expenses, 
assets and liabilities, and the disclosure of contingent liabilities, at the end of the reporting period. 
However, uncertainty about these assumptions and estimates could result in outcomes that require 
a material adjustment to the carrying amount of the asset or liability affected in future periods.

The key assumptions and judgements concerning the future and other key sources of estimation 
uncertainty at the reporting date, that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to 
the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year, are described below. 
The Group based its assumptions, estimates and judgements on parameters available when the 
consolidated statements were prepared. Existing circumstances and assumptions about future 
developments, however, may change due to market changes or circumstances arising beyond the 
control of the Group.

Right-of-use assets are depreciated over the shorter period of lease term and useful life of the 
underlying asset. The depreciation starts at the commencement date of the lease.

Such changes are reflected in the assumptions when they occur.

The right-of-use assets are presented as a separate line in the consolidated statement of financial 
position.

The Group applies IAS 36 to determine whether a right-of-use asset is impaired and accounts for 
any identified impairment loss as described in the ‘Property, Plant and Equipment’ policy.

Notes to the financial statements continuedOverviewStrategic ReportGovernanceFinancial  Statements101

Time Out Group plc – Annual Report and Accounts 2022

a) Impairment of goodwill and intangibles
The Group tests annually whether goodwill has suffered any impairment i.e. when the carrying 
value of a CGU exceeds its recoverable amount, which is the higher of its fair value less costs of 
disposal and its value in use. The fair value less costs to sell calculation is based on available 
data from binding sales transactions in an arm’s length transaction of similar assets or observable 
market prices less incremental costs for disposing of the asset. The value-in-use calculation is 
based on a discounted cash flow model, where appropriate. The cash flows are derived from the 
business plan for the next five years and do not include restructuring activities that the Group is 
not yet committed to or significant future investments that will enhance the asset’s performance 
of the cash-generating unit being tested. The recoverable amount is most sensitive to the discount 
rate used for the discounted cash flow model as well as the expected future cash inflows and the 
long-term growth rate used. The estimation uncertainty exists here due to a number of estimation 
factors applied to any model used.

b) Capitalisation of development costs
Careful judgement by the Directors is applied when deciding whether the recognition requirements 
for capitalised development costs have been met under IAS 38 “Intangible Assets”. Before 
capitalisation commences on a specific project, a business plan is prepared and approved in order 
to ascertain that the project meets all criteria of the standard as well as to determine the asset’s 
useful life. Judgements and assumptions are made using all information known at the end of the 
reporting period.

c) Deferred tax
The Group has an unrecognised deferred tax asset of £44.7m in relation to losses available to 
offset future tax liabilities. The Group makes a judgement as to the recognition of a deferred tax 
asset in relation to these losses based on the expected medium-term profitability. The Group 
has historically been in a taxable loss position. However, with the roll-out of the Time Out Market 
locations, the short to medium-term profitability is reviewed at each reporting period to assess the 
potential recognition of a deferred tax asset.

d) Capitalisation of pre-opening expenditure
When investing in the expansion of new Time Out Market sites, the Group makes a judgement as 
to when the new site has passed feasibility and reached development stage. During feasibility, all 
costs associated with the new site are expensed. When a site reaches development stage, which 
is normally determined following the agreement of Heads of Terms for a new lease, applicable 
costs incurred are capitalised as an item of property, plant and equipment. Impairment reviews are 
performed on the pre-opening expenditure balances at least every six months.

e) Impact of Covid-19
The Covid-19 pandemic had an adverse impact on the Group’s trading during the year. Covid-related 
restrictions have been or are being removed in the majority of territories and we have seen a 
recovery to more normal levels of trading. However, there can be no guarantees that restrictions 
could be reimposed if the pandemic re-emerges.

New standards and interpretations not yet adopted

The following new standards and amendments to standards and interpretations are effective for 
accounting periods beginning after 1 January 2022 and as such have not been adopted in these 
financial statements:

IFRS 3    Reference to the Conceptual Framework

IAS 16   

 Property, Plant and Equipment — Proceeds before Intended Use

IAS 37   

 Onerous Contracts — Cost of Fulfilling a Contract

The Directors do not expect that the adoption of the standards listed above will have a material 
impact on the financial statements of the Group in future periods.

3. EXCHANGE RATES 
The significant exchange rates to UK Sterling for the Group are as follows:

US dollar

Euro

Hong Kong dollar

Singaporean dollar

Australian dollar

Canadian dollar

2022

2021

Closing rate

Average rate

Closing rate

Average rate

1.21

1.16

9.52

1.69

1.76

1.56

1.34

1.18

10.45

1.82

1.84

1.69

1.38

1.16

10.75

1.86

1.84

1.71

1.32

1.14

10.23

1.80

1.85

1.73

OverviewStrategic ReportGovernanceFinancial  StatementsNotes to the financial statements continued102

Time Out Group plc – Annual Report and Accounts 2022

4. SEGMENTAL INFORMATION
In accordance with IFRS 8, the Group’s operating segments are based on the figures reviewed by 
the Board, which represents the chief operating decision maker. The Group comprises two operating 
segments: 

18 months ended 30 June 2021

Gross revenue

•  Time Out Market – this includes Time Out’s share of concessionaires’ sales, revenue from Time 

Concessionaire shares

Out operated bars and other revenue which includes retail, events and sponsorship.

•  Time Out Media – this includes the sale of digital and print advertising, local marketing solutions, 
live events tickets and sponsorship, commissions generated by e-commerce transactions, and 
fees from our franchise partners. 

Year ended 30 June 2022

Gross revenue

Concessionaire shares

Net revenue

Gross profit

Administrative expenses

Operating loss

Operating loss

Amortisation of intangible assets

Depreciation of property,  
plant and equipment

Depreciation of right-of-use assets

Loss on disposal of fixed assets

EBITDA 

Share-based payments

Exceptional items

Adjusted EBITDA 

Finance income

Finance costs

Loss before income tax

Income tax charge

Loss for the year

Time Out Market
£’000

Time Out Media
£’000

Corporate costs
£’000

 46,454 

 (17,530)

 28,924 

 24,081 

 (29,921)

 (5,840)

 (5,840)

 14 

 6,425

 2,017 

 – 

 2,616 

 – 

(391) 

 2,225 

 26,479 

 – 

 26,479 

 20,502 

 (22,728)

 (2,226)

 (2,226)

 2,526

 150 

 48 

 47 

 545 

 – 

 1,159 

 1,704

 – 

 –

 – 

 – 

 (6,075)

 (6,075)

 (6,075)

– 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 (6,075)

 1,817 

 1,548 

 (2,710)

Total
£’000

72,933

 (17,530)

 55,403 

 44,583 

 (58,724)

 (14,141)

 (14,141)

 2,540 

6,575

 2,065 

 47 

 (2,914)

 1,817 

 2,316 

1,219

 8 

 (5,329)

 (19,462)

 (97) 

 (19,559)

Time Out Market  

Time Out Media  

Corporate costs  

£’000

 19,327 

 (7,094)

 12,233 

£’000

 25,570 

 – 

 25,570 

 10,272 

 19,898 

Net revenue

Gross profit

Administrative expenses

 (32,821)

 (55,909)

Operating loss

Operating loss

 (22,549)

 (36,011)

 (22,549)

 (36,011)

Amortisation of intangible assets

 1,767 

 4,401 

Depreciation of property,  
plant and equipment

Depreciation of right-of-use assets

EBITDA 

Share-based payments

Exceptional items

Loss on disposal of fixed assets

 10,038 

 3,548 

 (7,196)

 – 

 (1,257)

 35 

 411 

 1,404 

 (29,795)

 1,480 

 20,786 

 1 

£’000

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 (1,987)

 (1,987)

 (1,987)

 – 

 – 

 – 

Total  
£’000

 44,897 

 (7,094)

 37,803 

 30,170 

 (90,717)

 (60,547)

 (60,547)

 6,168 

 10,449 

 4,952 

 (1,987)

 (38,978)

 – 

 365 

 – 

 1,480 

 19,894 

 36 

Adjusted EBITDA loss

 (8,418)

 (7,528)

 (1,622)

 (17,568)

Finance income

Finance costs

Loss before income tax

Income tax credit

Loss for the 18-month period

 35 

 (10,544)

 (71,056)

 507 

 (70,549)

Notes to the financial statements continuedOverviewStrategic ReportGovernanceFinancial  Statements103

Time Out Group plc – Annual Report and Accounts 2022

Revenue is analysed geographically by origin as follows:

Europe

Americas

Rest of World

Year ended 
 30 June 2022  

£’000

25,826

41,703

5,404

72,933

18 months ended  
30 June 2021 
 £’000

20,097

19,870

4,930

44,897

The Group earns its revenues by selling both goods and services. These can be analysed as follows:

Advertising sales

Affiliates & Offers

Franchising

Time Out Media

Owned Operations

Management fees

Time Out Market

Year ended  
30 June 2022  

18 months ended  
30 June 2021  

£’000

21,819

3,986

674

26,479

41,092

5,362

46,454

72,933

£’000

21,332

3,169

1,069

25,570

17,206

2,121

19,327

44,897

There are no revenues from any single customer that exceed 10% of the Group’s revenues.

The Group has applied the European Securities and Markets Authority (“ESMA”) – ‘Guidelines on 
Alternative Performance Measures’ in these annual results. 

In the context of these results, an alternative performance measure (“APM”) is a financial measure 
of historical or future financial performance, position or cash flows of the Group which is not a 
measure defined or specified in IFRS. The reconciliation of adjusted EBITDA loss to operating  
loss is contained within the segmental reporting note above.

Gross revenue represents the total value of all food, beverage and retail sales transactions in 
relation to the North American markets, the Group’s share of sales transactions in relation to the 
Lisbon market and any Management Agreement fees. Net revenue is calculated as gross revenue 
less the concessionaires’ share of revenue.

5. STAFF COSTS
Group

Wages and salaries

Social security costs

Other pension costs

Share-based payments

Year ended  
30 June 2022  

18 months ended  
30 June 2021  

£’000

20,066

2,625

482

1,817

24,990

£’000

22,945

3,297

647

1,480

28,369

Included in the above are amounts credited to the related costs for grants received under the 
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme of £18k (2021: £730k).

The average monthly number of employees, including Executive Directors, during the year was  
as follows:

Market

Content

E-Commerce 

Media Sales

Support

Technology

Year ended  

30 June 2022
Number

18 months ended  
30 June 2021
Number

191

96

14

71

45

19

436

127

100

18

76

47

25

393

The remuneration of the Executive Directors and Officers who are the key management personnel 
of the Group, is set out below in aggregate for each of the applicable categories specified in IAS 24 
‘Related Party Disclosures’. Key management personnel is defined as the Group Chief Executive 
Officer and the Two Co-Chief Executive Officers, Time Out Market.

OverviewStrategic ReportGovernanceFinancial  StatementsNotes to the financial statements continued104

Time Out Group plc – Annual Report and Accounts 2022

5. STAFF COSTS CONTINUED
Further information about the remuneration of individual Executive Directors is provided in the 
Remuneration Report on page 72.

Short-term employee benefits

Post-employment benefits

Termination benefits

Share based payments

Information regarding the highest paid Director is below:

Short-term employee benefits

Post-employment benefits

Termination benefits

Share-based payments exercised

6. EXCEPTIONAL ITEMS 
Costs/(income) are analysed as follows: 

Restructuring costs

Gain on recognition/ derecognition of right-of-use asset and 
related lease liability

Time Out Market Waterloo exit costs

Discontinued corporate transaction costs

Property lease exit costs

Fundraising costs

Write off of deferred financing costs

Impairment of goodwill

Year ended  
30 June 2022  

18 months ended  
30 June 2021  

£’000

1,425

32

369

2,055

3,881

£’000

885

82

182

–

1,149

Year ended  
30 June 2022  

18 months ended  
30 June 2021  

£’000

103

9

369

2,055

2,536

Year ended 
 30 June 2022  

£’000

1,958

(475)

–

833

–

–

–

–

2,316

£’000

427

41

–

–

468

18 months ended  
30 June 2021 
£’000

1,224

(2,339)

696

–

163

96

54

20,000

19,894

The restructuring costs of £2.0m in the year relate to redundancy costs following the discontinuation 
of print in the UK and the establishment of a new senior management team (2021: £1.2m).

The gain on recognition of right-of-use asset and related lease liability arose on the modification 
of the Time Out Lisbon lease. In the prior period, the gain on derecognition of lease assets and 
liabilities arose on the early exit of the media property lease in New York and an amendment to the 
Time Out Market Miami lease.

Discontinued corporate transaction costs of £0.8m in the year relate to an aborted corporate 
transaction.

In the prior period it was decided not to proceed with the development of Time Out Market Waterloo 
due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. The total capitalised costs related to the development 
of this market were written off.

In April 2021, in the prior period, following a capital fundraise, the balance of the Oakley Capital 
Investments Limited loan note balance was repaid in full. The related unamortised deferred 
financing costs were written off.

See note 11 Intangible Assets – Goodwill regarding the prior period impairment of goodwill.

7. OPERATING COSTS

Year ended  
30 June 2022  

18 months ended  
30 June 2021  

Concessionaire share of revenue

Cost of inventories recognised as cost of sales

Staff costs

Depreciation of property, plant and machinery

Depreciation of right-of-use asset

Amortisation of intangible assets

Impairment of goodwill

Operating lease rentals – land and buildings

(Gain)/loss on foreign exchange

Other expenses

Analysed as:

Charged to cost of sales

Administrative expenses

Staff costs capitalised 

£’000

17,530

4,073

24,990

6,575

2,065

2,540

–

562

(627)

29,366

87,074

28,350

59,408

87,758

(684)

87,074

£’000

7,094

2,315

28,369

10,449

4,952

6,168

20,000

693

25

25,379

105,444

14,727

92,644

107,371

(1,927)

105,444

Notes to the financial statements continuedOverviewStrategic ReportGovernanceFinancial  Statements105

Time Out Group plc – Annual Report and Accounts 2022

An analysis of the fees paid to the Group’s Auditors is provided below: 

Finance costs 

Fees payable to the Company’s Auditors for the audit of the 
consolidated and parent Company financial statements

Fees payable to the Company’s Auditors for the audit  
of the Company’s subsidiaries

Fees payable to the Company’s Auditors for non-audit services

Other services

Year ended  
30 June 2022 
 £’000

18 months ended 
 30 June 2021  

£’000

310

26

336

–

336

338

26

364

20

384

Interest on loan stock and loan notes

Interest on sponsorship loans

Interest on bank loans

Interest on finance leases

Amortisation of deferred financing costs

Foreign exchange loss on financing items

Other

Audit fees of the Group and Company are borne by Time Out England Limited, a subsidiary company. 
Prior period fees include £50,000 billed in respect of the 2019 audit.

9. TAXATION 
Analysis of income tax 

8. FINANCE INCOME AND COSTS
Finance income 

Bank interest receivable

Foreign exchange gain on financing items

Year ended  
30 June 2022 
 £’000

18 months ended 
30 June 2021  

£’000

Current tax 

Current tax charge

2

6

8

35

–

35

Adjustments in respect of prior years

Deferred tax

Deferred tax credit

Origination and reversal of temporary differences

Year ended  
30 June 2022  

£’000

2,405

68

23

2,605

228

–

–

18 months ended  
30 June 2021 
 £’000

4,819

157

23

4,884

371

264

26

5,329

10,544

Year ended 
 30 June 2022  

£’000

18 months ended  
30 June 2021  

£’000

249

–

(152)

–

97

59

–

(566)

–

(507)

OverviewStrategic ReportGovernanceFinancial  StatementsNotes to the financial statements continued106

Time Out Group plc – Annual Report and Accounts 2022

9. TAXATION CONTINUED
Factors affecting the tax expense

The tax assessed for the year is higher (2021: higher) than the standard rate of corporation tax in 
the UK. The difference is explained below:

Loss on ordinary activities before income tax

Loss on ordinary activities multiplied by the domestic  
tax rates applicable to profits in the respective countries

Effects of:

Expenses not deductible for tax purposes

Income not taxable

Unrecognised tax losses in the year

Other tax adjustments, reliefs and transfers

Utilisation of tax losses

Deferred tax movements

Total tax expense/(income)

Year ended  
30 June 2022  

£’000

(19,462)

18 months ended  
30 June 2021  

£’000

(71,056)

(3,835)

(13,802)

1,569

(1,576)

5,012

–

(921)

(152)

97

5,657

(1,852)

9,679

408

(31)

(566)

(507)

Potential deferred tax assets of £44.7m (2021: £37.4m) relating to timing differences on property, 
plant and equipment, short-term timing differences and losses carried forward have not been 
recognised as the Directors take an approach not to recognise any deferred tax asset until such 
time as there is greater visibility of profitability in the medium term. 

The Group has deferred tax liabilities relating to the acquired intangible assets as follows:

Carrying value at beginning of year

Change in rate

Income statement credit

Foreign exchange 

Year ended  
30 June 2022  

18 months ended  
30 June 2021  

£’000

1,185

–

(152)

125

1,158

£’000

1,749

–

(566)

2

1,185

10. BASIC AND DILUTED LOSS PER SHARE
Basic loss per share is calculated by dividing the loss attributable to shareholders by the weighted 
average number of shares during the year.

For diluted loss per share, the weighted average number of shares in issue is adjusted to assume 
conversion for all dilutive potential shares. All potential ordinary shares including options and 
deferred shares are antidilutive as they would decrease the loss per share, and are therefore not 
considered. Diluted loss per share is equal to basic loss per share.

Weighted average number of ordinary shares for  
the purpose of basic and diluted loss per share

Loss from continuing operations for the purpose 
of loss per share

Basic and diluted loss per share

Year ended  
30 June 2022  

Number

18 months ended  
30 June 2021  

Number

 334,198,517 

239,394,965

£’000

£’000

(19,553)

(66,770)

Pence

(5.9)

Pence

(27.9)

Notes to the financial statements continuedOverviewStrategic ReportGovernanceFinancial  Statements107

Time Out Group plc – Annual Report and Accounts 2022

11. INTANGIBLE ASSETS – GOODWILL
Group

Cost

At 1 July/1 January

Impairment

Exchange differences

At 30 June

30 June 2022  

30 June 2021  

£’000

£’000

28,911

–

982

29,893

50,068

(20,000)

(1,157)

28,911

The carrying value of the goodwill is analysed by business segment as follows:

Time Out Media

Time Out Market

30 June 2022 
 £’000

30 June 2021 
 £’000

22,001

7,892

29,893

21,033

7,878

28,911

Goodwill arises on the acquisition of subsidiaries and represents the excess of the consideration 
transferred over the Group’s interest in net fair value of the net identifiable assets, liabilities and 
contingent liabilities of the acquired. Goodwill acquired in a business combination is allocated to 
each of the cash generating units (“CGUs”) that is expected to benefit from the synergies of the 
combination. This represents the lowest level within the entity at which the goodwill is monitored for 
internal management purposes.

Goodwill impairment reviews are undertaken annually or more frequently if events or changes in 
circumstances indicate a potential impairment. The carrying value of goodwill is compared to the 
recoverable amount, which is the higher of value-in-use and the fair value less costs of disposal. 
Any impairment is recognised immediately as an expense and is not subsequently reversed. 

The recoverable amount of each CGU has been determined based on value-in-use calculations. 
These calculations use pre-tax cash flow projections based on a detailed bottom-up budget for the 
initial year. A further four years are forecast using relevant growth rates and CGU-specific operation 
and financial assumptions. Cash flows beyond the five-year period are extrapolated into perpetuity 
using an estimated long-term growth rate of 1.8% (2021: 2%). The cash flows are then discounted 
using a weighted average cost of capital of 14.5% (2021: 10%).

Using this methodology, the recoverable amount for Media and Market CGUs exceed the total 
carrying value by £6.5m and £59.1m respectively. 

The Group has also made further disclosure, in accordance with paragraph 134 of IAS 36, where 
a reasonably possible change in the key assumptions may result in an impairment. If the pre-tax 
discount rate applied to cash flows for the Media and Market CGU were 1% higher than the current 
estimate of 14.5%, the Media and Market CGU headroom would reduce to £2.9m and £49.8m 
respectively, resulting in no impairment. For the recoverable amount to be equal to the carrying 
value of the CGUs the discount rate would need to be increased to 16.5% for Media and 25.5% for 
Market. 

The impairment recorded in the prior period of £20.0m in the Media CGU followed the significant 
and adverse impact of Covid-19 on the activities of the CGU and a strategic decision to discontinue 
print operations in most territories.

The Company has no goodwill (2021: £nil). 

OverviewStrategic ReportGovernanceFinancial  StatementsNotes to the financial statements continued108

Time Out Group plc – Annual Report and Accounts 2022

12. INTANGIBLE ASSETS – OTHER
Group

Cost

At 1 January 2020

Additions

Disposals

Exchange differences

At 30 June 2021

Reclassifications

Additions

Disposals

Exchange differences

At 30 June 2022

Accumulated Amortisation

At 1 January 2020

Charge for the period

Exchange differences

At 30 June 2021

Charge for the year

Reclassification

Disposals

Exchange differences

At 30 June 2022

Net book value

At 30 June 2022

At 30 June 2021

At 1 January 2020

The Company has no intangible assets (2021: £nil).

Trademarks  
and copyright  

£’000

Development  
costs  
£’000

Service concession 
arrangements  

£’000

Customer  
relationships  

£’000

Other intangible 
 assets  
£’000

5,464

44

–

(191)

5,317

–

19

–

541

5,877

1,935

523

(86)

2,372

348

–

–

272

2,992

2,885

2,945

3,529

11,975

2,086

–

(12)

14,049

–

714

(9,450)

35

5,348

8,352

3,232

(12)

11,572

1,662

–

(9,411)

35

3,858

1,490

2,477

3,623

1,304

4,694

8,663

–

–

16

1,320

(1,323)

–

–

3

–

296

142

2

440

–

(439)

–

(1)

–

–

880

–

–

56

4,750

–

–

–

30

4,780

2,802

1,191

57

4,050

119

–

–

20

4,189

591

700

1,008

1,892

15

(2)

(288)

8,388

(4)

7

–

818

9,209

4,187

1,080

(130)

5,137

411

(4)

–

412

5,956

3,253

3,251

4,476

Total 
 £’000

32,100

2,145

(2)

(419)

33,824

(1,327)

740

(9,450)

1,427

25,214

17,572

6,168

(169)

23,571

2,540

(443)

(9,411)

738

16,995

8,219

10,253

14,528

Notes to the financial statements continuedOverviewStrategic ReportGovernanceFinancial  Statements109

Time Out Group plc – Annual Report and Accounts 2022

13. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Group

Fixtures and  
Fittings  
£’000

Computer  
equipment  

£’000

Leasehold 
improvements  

£’000

Cost

At 1 January 2020

9,878

2,692

2,981

41,546

Additions

Disposals

Exchange differences

At 30 June 2021

Additions

Disposals

Exchange differences

At 30 June 2022

Accumulated Depreciation 

At 1 January 2020

Charge for the period

Eliminated on disposal

Exchange differences

At 30 June 2021

Charge for the year

Eliminated on disposal

Exchange differences

At 30 June 2022

Net book value

At 30 June 2022

As at 30 June 2021

At 31 December 2019

751

(289)

(396)

9,944

341

(246)

1,241

11,280

1,643

3,092

(256)

(168)

4,311

2,021

(229)

693

6,796

4,484

5,633

8,235

361

(5)

(67)

263

(278)

244

3,210

1,391

874

(5)

(65)

2,195

560

(273)

208

2,690

520

786

Total  
£’000 

54,645

3,108

(1,099)

(2,183)

54,471

1,173

(524)

6,283

61,403

5,882

10,449

(280)

(617)

15,434

6,575

(502)

2,045

23,552

42,075

1,996

(805)

(1,720)

569

–

4,798

46,913

2,848

6,483

(19)

(384)

8,928

3,994

–

1,144

14,066

32,847

37,851

32,618

39,037

14. RIGHT-OF-USE ASSETS
Group

Cost

At 1 January 2020

Additions 

Disposals

Exchange differences

At 30 June 2021

Additions

Transfers*

Modifications

Exchange differences

At 30 June 2022

Accumulated Depreciation 

At 1 January 2020

Charge for the period

Eliminated on disposal

Exchange differences

At 30 June 2021

Charge for the year

Exchange differences

At 30 June 2022

Net book value

At 30 June 2022

At 30 June 2021

At 31 December 2019

Buildings 
 £’000

31,344

1,660

(10,924)

(1,028)

21,052

1,219

884

1,170

3,018

27,343

3,035

4,952

(3,826)

(140)

4,021

2,065

767

6,853

20,490

17,031

28,309

Total  
£’000

31,344

1,660

(10,924)

(1,028)

21,052

1,219

884

1,170

3,018

27,343

3,035

4,952

(3,826)

(140)

4,021

2,065

767

6,853

20,490

17,031

28,309

1,301

39,227

48,763

* 

 Transfers relate to the modification of the Lisbon Market Lease from Service concession arrangements (included within Intangible Assets – Other) to 
Right of Use Asset.

The maturity analysis of lease liabilities is presented in note 21.

OverviewStrategic ReportGovernanceFinancial  StatementsNotes to the financial statements continued110

Time Out Group plc – Annual Report and Accounts 2022

14. RIGHT-OF-USE ASSETS CONTINUED
Amounts recognised in profit and loss 

Interest expense on lease liabilities

Expense relating to short-term leases

Expense relating to lease of low-value assets

The total cash outflow for leases amounts to £4.0m (2021: £6.2m).

2022 
 £’000

 2,605 

 562 

116

2021  
£’000

 4,884 

 693 

252

15. INVESTMENTS
Company

Cost and net book value

At 1 July 2021/1 January 2020

Disposals

Additions

Impairment 

At 30 June

Shares in group undertakings

2022
 £’000

77,496

(10,654)

122,911

(102,827)

86,926

2021 
£’000

87,042

–

–

(9,546)

77,496

During the year the Company impaired the carrying value of its investment in Time Out Group MC 
Limited to reflect the current recoverable amount. During the prior 18 month period ended 30 June 
2021 the Company impaired the carrying value of its investments in Print & Digital Publishing Pty 
Ltd and Time Out New York Limited to reflect the current recoverable amount.

During the year the Group was reorganised, as a result of the reorganisation Time Out Digital 
Limited is now directly owned by Time Out Group plc. Time Out New York Limited and Time Out 
Spain Media SL are now indirectly owned.

As at 30 June 2022, the Company held direct and indirect investments in the following undertakings; all are accounted for using the acquisition method:

Holding

Nature of business

Registered address

Country of registration  
(or incorporation)

Registered 
number

Name of company

Direct subsidiaries:

Time Out Group MC Limited

Time Out Digital Limited

Print & Digital Publishing Pty

Indirect subsidiaries:

Time Out Group BC Limited

Time Out Nominees Limited

Time Out England Limited

Time Out Market Limited

Time Out Market London Limited

Leanworks Limited

TONY HC Corp

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

Holding company

Holding company

1st Floor, 172 Drury Lane, London WC2B 5QR

1st Floor, 172 Drury Lane, London WC2B 5QR

Publishing & e-commerce

Suite 4A3, 410 Elizabeth Street, Surry Hills NSW 2010

Holding company

1st Floor, 172 Drury Lane, London WC2B 5QR

Dormant

1st Floor, 172 Drury Lane, London WC2B 5QR

Publishing & e-commerce

1st Floor, 172 Drury Lane, London WC2B 5QR

Holding company

1st Floor, 172 Drury Lane, London WC2B 5QR

Operator of cultural market

1st Floor, 172 Drury Lane, London WC2B 5QR

1st Floor, 172 Drury Lane, London WC2B 5QR

E-commerce

Holding company

England and Wales

England and Wales

Australia

England and Wales

England and Wales

England and Wales

England and Wales

England and Wales

England and Wales

07440310

02250222

07440330

03210982

01782049

09550826

10359194

07934000

211 East 43rd Street, Suite 1901, New York, NY 10017

United States of America

Notes to the financial statements continuedOverviewStrategic ReportGovernanceFinancial  Statements111

Time Out Group plc – Annual Report and Accounts 2022

Name of company

Indirect subsidiaries:

Time Out New York MC LLC

Time Out Market US Holdings LLC

Time Out America LLC

Time Out Market Miami LLC

Time Out Market Chicago LLC

Time Out Market Boston LLC

Yplan Inc

Time Out Portugal, Unipessoal LDA

MC-Mercados da Capital, LDA

Time Out Market Porto, LDA

Time Out Hong Kong Company Limited

Time Out Media Singapore Pte Limited

Time Out Market Central London Limited

Time Out Market New York LLC

Time Out Market Canada Holdings Inc

Concept TOM Montreal Inc

Time Out Market Prague SRO

Time Out Market Dubai Limited

Time Out New York Limited

Time Out Spain Media SL

Holding

Nature of business

Registered address

Country of registration  
(or incorporation)

Registered 
number

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

90%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

Holding company

Holding company

211 East 43rd Street, Suite 1901, New York, NY 10017

211 East 43rd Street, Suite 1901, New York, NY 10017

Publishing & e-commerce

211 East 43rd Street, Suite 1901, New York, NY 10017

Operator of cultural market

1601 Drexel Avenue, Miami Beach, Florida 33139

Operator of cultural market

916 West Fulton Market, Chicago IL, 60607

Operator of cultural market

Landmark Center, 401 Park Drive, Boston, MA 02215

Dormant

211 East 43rd Street, Suite 1901, New York, NY 10017

Publishing & e-commerce

Avenida de Liberdade, no 10-4, 1250-144 Lisboa

Operator of cultural market

Rua D. Luis, no 19-2 andar 1200-149 Lisboa 

Operator of cultural market

Rua D. Luis, no 19-2 andar 1200-149 Lisboa 

United States of America

United States of America

United States of America

United States of America

United States of America

United States of America

United States of America

Portugal

Portugal

Portugal

Publishing & e-commerce

Room G11, Shop 4-7, 158A Connaught Road West, Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong

Hong Kong

Publishing & e-commerce

39A Amoy Street, Singapore 069865

Singapore

Operator of cultural market

1st Floor, 172 Drury Lane, London WC2B 5QR

England and Wales

11634050

Operator of cultural market

55 Water Street, 3rd Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11201

United States of America

Holding company

200-1000 rue De La Gauchetière O Montréal (Québec) H3B4W5

Operator of cultural market

200-1000 rue De La Gauchetière O Montréal (Québec) H3B4W5

Operator of cultural market

Revoluční 1, 110 Prague 1

Operator of cultural market

1st Floor, 172 Drury Lane, London WC2B 5QR

Holding company

1st Floor, 172 Drury Lane, London WC2B 5QR

Publishing & e-commerce

1st Floor, 18 Plaça Reial, Barcelona 08002

Canada

Canada

Czech Republic

England and Wales

England and Wales

Spain

11878374

02977606

All subsidiaries’ reporting periods are consistent with the Group and all subsidiary undertakings are 
included in the consolidation.

In October 2021 a further 14.9% of Time Out Market Porto, LDA was acquired for £0.6m, increasing 
the Group share to 90%. The dormant companies Time Out Magazine Limited and Time Out 
International Limited were dissolved on 5 April 2022.

During the prior period the remaining 15% of Time Out Market Limited was acquired for a de 
minimis consideration and Time Out Chicago LLC a 100% owned indirect subsidiary was dissolved. 

All of the dormant companies listed above are exempt from preparing individual financial 
statements by virtue of s394A of the Companies Act 2006. These companies are also exempt from 
filing individual financial statements by virtue of s448A of the Companies Act 2006.

The subsidiary companies listed above, that are incorporated in England and Wales, have claimed 
an exemption from audit by virtue of s479A of the Companies Act 2006.

OverviewStrategic ReportGovernanceFinancial  StatementsNotes to the financial statements continued112

Time Out Group plc – Annual Report and Accounts 2022

16. INVENTORIES 
Group 

Raw materials

Finished goods

The Company has no inventories (2021: £nil).

17. TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES 

Current:

Trade debtors (net)

Other debtors

Prepayment and accrued income

Non-current:

Other debtors

2022  
£’000

14

972

986

2022  
£’000

8,291

2,466

4,149

14,906

2022
£’000

3,554

3,554

2021 
 £’000

85

910

995

2021  
£’000

6,245

1,200

2,487

9,932

2021
£’000

3,197

3,197

The fair values of all financial assets of the Group equate to their carrying value.

Movements on the Group provision for the impairment of trade receivables are as follows:

At 1 July 2021/1 January 2020

Provision for receivable impairment

Receivables written off during the period as uncollectable

Unused amounts reversed

Exchange differences

At 30 June 

2022 
 £’000

741

1,340

(710)

(34)

40

1,377

2021 
 £’000

1,260

668

(1,168)

(14)

(5)

741

The creation and release of any provision for impaired receivables have been included in 
Administrative Expenses in the income statement. Amounts charged to the allowance account are 
generally written off when there is no expectation of recovering additional cash. 

Company

Amounts owed by group undertakings

Other debtors

2022  
£’000

30,953

1

30,954

2021  
£’000

121,181

51

121,232

All amounts due from Group companies relate to loans which are non-interest bearing, unsecured 
and repayable on demand. During October 2021 the Company settled amounts owed by Group 
undertakings through a corporate reorganisation. 

As at 30 June 2022, Group trade receivables of £1.5m (2021: £2.2m) were past due but not 
impaired. The past due receivables relate to a number of independent customers for whom there is 
no recent history of default. The ageing of these trade receivables is over three months (2021: over 
three months).

18. CASH AND NET DEBT
Group 

As at 30 June 2022, Group trade receivables of £1.4m (2021: £0.7m) were impaired and provided 
for. The ageing analysis of these trade receivables is over three months (2021: over three months).

Cash 

Borrowings

Adjusted net debt

IFRS 16 Lease liabilities

Net debt

2022  
£’000

4,849

(21,978)

(17,129)

(27,420)

(44,549)

2021  
£’000

19,070

(23,517)

(4,447)

(22,453)

(26,900)

Notes to the financial statements continuedOverviewStrategic ReportGovernanceFinancial  Statements113

Time Out Group plc – Annual Report and Accounts 2022

19. TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES
Group

Current:

Trade creditors

Social security taxes

Other creditors

Accruals and deferred income

Corporation tax creditor

Value Added Tax

Non-current:

Other creditors

2022  
£’000

2,923

413

2,498

7,976

122

940

2021  
£’000

1,850

874

1,892

6,164

–

506

Borrowings repayable as follows:

Between nil and one year

Between one and two years

Between two and five years

Over five years

2022  
£’000

21,131

300

547

–

21,978

2021  
£’000

5,395

17,563

559

–

23,517

The fair value of all financial liabilities is not materially different from the carrying value.

The bank loans comprise:

14,872

11,286

•  a loan provided by a local Urban Development Fund as part of the Joint European Support for 

Sustainable Investment in City Areas (“JESSICA”) initiative of £0.7m (2021: £0.8m), charged at a 
rate of the six-month EURIBOR rate plus 1.75% repayable in instalments to 2024;

–

–

1,158

1,158

•  a term loan facility of £20.8m (2021: £19.0m) at a rate of 11% above EURIBOR, fully repayable in 
November 2022. The facility has a covenant based on the rolling 12-month EBITDA of the Time Out 
Lisbon Market which has been formally waived through to November 2022; and

Other creditors includes pension liabilities.

•  a bank loan of £0.5m (2021: £0.3m) with interest charged at a rate of 3%, repayable in monthly 

The non-current other creditors in the prior period related to a lease concession for the Lisbon 
market expiring 2031. In the current year the lease was modified and is now recognised within 
lease liabilities. 

20. BORROWINGS
Group

Current:

Bank loans

Non-current:

Bank loans

2022
£’000

21,131

21,131

847

847

2021
£’000

5,395

5,395

18,122

18,122

instalments to June 2025.

On 24 August, the Group agreed an unsecured loan facility of up to £8.0 million with Oakley Capital 
Investments Limited (“OCI”). The drawn balance on this facility as at 30 November 2022 was 
£5.2m and has been converted to a loan note (“OCI Loan Note”) and extended to 31 December 
2023. Interest will be charged at a 90 day average SONIA rate plus 10% per annum, with an 
arrangement fee of 2% and an exit premium.

On 24 November 2022, the Group agreed a new €35.0m secured four-year term loan facility with 
Crestline Europe LLP (“Crestline facility”) which will be used to refinance the Incus Capital Facility. 
The facility has a term of four years, with the right to settle in full after two years. Interest may be 
capitalised or paid in cash, at the election of the Company, during the first year at a rate of 9.5% 
plus 3-month EURIBOR and from the second year onwards interest will be paid in cash at a rate of 
8.5% plus 3-month EURIBOR. There will separately be an exit premium payable upon full repayment 
of the facility, calculated by reference to the principal amount drawn. The facility is subject to 
quarterly financial covenants based on minimum liquidity levels (quarterly testing commencing on 
31 December 2022) and target leverage ratio (quarterly testing commencing on 30 June 2023).

OverviewStrategic ReportGovernanceFinancial  StatementsNotes to the financial statements continued114

Time Out Group plc – Annual Report and Accounts 2022

21. LEASE LIABILITIES

Analysed as:

Current

Non-current

Maturity analysis:

Year one

Year two

Year three

Year four

Year five

After five years

2022 
 £’000

5,056

22,364

27,420

2022 
 £’000

–

–

 337 

–

 864 

2021  
£’000

985

21,468

22,453

2021  
£’000

–

–

–

–

–

 26,219 

27,420

 22,453 

22,453

The Group does not face a significant liquidity risk with regard to its lease liabilities. Lease 
liabilities are monitored within Group finance.

22. FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT AND POLICIES 
Financial risk factors and management

The Group’s activities expose it to a variety of financial risks: market risk, credit risk and liquidity 
risk. The Group’s overall risk management programme focuses on the unpredictability of financial 
markets and seeks to minimise potential adverse effects on the Group’s financial performance.

Foreign currency

The Group is exposed to foreign exchange risk as it operates in overseas markets. The Group’s 
realised loss on foreign exchange for the year was £84,000 (2021: £25,000 loss). The Group 
does not hedge its foreign currency risk as the majority of the Group’s receivables, payables and 
borrowings are denominated in the functional currency of the relevant entity. Consequently, there 
are no material currency exposures to disclose (2021: £nil). 

A sensitivity analysis was conducted at the end of the year ended 30 June 2022 in order to 
understand the exposure of the Group’s income statement to currency fluctuations. The analysis 
used the actual monthly average rates and appreciated/depreciated each of the rates by 10%. 
The main assumptions revolve around this 10% adjustment to the rates which was applied linearly 
across the months instead of for a specific time.

The effects of the analysis showed that if the euro and US dollar had appreciated by 10% during the 
year, reported revenue would be £79.0m and the adjusted EBITDA would be £1.8m. If, conversely, 
the euro and US dollar had depreciated by 10% during the year, reported revenue would be £66.9m 
and adjusted EBITDA would be £0.7m. 

Credit risk

Credit risk refers to the risk that a counterparty will default on its contractual obligations resulting 
in a financial loss to the Group. In order to minimise this risk the Group endeavours to only deal 
with companies which are demonstrably creditworthy. The maximum exposure to credit risk is the 
value of the outstanding trade receivables. The management do not consider that there is any 
concentration of risk within trade receivables. 

The Group puts provisions in place for specific known bad debts. In addition, further provisions are 
made based on historical customer payment trends, current local market conditions and the normal 
average time taken to pay in each individual country. An analysis of the Group’s trade receivables 
and provision for bad debts is included in note 17. The maximum credit risk exposure of the Group 
is the gross carrying value of each of its financial assets.

As well as credit risk on accounts receivable balances with customers, credit risk arises on cash 
and cash equivalents and deposits with banks and financial institutions. For banks and financial 
institutions, only reputable institutions with a strong, independently rated credit rating are used.

Notes to the financial statements continuedOverviewStrategic ReportGovernanceFinancial  Statements115

Time Out Group plc – Annual Report and Accounts 2022

Liquidity risk

Interest rate risk

Cash flow forecasting is performed by the operating entities of the Group and aggregated by Group 
finance. Group finance monitors rolling forecasts of the Group’s liquidity requirements to ensure it 
has sufficient cash to meet operational needs whilst maintaining sufficient headroom to meet any 
repayment requirements. 

The maturity profile of the Group’s borrowings is set out in note 20.

The table below analyses the Group’s non-derivative financial liabilities into relevant maturity 
groupings based on the remaining period at the balance sheet date to the contractual maturity 
date. Derivative financial liabilities are included in the analysis if their contractual maturities are 
essential for an understanding of the timing of the cash flows. The amounts disclosed in the table 
are the contractual undiscounted cash flows.

As at 30 June 2022

Borrowings

Lease liabilities

Trade and other payables

As at 30 June 2021

Borrowings

Lease liabilities

Trade and other payables

Within  

one year
£’000

Between one 
and two years
£’000

Between two 
and five years
£’000

Over  

five years
£’000

21,131

5,056

14,872

41,059

300

4,876

 – 

547

–

14,528

19,186

 – 

 – 

5,176

15,075

19,186

Within 
 one year  
£’000

Between one 
and two years 
£’000

Between two 
and five years 
£’000

Over 
five years
£’000

5,395

5,090

11,286

21,771

17,563

5,450

116

559

–

21,369

20,326

116

926

23,129

22,044

21,252

Total
£’000

21,978

43,646

14,872

80,496

Total 
 £’000

23,517

52,235

12,444

88,196

The Group’s exposure to interest rates is low as the majority of our debt is at fixed interest rates. 
The Group has not completed a sensitivity analysis for this risk because the level of floating rate 
debt would result in an immaterial impact to the accounts.

Capital risk management

The Group’s capital management objective is to ensure the Group’s ability to continue as a going 
concern so that it can provide returns for shareholders and benefits for other stakeholders. To meet 
this objective the Group reviews the budgets and forecasts on a regular basis to ensure there is 
sufficient capital to meet the needs of the Group. 

The capital structure of the Group consists of total parent shareholders’ equity as set out in the 
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity. All working capital requirements are financed from 
existing cash resources and borrowings.

23. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
Fair values 

The table below illustrates the fair values of all financial assets and liabilities held by the Group at 
30 June 2022 and 30 June 2021.

All liabilities, including loans and trade and other payables are held at amortised cost. After initial 
fair value recognition, these instruments are measured at amortised cost using the effective 
interest rate method. The fair value of all financial liabilities is not materially different from the 
carrying value.

Classification of financial instruments
As at 30 June 2022

At amortised cost
£’000

Assets

Cash and bank balances

Trade and other receivables

Liabilities

Financing 

Lease liabilities

Trade and other payables

4,849

14,311

19,160

(21,978)

(27,420)

(14,872)

(64,270)

At fair value  
through profit 
 and loss
£’000

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Total
£’000

4,849

14,311

19,160

(21,978)

(27,420)

(14,872)

(64,270)

OverviewStrategic ReportGovernanceFinancial  StatementsNotes to the financial statements continued116

Time Out Group plc – Annual Report and Accounts 2022

23. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS CONTINUED

Company 

Classification of financial instruments
As at 30 June 2021

At amortised cost
£’000

Assets

Cash and bank balances

Trade and other receivables

Liabilities

Financing 

Lease liabilities

Trade and other payables

19,070

10,642

29,712

(23,517)

(22,453)

(14,516)

(60,486)

At fair value  
through profit 
 and loss
£’000

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Total
£’000

19,070

10,642

29,712

(23,517)

(22,453)

(14,516)

(60,486)

Classification of financial instruments
As at 30 June 2022

At amortised cost
£’000

Assets

Trade and other receivables

Liabilities

Trade and other payables

30,954

30,954

–

–

Classification of financial instruments
As at 30 June 2021

At amortised cost
£’000

Loans and receivables are non-derivative financial assets with fixed or determinable payments 
that are not quoted in an active market. They are measured at amortised cost using the effective 
interest rate method and the fair value is not materially different from the carrying value.

Assets

Trade and other receivables

The Group assesses at each year end reporting date whether a financial asset or group of financial 
assets is impaired. In the year ended 30 June 2022 there was no objective evidence that would 
have necessitated the impairment of loans and receivables or available-for-sale assets except the 
provision for impairment of receivables (see note 17).

Liabilities

Trade and other payables

121,232

121,232

–

–

At fair value  
through profit  

or loss
£’000

–

–

–

–

At fair value  
through profit  

and loss
£’000

–

–

–

–

Total
£’000

30,954

30,954

–

–

Total
£’000

121,232

121,232

–

–

Notes to the financial statements continuedOverviewStrategic ReportGovernanceFinancial  Statements117

Time Out Group plc – Annual Report and Accounts 2022

24. CALLED UP SHARE CAPITAL 

Allotted, issued and fully paid

Nominal value

30 June 2022
Number

30 June 2021
Number

Ordinary shares

Aggregate amounts

New ordinary shares

Aggregate amounts

£0.001

335,870,417

331,960,417

335,870,417

331,960,417

£0.001

£’000

336

336

£’000

332

332

During the year, the Company issued 3,910,000 (2021: 194,999) shares to employees following the 
exercise of share options. The fair value of the shares issued was £2,160,000 (2021: £81,000).

In the prior period, 134,707,395 shares were issued as part of the share placing that took place 
in June 2020. A further 48,571,947 were issued as part of the share placing that took place in 
April 2021.

25. NOTES TO THE CASH FLOW STATEMENT 
Group reconciliation of loss before income tax to cash used in operations

Loss before income tax

Add back:

Net finance costs

Share based payments

Depreciation charges

Amortisation charges

Loss on disposals of property, plant and equipment

Impairment of goodwill

Time Out Market Waterloo exit costs

Gain on recognitions/de-recognition of right-of-use asset  
and related lease liability

Other non-cash movements

Decrease in inventories

(Increase)/decrease in trade and other receivables

Increase/(decrease) in trade and other payables

Cash used in operations

Year ended  
30 June 2022  

£’000

18 months ended 
30 June 2021 
 £’000

(19,462)

(71,056)

5,321

1,817

8,640

2,540

47

–

–

(475)

(67)

18

(3,961)

1,038

(4,544)

10,509

1,480

15,401

6,168

36

20,000

696

(2,339)

54

325

8,302

(9,795)

(20,219)

26. PENSION COMMITMENTS
The Group operates defined contribution pension schemes on behalf of its employees. During 
the year ended 30 June 2022, contributions of £482,000 (18 months ended 30 June 2021: 
£647,000) were made on behalf of employees and at the year end £107,000 (2021: £8,000) 
remained outstanding.

Pension contributions paid during the period

Pension contributions outstanding at 30 June

27. SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS
Group

Year ended  
30 June 2022 
 £’000

482

107

18 months ended 
30 June 2021  

£’000

647

8

The Group operates a discretionary long-term incentive plan (“LTIP”) designed to encourage 
continual improvement in the Group’s performance and to align the interest of senior management 
with those of shareholders in the medium term. The only specific performance condition attached 
to these awards is of continued service. The awards vest evenly over three years on the anniversary 
date. There is a 12-month lock-up period following each vesting date.

In December 2020, the LTIP was modified to better reflect the current and anticipated performance 
of the Group. This modification amended the grants with an associated exercise price whereby 
these grants were replaced by revised grants comprising nil cost grants and grants linked to 
the Group’s share price performance over five years. 9,719,978 options were surrendered and 
replacement options granted (as shown within the number granted in the table below). This was 
treated as a modification of the original grants and as such the fair value recognised was reduced 
by the calculated fair value of the surrendered options as at the date of surrender, the average of 
which was 0.2p. The fair value calculation for the surrendered options was performed consistently 
with the inputs disclosed below, except as disclosed below.

The charge in respect of share-based payment transactions included in the Group’s Income 
Statement for the year is as follows:

Expense arising from share option plans

Year ended  
30 June 2022  

£’000

1,817

18 months ended 
30 June 2021 
 £’000

1,480

OverviewStrategic ReportGovernanceFinancial  StatementsNotes to the financial statements continued118

Time Out Group plc – Annual Report and Accounts 2022

27. SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS CONTINUED
Group continued

The fair value of the awards was valued using a Black-Scholes model; in previous years a Monte 
Carlo option model has also been used. The assumptions used in the valuation are: 

2022

2021

Weighted average  
exercise price 
(pence per option)

Number  

of options

Weighted average  
exercise price 
(pence per option)

Number  

of options

Nil

Nil

Nil

 – 

45

18

26,700,163

(3,910,000)

(10,561,668)

132

12,860,123

Nil

90

(194,997)

(1,844,985)

 – 

135

(9,719,978)

7,875,000

20,103,495

 2,128,498 

8.98

Nil

Nil

25,600,000

26,700,163

 850,166 

9.22

Outstanding at 1 July 2021/1 January 
2020

Options exercised in the period

Options lapsed in the period

Options surrendered in the period

Options granted in the period

Outstanding at 30 June 

Exercisable at 30 June

Weighted average remaining  
contractual life

Long Term Incentive Plan

Awards have been made to the Executive Directors as follows:

Director

Julio Bruno

Exercise 
price (p)

Date 
 of grant

1 July 2021

Exercised

Lapsed

30 June 2022

Nil

Nil

Nil

Nil

Nil

Nil

Nil

21/04/2017

13/04/2018

13/04/2018

02/04/2019

02/04/2019

02/04/2019

100,000

100,000

100,000

200,000

200,000

200,000

(100,000) 

(100,000) 

(100,000) 

(200,000) 

(200,000) 

(200,000) 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

24/12/2020

11,000,000

(2,713,333)  (8,286,667) 

11,900,000

(3,613,333)  (8,286,667) 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

Stuart Rose

Nil

05/01/2021

2,000,000

2,000,000

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

2,000,000

2,000,000

The options which lapsed during the year relate to employees who have left the Company.

Risk-free interest rate

Volatility 

Expected option life in years

Expected dividend yield

Share price at grant date

Exercise price at grant date

Weighted average fair value of options at grant date

2022  

Non-Performance-
based award

2021 
 Performance- 
based award

2021  

Non-Performance-
based award

0.17% – 0.62%

0.25% – 0.30%

-0.13% – 0.08%

38% – 47%

10

Nil

49p – 58p

Nil – 53p

30p

50%

10

Nil

35p

Nil

26p

50%

10

Nil

35p

Nil

35p

Volatility of the share price was calculated using historical daily share price observations over 12 
months. 

The weighted average fair value of options granted during the year was 30p (2021: 29p). 

Share options outstanding at the end of the year have the following expiry date and exercise prices:

Expiry date

Exercise price (p)

2022

Share options

YPlan employees – October 2016

21/10/2026

Nil

 16,838 

Senior managers – April 2017

21/04/2027

Senior managers – April 2018

13/04/2028

Nil – 135

Nil – 195

 – 

 – 

Senior managers – March 2019

28/03/2029

Nil – 0.90

 149,991 

Senior managers – April 2019

02/04/2029

Nil – 0.90

 – 

2021

 16,838 

 100,000 

 200,000 

 208,325 

 600,000 

Senior managers – December 2020

24/12/2030

Senior managers –January 2021

05/01/2031

Senior managers – November 2021

24/11/2031

Senior managers – April 2022

01/04/2032

Senior managers – April 2022

19/04/2032

Senior managers – May 2022

16/05/2032

Senior managers – June 2022

31/05/2032

Nil

Nil

Nil

48

51

53

51

 10,061,666 

 23,575,000 

 2,000,000 

 2,000,000 

 625,000 

 5,000,000 

 500,000 

 1,000,000 

 750,000 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 20,103,495 

 26,700,163 

Notes to the financial statements continuedOverviewStrategic ReportGovernanceFinancial  Statements119

Time Out Group plc – Annual Report and Accounts 2022

28. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Group 

There is a summary of ownership interests in the Directors’ Report on page 77. Oakley Capital 
Limited and Oakley Capital Private Equity, at the year ended 30 June 2022 collectively owned 44.0% 
(2021: 44.6%).

OCI is a substantial shareholder in the Company as defined by the AIM Rules and as such entering 
into the loan facility constituted a related party transaction pursuant to AIM Rule 13. With the 
exception of Peter Dubens, who is a director of OCI, the Directors of the Group considered that, 
having consulted with Liberum, the terms of the transaction were fair and reasonable insofar as 
shareholders were concerned.

Management share awards
Details of management share awards are contained in the Directors’ Remuneration Report on page 
73 and note 27.

Other
The Group engages with Oakley Advisory, a subsidiary of Oakley Capital Investment Limited, on a 
consultancy basis and paid a fee of £55,000 for the year ended 30 June 2022 (18 months ended 
30 June 21: £41,500); as at the year end £13,750 was outstanding (2021: £41,500). Oakley 
Capital Investment Limited donated £35,000 in relation to the Tony Elliot Memorial event in March 
2022.

As part of the cash placings completed in May 2020 and April 2021, Lombard Odier purchased 
an aggregate of 31,034,286 shares. Lombard Odier is a related party of the Company for the 
purposes of the AIM Rules by virtue of their status as a substantial shareholder holding 10% or 
more of the existing Ordinary Shares.

Company 

The Company had the following balances outstanding with related parties, all of whom are 
companies within the Group: 

Time Out Group MC Limited

Time Out Group BC Limited

Time Out Market Limited

Time Out Digital Limited

Time Out England Limited

Time Out America LLC

Time Out New York Limited

2022  
£’000

–

–

–

–

22,714

–

8,239

30,953

2021  
£’000

1,112

20,731

–

66,280

32,431

627

–

121,181

29. POST BALANCE SHEET EVENTS
On 24 August, the Group agreed an unsecured loan facility of up to £8.0 million with Oakley Capital 
Investments Limited (“OCI”). The drawn balance on this facility as at 30 November 2022 was 
£5.2m and has been converted to a loan note (“OCI Loan Note”) and extended to 31 December 
2023. Interest will be charged at a 90 day average SONIA rate plus 10% per annum, with an 
arrangement fee of 2% and an exit premium.

On 24 November 2022, the Group agreed a new €35.0m secured four-year term loan facility with 
Crestline Europe LLP (“Crestline facility”) which will be used to refinance the Incus Capital Facility. 
The facility has a term of four years, with the right to settle in full after two years. Interest may be 
capitalised or paid in cash, at the election of the Company, during the first year at a rate of 9.5% 
plus 3-month EURIBOR and from the second year onwards interest will be paid in cash at a rate of 
8.5% plus 3-month EURIBOR. There will separately be an exit premium payable upon full repayment 
of the facility, calculated by reference to the principal amount drawn. The facility is subject to 
quarterly financial covenants based on minimum liquidity levels (quarterly testing commencing on 
31 December 2022) and target leverage ratio (quarterly testing commencing on 30 June 2023).

The Company has also executed an equity warrant instrument and agreed to issue 11,400,423 
equity warrants on 30 November 2022 and a further 2,264,468 at full drawdown of the Loan Note 
Facility (in total representing approximately 3.6% of its fully diluted share capital) to the Crestline 
subscribers. The five-year equity warrants, which have customary anti-dilution protections, have an 
exercise price of 39 pence per ordinary share. 

OverviewStrategic ReportGovernanceFinancial  StatementsNotes to the financial statements continued120

Time Out Group plc – Annual Report and Accounts 2022

Company information

REGISTERED OFFICE
TIME OUT GROUP PLC
1st Floor 
172 Drury Lane 
London WC2B 5QR 
United Kingdom

COMPANY NUMBER
07440171

COMPANY WEBSITE
www.timeout.com

ADVISERS
NOMINATED ADVISER AND BROKER
Liberum Capital Limited 
Ropemaker Place 
25 Ropemaker Street 
London EC2Y 9LY 
United Kingdom

LEGAL ADVISERS
Ashurst LLP 
Broadwalk House 
5 Appold Street 
London 
EC2A 2HA 
United Kingdom

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP 
1 Embankment Place 
London 
WC2N 6RH 
United Kingdom

REGISTRARS
Equiniti Limited 
Aspect House 
Spencer Road  
Lancing 
West Sussex 
BN99 6DA 
United Kingdom

OverviewStrategic ReportGovernanceFinancial  StatementsCBP016106

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Time Out Group plc

1st Floor 
172 Drury Lane 
London 
WC2B 5QR 
United Kingdom