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Whitbread

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FY2020 Annual Report · Whitbread
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ANNUAL REPORT AND 
ACCOUNTS 2019/20

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INTRODUCTION

A FOCUSED  
HOTEL GROUP

Our unique approach has enabled Premier Inn 
to grow at a significantly faster pace than 
competitors, deliver a consistently superior 
customer experience and generate a strong 
return on capital for shareholders.

Whitbread is well-positioned in the two 
structurally attractive budget hotel markets 
of the UK and Germany, both with significant 
growth opportunities.

We have started the new financial year in 
unprecedented times as we navigate the 
COVID-19 crisis, which is significantly impacting 
our markets. However, our robust model has 
allowed us to take all appropriate actions to steer 
the Group through this difficult period while 
staying true to our Force for Good beliefs, which 
should enable us to emerge in a strong position.

Strategic report
2  Our business at a glance
4  Chairman’s statement
6  Chief Executive’s review

COVID-19

8 
11  Our investment case
12  Market review
14  Our business model
16  Our strategy at a glance
18  Strategic update
30  Group Finance Director’s 

review

38  Group HR Director’s review
44  Stakeholder engagement
47  Non-financial information 

statement

48  Force for Good
54  Principal risks and 
uncertainties

Governance
58  Chairman’s introduction 
to Corporate Governance

62  Board of Directors
64  Executive Committee
65  Corporate Governance
70  Audit Committee report
74  Nomination Committee report
76  Remuneration report
80  Remuneration at a glance
82  Remuneration policy
88  Annual report on 
remuneration

102  Directors’ report
108  Directors’ responsibility 

statement

109  Independent auditor’s report

Consolidated accounts
123  Consolidated income 

statement

124  Consolidated statement 

of comprehensive income

125  Consolidated statement 
of changes in equity

126  Consolidated balance sheet
127  Consolidated cash flow 

statement

128  Notes to the consolidated 
financial statements

Company accounts
189  Company balance sheet
190  Company statement 
of changes in equity

191  Notes to the Company 
financial statements

Other information
202  Glossary
204 Reconciliation of APMs
206  Shareholder services

1

Revenue:

£2,072m

2019/20

2018/19

+1.1%

2018/19: £2,049m*

Adjusted profit before tax:†

2,072

2,049

£358m

2019/20

2018/19

358

390

(8.2)%

2018/19: £390m*

Adjusted operating profit:†

Statutory profit before tax:

£487m

2019/20

2018/19

(9.5)%

2018/19: £538m*

Return on capital:†

9.5%

2019/20

2018/19

(270)bps

2018/19: 12.2%*

487

538

£280m

2019/20

2018/19

280

218

+28.4%

2018/19: £218m*

Return on capital (UK):†

9.5

12.2

11.2%

2019/20

2018/19

11.2

13.3

(210)bps

2018/19: 13.3%*

Statutory basic EPS including discontinued operations:

Adjusted basic EPS:†

146p

2019/20

146

2018/19

2018/19: 2,041p‡

Total capex UK:

£320m FY19: £377m

Total capex Germany:^

£268m FY19: £85m

Discretionary free cash flow:†

£317m

FY19: £498m*

194p

2,041

2019/20

2018/19

194

172

+12.6%

2018/19: 172p*

*  Unless otherwise stated, measures are presented for the continuing business 
which excludes the performance of the Costa business, with the exception 
of discretionary free cashflow.

† See Glossary on pages 202 and 203 for definitions of APMs.

‡ Includes profit from the sale of Costa.

^ Includes the Foremost acquisition.

We have set ambitious new 
Force for Good targets this year.

 Read more – pages 48 to 53

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20Strategic report– Governance– Financial statements– Other information2

OUR BUSINESS AT A GLANCE

A unique approach

OUR AMBITION 
To be the world’s 
best budget hotel

OVERVIEW

 Read more – pages 18-21

United Kingdom*

OUR PURPOSE 
To provide quality, affordable 
hotels for our guests to help 
them to live and work well and 
to positively impact the world 
around us. With no barriers 
to entry or limits to ambition, 
to provide meaningful work, 
skills and career development 
opportunities for our teams 

Award-winning Premier Inn is the UK’s biggest hotel 
brand, offering quality accommodation at affordable 
prices. Premier Inn is consistently rated the UK’s Best 
Value Hotel Chain by YouGov.†

With over 820 hotels and 78,500 rooms in great 
locations, you’ll never be far from a Premier Inn. 

* 

† 

Includes one site in each of Ireland, Jersey and the Isle of Man.

 YouGov BrandIndex Hotels & Cruises sector Value scores as at 28th February 
2019 and 27th February 2020 based on a 52 week moving average.

OUR VALUES 

ADJUSTED REVENUE 

£2,050m +0.4% 2018/19: £2,042m

Genuine 
Really caring about  
our customers 

ADJUSTED EBITDAR1

£766m (4.5)% 2018/19: £802m

Confident 
Striving to be the best  
at what we do 

Committed 
Working hard for each other

NUMBER OF ROOMS2 

78,500 +3.1%

NUMBER OF ROOMS IN PIPELINE2

13,000 –%

1  See APM definitions on page 202.

2  As at year end 27th February 2020.

2018/19: 76,200

2018/19: 13,000

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20 
 
3

OVERVIEW

 Read more – pages 22-25

Germany 

ENABLING PEOPLE TO LIVE AND WORK WELL

OPPORTUNITY

COMMUNITY

RESPONSIBILITY

A team where 
everyone can reach 
potential – no 
barriers to entry and 
no limits to ambition

Making a meaningful 
contribution  
to the customers  
and communities  
we serve 

Always operating in  
a way that respects 
people and planet

 Read more – information on our sustainability programme, 
Force for Good, is integrated throughout the report and can 
be found by looking for the logos above

OUR BRANDS

Germany is a structurally attractive market for Premier 
Inn. The market is in steady growth, currently dominated 
by independents and with the largest brands at 
a fraction of our UK scale. 

Having completed the acquisition from the Foremost 
Hospitality Group on 28 February 2020, which had 13 
open hotels (with an additional 6 hotels in the committed 
pipeline), the open and committed pipeline in Germany 
now stands at almost 10,000 rooms across 52 hotels.

ADJUSTED REVENUE 

£12m +140.8% 2018/19: £5m

ADJUSTED EBITDAR1 

At Premier Inn we pride ourselves on comfort and quality, so whether 
you’re staying for business or leisure, you’ll always enjoy a warm 
welcome from our friendly teams, as well as comfortable king-sized 
beds, ensuite bathrooms, a TV with Freeview and Wi-Fi in every room.

We have innovated to develop two new hotel brands to cater for 
different market segments. Contemporary style combined with great 
connectivity makes hub by Premier Inn the UK’s most space-efficient 
digitally-advanced hotel. Meanwhile, at ZIP by Premier Inn, our idea 
is simple. Do the essentials brilliantly, then take away everything else. 
You get a small room, a simple stay and, best of all, a price to match.

£(12)m (76.1)% 2018/19: £(7)m

FOOD AND BEVERAGE

NUMBER OF ROOMS2 

1,090 +176.8% 2018/19: 390

NUMBER OF ROOMS IN PIPELINE2

8,710 +29.8%

2018/19: 6,710

1  See APM definitions on page 202.

2  As at year end 27th February 2020.

All our hotels have a bar and restaurant, either within the hotel or just 
next door, offering a wide selection of meals and hearty eat-as-much-as-
you-like full English and continental breakfasts. Beefeater is one of the 
UK’s best-loved and most well-known restaurant brands and we’ve been 
welcoming guests for over 40 years, while our newest restaurant brand 
Cookhouse & Pub is a great place to get together and offers freshly 
prepared dishes and delicious drinks, with a friendly service and great 
value. Bar+Block Steakhouse is an informal, all-day dining restaurant 
with a focus on high-quality steaks and Thyme is Premier Inn’s in-house 
restaurant with a contemporary British menu.

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20Strategic report– Governance– Financial statements– Other information 
 
 
 
 
4

CHAIRMAN’S STATEMENT

We are committed to being a force  
for good in all of the communities  
in which we operate

Whilst the pandemic has changed the way of life for all 
of us, it has been particularly challenging for Whitbread’s 
teams with us recently having to follow Government 
advice to close our hotels and restaurants. I am very 
proud of the way that Whitbread’s people have come 
together in such trying times to look after each other and 
their local communities and, of course, to play a key part 
on making sure that the Group emerges from the crisis 
with the strength to succeed in delivering on its strategic 
priorities. Througout this period, as always, the health and 
safety of our teams and guests has been paramount in 
our decision-making.

Our strategy remains the right one. We are focused on 
steering a sensible course through the current crisis so 
that we can emerge well-positioned to succeed as our 
markets re-open.

Performance
Whitbread produced a resilient performance in the 
year growing revenue by 1.1% to £2,072m in challenging 
market conditions. Adjusted profit before tax was down 
8.2% to £358m due to the weaker UK market and cost 
inflation across the sector, partially offset by our ongoing 
efficiency programme. However, statutory profit before 
tax increased 28.4% to £280m with prior year profit 
impacted by Costa separation costs.

The Board has announced that it will not declare a final 
dividend this year in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. 
Information on the Group’s dividend policy can be found 
on the Group Finance Director’s review on page 32.

Expansion in Germany
On 28 February 2020, we announced the completion 
of an acquisition of a portfolio of 19 hotels in Germany 
from Foremost Hospitality Group GmbH. The acquisition, 
which comprises 13 open hotels and six in the pipeline, 
gives Premier Inn a significant presence in Germany, and 
demonstrates our ambition to accelerate growth in this 
attractive market. The German market has many of the 
structural growth drivers that have underpinned the success 
of Premier Inn in the UK. Premier Inn’s strong quality and 
value credentials provide a long-term opportunity to 
establish a major hotel brand and develop a successful 
business of scale in this attractive market. More information 
on the German market can be found on page 13.

Other progress over the year
The year has been one of strong progress on a number 
of other fronts. As you will see from Alison’s report, our 
efficiency programme has been a real success story, and 
we have continued to invest significant sums in upgrading 
our IT systems. We have also made great progress this 
year in our employee engagement, with the first pan-
Whitbread Employee Forum taking place in January 2020. 
The meeting was chaired by Alison Brittain and gave 

ADAM CROZIER
CHAIRMAN

Following the sale of Costa in January 2019, 
this has been Whitbread’s first full year as 
a focused hotel company and this focus has 
enabled us to deliver a robust performance in 
the UK Premier Inn business in a challenging 
market, and to accelerate growth in our 
German business. 

Of course, since the year-end, the whole world has 
been in the grip of the COVID-19 pandemic and, as you 
know, this has had a significant impact on the hospitality 
industry. Whitbread is no exception to that.

The positive news is that the Group started the year well-
placed to withstand this worldwide crisis, with a strong 
balance sheet and access to significant liquidity. There is 
currently material headroom on our funding facilities, and 
the business is backed by a valuable freehold property 
estate. However, given this unprecedented situation and 
the significant uncertainties impacting the Group and 
its markets, we did take a number of decisive actions 
to reduce cash outflow during this period. Alison and 
Nicholas describe these actions in more detail in their 
sections of the report. Going forwards, we will take all the 
appropriate actions to put our business in a good position 
to win when the crisis abates.

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/205

PLAYING OUR PART IN THE COVID-19 RESPONSE

39

hotels for 
key workers

158+

tonnes of food donated 
to FairShare charity 

her and members of her executive team the opportunity 
to hear the thoughts of team members from across the 
organisation. More information can be found on page 45.

We also have a vibrant sustainability programme, which 
we call Force for Good. Among the most pleasing 
elements of the programme this year, we have set 
exciting targets for carbon reduction, the elimination 
of single-use plastics, and for reducing food waste. 
More information can be found on page 53.

Return of capital
This time last year I explained that we had already 
returned £380 million to shareholders via an on-market 
share buyback programme and that we intended 
to return up to a further £2 billion via a tender offer. 
That tender offer was successfully completed last 
summer, and as promised, we successfully returned 
£2.5 billion to shareholders.

Rights Issue
Clearly, since the return of capital was completed, the 
landscape has changed significantly due to COVID-19.

Alongside the publication of our annual results, we also 
announced our intention to raise gross proceeds of 
£1.0bn via a fully underwritten rights issue. We believe 
that the rights issue will ensure that the Group emerges 
from the COVID-19 pandemic in the strongest possible 
position to take advantage of its long-term structural 
growth opportunities and win market share in 
a potentially weakened sector.

We considered a number of different scenarios and 
assumptions regarding the impact of the COVID-19 
pandemic on the Group as well as the future capital 
required to ensure the Group can emerge in the strongest 
position possible. On balance, the Board believes that 
a rights issue to raise gross proceeds of £1.0bn provides 
the Group with the optimum capital structure to deliver 
its strategy.

Corporate governance
This has been the first year in which Whitbread has had 
to report on its compliance with the new UK Corporate 
Governance Code and, with one exception as explained 
on page 60, the Company has been in full compliance 
with the new code.

In December 2019 we held a general meeting to approve 
a new directors’ remuneration policy together with a new 
Restricted Share Plan to replace the Long Term Incentive 
Plan. The Remuneration Committee considered that the 
changes to the policy approved in 2018 were necessary 
in order to better reflect the shape of the Group following 
the sale of Costa. Whilst I am pleased to say that both 
of the resolutions were passed at the general meeting, 
we recognise that receiving around 70% support for 

each of the resolutions is not quite the result we would 
have hoped for. More information on engagement with 
our largest investors, both before and after the general 
meeting, can be found in the corporate governance report 
on page 59 and the remuneration report on page 77.

The Board
Since this time last year there has been one addition 
to the Board, with Horst Baier joining us on 1 November 
2019. Horst was a successful and highly regarded 
Chief Financial Officer in the hotels and leisure sector, 
having spent 22 years at TUI AG, including more than ten 
years on the board. He played a key role in the strategic 
development of TUI AG, through a range of corporate 
transactions as the company was transformed into 
a pureplay tourism business. Horst has more than two 
decades of experience in our sector and this, together 
with his deep understanding of the German market, 
will be of great benefit to the Whitbread Board as we 
continue to expand Premier Inn in the UK and Germany.

In last year’s Board evaluation, one of the areas that  
was highlighted was that directors would appreciate 
more opportunities to spend time in the business. 
We have made some great progress on that this year, 
including a very informative Board visit to Germany  
in January 2020.

I would usually end by looking forward to meeting 
a number of you at our AGM. However, as I said earlier, 
these are not normal times. Our AGM will take place 
on Tuesday 7 July 2020, but clearly we cannot hold the 
meeting in the usual way. We have therefore decided to 
hold the AGM at our offices in Dunstable and to ensure 
that our shareholders can ask questions in advance via 
the AGM section on our website. More details on how 
we propose to hold the meeting will be included in the 
Notice of Meeting, but I’m afraid that shareholders will 
not be able to attend.

I hope that you will understand the reasoning for 
this and hope that we will be able to meet in happier 
circumstances at the meeting in 2021.

Adam Crozier 
Chairman 
21 May 2020

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20Strategic report– Governance– Financial statements– Other information6

CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S REVIEW

A focused, fully integrated,  
international hotel business

COVID-19: decisive action
The period after the year-end has been dominated by the 
impact of the evolving COVID-19 pandemic. In response, 
the business took rapid and decisive action to protect 
our teams and our guests, and to secure our business 
to ensure that we will be in the best possible position 
to rebound strongly. Full details of our response can 
be found immediately after this statement on pages 8 
to 10. It has been designed to:

 – Protect the business during the pandemic;

 – Position the business to recover strongly once the 

crisis abates; and

 – Ensure that we are able to drive long-term value.

Having taken every step we could to ensure that we 
have the financial capability to withstand the initial 
period of lockdown, our focus has turned to re-opening 
and positioning ourselves for a successful recovery. 
The hotels that we have re-opened in Germany and the 
39 open hotels in the UK have given us a head start in 
implementing new and comprehensive safety, health and 
hygiene protocols that will give our teams and guests 
the re-assurance that we can continue to deliver the very 
high quality standards that they expect from Premier Inn. 

Driving long-term value
Despite the challenges the industry faces, Whitbread’s 
strategy to drive long-term value has not changed and 
remains compelling. We have a significant opportunity 
to continue to build out our pipeline in the UK, along with 
optimising our large network of hotels by investing in 
upgraded formats such as our Premier Plus rooms, which 
are proving very popular with both our business and 
leisure guests. Germany offers an enormous opportunity 
for structural growth, with a large domestic market and 
a fragmented and declining independent sector.

Whitbread’s vertically integrated model, which combines 
the ownership of property, hotel operations, brand, and 
inventory distribution has enabled Premier Inn to grow 
at a significantly faster pace than competitors, deliver 
a consistently superior customer experience and generate 
a strong return on capital for shareholders over the last 
15 years. The business believes this operating model is 
the optimal approach to access the growth opportunity 
in the budget sector.

As a result of the current crisis, we expect there to be 
an impact on the competitive landscape and to see 
a material slowdown in the supply of rooms in both 
our key markets, and potentially an acceleration in the 
decline of the large independent sector. Our ownership 
and operating model underpins a winning customer 
proposition, that we believe will thrive as customers 
return to travelling domestically and continue to seek 
value and to rely on their most trusted brands.

ALISON BRITTAIN
CHIEF EXECUTIVE

Whitbread delivered a resilient financial 
performance in FY20 in line with 
expectations, against a backdrop of low 
UK business and consumer confidence 
which particularly impacted the regional 
hotel market. The commercial initiatives 
we implemented during H1 helped drive 
a particularly strong end to the year, 
when we were trading ahead of the 
market and achieving very strong guest 
scores. In Germany, we completed the 
acquisition of the Foremost Hotels on 
28 February 2020, growing the number 
of open and pipeline hotels to 52.

Statutory revenue grew 1.1% to £2,072m supported by 
the contribution from new capacity and the improved 
performance through the second half of the year, despite 
continued weak market conditions. Adjusted profit 
before tax decreased by 8.2% to £358m, as a result of 
low business confidence driving weaker UK travel market 
conditions, particularly in the regions, the high rate of 
industry-wide inflation, and the start-up nature of our 
German operations. We retained a strong balance sheet 
following the completion of the £2.5bn Costa Capital 
Return Programme.

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/207

Outlook
Given the unprecendented situation and the material 
adverse impact on cashflows to date, it is not currently 
possible to confidently assess the full-year impact on 
the business’s revenues. Our internal scenario planning 
assumes that our UK hotels and restaurants will remain 
closed, or operating at low levels of occupancy, until 
September. Demand recovery is expected to be slow 
as social distancing restrictions are gradually relaxed.

While the near-term outlook is uncertain, we 
believe the business is well-placed to overcome 
these challenges. We entered the year with 
leverage headroom and significant liquidity, and 
have taken decisive action to protect cash flows 
and further augment liquidity through access to the 
UK Government’s Covid Corporate Financing Facility 
(CCFF) funds. These measures and the rights issue 
announced today will ensure our balance sheet is 
optimised for growth in the post COVID-19 environment.

A strong financial position combined with our leading 
operating model and the power of our brands, means 
that when the market starts to recover, we will be in the 
best possible position to take advantage of any supply 
weaknesses that may exist post COVID-19, driving both 
profitability in the UK and fast growth in Germany. 

Rights Issue
Our strong balance sheet has for many years been 
a source of competitive advantage and has underpinned 
our long-term success. To enable us to continue to invest 
with confidence in the compelling structural growth 
opportunities that we see in the UK and Germany, we 
are raising £1bn through a fully underwritten rights issue. 
Optimising the balance sheet in this way will enable the 
business to be in the best possible position to continue 
investing and taking market share in our fragmented 
sector when the current situation normalises.

Force For Good
Whitbread’s sustainability programme, Force for Good, 
ensures that being a responsible business is integrated 
throughout the way Whitbread operates, by supporting 
its guests, local communities, team members and 
suppliers to live and work well. The 2019 Dow Jones 
Sustainability Index (DJSI) score ranked Whitbread as 
second in the European Travel & Leisure industry, for 
the second year in a row. Whitbread also qualified for 
inclusion in the Sustainability Yearbook 2020. These are 
excellent results that highlight our commitment to 
become a more sustainable business.

We are pleased to have been able to help in the national 
COVID-19 effort, by keeping 39 hotels open that are 
located near hospitals for use by NHS staff and other 
front-line key workers. We transferred our vehicle delivery 
capacity to supermarkets to help their supply chains, 
and also donated over 158 tonnes of food to charities, 
producing over 335,000 meals for those in need.

The Whitbread team
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our  
team members for their hard work over the last year, 
and the resilience they have shown in the face of the 
current very challenging situation. I am extremely 
proud of and grateful to all our teams and, in particular, 
those colleagues who have volunteered to work in our 
open hotels.

Whitbread is a strong and much-loved business that 
has successfully navigated numerous turbulent periods 
during its proud 278-year history. The combination 
of the strengths of our people, business model and 
our brands, alongside a strong balance sheet and the 
decisive action that we have taken, means that when the 
COVID-19 situation normalises, we will be in a position 
of strength to continue to increase market share, support 
our colleagues and guests and create further significant 
value for shareholders.

Alison Brittain 
Chief Executive 
21 May 2020

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20Strategic report– Governance– Financial statements– Other information8

COVID-19

A business well-placed 
to withstand turbulent times

Decisive action to protect the business 
and preserve cash
The business has a well-developed set of contingency 
plans. As the global pandemic progressed throughout 
February 2020, and then rapidly escalated in March 
2020, the business deployed its contingency plans 
in full response to COVID-19. Following the series of 
Government announcements on social distancing in the 
week commencing 16 March 2020 and also the further 
announcements and guidance from the UK Prime Minister 
on 23 March 2020, the business implemented a range of 
operational actions to prioritise the safety and well-being 
of customers and staff, including: 

 – The temporary closure of all restaurant and pub 

operations on 21 March 2020 

 – The temporary closure of the majority of Premier Inn 
hotels in the UK and Germany, with 39 Premier Inn 
hotels in the UK remaining open specifically to provide 
accommodation for NHS staff and other front-line 
key workers.

We are an operationally leveraged business which 
benefits us in the good times, but in times like these 
will result in a material adverse impact on profitability. 
As previously guided, a 1% fall in RevPAR equates to 
a £12m-£15m adverse impact on earnings. This increases 
to £18m when the impact of the closure of restaurants is 
included and as fixed costs become a higher proportion 
of the overall cost base at lower revenue levels.

We have therefore taken immediate action to reduce cash 
outflows during this year: 

 – All discretionary P&L spend has been eliminated, 

including our room refurbishment plans, marketing, 
non-essential training and staff recruitment and 
the postponement of the previously announced 
incremental investment of £25m

 – We have placed over 27,000 of our employees on 
temporary furlough, with the Government support 
package paying up to 80% and a maximum of £2,500 
of the furloughed employees’ salaries per employee 
per month 

 – Capital expenditure will only be incurred for essential 

hotel maintenance, or where a site is significantly 
complete, including the refurbishment and rebranding 
of the acquired Foremost hotels in Germany, and 
to maintain core IT programmes and infrastructure. 
After these actions, total capital expenditure for the 
year is expected to be c.£250m

 – Voluntary pay cuts have been taken by the Board and 

senior management team

COVID-19: Protecting the business 
through rapid and decisive action 
Whitbread was performing well prior to the COVID-19 
situation. The business delivered a resilient financial 
performance during FY20, with performance improving 
in H2, in particular in Q4 when total accommodation 
sales growth was 20bps ahead of the market. 
Statutory revenue grew 1.1% to £2,072m supported by 
the contribution from new capacity and the improved 
performance through the second half of the year, despite 
continued weak market conditions. Adjusted profit 
before tax decreased by 8.2% to £358m, as a result of 
low business confidence driving weaker UK travel market 
conditions, particularly in the regions, the high rate of 
industry-wide inflation, and the start-up nature of our 
German operations. Our already high brand strength 
and guest scores also improved during the year.

Impact on the business to date
Trading in the period subsequent to the year-end 
has however been materially adversely impacted 
by COVID-19. In the 11-week period to 14 May 2020, 
total accommodation and F&B revenues were down 
75% year-on-year. Following the closure of all of our 
restaurants and the majority of our hotel network, on 
the Government’s guidance, at the end of March, total 
accommodation and F&B revenues were down 99% in 
the last seven weeks. The COVID-19 situation is rapidly 
changing, and while we were able to reopen 16 hotels 
in Germany on 11 May 2020, our internal scenario 
planning currently assumes that our UK hotels and 
restaurants will remain closed, or operating at low levels 
of occupancy, until September. Demand recovery is then 
expected to be slow as social distancing restrictions are 
gradually relaxed. 

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/209

 – The Board has also decided not to declare a final 

dividend for the full year FY20 and to suspend future 
dividend payments until the COVID-19 situation is 
clearer and when the existing lender covenant waiver 
period ends.

We will also benefit from the Government’s decision to 
stop the payment of business rates for a 12-month period, 
which would have cost c.£120m over the year. 

Whilst our reaction to the COVID-19 crisis has been 
robust, our actions have been taken with a view to 
the long-term impact on the business. We believe it is 
important to act responsibly in times of crisis and treat 
our stakeholders fairly. Examples of these actions include:

 – Providing full cash refunds to our customers for all 

cancelled bookings

 – Continuing to pay our suppliers, many of which are 

small or medium sized businesses, in a timely manner, 
including our March rent being paid on time and in full

 – Furloughed staff remaining on full pay, as we pay the 
additional 20% of salaries on top of the Government 
furlough credit

 – National minimum wage increases made for our hourly 

paid staff 

 – Supporting the community and national effort by 

making rooms available to NHS staff and other key 
workers at selected hotels, passing fleet delivery 
capacity to supermarkets and donating over 158 tonnes 
of food to charities following our restaurant closures

 – Reducing executives and non-executive directors’ pay 

and a pay freeze for all other salaried staff. 

COVID-19: Positioning the business 
for a successful recovery

Ready to re-open safely
We tentatively reopened 16 hotels in Germany on 
11 May 2020, and our UK hotels and restaurants are ready 
to reopen when the Government advises. Our internal 
scenario planning assumes our UK hotels are closed, or at 
low levels of occupancy, until September 2020. When safe 
and practical to do so, we are able to reopen each of our 
hotels and restaurants quickly, in what will be a phased 
reopening to help match supply against levels of demand. 

Our experience in operating the 39 hotels that are 
currently open for NHS staff has given us a head-start 
in implementing workable solutions for social distancing 
and enhanced hygiene measures. These include social 
distancing signage and protocols, health screening 
and illness response procedures, correct use and 
regular changing of PPE equipment and enhanced 
cleaning standards. Our operating model and end-to-
end ownership will ensure that these new standards and 
ways of working can be rigorously enforced across our 
entire estate. 

Our operational focus prior to, and during, the reopening 
phase includes increased engagement with our customers 
to help leverage brand loyalty and emphasise our high 
standards, maintaining our focus on both B2B and 
leisure customers, and the active management of our 
supply chain to ensure we are able to provide a near-full 
customer offering. We have introduced a wider range of 
cancellation options into our booking conditions, giving 
our customers greater confidence when they book. 
Overall, we believe our leading customer proposition 
positions us very well to attract customers in a post-
lockdown environment, as customers seek value and 
are expected to rely on their most trusted brands.

Liquidity and balance sheet
Whitbread entered the new financial year with balance 
sheet headroom, with lease adjusted net debt to FFO 
of 2.6x, net debt of £323m, substantial liquidity through 
its accessible cash of £503m and access to an undrawn 
Revolving Credit Facility of £950m. Subsequently, 
Whitbread has been confirmed as an eligible issuer under 
the UK Government’s Covid Corporate Financing Facility 
(CCFF), with an issuer limit of £600m. The business is 
also backed by a valuable freehold property estate. 

Elements of the business’ financing are subject to 
financial covenants. At the year-end, the business had 
significant headroom to these covenants. However, given 
that we are not currently able to assess the full year 
impact of COVID-19, we entered into discussions with 
lenders and have successfully negotiated waivers for any 
possible technical breach that may have resulted from 
the temporary closure of our hotels and restaurants, 
and an 18-month waiver on the current EBITDA related 
covenants for both the Revolving Credit Facility and the 
US private placement debt. The arrangements between 
the Group and the Trustee of the Whitbread Group 
Pension Fund contain similar financial covenants, in 
respect of which we have also negotiated an 18-month 
covenant waiver. The current covenants have been 
replaced with debt and liquidity tests that are covered 
in more detail in the Finance Director’s review.

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20Strategic report– Governance– Financial statements– Other information10

COVID-19  
CONTINUED

Despite all of the mitigating actions the business has 
taken, in the first half of FY21 Whitbread expects cash 
outflows of approximately £600m, including operating 
cash outflows of c.£80m per month during the period 
of closure or low occupancy, an initial £100m outflow 
from the refunding of customer deposits, and c.£130m 
capital expenditure outflows on committed projects 
including the refurbishment of the Germany Foremost 
hotels acquired this year. These outflows will be partially 
offset by approximately £70m-85m of furlough benefits 
during H1. While the business currently has significant 
liquidity to withstand a prolonged period of materially 
reduced or no demand, the impact of COVID-19 will have 
a significant impact on its profitability, the leverage of 
the business, and our ability to execute our strategy with 
confidence. The Rights Issue, announced today, to raise 
gross proceeds of £1bn is designed to ensure that the 
business emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic with 
a strong balance sheet and in the best position possible. 
The Right Issue proceeds will:

 – Help replace the imminent cash outflow resulting 

Whitbread’s vertically integrated model, which combines 
the ownership of property, hotel operations, brand, and 
inventory distribution has enabled Premier Inn to grow 
at a significantly faster pace than competitors, deliver 
a consistently superior customer experience and generate 
a strong return on capital for shareholders over the last 
15 years. The business believes this operating model is the 
optimal approach to access the growth opportunity in 
the budget sector.

Whitbread’s strategic priorities remain consistent with its 
proven plan to create sustainable shareholder value over 
the long-term. Whitbread expects to achieve long-term 
growth in earnings and dividends, combined with strong 
return on capital through disciplined execution in three 
key areas:

 – Continuing to grow and innovate Premier Inn in its core 
UK market, by leveraging the competitive advantages 
of our operating model and capitalising on the 
enhanced structural opportunities that are expected 
to exist post COVID-19

from our hotels and restaurants being closed

 – Focusing on Premier Inn’s strengths to grow at scale 

 – Return our balance sheet to a position of strength 

that will give Whitbread a real competitive advantage

 – Allows us to invest with confidence and flexibility 

in our strategy especially in Germany, opening our 
committed pipeline in the UK, and keeping our 
products ahead of the competition

 – Provide liquidity headroom in the event of 

a COVID-19 resurgence

The Rights Issue is expected to further enhance 
Whitbread’s competitive advantage when others may 
be financially constrained, enabling the business to 
leverage the advantages of our ownership and operating 
model, and to fully capitalise on the compelling structural 
opportunities in both the UK and German markets.

Post COVID-19: Driving long-term value

Whitbread’s long-term strategy is highly relevant post 
COVID-19
The impact of COVID-19 will be material on our sector, 
especially on the significant independent sector and on 
new branded supply growth. Despite this, Whitbread’s 
long-term strategy for value creation in the UK and 
internationally remains unchanged and our operating 
model structurally and competitively advantaged. 

internationally, by replicating Premier Inn’s UK success 
story in Germany 

 – Enhancing the capabilities to support long-term 

growth, by ensuring we have financial flexibility, the 
appropriate cost-base to reflect the post COVID-19 
world, and acting responsibly through our Force for 
Good programme.

We are confident in our ability to deliver long-term 
sustainable returns on incremental investment:

 – We believe our ability to capitalise on the enhanced 

structural opportunities that are likely to exist, 
combined with the competitive advantage of our 
ownership and operating model, and ongoing initiatives 
including segmentation and site optimisation, will help 
offset the adverse impact of a weaker macro-economic 
environment on demand 

 – Sector-wide cost headwinds can be countered by the 
benefits both organic and inorganic growth and an 
efficiency programme that will ensure the cost base 
of the business reflects demand.

These factors will enable the business to perform well 
in the UK and take market share and to capitalise on the 
material growth opportunity in Germany. These strong 
fundamentals, combined with an appropriate capital 
structure, will enable Whitbread to drive long-term value.

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/2011

OUR INVESTMENT CASE

Three compelling reasons  
to invest in Whitbread 

1

Unique model for 
sustainable value creation

– Vertically integrated model enables  
a superior customer proposition 
and growth at good ROCE

– Proven investment model which  
can be replicated over long term

Long-term structural 
growth opportunities

– Attractive long-term structural growth 
opportunities in the UK and Germany

– Highly fragmented markets with  
declining independent hotel share

 Read more – pages 12 to 13

2

 Read more – pages 14 to 15

3

Best-in-class 
operational performance

– End-to-end control delivers best-in-class 
operational performance

– Scale ensures we can deliver quality,  
value for money and good ROCE

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20Strategic report– Governance– Financial statements– Other information 
 
 
12

MARKET REVIEW

Structural growth 
opportunities

Premier Inn has an integrated business model 
that delivers an unrivalled mix of quality and 
value to millions of customers and offers 
a significant competitive advantage in the 
budget, domestic, short-stay market.

As we write this report, our markets are severely 
impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, our 
review of the market is written for the long term and we 
remain excited about the potential of our key markets. 

Our vertically integrated model is best positioned to 
access the structural growth opportunities and continue 
to create value for our shareholders over the longer term. 
We are focused on continuing to grow in the UK and 
replicating our UK success in the German market. 

Our UK success has been built on catering to the large 
segment of domestic, short-stay travellers focused 
on value. Germany presents an exciting opportunity 
given it has remarkably similar characteristics to the 
UK. They are both fragmented markets by international 
standards and have seen a weak independent 
segment decline.

The UK market
We remain very excited about the potential in our core 
UK market. Although there are challenges ahead with 
COVID-19, our long-term strategy remains unchanged. 

As we are in unprecedented times, it is difficult to predict 
what the effects will be on Whitbread and for how 
long, but the action we have taken means when we do 
get through the crisis, we will be in a strong position to 
rebound. The structural characteristics of the UK market 
remain, and we will ensure that Premier Inn is best placed 
to capitalise on this as soon as we are in better times.

The UK is densely populated, which drives domestic 
short-stay travel, and post COVID-19, we expect the 
overall market to continue growing over the long-term. 
Over the last decade, we have seen all consumer indices 
show an increasing expectation for value for money. 
With Millennials becoming the bulk of consumers and 
Generation Z now reaching adulthood, we are seeing 
a generational impact, as younger people have a greater 
demand for leisure and travel in general. As a result, 
the UK travel market is a great core market for us to be 
in and Premier Inn is the clear market leader on every 
important measure. 

The UK market remains highly fragmented from both 
a demand and supply standpoint, with around 48% 
of the supply provided by the independent sector. 
Whilst Premier Inn achieves high occupancy levels, 
we still represent a relatively low share of supply. 

THE UK MARKET

67m

population

11%

share through 
Premier Inn

2%

Market RevPAR growth 
(three-year CAGR)

713k*

hotel rooms

The vast majority of our rooms are sold to domestic 
travellers, compared to around 60% for the total market. 
Domestic short-stay travellers have a higher frequency 
of visit and, as a result, a greater likelihood of wanting to 
stay with us again if we meet their needs. 

We also have a good mix of business and leisure 
travellers. This balance ensures we achieve consistently 
high levels of occupancy at around 76%. Since 2010 
we have increased our market share from 6% to 
over 10%, achieved through an ambitious network 
expansion programme. 

The rest of the budget branded sector has increased 
its market share by a similar amount to Premier Inn. 
However, the budget branded sector growth has been 
fragmented, with a long tail of smaller competitors. 
Premier Inn has won market share by opening new hotels 
that provide domestic short-stay guests with a superior 
mix of quality, service and price. We see an attractive 
ongoing opportunity to continue investing in new 
capacity and win further market share gains. This means 
that we can continue to grow our total sales ahead of the 
market and our plans are not wholly contingent on short-
term conditions. 

The independent sector continues to face significant 
challenges, that will be exacerbated by the COVID-19 
crisis. The general market has seen an increase in usage 
of online travel agents as well as significant levels of 
inflation over the last few years. With our strong network 
and value for money, 97% of our customers book direct 
with us, reducing the cost of customer acquisition versus 
the rest of the market. 

We can also leverage our scale to find ways to improve 
our efficiency to partially offset the inflation, whilst 
smaller operators will, of course, struggle to do that. 

Post COVID-19, the pressure on the independents will 
only grow, creating an ongoing structural opportunity, 
which we are best placed to capture. We expect our 
additional new, efficient and superior hotel capacity 
to continue to win share in the UK.

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/2013

The German market
Despite the current COVID-19 crisis, and the likely effects 
this will have, we remain very excited by the opportunities 
in Germany. The structure of the German market is 
such that, once this crisis has passed, there is significant 
potential to grow, and our aim remains to become the 
number one budget hotel operator in Germany.

In our review of opportunities, Germany was, by 
a clear margin, the most attractive growth opportunity 
for Premier Inn. The German market is around 39% 
larger than the UK, at almost one million hotel rooms. 
Pre COVID-19, supply in the budget branded sector in 
Germany had also been growing at a faster rate to the 
UK, at around 5% CAGR between 2012 and 2019 vs 2% 
in the UK. 

Furthermore, it is even more fragmented than the UK, 
with independent hotels making up around 72% of the 
supply, and more domestic travel-oriented than the 
UK at around 76% of the total. This high proportion 
of domestic travel is a long-term output of Germany’s 
geography and history. Germany is significantly more 
regionally dispersed than the UK due to its history 
and federalised political and industrial structure. 
This geographic dispersion drives greater demand for 
short-stay travel, particularly business-led. Therefore, 
there is a greater frequency of travel of the type of 
customer that Premier Inn excels at serving. 

There are structural barriers to entry because of the 
nature of the property market. With limited property 
financing structures, such as REITs, and greater 
opportunities in the four and five-star sector for asset-
light models, there has been limited new capacity added 

in the budget sector, which is considered to be the 
hardest sector in which to earn a return. This has meant 
that the international asset-light operators have struggled 
to find franchisees able to find and operate appropriate 
new hotel sites. In fact, the only hotel businesses that 
have delivered meaningful growth adopt a similar owner-
operator model to Premier Inn. 

In order to add capacity in the budget sector, an operator 
needs to be willing to develop freehold, sign long leases 
or buy out existing operators. Post Covid-19, these 
structural elements make the opportunity even more 
attractive to us over the longer term.

UK hotel supply
(% of rooms)

German hotel supply
(’000 rooms)

THE GERMAN MARKET

6

12

24

57

10

16

23

51

11

17

24

48

12

19

24

44

52
136

752

62

150

71

158

80

172

94

188

738

725

712

710

83m

population

2010

2016

2019

678k 
rooms

698k 
rooms

713k 
rooms

Beyond
2019
>740k 
rooms

Actual

Estimate

● Premier Inn

● Branded budget

● Branded non-budget

● Independents

2010

2013

2015

2017

2019

● Branded budget

● Branded non-budget

● Independents

2%

Market RevPAR growth  
(three-year CAGR)

0.1%

share through  
Premier Inn

992k*

hotel rooms

*  Total market supply for 2019 is based on 

an internal forecast as numbers are yet to 
be released.

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20Strategic report– Governance– Financial statements– Other information14

OUR BUSINESS MODEL

OUR RESOURCES  
AND RELATIONSHIPS

HOW WE CREATE VALUE

BRAND  
STRENGTH

Premier Inn is the UK’s leading 
hotel business.

WINNING  
TEAMS

Our 36,000 team members 
make everyday experiences 
special for our customers.

PROPERTY  
PORTFOLIO

Competitively advantaged 
access to the best sites 
and flexibility.

NETWORK 
STRENGTH

With an estate comprising 837 
hotels across the UK, Germany 
and the Middle East.

A SUSTAINABLE  
APPROACH

Through our ambitious 
sustainability strategy 
Force for Good.

TECHNOLOGY

Scalable platforms, creating 
a centre of digital excellence 
and embed data insight across 
the business.

FINANCIAL 
STRENGTH

Disciplined capital management 
and good returns.

INSIGHT  
AND MARKET 
KNOWLEDGE

Our deep insight and market 
knowledge allow us to stay 
ahead of market trends.

To provide 
quality, affordable 
hotels for our guests 
to help them to live and 
work well and to positively 
impact the world around us. 
With no barriers to entry or 
limits to ambition, to provide 
meaningful work, skills and 
career development 
opportunities for 
our teams.

1

2

We own our brand and provide 
a consistent customer 
offering of quality and value

We have highly engaged 
and well-trained teams

3

4

We decide the optimal location 
for all our hotels

We have an end-to-end operation, 
with consistent execution of high 
standards at low cost

5

6

Balanced freehold/leasehold: 
Our large network is 
balanced between freehold 
and leasehold, and we have 
control of refurbishment 
and estate management

We have 97% UK direct booking 
in the, with low-cost customer 
acquisition and retention

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/2015

HOW WE MAKE MONEY

THE VALUES WE SHARE

REVENUES

With an estate comprising 837 hotels, 
across the UK, Germany and the Middle 
East, we are one of the largest budget 
branded hotel chains in the world. Our 
model and leading market position in 
the UK puts us in a strong position to 
continue to grow and optimise in the 
UK and to grow internationally. We 
optimise revenues through our dynamic 
pricing model and focus on maintaining 
market-leading guest scores. This, 
alongside our dedication to excellent 
customer service and team retention, 
ensures we rank highest amongst our 
competitors in terms of both the value 
and satisfaction we provide*. Our pricing 
algorithms enable us to optimise our 
occupancy and rate mix across the 
booking curve. We are also increasing 
revenue by optimising our revenues in 
individual catchments more effectively.

* YouGov Quality and Satisfaction scores as 
at 27 February 2020 based on a 52-week 
moving average.

HOW PROFITS CONVERT TO CASH

Our business is highly scalable, with 
a large proportion of incremental sales 
converting to cash. This drives a high cash 
conversion rate of close to 91%*, meaning 
we generate a good level of discretionary 
free cash flow each year. This allows 
us to invest in attractive opportunities 
for Premier Inn, both in the UK and 
in Germany. 

* Excluding one off transaction and separation costs 
of £51m.

CAPITAL REINVESTMENT

Capital allocation discipline is one of 
our core pillars. We invest in new hotels 
for the long term, while also deploying 
capital on maintenance and product 
improvement to ensure we continue to 
provide Premier Inn’s consistent quality, 
and to enhance and optimise our hotels. 
We invest through cycles, optimising the 
timing of our investments to ensure we 
are always well positioned to weather 
any storm. 

Germany remains our core international 
focus, with around £350m of capital 
committed for future openings, taking the 
open and committed pipeline network to 
52 hotels. However, current capital spend 
remains under review until the full effects 
of COVID-19 are known.

Our 
customers

We welcome millions of customers to our hotels 
and restaurants every year and making a meaningful 
contribution to those we serve is key. We constantly 
respond to the changing needs and lifestyles of our 
customers and ensure our offering is inclusive for all. 
We strongly believe in helping our customers make 
informed choices for a healthier life and we continue 
to monitor our menus to ensure we offer great quality, 
responsibly sourced, affordable food and drink. 

We also feel passionately about the health and safety 
of our guests. All our staff are fully trained to ensure our 
hotels are safe environments for our guests, and that in 
the case of an emergency, our guests are in safe hands.

Our focus on good returns from an expanding 
capital base, combined with ambitious growth 
milestones, creates substantial shareholder value. 
We have three priorities: to grow and innovate in 
our core UK businesses; to focus on our strengths 
to grow internationally; and to build the capability 
and infrastructure to support long-term growth.

Our 
shareholders

You’ll find our hotels and restaurants in thousands of 
communities the length and breadth of the UK. We are 
often a key part of these communities, and therefore 
have a big part to play in making them great places to 
live, work and do business. We put a huge amount of 
energy and passion into fundraising for charities, finding 
new ways to serve the communities in which we operate, 
as well as putting in hours of community support. 
Some examples of this include litter picks, redecorating 
community centres and food bank donations.

Our
communities

Our
people

As one of the UK’s largest employers, operating across 
communities in the UK, Germany and the Middle East, 
we are passionate about recruiting, training and retaining 
great people so that they are empowered to grow long-
term careers within our business. We have best-in-class 
development programmes, industry-leading training 
schemes, and a successful apprenticeship programme, 
ensuring team member wellbeing is at the centre of 
everything we do.

We are also committed to removing barriers to entry 
and creating an environment where everyone feels 
valued and where they can grow. Whitbread is an 
inclusive employer, strongly believing that everyone 
is unique and there should be no limits to ambition. 
We champion inclusivity and improving diversity across 
the entire organisation.

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20Strategic report– Governance– Financial statements– Other information 
 
 
16

OUR STRATEGY AT A GLANCE

Our strategy

We put the customer at the heart of everything we do. 
Our strategy is to provide sustainable long-term value for 
our shareholders by growing our successful Premier Inn and 
restaurant brands in structurally attractive markets, whilst 
delivering a good return on capital.

In the current COVID-19 environment, and following the closure of our hotels 
and restaurants on Government advice, we have had to re-prioritise our 
near-term actions, and following the closure of our hotels and restaurants 
on Government advice, to focus on the health and safety of our guests and 
teams as well as the Company’s cash flow. This will help us to be in a strong 
position once the virus subsides.

Our three clear 
strategic priorities

INNOVATE AND 
GROW IN THE CORE 
UK MARKET

Whitbread has a current 
estate of 78,500 rooms, with 
a current committed pipeline 
of 13,000 rooms. By increasing 
the size of our estate, but also 
optimising our existing network 
and through innovation, we will 
continue to be one of the largest 
branded budget hotel chains in 
the world.

 Read more – pages 18 to 21

FOCUS ON PREMIER 
INN’S STRENGTHS 
TO GROW 
INTERNATIONALLY

Our aim is to leverage the 
strengths and capabilities of 
the UK business to create the 
number one budget brand in the 
structurally attractive German 
hotel market.

 Read more – pages 22 to 25

ENHANCE 
WHITBREAD’S 
CAPABILITIES 
TO SUPPORT LONG-
TERM GROWTH

Our successful efficiency 
programme, unique vertically 
integrated model, brand 
strength, product innovation 
and high-quality direct booking 
underpins the consistent quality 
and competitive advantage 
enjoyed by Premier Inn.

 Read more – pages 26 to 29

2019/20 Performance

Force for Good

COVID-19 Priorities

Market risks and opportunities

KPIs

Strategic remuneration links

Priorities once 

COVID-19 subsides

 – Total adjusted UK revenue* 

 – Technological innovation driving 

 – Health and safety of our teams 

 – Optimise UK network

RISKS

TOTAL ADJUSTED UK REVENUE* (£m):

WINNING TEAMS

broadly flat at £2,050 million

 – Strong balance sheet and 

significant liquidity headroom, 
backed by a valuable 
freehold estate

 – hub by Premier Inn performing 

well

reduced costs, such as the UK’s first 
battery powered hotel and the rollout 
of more efficient chargrills

 – Continued implementation of 

renewable energy generation across 
our estate. 100% renewable electricity 
powering our hotels and restaurants

 – Successful Premier Plus rooms 

 – New menus continuing to deliver 

trial underway

 – Increased focus on B2B
 – Changes to yield management, 
with refinements to event and 
short-lead time pricing

a reduction in salt, sugar and calories
 – Hotels made available for key workers, 

and for the NHS

 – Food donations during the COVID-19 

crisis

 – New targets for reduction of carbon 
and waste and elimination of single-
use plastics

and customers

 – Sustain a strong balance sheet 

and liquidity, including maximising 
our cash flow and benefiting from 
Government support schemes 
where appropriate

 – Prepare the business to reopen, 
once the pandemic abates, in 
a position of strength to gain long 
term market share and delight 
our customers

 – Material acceleration in 

 – Aligning and implementing our Force 

 – Health and safety of our teams 

 – Build network across key cities 

RISKS 

network growth in Germany
 – Open and committed pipeline 
now stands at 52 hotels and 
9,800 rooms

 – Completion of Foremost 
Hospitality acquisition

for Good approach in Germany, 
ensuring that our Force for Good 
goals are delivered with core focus 
on efficiency, industry-leading 
responsible sourcing, and training 
and development of our teams 

and customers

 – Sustain a strong balance sheet 

and liquidity, including maximising 
our cash flow and benefiting from 
Government support schemes 
where appropriate

 – Prepare the business to reopen, 
once the pandemic abates, in 
a position of strength to gain long 
term market share and delight 
our customers

 – Efficiency programme 
continuing to deliver 
material savings

 – Industry-leading direct 

distribution of 97%

 – Improving customer scores

 – Our industry-leading responsible 

 – Health and safety of our teams 

sourcing programme assures that the 
products and services we source are 
produced ethically to deliver security 
of supply and strong supplier 
relationships

 – We have trained over 1,600 cotton 

farmers in Pakistan to invest for long-
term sustainable supply of one of our 
most critical commodities – cotton
 – Unleashing the potential of our teams 
through training programmes such as 
our apprenticeship programme has 
hit an all-time high this year across 
our hotels and Support Centre

and customers

 – Sustain a strong balance sheet 

and liquidity, including maximising 
our cash flow and benefiting from 
Government support schemes 
where appropriate

 – Prepare the business to reopen, 
once the pandemic abates, in 
a position of strength to gain long 
term market share and delight 
our customers

 – Expand the number of Premier 

 – UK economy post Brexit

Plus rooms

 – Maintain excellent guest scores

 – Focus on pricing algorithms 

 – COVID-19

OPPORTUNITIES

to enable us to optimise our 

 – Potential decline in competition 

occupancy and rate mix across 

from independent sector

the booking curve

 – Low new hotel supply

 – Focus on optimising revenues 

in individual catchments 

more effectively 

 – Health and safety

in order to gain critical mass

 – Build brand awareness 

in Germany

 – German economy

 – COVID-19

 – Continue to explore options 

OPPORTUNITIES

to further accelerate growth 

 – Potential decline in competition 

through a mix of freehold 

property development, 

from independent sector

 – Low new hotel supply

leasehold sites and acquisitions 

 – Scope for M&A

of small to medium existing 

hotel portfolios

 – Health and safety

 – Integration of newly 

acquired hotels

 – Build on our everyday 

efficiency programme

 – Improve technology capabilities

 – Continued investment for 

health and safety for hotels 

and restaurants

 – Cyber security compliance

 – Retention and engagement 

of teams

RISKS 

 – Inflationary pressures

 – UK economy post Brexit

 – Cyber security

 – COVID-19

OPPORTUNITIES

 – Development of cost effective 

renewable energy

 – Technology to enable efficient 

and lower cost operations

£2,050m +0.4%

DIRECT BOOKING:

2019/20

2018/19

2019/20

2018/19

97%

2,050

2,042

–  Operational team retention 

–  Succession planning

CUSTOMER HEARTBEAT

–  Premier Inn brand health 

97%

97%

–  Restaurants net 

recommend

NUMBER OF HOTELS OPEN:  

(NUMBER OF ROOMS IN BRACKETS)

–  Delivery of cost savings 

(AIS-ISO)

PROFITABLE GROWTH

–  Group profit (AIS–P)

–  EPS growth (LTIP)

–  Return on capital (LTIP)

 Read more – page 79

2019/20

6 (1,090 rooms)

2018/19

2 (390 rooms)

6 (1,090) 200%

NUMBER OF ROOMS IN COMMITTED 

PIPELINE:

2019/20

2018/19

8,710

6,710

8,710 +29.8%

CUMULATIVE EFFICIENCY/

COST SAVINGS (£m) SINCE 2016:

2019/20

2018/19

235

190

£235m +£45m

PREMIER INN: CUSTOMER SCORES –  

YOUGOV BRAND INDEX SCORE†:

32.2 +0.8

RESTAURANTS NET RECOMMEND:

58.3% +2.7%

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20 
 
 
 
17

Customer Heartbeat
Our business performance is measured by our balanced 
scorecard, illustrated by our Customer Heartbeat model.

Force for Good

Our three clear 

strategic priorities

2019/20 Performance

Force for Good

COVID-19 Priorities

INNOVATE AND 

GROW IN THE CORE 

UK MARKET

Whitbread has a current 

estate of 78,500 rooms, with 

a current committed pipeline 

of 13,000 rooms. By increasing 

the size of our estate, but also 

optimising our existing network 

and through innovation, we will 

continue to be one of the largest 

branded budget hotel chains in 

the world.

backed by a valuable 

freehold estate

 – Total adjusted UK revenue* 

 – Technological innovation driving 

 – Health and safety of our teams 

broadly flat at £2,050 million

reduced costs, such as the UK’s first 

and customers

 – Strong balance sheet and 

battery powered hotel and the rollout 

 – Sustain a strong balance sheet 

significant liquidity headroom, 

of more efficient chargrills

 – Continued implementation of 

and liquidity, including maximising 

our cash flow and benefiting from 

renewable energy generation across 

Government support schemes 

 – hub by Premier Inn performing 

our estate. 100% renewable electricity 

where appropriate

well

powering our hotels and restaurants

 – Prepare the business to reopen, 

 – Successful Premier Plus rooms 

 – New menus continuing to deliver 

once the pandemic abates, in 

trial underway

a reduction in salt, sugar and calories

a position of strength to gain long 

 – Increased focus on B2B

 – Hotels made available for key workers, 

term market share and delight 

 – Changes to yield management, 

and for the NHS

our customers

with refinements to event and 

 – Food donations during the COVID-19 

short-lead time pricing

crisis

 – New targets for reduction of carbon 

and waste and elimination of single-

use plastics

Priorities once 
COVID-19 subsides

 – Optimise UK network
 – Expand the number of Premier 

Plus rooms

 – Maintain excellent guest scores
 – Focus on pricing algorithms 
to enable us to optimise our 
occupancy and rate mix across 
the booking curve

 – Focus on optimising revenues 

in individual catchments 
more effectively 
 – Health and safety

Market risks and opportunities

KPIs

Strategic remuneration links

RISKS

 – UK economy post Brexit
 – COVID-19

OPPORTUNITIES

 – Potential decline in competition 

from independent sector

 – Low new hotel supply

TOTAL ADJUSTED UK REVENUE* (£m):

WINNING TEAMS

2019/20

2018/19

2,050

2,042

–  Operational team retention 

–  Succession planning

£2,050m +0.4%

DIRECT BOOKING:

CUSTOMER HEARTBEAT

–  Premier Inn brand health 

FOCUS ON PREMIER 

INN’S STRENGTHS 

TO GROW 

INTERNATIONALLY

Our aim is to leverage the 

strengths and capabilities of 

the UK business to create the 

number one budget brand in the 

structurally attractive German 

hotel market.

ENHANCE 

WHITBREAD’S 

CAPABILITIES 

TO SUPPORT LONG-

TERM GROWTH

Our successful efficiency 

programme, unique vertically 

integrated model, brand 

strength, product innovation 

and high-quality direct booking 

underpins the consistent quality 

and competitive advantage 

enjoyed by Premier Inn.

 – Material acceleration in 

 – Aligning and implementing our Force 

 – Health and safety of our teams 

network growth in Germany

for Good approach in Germany, 

and customers

 – Open and committed pipeline 

ensuring that our Force for Good 

 – Sustain a strong balance sheet 

now stands at 52 hotels and 

goals are delivered with core focus 

and liquidity, including maximising 

9,800 rooms

 – Completion of Foremost 

Hospitality acquisition

on efficiency, industry-leading 

our cash flow and benefiting from 

responsible sourcing, and training 

Government support schemes 

and development of our teams 

where appropriate

 – Prepare the business to reopen, 

once the pandemic abates, in 

a position of strength to gain long 

term market share and delight 

our customers

 – Efficiency programme 

continuing to deliver 

material savings

 – Industry-leading direct 

distribution of 97%

 – Our industry-leading responsible 

 – Health and safety of our teams 

sourcing programme assures that the 

and customers

products and services we source are 

 – Sustain a strong balance sheet 

produced ethically to deliver security 

and liquidity, including maximising 

of supply and strong supplier 

our cash flow and benefiting from 

 – Improving customer scores

relationships

Government support schemes 

 – We have trained over 1,600 cotton 

where appropriate

farmers in Pakistan to invest for long-

 – Prepare the business to reopen, 

term sustainable supply of one of our 

once the pandemic abates, in 

most critical commodities – cotton

a position of strength to gain long 

 – Unleashing the potential of our teams 

term market share and delight 

through training programmes such as 

our customers

our apprenticeship programme has 

hit an all-time high this year across 

our hotels and Support Centre

 – Build network across key cities 
in order to gain critical mass

 – Build brand awareness 

RISKS 

 – German economy
 – COVID-19

in Germany

 – Continue to explore options 
to further accelerate growth 
through a mix of freehold 
property development, 
leasehold sites and acquisitions 
of small to medium existing 
hotel portfolios
 – Health and safety
 – Integration of newly 

acquired hotels

OPPORTUNITIES

 – Potential decline in competition 

from independent sector

 – Low new hotel supply
 – Scope for M&A

 – Build on our everyday 
efficiency programme

 – Improve technology capabilities
 – Continued investment for 

health and safety for hotels 
and restaurants

 – Cyber security compliance
 – Retention and engagement 

of teams

RISKS 

 – Inflationary pressures
 – UK economy post Brexit
 – Cyber security
 – COVID-19

OPPORTUNITIES

 – Development of cost effective 

renewable energy

 – Technology to enable efficient 

and lower cost operations

2019/20

2018/19

97%

97%

97%

–  Restaurants net 

recommend

PROFITABLE GROWTH

–  Group profit (AIS–P)

NUMBER OF HOTELS OPEN:  
(NUMBER OF ROOMS IN BRACKETS)

–  Delivery of cost savings 

(AIS-ISO)

2019/20

6 (1,090 rooms)

2018/19

2 (390 rooms)

6 (1,090) 200%

NUMBER OF ROOMS IN COMMITTED 
PIPELINE:

2019/20

2018/19

8,710

6,710

8,710 +29.8%

CUMULATIVE EFFICIENCY/
COST SAVINGS (£m) SINCE 2016:

2019/20

2018/19

235

190

£235m +£45m

PREMIER INN: CUSTOMER SCORES –  
YOUGOV BRAND INDEX SCORE†:

32.2 +0.8

RESTAURANTS NET RECOMMEND:

58.3% +2.7%

–  EPS growth (LTIP)

–  Return on capital (LTIP)

 Read more – page 79

* 

Includes one site in each of Jersey, 
Ireland and the Isle of Man.

†   YouGov BrandIndex Index score 

as at 28th February 2019 and 27th 
February 2020 based on a 52 week 
moving average.

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20Strategic report– Governance– Financial statements– Other information 
 
 
 
18

STRATEGIC UPDATE

INNOVATE AND 
GROW IN THE 
CORE UK MARKET

Premier Inn UK

Resilient performance with commercial initiatives 
driving improved H2  

Total UK adjusted revenue up 0.4% to £2,050m driven 
by capacity additions and improved performance

Commercial initiatives including improved yield 
management, the opening of over 500 Premier 
Plus rooms and B2B targeting starting to improve 
performance, particularly in H2

Industry-leading direct distribution rate of 97%

Capacity additions (2,906 rooms added) and weak 
market resulting in a reduction in occupancy

Premier Inn UK estate metrics(a) 

# hotels

# rooms

Direct booking

Occupancy

Average room rate

Revenue per available room†

Total accommodation sales growth

Like-for-like accommodation sales growth

Total food and beverage sales growth

Like-for-like food and beverage sales growth

UK return on capital

Committed pipeline (rooms)

(a) Includes one site in each of Jersey, Ireland and the Isle of Man.

†  See glossary on pages 202 and 203 for definitions of APM’s.

FY20
821

78,547

97%

76.3%

£61.50

£46.91

(0.1)%

(2.4)%

1.3%

(0.3)%

11.2%

13,011

FY19
804

76,171

97%

77.9%

£62.91

£49.00

3.5%

(0.6)%

(0.3)%

(2.0)%

13.3%

12,996

Change
2.1%

3.1%

–

(160)bps

(2.2)%

(4.3)%

(210)bps

Premier Inn UK total accommodation sales declined by 
0.1% driven by weak regional market conditions, mostly 
offset by the contribution from capacity additions. 
A decline in like-for-like accommodation sales was driven 
by a combination of both lower occupancy and a lower 
average room rate. The weakness in business and leisure 
consumer demand persisted throughout FY20, especially 
in the regions, where total accommodation sales declined 
by 1.6% and RevPAR declined 5.3%. In London, Premier 
Inn’s total accommodation sales growth was good at 
5.2%, driven by over 30% capacity growth over the 
last three years, which continues to mature. 

Premier Inn’s performance versus the market improved 
throughout FY20, as the positive commercial actions 
implemented in the first half of the year started to deliver. 
This included the roll-out of over 500 Premier Plus rooms, 
an increased focus on the B2B segment, and changes 
to yield management, with refinements to event and 
short-lead time pricing. 

Premier Inn’s total accommodation sales growth 
outperformed the market in London for the final three 
quarters of the year and narrowed the gap to the regional 
market to only 20bps in the final quarter. 

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/2019

The business has continually innovated and enhanced 
the customer experience, and during the year a trial 
of Premier Plus rooms was launched in 27 hotels. 
These upgraded rooms are targeted especially 
at business customers and provide an even more 
comfortable stay at great value for money. The initial 
trial has been successful, and while the roll-out is 
currently on-hold due to the extreme market conditions, 
when we are past the COVID-19 crisis, the next stage 
of the trial will see that capacity increase to over 
2,000 rooms.

During the year, Premier Inn opened a further 25 hotels 
including 2 hub hotels bringing the UK hotel network now 
to 821 hotels. Although the market is currently extremely 
challenging, investment in the existing estate will continue 
to give the opportunity to win market share from the 
fragmented independent sector. In the short-term, 
a proportion of the committed pipeline of over 13,000 
rooms, of which around 80% is leasehold, is expected 
to be delayed, as third-party hotel builds are slowed 
or paused.

UK total accommodation sales growth comparison 

London
Premier Inn
Midscale and economy hotel market(a)

London performance

Regions
Premier Inn
Midscale and economy hotel market(a)

Q1 FY20

Q2 FY20

Q3 FY20

Q4 FY20

FY20

1.7%

3.3%

(160)bps

(2.4)%

(1.9)%

8.2%

7.1%

110bps

(1.9)%

(0.9)%

4.8%

3.7%

6.0%

3.6%

110bps

240bps

(2.0)%

(1.2)%

0.6%

0.8%

5.2%

4.5%

70bps

(1.6)%

(0.9)%

Regions performance

(50)bps

(100)bps

(80)bps

(20)bps

(70)bps

Total UK
Premier Inn
Midscale and economy hotel market(a)

(1.5)%

(0.4)%

0.1%

1.2%

(0.4)%

0.1%

1.9%

1.7%

(0.1)%

0.6%

Total UK performance

(110)bps

(110)bps

(50)bps

20bps

(70)bps

(a) Source: STR Global.

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20Strategic report– Governance– Financial statements– Other information20

STRATEGY IN ACTION

GROWING 
RESPONSIBLY 
IN THE UK

STRATEGY IN ACTION: 
INNOVATE AND GROW 
IN THE CORE UK MARKET

FREE WI-FI

Premier Inn offers free Wi-Fi 
throughout the estate, enabling 
our guests to stay in touch.

COMMUNITY

NEW SITE OPENINGS

Our hotels and restaurants are embedded in communities 
across the UK. That means we have a responsibility to 
make a meaningful impact on the communities we join 
each year. Most crucially, when we join a community for the 
first time, we want to ensure we connect with the people 
and place we are becoming a part of. To do this, all our 
New Site Openings are given three paid hours to volunteer 
on a community project that they feel will most impact the 
area they are joining. 

Chesterfield Town Centre Premier Inn opened in April 2019. 
The building being converted into a Premier Inn started 
life as a Co-operative department store. The new team 
was dedicated to recognising such a historical building as 
well as engaging with the locals of Chesterfield. Therefore, 
the team used its volunteer hours to host a Co-op reunion 
evening, inviting many of the original Co-op team to attend 
the celebratory event. Mr. Harrington, who was the general 
manager of the original Co-operative department store for 
over 40 years, joined to mark the occasion and presented 
Premier Inn with a specially commissioned painting 
of the original building. 

Mr. Harrington said 
“ The redevelopment is a wonderful job – 
so bright, clean and fresh – it’s just stunning. 
Getting the chance to visit again, see the building 
have a new lease of life and meet up with old 
friends – some of whom we haven’t seen in 
20 years – is just fantastic.”

  Read more – information on our sustainability programme,  
Force for Good, is integrated throughout the report and can be 
found by looking for the logos

Mr Harrington, outside the newly converted Chesterfield Town Centre 
Premier Inn, holding a painting of the original department store.

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20 RESPONSIBILITY 

RESPECTING HUMAN RIGHTS 
ACROSS OUR SUPPLY CHAINS

At Whitbread, through our Force for Good programme, we 
are committed to respecting the human rights of everyone 
in our supply chain to enable them to live and work well. 
Each year we undertake a robust risk assessment on our 
supply chain to ensure we focus on the most material risks. 

Through work with our long-term partner NGO Stop the 
Traffik, we know that the construction sector can be a high-
risk industry for modern slavery. This can be attributed to 
a complex range of issues, including the high number of 
agencies and subcontracted work used on construction 
sites across the UK. Having gone through our robust audit 
programme with several of our main contractors, Whitbread 
hosted a supplier engagement day. The day was designed 
to create a confidential space for contractors to collaborate 
on the issue, identify any potential root causes and inform 
teams through education sessions on sign spotting and on-
site remediation methods. From this, we are proud to have 
embedded upskilling across our property teams internally, 
implement new processes through audit reports and site 
visits to continue to work to create an environment that 
is safe for all and respects all workers’ human rights. 

“ STOP THE TRAFFIK are proud to 
have partnered with Whitbread 
since 2016. They have consistently 
demonstrated the drive to go 
beyond just compliance and are 
leading prevention best practice. 
By engaging with suppliers to support 
them in improving their processes 
and by evaluating and adapting 
internal procedures, Whitbread have 
demonstrated their commitment 
to preventing modern slavery.”

21

BEST HOTEL CHAIN

Premier Inn is consistently rated 
the UK’s Best Value Hotel Chain by 
YouGov,* as well as having the highest 
awareness of any hotel brand.

* YouGov BrandIndex Hotels & Cruises sector Value scores as at 
28th February 2019 and 27th February 2020 based on a 52 week 
moving average. 
YouGov BrandIndex Hotels & Cruises sector Awareness scores 
as at 27th February 2020 based on a 52 week moving average.

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20Strategic report– Governance– Financials– Other information22

STRATEGIC UPDATE

FOCUS ON PREMIER INN’S 
STRENGTHS TO GROW 
INTERNATIONALLY

Premier Inn Germany

Increasing capabilities to build a strong hotel network
Premier Inn’s aim in Germany is to leverage the strengths 
and capabilities of the UK business to create the number 
one budget brand in the structurally attractive German 
hotel market. This includes the same flexible approach 
to property to gain superior site access, encouraging 
direct distribution and delivering a best-in-class value 
for money proposition.

Premier Inn’s rate of expansion materially accelerated 
in the second half of FY20, culminating in the completion 
of the acquisition of the Foremost Hospitality Group 
on 28 February 2020. This Group comprised of 13 
open hotels, 10 of which have now been refurbished 
and opened under the Premier Inn brand, and 6 
pipeline hotels which are planned to open over the 
next 24 months. The Premier Inn Germany open and 
committed pipeline now stands at almost 10,000 rooms 
across 52 hotels.

We re-opened 16 hotels on 11 May 2020, 6 of which were 
open at the end of FY20 and pre-lockdown closures. 
These hotels were performing ahead of expectations with 
market leading satisfaction scores. The Frankfurt, Munich 
& Hamburg sites all score highly on TripAdvisor at 4.5/5. 
As the sites continue to mature, we are seeing good rates 
of occupancy and returns are developing as expected.

The pace of organic and acquisitive growth will slow 
temporarily in response to the COVID-19 situation, 
however given the scale and attractive nature of the 
opportunity in Germany, there is a clear appetite to 
continue the fast pace of expansion in the medium term, 
once this crisis has abated. 

The pipeline of new capacity in Germany (reflecting 
the Foremost acquisition which completed on the day 
following the year-end) is a mix of acquired hotels and 
the organic pipeline of new leasehold and freehold sites:

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/2023

Premier Inn Germany network 

Open and trading(a)

Committed pipeline

Total

(a) Open as at 11th May 2020.

Organic
4 hotels
(780 rooms)

26 hotels 
(5,450 rooms) 

30 hotels 
(6,230 rooms)

Acquired
12 hotels
(1,940 rooms)

10 hotels 
(1,630 rooms)

22 hotels 
(3,570 rooms) 

Total

16 hotels
(2,720 rooms)

36 hotels 
(7,080 rooms) 

52 hotels 
(9,800 rooms) 

Premier Inn Middle East

Estate increased to 10 hotels
Premier Inn has a productive partnership with Emirates 
in the Middle East, with two new hotels opened during 
the year, bringing the total operation to ten hotels. 
The market continued to be competitive, with a high 
level of new capacity being added in advance of the 
planned World Expo in Dubai in 2020. Losses from our 
49% share of the joint-venture amounted to £1m, in-line 
with the prior year. As in other markets, revenue has been 
significantly impacted by COVID-19 and the subsequent 
impact on the World Expo.

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20Strategic report– Governance– Financial statements– Other information24

STRATEGY IN ACTION

EXPANDING 
IN THE GERMAN 
MARKET

STRATEGY IN ACTION:  
FOCUS ON PREMIER INN’S STRENGTHS 
TO GROW INTERNATIONALLY

ACQUISITION

The acquisition of Foremost 
Hospitality Group, adding 
13 open hotels and six pipeline 
hotels to Premier Inn’s German 
estate, was completed on 
28 February 2020 (post the 
balance sheet date).

COSY AND GLAMOROUS – OUR LOBBY

Local style meets British charm. The Premier 
Inn bars located in the centre of our hotel 
lobbies are an eye-catcher. Designer lamps, 
colourful artwork and Chesterfield sofas invite 
guests to relax. Each hotel has a regional touch. 
The new style of the Premier Inn hotels in 
Germany has been used to transform some UK 
Premier Inns, including King’s Cross in London.

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20 
25

 OPPORTUNITY

INDUSTRY-LEADING LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT

Tatiana Kaczmarska started her Whitbread career in the  
UK, but her drive and determination has not only seen 
a move to Premier Inn Germany, but she’s also set to be 
the manager of the new Munich City Schwabing hotel 
which opens this summer.

Tatiana, or Tanya as she likes to be known, was born in 
a small town in eastern Slovakia. After finishing high school, 
she decided to leave her family and friends to start a career 
in the UK.

Tanya started her UK career in 2005 working in a restaurant 
in Bristol. After doing that for almost a year, she decided 
to try something new within hospitality and got a job 
with Ramada Plaza Hotels working in both Bristol and 
Southport where she progressed from a team member 
to duty manager.

After eight years, Tanya joined Premier Inn as a Team 
Leader in the London Blackfriars hotel. It was whilst she 
was working there that Tanya heard about the Premier Inn 
expansion plans for the German market and decided to 
move to Frankfurt. 

Tatiana Kaczmarska 
Hotel Manager

Unable to speak a word of German when she first moved 
there, Tanya began to study the language at the same time 
as studying for qualification in Hospitality Management. 
“It was a difficult time,” she recalls, “but worth the effort 
in the long run.”

Tanya’s first role in Germany was as a waitress in the 
Frankfurt Messe Premier Inn. She was quickly promoted 
to Team Leader, then to Assistant Hotel Manager. “I was 
completely trusted by my hotel manager,” said Tanya. 
“I’ve tried my hardest to be the best leader and role 
model for my team.” 

“ I’ve enjoyed my time at the 
Premier Inn Frankfurt Messe, and 
I’ve had a lot of fun with the guests 
and my colleagues. It’s amazing 
how successful the hotel has been 
from day one, and we have been 
in first place for the whole of 
Frankfurt on TripAdvisor for more 
than two years. That makes me 
very proud. What an amazing 
achievement for the whole team.”

As the date for the opening of the new Munich City 
Schwabing hotel drew nearer, Tanya was asked to be the 
Hotel Manager there. “I am very grateful for this amazing 
opportunity and I am sure that with the support of all 
our colleagues we will open another successful Premier 
Inn hotel in Germany. I’m really looking forward to this 
new challenge.”

  Read more – information on our sustainability programme,  
Force for Good, is integrated throughout the report and can be 
found by looking for the logos

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20Strategic report– Governance– Financials– Other information26

STRATEGIC UPDATE

ENHANCE WHITBREAD’S 
CAPABILITIES TO SUPPORT  
LONG-TERM GROWTH

Whitbread continues to leverage its scale 
to secure cost efficiencies, largely offsetting 
the structural cost pressures in the hotel 
market, which disproportionately impact 
the independent sector. This focus on cost, 
along with Whitbread’s property expertise, 
underpins the consistent quality and 
competitive advantage enjoyed by Premier Inn.

Following the completion of the sale of Costa, in January 
2019, the organisation structure of Whitbread has been 
refined and simplified to reflect the focus on the hotel 
market in the UK and Germany. This resulted in cost 
savings being delivered in FY20, alongside enhancements 
to customer insight and decision making.

Property flexibility
A willingness to be flexible with respect to freehold 
or leasehold acquisition ensures new sites are in the 
best locations and have the optimal size and format. 
Ownership of around 60% of the hotel estate gives 
Premier Inn control over the initial development of the 
hotel, and subsequently how it is maintained, extended, 
or re-developed. Further opportunities remain to 
optimise the network by individual asset, as well as more 
broadly through catchment optimisation and creating 
a more optimal portfolio of assets. Whitbread’s asset-
backed balance sheet also supports a strong financial 
covenant, which means that in competitive bid situations 
for new leasehold developments, Premier Inn is often 
the preferred tenant and can secure more favourable 
lease and rental terms. Freehold ownership also reduces 
earnings volatility through the cycle and could provide 
a flexible source of funding for the future when the 
market recovers. 

These components combine to deliver a winning 
customer proposition, providing the customer with 
more choice, value for money, outstanding product 
quality, excellent customer service and consistently high 
hygiene standards. Going forward, this offering positions 
us very well to take market share in a post-lockdown 
environment, as customers are likely to seek value, 
quality, and the familiarity of their most trusted brands.

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/2027

Efficiencies
In 2016, Whitbread began a five-year programme to 
generate £150m of efficiency savings and mitigate 
inflationary cost pressures. This ambition was achieved in 
less than three years from a combination of procurement 
benefits and shared services, across both Premier Inn 
and Costa. Following the successful early delivery of this 
programme, and the continued high inflation rates in 
our sector, Whitbread stated that its new target was to 
generate £220m of operating expenditure and capital 
expenditure savings during FY20, FY21 and FY22. £45m 
of this operational efficiency savings was delivered in 
FY20. This efficiency programme will now evolve as the 
Group considers further cost reductions as it responds 
to COVID-19 and to drive longer term efficiency savings 
once the market starts to recover.

RESPONSIBILITY

SUSTAINABLE COTTON

As a large user of cotton products, we want to lead the way 
on driving industry change in sourcing sustainable cotton 
in the hospitality sector. 

Through the support of CottonConnect, we are coming 
to the end of a three year programme to support 
cotton farmers in Pakistan. Through this unique training 
programme, training farmers to REEL standards, 1,600 
smallholder farmers have been provided with techniques 
for sustainable agriculture as well as education programmes. 
At the end of year two, we saw the yields for farmers 
increase by 9.4% alongside reduction in chemical pesticides 
by 25.2% and a 4.7% reduction in water used. As we draw 
to the end of the three-year training programme, we are 
now working closely with our suppliers to support the link 
from our supply chains back to the traceable cotton being 
produced in Pakistan into our final products. 

Not only that, but this year we have become Better Cotton 
Initiative members, as we drive sustainable solutions in 
partnership with our laundry suppliers. Through BCI, we will 
support cotton farmers in learning to use water efficiently, 
care for soil health and natural habitats, reduce use of the 
most harmful chemicals and respect workers’ rights and 
wellbeing. This change would not only result in sourcing 
more sustainable cotton for our Premier Inns across the UK 
but support an industry wide movement to more sustainable 
cotton production.

  Read more – information on our sustainability programme,  
Force for Good, is integrated throughout the report and can 
be found by looking for the logos

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20Strategic report– Governance– Financial statements– Other informationFLEXIBILITY

Our flexible approach to freehold and 
leasehold property acquisition helps us to 
access new sites in prime locations with the 
optimal size and format for our needs.

28

STRATEGY IN ACTION

PLATFORM 
FOR 
SUCCESS

STRATEGY IN ACTION:  
ENHANCE WHITBREAD’S CAPABILITIES  
TO SUPPORT LONG-TERM GROWTH 

RESPONSIBILITY

REDUCING WASTE

Although plastic is at the height of consumer 
consciousness, we recognise the need to reduce not 
only single-use plastics, but all unnecessary waste. 

In our restaurant sites, approximately 6,000 plastic 
chopping boards would have been disposed of each year 
due to scoring. This year, in collaboration with our supplier, 
we have rolled out a plastic chopping board resurfacing 
activity. Instead of ending up in the bin, our chopping 
boards can be reused many times. As well as chopping 
boards, our kitchens, like many, use blue paper roll for multi-
purpose wiping and cleaning tasks. Working collaboratively 
with our supplier to innovate products, we have introduced 
a new dispenser and roll type leading to an overall reduction 
in blue paper waste of 56%.

HEALTHIER CHOICES

Whitbread strongly believes in serving great tasting, 
responsibly sourced, affordable food and drink, and 
supporting our guests to make easier, healthier and 
informed choices with clear and accessible information. 
Since 2015, we have had a nutrition strategy supported 
by five key pillars of reformulation, choice, responsible 
marketing, children’s menus and customer communications 
that supports the Government’s Childhood Obesity 
strategy and its aims to reduce salt, sugar and calorie 
consumption in the UK. We are positively responding to 
the changing needs and lifestyles of our guests by ensuring 
our menus are inclusive for all. All our brands offer a choice 
of dishes to suit different needs, including vegetarian, 
vegan and calorie-controlled options. 

  Read more – information on our sustainability programme,  
Force for Good, is integrated throughout the report and can be 
found by looking for the logos

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/2029

EVERYDAY EFFICIENCY

In 2016 Whitbread set out 
to achieve £150 million of 
efficiency savings in five years. 
The target was achieved after 
just three years and ambitious 
new targets have been set. 

RESPONSIBILITY

ELIMINATING UNNECESSARY 
SINGLE-USE PLASTICS

Each year, we use over 17 million sauce sachets within 
our restaurant brands. This year, we have made the 
decision to stop the use of sauce sachets in our restaurants 
wherever possible. From March 2020, our restaurants will 
no longer be able to order single-use condiment sachets*, 
and we hope this will see a reduction of over 14 million 
sachets from our business by 2021 when all current stock 
is depleted. 

Our restaurants will move from large usage sachets – tomato 
ketchup, brown sauce, mayonnaise and vinegar – to bottles 
that can be used multiple times and recycled at the end of 
their life. We know small changes can make a big difference 
to the environment when it is scaled up and this move alone 
will reduce our single-use plastics by nearly six tonnes 
a year. A trial conducted earlier this year also showed that 
a move to reusable bottles has a potential to reduce usage 
of these four condiments by one-third, supporting the 
reduction of both single-use plastic and food waste. 

However, we also recognise that shifts must be carefully 
scrutinised to ensure we are not creating unintended 
environmental consequences. In the instance of sauce 
sachets, we recognised that less popular condiments, such 
as mustard, have less waste when used in sauce sachets 
due to the wastage that occurs if placed in larger containers. 
Therefore, sauce sachets will be removed for tomato 
ketchup, brown sauce, mayonnaise and vinegar and kept 
for smaller usage sauces. 

* Premier Inn, hub by Premier Inn and restaurant sites with large gardens will still 
have the capability to order sauce sachets due to food safety reasons. Sachets 
will also continue to be used for lower volume condiments and takeaways, e.g. 
mustard, to reduce wastage that would occur should larger containers be used.

  Read more – information on our sustainability programme,  
Force for Good, is integrated throughout the report and can 
be found by looking for the logos

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20Strategic report– Governance– Financials– Other information30

GROUP FINANCE DIRECTOR’S REVIEW

Resilient financial performance 

Financial review 

Statutory revenue 1.1% ahead of last year at £2,072m, 
supported by capacity additions and improved 
performance in H2

Adjusted profit before tax of £358m was 8.2% behind 
last year, due to a weaker UK market and sector-wide 
inflation, partly offset by the ongoing efficiency 
programme and lower net finance costs 

Statutory profit before tax increased 28.4% to £280m and 
profit for the year increased 23.2% to £218m, primarily 
due to adjusting items in the prior year of £172m of which 
£108m related to the disposal of the Costa business

Retained strong balance sheet following completion 
of £2.5bn Costa capital return programme

Lease adjusted leverage/FFO of 2.6x; significant liquidity 
through cash on deposit of £503m, undrawn RCF of 
£950m at the balance sheet date, and eligibility for the 
CCFF scheme in April 2020 with an issuer limit of £600m. 
Net debt of £323m, with net debt/adjusted EBITDA 
(pre-IFRS 16) of 0.6x

Return on capital declined 270bps to 9.5% driven by the 
investment in Germany, the weaker UK market conditions 
and sector-wide inflation

NICHOLAS CADBURY
GROUP FINANCE DIRECTOR

Financial highlights

Statutory revenue(b)
Transitional service agreement revenue

Adjusted revenue†
Operating costs excluding depreciation and amortisation 

Adjusted EBITDAR†
Net turnover rent and rental income(c)

Depreciation and amortisation

IFRS 16 right-of-use asset depreciation

Adjusted operating profit†
Net finance costs

IFRS 16 lease liability interest

Adjusted profit before tax†
Adjusting items

Statutory profit before tax
Tax

Statutory profit for the year excluding Costa
Profit from discontinued operations

Statutory profit from the year including Costa

FY20

£2,072m
£9m

£2,062m
(£1,309)m

£753m
£3m

(£165)m

(£104)m

£487m
(£13)m

(£115)m

£358m
(£78)m

£280m
(£62)m

£218m
£0m

£218m

FY19(a)
£2,049m
£2m

£2,047m
(£1,253)m

£794m
£2m

(£160)m

(£98)m

£538m
(£34)m

(£113)m

£390m
(£172)m

£218m
(£41)m

£177m
£3,555m

£3,731m

Change

1.1%
n.m.

0.7%
(4.5)%

(5.2)%
81.3%

(3.0)%

(5.8)%

(9.5)%
61.5%

(1.9)%

(8.2)%
54.5%

28.4%
(50.4)%

23.2%
n.m.

(94.2)%

(a) FY19 restated for the adoption of a new adjusting items policy where IAS 19 Pension interest is no longer adjusted for. Measures are presented for the continuing 

business which excludes the performance of the Costa business, with the exception of discretionary free cashflow and lease adjusted net debt : FFO which include 
Costa in FY19. Further information can be found in the Notes to the accompanying financial statements.

(b) Includes £9m of revenue relating to the transitional service agreement that was in place with Costa (FY19: £2m).

(c) Turnover rent and rental income continue to be recognised in the P&L post IFRS 16.

† 

In the Group Finance Directors’ Review, this indicates an Alternative Performance Measure (APM). See glossary on pages 202 and 203 for definitions of APM’s.

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/2031

Operating performance

Resilient results delivered in challenging 
market conditions 

Total UK accommodation sales were broadly flat 
and like-for-like accommodation sales declined 2.4%, 
impacted by continued weak regional market conditions 

London accommodation total sales growth of 
5.2%, 70bps ahead of the market, driven by new 
capacity maturing

Regional accommodation total sales decline of 1.6%, 
70bps behind the market, with the gap narrowing 
throughout the year and resulting in total Premier Inn 
accommodation sales being ahead of the market by 
20bps in Q4

Revenue more than doubled in Germany to £12m driven 
by maturity of two existing sites and the opening of four 
further sites

UK return on capital of down 210bps from 13.3% to 11.2% 
due to market conditions and net cost inflation

Financial highlights

Statutory revenue(b)
Transitional service agreement revenue
UK(c)

Germany

Adjusted EBITDAR†
UK(c)

Germany
Middle East(d)

Rent(e)

Adjusted EBITDA (Pre-IFRS16)†
UK(c)

Germany
Middle East(d)

UK return on capital(c)

Other metrics(c)
UK accommodation total sales growth

UK accommodation like-for-like sales growth

UK F&B total sales growth

UK F&B like-for-like sales growth

Premier Inn in the UK held revenue broadly flat at £2,050m, 
supported by new capacity with 2,906 rooms being added 
in the year. Adjusted EBITDA (pre-IFRS 16) decreased by 
8.4% to £581m as a result of the weak regional market and 
net cost inflation which was primarily driven by National 
Living Wage increases and higher energy costs, partially 
offset by c.£45m of cost efficiencies. 

Market conditions continued to be challenging in the 
UK hotel sector, particularly in the regions, and as 
a result total accommodation sales declined by 0.1% and 
like-for-like sales declined by 2.4%. Commercial initiatives, 
including improved yield management, an increased 
focus on the B2B segment and continued product 
innovation helped close the gap to the midscale and 
economy market(a) in H2 to 20bps, with Q4 performance 
beating the market by 20bps. Continued investment in 
the F&B proposition across the estate, in terms of both 
the offering and price points, helped drive sales growth 
of 1.3% and support improvements in like-for-like sales. 

Premier Inn’s expansion in Germany accelerated in the 
second half of the year, culminating in the completion 
of the Foremost Hospitality Group acquisition on the first 
day of FY21. Losses in the year signify the start-up nature 
of the current operations, with central costs supporting 
the ability to rapidly expand the open and committed 
pipeline hotel network of 52 hotels, whilst currently only 
supported by revenues from six open hotels. 

(a) Source: STR Global.

Change

1.1%
n.m.

0.4%

140.8%

(5.2)%
(4.5)%

(76.1)%

–

(10.2)%

(9.4)%
(8.4)%

(70.0)%

–

(210)bps

FY20

£2,072m
£9m

£2,050m

£12m

£753m
£766m

(£12)m

(£1)m

FY19(a)
£2,049m
£2m

£2,042m

£5m

£794m
£802m

(£7)m

(£1)m

(£185)m

(£168)m

£567m
£581m

(£12)m

(£1)m

11.2%

(0.1)%

(2.4)%

1.3%

(0.3)%

£626m
£634m

(£7)m

(£1)m

13.3%

3.5%

(0.6)%

(0.3)%

(2.0)%

(a) FY19 restated for the adoption of a new adjusting items policy where IAS 19 Pension interest is no longer adjusted for. Measures are presented for the continuing business 

which excludes the performance of the Costa business.

(b) Includes £9m of revenue relating to the transitional service agreement that was in place with Costa (FY19: £2m).

(c) Includes one site in each of; Jersey, Ireland & the Isle of Man.

(d) EBITDAR/EBITDA for Middle East represents the share of losses from a joint-venture operation. 

(e) Rent = property rent, turnover rent, car leases & rental income.

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20Strategic report– Governance– Financial statements– Other information32

GROUP FINANCE DIRECTOR’S REVIEW 
CONTINUED

Premier Inn’s business in the Middle East is operated 
through a joint venture with Emirates. The market has 
seen supressed demand and significant new supply 
additions ahead of Expo20, and losses in the Middle East 
were in-line with last year at £1m, representing a 49% 
share of the joint-venture’s losses after tax.

Return on capital for the UK was down 210bps year on 
year to 11.2% due to the weak regional market conditions 
and the high inflation in the sector. Return on capital for 
the Group was 9.5% reflecting the timing of continued 
material investment in Germany. 

Adjusting items
Total adjusting items before tax were £78m 
(FY19: £172m), including £15m relating to the disposal 
and separation of Costa. An impairment of £10m has 
been recognised following a fire at a hotel in Bristol offset 
by the related anticipated insurance claim proceeds of 
£16m covering property and loss of trade. A write-off 
and impairment charge of £69m was recorded against, 
underperforming hotels, hotels held for sale, other 
property costs and IT intangible assets. Further detail 
on adjusting items can be found in Note 7 of the 
accompanying financial statements.

Net finance costs
Net finance costs for the year were £128m (FY19: £147m), 
including IFRS 16 lease interest of £115m. This was 
£19m lower than the prior period due to higher interest 
received on the cash balance held from the sale of Costa 
proceeds and non-occurrence of the pension finance 
cost, resulting from the pension moving to an IAS 19 
surplus. Further details are contained in Note 9 of the 
accompanying financial statements.

Capital discipline 

Leverage headroom at the end of FY20

Cash and cash equivalents

Adjusted EBITDA (pre-IFRS16)†

Funds from Operations (FFO)†

Net (debt)/cash

Adjusted net (debt)/cash†

Lease debt (8x rent)†

Lease-adjusted net (debt)/cash†

Leverage ratios:

Net debt: adjusted EBITDA (Pre-IFRS16)†
Lease-adjusted net debt: FFO†(a)

Freehold/leasehold mix

Taxation
Adjusted tax for the year of £69m (FY19: £76m) 
represented an adjusted effective tax rate of 19.3% 
(FY19: 19.4%). The statutory tax expense charge was 
£62m (FY19: £41m) with the year-on-year increase driven 
by the increase in statutory profit as a result of FY19 
adjusting items relating to the disposal of Costa.

Earnings per share

Continuing operations
Adjusted basic earnings 
per share

Statutory basic earnings 
per share

FY20

FY19(a)

Change

193.6p

172.0p

12.6%

145.9p

96.7p

50.9%

(a) FY19 restated for the adoption of a new adjusting items policy where IAS 19 
Pension interest is no longer adjusted for. Measures are presented for the 
continuing business which excludes the performance of the Costa business.

Adjusted basic earnings per share increased 12.6% to 
193.6p, benefitting from the reduction in the weighted 
average number of ordinary shares from 182.8m to 
149.4m following the share buyback programme and 
tender offer. Statutory basic earnings per share increased 
50.9% to 145.9p primarily due to the higher separation 
costs incurred in the prior year from the disposal of Costa 
together with the reduction in the weighted average 
number of ordinary shares. Full details are set out in 
Note 12 of the accompanying financial statements. 

Dividend
Whitbread’s dividend policy is to grow the dividend 
broadly in line with earnings across the cycle. However, 
in light of the impact of the COVID-19 situation, the Board 
has decided not to declare a final dividend for FY20. 
Dividends will not be paid during the current covenant 
waiver period, as a condition agreed with Whitbread’s 
lenders and pension trustees. The Board hopes to return 
to paying dividends again following the normalisation 
of the Group’s financial position and performance. 

FY20(a)
£503m

£567m

£706m

(£323)m

(£333)m

(£1,490)m

(£1,823)m

0.6x

2.6x

61:39%

FY19
£3,403m

£626m

£902m

£2,583m

£2,573m

(£2,193)m

£380m

(4.1)x

(0.4)x

62:38%

(a) FY20 funds from operations excludes the second phase of the accelerated pension settlement of £274m (FY19: excludes first accelerated payment of £107m).

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/2033

Debt funding facilities 

Diverse funding, enhanced through COVID Corporate Finance Facility

US private placement notes(a)
US private placement notes(a)
US private placement notes(a)

Revolving Credit Facility

Bond
US private placement notes(a)

CCFF (uncommitted and undrawn)(b)

Cash and cash equivalents

Facility 
£m(a)
(£75)m

(£25)m

(£59)m

(£950)m

(£450)m

(£200)m

(£1,759)m
(£600)m

(£2,359)m

–

(£2,359)m

Utilised
£m(a)
(£75)m

(£25)m

(£59)m

–

(£450)m

(£200)m

(£809)m
–

(£809)m

£503m

(£306)m

Maturity
year
2020

2021

2022

2022

2025

2027

2021

(a) Includes impact of hedging using cross currency swaps and excludes unamortised fees associated with debt instruments. 

(b) Confirmed as an eligible issuer under the CCFF in-line with Fitch rating of BBB/F2.

(c) £1,683m is due to mature in more than one year from the balance sheet date.

Whitbread entered the new financial year with lease 
adjusted net debt/FFO of 2.6x, substantial liquidity 
through its accessible cash of £503m and access 
to an undrawn Revolving Credit Facility of £950m. 
Whitbread has subsequently been confirmed as an 
eligible issuer under the UK Government’s Covid 
Corporate Financing Facility (CCFF), with an issuer limit 
of £600m. The business is also backed by a valuable 
freehold property estate. 

Elements of the business’s financing are subject to 
financial covenants including net det to EBITDA and 
interest cover. At the year-end, the business had 
significant headroom to these covenants. However, 
given that we are not currently able to assess the full 
year impact of COVID-19, we entered into discussions 
with lenders and have successfully negotiated waivers 
for any possible technical breach that may have resulted 
from the temporary closure of our hotels and restaurants 
as a result of COVID-19, and an 18-month covenant 
waiver for both the Revolving Credit Facility and the 
US private placement debt. The existing covenants have 
been replaced during the covenant waiver period with 
two new tests: net debt (excluding lease liabilities) must 
be less than £2bn and liquidity headroom to available 
facilities must be greater than £400m. Dividends will 
remain suspended until the existing lender covenant 
waiver period ends. 

In the first half of FY21, operating cash outflows 
of c.£80m per month are expected during the period 
of closure or low occupancy. In addition, in H1 the 
business will incur an initial £100m outflow from the 
refunding of customer deposits, and c.£130m capital 
expenditure outflows on committed projects including 
the refurbishment of the acquired Foremost sites in 
Germany. These outflows will be partially offset by 
approximately a total of £70m-85m of furlough benefits 
during H1. While the business has significant liquidity 
to withstand a prolonged period of materially reduced 
or no demand, the Rights Issue, announced today, to 
raise £1bn will ensure that the business emerges from 
the COVID-19 pandemic with a strong balance sheet 
and is able to continue investing at appropriate levels in 
the highly attractive UK and German markets. This will 
enhance Whitbread’s competitive advantage when others 
may be financially constrained, and ensure that the 
business emerges from the current crisis in the strongest 
position possible. 

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20Strategic report– Governance– Financial statements– Other information34

GROUP FINANCE DIRECTOR’S REVIEW 
CONTINUED

Cash generation 

Business model deliver strong cash flows

Adjusted EBITDAR†
Net turnover rent and rental income(a)

Depreciation and amortisation

Adjusted operating profit†
Depreciation and amortisation

Other and non-cash items

Change in working capital
Transaction and separation costs(b)

Cash generated from operations
Maintenance capital expenditure

IFRS 16 interest and lease repayments

Interest

Tax

Discretionary free cash flow
Pension(c)

Expansionary capital expenditure

Acquisition of subsidiaries

Proceeds from disposal of PPE

Proceeds from disposal of subsidiaries

Other 

Cashflow before shareholder returns
Dividends

Shares purchased through buyback programme and tender offer

Net cash flow
Opening net (debt)/cash

Closing net (debt)/cash

(a) Turnover rent and rental income continue to be recognised in the P&L post IFRS 16.

(b) £51m of costs associated to the timing of payments relating to the sale of Costa.

(c) Includes the second phase of the one-off pension settlement of £274m.

FY20

£753m
£3m

(£269)m

£487m
£269m

(£5)m

(£13)m

(£51)m

£686m
(£154)m

(£187)m

(£20)m

(£9)m

£317m
(£288)m

(£242)m

(£192)m

£12m

£0m

(£24)m

(£418)m
(£160)m

(£2,328)m

(£2,906)m
£2,583m

FY19
Including Costa

£1,103m
(£22)m

(£364)m

£717m
£364m

(£14)m

(£5)m

£0m

£1,062m
(£192)m

(£247)m

(£34)m

(£90)m

£498m
(£194)m

(£365)m

£0m

£9m

£3,809m

£16m

£3,773m
(£187)m

(£170)m

£3,416m
(£833)m

(£323)m

£2,583m

Cash generated from operations of £686m was £376m 
lower than the prior year due to the contribution of Costa 
in FY19 and the timing of transaction and separation 
costs of £51m relating to the disposal of Costa in FY19. 
Discretionary cash flow of £317m benefited from 
reduced finance costs resulting from the cash balance 
received from the sale of Costa, and a lower tax charge 
driven by the tax relief granted on the one-off pension 
contributions made during the year. FY20 includes 

the second phase of the one-off pension settlement 
of £274m and capital expenditure supporting organic 
and M&A growth across UK and Germany equated 
to £434m. FY20 net debt was £323m, a reduction of 
£2,906m primarily driven by the cash used to purchase 
shares through the buyback programme and tender 
offer, pension cash outflows including the one-off 
pension settlement of £274m and increased spend 
on expansionary capital.

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/2035

Capital investment

Cash flow enables material investment 

UK maintenance and 
product improvement

New/extended UK hotels

Premier Inn Germany 
and Middle East

Total

FY20

FY19*

Last  
2 years

£154m

£167m

£268m

£588m

£151m

£226m

£305m

£392m

£85m

£352m

£462m

£1,049m

*  FY19 excludes discontinued operations. 

Capital expenditure totalled £588m in FY20 (FY19: £462m). 
This includes £167m developing new sites and extending 
existing sites in the UK. Capital expenditure for Premier 
Inn Germany includes spend relating to the portfolio 
acquisition of 19 hotels from the Foremost Hospitality 
Group. The total cost of that transaction is around £300m 
of which £170m has been paid to date, with the remaining 
costs incurred depending on the timings of both the 
refurbishment schedule and the delivery of six pipeline 
hotels. £154m of capital was spent refurbishing and 
maintaining hotels and restaurants and on our IT systems. 

The Group’s capital expenditure requirements vary from 
year-to-year based on, among other factors, different 
capital intensity in different operations and markets 
and specific reinvestment requirements in relation to its 
hotels. The Group’s capital spend will reduce significantly 
in FY21 in response to the COVID-19 situation but is 
expected to return to normal levels when the market 
starts to normalise.

Pension
The Group’s defined benefit pension scheme, the 
Whitbread Group Pension Fund (the “Pension Fund”), 
had an IAS19 surplus of £190m (FY19: £(120m)). 
The primary reasons for the improved IAS19 funding 
position were asset performance and Whitbread’s 
one-off contribution to the Pension Fund of £381m 
(£107m in FY19 and £274m in FY20) which was part 
of an agreement with the Trustee following the sale of 
Costa. The agreement released Costa from its obligations 
to the Pension Fund and included some contingent 
protection, which has enabled the Trustee to significantly 
reduce the Pension Fund’s investment risk. This replaced 
the previous protection and previously agreed deficit 
recovery plan, which would have required Whitbread to 
make total payments of £326m to the Pension Fund over 
the following four years. Additional contributions to the 
Pension Fund of approximately £10m per year continue to 
be made through the Scottish Partnership arrangements.

As part of the agreement with the Trustee, in the event 
that Whitbread breaches an EBITDA related covenant, 
Whitbread is required to make a cash payment to 
improve the funding position. If Whitbread does not 
settle this contribution the Trustee can realise the 
equivalent value through the security it holds over 
£450m of Whitbread’s freehold property. Whitbread has 
reached agreement with the Trustee for a covenant 
waiver period for the EBITDA related covenant which 
will now not be tested until March 2022. New covenants 
have been introduced during the period of the waiver in 
line with those given to Whitbread’s lenders described 
above. An additional £50m of security has also been 
given to the Trustee for the duration of the covenant 
waiver period. In the event the security is not in place 
within a defined timeframe, a £50m additional cash 
contribution will become payable. A waiver for the same 
period has also been agreed with the Trustee for any 
possible technical breach that may have resulted from 
the temporary closure of our hotels and restaurants.

Return on capital 

Consistently delivering above cost of capital

Total ROCE†

UK ROCE†

FY20
9.5%

11.2%

FY19
12.2%

13.3%

Impact on the Group of capital invested for future openings

(90)bps

(130)bps

Change
(270)bps

(210)bps

40bps

UK Return on capital declined by 210bps to 11.2%. 
The impact of the weak regional market on like-for-like 
revenue performance and also the timing of investment in 
the UK estate, was partly offset by net capacity additions, 
and accounted for 130bps of the decline. Staff costs, 
primarily National Living Wage increases, drove a 70bps 
decline, while the impact of other cost inflation and 
property costs, including business rates, were broadly 
offset by the ongoing costs efficiency programme. 

There is currently £384m of capital invested for future 
openings which has an adverse impact on Whitbread’s 
continuing reported return on capital of 90bps. 

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20Strategic report– Governance– Financial statements– Other information36

GROUP FINANCE DIRECTOR’S REVIEW 
CONTINUED

Post Balance sheet events
In light of the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact on 
Whitbread we have disclosed a number of Post Balance 
Sheet Events. These include but are not limited to, with full 
details shown in Note 34 of the accounts; the timing of the 
impact of the pandemic on the Group, the closure of our 
hotels and restaurants following Government guidance and 
subsequent customer refunds and potential impairments, 
the sensitivities around interest rates, exchange rates and 
the pension fund, the updated position on acquisitions, 
Lender and Pension trustee covenant waivers and covenant 
replacements, and the benefit from the Coronavirus Job 
Retention scheme, the business rate holiday and acceptance 
for the COVID-19 Corporate Funding Facility with an issuer 
limit of £600m. 

On 28 February 2020, post the balance sheet date, the 
Group acquired 100% of the share capital of Foremost 
Hospitality Hiex GmbH. Further details on the acquisition 
are in Note 35 in the Annual Report and Accounts.

The Group has announced its intention to raise £1bn by 
way of a fully underwritten rights issue. This will provide an 
appropriate capital structure and a strong platform from 
which to deliver on the Group’s growth strategy.

Costa Disposal

Successful completion of return of capital programme
Following the sale of Costa Limited to The Coca-Cola 
Company for £3.9bn, which completed in January 2019, 
Whitbread announced its plans to return £2.5bn surplus 
capital to shareholders. The first phase was a share 
buyback programme conducted from 17 January 2019 
to 10 May 2019. This first phase completed with a total of 
£486m of Ordinary Shares repurchased. Of this amount 
£316m of Ordinary Shares were repurchased in FY20.

The second phase was a tender offer, which resulted 
in £2bn of Ordinary Shares being repurchased in July 
2019. The completion of the tender offer resulted 
in a total of £2.5bn being returned to shareholders 
and the repurchase and cancellation of 49m shares. 
There is currently no further surplus capital to be 
returned to shareholders. 

IFRS 16 Leases

Non-cash financial reporting changes in FY20
The impact of the new accounting standard for leases, 
which is fully adopted in FY20, is outlined below. 
Whilst there is a significant impact on the statutory 
income statement and balance sheet, there will be no 
change to Whitbread’s cashflows and its growth plans, 
including the ongoing disciplined approach to capital 
allocation. Furthermore, no detrimental impact is 
expected to Whitbread’s covenants or ability to satisfy 
its liabilities.

IFRS 16 – Summary of changes and impacts
Under IFRS 16, lease liabilities and associated ‘right-of-
use’ assets are recognised on the balance sheet using 
discounted cash flows. As many of Whitbread’s leases 
are long property leases, these changes have significantly 
increased both total assets and total liabilities, and had 
a material impact on key performance metrics, including 
earnings per share.

In the income statement, rental charges for operating 
leases are replaced with depreciation of the newly 
recognised asset and interest on the newly recognised 
lease liability. This in turn impacts some of Whitbread’s 
key reporting measures, including adjusted operating 
profit, which has increased as a pre-interest measure, 
and profit before tax, which has decreased as 
a disproportionate amount of interest is applied 
at the start of a lease.

FY20 IFRS 16 impact on balance sheet

Total assets

Total liabilities

Net assets

Pre-IFRS 16
£5,564m

(£1,533)m

£4,031m

Add lease 
liabilities* 
–

(£2,544)m

(£2,544)m

Add right-of-use 
asset* 
£2,262m

–

£2,262m

Post-IFRS 16
£7,826m

(£4,077)m

£3,749m

*  Includes working capital adjustments, see supplementary information for further detail.

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/2037

FY20 impact on Income Statement

EBITDAR†
Rental income

Rent payable

EBITDA†
Depreciation and amortisation

Adjusted operating profit†
Net finance costs

Adjusted profit before tax†

Pre-IFRS 16

Remove rent 

IFRS 16 adjusted to 
depreciation 
and interest 

Post-IFRS 16

£753m
£3m

(£188)m

£567m
(£165)m

£403m
(£13)m

£389m

–
£2m

£186m

£188m
–

£188m
–

£188m

–
–

–

–
(£104)m

(£104)m
(£115)m

(£219)m

£753m
£5m

(£2)m

£756m
(£269)m

£487m
(£129)m

£358m

Key performance measures under IFRS 16
Under IFRS 16, EBITDAR will not be impacted and 
will therefore provide a good indicator for continuing 
operating performance. In addition, certain adjustments 

will be required to ensure the important return on capital 
measure remains a meaningful and consistent metric 
going forward.

FY20 IFRS 16 impact

EBITDAR†

Adjusted operating profit†

Adjusted profit before tax†

Statutory profit before tax

Adjusted basic earnings per share†

Statutory basic earnings per share

Nicholas Cadbury 
Group Finance Director 
21 May 2020

Pre-IFRS 16
£753m

Post-IFRS 16
£753m

£403m

£389m

£311m

210.5p

162.7p

£487m

£358m

£280m

193.6p

145.9p

Change
£0m

£84m

(£31)m

(£31)m

(16.9)p

(16.8)p

Section 172 statement

In accordance with section 172 of the UK Companies Act 
2006, in its decision making the Board considers the 
interests of the Group’s employees and other stakeholders. 
The Board understands the importance of taking into 
account the views of all stakeholders and considers the 
impact of the Company’s activities on the communities 
in which Whitbread operates, the environment and the 
Group’s reputation. In its decision making, the Board also 
considers what is most likely to promote the success of the 
Company for its stakeholders in the long term.

Information about our stakeholders and on how the Board 
has discharged its duties having regard to the provisions 
of the UK Corporate Governance Code is available 
throughout this report and, in particular, in the Stakeholder 
Engagement section on pages 44 to 46 and the corporate 
governance report on pages 58 to 69.

 Read more about how we manage our principal risks  
and uncertainties on pages 54 to 57.

 Read more about our corporate governance processes  
on pages 65 to 69.

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20Strategic report– Governance– Financial statements– Other information38

GROUP HR DIRECTOR’S REVIEW

Providing great experiences for  
our customers starts with providing 
great experiences for our teams

Providing great experiences for our customers 
starts with providing great experiences for 
our teams, because happy and engaged 
teams, given the training to succeed and 
the opportunity to progress, are the key 
to exceeding our customers’ expectations. 
We are proud to lead the ‘Opportunity’ 
pillar of our Force for Good programme.

Feeling cared for and feeling proud
At Whitbread, it is our ambition to provide our 
36,000-strong team with an engaging experience 
at work and enable them with the tools they need to 
do their job. Our internal research shows that, under 
these conditions, along with the support of a high-
quality line manager, team members stay with us for 
longer. This research also shows us that it is our most 
experienced and well-trained team members who 
deliver the highest quality experiences for our guests.

Listening to our teams is critical to understanding the 
quality of their employment experience with us. 89.5% 
of our workforce are hourly paid and work in customer-
facing roles, and listening to those closest to our 
customers gives us valuable insight to act upon.

LOUISE SMALLEY
GROUP HR DIRECTOR

VOICE OF THE TEAM MEMBER FRAMEWORK

TEAM MEMBERS

LISTENING CHANNELS

SHAPING DECISION MAKING

–  Employee experience 

– Employee Forum

is measured

–  We understand our teams;  

as individuals 
(segmentation)

–  There is trust and 

confidence in leadership

–  Everyone in Whitbread feels 
listened to on a regular basis

– Exit surveys

– Listening groups

– Project-focused listening

– ‘Back to the Floor’

–  Applying demographics 

to the collection of 
quantitative data for 
workforce segmentation

–  Business decisions 
are balanced and 
informed through 
strong, consolidated, 
people insights

–  Where relevant, predictive 

analytics enable an 
understanding of the 
likely impact of decisions 
on teams

–  Managers use insights 
to curate positive local 
employment experiences

COMMUNICATION FLOW

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/2039

Looking after our teams during 
the COVID-19 pandemic 
As we navigate the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic, 
we’re closely following Government guidance and official 
advice. Our priority is to look after our teams, our guests 
and the continuity of our business, upholding our values 
of being genuine, confident and committed every step 
of the way.

With our restaurants and most of our hotels temporarily 
closed, we are currently topping up the UK Government’s 
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme as well as the 
Government scheme applicable in Germany. We are also 
continuing to provide our c.32,000 UK hourly paid team 
members pay rises in line with the April 2020 UK National 
Living and Minimum Wage increases. 

Hourly paid team members volunteering to provide 
essential support in hotels open for key workers or 
caretaking our sites are receiving temporary increased 
rates of pay. Within our key worker hotels, the care for 
our teams is paramount, and we’ve put in place enhanced 
health, safety and cleaning practices. Where relevant, 
we’ve enabled other colleagues to work effectively 
from home.

From the outset, we’ve ensured our teams have access 
to reliable information and resources including personal 
health and well-being. We’ve established regular 
communication updates with active engagement from 
senior leaders in addition to creating forums for team 
members to provide feedback, share concerns and 
raise questions.

Our Voice of the Team Member at Whitbread 
This year we have developed a framework to illustrate 
how we listen to our teams and amplify the ‘voice of 
the employee’.

The ‘Voice of the Team Member’ Framework shows 
how information flows from our team members, via our 
active listening channels, into the business and how this 
information shapes our decision making. 

As reflected in our Employee Promise, we want our team 
members to feel cared for, therefore it is important to 
measure the quality of the employment experience we 
offer. Increasingly team members across Whitbread, 
in line with wider societal trends, expect a more 
personalised and individual employment experience. 
A ‘one size fits all’ offering, whether in terms of hours 
of work, training or benefits is out of step with the profile 
of our workforce. Therefore, we need to ensure that we 
understand 36,000 people as individuals. Leaders acting 
on the feedback sends a signal to our team members that 
we care and builds trust and confidence in leadership 
across the organisation.

How we listen – listening channels
It’s our intention to ensure that everyone within 
Whitbread feels listened to, whether it’s through taking 
part in a survey, a listening group, the Employee Forum 
or through regular conversations with the line manager. 

This year we developed new listening channels with the 
introduction of exit surveys that help us to understand 
more about the triggers that prompt people to leave. 
Acting on these insights and sharing them with our 
operational teams have enabled us to retain more of 
our team members in a competitive labour market.

In 2019 we chose not to run our annual engagement 
survey, YourSay, and instead carried out a review of the 
survey to ensure it truly reflects our employee voice. 
We have concluded this review and will run our YourSay 
survey again in late 2020 in conjunction with Korn Ferry, 
which has been our external partner for the last five years. 

Although we didn’t run a company-wide survey, listening 
to our people was important as ever. Premier Inn 
continued its programme of listening groups called 
‘All Ears’ and senior leaders met with over 350 team 
members across the year to explore in detail the 
experiences of our night teams, deputy managers and 
hotel managers. These sessions have been particularly 
successful in ensuring that we provide people in key roles 
with the tools they need to do the job and that there 
is consistency in how we work across our 800 sites to 
maximise efficiency.

In November 2019 a number of the team members in our 
support teams went ‘Back to the Floor’. This is an annual 
opportunity for our operational and support teams to 
share insights on their respective day-to-day roles and 
experiences. Support Centre team members who took 
part reported getting useful feedback about how they 
could better support our operational teams and many 
found it a reminder of how hard our customer-facing 
teams work to deliver outstanding customer experiences.

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20Strategic report– Governance– Financial statements– Other informationThese practices are carefully assessed, validated and 
benchmarked by the Top Employers Institute, thus 
helping us to understand how we compare with other 
organisations. Being a ‘Top Employer’ helps us attract 
other genuine, confident and committed people to join 
our Winning Teams.

Top Employers have told us that Whitbread benchmarks 
particularly strongly in comparison to the other Top 
Employers across the areas of learning and development, 
recruitment and workforce planning. Whilst we can 
celebrate this recognition, it is important to also 
acknowledge that there is always more we can do. One of 
the areas where Top Employers has highlighted we could 
do more is ensuring that we have diverse teams at all 
levels across the business to reflect our broad customer 
base and the communities within which we operate. 

   Diversity and Inclusion –  

feeling cared for and proud 
We will be for everyone, championing inclusivity across the 
organisation and improving diversity as part of our work 
to be a Force for Good. We have made a commitment to 
put diversity at the core of our business agenda with an 
aim to become the most inclusive hospitality business. 
We recognise the importance of our team members being 
as diverse as the customers we serve and the communities 
we are a part of. We want to create industry-leading 
employee experiences in hospitality, where all of our team 
members can be their best and achieve their full potential 
at Whitbread. 2019 was an unprecedented year of change 
within the Group. The sale of Costa led to significant 
organisational change, which has given us an opportunity 
to reset our diversity and inclusion ambitions, as a focused 
hotel business. The ‘Opportunity’ pillar of our Force for 
Good programme focuses on championing inclusivity 
and improving diversity. For more information, please 
see page 53 and visit our website: www.whitbread.co.uk/
sustainability 

40

GROUP HR DIRECTOR’S REVIEW  
CONTINUED

Employee Forums – involving our team members in 
shaping decisions so everyone can be their best 
In 2018 we announced our intention to create a 
network of Employee Forums within all business units. 
It was our intention to set these Forums up to act 
as a formal workforce advisory panel to the Board. 
The purpose of the Employee Forums is to understand 
the feedback from different demographics to help us 
plan more effectively. 

During 2019 we continued to develop the Forums, 
holding local and national meetings across Premier Inn, 
our restaurants and Support Centre. Some of the key 
work for the Forums included the following:

 – The Support Centre Employee Forum acted as a formal 

consultation partner during organisational change 
proposals in spring 2019. The Forum representatives 
were provided with training by a third party to 
increase their skills, knowledge and confidence during 
the process. 

 – The Restaurants Employee Forum was proactive in 
creating a proposal, which has been accepted and 
is due for launch in late 2020. It will offer all team 
members on shift the opportunity to purchase a meal 
for £2.50 from the value menu.

 – The first Pan-Whitbread Employee Forum was held in 
January, bringing together 22 elected representatives, 
and chaired by Alison Brittain. 

Further information on the work of the Employee Forum 
can be found in the Stakeholder Engagement section, 
on pages 44 to 45. 

Ten years as a Top Employer 
Once again Whitbread has been recognised as a ‘Top 
Employer’ by the Top Employers Institute, and this year 
marks an incredible ten consecutive years of achieving 
this external accreditation. The Top Employers Institute 
is a global certification company, which recognises 
excellence in the conditions that employers create for 
their people. 

The accreditation involves a comprehensive analysis 
of people practices across all our operational teams 
and the Support Centre, covering areas such as talent 
management, culture, and learning and development. 

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/2041

Enhancing the representation of females at all levels
We are proud that women who work at Whitbread 
continue to be successful at all levels in our organisation, 
including senior levels where:

we have over 35% female representation in the Whitbread 
Leadership Forum (our top c100 roles);

we have a female CEO; and

we have over 63.1% female representation in our 
total workforce.

Further information on female representation at 
Whitbread can be found in the Nomination Committee 
report, page 75.

Accelerating our progress  
around ethnic representation
Our focus on gender is one element of our Force for 
Good commitment to improve diversity and champion 
inclusivity across Whitbread. We are at a much earlier stage 
of maturity in our thinking around ethnicity across the 
business. In operations, we often represent the communities 
that we are part of. However, at a leadership level we are 
not as representative as we aspire to be. Our key action for 
this in terms of ethnicity is to continue to focus on collecting 
representation data, so that we can measure our progress.

Wider aspirations
Our aspirations for inclusion stretch beyond gender 
and ethnicity alone. We are working to make Whitbread 
a place that is truly inclusive for our teams to feel included 
and be themselves, regardless of how they identify, to 
ensure they are enabled to live and work well. Our internal 
targets are reflective of our ambition for inclusivity across 
all areas of diversity, but specifically focusing on gender 
and ethnicity targets. Our Executive Committee will have 
individual and collective accountabilities around diversity 
and inclusion, demonstrating our ongoing commitment 
for a healthy representation in our most senior roles.

Recruitment – set up for success
This year we have stayed true to our commitment of 
‘no barriers to entry’ by continuing to champion a range 
of attraction methods to reach a broad set of potential 
applicants. We work closely with the Jobcentre Plus 
utilising its initiatives including work placements and 
pre-employment training supporting people on their 
journey back to employment, whatever their story. 

This year we have used the #changeyourstory campaign 
to actively share the stories of employees who have 
joined us at different points in their life, for example 
those returning to work after having a family, choosing 
Whitbread as a second career or joining us after a period 
away from the workplace. 

Our relationship with Lifetime, which delivers our 
apprenticeship programmes, allows us the opportunity 
to recruit apprentices directly onto our programmes 
meaning learners feel cared for and are set up for 
success throughout their apprenticeship journey. 

Directors (plc Board)

36%

● Female 

● Male

64%

Executive Committee

22%

● Female 

● Male

78%

4

7

2

7

Direct reports to ExCo

43%

57%

All employees

63.1%

36.9%

● Female 

● Male

25

33

● Female 

● Male

22,387

13,068

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20Strategic report– Governance– Financial statements– Other information42

GROUP HR DIRECTOR’S REVIEW  
CONTINUED 

Developing our team members –  
set up for success and being our best
The induction process welcomes 15,000 new team 
members to Whitbread every year. It is a critical part 
of what we do, because our analysis of guest data shows 
a correlation between the stability of our team and the 
quality of service we offer to our guests.

The retention of our new team members has been 
a particular focus for us this year. We have introduced 
a comprehensive new induction programme in Premier 
Inn, and by focusing on a warm welcome and the right 
training, we ensure our team feel cared for and set up 
for success. This has meant we have seen the 90-day 
retention of our team increase in some divisions by as 
much as 8%. A further rollout of this induction approach 
is currently underway within our restaurants.

Our apprenticeship programmes focus on developing 
team members’ knowledge, skills and behaviours 
and we will continue to develop our range of 
apprenticeships to meet the needs of our diverse and 
flexible workforce. The structure of our programmes 
enables our colleagues who work less than full time 
to undertake an apprenticeship and we currently have 
18% of our apprentices studying this way. During 2019, 
our partnership with Lifetime had ensured we have 
a dedicated apprenticeship team that focuses on the 
learning experience and outcomes for all apprentices. 
As a result we have seen a 90% increase in apprentices 
in learning with a strong growth plan in place for 2020/21. 
Over 80% of learners are on track to achieve their 
apprenticeship in 2020. The availability and participation 
from entry level roles up to senior level leadership and 
management apprenticeships will continue to help us 
build our talent pipeline for future growth. 

Developing talent In Germany 
Learning and development within Premier Inn Germany 
has continued to build momentum. In 2019, we have 
strengthened the overall learning and development 
strategy by adding and standardising training initiatives. 
A major focus has been on implementing programmes 
to welcome new managers. To aid this, a ‘leadership 
journey’ has been launched where new managers firstly 
get acquainted with the Premier Inn culture and receive 
further tools to set them up for success in their role. 
This includes each new manager receiving a personal 
insights report, which helps us to better understand 
them and induct them into our culture. We have also 
been strengthening our digital training platforms 
and have developed a series of a virtual classroom 
sessions and a library of training videos specific to 
our German business.

Management development
We are committed to supporting our team members 
to actively seek development opportunities and we 
want to ensure we stand by our goal to have industry-
leading training and development for all of our teams. 
We run structured development programmes focusing 
individuals on gaining the necessary skills, knowledge 
and behaviours to advance their careers. This year we 
have seen over 300 managers complete one of our 
management development programmes and, so far, 
75% have secured their next professional role as a result. 
These management development programmes are run 
continuously through the year to support the build of our 
talent pipeline and a further 300 managers are actively 
participating to secure their next career move. 

In the Support Centre we have introduced the Leading 
the Whitbread Way management development 
programme for all leaders, designed to give those 
who lead people the skills and confidence to deliver 
a more consistent and inspiring team experience. 
The programme is a blend of classroom training, self 
learning and mentoring, which started in November 
2019. By the end of 2020 all of our leaders will be more 
effective people-managers after focusing on areas such 
as self-awareness, the role of a leader at Whitbread, 
leading teams to deliver high performance and enhancing 
our ways of working through greater emphasis on 
working collaboratively across the organisation.

Reaching the communities
This year we have continued to focus on creating and 
supporting people’s entry into employment through 
apprenticeships, work placements and graduate schemes. 
Our student work experience programme enables 
students to gain an insight into the world of hospitality 
whilst receiving job training, as well as helping them to 
make an informed decision about their own personal 
career paths. This structured programme highlights the 
different roles within our business and the possible career 
opportunities within our sector.

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/2043

Recognising and rewarding  
our Winning Teams
Recognising and rewarding our teams in a way which 
is a true reflection of the culture and values of our 
organisation is important to us. We want our people 
to understand how pay decisions are made and the 
principles that apply, to build trust and confidence that 
our approach to reward is fair for all our communities 
and consistent at all levels. This year, we have evolved 
our reward structures and principles to ensure they 
support our people plans for our new focused hotel 
and restaurant business and we have engaged with 
our employee elected representatives on the Whitbread 
Employee Forum to help shape our reward priorities 
for the coming year. 

As a core principle, offering competitive pay rates which 
reflect our position as a leading organisation in the 
hospitality sector to attract and retain the right people 
for our Winning Teams, will help move us towards being 
the world’s best budget hotel company. We want all our 
communities to have no limits to their ambitions and 
our pay frameworks support consistency and equality 
in our pay decisions. The differences in pay across the 
organisation are reflective of specific accountabilities 
and labour markets. We introduced our unique pay for 
progression model for all our hourly-paid team members 
in 2016. This framework provides transparent pay rates 
for all our operational hourly paid roles and importantly, 
a clear pay progression route linked to skills development. 
We have this year evolved our pay model trialling 
a new way to respond to geographical and competitive 
pay pressures in the local markets of our hotels and 
restaurants through targeted zoning, which will ensure 
our pay rates continue to remain competitive for our 
teams whilst also taking into account equality and relative 
fairness of pay across roles in hotels and restaurants. 
The statutory national living wage and national minimum 
wage pay rates are entry rates only for some of our roles 
and all team members have the opportunity to progress 
their pay through skills development. We currently have 
89% of our team members on or above the national living 
wage. We are committed to carrying out annual equal 
pay audits across the whole organisation which includes 
our Support Centre functional roles at all levels. 

We provide the opportunity for all our people to share in 
the success of the Company in some way. Our approach 
to incentives is based on strong links between pay and 
the performance of our business, Winning Teams and 
internal communities. All of our salaried teams have 
access to an incentive opportunity which is aligned to 
our Customer Heartbeat model driving the achievement 
of outstanding results for our people, customers 
and shareholders. Our hourly-paid team members 
have access to a range of reward and recognition 
programmes including seasonal trading incentives, 
‘All Green’ team rewards for all outlet teams achieving 
an all green WINcard result, the ‘Kitchens of Excellence’ 

national competition, which recognises the skills and 
flair of our rising stars, and recognition opportunities 
for going the extra mile and demonstrating service 
excellence behaviours.

Recognition
We enable and encourage all local managers and leaders 
to recognise and appreciate the key customer focused 
behaviours that underpin our values. In our hotels and 
restaurants our managers are empowered to reward 
and recognise those team members who have delivered 
exceptional guest performance, sales and loyalty, 
supported by a ‘My Rewards’ programme. It is important 
to us that our teams feel valued as well as inspired to 
go the extra mile. The current platform supporting 
‘My Rewards’ is in the process of being upgraded for 
2020, which will enhance both managers’ and team 
members’ ability to easily recognise and reward each 
other in a meaningful way through better technology.

Benefits
The range of benefits we offer is competitive, targeted 
to our communities’ lifestyles and with a growing focus 
on their overall health and wellbeing. We have recently 
introduced a new benefit across our salaried population 
in the operation and in the Support Centre, which is 
a ‘week off with Whitbread’, offering all our salaried 
employees the chance to buy additional holiday, which 
has seen a high level of take up. In the year ahead 
we will be exploring how best to support our team 
members’ financial wellbeing with focus on education. 
All employees can be share owners through our Share 
Save scheme.

Louise Smalley 
Group HR Director 
21 May 2020

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20Strategic report– Governance– Financial statements– Other information44

STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT

Engaging with 
our Stakeholders

 – The General Counsel’s report contains an update of key 
developments on the Force for Good agenda, including 
work in the Community, charitable fundraising, the 
environment, plastics and food waste.

 – The Chief Executive’s report gives details of any 

relevant government interaction.

 – Board debate on possible mergers and acquisitions 

include wider impact assessments, considering 
issues such as integration with the current business, 
management capabilities, and the ability of our supply 
chain to react with the plan. 

The Board also takes into consideration the long-term 
consequences for both the Company and its stakeholders 
when making these decisions, making sure the Company 
conducts its business in a fair way, protecting its reputation 
and external relationships. 

Further information and examples of how Whitbread 
engages with key stakeholders can be found below. 

Workforce engagement

Employee Forum
The Whitbread Employee Forum was established in 2018, 
with the intention to act as a formal workforce advisory 
panel to the Board. We chose this as our preferred 
approach as we believe that a collective voice enables 
the widest range of views to be heard from across the 
workforce. The purpose of the forum is to allow team 
members to be involved in shaping strategic plans and 
major decisions, and give them the opportunity to set 
their own discussion topics with senior leaders. 

Last year we held local and national meetings across 
Premier Inn, Restaurants and Support Centre, which were 
attended by the elected representatives and chaired by 
senior leaders, and covered a range of important topics. 

The Support Centre Employee Forum was engaged as 
the formal collective consultation partner during the 
organisational change proposals that impacted our Head 
Office teams in spring 2019. The diverse thinking and input 
from the forum was invaluable. They ensured that the 
proposed structures were well considered and effective, 
whilst ensuring that those who were directly impacted by 
the changes were supported appropriately and consistently. 

Within Restaurants, the forum raised the issue of feeding 
team members at work. They were concerned that the 
‘on shift’ discount available at the time wasn’t affordable 
for some colleagues. The forum was proactive in creating 
a proposal for the senior team, which has been accepted, 
is due for launch in late 2020 and offers all team members 
on shift the opportunity to purchase a meal for £2.50 from 
the value menu. 

Stakeholder engagement is an important 
area of focus for Whitbread. We ensure 
that we have open communication with 
our various stakeholder groups, creating 
a mutually beneficial relationship, and we use 
information gained through these relationships 
to make informed judgements when making 
key decisions. 

Our directors understand the importance of their section 
172 duty to act in good faith to promote the success of the 
Company. When making decisions, the interests of any key 
relevant stakeholders will always be considered, including 
employees, suppliers, customers, investors, the community 
and the environment. Some examples of how the Board 
considers these groups during Board meetings and 
discussions include:

 – As part of the monthly Key Performance Indicators 
(KPI) pack, the Board considers data relating to 
customer feedback and team retention, as well as data 
on shareholders.

 – The Group Finance Director’s report gives details on 

recent shareholder discussions and qualitative feedback 
on specific concerns.

 – The Group HR Director’s report provides detail of 

relevant employee related matters.

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/2045

Pan-Whitbread Employee Forum
In January, we held the first Pan-Whitbread Employee 
Forum, which was chaired by Alison Brittain and held at 
Chiswell Court in Dunstable. The event was attended by 
22 elected team member representatives from across the 
business, including housekeepers, chefs, front of house 
team members, Premier Inn and restaurant managers, 
and Support Centre team members, as well as members 
of the Executive Committee. The two-way conversations 
between our customer-facing teams and senior leaders 
were highly valued by all, and it was clear that there is 
a shared passion to put the customer at the heart of 
everything we do, whilst providing great experiences 
for our Winning Teams and being a Force for Good within 
the communities in which we operate. Through Alison 
chairing our Pan Whitbread Employee Forum, we are 
ensuring that the views of a key stakeholder group 
are heard by the Board, and that they are taken into 
consideration during decision making at the highest level. 

There were plans for Board members to meet 
representatives of the forum in April. However, this was 
postponed due COVID-19. This meeting was going to 
be another important step in raising the profile of the 
forum at Board level and helping ensure that its views 
are taken into account in key decision making, so it will 
be rearranged for later in the year.

Interaction with all shareholders

–  The annual general meeting, where all shareholders can 

vote on the resolutions proposed and put questions to the 
Board and executive team.

–  Electronic communications with shareholders including use 

of the online share portal.

Interaction with institutional shareholders

–  The Chief Executive, Group Finance Director and Director 

of Investor Relations hold meetings with institutional 
investors following the full-year and interim results.

–  The Chairman meets with institutional shareholders 

on request.

–  The Chief Executive and Group Finance Director also meet 

with investors on request.

–  The Board receives updates on the views of major 

shareholders from the Company’s brokers.

–  The Chairman and Company Secretary hold meetings on 

governance with major shareholders.

–  Investor Relations team in regular contact or available.

–  c420 investor meetings since the start of March 2019.

On top of the usual methods of engagement between the 
Company and its investors, there were some additional 
interactions this year:

Workplace Forum
Working parallel to the Employee Forum is the Support 
Centre Workplace Forum. This was set up in 2017 to 
help drive improvements in the workplace, specifically 
the Whitbread campus in Dunstable. It is made up of 
representatives across the different Support Centre 
teams and buildings, and its main aim is to ensure that 
there is a regular two-way conversation about facilities 
and technology. The forum meets every two months, 
and focuses on one key topic each meeting, including 
catering, facilities, technology and Force for Good. 

Speaking Out
For team members who prefer to raise any concerns 
confidently, and if they wish, anonymously, we have 
independent Speaking Out lines that are available 
to everyone, both in the UK and internationally. 
Further information on this can be found on page 72.

Investor engagement 
The Board is committed to ensuring there is continued 
sufficient and effective communication and engagement 
between the Company and our investors through various 
different means throughout the year:

Interaction with all investors

–  The Company’s website (www.whitbread.co.uk), where 

information and news is regularly updated.

–  The Annual Report and Accounts, which sets out details of 
the Company’s strategy, business model and performance 
over the past financial year and plans for future growth.

–  Presentations of full-year and interim results to analysts 

and shareholders, that are also available to live stream on 
the Company’s website.

Consultation with shareholders

–  An extensive formal consultation was held with shareholders 

regarding the new Remuneration Policy announced in 
November and approved at the December general meeting.

–  602 shareholders were consulted.

–  c60 shareholder meetings and calls.

–  Following the consultation, the Board made changes to the 
structure of the policy as a result of the feedback received.

Shareholders Association

UKSA event held in November to show shareholders the new 
Premier Plus rooms and talk to them about other initiatives 
planned for the year ahead.

Supplier engagement
Supplier engagement is extremely important to Whitbread. 
We undertake significant due diligence on our suppliers 
and we have a robust ethical audit programme to ensure all 
suppliers are working in line with our minimum standards.

There are a number of different ways that we engage 
with suppliers throughout the year, including:

Annual Whitbread Supplier Conference

–  Separate events in the morning for different categories 

of suppliers covering category specific news and updates. 
Senior leaders from Whitbread attend as guest speakers and 
there are category specific supplier awards presented. 

–  Full supplier conference in the afternoon hosted by 
Nigel Jones, Group Operations and Transformation 
Director, with presentations from other members of the 
Executive Committee including Alison Brittain. There are 
opportunities for a Q&A, and the Whitbread Supplier 
of the Year awards are presented. 

–  Gala Charity Dinner in partnership with GOSH in 

the evening.

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20Strategic report– Governance– Financial statements– Other information46

STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT 
CONTINUED

Quarterly or biannual meetings
Key strategic suppliers will have regular meetings with 
the relevant Procurement Manager and key business 
stakeholders as part of our Strategic Management 
framework to monitor performance, share information 
and identify mutually beneficial opportunities.

Community engagement
We have an excellent track record of engaging communities 
and stakeholders when designing and planning new 
Premier Inn hotels. It is not a tick box exercise for us – 
it’s our first opportunity introduce our business and our 
business values to a new community who may not know us.

We consider the best way of engaging local communities 
when acquiring new sites, including at Director level. 
Our starting point is to follow the advice of Council 
planning officers when seeking planning permission for 
new hotels. In some locations we go well beyond this, 
working with expert consultants to map and engage with 
established groups, residents and businesses. 

We make ourselves available face-to-face and online and 
take time to explain our business and the local benefits 
our hotels bring. We also continue to communicate 
beyond the planning process, working with our building 
contractors to ensure our neighbours know how 
construction work is progressing. 

As our hotels near to completion, our new openings 
teams work with Jobcentre Plus to communicate the job 
opportunities with Premier Inn to local residents, and people 
currently out of work, education or training. Our ultimate 
objective is to recruit team members from the local area 
to work at new and extended Premier Inn hotels, and to 
work with those new team members to deliver meaningful 
community engagement before opening the doors.

  Further information on how we engage with 

the community can be found throughout this 
Annual Report, highlighted with the Force for 
Good ‘Community’ logo.

Pension Trustee engagement
The Company is committed to maintaining its positive 
and constructive relationship with the pension scheme 
Trustee and to ensuring security of members’ benefits in 
the pension scheme.

On an ongoing basis, a Company representative attends 
the Trustee’s Benefits Sub-Committee and the Funding & 
Investment Sub-Committee meetings. Attendance at the 
latter enables an understanding of any investment changes 
that are planned and, where appropriate, to provide a 
Company view. In addition, the Group Finance Director 
attends a Trustee meeting annually to present, and answer 
questions on, the Company’s annual results and its ability 
to meet its obligations to the pension scheme.

Customers
As part of our staff training, we emphasize the 
importance of engaging with customers throughout their 

experience. We also enable our customers to get up to 
date pricing information through emails and our website, 
and we carry out a number of guest satisfaction surveys.

Lender engagement
Twice a year the Chief Executive and Group Finance 
Director meet with major lenders to discuss business 
performance, the market and any current issues. There is 
regular dialogue with the Treasury team throughout the 
year on operational and strategic financing requirements.

COVID-19
During the current COVID-19 situation, we have been 
keeping our suppliers, investors, banks, US private 
placement note holders and Pension Trustees all updated 
on our actions. 

ENGAGING IN A MEANINGFUL WAY  
IN BERWICK-UPON-TWEED 

Our first hotel in Berwick-upon-Tweed opened on 
27 February 2020. The hotel is a good example of 
how we engage and inform communities during the 
planning and development of new Premier Inn hotels – 
especially new hotel sites in constrained urban locations. 
Our engagement at Berwick involved the following: 

 – We communicated the plans widely during the 

planning stage, including holding a well-attended 
public exhibition.

 – We held a kick-off drop-in exhibition with residents 

ahead of construction work starting on site.

 – Our building contractors engaged proactively 

with residents during the build, working closely 
with Whitbread’s in-house communication team to 
ensure any issues were resolved quickly.

 – Milestones in the build were communicated through 
direct updates, the local press and via social media.

 – Recruitment opportunities were focused locally 

with many hundreds of residents applying. 

 – On opening we hosted a light lunch with neighbours 
and political stakeholders to say thank you for their 
patience during construction.

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/2047

Non-financial information statement

As the UK’s largest hotel company, we have a responsibility to focus and lead on our most important people, social 
and environmental issues which is why one of our Force for Good commitments is to ensure we always do business in 
the right way. We aim to comply with the new non-financial reporting requirements contained in sections 414CA and 
414CB of the Companies Act 2006. The below table, and the information it refers to, is intended to help stakeholders 
understand our position on these key non-financial matters. Further information on the various policies mentioned 
below and throughout the report can be found on our website at www.whitbread.co.uk

Reporting requirement

Policies and standards which  
govern our approach

See for additional information

Anti-corruption and anti-bribery

– Anti-Bribery Policy
– Code of conduct
– Gifts and Hospitality Policy
–  Premier Inn and Restaurants Competition 

–  Group HR Director’s review, pages 38 to 43
– Corporate governance, pages 58 to 69
– Audit Committee report, pages 70 to 73

Compliance Guidance

– Speaking Out Policy
- Supply chain policies

– Code of conduct
– Disability Awareness Policy 
– Equal Opportunities Policy
– Gender Pay Gap Report
–  Health and Safety Policy – Statement  

–  Group HR Director’s review, pages 38 to 43
–  Force for Good, pages 48 to 53 and 

sections highlighted with Force for Good 
logos

Employees

of Intent

– Human Trafficking Positioning Statement
– Speaking Out Policy
– Modern Slavery Statement
- Human Rights Policy
- Diversity and Inclusion statement

–  Supply chain and commodity policies 
(e.g. Fish Policy and animal welfare 
policies)

- Responsible Sourcing Policy
- Energy Policy
- Premier Inn Environment Policy
- Restaurants Environment Policy

– Code of conduct
–  Commodity policies
– Disability Awareness Policy
– Equal Opportunities Policy
– Human Rights Policy
– Human Trafficking Positioning Statement
– Modern Slavery Statement

– Code of conduct
– Customer Privacy Policy
– Data Protection Policy
– Employee Privacy Policy

– Gender Pay Gap Report
– Responsible Sourcing Policy
- Diversity and Inclusion statement

–  Force for Good, pages 48 to 53, and 

sections highlighted with the Force for 
Good logos, and in particular our Force for 
Good targets

–  Group HR Director’s review, pages 38 to 43
–  Force for Good, pages 48 to 53 and 

sections highlighted with Force for Good 
logos

–  Group HR Director’s review, pages 38 to 43
– Corporate governance, pages 58 to 69

–  Group HR Director’s review, pages 38 to 43
–  Force for Good, pages 48 to 53 and 

sections highlighted with Force for Good 
logos

–  Principal risks and uncertainties, pages 54 

Environmental matters

Human rights

Privacy

Social matters

Description of principal risks and impact of business activity

to 57

–  COVID-19 – a robust response pages 8 to 10

Description of the business model

– Our business model, pages 14 to 15

Non-financial performance indicators 

– Our strategy at a glance, page 16 to 17

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20Strategic report– Governance– Financial statements– Other information48

FORCE FOR GOOD

Sustainability is at  
the core of what we do

Being a Force for Good during the COVID-19 pandemic
Being a Force for Good is not a principle that we leave 
behind when we face challenges, it is a central part of 
our ethos. Through the COVID-19 crisis we have been 
contributing our skills, experience and facilities to support 
our own people and our communities across the country.

As part of ongoing discussions with Central Government, 
we have made 39 hotels, equivalent to 5,000 rooms, 
available to key workers from the NHS across the 
United Kingdom.

We have also supported supermarkets to feed the nation, 
making our logistics network available to transport food. 
In addition, over 158 tonnes of food has been donated via 
FareShare to food banks and community groups following 
the closure of our restaurants. This is a small part of how 
we are making a difference and we plan to continue to do 
so, throughout this crisis and when we return to normal.

Our strategy 
As we reported last year, following the sale of Costa, 
we have worked to make sure that the Force for Good 
strategy remains relevant for a budget hotel-focused 
business. As part of our annual materiality assessment, 
we once again reviewed the current and future trends 
relating to the hotel industry, gathered insights from 
over 1,000 of our customers and worked with our brand 
strategy and marketing teams to ensure our programme 
remains central to Whitbread’s approach. 

Driving our ambition forward with new goals 
Following our annual materiality assessment, we knew 
that many of our targets were coming to maturity at the 
end of 2020. Therefore, we have created a renewed and 
ambitious approach through setting more stretching 
goals to keep Whitbread at the forefront of sustainable 
business in the UK. The new targets I am most proud of 
relate to carbon reduction, the elimination of single-use 
plastics and food waste reduction. You can find these 
new targets on page 53. We will begin reporting on these 
goals next year and are working to embed these across 
each business function to ensure we’re all doing our part 
to be a Force for Good. 

Throughout the year, we will continue to update our 
progress regularly through the Whitbread website. 
As we look forward into 2020/21, I am excited about 
the real difference our programme can make to our 
customers, teams and suppliers.

Chris Vaughan 
General Counsel 
21 May 2020

CHRIS VAUGHAN
GENERAL COUNSEL

Sustainability is core to what we do at 
Whitbread, so it makes sense to reflect this 
in the way we report. Our sustainability 
programme, which we call Force for Good, is 
integral to our business strategy and long-term 
commercial success, so throughout this Annual 
Report you will find Force for Good updates 
and case studies signposted by our logos. 

OPPORTUNITY

COMMUNITY

RESPONSIBILITY

We launched Force for Good in July 2017 following 
a review of Whitbread’s first corporate responsibility 
programme ‘Good Together’. It is a forward-looking 
sustainability programme with an ambitious vision to 
‘enable everyone to live and work well’.

I am delighted that our Force for Good programme has 
made excellent progress to date. We benchmark our 
performance each year against how other companies 
are doing using the Dow Jones Sustainability Index, 
which is an internationally recognised way of measuring 
performance, assessing issues such as corporate 
governance, risk management, branding, climate change 
mitigation, supply chain standards and labour practices. 
I am delighted to announce that Whitbread’s results 
for 2019 saw us placed second in our industry for the 
second year running, a long way above many of our key 
competitors in food service sectors. 

As well as being awarded a Lotus Award for the second 
year running for our Force for Good programme, 
we maintained a CDP Climate Change score of 
B, which was a great result as the sector average 
performance has reduced from B- to C. CDP runs the 
global environmental disclosure system which scores 
a company’s measurement and management of its 
risks and opportunities on climate change.

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/2049

Force for Good in 2019/20
I am pleased to share updates on each of the three areas within our Force for Good programme: 
Opportunity; Community; and Responsibility.

OPPORTUNITY

RESPONSIBILITY

We continue to strive to create an environment 
where there are no barriers to entry and no limits to 
ambition. Our ‘change your story’ campaign was used 
to highlight the opportunities we can offer to start a 
new career with us, no matter what your background. 
To support this, our award-winning induction enables 
those without hospitality experience, but with the right 
behaviours, to quickly learn and adapt to our hotels 
and restaurants.

For all of our teams we provide a comprehensive 
training platform so that everyone can be their 
best and grow a career with us using our strong 
framework of management development programmes 
and apprenticeships.

Our apprenticeship offer has gone from strength to 
strength. Our wide range of programmes enable team 
members to undertake an apprenticeship no matter 
what their age or previous background and even if 
they do not work full time (18% of our apprentices 
study part time). Through 2019 we have seen a 90% 
increase in the number of apprentices, with 80% on 
track to achieve their apprenticeship in 2020. At the 
close of the year we have over 1,000 apprentices 
in learning.

COMMUNITY

We are delighted to be supporting another ground-
breaking project at Great Ormond Street Hospital. 
We have been proud supporters of this very special 
hospital since 2012 and have seen first-hand the 
extraordinary difference being made to the lives of 
the young children and families receiving treatment 
there. In 2017, we pledged to raise a further £10 million 
to fund a brand-new Sight and Sound Centre. Due to 
open in 2020, the centre will be the first dedicated 
medical facility for children with sight and hearing 
impairment in the UK. This year our teams have raised 
more than £3 million for our charity partner. 

Across our restaurant brands, Whitbread continues 
to take its responsibility in providing customers with 
credible informed menu choices and delivering a 
nutrition strategy that supports the Government’s aims 
to tackle childhood obesity. We are continuing to work 
towards Public Health England’s sugar reduction target 
of 20% by 2020 in the stated food categories that are 
relevant to our business. To date, Beefeater and Brewers 
Fayre have achieved at least 29% sugar reduction in the 
puddings range against a baseline of 2015.

We operate in a way that respects both people 
and the planet and this is reflected by our industry-
leading approach to protecting the environment and 
embedding ethical practices across our business and 
supply chain.

We are proud that our responsible sourcing 
programme continues to drive tangible improvements 
across our supply chains, which we report on annually 
in our modern slavery statement, which can be found 
at www.whitbread.co.uk/sustainability/policies/
people. 

This year, as part of the work to ensure we have 
ambitious targets across our Force for Good 
programme, we have made a significant new 
commitment to ‘Respect the human rights of workers 
across our supply chains’. We will continue to strive 
to enable people to live and work well across our 
value chains, as well as recognise the importance of 
operating a sustainable and traceable supply chain. 

This year, we have delivered an updated and thorough 
risk assessment for ethical risk across our supply base, 
as well as working with CottonConnect for a third 
year to support 1,600 farmers in Pakistan to gain the 
REEL accreditation, which we hope to source directly 
from for our products. This year, we have also become 
BCI Members to work towards sustainably sourcing 
cotton across our products, not just those that we 
own. We strive to hit 100% accreditation on all our 
commodities and have joined RSPO to drive sustainable 
palm oil across our business. 

We buy 100% renewable electricity for all the hotels 
and restaurants we own in the UK, over 20% of our 
properties have electricity-generating solar panels 
installed and we were delighted to win an Edie Energy 
Efficiency Project of the Year Award for our battery 
powered hotel built last year in Edinburgh in a bid to 
improve energy efficiency, secure power supply and 
enable energy cost savings. 

In addition, we have carried out a root and branch 
review of plastic and packaging across our supply chain 
and will work closely with suppliers to find alternatives 
to unnecessary single-use items. We already have a 
well-established track record of minimising the use of 
single-use plastics and have implemented a packaging 
policy that our suppliers have signed up to. Last year we 
became one of the first to stop the use of plastic straws, 
stirrers and cutlery while Premier Inn, unlike many hotel 
competitors, has never used miniature shower products.

This year we agreed new targets for carbon and food 
waste reduction and for the elimination of single-
use plastics.

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20Strategic report– Governance– Financial statements– Other information 
 
 
 
 
50

FORCE FOR GOOD CONTINUED

2020 target

Progress against 2020 targets

Force for Good update 2019/20

5,000 apprenticeships  
(started since 2014/15)*

4,506

In 2019/20, we have had 4,506 
apprenticeships started since 2014/15 
and are on track to achieve 5,000 by 
autumn 2020

Our apprenticeship and work placement targets were originally 

focused on developing a strong partnership with our external 

created when Whitbread formally owned both Costa Coffee 

partner provider and have worked hard to leverage this 

and Premier Inn and Restaurant brands. Our reporting 

partnership across our business to build a sustainable and 

now covers Premier Inn and Restaurants only for 2018/19 

quality-focused approach to achieving our in-year target, which 

and 2019/20. 

We have not adjusted our apprenticeship target following 

the sale of Costa even though this meant a reduction of c400 

learners and operating without the subsequent incremental 

benefit of new Costa learners. In 2019/20 we have primarily

we are delighted has been surpassed. This means we have 

more learners in progress than ever before and over 80% of our 

learners on plan to achieve their apprenticeship in 2020 with 

30% of apprentices tracking to achieve a distinction grade. 

7,500 work experience placements 
(started since 2014/15)*

4,144

6,500 employment placements 
(started since 2014/15)*

2018/19 progress: 4,144

No numbers available for 2019/20 – 
see update for details

3,740

2018/19 progress: 3,740

No numbers available for 2019/20 – 
see update for details

Amount raised for GOSH since 
partnership began in 2012 and 
amount raised in 2019/20

£17.4m+

Total raised to date: over £17.4m

Public Health England  
20% Sugar Reduction by 2020

29.6% and 34.1%

Achieved 29.6% and 34.1% in 
applicable categories

I

Y
T
N
U
T
R
O
P
P
O

I

Y
T
N
U
M
M
O
C

Whitbread’s critical commodities 
100% accredited against 
robust standards

On track

On track for palm oil, fish, meat  
and cotton

At the end of 2020, our target to have our critical commodities 

This year, we have also become BCI Members to work towards 

accredited to robust standards comes to maturity. Due to 

sustainably sourcing cotton across our products, not just those 

business change, we are reviewing our ‘critical’ commodities 

that we own.

We hope that through the support of these bodies we can 

drive progress in the final months of 2020 to hit full palm oil 

certification across our business and ensure 100% of our cotton 

is sustainably sourced through BCI or Cotton Connect

Reduce carbon emissions intensity 
by 50% by 2025 and 84% by 2050 
(2016/17 baseline)

Reduce water use by 20%  
relative to sales turnover  
(against a 2014/15 baseline)^

Increase direct operations 
recycling rate to 80% across 
UK hotels and restaurants 

39.8%

1.83%

70.27%

*  The original targets were for the whole Group, including Costa. The results shown only include Premier Inn and our restaurants for 2018/19 and 2019/20.

^  The original targets were for the whole Group, including Costa. The results shown relate to Premier Inn and our restaurants.

In 2019/20, the recycling percentage averaged 70.27%. 

Diversion from landfill: Last year, some non-recyclable waste 

Whilst this could be viewed as a negative from the previous 

(0.1%) was sent to landfill due to drivers’ route optimisation, in 

year, the rationale behind the drop is positive.

Numerous efficiency projects have been implemented across 

the portfolio, for instance a reduction in packaging provided to 

sites, leading to less waste, including recyclable waste, being 

produced impacting the recycling percentage. 

a bid to reduce transport carbon emissions. However, to comply 

with our requirement to divert all operational waste from landfill, 

we have a robust plan to remove these landfill options within the 

first half of 2020 whilst being careful to not significantly increase 

the mileage driven.

I

I

I

Y
T
L
B
S
N
O
P
S
E
R

Our approach to work experience is shifting. Historically we 

have helped school-age people gain insight into the hospitality 

sector on a local level. We know young people join us every 

year in their thousands so we have commenced a review of this 

approach and are looking to form a sustainable and scalable 

strategy that means we can welcome even more of them into 

the Whitbread team. 

In 2019/20, we have shifted our focus away from localised work 

placements to a company-wide partnership with Jobcentre 

Plus. This means we can connect those looking to gain vital real 

work experience to sites that have vacancies and by doing so 

they are able to assess suitability on both sides. 

In 2019/20 we achieved a record fundraising year in our 

partnership with Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s 

Charity (GOSH Charity). More than £3 million was raised last 

year through team member fundraising activities, supplier 

events and guest donations.

We are delighted to have achieved an average of 29.6% 

reduction in ice cream and puddings in Beefeater and a 34.1% 

reduction in Brewers Fayre against a baseline of 2015 as part 

of Public Health England’s sugar reduction programme. We will 

continue to do more work to make further reductions as part 

of the holistic reformulation programme.

and whilst we have a robust policy to ensure all commodities 

are still sourced responsibly, we have focused less on coffee 

and timber this year due to the sale of Costa and therefore the 

significant reduction of these commodities in our business. 

2019/20 has been a momentous one for our collaboration with 

accreditation bodies. Whitbread have become the first large 

hotel chain to join both Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil 

(RSPO Associate members) and Better Cotton Initiative (BCI).

At the end of 2019/20 we are delighted to have reduced our 

carbon intensity by 1.8% from the previous year. This has 

primarily been led by a reduction in F-gas emissions.

As of the end of 2019/20, we have reduced our water usage 

relative to sales by increasing installation of showers instead 

of baths in new builds, low flow shower heads, dual flush toilets, 

customer towel reuse messaging, increased leak detection and 

fixes. In the past year we have identified and fixed leaks saving 

an equivalent of over 30 Olympic size swimming pools of water.

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20 
 
 
2020 target

Progress against 2020 targets

Force for Good update 2019/20

Awards

51

5,000 apprenticeships  

(started since 2014/15)*

7,500 work experience placements 

(started since 2014/15)*

6,500 employment placements 

(started since 2014/15)*

4,506

In 2019/20, we have had 4,506 

apprenticeships started since 2014/15 

and are on track to achieve 5,000 by 

autumn 2020

4,144

2018/19 progress: 4,144

No numbers available for 2019/20 – 

see update for details

3,740

2018/19 progress: 3,740

No numbers available for 2019/20 – 

see update for details

Amount raised for GOSH since 

partnership began in 2012 and 

amount raised in 2019/20

£17.4m+

Total raised to date: over £17.4m

Public Health England  

20% Sugar Reduction by 2020

29.6% and 34.1%

Achieved 29.6% and 34.1% in 

applicable categories

Whitbread’s critical commodities 

100% accredited against 

robust standards

On track

On track for palm oil, fish, meat  

and cotton

Reduce carbon emissions intensity 

by 50% by 2025 and 84% by 2050 

39.8%

(2016/17 baseline)

Reduce water use by 20%  

relative to sales turnover  

(against a 2014/15 baseline)^

Increase direct operations 

recycling rate to 80% across 

UK hotels and restaurants 

1.83%

70.27%

Y

T

I

N

U

T

R

O

P

P

O

Y

T

I

N

U

M

M

O

C

Y

T

I

L

I

B

I

S

N

O

P

S

E

R

Edie Energy Efficiency 
Project of the Year Award 
winner for our battery 
powered hotel in Edinburgh.

2019 Lotus Awards winner 
for our industry-leading 
sustainability programme.

Our apprenticeship and work placement targets were originally 
created when Whitbread formally owned both Costa Coffee 
and Premier Inn and Restaurant brands. Our reporting 
now covers Premier Inn and Restaurants only for 2018/19 
and 2019/20. 

We have not adjusted our apprenticeship target following 
the sale of Costa even though this meant a reduction of c400 
learners and operating without the subsequent incremental 
benefit of new Costa learners. In 2019/20 we have primarily

focused on developing a strong partnership with our external 
partner provider and have worked hard to leverage this 
partnership across our business to build a sustainable and 
quality-focused approach to achieving our in-year target, which 
we are delighted has been surpassed. This means we have 
more learners in progress than ever before and over 80% of our 
learners on plan to achieve their apprenticeship in 2020 with 
30% of apprentices tracking to achieve a distinction grade. 

Our approach to work experience is shifting. Historically we 
have helped school-age people gain insight into the hospitality 
sector on a local level. We know young people join us every 
year in their thousands so we have commenced a review of this 
approach and are looking to form a sustainable and scalable 
strategy that means we can welcome even more of them into 
the Whitbread team. 

In 2019/20, we have shifted our focus away from localised work 
placements to a company-wide partnership with Jobcentre 
Plus. This means we can connect those looking to gain vital real 
work experience to sites that have vacancies and by doing so 
they are able to assess suitability on both sides. 

In 2019/20 we achieved a record fundraising year in our 
partnership with Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s 
Charity (GOSH Charity). More than £3 million was raised last 
year through team member fundraising activities, supplier 
events and guest donations.

We are delighted to have achieved an average of 29.6% 
reduction in ice cream and puddings in Beefeater and a 34.1% 
reduction in Brewers Fayre against a baseline of 2015 as part 
of Public Health England’s sugar reduction programme. We will 
continue to do more work to make further reductions as part 
of the holistic reformulation programme.

At the end of 2020, our target to have our critical commodities 
accredited to robust standards comes to maturity. Due to 
business change, we are reviewing our ‘critical’ commodities 
and whilst we have a robust policy to ensure all commodities 
are still sourced responsibly, we have focused less on coffee 
and timber this year due to the sale of Costa and therefore the 
significant reduction of these commodities in our business. 

2019/20 has been a momentous one for our collaboration with 
accreditation bodies. Whitbread have become the first large 
hotel chain to join both Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil 
(RSPO Associate members) and Better Cotton Initiative (BCI).

At the end of 2019/20 we are delighted to have reduced our 
carbon intensity by 1.8% from the previous year. This has 
primarily been led by a reduction in F-gas emissions.

As of the end of 2019/20, we have reduced our water usage 
relative to sales by increasing installation of showers instead 
of baths in new builds, low flow shower heads, dual flush toilets, 
customer towel reuse messaging, increased leak detection and 
fixes. In the past year we have identified and fixed leaks saving 
an equivalent of over 30 Olympic size swimming pools of water.

This year, we have also become BCI Members to work towards 
sustainably sourcing cotton across our products, not just those 
that we own.

We hope that through the support of these bodies we can 
drive progress in the final months of 2020 to hit full palm oil 
certification across our business and ensure 100% of our cotton 
is sustainably sourced through BCI or Cotton Connect

In 2019/20, the recycling percentage averaged 70.27%. 
Whilst this could be viewed as a negative from the previous 
year, the rationale behind the drop is positive.

Numerous efficiency projects have been implemented across 
the portfolio, for instance a reduction in packaging provided to 
sites, leading to less waste, including recyclable waste, being 
produced impacting the recycling percentage. 

Diversion from landfill: Last year, some non-recyclable waste 
(0.1%) was sent to landfill due to drivers’ route optimisation, in 
a bid to reduce transport carbon emissions. However, to comply 
with our requirement to divert all operational waste from landfill, 
we have a robust plan to remove these landfill options within the 
first half of 2020 whilst being careful to not significantly increase 
the mileage driven.

 Read more on:  
www.whitbread.co.uk/
sustainability

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20Strategic report– Governance– Financial statements– Other information 
 
 
52

FORCE FOR GOOD  
CONTINUED
Driving our ambitious 
approach forward 

We know that as a business we have a huge 
impact. We also know that we can create 
significant change and positively influence 
our teams, our guests and our supply chain. 
We must ensure that our approach to social 
and environmental issues continues to be 
ambitious and works towards resolving 
global challenges if we are to continue 
to be a successful business.

Therefore, in the last year, we’ve taken time to review 
our Force for Good programme considering the changes 
both inside and outside of our business. We conducted 
an extensive materiality process to understand where we 
should focus as a hospitality business and where we can 
be more ambitious.

ELIMINATE UNNECESSARY SINGLE-USE PLASTICS 
BY 2025 

Earlier this year, Whitbread announced its first 
industry-leading ambition to eliminate the use of 
unnecessary* single-use plastics by 2025. To achieve 
this commitment, we are working closely with our 
suppliers to forensically map out plastic usage and 
find alternatives to unnecessary single-use items. 

We already have a well-established track record of 
minimising the use of single-use plastics – last year 
becoming one of the first to ditch the use of plastic 
straws and stirrers while Premier Inn – unlike many hotel 
competitors – has never used miniature shower products. 
We know that eliminating single-use plastics cannot be 
done on our own and we also know that being a Force 
for Good is more than just improving our own operations, 
therefore we have been working hard with our suppliers 
to scale up change and work collaboratively. 

One example of this is tackling our plastic waste by 
working with our suppliers to review the plastic in our 
supply chains. With over 30,000 team members, we 
have a lot of uniforms. When looking at our plastic 
usage we recognised that each of our uniforms was 
delivered in single-use plastic wrapping. With the 
support of our kitchen uniform supplier, we have 
now removed 2 tonnes of non-recyclable, single-use 
plastics per annum.

WE WILL CUT FOOD WASTE BY 50% BY 2030 

We recognise that food waste is a significant issue 
across the UK, and one our teams, our guests and 
our customers care about. In the first step to reduce 
our food waste, we were delighted to announce our 
partnership with FareShare. Food that is within date 
but not used in our hotels and restaurants will be 
distributed to FareShare through Whitbread’s two 
main logistics centres, and then onwards through 
the organisation’s network of front-line charities and 
community groups it supports. FareShare is the UK’s 
national network of charitable food redistributors, 
made up of 17 independent organisations. 

Phil Birbeck, Managing Director at Whitbread 
Restaurants said “We are extremely proud that we 
are able to act as a Force for Good through our 
partnership with FareShare by enabling us to donate 
food that would potentially have gone to waste, and 
that community groups and charities will benefit.”

We are proud to be able to launch a series of goals which 
move us beyond 2020. These goals, more ambitious than 
their predecessors, can be found on the following page. 
These goals are stretching and exciting. They’re not going 
to be easy to achieve and will need the concerted action 
of all our employees, but we are confident that we will be 
able to deliver and will be transparent in how we report 
our progress in the years to come.

Not only this, but we recognise the need to continue to 
look ahead to ensure we’re planning our risk with regard 
to climate change effectively. This is why we are working 
to report our impacts according to the recommendations 
from the Taskforce for Climate Related Disclosure (TCFD). 
Across the next financial year we will be collating information 
and designing processes to enable us to report according to 
the TCFD principles in our 2020/21 Annual Report.

*  

 Whitbread defines unnecessary single-use plastic as that which is used 
instantaneously as a one-off application and whose removal would not lead to 
unintended negative consequences, such as increased waste and C02 emissions 
or safety issues.

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/2053

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Commitment

Post 2020 goals

We will be for everyone, 
championing inclusivity 
across the organisation 
and improving diversity

We will have industry-leading 
training and development 
schemes

 – We will actively seek to break down all barriers to entry and be 

an inclusive and representative prospective employer

 – Our people will feel represented and respected, no matter how 

they identify

 – Through our apprenticeship programmes we will support 

people to find and develop their hospitality careers

 – We aim to promote internal succession above external 

recruitment and will support our teams in this endeavour

 – We will be bold about broadening career opportunities, 

supporting cross-functional and meaningful 
career development

Team member wellbeing will 
be considered in everything 
we do

 – We will listen genuinely to our teams, ensuring their views help 

inform decision making

 – We will support the physical and mental wellbeing of 

our teams

We will make a positive 
contribution to the 
communities we serve

Working collaboratively with 
our teams and supply chain, 
we will support our charity 
partner to meet their mission

We will support the wellbeing 
of our guests and customers

 – For every new site, we will donate our time to actively 

supporting local community activity

 – We will raise £20m for Great Ormond Street Children’s 

Hospital by 2021

 – We will improve the nutritional value of our menu by 

continuing to reduce sugar, salt and calories and will continue 
to develop inclusive menus for customers with a range of 
dietary needs. We will do this in a responsible and transparent 
way whilst maintaining great taste, quality and value for 
money for our guests

 – We will strive to be a leader in our sector for delicious, 

appealing and healthier children’s food

We will source responsibly 
and with integrity

 – Human rights will be respected across our value chain

 – We will work with our supply chains to source to internationally 

recognised sustainable standards

We will reduce our 
environmental impact

We will always do business 
the right way

 – We will eliminate unnecessary* single-use plastic by 2025 

 – We will cut food waste by 50% by 2030 

 – We will not send any waste to landfill

 – We will minimise water use across our business and champion 

water stewardship within high risk areas

 – We will reduce our carbon emissions intensity by 50% by 2025 

and 84% by 2050

 – We will always operate with integrity and respect

 – We will always support our people and partners to do the 

right thing

 – We will always be honest and transparent in 

our communication

 – All of our team members will sign our code of conduct

*  

 Whitbread defines unnecessary single-use plastic as that which is used instantaneously as a one-off application and whose removal would not lead to unintended negative 
consequences, such as increased waste and C02 emissions or safety issues.

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20Strategic report– Governance– Financial statements– Other information 
 
 
54

PRINCIPAL RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES

Understanding and 
responding to risks

Risk arises from the operations of, and strategic decisions 
taken by, every business. It is not something that can be 
avoided but should be actively managed and harnessed 
in pursuit of business objectives.

impact of the risks and uncertainties as outlined on 
pages 55 to 57 of the Annual Report and the uncertainty 
regarding the duration, extent and ultimate impact of the 
COVID-19 pandemic.

The Board has ultimate responsibility for risk 
management throughout the Group and determines the 
nature and extent of the risks Whitbread is willing to take 
to achieve its objectives. Risk is managed proactively by 
the Executive Committee. Certain responsibilities, such as 
overseeing the systems of risk management and internal 
control, have been delegated by the Board to the Audit 
Committee, which completes an annual review of the 
effectiveness of these processes.

The business planning process reviewed by the Board, 
as part of the strategic planning process, is over a three 
and five-year timeline, with the Board acknowledging that 
in a COVID-19 environment the certainty of those plans, 
the potential fluctuations in the global economy, the 
impact on competitors and customer behaviour in a post 
COVID-19 world is far from certain. Multiple scenarios 
were modelled through the process and were reviewed 
by the Board.

The business units complete an annual review of the 
risks to the achievement of their strategic goals, whilst 
also taking into account the key operational risks, 
which are updated regularly. A robust top-down risk 
assessment is also completed to capture the Board’s 
views on the principal risks facing Whitbread and its 
risk appetite for each. Actions required to manage these 
risks are monitored and reviewed on a regular basis. 
Emerging risk themes and trends from industry and 
professional bodies, and peer networks, are collated and 
reviewed biannually by the Executive Committee and 
managed through the risk management framework as 
appropriate. The principal risks identified, together with 
a summary of key mitigations, can be found on pages 55 
and 57. Climate change, of which sustainability is a key 
area, is an emerging risk for Whitbread. Our approach to 
identifying and managing this is embedded into the risk 
management framework and integrated through policies 
and the risk control mechanisms. Further information 
on our sustainability work can be found in the Force for 
Good update on page 53.

Longer-term prospects
The sections Market Review and Our Business Model 
in the strategic report describe how the Board has 
positioned the Group to take advantage of the growth 
opportunities in the markets in which the business 
operates and how the Company is positioned to create 
value for shareholders, over the longer term, taking 
account of the risks described in this section of the 
Annual Report.

Viability statement

The Corporate Governance Code requires that the 
directors have considered the viability of the Group 
over an appropriate period of time selected by them. 
In considering the appropriate period, the directors 
debated reducing the three-year viability period to 
align with the 12-month going concern period. 

The directors, in making the assessment that three 
years was appropriate, considered the current financial 
and operational positions of the Group, the potential 

In making the viability statement, the Board carried 
out a robust assessment of the principal risks and 
uncertainties facing the Group, which could impact 
the business model, focusing specifically on the impact 
of COVID-19 and the future performance, solvency 
and liquidity of the Group. These scenarios included 
an assessment of the Group’s longer-term prospects, 
including any further uncertainties that may come from 
the UK leaving the EU, and climate change. The scenario 
modelling and sensitivity analysis were applied to 
forecasted cash flows. These scenarios included full 
hotel closures for an extended period with revenues 
not returning to pre-COVID-19 levels until FY23. 

Should the impacts of the pandemic on trading 
conditions be more prolonged or severe than currently 
forecast by the directors, this viability statement 
would be dependent on the Group’s ability to access 
additional liquidity. Detailed consideration was given 
to the availability and likely effectiveness of financing 
actions that could be taken and other self-help 
measures that have been taken; these measures to 
access additional liquidity have been outlined in the 
going concern assessment in Note 2 of the consolidated 
financial statements.

Whilst the impact of COVID-19 on the business will 
be material, despite this, the business’s long-term 
strategy for value creation in the UK and internationally 
remains unchanged. The combination of compelling 
structural opportunities and the advantages of our 
unique operating model should enable the business 
to outperform in the UK, take market share and to 
capitalise on the material growth opportunity in 
Germany. These strong fundamentals, combined 
with an appropriate capital structure, should drive 
long-term value.

Based upon this assessment, the sensitivity around 
the significant loss of revenue built into the scenarios 
tested, the directors confirm that they have reasonable 
expectation that the Group will be able to continue in 
operation and meet its liabilities as they fall due over 
the three-year assessment period. 

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20I

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RISK MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK

 Read more – pages 62 to 63

 Read more – pages 70 to 73

Board

Audit Committee

Accountable for strategic risk management, 
including the assessment of risk appetite, and 
ensuring a sound system of internal control and 
risk management is in place

Oversight and challenge  
of the effectiveness of risk management and 
mitigating controls

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Executive Committee

Internal Audit

Review, challenge and approval of Group risks

Coordination and analysis

 Read more – page 64

 Read more – pages 70 to 73

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PRINCIPAL RISKS

Strategic 
priorities Risk

Movement 
vs prior year

Risk 
appetite

Key  
mitigations

1

2

3

COVID-19 Pandemic
In line with the UK Government’s 
mandatory closure of all hotels and 
restaurants, other than those required 
to support essential workers and 
services combating the pandemic, 
all but 39 of the Group’s 821 hotels 
in the United Kingdom have been 
closed from 24 March 2020 and all 
restaurants have been closed from 
21 March 2020. All the Group’s hotels 
in Germany have were closed from 
30 March 2020 and re-opened on 
11 May 2020. 

There can be no certainty as to when 
or to what extent the applicable 
government measures will be lifted 
or whether they will be reintroduced 
after they have been lifted. Even after 
restrictions are lifted, there is a risk of 
a recession in the UK, Germany and 
possibly globally, depressing demand 
of leisure and business customers, and 
a period of excess supply in the hotel 
market. Consumers may also become 
more reticent about mixing in a social 
setting and cut-back on time in public 
spaces such as Pubs, Restaurants 
and Hotels. The potential to offset 
some of these declines through our 
efficiency programme may be limited 
as the scope of areas where these 
efficiencies could have been achieved 
has reduced.

N/A

 – We have entered the new financial year in a position 
of strength with low net debt and an undrawn credit 
facility of £950m. The business is also backed by a 
valuable freehold property estate and we are currently 
having productive discussions with our banks, US private 
placement holders and pension trustees. We also continue 
to have constructive dialogue with bodies that influence 
the dynamics of our market, such as Government, Bank 
of England and hospitality associations.

 – All discretionary P&L expenditure, including our room 
refurbishment plans, marketing and staff recruitment 
has been eliminated, repairs and maintenance capital 
expenditure has been reduced to a minimum, and non-
committed development capital expenditure has been 
cancelled including acquisitions in the UK and Germany. 
The Board has decided not to declare a final dividend for 
the full year FY20.

 – We have placed a significant number of our teams in 

the UK and Germany on a temporary furlough, with the 
UK Government support package paying up to 80% 
and a maximum of £2,500 per employee per month of 
furloughed employees’ salaries. We are receiving similar 
support in Germany with the Kurzarbeit scheme. We will 
benefit from the UK Government’s decision to stop the 
payment of business rates which would have cost the 
business c.£120 million and we have been approved for 
the Government COVID Corporate Finance Fund, with an 
issue limit of £600m and we are planning a rights issue 
to further strengthen the Company’s balance sheet.

 – Extensive scenario planning has been completed and 
a review of our operating model to ensure it is fit for 
purpose when reopening our hotels and restaurants. 
We are also reviewing our supply chain dependencies 
and working with our suppliers so we can, in conjunction 
with them, develop plans to negate any risks.

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20Strategic report– Governance– Financial statements– Other information 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
56

PRINCIPAL RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES 
CONTINUED

Strategic 
priorities Risk

Movement 
vs prior year

Risk 
appetite

Key  
mitigations

COVID-19 Pandemic continued
Whilst we are not currently able to 
assess the full financial impact of 
COVID-19, we anticipate a significant 
decline in cashflow and EBITDA. 
There is a risk we may not pass 
covenant tests linked to our banks 
US private placement and pension 
this could affect our finance facilities 
and/or our funding headroom. The 
closure of hotels and sharp decline 
in returns may also result in the 
impairment of sites and a suppressed 
property market may reduce freehold 
valuations and the ability to raise 
finance through sale and lease 
back transactions. 

The temporary closure of our 
restaurants, of Premier Inn hotels and 
the furloughing of 27,000 employees 
has elevated the maintenance and 
security risks of our sites whilst also 
raising employee welfare concerns. 

As and when Government restrictions 
are removed, there is the risk of supply 
chain disruption with demand for 
key product lines exceeding supply 
coupled with key suppliers potentially 
going out of business, resulting in 
possible delays in opening sites and 
inflationary pressures. The loosening 
of monetary policy and the rising 
public borrowing deficit to record 
levels may increase the likelihood 
of long-term inflationary pressures 
and higher corporate and personal 
tax burdens.

Economic climate
Uncertain/volatile political and 
economic climate results in a decline 
in GDP, consumer and business 
spending, a fall in RevPAR and 
inflation pressure impacting growth 
plans. This risk has been elevated due 
to uncertainty around the trading 
arrangements to be agreed with the 
European Union following Brexit and 
the potential impact these may have 
on the UK economy.

Cyber and data security
Cyber and data security 
remains a key risk as it reduces 
the effectiveness of our systems 
or results in a loss of data. This in turn 
could result in loss of income and/
or reputational damage. The risk 
has increased due to the increased 
level of remote work.

International growth
One of our strategic priorities is the 
international expansion of Premier 
Inn, initially in Germany. The risk has 
increased due to the temporary 
closure of our hotels in Germany 
due to COVID-19.

1

2

3

2

 – Elements of the business’s financing and the Whitbread 
Group Pension Fund are subject to financial covenants. 
Given that we are not currently able to assess the full-
year impact of COVID-19, we entered into discussions 
with lenders and the pension trustee and have 
successfully negotiated 18 month waivers on our existing 
EBITDA-related covenants with our RCF banks, USPP 
noteholders and the pension scheme and replaced them 
with more appropriate debt and liquidity tests. We are 
listening closely and regularly to feedback from our teams 
as to how best to set up operational practices for our 
hotels that are closed and the requested key worker hotels, 
taking into account health and safety advice and social 
distancing requirements. We are also in regular contact 
with Central Government and Public Health England to 
seek their advice and our Occupational Health provider 
to put in place suitable screening practices for our key 
worker hotels and closed hotels.

 – We have significantly increased communications with 
our employees so we can keep them up to date with 
developments, our plans and the welfare support and 
arrangements we have put in place.

 – With a significant number of employees now working 

remotely, we have increased our focus on cyber security 
and on our financial controls. Security arrangements are in 
place for all our closed sites, and fire and health and safety 
maintenance, and compliance work continues.

N/A

Low

There is a rigorous business planning process in place 
which considers many scenarios with appropriate responses, 
including potential outcomes following the UK’s exit from 
the EU. We also have strong site selection teams with 
well-established processes in place based on market and 
economic fundamentals, both at a macro and micro level. 
These are supported by sensitivity analysis and a robust 
investment appraisal process to help deliver good levels 
of return and we continue to make good progress with 
our efficiency programme.

We have a specialist team and a series of IT security 
controls in place, including up-to-date anti-virus software 
across the estate, network/system monitoring and regular 
penetration testing to identify vulnerabilities. A continuous 
security improvement programme is in place and reviewed 
by the Executive Committee. Specifically, during the year 
we have enhanced network security and made good 
progress implementing an industry-recognised security 
standards framework.

High

We are able to use the deep level of skills and experience 
used to build the UK business, coupled with a detailed 
assessment of the German market and economic 
fundamentals both at a micro and macro level.

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/2057

Strategic priorities

Movement vs prior year

1

Innovate and grow in our core UK businesses

2 Focus on our strengths to grow internationally

3 Enhance our capability to support long-term growth

Lower

Higher

Level

Strategic 
priorities Risk

Movement 
vs prior year

Risk 
appetite

Key  
mitigations

Change
Our ability to execute the significant 
volume of change.

High

Retention and wage inflation
Failure to maintain staff engagement 
and retention in a tightening labour 
market. This risk has increased as 
a result of the political and economic 
uncertainty surrounding Brexit.

Third-party arrangements
Business interruption as a result of 
the withdrawal of services/provision 
of services below acceptable 
standards/support or reputational 
damage as a result of unethical 
supplier practices.

Health and safety
Health and safety risk, death 
or serious injury as a result 
of Company negligence. 

Food safety and hygiene
The preparation or storage of 
food and/or supply chain failure 
results in food poisoning and 
reputational damage.

Terrorism
The risk of terrorism on the safety 
and security of our customers or 
staff and the consequent impact 
on trading.

Low

Low

Low

Low

N/A

1

2

3

1

2

3

1

2

3

1

2

3

1

2

3

We have embarked on an extensive programme of change, 
including upgrading our legacy customer booking systems, 
whilst also delivering an ongoing efficiency programme and 
upgrading our digital capability and customer propositions, 
enabling Whitbread to deliver its growth plans over the 
coming years. To help ensure the successful delivery of these 
change projects, we have enhanced our internal project 
delivery expertise and capability and put in place a robust 
assurance management framework coupled with regular 
reporting to the Executive Committee.

The success of our businesses would not be possible 
without the passion and commitment of our teams. Team 
engagement is fundamental. We monitor this closely through 
our annual engagement survey. Team retention is a key 
component of our WINcard and Annual Incentive Scheme.

Whitbread has several key supplier relationships that 
help ensure the efficient delivery of our multi-site and 
Support Centre operations. The failure or withdrawal of 
services from one or more of these suppliers may result in 
some business interruption. To safeguard against this, we 
continually review our suppliers and business continuity 
arrangements. We expect our suppliers’ practices to be in 
line with our values and standards. Suppliers are thoroughly 
vetted before we enter into any arrangements to ensure 
they are reputable and then monitored though our supplier 
management arrangements.

The safety of our guests and employees is of paramount 
importance. NSF, an independent company, undertakes 
unannounced health and safety audits on every site twice 
per year as a minimum. We have robust fire safety policies, 
procedures and a programme of fire safety training for 
our team members in place. In addition, we work closely 
with C.S. Todd & Associates Ltd, independent fire safety 
consultants, regarding fire safety in our hotels. Health and 
safety is a measure on the WINcard and acts as a hurdle for 
incentive payments. Regular health and safety updates are 
provided to the Executive Committee and the Board.

The health and wellbeing of our customers is fundamental 
to our business. We have stringent food safety and sourcing 
policies with traceability and testing requirements in place 
in respect of meat and other products. Independent food 
safety audits are completed regularly at our hotels and 
restaurants and the results closely monitored. We invest 
considerable resources in employee training in the proper 
storage, handling and preparation of food. We have updated 
all allergen information and made it more accessable to 
customers both online and on site.

The safety and security of our customers, employees and 
suppliers is of utmost importance. Failure to prevent or 
respond to a major safety or security incident could adversely 
impact our operations and financial performance. We invest 
in site level training to help identify hostile reconnaissance 
activities and to ensure we have an appropriate response 
should such events take place. The executive team also holds 
crisis management exercises to ensure we are prepared for 
such events. 

The strategic report on pages 1 to 57 was approved 
by the Board and signed on its behalf by Chris Vaughan, 
General Counsel on 21 May 2020.

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20Strategic report– Governance– Financial statements– Other information58

CHAIRMAN’S INTRODUCTION TO CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

A robust governance 
framework 

Culture and purpose 
Whitbread’s culture is underpinned by ensuring that our 
customers have a great experience, which we call the 
‘Customer Heartbeat’, comprising:

 – Winning Teams;

 – Profitable Growth;

 – Force for Good; and 

 – Everyday Efficiency. 

This aligns with our purpose of intending to provide 
sustainable long-term value for our shareholders while 
delivering a quality and value for money hotel experience 
to our customers. We aim to follow Whitbread’s key 
values of being genuine, confident and committed 
to reach our goal of becoming the best budget hotel 
business in the world. This is accomplished by ensuring 
our teams are happy and engaged through training and 
progression opportunities. Also, by continuing to develop 
our sustainability programme under Force for Good 
with the intention of enabling everyone to live and work 
well. The Board assesses and monitors the Company’s 
culture by making regular visits to Whitbread’s hotels 
and restaurants and taking the opportunity to meet and 
speak to team members.

 Further information on Whitbread’s purpose 
can be found on page 2. 

ADAM CROZIER
CHAIRMAN

I am pleased to present the Board’s report 
on the Company’s compliance with the UK 
Corporate Governance Code. This year has 
been extremely busy for Whitbread as we 
commit to becoming a focused hotel group. 
The Board is dedicated to ensuring compliance 
and maintenance of good corporate 
governance throughout the year.

It is fundamental to create a robust corporate 
governance framework, as this is integral 
to delivering the Company’s strategic 
priorities and creating long-term value for all 
stakeholders, from investors to employees. 
It sets the benchmark for standards which 
drives us to ensuring Whitbread’s culture and 
values are set from the top.

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/2059

An experienced and balanced Board 
We are always looking for what skills and experience 
can be added to the Board. It is part of the Nomination 
Committee’s role to regularly review the structure, size 
and composition of the Board. This helps ensure there 
is a balance of skills, knowledge, independence and 
diversity. The Board was aware that there was a shortage 
of international hotel experience, which was important 
for our growing expansion into Germany. We were 
pleased to welcome Horst Baier as a new independent 
non-executive director. He has more than two decades’ 
worth of experience in the hospitality sector, with a great 
understanding of the European market.

Board evaluation
Last year’s Board evaluation highlighted that directors 
wanted to spend more time out in the business. 
Following this feedback, Board meetings have been 
held in Premier Inns, the Support Centre and Germany. 
This has allowed directors an opportunity to see our 
operations up close and speak to various different teams 
throughout the business. 

Following the 2019/20 Board evaluation, the Board and 
its committees have a number of new areas they plan 
to focus on in the year ahead. These include: 

 – a further review of succession planning and Board 
experience, including considering the possibility of 
increasing our food and beverage and technology 
experience next time we appoint a new director; 

 – greater consideration of what our competitors are 

doing and of external trends that effect our business; 
and 

 – more integration of risk discussions in core 

decision making. 

 Further information on the Board evaluation and areas for focus in the 
year ahead can be found on page 66.

PLACEHOLDER

Our stakeholders
The Board has always ensured that it considers the 
impact of its decisions on all our various stakeholders, but 
even more so now following the recent focus on s172. It is 
important to understand the views of our stakeholders in 
order to build constructive relationships. For example, we 
consider the views of our wider workforce through the 
use of the Whitbread Employee Forum which gives our 
employees an opportunity to shape strategic plans and 
major decisions. 

A consultation was held with our largest shareholders 
regarding the new remuneration policy to gather their 
views on our new proposals. We listened carefully to 
those views, but it was difficult to come up with a solution 
that would satisfy all investors. In the December general 
meeting, we received fewer than 80% votes in favour 
of two resolutions. We receive a wide range of views, 
some of which were at opposite ends of the spectrum. 
In the end we adjusted our proposals such that we 
believed they represented the views of the majority of 
our investors and also achieved our aims. Against this 
background, whilst we were pleased that the resolutions 
comfortably passed, it was not surprising to us that the 
support for the proposals fell short of 80%. Since the 
general meeting, we have continued to have a dialogue 
with our largest shareholders on a range of issues, 
including remuneration. We will continue to do so and to 
ensure that our remuneration policy motivates executives 
to deliver on the Company’s strategic priorities.

Compliance with the Code
In last year’s corporate governance report we promised 
to provide a full update on our compliance with the new 
2018 Code, including the new provisions which focused 
on stakeholder engagement and the Company’s purpose 
and culture. A number of new disclosures required by 
the Code can be found throughout the various reports 
in this governance section, with some key points focused 
on below. With the exception of one provision, which is 
explained in more detail below, I am pleased to report 
that we have complied with the Code throughout the 
2019/20 financial year. In the pages that follow we have 
set out how we have applied the principles set out in 
the Code.

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20– Strategic reportGovernance– Financial statements– Other information60

CHAIRMAN’S INTRODUCTION TO CORPORATE GOVERNANCE 
CONTINUED

Board responsibilities

The Board is responsible for the long-term success 
of the Company and ensures that there are effective 
controls in place which enable risk to be assessed and 
managed. All Board members have responsibility for 
strategy, performance, risk and people. 

The Chairman and Chief Executive have clearly 
defined roles which are separate and distinct. 
The specific duties and division of responsibilities 
between the Chairman and Chief Executive have 
been agreed by the Board and are set out below, 
together with information on the roles of the Senior 
Independent Director, the executive directors, the 
non-executive directors and the Company Secretary.

Board composition

● Chairman 

● Executive directors 

● Non-executive 

directors

1

3

7

The one provision that we cannot report full compliance 
with this year is the new provision requiring that pension 
contribution rates for executive directors should be 
aligned with those available to the workforce. However, 
we have started taking steps to bring us closer in line. 
At the general meeting in December 2019, we received 
approval for our new remuneration policy. The policy 
reduced the pension contribution of current executive 
directors by 10% to 15%, and reduced the provision for 
new executive directors to 10%, which is aligned with the 
workforce. We also committed to further review these 
contribution levels at the end of the policy period. 

One of the new provisions that directly applied to 
Whitbread during the year was the expectation that 
companies would report on resolutions that received 20% 
or more votes cast against the Board’s recommendation. 
At the general meeting in December 2019, the resolutions 
to approve the new remuneration policy and the adoption 
of the Whitbread Restricted Share Plan received 70.46% 
and 69.82% respectively. Following the general meeting, 
we included a statement in the results announcement 
which explained the Board’s view on the results, why 
we believed it was an acceptable outcome, and that we 
were committed to continuing constructive discussions 
and engagement with our shareholders. Since then, we 
have held a round of meetings with major shareholders to 
understand any continuing concerns, and this has been fed 
back to the Remuneration Committee and to the Board. 

Another of the new provisions which Whitbread has 
focused on this year is the focus on how the Board has 
established the Company’s purpose and linked it to 
Whitbread’s strategy. You will have seen in the earlier 
sections of this Annual Report that we have established 
a strong purpose: 

‘To provide quality, affordable hotels for our guests to 
help them live and work well and to positively impact the 
world around us. With no barriers to entry or limits to 
ambition, to provide meaningful work, skills and career 
development opportunities for our teams.’

We have weaved this purpose through our strategic 
report to demonstrate how it links to both strategy and 
culture at Whitbread.

It’s not just the Code which has brought in new 
governance requirements this year. The Companies 
(Miscellaneous Reporting) Regulations 2018 imposed 
a new obligation on companies of our size – to include 
a statement in our Annual Report on how the directors 
have discharged their duty to promote the success 
of the Company for the benefit of all stakeholders. 
Further details on this can be found in our Stakeholder 
Engagement section on pages 44 to 46.

Adam Crozier 
Chairman 
21 May 2020

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/2061

Chairman

Chief Executive

 – Leadership of the Board and setting its agenda, 

 – Optimising the performance of the Company

including approval of the Group’s strategy, 
business plans, annual budget and key areas of 
business importance

 – Maintaining appropriate contact with major 

shareholders and ensuring that Board members 
understand their views concerning the Company

 – Ensuring a culture of openness and debate around 

the Board table

 – Leading the annual evaluation of the Board, the 

committees and individual directors

 – Ensuring, through the General Counsel, that the 

members of the Board receive accurate, timely and 
clear information

 – Day-to-day operation of the business

 – Ensuring effective communication with 

shareholders and employees

 – The creation of shareholder value by delivering 
profitable growth and a good return on capital

 – Ensuring the Company has a strong team of 
high-calibre executives, and putting in place 
appropriate management succession and 
development plans

 – Leading and motivating a large workforce 

of people

Senior Independent Director

Executive directors

 – The Senior Independent Director provides 

a sounding board for the Chairman and supports 
him in the delivery of his objectives. The Senior 
Independent Director is available to shareholders 
if they have concerns which the normal channels 
have failed to resolve or which would be 
inappropriate to raise with the Chairman or the 
executive team. He also leads the annual evaluation 
of the Chairman on behalf of the other directors

 – The Senior Independent Director can be contacted 

directly or through the General Counsel

The executive directors are responsible for the 
day-to-day running of the business and for 
implementing the operational and strategic plans 
of the Company.

Non-executive directors

The non-executive directors play a key role in 
constructively challenging and scrutinising the 
performance of the management of the Company 
and helping to develop proposals on strategy.

Company Secretary

At Whitbread the General Counsel is Company 
Secretary. The duties performed in the Company 
Secretary element of his role include: 

 – Advising the Board on matters of corporate 

governance and Board procedures

 – Arranging and minuting the Board and 

committee meetings

 – Providing support to the Chairman, the 

Chief Executive and the Board Committee Chairs 

 – Enabling and supporting communication between 
Directors and senior management to the Board 
and Committees

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20– Strategic reportGovernance– Financial statements– Other information62

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

We believe that it is vital for the Board to include a diverse range of skills, backgrounds 
and experiences, to enable a broad evaluation of all matters considered and to contribute 
to a positive culture of mutual respect and constructive challenge.

The mix of skills and experience represented on the Board is outlined below.

ADAM CROZIER 
CHAIRMAN

N   R

ALISON BRITTAIN 
CHIEF EXECUTIVE

NICHOLAS CADBURY
GROUP FINANCE DIRECTOR

CHRIS KENNEDY 

A   N

DEANNA OPPENHEIMER 

N   R

DAVID ATKINS 

A   N   R

INDEPENDENT NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

INDEPENDENT NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

INDEPENDENT NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Date of appointment to the Board: 
April 2017

Date of appointment to the Board:  
September 2015

Date of appointment to the Board:  
November 2012

Date of appointment to the Board: 

Date of appointment to the Board:  

Date of appointment to the Board:  

January 2017

January 2017

Date of appointment as Chairman: March 2018

Age: 56

Experience:

Adam was Chief Executive of ITV plc from  
2010 to 2017. Prior to that, Adam was former 
Joint Chief Executive of Saatchi & Saatchi, 
Chief Executive of the Football Association 
and then Royal Mail Group. From 2017 to March 
2020, Adam was Chairman of Vue International, 
a multi-national cinema company.

Age: 55

Experience:

Age: 54

Experience:

Alison joined Whitbread from Lloyds Banking 
Group, where she was Group Director of the Retail 
Division, with responsibility for the Lloyds, Halifax 
and Bank of Scotland retail branch networks, remote/
intermediary channels/products and the business 
banking and wealth businesses. Prior to joining Lloyds 
Bank, Alison was Executive Director at Santander UK 
plc. She previously held senior roles at Barclays Bank. 
Alison was named Business Woman of the Year 2017 
in the Veuve Cliquot awards and was awarded a CBE 
in the 2019 New Year Honours list.

Nicholas joined Whitbread in November 2012 as 
Group Finance Director. He previously worked at 
Dixons Retail PLC, in a variety of management roles, 
including Chief Financial Officer from 2008 to 2011. 
Nicholas also held the position of Chief Financial 
Officer of Premier Farnell PLC, which he joined in 
2011. Nicholas originally qualified as an accountant 
with Price Waterhouse.

External appointments:

External appointments:

 – ASOS (Non-executive Chairman)
 – Great Ormond Street Hospital Discovery  

Appeal (Trustee)

 – Kantar Group (Chairman)

 – Marks and Spencer Group plc  

(Non-executive director)

 – Prince’s Trust Council (Deputy Chair)

External appointments:

 – Land Securities Group PLC  
(Non-executive director)

External appointments:

External appointments:

External appointments:

 – ITV plc (Chief Financial Officer)

 – The EMI Group Archive Trust (Trustee)

 – Hargreaves Lansdown plc (Non-Executive Chair)

 – Hammerson plc (Chief Executive)

 – CameoWorks (Founder)

 – British Property Federation (Committee Member)

 – Great Ormond Street Hospital Trust (Trustee)

 – J&A Mentoring Partners (Mentor) 

 – Reading Real Estate Foundation  

 – Tesco PLC (Senior Independent Director)

(Director and Trustee)

March 2016

Age: 56

Experience:

Age: 62

Experience:

Age: 54

Experience:

Chris is Chief Financial Officer of ITV plc, which he 

Deanna spent over 25 years in a number of senior 

David is Chief Executive of Hammerson plc, former 

joined in February 2019. Prior to this, Chris held roles 

roles in banking at both Barclays Bank PLC and 

Chairman and Executive Board member of the 

with Micro Focus International plc, ARM Holdings plc, 

Washington Mutual Inc., where she ran retail 

European Public Real Estate Association (EPRA) 

and easyJet plc, having previously spent 17 years in 

banking across leading national branch franchises 

and past President and a former committee member 

a variety of senior roles at EMI.

in the UK and US. Since 2012, through her family’s 

of Revo (formerly BCSC).

hospitality business, she invests in boutique hotels 

in the western US.

Board experience

Consumer/retail

Travel and hospitality 

Digital

Corporate transformation

Legal

Financial

International

Commercial property

People

Corporate social responsibility

I

O
F
D
R
E
C
T
O
R
S

N
U
M
B
E
R

5

6

5

6

1

8

6

3

10

7

LOUISE SMALLEY
GROUP HR DIRECTOR

RICHARD GILLINGWATER  
SENIOR INDEPENDENT DIRECTOR

N   R

FRANK FISKERS 

R   A   N

SUSAN TAYLOR MARTIN  

A   N

HORST BAIER 

A   N

INDEPENDENT NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

INDEPENDENT NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

INDEPENDENT NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Date of appointment to the Board:  
November 2012

Date of appointment to the Board: 
June 2018

Date of appointment to the Board:  

Date of appointment to the Board: 

Date of appointment to the Board: 

February 2019

January 2012

November 2019

Age: 52

Experience:

Age: 63

Experience:

Louise joined Whitbread in 1995 and has held the 
position of Group HR Director since 2007. During 
her time at Whitbread, Louise has held a variety of 
HR roles across the Whitbread businesses, including 
HR Director of David Lloyd Leisure and Whitbread 
Hotels & Restaurants. She previously worked in the oil 
industry, with BP and Esso Petroleum.

Richard is Chairman of both Janus Henderson plc and 
SSE plc, and serves as a Governor to the Wellcome 
Trust. Richard is a highly experienced executive and 
has spent much of his career in corporate finance 
and investment banking with Kleinwort Benson, 
BZW and Credit Suisse First Boston, before he 
moved out of banking and became Chief Executive 
of the Shareholder Executive, and then Dean of Cass 
Business School.

External appointments:

External appointments:

 – DS Smith Plc (Non-executive director)

 – Janus Henderson plc (Chairman)
 – SSE plc (Chairman)
 – The Wellcome Trust (Chair of the Investment 

Committee)

Age: 58

Experience:

Age: 56

Experience:

Age: 63

Experience:

Frank is a highly experienced executive with a solid 

Susan is the former President of Thomson Reuters 

Horst is a highly experienced executive with more 

background in the global hospitality industry. He 

Legal. She has held a number of roles at Thomson 

than 20 years’ background in the leisure industry. 

has held senior roles with The Radisson Hotel Group, 

Reuters, including Managing Director Legal UK 

He was for eight years the Chief Financial Officer 

Hilton Hotels Worldwide and was CEO of Scandic 

and Ireland, President Thomson Reuters Media and 

of TUI AG, the London-listed Anglo-German leisure 

Hotels for eight years, taking the company public 

President Global Investment Focus Accounts. Prior 

travel group until the end of September 2018. During 

in 2015.

to this she was Global Head of Corporate Strategy 

his time as Board Member of TUI AG, Horst played 

External appointments:

 – Shurgard Self Storage SA  

(Non-Executive Director)

 – EQT (Industrial Adviser)

 – RAK Hospitality Holding LLC (Non-Executive 

Director)

Reuters, which she joined in 1993.

External appointments:

 – None

an important role in TUI’s transformation from a tour 

operator to a global provider of holidays operating 

380 leisure hotels and 17 cruise ships.

External appointments:

 – Bayer AG (Member of the Supervisory Board)

 – DIAKOVERE gGmbH (Member of the Supervisory 

 – Ecclesia Holding GmbH (Member of the Supervisory 

Board)

Board)

 – Hotel San Francisco S.A. (Consultant)

 – Riu Family (Consultant) 

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20 
 
63

A  Audit committee

N  Nomination committee

R  Remuneration committee

 Chairman

 Committee member

ADAM CROZIER 

CHAIRMAN

N   R

ALISON BRITTAIN 

CHIEF EXECUTIVE

NICHOLAS CADBURY

GROUP FINANCE DIRECTOR

CHRIS KENNEDY 
INDEPENDENT NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

A   N

DEANNA OPPENHEIMER 
INDEPENDENT NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

N   R

DAVID ATKINS 
INDEPENDENT NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

A   N   R

Date of appointment to the Board: 

Date of appointment to the Board:  

Date of appointment to the Board:  

September 2015

November 2012

Date of appointment to the Board: 
March 2016

Date of appointment to the Board:  
January 2017

Date of appointment to the Board:  
January 2017

Age: 55

Experience:

Age: 54

Experience:

Age: 56

Experience:

Age: 62

Experience:

Age: 54

Experience:

Chris is Chief Financial Officer of ITV plc, which he 
joined in February 2019. Prior to this, Chris held roles 
with Micro Focus International plc, ARM Holdings plc, 
and easyJet plc, having previously spent 17 years in 
a variety of senior roles at EMI.

Deanna spent over 25 years in a number of senior 
roles in banking at both Barclays Bank PLC and 
Washington Mutual Inc., where she ran retail 
banking across leading national branch franchises 
in the UK and US. Since 2012, through her family’s 
hospitality business, she invests in boutique hotels 
in the western US.

David is Chief Executive of Hammerson plc, former 
Chairman and Executive Board member of the 
European Public Real Estate Association (EPRA) 
and past President and a former committee member 
of Revo (formerly BCSC).

Date of appointment as Chairman: March 2018

April 2017

Age: 56

Experience:

Adam was Chief Executive of ITV plc from  

2010 to 2017. Prior to that, Adam was former 

Joint Chief Executive of Saatchi & Saatchi, 

Chief Executive of the Football Association 

and then Royal Mail Group. From 2017 to March 

2020, Adam was Chairman of Vue International, 

a multi-national cinema company.

Alison joined Whitbread from Lloyds Banking 

Nicholas joined Whitbread in November 2012 as 

Group, where she was Group Director of the Retail 

Group Finance Director. He previously worked at 

Division, with responsibility for the Lloyds, Halifax 

Dixons Retail PLC, in a variety of management roles, 

and Bank of Scotland retail branch networks, remote/

including Chief Financial Officer from 2008 to 2011. 

intermediary channels/products and the business 

Nicholas also held the position of Chief Financial 

banking and wealth businesses. Prior to joining Lloyds 

Officer of Premier Farnell PLC, which he joined in 

Bank, Alison was Executive Director at Santander UK 

2011. Nicholas originally qualified as an accountant 

plc. She previously held senior roles at Barclays Bank. 

with Price Waterhouse.

Alison was named Business Woman of the Year 2017 

in the Veuve Cliquot awards and was awarded a CBE 

in the 2019 New Year Honours list.

External appointments:

External appointments:

 – ASOS (Non-executive Chairman)

 – Great Ormond Street Hospital Discovery  

Appeal (Trustee)

 – Kantar Group (Chairman)

 – Marks and Spencer Group plc  

(Non-executive director)

 – Prince’s Trust Council (Deputy Chair)

External appointments:

 – Land Securities Group PLC  

(Non-executive director)

External appointments:

External appointments:

External appointments:

 – ITV plc (Chief Financial Officer)
 – The EMI Group Archive Trust (Trustee)
 – Great Ormond Street Hospital Trust (Trustee)

 – Hargreaves Lansdown plc (Non-Executive Chair)
 – CameoWorks (Founder)
 – J&A Mentoring Partners (Mentor) 
 – Tesco PLC (Senior Independent Director)

 – Hammerson plc (Chief Executive)
 – British Property Federation (Committee Member)
 – Reading Real Estate Foundation  

(Director and Trustee)

LOUISE SMALLEY

GROUP HR DIRECTOR

RICHARD GILLINGWATER  

N   R

SENIOR INDEPENDENT DIRECTOR

FRANK FISKERS 
INDEPENDENT NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

R   A   N

SUSAN TAYLOR MARTIN  
INDEPENDENT NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

A   N

HORST BAIER 
INDEPENDENT NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

A   N

Date of appointment to the Board:  

Date of appointment to the Board: 

November 2012

June 2018

Date of appointment to the Board:  
February 2019

Date of appointment to the Board: 
January 2012

Date of appointment to the Board: 
November 2019

Age: 52

Experience:

Age: 63

Experience:

Louise joined Whitbread in 1995 and has held the 

Richard is Chairman of both Janus Henderson plc and 

position of Group HR Director since 2007. During 

SSE plc, and serves as a Governor to the Wellcome 

her time at Whitbread, Louise has held a variety of 

Trust. Richard is a highly experienced executive and 

HR roles across the Whitbread businesses, including 

has spent much of his career in corporate finance 

HR Director of David Lloyd Leisure and Whitbread 

and investment banking with Kleinwort Benson, 

Hotels & Restaurants. She previously worked in the oil 

BZW and Credit Suisse First Boston, before he 

industry, with BP and Esso Petroleum.

moved out of banking and became Chief Executive 

of the Shareholder Executive, and then Dean of Cass 

Business School.

External appointments:

External appointments:

 – DS Smith Plc (Non-executive director)

 – Janus Henderson plc (Chairman)

 – SSE plc (Chairman)

 – The Wellcome Trust (Chair of the Investment 

Committee)

Age: 58

Experience:

Age: 56

Experience:

Age: 63

Experience:

Frank is a highly experienced executive with a solid 
background in the global hospitality industry. He 
has held senior roles with The Radisson Hotel Group, 
Hilton Hotels Worldwide and was CEO of Scandic 
Hotels for eight years, taking the company public 
in 2015.

Susan is the former President of Thomson Reuters 
Legal. She has held a number of roles at Thomson 
Reuters, including Managing Director Legal UK 
and Ireland, President Thomson Reuters Media and 
President Global Investment Focus Accounts. Prior 
to this she was Global Head of Corporate Strategy 
Reuters, which she joined in 1993.

External appointments:

 – Shurgard Self Storage SA  
(Non-Executive Director)

 – EQT (Industrial Adviser)
 – RAK Hospitality Holding LLC (Non-Executive 

Director)

External appointments:

 – None

Horst is a highly experienced executive with more 
than 20 years’ background in the leisure industry. 
He was for eight years the Chief Financial Officer 
of TUI AG, the London-listed Anglo-German leisure 
travel group until the end of September 2018. During 
his time as Board Member of TUI AG, Horst played 
an important role in TUI’s transformation from a tour 
operator to a global provider of holidays operating 
380 leisure hotels and 17 cruise ships.

External appointments:

 – Bayer AG (Member of the Supervisory Board)
 – DIAKOVERE gGmbH (Member of the Supervisory 

Board)

 – Ecclesia Holding GmbH (Member of the Supervisory 

Board)

 – Hotel San Francisco S.A. (Consultant)
 – Riu Family (Consultant) 

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20– Strategic reportGovernance– Financial statements– Other information64

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 

ALISON BRITTAIN
CHIEF EXECUTIVE

NICHOLAS CADBURY
GROUP FINANCE DIRECTOR

The Executive Committee meets on a fortnightly basis 
and is chaired by Alison Brittain
It has authority to manage the day-to-day operations 
of the Group’s businesses, with the exception of those 
matters reserved for the Board, within the financial limits 
set by the Board.

The Committee’s responsibilities include:

–  formulation of strategy for recommendation  

to the Board;

–  management of performance in accordance  

with strategy and budgets;

LOUISE SMALLEY
GROUP HR DIRECTOR

–  talent and succession;

–  risk management;

–  capital investment decisions (where Board approval 

is not required);

–  cost efficiency, procurement and organisational design; 

–  reputation and stakeholder management; 

–  culture, values and sustainability;

–  health and safety; and

–  customer engagement and product development. 

Nigel Jones is responsible for managing Whitbread’s 
supply chain and leading the overall Whitbread 
transformation plan.

Mark Anderson has led the property function since 2008 
and is responsible for Premier Inn Germany.

Simon Jones has led on key initiatives such as product 
development, network planning, pricing and marketing. 

Simon Ewins and Phil Birbeck joined the Executive 
Committee in October 2018. Simon and Phil have 
accountability for Whitbread’s largest UK businesses 
and represent a very large proportion of the 
Whitbread workforce.

Chris Vaughan has been General Counsel since joining 
the Company at the end of 2015.

Biographical details for Alison Brittain, Nicholas Cadbury 
and Louise Smalley can be found on page 62. 

CHRIS VAUGHAN 
GENERAL COUNSEL

SIMON JONES
MANAGING DIRECTOR, PREMIER INN  
AND RESTAURANTS UK

NIGEL JONES
GROUP OPERATIONS AND 
TRANSFORMATION DIRECTOR

SIMON EWINS
MANAGING DIRECTOR, PREMIER INN

PHIL BIRBECK
MANAGING DIRECTOR, RESTAURANTS

MARK ANDERSON
MANAGING DIRECTOR, PROPERTY AND 
INTERNATIONAL

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/2065

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Board activities during the year 
In advance of each Board meeting, a set of 
Board papers, including monthly financial and 
trading reports, is circulated so that directors 
have sufficient time to review them and arrive 
at the meeting fully prepared.

The Board has a rolling forward agenda which sets 
matters to be considered throughout the year ahead. 
Two strategy days are held each year. Following these 
sessions, the Board agrees the significant topics to be 
discussed at its meetings during the year. The rolling 
agenda is then updated to ensure that there is a 
structured approach to the consideration of topics 
and that recurring issues are evenly spread across the 
calendar. The Board gives its attention to each area of 
the business in turn so that a strong understanding of 
the entire Company is maintained. The rolling agenda is 
regularly reviewed and updated and is circulated as part 
of the General Counsel’s report before each meeting.

The agenda for each Board meeting is agreed with the 
Chairman and the Chief Executive so that current events 
and potential future issues can be discussed alongside 
the regular reports. Standard items for each meeting are 
a review of progress on action points, reports from the 
Chief Executive, the Group Finance Director, the Group 
HR Director, and the General Counsel, and a KPI pack. 
The General Counsel keeps minutes of the meetings and 
produces a list of agreed actions for each meeting.

At the meetings during the year, the Board discharged 
its responsibilities and considered a range of matters as 
shown in the table at the bottom of this page. 

Board processes and topics to be discussed are 
continually reviewed to ensure that the correct focus is 
given to the key issues highlighted at the strategy days.

The Chairman meets with the non-executive directors 
without the executive directors present after 
Board meetings.

The Senior Independent Director meets annually with 
all non-executive directors to discuss the performance 
of the Chairman. A review of the Board was carried out 
during the year.

There is a schedule of matters reserved exclusively to the 
Board; all other decisions are delegated to management. 
Those matters reserved exclusively to the Board include:

 – approval of Group financial statements and the 

preliminary announcement of half- and full-year results; 

 – changes relating to the Group’s capital structure, 

strategy, the annual budget and the Group’s 
business plan; 

 – approving capital projects, acquisitions and disposals 
valued at over the limit set out in the matters reserved 
to the Board; 

 – approval of interim dividends and recommendation  

of final dividends; and

 – establishment of Board committees.

BOARD AGENDA 2019/20
STANDING AGENDA ITEMS

 – Chief Executive’s report

 – Group Finance Director’s report

 – Health and safety report (quarterly)

 – General Counsel’s report

 – HR Director’s report

 – Approval of capital projects

 – KPI pack

Q1

Q2

Q3

Q4

 – Approval of year-end 
documentation and 
dividend review

 – Risk management 

overview 

 – External Board 
evaluation 

 – Property and capital 
structure update

 – Talent and 
succession

 – Remuneration 
consultation 
progress update

 – Premier Inn 

 – Group 

performance review 

transformation 

 – Year-end 

announcement 

 – Review of principal 

risks

 – 2019/20 Interim 

 – Background to 

Results and approval 
of interim dividend 

food and beverage 
strategy

 – Pensions

 – Post completion 

 – Risk management  
– risk appetite 

investment review 

 – 2020/21 budget

 – Background to 

 – COVID-19 response

food and beverage 
strategy

 – Risk management

 – Health and safety

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20– Strategic reportGovernance– Financial statements– Other information66

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE  
CONTINUED

Board performance 
evaluation
An evaluation of the Board, its 
committees, individual directors 
and the Chairman is carried out 
each year. An externally facilitated 
Board evaluation was carried 
out by Ffion Hague on behalf of 
Independent Board Evaluation in 
2019, so this year’s evaluation was 
carried out internally. The next 
externally facilitated Board 
evaluation will be at the end of the 
2021/22 financial year.

Board and Committee 
review cycle

Year 1
(Financial year 2018/19) 
Externally facilitated review

Year 2
(Financial year 2019/20) 
Internal review

Year 3
(Financial year 2020/21) 
Internal review

2018/19 external evaluation
The external evaluation last year highlighted the following areas: 

Areas identified 
for improvement

Progress made  
in 2019/20

A programme of activity for the 
Nomination Committee, and then 
the full Board, to review Board 
composition and succession

This was done progressively through the last year, both at the full 
Board and at a Nomination Committee meeting in October

Prioritise locations for meetings out 
of London in order to allow more 
visibility of the wider business

Through the year the Board held meetings at Whitbread Court 
and Chiswell Court in Dunstable, the Banbury Premier Inn and in 
Germany. Site visits have been arranged, meetings have taken place 
with local management teams, and there have been opportunities 
to stay in Premier Inns and eat in Whitbread restaurants

Create more opportunities for 
Board members to meet a tier of 
management below the Executive 
Committee

The Board’s visit to Germany in January allowed for opportunities 
to meet members of the German executive team, and a number 
of senior leaders have joined Board meetings through the year to 
present on different topics, e.g. pensions, risk, health and safety, 
operational performance, commercial, and construction

The development of a plan of 
tailored induction and training on 
business and customer issues

A training and brand familiarisation plan was presented to the 
Board at the beginning of last year, and included training sessions 
throughout the year on different topics, including Premier Inn 
Commercial, Restaurant Operations and Germany Premier Inn 
acquisitions

Greater focus to be given to 
the operational performance of 
Premier Inn

The KPI pack has been revised, and deep dives into operational 
performance have been scheduled regularly

2019/20 internal review

Method
During the year, the Board 
conducted the annual evaluation 
of its performance and that of 
its three committees by using an 
online evaluation tool provided 
by Independent Audit Limited, an 
independent company which has 
no other links to Whitbread or its 
directors.. Each director completed 
a questionnaire in respect of 
the Board and the respective 
Committees for which they were 
a member of. The Company 
Secretary collated the responses 
of the evaluation, along with 
benchmarking data from other 
Boards that had used the same 
evaluation questionnaires, and the 
Chairman received an executive 
summary, highlighting the key 
outcomes, as did each of the 
Committee Chairs. Separate reports 
were then presented to the Board 
and each committee for discussion. 

Recommendations
The review, combined with the 
benchmarking data, found that 
the Board is operating effectively 

with a strong culture of trust and 
openness, has been able to develop 
strategy agreed by the whole Board 
through successful strategy days, 
has a wide variety of skills around 
the Board table, and has made good 
progress on the points raised in the 
previous evaluation. 

The review did also identify some 
opportunities for improvement in the 
year ahead, including the following:

 – Board agendas – consider reducing 
the number of items to allow for 
detailed discussions on all topics

 – Succession planning and Board 
experience – review succession 
plans for Chief Executive, and 
consider non-executive directors 
with specific food and beverage and 
technology experience in the future

 – External trends and competition 
– receive more updates on what 
competitors are doing and more 
consideration of external trends

 – Link between technology and 
strategy – improve the Board’s 
knowledge on technology and 
the associated risks, and more 
alignment of technology with the 
Company’s strategy 

 – Risk management – integrate risk 
discussions with core decision 
making more, and improve the 
Board’s understanding of risks in 
relation to major initiatives and 
how they will be managed

 – Remuneration – greater monitoring 
of performance against targets 
through the year, and consider 
further ways to engage with the 
workforce on remuneration matters

We will report our progress on these 
points in the 2020/21 Annual Report. 

Individual directors
The Chairman has one–to–one 
meetings with all directors to discuss 
their performance and to identify 
whether they continue to contribute 
effectively to the Board and 
demonstrate commitment to the role.

Chairman
The Senior Independent Director 
meets with the non–executive 
directors without the Chairman 
present to discuss the performance 
of the Chairman. The Senior 
Independent Director also speaks 
with the executive directors to gain 
their views before discussing the 
results with the Chairman.

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/2067

Board meetings and attendance
The Board generally holds regular scheduled meetings 
during the year and on an ad hoc basis as and when required. 
During the year, eight Board meetings and calls were held 
and attendance at meetings by the directors is set out below.

Members of the executive team attended Board and 
committee meetings as appropriate.

David Atkins1

Horst Baier

Alison Brittain 

Nicholas Cadbury

Adam Crozier

Frank Fiskers2

Richard Gillingwater

Chris Kennedy 

Susan Taylor Martin3

Deanna Oppenheimer

Louise Smalley 

Board
8/8

Audit 
Committee
4/5

Nomination 
Committee
4/4

Remuneration 
Committee
7/8

2/2

8/8

8/8

8/8

8/8

8/8

8/8

7/8

8/8

8/8

1/1

–

–

–

5/5

–

5/5

5/5

–

–

1/1

–

–

3/3

3/3

3/3

3/3

3/3

3/3

–

–

–

–

8/8

4/5

8/8

–

–

8/8

–

1  Both the Board meeting and the Remuneration Committee meeting that David 
Atkins could not attend were unscheduled meetings/calls which conflicted with 
a pre-arrange meeting elsewhere.

2  The one Remuneration Committee meeting Frank Fiskers could not attend was 
an unscheduled call which conflicted with a pre-arranged meeting elsewhere.

3  The one meeting Susan Taylor Martin could not attend was due to a date and time 

change which conflicted with a pre-arranged meeting elsewhere.

Insurance cover
The Company has appropriate directors’ and officers’ 
liability insurance in place. In addition to this, the 
Company provides an indemnity for directors against 
the costs of defending certain legal proceedings and 
generating claims over and above those covered by 
insurance. These are reviewed periodically.

Board and committees
It is believed that the Board and its committees have 
the appropriate balance of skills, experience, diversity, 
independence and knowledge of the Company to enable 
them to discharge their responsibilities effectively. 
After assessing independence against the Code, the Board 
considers all non-executive directors to be independent 
in judgement and character, and also considered the 
Chairman to be independent on appointment.

During the year, there have been a number of changes 
to the Board. Horst Baier was appointed to the Board on 
1 November 2019 as independent non-executive director, 
and joined the Audit Committee and the Nomination 
Committee. Frank Fiskers was appointed as Chair of the 
Remuneration Committee in January 2020. Details of the 
appointment procedures can be found in the report of 
the Nomination Committee on pages 74 to 75.

Commitment
During the year all directors, including the non-executive 
directors, committed significant time to the Company 
in accordance with the requirements specified in their 
service contracts and letters of appointment. On behalf 
of the Board, the Nomination Committee has reviewed 

the extent of other interests of the non-executive 
directors. The Board is satisfied that the Chairman and 
each of the non-executive directors commit sufficient 
time to their duties and fulfil their obligations to the 
Company. No executive director has taken on more than 
one non-executive directorship in a FTSE 100 company.

Training and development
Directors attend external training events to update their 
skills and knowledge. Training was undertaken by Board 
members during the year on a range of issues, including:

 – UK Corporate Governance Code 2018;
 – Finance and the Market;
 – Investor Perspectives; and
 – Environmental Risks.

Investor relations and market updates were presented 
to the Board, together with regular updates from the 
business. ‘Deep dive’ sessions were also held on certain 
issues to improve knowledge, including:

 – Cyber security;
 – Director duties and responsibilities;
 – Security and IT essentials;
 – Diversity and inclusion; and
 – Commercial strategies and tactics.

All directors have access to independent professional 
advice at the Company’s expense. Directors serving on the 
Board and committees confirmed that they were satisfied 
that they received sufficient resources to enable them to 
undertake their duties effectively. Each director has access 
to the General Counsel for advice on governance.

The General Counsel prepares a monthly report that 
includes updates on secretariat and legal matters, along 
with governance, compliance and insurance. This report 
is presented and discussed at each Board meeting.

Induction process
On appointment, all directors receive a full and formal 
induction that is tailored to their specific needs. They also 
meet with senior leaders from across Whitbread and go 
on site visits to get a better understanding of the business.

Length of tenure of directors (years)

David Atkins

Horst Baier

Alison Brittain

Nicholas Cadbury

Adam Crozier

Richard Gillingwater

Frank Fiskers

Chris Kennedy

Deanna Oppenheimer

Louise Smalley

Susan Taylor Martin

0.4

3.2

4.5

2.1

1.8

1.1

4.0

3.2

7.4

7.4

8.2

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20– Strategic reportGovernance– Financial statements– Other information68

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE  
CONTINUED

After Horst joined in November 2019, he met with a variety 
of senior leaders across the business, and visited various 
Whitbread sites across the UK and Germany, including 
Premier Inns, hub by Premier Inn and Bar+Block.

Conflicts of interest
Directors are required to disclose any conflicts of interest 
immediately as and when they arise throughout the year. 
In addition, a formal process is undertaken in January 
each year when all directors confirm to the Board 
details of their external interests, including any other 
directorships which they hold.

These are assessed by the Board to determine whether 
the director’s ability to act in the best interests of the 
Company could be compromised. If there are no such 
potential or actual conflicts, the external interests are 
authorised by the Board. All authorisations are for 
a period of 12 months. No director is counted as part 
of a quorum in respect of the authorisation of his or 
her own conflict.

It is recognised that all organisations are potential 
customers of Whitbread and, in view of this, the Board 
authorises all directors’ current external directorships.

Privacy
Our data protection policies, guidelines and processes 
set a globally applicable privacy and security standard 
for the Company and regulate the sharing of information 
both internally and externally. During the year, various 
privacy enhancements were made to business 
processes and systems to ensure the requirements of 
the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) were 
met. Our data protection steering group will continue to 
drive awareness and monitor GDPR compliance through 
ongoing training and governance. 

Anti-corruption and anti-bribery
Whitbread is strongly opposed to any form of corruption 
and bribery. We recognise that it impacts societies in 
many negative ways. Our reputation is also built on trust: 
the trust of our customers, our people, our partners and 
suppliers, our investors and the communities we serve. 
Our anti-corruption and anti-bribery policies apply our 
strict standards worldwide and are reinforced through 
training and our day-to-day conduct. We encourage 
all with concerns to speak out and have facilitated this 
further through our Speaking Out helplines, enabling 
reporting of concerns on a named or anonymous basis. 

The annual general meeting
The AGM provides all shareholders with the opportunity 
to communicate directly with the Board, which under 
normal circumstance encourages their participation at 
the meeting.

Unfortunately, due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, it 
will be impossible to hold a normal AGM and shareholders 
will not therefore be able to attend the meeting.

In accordance with the Code, the notice of AGM and 
related papers are usually sent to shareholders at 
least 20 working days before the meeting, although 
that might not prove possible this year. The Company 
proposes a separate resolution on each substantially 
separate issue including a specific resolution to approve 
the Annual Report and Accounts. For each resolution, 
proxy appointment forms provide shareholders with the 
option to vote in advance of the AGM. All valid proxy 
votes received for the AGM are properly recorded and 
counted by Whitbread’s registrars.

Share capital
The information that is required by DTR 7.2.6 relating 
to the share capital of the Company can be found within 
the directors’ report on pages 103 to 105.

Statement of the directors in respect of the Annual 
Report and Accounts
As required by the Code, the directors confirm their 
responsibility for preparing the Annual Report and 
Accounts and consider that the Annual Report, taken 
as a whole, is fair, balanced and understandable and 
provides the information necessary for shareholders 
to assess the Company’s position and performance, 
business model and strategy. Further detail on how 
this conclusion was reached can be found in the 
report of the Audit Committee on pages 70 to 73.

Going concern
The directors’ going concern statement can be found 
in the directors’ report on page 107.

Viability statement
The viability statement can be found on page 54.

Business model and strategy
Information on the Group’s business model and the 
strategy for delivering the objectives of the Company 
can be found on pages 14 to 15.

Shareholder relations
In accordance with the Code, the Board recognises 
that it has responsibility for ensuring that a satisfactory 
dialogue with shareholders takes place and any major 
shareholders’ issues and concerns are communicated 
to the Board through the Chairman.

The Company communicates with both the institutional 
and private shareholders through a number of different 
means. Further information on shareholder engagement 
can be found on page 45.

Board committees
The Board is supported by three committees; the 
Audit Committee, the Nomination Committee and the 
Remuneration Committee. Their terms of reference are 
reviewed regularly and updated in line with best practice. 
They are available in full on the Company’s website 
at www.whitbread.co.uk. A detailed report from the 
Chairman of the Remuneration Committee is set out on 
pages 76 to 97. Reports for the Audit and Nomination 
Committees can be found on pages 70 to 75.

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/2069

Accountability  
and internal control 

Internal control and risk management
The Board is responsible for the Group’s systems 
of internal control and risk management, and for 
reviewing their effectiveness. These systems are 
designed to manage rather than eliminate risk of failure 
to achieve business objectives. They can only provide 
reasonable, and not absolute, assurance against material 
misstatement or loss.

The Board has established an ongoing process for 
identifying, evaluating and managing the Group’s 
principal risks. This process was in place throughout the 
2019/20 financial year and up to the date of this report. 
The process is reviewed by the Board and accords with 
the internal control guidance for directors in the Code. 
A report of the principal risks, together with the viability 
statement, can be found on pages 54 to 57.

 – Management is responsible for ensuring the appropriate 
maintenance of financial records and processes that 
ensure that financial information is relevant, reliable, 
in accordance with applicable laws and regulations 
and is distributed both internally and externally in 
a timely manner.

 – A review of the financial statements is completed by 

management to ensure that the financial position and 
results of the Group are appropriately reflected.

 – All financial information published by the Group is 

subject to the approval of the Audit Committee and 
the Board.

 – An annual review of internal controls is undertaken by 
the Board with the assistance of the Audit Committee. 

Assurance
 – The Audit Committee approves the audit programme 

which ensures that the significant areas of risk identified 
are monitored and reviewed. 

Risk analysis 
 – The Board identifies the principal risks of the Company 
on a regular basis and throughout the year it reviews 
the actions in place to mitigate the risks together with 
assurance and monitoring activity. The analysis covers 
business and operational risks, health and safety, 
financial, market, operational and reputational risks 
which the Company may face as well as specific areas 
identified in the business plan and budget process.

 – All major capital and revenue projects, together 

 – The programme and the results of the audits are 

regularly assessed during the year.

 – The Audit Committee reviews the major findings from 

both internal and external audits.

 – Internal audits are carried out under the control of the 
Director of Internal Audit. The reports are reviewed 
by the Audit Committee and, on a monthly basis, by 
the Executive Committee to ensure that the actions 
required to address issues identified are implemented.

with significant change programmes, include the 
consideration of the risks involved and an appropriate 
action plan.

 – The Director of Internal Audit reports annually to the 
Audit Committee on the effectiveness of operational 
and financial controls across the Group.

 – Deloitte LLP, the Company’s external auditor, reviews 
and reports on the significant issues identified in its 
audit report. 

 – An internal control evaluation process is overseen by 
the management team which assesses the level of 
compliance with the controls, policies and processes 
and the results are reviewed and tested on a sample 
basis by the internal audit team.

 – Post-completion reviews of major projects and 
investments are carried out and reported on to 
the Board.

Controls
 – The Company reviews and confirms its level of 
compliance with the Code on an annual basis.

 – The matters reserved to the Board require that 

major projects and programmes must have specific 
Board approval.

 – Limits of delegation and authority are prescribed to 

ensure that the appropriate approvals are obtained if 
Board authority is not required to ensure appropriate 
segregation of tasks.

 – Group financial policies, controls and procedures are 
in place and are regularly reviewed and updated. 

 – The Whitbread code of conduct, setting out required 
levels of ethics and behaviour, is communicated to 
employees and training is provided. An externally 
hosted whistleblowing system is also available.

 – The code of conduct makes reference to specific 

policies and procedures which have to be followed.

 – Employees are required to undertake tailored training 
on risk areas including IS security, data protection, 
anti-bribery and anti-trust law.

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20– Strategic reportGovernance– Financial statements– Other information70

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Audit Committee report

The Board has also confirmed that I, as Chairman of the 
Committee, have recent and relevant financial experience 
through my current appointment as chief financial 
officer of ITV plc and my previous appointments as chief 
financial officer of Micro Focus International plc and ARM 
Holdings plc, together with my past role as group finance 
director of easyJet plc. 

As part of the Company’s annual compliance with the 
Code, an evaluation was undertaken of the skills and 
experience of the Committee. In accordance with the 
Code, the Board has agreed that the Committee as 
a whole has the competencies relevant to the sector 
in which the Company operates. Through the external 
appointments that David Atkins, Susan Taylor Martin and 
Frank Fiskers have held, they bring a depth of financial 
and commercial experience that add to the strengths of 
the Committee.

I welcome the addition of Horst Baier to the Committee, 
whose broad international financial experience is a key 
addition to the Company, as we continue to focus on 
being a European hotel business.

5/5

4/5

5/5

5/5

1/1

Role and responsibilities of the Committee 
The Board has delegated specific responsibilities to 
the Committee in accordance with the Code. The key 
responsibilities of the Audit Committee are to:

 – monitor and review the integrity of the Group’s half-
year and full-year financial results, and the financial 
reporting process;

 –  monitor the statutory audit of the parent company 

and consolidated financial statements;

 – review the Group’s internal controls and risk 

management systems;

 – review and monitor the independence and 

effectiveness of the external auditor, in particular, 
the provision of additional services; 

 – monitor and review the effectiveness of the Group’s 

internal audit function; and 

 – have primary responsibility for the recommendations 

to the Board in relation to the external auditor.

To aid its review, the Committee considers reports from 
the Director of Financial Reporting & Control, the Tax 
Director, the Director of Internal Audit and also reports 
from the external auditor on the outcomes of its half-
year review and annual audit. The Committee looks for 
constructive challenge from Deloitte as external auditor.

The key areas of judgement and estimates considered 
by the Committee, in relation to the 2019/20 accounts 
and disclosed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial 
statements, were:

CHRIS KENNEDY
CHAIRMAN, AUDIT COMMITTEE

Membership of the Audit Committee and 
meeting attendance

Meetings attended  
and eligible to attend 

Name of director

Chris Kennedy (Chairman)

David Atkins1

Frank Fiskers

Susan Taylor Martin

Horst Baier

1  The one meeting David Atkins was unable to attend was an 
unscheduled Committee call.

The Committee met five times in 2019/20. Meetings were 
attended by all members of the Committee and, 
by invitation, the Chairman of the Board, the Chief 
Executive, the Finance Director, the Director of Internal 
Audit, the Director of Financial Reporting & Control 
and other relevant people from the business when 
appropriate. The external auditor, Deloitte LLP, is also 
invited to meetings except where discussion includes 
matters relating to its own independence, performance, 
reappointment, fees or audit tendering.

Composition of the Committee
In accordance with the UK Corporate Governance Code 
(the Code), the Board has confirmed that all members of 
the Committee are independent non-executive directors 
and have been appointed to the Committee based on 
their individual financial and commercial experience. 

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20 
71

Adjusting items
The Group has adopted a new alternative performance 
measure and has changed the presentation of the 
consolidated income statement. The Committee reviewed 
a management paper regarding the changes and 
approved the new alternative performance measure. 
The Committee challenged the appropriateness of the 
presentation of adjusting items, giving consideration to 
the nature and significance of each item classified as 
adjusting. The Committee concluded that the items met 
the criteria as defined by the accounting policy and that 
the policy had been applied consistently across years. 

Defined benefit pension
The Committee reviewed, considered and exercised 
judgement on the assumptions used to calculate the 
pension scheme assets and liabilities under IAS 19, to 
satisfy itself that appropriate consideration and balance 
had been given to all macroeconomic factors. The principal 
assumptions used and the sensitivities around them were 
considered and the consistency in approach from 2018/19 
to 2019/20 was assessed, concluding with the same 
estimates as reached by management.

Impairment testing – property, plant and equipment 
and right-of-use assets 
The Group’s impairment reviews require significant 
judgement in estimating the recoverable amount of 
its cash generating units. The Committee reviewed 
a paper outlining the approach taken to impairment 
reviews and the key assumptions and judgements used 
by management in performing the impairment review. 
The Committee challenged management’s approach, in 
particular the discount rates, growth rates and approach 
to sites which have not reached maturity. The Committee 
was satisfied that the Group has appropriately performed 
the impairment reviews, accounted for the impairments 
identified and that the related disclosures were appropriate. 

As part of the events after the reporting date 
procedures, the Committee reviewed and discussed the 
appropriateness of a number of additional scenarios 
presented in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. 
These sensitivities are disclosed in Note 34 around 
potential indicators of impairment which have developed 
in the period since the reporting date.

Going concern
The Committee considered the appropriateness of the 
going concern assessment and associated judgements 
around material uncertainties, reviewing the scenarios 
and mitigations, including funding options available to 
the Group as disclosed in Note 2.

Events after the reporting period

The Committee discussed the events and impacts on 
the financial statements for the period between the 
reporting date and the issue of the financial statements. 
As disclosed in Note 34 the Committee reviewed the 
conditions which existed at, or arose after the reporting 
period date and whether they are adjusting or non-
adjusting events. A key area of review was the impact 
of COVID-19 and the impact that this has had after the 
reporting date. 

IFRS 16
The Group implemented IFRS 16 Leases during the year 
using the fully retrospective method. The transition 
adjustment required judgement to determine the discount 
rate applied in calculating lease liabilities, specifically 
in assessing the Group’s Incremental Borrowing Rate 
(IBR). The Committee reviewed a management paper 
and challenged the judgement and estimates used in the 
calculation of the transition adjustment. In particular, the 
Committee focused on the risk free rates, the Group’s 
borrowing margin and lease specific adjustments and 
concurred with management that the discount rate 
applied by the Group was appropriate. 

Annual Report 2018/19
In late 2019 the Financial Reporting Council (FRC) 
submitted a request for further information on one aspect 
of the Group’s Annual Report and Accounts for the year 
ended 28 February 2019. Whitbread PLC responded 
fully to the matter raised in the point and as a result has 
restated the relevant sections of this years’ accounts to 
reflect this. The restatement impacted the balance sheet 
and other reserves reported in the 2019 Annual Report and 
Accounts as detailed in Note 33. The FRC’s enquiry did not 
result in any changes to reported profit, earnings per share 
or the cash flows reported in the 2019 financial year.

Fair, balanced and understandable
In order to confirm to the Board that the Annual Report 
and Accounts, taken as whole is fair, balanced and 
understandable, there has been a thorough verification 
and approval process using the Committee’s knowledge 
of the Company, as outlined below:

 – the Annual Report and Accounts is drafted 
by the appropriate senior management with 
overall coordination by the Secretariat team to 
ensure consistency;

 – comprehensive reviews of the drafts of the 

Annual Report and Accounts are undertaken by 
management, the Executive Committee and the 
Audit Committee Chairman;

 – a final draft is reviewed by the Audit Committee prior 
to consideration by a committee of the Board; and

 – formal approval of the Annual Report and Accounts 

is given by a committee of the Board. 

Internal control and risk management
The Audit Committee monitors the systems of 
risk management and internal control. In addition, 
the Committee completes an annual review of the 
effectiveness of these systems, assessing the risk 
management framework and policy, management’s risk 
assessment and review process, and the monitoring and 
reporting of risk. This review is completed in conjunction 
with an internal control effectiveness review from Internal 
Audit and Group Finance, and considers all material 
controls, including financial, operational and compliance 
controls. The system and processes were considered to 
be robust and no significant weaknesses were noted.

A robust assessment of the principal and emerging 
risks facing the Company was carried out by the Board, 
considering risk appetite, and each risk was assessed 
and the level of assurance required was determined. 

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20– Strategic reportGovernance– Financial statements– Other information72

AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT 
CONTINUED

The Committee has reviewed 
and discussed a number 
of additional scenarios 
presented in response to 
the COVID-19 pandemic

Further details of the principal risks identified and agreed 
by the Company can be found on pages 54 to 57.

‘Speaking Out’ facility
In accordance with the Code, the Committee has 
continued to review the Company’s whistleblowing 
function, known as ‘Speaking Out’. The system is 
operated by two external third-party providers, 
Hospitality Action in the UK and Navex Global 
internationally, and allows employees to report 
anonymously and in confidence. The Committee receives 
annual reports from the General Counsel and reviews the 
operation of this function and outcomes. The Committee 
is satisfied that there are appropriate arrangements in 
place for proportionate and independent investigations. 
Any significant issues or risks raised through this process 
are escalated to the Board, and the Board receives 
updates on the number and types of reports throughout 
the year from the General Counsel.

Internal audit
The internal audit function provides independent 
assurance through reviewing the risk management 
processes and internal controls established 
by management.

The Audit Committee monitors and reviews the scope, 
extent and effectiveness of Whitbread’s internal audit 
function. Regular presentations and updates are given 
to the Committee by the Director of Internal Audit 
and private discussions are held with the Director of 
Internal Audit as and when necessary. The Committee 
has approved the Group internal audit terms of 
reference, which sets out the role, accountability, 
authority, independence, and objectivity of the function. 
The Committee considers matters raised through audit 
reports and the adequacy of management’s response 
to them, including the time taken to resolve any such 
matters. The main focus areas for internal audit during the 
year included cyber security, financial controls in Premier 
Inn and Restaurants, and international operations.

The scope of activity of internal audit is monitored and 
reviewed at each Audit Committee meeting. An annual 
plan was agreed by the Committee in March 2020 which 
covers the activities to June 2021. The internal audit 
plan is determined based on the Audit Universe which 

sets out all auditable areas of the business and assigns 
each area a risk level and recommended audit frequency. 
The internal audit plan is aligned to the Group’s principal 
risks which are formally reviewed and agreed by the 
Executive Committee and Board on a biannual basis 
against a standard set of risk assessment criteria. The plan 
also considers areas of major change within the business, 
recurring themes from previous audit results and the 
views of management. Follow-up audits are also planned 
in areas where past audits highlighted significant risks to 
ensure remedial actions have been implemented and are 
working effectively to reduce Whitbread’s risk exposure. 

Areas highlighted for audit on the current plan include 
systems and processes to support Whitbread’s planned 
expansion in Germany, and an overall greater focus on 
Premier Inn and Restaurants’ operational and commercial 
risks including property construction, health and safety, 
and procurement. The in-house IT internal audit team 
provides assurance over Whitbread’s information 
systems, and delivers integrated IT audits, as well as 
coordinating assurance reviews to de-risk Whitbread’s 
ongoing major change projects.

External auditor
On behalf of the Board, the Committee oversees the 
relationship with the external auditor. Deloitte was 
appointed as the auditor of the Company in 2015, 
and reappointed at the 2019 annual general meeting. 
Nicola Mitchell, who has held the role of Audit Partner 
since the audit engagement began five years ago, is 
stepping down from her role in line with the FRC’s Ethical 
Standards. Following a thorough interview process by 
Nicholas Cadbury and Chris Kennedy, Katie Houldsworth 
has been appointed as Whitbread’s new Audit Partner 
going forward, and we look forward to working with her. 

Audit effectiveness 
The effectiveness of the external audit process is 
dependent on appropriate audit risk identification at the 
start of the audit cycle. We receive from Deloitte a detailed 
audit plan, identifying its assessment of these key risks.

These risks were reviewed and they, together with the work 
done by the auditor, were challenged to test management’s 
assumptions and estimates around these areas, as well 
as other areas reported upon. The effectiveness of the 
audit process was assessed in addressing these matters 
through the reporting we received from Deloitte at both 
the half-year and year-end. In addition, feedback was 
sought from the Committee, the Board and management 
on the effectiveness of the audit process and targeted and 
tailored questionnaires were completed. 

An assessment of the effectiveness of Deloitte in respect 
of the previous financial year was undertaken in July. 
Overall, it was noted that the audit was effective and 
that improvements had been made on the prior financial 
year; however, it was noted that there was still room for 
improvement in respect of the execution of the audit plan 
and the communication of changes to the plan.

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/2073

As part of our review process for this financial year, the 
Committee will be assessing the work of the year-end 
audit, once finalised, and an effectiveness review for this 
financial year will be undertaken and reported to the 
Audit Committee. 

The Committee confirms that the Company has complied 
with regard to the requirement of the provisions of the 
Statutory Audit Services for Large Companies Market 
Investigation (Mandatory Use of Competitive Tender 
Processes and Audit Committee Responsibilities) Order 
2014. The Group intends to put the external audit out to 
tender every ten years in the future, with the next tender 
expected to be in 2025.

Auditor independence
To safeguard the objectivity and independence of the 
external auditor, the Committee’s terms of reference 
set out the non-audit services that are permitted in 
certain circumstances and those not permitted at all. 
This prevents the auditor being able to provide certain 
services such as internal audits. 

For certain specified audit and audit-related services, the 
Group can employ the external auditor without reference 
to the Audit Committee, subject to a specified fee limit 
of up to £250,000. For the services permitted in certain 
circumstances, agreement must be sought from me, as 

Chairman of the Committee, where fees are less than 
the limit specified, or with full Audit Committee approval 
where fees are anticipated to be greater than £250,000. 
A tender process would be held where appropriate.

Total non-audit fees amounted to £0.1m consisting mainly 
of the interim review of the Group’s half-year financial 
results. Although this is considered to be a non-audit service, 
the objectives of the review are aligned with the audit. 

The Committee is aware of the revised FRC Ethical 
Standard issued in December 2019, effective March 2020, 
which move to strengthen auditor independence and 
further prevent conflicts of interest. To ensure we follow 
the new standards, we are in the process of updating our 
Audit Committee terms of reference to fall in line with the 
new guidelines. 

Following a review of the services provided by our 
external auditor, Deloitte LLP, we can confirm that it 
continues to be independent. 

Chris Kennedy  
Chairman, Audit Committee 
21 May 2020

MAIN ACTIVITIES DURING THE YEAR 

In 2019/20, the Audit Committee’s 
work covered internal controls, risk 
management, internal audit, external 
audit and financial reporting. 
The details of the matters discussed 
at Committee meetings are shown 
on the right. Through the year, the 
Committee has also covered the 
quality and integrity of accounting 
policies and practices.

March 2019

 – 2018/19 Annual Report 

and Accounts

 – 2018/19 external audit –  

approval of terms of engagement, 
controls update

 – Internal audit – approval of plan

 – Risk and controls – review of risk 
management process, approval 
of policy, update on financial 
control framework

 – Committee’s rolling agenda and 

terms of reference

 – Review of the previous year’s 

Speaking Out reports

April 2019

October 2019

 – 2018/19 Annual Report 

 – Review of the 2019/20 

and Accounts

interim results

 – 2018/19 Deloitte external 

audit report

 – Internal audit – 2019 report, 

review of the internal audit terms 
of reference

 – Non-audit services and fees

 – Compliance report

 – Risk and controls – review of 

statements on risk management

July 2019

 – Risk and controls – BART security, 
IS Strategy update, assessment of 
effectiveness of audit process

 – Compliance – treasury policy, 
compliance programme re tax

 – Alternate performance measures

 – External audit – approval of 
2019/20 external audit plan, 
presentation of half-year audit 
report, approval of terms 
of engagement

 – UK Corporate Governance Code 

2018 update

 – Risk and controls – litigation 
review, compliance report, 
controls update, BART 
security, review of Fijitsu 
relationship, Brexit readiness, 
political landscape

 – Review of Speaking Out reports

 – Internal audit – interim update 

from internal audit

 – Payment practices report

 – Internal audit review against 

January 2020

internal audit standards

 – Responsible sourcing update

 – Accounting for irrevocable share 

buyback commitment

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20– Strategic reportGovernance– Financial statements– Other information74

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Nomination Committee report

Responsibilities of the Committee 
The Committee has specific responsibilities on behalf 
of the Board and these are detailed below:

 –  to regularly review the structure, size and composition 
of the Board (including balance of skills, independence 
and diversity), and make recommendations to 
the Board;

 –  to consider succession planning for the Board and to 

determine the skills and experience required for future 
Board appointments;

 –  to identify and nominate, for the approval of the 

Board, candidates to fill Board vacancies as and when 
they arise;

 –  to evaluate the balance of skills, knowledge, experience 
and diversity required prior to making an appointment 
to the Board and, on the basis of this evaluation, to 
prepare a role description outlining the capabilities 
required for a particular appointment;

 –  to keep the leadership needs of the Company under 

review, both for executive and non-executive directors 
with a view to ensuring the continued ability of the 
Company to effectively compete;

 – keep up-to-date with strategic issues and commercial 
changes affecting the Company and the market in 
which it operates;

 –  to ensure that, on appointment to the Board, 

non-executive directors receive a formal letter of 
appointment setting out the time commitment in 
respect of the role;

 – to annually review the time required from non-executive 
directors and to ensure that a performance evaluation is 
undertaken to determine if non-executive directors are 
spending sufficient time to fulfil their duties;

 – for the appointment of a Chairman, to prepare a job 

description including the time commitment expected. 
A proposed Chairman’s other significant commitments 
should be disclosed to the Board before appointment 
and any changes reported to the Board as they arise; 
and

 –  review the results of the annual Board evaluation that 

relate to the composition of the Board.

Diversity and Inclusion
The Board believes that diversity in many forms is critical 
to the effectiveness of the Board and to the Company’s 
continued success, which is why we have made a 
commitment to put diversity at the core of our business 
agenda with an aim to become the most inclusive 
hospitality business.

Our Executive Committee are sponsors of Whitbread’s 
approach to diversity and inclusion across Whitbread. 

ADAM CROZIER
CHAIRMAN, NOMINATION COMMITTEE

Membership of the Nomination Committee  
and meeting attendance

Name of director

Adam Crozier (Chairman)

David Atkins

Richard Gillingwater

Frank Fiskers

Chris Kennedy

Deanna Oppenheimer

Susan Taylor Martin

Horst Baier

Meetings attended  
and eligible to attend 

3/3

3/3

3/3

3/3

3/3

3/3

3/3

1/1

Under normal circumstances, the Nomination Committee meets at least twice 
per year. However, given that all non-executive directors are now members 
of the Committee and that the three executive directors are eligible to attend 
by invitation, a number of issues that would normally have been dealt with at 
a Committee meeting were discussed instead at a full Board meeting. The table 
above includes Board meetings at which Nomination Committee issues 
were discussed.

This year we were pleased to welcome Horst Baier to 
the board as a new independent non-executive director 
and member of the Audit Committee. 

Role of the Committee
The role of the Nomination Committee is to review 
the Board composition and to plan for its refreshment 
as applicable. The Committee is also responsible for 
evaluating the directors on an annual basis, striving for 
a balance of skills, knowledge, independence, experience 
and diverse representation to allow for it to operate 
effectively, and ensuring there is no undue reliance on 
any one individual.

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20 
75

There is a Diversity and Inclusion strategy now in place, 
which was created in line with industry standards to 
ensure we are focusing on the right areas.

Listening to our teams
We are committed to deepen our understanding of what 
inclusion means to those who work at Whitbread, to 
ensure that everyone feels respected and represented. 
One initiative, alongside leading D&I consultancy Green 
Park, was to do some deep dive listening across all parts 
of the business around how inclusive we are, with a 
particular focus on ethnicity. Areas such as leadership, 
promotion and progression, and barriers were covered 
in confidential sessions that allowed team members from 
across the UK to express how Whitbread supported them 
to be themselves in the workplace. This feedback was 
then reported back to our Executive Committee, and 
helped form the Diversity and Inclusion strategy. 

Female representation
We are proud that women who work at Whitbread 
continue to be successful at all levels in our organisation, 
including senior levels where:

 – we have over 35% female representation in our 

Whitbread Leadership Forum (our top c100 roles);

 – we have a female CEO; and

 – we have over 64% female representation in our 

total workforce.

We reported in January 2020 a gender pay gap of 
13.23%, which is being driven by the majority male 
representation in our senior leadership team, and 
majority female representation in our customer-facing 
roles. You can find the full report on our website: 
www.whitbread.co.uk. 

To achieve our gender ambition, our focus will be on 
specific functions. We have followed the Hampton-
Alexander recommendation and are now achieving 
a 30% representation overall at senior leadership 
level. Our next action is to ensure that there is 30% 
female representation in every leadership team across 
the Company.

Ethnic representation 
We are at a much earlier stage of maturity in our thinking 
around ethnicity across the business. In operations, 
we often represent the communities that we are 
part of; however, at a leadership level we are not as 
representative as we aspire to be. Using our Diversity 
and Inclusion strategy, we will spend 2020 reviewing key 
areas of importance here such as inclusive resourcing, 
inclusion training for line managers and leaders, alongside 
collecting representation data, so that we can measure 
our progress.

Setting targets
Our internal targets are reflective of our ambition for 
inclusivity across all areas of diversity, but specifically 
focusing on gender and ethnicity targets, and our 
Executive Committee will have individual and collective 
accountabilities around Diversity and Inclusion, 
demonstrating our ongoing commitment to a healthy 
representation in our most senior roles.

Succession planning 
The Committee annually evaluates the balance of skills, 
experience, independence and knowledge on the Board, 
preparing a description of the role and capabilities 
required for a particular appointment. A matrix of the skills 
and competencies of the current Board is mapped against 
the skills and competencies the Committee believes will 
be required in the future. The process, which is also used 
when the Board is considering new appointments, along 
with the Board’s policies and objectives on Diversity 
and Inclusion, help the Committee succession plan and 
develop a diverse pipeline. Following the 2020 Board 
evaluation, one of the Committee’s focuses this year will 
be to consider the Board’s experience in relation to F&B 
and technology.

We use external search consultants to engage and 
identify a number of candidates, ensuring equal 
representation, aligned with the role and capabilities 
required for the appointment. For the appointment of 
Horst Baier in November 2019, we used Russell Reynolds 
Associates, an independent consultancy which has no 
other links to Whitbread or any directors. 

Once a new director has been appointed, they receive 
a tailored induction which helps introduce them to the 
business. After Horst joined in November 2019, he met with 
a variety of senior leaders across the business, and visited 
various Whitbread sites across the UK and Germany, 
including Premier Inns, Hub by Premier Inn and Bar+Block. 

Our approach to the annual  
re-election of directors
As required by the Code, all directors will be subject to 
re-election at the next annual general meeting (AGM). 
During the year, I completed the individual performance 
review of each non-executive director in respect of their 
contribution and time commitment to the Company. 
All directors are proposed for reappointment at this 
year’s AGM. 

Details setting out why each director is deemed to be 
suitable for reappointment, and how their contribution 
continues to be important to the company’s long-term 
success, will be included with the AGM papers circulated 
to all shareholders.

Adam Crozier 
Chairman, Nomination Committee 
21 May 2020 

MAIN ACTIVITIES DURING THE YEAR 

In 2019/20, the Committee’s main activities 
have included:

–  the appointment of Horst Baier;

–  Board succession planning;

–  the re-election of directors at the 2019 annual 

general meeting; and

–  a review of the Committee’s effectiveness and its 

terms of reference.

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20– Strategic reportGovernance– Financial statements– Other information76

REMUNERATION REPORT

Remuneration report

FRANK FISKERS
CHAIRMAN, REMUNERATION COMMITTEE

It has been a busy and interesting year for the 
Remuneration Committee, with a new directors’ 
remuneration policy together with the new Restricted 
Share Plan (RSP) being approved at a general meeting 
in December 2019, following an extensive consultation 
with investors.

At the beginning of 2020, I took over the Chair of 
the Remuneration Committee, succeeding Deanna 
Oppenheimer, who I am pleased to say remains a member 
of the Committee. I would like to thank Deanna both for 
the way in which she has led the Committee through 
the policy review and for her help and advice as she has 
handed the reins to me. 

I strongly believe in the alignment of interests between 
executives and stakeholders, with remuneration 
structures being directly linked to performance and being 
appropriate to incentivise the delivery of the Company’s 
strategy and to recruit and retain the right calibre of 
executive. I, and my colleagues on the Committee, have 
a determination to ensure that executives are properly 
rewarded for performance and not for failure.

COVID-19
I write this report as we are all in the midst of the 
COVID-19 pandemic and, as you will have read elsewhere 
in this Annual Report, it has had a significant impact 
on Whitbread’s business. I and my colleagues on the 
Committee have considered the potential implications 
of the current crisis and have taken a number of steps to 
ensure that our remuneration policies are implemented 
appropriately during this unprecedented period.

When assessing the most appropriate way to deal 
with executive remuneration during this crisis we have 
carefully considered how best to ensure that Whitbread 
is best positioned to rebuild shareholder value once 
the crisis subsides. The management team is highly 
regarded and has been sure-footed in its response so far. 
The Committee believes that retaining and motivating this 
management team is critical in preserving shareholder 
value and the continuity of the business for Whitbread’s 
teams and guests.

Of course, we recognise that everyone needs to play their 
part in sharing the current burden and we have carefully 
considered recent Investment Association guidance 
regarding executive remuneration in circumstances 
that companies, such as Whitbread, are unable to pay 
a dividend, should consider adjusting incentive outcomes. 

The Committee believes that the package of measures 
announced in early April, and summarised below, is an 
entirely appropriate and responsible approach and aligns 
with stakeholder interests.

Our view is that the 2019/20 incentive scheme related 
entirely to performance prior to the lockdown and closure 
of Whitbread’s businesses. It was properly earned and 
should be paid as usual, except that, as announced in 
April, the cash element will be settled in shares rather 
than cash. The executive directors have confirmed that 
they will retain these shares into the next calendar year 
as a minimum.

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/2077

For the 2020/21 incentive scheme, we had established 
targets prior to the COVID-19 lockdown coming into 
force in the UK and those targets had assumed a full 
year of unadjusted profit performance. As a result of the 
COVID-19 situation, profit performance will be impacted 
and therefore that element of the bonus plan, accounting 
for 50% of the scheme will not be payable in 2021. 
The Committee will remain close to the expectations 
of the Company’s shareholders when reviewing business 
performance in relation to the remaining targets and 
determining the appropriate FY2021 bonus outcomes.

The Committee is seeking to strike the right balance 
between retaining and motivating a high quality team 
to steer Whitbread through this crisis and emerge in 
a competitively advantaged position, with the need 
to act fairly across all stakeholder groups, including 
shareholders, management and employees. 

Accordingly, a summary of the key remuneration-related 
steps which we have taken is as follows:

 – the executive directors volunteering to take 
a temporary 30% reduction in base salary;

 – the Chairman, non-executive directors and the senior 
management team volunteering to take a temporary 
20% reduction in their base fees or base salaries;

 – all directors waiving their rights to the usual May 

pay review;

 – cash incentives under the 2019/20 Annual Incentive 

Scheme to be settled in shares, to be retained into the 
next calendar year as a minimum, to help protect the 
Company’s cash position, with the 2020/21 scheme 
being kept under review to ensure alignment with 
strategic imperatives;

 – no downwards adjustment to the pre-pandemic profit 

targets for the 2020/21 financial year; 

 – a commitment to reviewing the 2020 RSP awards to 

ensure that executives do not receive undue windfalls 
as a result of the low share price at the current time; and 

 – a commitment to review the RSP underpins to ensure that 
they remain appropriate once the current crisis subsides.

When taking these steps, the Committee closely 
considered how the pay of the wider Whitbread 
workforce has been impacted by the crisis. In particular, 
the Committee noted that all other Whitbread employees 
are currently receiving full pay, with Whitbread topping 
up the Government’s Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme 
to ensure that all furloughed staff are receiving one 
hundred per cent of their pay. This top up includes the 
Government determined pay increases for hourly paid 
team members in April 2020, even though Whitbread 
is not eligible to reclaim these increases under the job 
retention scheme.

In addition, following the closure of around 800 hotels 
across the UK, the Company has made 39 hotels 
(representing approximately 5,000 rooms), including the 
London Docklands Excel Premier Inn, available exclusively 
to key workers including NHS staff. All team members 
volunteering to work at the open hotels are receiving 
increased rates of pay.

We will continue to take any actions we believe are right 
in order to both protect the interests of shareholders 
and ensure that executives are appropriately incentivised 
to steer the Company through the present crisis and to 
deliver on the strategic priorities over the longer term.

The new policy
The main changes introduced in the new policy were to 
the Company’s long-term incentive arrangements, while 
we also took the opportunity to update the policy to take 
account of the new UK Corporate Governance Code.

We spent a number of months in discussion with our 
largest investors as well as with organisations such 
as Glass Lewis, the Investment Association and ISS. 
In advance of the shareholder vote, we spoke to around 
60% of our shareholder base, on occasions several times, 
and I took part in a number of these calls myself as 
I transitioned into the role of Chairman of the Committee. 
I would like to thank all those that took part for their time 
in helping us shape the new policy.

The feedback on our proposals was varied, with different 
investors having different and sometimes opposing ideas 
about how we should proceed. Some shareholders simply 
do not like restricted share plans whereas others support 
them, some shareholders felt that the quantum proposed 
was either too high or too low, and others felt that there 
should be stronger performance conditions attached to 
the scheme. The Committee felt that the share scheme 
proposed was the most appropriate structure for our 
strategic context but we fully appreciated that, whichever 
course we chose, we would not receive universal support 
for the new policy.

The new policy proposed included the replacement of the 
Long Term Incentive Plan with a new Restricted Share Plan 
alongside new post-cessation shareholding requirements, 
plans to reduce the pension contributions for the executive 
directors and some strengthening of the malus and 
clawback provisions for the incentive schemes.

The new policy, and the new share scheme, were approved 
by shareholders with around 70% support. We would have 
preferred a higher level of support for the plan, but given 
the range of views on the scheme we proposed, this level 
of support was in line with the Committee’s expectation. 
Since then, the Chairman has undertaken a round of 
meetings with major shareholders, to understand any residual 
concerns, which have been fed back to the Committee and 
to the Board. No changes are being proposed as a result.

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20– Strategic reportGovernance– Financial statements– Other information78

REMUNERATION REPORT  
CONTINUED

The RSP
Many of you will already have read the rationale for the 
new Restricted Share Plan in the documentation for the 
December general meeting, but for those that may not 
have done, I wanted to briefly repeat it here.

When reviewing Whitbread’s remuneration structure 
following the sale of Costa, the Committee concluded 
that the RSP was the best structure to create long-
term alignment with the interests of shareholders, and 
to incentivise management to make decisions for the 
long-term benefit of Whitbread, maintaining focus 
through any short-term uncertainty and trading volatility.

Rewards linked to performance
Whitbread produced a resilient financial performance 
during the year in challenging market conditions. 
Profit before tax was down 8.2% to £358 million and 
UK return on capital declining 210bps to 11.2%, due to 
weaker UK market conditions and sector-wide inflation. 

From a strategic perspective, Whitbread successfully 
completed the acquisition of Foremost Hospitality 
Group in Germany and achieved its target to generate 
£150 million of efficiency savings two years earlier than 
initially planned. It was also a positive year for key team 
and customer measures.

The hotel sector is inherently cyclical and Whitbread is 
consistently investing through the cycle in the UK and 
Germany for the long term. The RSP is the most appropriate 
structure for this cyclicality and provides consistent long-
term remuneration for our management team, which 
directly aligns them to shareholder returns and interests.

Given the different time horizons within our strategy with 
regard to growth in Germany and the UK, and against the 
backdrop of economic uncertainty and sector cyclicality, 
establishing a set of realistic, robust and stretching long-
term financial targets as part of a single long-term incentive 
plan would be very challenging, without the vesting 
outcome being likely to be either very high or very low.

The RSP has underpinning conditions and aligns directly 
with long-term value creation rather than focusing on 
specific targets, at a time when management needs to 
balance investment and growth. We therefore believe that the 
RSP is the most appropriate way of aligning the remuneration 
for management with the interests of shareholders. 

To avoid the possibility of any payment for failure, the RSP 
performance underpins, if not met, can cause awards under 
the RSP to lapse in full. The underpins have been designed 
to protect shareholders’ interests whilst recognising that 
Whitbread will continue to invest significant sums of capital 
in the business, in order to deliver on its clear strategy 
for growth. For the RSP awards to be made in 2020, the 
Committee will, at some stage, review the underpins in 
the light of the impact of COVID-19 on the business to 
ensure that they are appropriate and will disclose full details 
of any decisions made.

As a result of this performance, the executive directors will 
receive payouts under the Annual Incentive Scheme of 
between 55.4% and 56.6% of maximum. In addition, the 2017 
LTIP has vested at 36.0% of maximum. More details of how 
these payouts were achieved can be found later in this report.

The Committee believes that these levels of payout are 
appropriate in the context of the Company’s performance 
and the challenging environment in which it has been 
operating and no discretion was exercised.

The year ahead 
The first priority for the Committee in the year ahead is 
get through this current period and to help management 
and colleagues to navigate this unprecedented time. 
Once the COVID-19 crisis abates, we will continue to 
focus on implementing the newly approved policy in 
a way that incentivises the executive team to deliver 
on the Company’s strategic priorities.

A broader view
In line with the new Corporate Governance Code, a focus 
for the Committee in the year ahead is to ensure that we 
further develop our understanding of the views of the 
wider Whitbread team on executive remuneration and 
on remuneration structures across the Company. We had 
a good discussion about this at the full Board meeting in 
November 2019 and, more recently, at the Remuneration 
Committee meeting in March this year. We have plans in 
place to take this forward and will report on our progress 
this time next year.

Frank Fiskers 
Chairman, Remuneration Committee 
21 May 2020

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/2079

2019/20 remuneration  
linkage to strategy

Key

AIS   Annual Incentive  

Scheme

ISO   Individual 

Strategic Objective

IW   Incentivised 

WINcard measure

P   Profit  

measure

LT 
IP

  Long Term 
Incentive Plan

Innovate and grow in our core UK businesses

Winning Teams

AIS   ISO

AIS   ISO

 – Premier Inn room growth

 – Effective workforce planning

AIS   IW

AIS   ISO

 – Operational team retention

 – Succession planning

Focus on our strengths to grow internationally

Customer Heartbeat

AIS   ISO

 – Increase German hotel pipeline

AIS   IW

AIS   IW

AIS   IW

AIS   IW

 – Premier Inn consumer share

 – Restaurants net recommend

 – Premier Inn net loyalty

 – Like-for-like food and beverage covers

Enhance the capability to support  
long-term growth

AIS   IW

AIS   ISO

AIS   ISO

 – Delivery of cost savings

 – Optimisation of UK estate

 – Implementation of new organisation-wide 

operating model

Profitable Growth

AIS   P

 – Group profit

AIS   IW

 – Delivery of cost savings

LT 
IP

LT 
IP

 – EPS growth

 – Return on capital

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20– Strategic reportGovernance– Financial statements– Other information80

REMUNERATION REPORT

Remuneration at a glance

Business performance

Financial measures £358m

193.6p

11.2%

Adjusted profit before tax1

Adjusted basic EPS1

UK return on capital1

Total shareholder return

500

400

300

200

100

The chart looks at the value 
over ten years of £100 
invested in Whitbread PLC 
on 4 March 2010 compared, 
on a consistent basis, with 
that of £100 invested in 
the FTSE 100 index based 
on 30 trading day average 
values. The FTSE 100 
has been selected by the 
Committee as an appropriate 
comparator group due to 
Whitbread’s position within 
the FTSE.

0

04 March
2010

03 March
2011

01 March
2012

28 February
2013

27 February
2014

26 February
2015

03 March
2016

02 March
2017

01 March
2018

28 February
2019

27 February
2020

Whitbread PLC

FTSE 100 Index

Team and customer measures

Operational 
team retention

Premier Inn net loyalty

Restaurants total 
net recommend

Like-for-like food and 
beverage covers

Premier Inn 
consumer share

Operational team retention measures 
the proportion of employed team 
members retained over a three-
month period reported throughout 
the financial year. The customer 
measures for Premier Inn net 
loyalty and Restaurants total net 
recommend are all on a net basis, 
with negative scores subtracted 
from positive scores.

For Premier Inn this is based 
on the YouGov BrandIndex and 
for Restaurants this is based on 
customer surveys.

The health and safety measure 
is based on the proportion of sites 
passing independent audits.

  A green WINcard score is 
typically achieved where 
the performance is better 
than both previous year 
and target.

  An amber score typically 
is for performance which 
is better than the prior 
year, but below target.

  A red score usually 
signifies that 
performance is worse 
than the prior year and 
worse than target.

1  See glossary on page 202 for definitions of APMs.

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/2081

Performance outcomes

Annual incentive Scheme  
(% of maximum for Chief Executive)

Long Term Incentive Plan 
(% of awards vesting)

56.7%

2019/20

2018/19

2017/18

2016/17

56.7%

54.8%

64.1%

49.8%

36.0%

2019/20

36.0%

2018/19

0%

2017/18

2016/17

38.3%

76.5%

Remuneration outcomes 
Total remuneration (£’000)

Share ownership

Alison Brittain
Chief Executive

2,636

Nicholas Cadbury
Group Finance Director

1,609

Louise Smalley
Group HR Director

1,064

2019/20

2018/19

2017/18

2016/17

2019/20

2018/19

2017/18

2016/17

2019/20

2018/19

2017/18

2016/17

2,636

2,371

2,509

1,609

1,455

1,487

1,064

967

988

Shares

34,638

% of salary

513

5,588

Vested, but unexercised,  
share awards

Meeting requirement1

121,583

Shares

7,795

% of salary

314

3,482

Vested, but unexercised,  
share awards

Meeting requirement1

71,889

Shares

23,707

% of salary

578

2,303

Vested, but unexercised,  
share awards

Meeting requirement1

47,587

1  See glossary on page 202 for definitions of APMs.

1  Details of shareholding requirements can be found on page 95. 

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20– Strategic reportGovernance– Financial statements– Other information 
82

REMUNERATION REPORT

Remuneration policy

The new remuneration policy was approved by shareholders at a general meeting in December 2019 and can be found 
on the Company’s website at www.whitbread.co.uk. A summary of the directors’ remuneration policy is set out below.

Policy table 

Element

Base  
salary

Purpose and  
link to strategy
 – Base salaries are set to 
be sufficient to attract 
and retain the calibre 
of executive talent 
needed to support the 
long-term interests 
of the business.

Operation
Salaries are reviewed 
annually taking 
account of:
 –  the salary review across 

the Group;

 –  trading circumstances;
 –  personal performance, 

including against 
agreed objectives; and

 –  market data for an 

appropriate comparator 
group of companies.

Benefits

 – Benefits are intended 

 – Executive directors 

to be competitive in the 
market so as to assist 
the recruitment and 
retention of executive 
directors.

are entitled to benefits 
relating to a car or 
car allowance and 
healthcare or personal 
insurance.
 – In exceptional 

circumstances, such 
as the relocation 
of a director, or for 
a new hire, additional 
benefits may be 
provided in the form of 
a relocation allowance 
and benefits including 
tax equalisation, 
reimbursement of 
expenses for temporary 
accommodation, 
travel and legal and/or 
financial assistance.

Performance metrics
None.

None.

Maximum potential value
 –  Annual salary increases 
would normally be in 
line with the average 
increases for employees 
in other appropriate parts 
of the Group.

 –  On occasion, increases 

may be larger where the 
Committee considers 
this to be necessary. 
Circumstances where this 
may apply include growth 
into a role, to reflect 
a change in scope of 
role and responsibilities, 
where market conditions 
indicate a level of under-
competitiveness and 
where the Committee 
judges that there is a risk 
in relation to attracting 
or retaining executive 
directors.

 –  Where the Committee 

awards increases above 
the average for other 
employees, it will do so in 
accordance with policies 
applying across the 
Group and the resulting 
salary will not exceed the 
competitive market range.

 – We do not anticipate that 
the maximum payable 
would exceed 10% of 
salary. However, the 
Committee may provide 
benefits above this level 
in certain situations where 
it deems it necessary. This 
may include, for example, 
the appointment of 
a director based overseas 
or a significant increase 
in the cost of the benefits.

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/2083

Element

Annual 
Incentive 
Scheme 
(AIS)

Purpose and  
link to strategy
 –  To provide a direct 

link between annual 
performance 
and reward.

 –  To incentivise the 
achievement of 
outstanding results 
across appropriate key 
stakeholder measures.

 –  To align with the 

long-term interests 
of shareholders and 
help participants build 
a significant stake 
in the business over 
time, by awarding 
a material part of the 
annual incentive in 
deferred equity.

Operation
 –  Targets for measures 
set at the beginning 
of the financial year.

 –  Cash awards paid 

following the end of the 
financial year.

 –  Deferred share awards 
normally vest after 
three years, subject to 
continued employment.
 –  Malus provisions apply 
to unvested deferred 
shares and clawback 
provisions apply to 
cash awards.

Maximum potential value
 –  Up to 200% of base salary 
(up to 50% of maximum 
paid in cash and the 
remainder is paid in 
deferred share awards).
 –  The maximum bonus for 
2020/21 for the current 
executive directors will be 
170% of base salary. Any 
increase beyond this level 
in future years will only 
be applied in exceptional 
circumstances and will 
be at the discretion of 
the Committee.

Performance metrics
 –  Awards are payable based 

on a mix of underlying profit 
performance, business 
performance measures 
and growth objectives. 
Performance measures 
under each area are 
determined annually and 
the Committee is able to 
adjust the weighting of the 
areas annually based on 
prevailing business needs. 
However, the underlying 
profit performance will 
represent no less than 
50% of the total award at 
any time. Other measures 
will be objective and, 
when possible, externally 
benchmarked leading 
indicators of future financial 
performance will be used. 
Normally around 25% of the 
maximum incentive is paid 
for threshold performance, 
with around 50% paid for on 
target performance and the 
full incentive payment being 
paid for delivering stretch 
performance. These vesting 
levels may vary from year 
to year.

 –  The Committee may at 
its discretion adjust the 
outcome under the formulaic 
measures where it considers 
it is appropriate to do so 
to better reflect overall 
Company performance.

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20– Strategic reportGovernance– Financial statements– Other information84

REMUNERATION POLICY 
CONTINUED

Element

Restricted 
Share Plan 
(RSP)

Purpose and  
link to strategy
 – To enable the growth 
strategy in both the 
UK and Germany, 
which requires 
different strategies 
and approaches.
 – To promote long-

term value creation 
rather than focusing 
on specific targets 
at a time when the 
executive directors 
need to balance 
investment and growth.

 – To retain executive 

directors throughout an 
important time for the 
business to deliver the 
growth strategy.

Maximum potential value
 – Annual awards to 

a maximum of 125% of 
base salary in respect 
of each financial year.
 – The normal maximum 
grant for 2020/21 for 
the current executive 
directors will be 125% of 
base salary for the CEO 
and 110% of base salary 
for the FD and HRD. 
Any increase beyond 
this level for the FD 
and HRD will only be 
applied in exceptional 
circumstances and will 
be at the discretion 
of the Committee.

Operation
 – The first grant will be 
made in Whitbread’s 
2020/21 financial year.

 – Awards normally 

vest after a period of 
at least three years, 
subject to one or more 
performance underpins 
and continued 
employment.

 – After vesting there will 

be an additional holding 
period during which 
vested shares cannot 
be sold, such that the 
combined underpin 
measurement period 
and holding period is 
at least five years.
 – Subject to clawback 
and malus provisions 
as set out below.

 – Dividend equivalents 
may be provided on 
vested awards during 
a holding period.

Performance metrics
 – Vesting will be subject to 
two or more performance 
underpins, which will be 
disclosed at or around 
the time of grant in the 
DRR. Where there are two 
underpins, if one of the 
underpins is not met, then 
up to 50% of the award will 
lapse. If both underpins are 
not met, then up to 100% of 
the award will lapse, subject 
to the overall discretion 
set out in the full policy.

 – For the first grant the 

underpins are intended to 
be based on the Company’s 
average lease-adjusted 
net debt to funds from 
operations leverage ratios 
and the Company’s average 
return on capital employed 
for the UK business over the 
three-year period to the end 
of the 2022/23 financial year.

 – The Committee may vary 

the underpins in future years 
in order to align with the 
Company’s strategy, but 
will always include objective 
financial metrics, which will 
be disclosed prospectively 
at or around the time of 
grant, in the DRR.

 – It is anticipated that all 

performance underpins 
applicable to awards will be 
equally weighted, although 
the Committee retains the 
discretion to adjust the 
weighting of any underpins 
in future years.

 – In addition, the Committee 
will have general discretion 
to determine the most 
appropriate vesting levels 
if it believes this will better 
reflect the underlying 
financial performance of the 
Company over the period 
and such other factors as 
it may determine.

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/2085

Element

Sharesave 
scheme

Purpose and  
link to strategy
 – To encourage long-

term shareholding in 
the Company.

Maximum potential value

Performance metrics

Consistent with prevailing 
HMRC limits, currently 
savings limited to £500 
per month.

None.

Operation
 – Annual invitation to all 
employees, including 
the executive directors.
 – Option price calculated 

by reference to 
the market price 
discounted by 20% 
on the invitation date.

 – Options granted 

subject to participant 
agreeing to save over 
a three- and/or five-
year period.

Pension

 – Pension benefits 
are provided in 
order to offer 
a market competitive 
remuneration package 
that is sufficient to 
attract and retain 
executive talent.

 – Executive directors are 
entitled to participate 
in the Company’s 
pension scheme 
(or other pension 
arrangements relevant 
to their location if 
based overseas).

 – Defined contribution 

scheme.

 – Can elect for cash 
in lieu of pension 
contributions.

 – 25% of base salary 

None.

(maximum of 10% for 
new joiners although 
the actual level will be 
determined based on all 
relevant factors at the 
time of appointment, 
including having 
regard to the pension 
contribution rates 
available to the majority 
of the workforce).
 – Contribution rates of 
incumbent executive 
directors will phase down 
to 15% of base salary over 
three financial years, with 
the first reduction in May 
2020 to 21.5%. At the end 
of the three-year policy 
period, the Committee 
will review the pension 
levels further.

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20– Strategic reportGovernance– Financial statements– Other information86

REMUNERATION POLICY 
CONTINUED

Purpose and  
link to strategy
 – To attract and retain 
a Chairman and non-
executive directors 
of the highest calibre.

Element

Chairman 
and non-
executive 
director 
fees

Performance metrics

None.

Maximum potential value
 – The fees are reviewed 
annually by the Board 
(excluding the non-
executive directors), 
taking into account 
a range of factors 
including the time 
commitment required 
of the directors, the 
responsibilities of the 
role and the fees paid by 
other similar companies.

Operation
 – The Chairman receives 
an annual fee and the 
non-executive directors 
receive a base fee, 
with additional fees for 
acting as the Senior 
Independent Director 
or for chairing, or 
being a member of, the 
Audit or Remuneration 
Committees or any 
other Board committee 
as may be constituted 
from time to time.
 – The Chairman and 

non-executive directors 
are entitled to claim all 
reasonable expenses, 
and the Company 
may settle any tax 
incurred, but do not 
receive any other fees 
or remuneration in 
connection with their 
roles at Whitbread.

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/2087

Executive directors – potential value of 2020/21 package

Alison Brittain

Below threshold

On target

Maximum

Maximum, with 50%
share price growth

Nicholas Cadbury

Below threshold

On target

Maximum

Maximum, with 50%
share price growth

Louise Smalley

83%

31%

24%

21%

17%

6%

5%

4%

13%

13%

37%

20%

18%

20%

18%

30%

39%

£0

£500,000

£1,000,000

£1,500,000

£2,000,000

£2,500,000

£3,000,000

£3,500,000

£4,000,000

£4,500,000

£5,000,000

Salary and benefits

Pension

Cash incentive payment

Deferred shares

RSP

83%

32%

26%

23%

17%

7%

13%

13%

34%

5%

5%

21%

18%

21%

18%

27%

36%

£0

£500,000

£1,000,000

£1,500,000

£2,000,000

£2,500,000

£3,000,000

£3,500,000

£4,000,000

£4,500,000

£5,000,000

Salary and benefits

Pension

Cash incentive payment

Deferred shares

RSP

Below threshold

83%

17%

On target

33%

7%

13% 13%

34%

Maximum

26%

5%

21%

Maximum, with 50%
share price growth

23%

5%

18%

21%

18%

27%

36%

£0

£500,000

£1,000,000

£1,500,000

£2,000,000

£2,500,000

£3,000,000

£3,500,000

£4,000,000

£4,500,000

£5,000,000

Salary and benefits

Pension

Cash incentive payment

Deferred shares

RSP

The below sets out the assumptions used in the above scenario charts:  

Below threshold
 – Only the fixed pay elements are 

On target
 – Fixed pay elements plus target annual 

received (base salary and pension).

bonus and RSP.

 – Benefits are included at the value in the 
2019/20 single figure table and pension 
is calculated as 21.5% of each director’s 
base salary.

 – Base salaries of the three directors are 
£877,000, £596,000 and £394,000 
for the Chief Executive, Group Finance 
Director and Group HR Director 
respectively – the temporary reductions 
in base salary due to the COVID-19 
pandemic have not been taken into 
account in the illustrations above.

 – On target pay for the annual incentive 
award has been included at 50% of the 
maximum award (170% of salary for 
each Director).

 – On target pay for the RSP has been 
included at 100% of the 2020/21 
maximum award (125% of salary for 
the CEO and 110% of salary for the 
FD and HRD).

Maximum
 –  Fixed pay elements plus maximum 
annual incentive award and RSP, 
with values as set out to the left.
 – An additional scenario sets out the 
value of the RSP assuming a 50% 
increase in share price between grant 
and vesting.

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20– Strategic reportGovernance– Financial statements– Other information88

REMUNERATION REPORT

Annual report 
on remuneration

Remuneration Committee – membership

Name of director
Frank Fiskers (Chairman)1
David Atkins 2

Adam Crozier

Richard Gillingwater

Deanna Oppenheimer

Meetings 
attended 
and eligible 
to attend 

4/5

7/8

8/8

8/8

8/8

1  Frank Fiskers joined the Committee in June 2019, and became Chairman of the 
Committee in January 2020 when he succeeded Deanna Oppenheimer who 
stepped down as Chair on that date but remains a member of the Committee. 
Prior to becoming Chairman of the Committee he missed one meeting, 
which was scheduled at short notice and conflicted with a pre-arranged 
meeting elsewhere.

2  David Atkins missed one meeting, which was scheduled at short notice and 

conflicted with a pre-arranged meeting elsewhere.

Remuneration Committee – responsibilities
 – Set the broad policy for the remuneration of the 

Chairman and members of the Executive Committee, 
including the executive directors.

 – Within the terms of the agreed policy, determine 

the total individual remuneration package (including 
incentive payments, share awards and other benefits) 
of the Chairman and each executive director.

 – Monitor the structure and level of remuneration 

of Executive Committee members.

 – Approve the design of, and determine the targets for, 

executive incentive schemes.

 – Approve awards to be made to executive directors 

and other senior executives under incentive schemes.

 – Ensure that contractual terms on termination, and 

any payments made, are fair to the individual and the 
Company, that failure is not rewarded and that the duty 
to mitigate loss is fully recognised.

 – Review the alignment of incentives with the Company’s 

wider culture.

 – Obtain ideas and concerns from the wider workforce 

about reward and take into account workforce 
remuneration across the Company and externally when 
setting remuneration policy for the executive directors.

In carrying out its duties the Committee has taken into 
account the principles outlined in the UK Corporate 
Governance Code 2018. The Committee believes that 
the Company’s remuneration structures are aligned to 
the Company’s culture and values, with key elements 
of the annual incentive arrangements being linked to 
the Customer Heartbeat model as shown on page 17. 
Furthermore, the Company’s remuneration structures 
are simple and clear, with executive directors receiving 
base salary, an annual incentive linked and a long-term 
incentive under the new RSP.

Risk is managed, with both the Annual Incentive 
Scheme and the RSP being subject to malus and 
clawback provisions. In addition a poor health and safety 
performance would lead to a reduced payout under the 
Annual Incentive Scheme and the underpins under the 
RSP provide protection against any payment for failure.

Outcomes are predictable to the extent that the 
Company achieves its targets over any given 
performance period and the charts displayed on 
page 87 outline the range of possible outcomes.

A significant proportion of an executive’s total reward 
is linked to performance, with much of the reward 
achieved being deferred. This helps to align the 
interests of executives to investors.

Remuneration Committee – advisers
Internal advisers
Chris Vaughan – General Counsel and Secretary to 
the Committee
Ruth Hutchison – Reward, Policy and Insight Director

External advisers
PwC, one of the founding members of the Remuneration 
Consultants Code of Conduct, was appointed 
remuneration consultant by the Committee with effect 
from September 2017 following a rigorous tender 
process and adheres to this code in its dealings with the 
Committee. PwC also provides international tax advice 
to the Group. Fees paid to PwC in respect of advice 
received by the Committee amounted to £195,900. 
These fees were charged on a time and material basis. 

The Committee is satisfied that the advice received 
is independent and objective. The Committee is 
comfortable that the PwC engagement partner and team 
that provide remuneration advice to the Committee do 
not have connections with the Company that may impair 
their independence.

Remuneration Committee agenda – 2019/20
 – Approval of Annual Incentive Scheme and targets 

for 2019/20.

 – Approval of awards of cash and deferred shares to 

executive directors under the Annual Incentive Scheme.

 – Executive directors’ salary review.

 – Confirmation of the vesting percentage for the 

LTIP awards made in 2016 and due to vest in 2019.

 – Confirmation of vesting percentage for the 

PSP awards made in 2018. 

 – Approval of the 2019 remuneration report.

 – Remuneration policy review.

 – Introduction of the Restricted Share Plan.

 – Committee effectiveness evaluation.

 – Review of the terms of reference.

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/2089

Single total figure of remuneration – executive directors (audited information)

Base salary

Benefits

Annual 
Incentive 
Scheme

LTIP

PSP

Pension

Total

Director

Alison Brittain

Nicholas Cadbury

Louise Smalley

19/20
£’000

18/19
£’000

19/20
£’000

18/19
£’000

19/20
£’000

18/19
£’000

19/20
£’000

18/19
£’000

19/20
£’000

18/19
£’000

19/20
£’000

18/19
£’000

19/20
£’000

18/19
£’000

871

592

391

838

569

376

21

21

18

22

21

19

830

558

365

772

521

341

696

295

195

–

–

–

– 3,747

– 2,233

–

1,476

218

143

95

209

2,636 5,588

138

91

1,609 3,482

1,064 2,303

Details of each of the elements included in the table above are as follows:

Base salary
Annual salary increases across the Group are effective from 1 May each year. The base salary numbers shown in the 
table therefore include two months’ pay based on the director’s salary from 1 May 2018 and ten months’ pay based 
on the director’s salary from 1 May 2019.

Benefits
The benefits received by each executive director include family private healthcare and a cash allowance in lieu 
of a company car.

Annual Incentive Scheme
The Annual Incentive Scheme payments shown above include both a payment, which would under normal 
circumstances be paid in cash, representing 50% of the total award and deferred shares, also representing 50% of the 
total award, to be issued in June 2020. Due to the current circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Committee 
has decided that instead of making the cash payment, the Company will issue shares to the value of the net cash 
award based on the market value on the payment date. These shares will be issued in June 2020. The awards were 
calculated as described below. 

Awards based on profit measure (50% of total award – maximum 83.5% of salary) 

Target

£415.1m

Max

£456.6m

Threshold

£389.6m (93.85% of target)

£373.6m

Director

Alison Brittain
2018/19

Nicholas Cadbury
2018/19

Louise Smalley
2018/19

Total % of salary 

18.13
37.97

18.13
37.97

18.13
37.97

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20– Strategic reportGovernance– Financial statements– Other information90

ANNUAL REPORT ON REMUNERATION  
CONTINUED

Awards based on WINcard and efficiency targets (30% of total award)
The incentivised WINcard targets and efficiency for 2019/20, together with the results, are shown below. Only half 
of the maximum reward was payable based on a green WINcard result, with higher rewards available for stretch 
or excel performance above target. 

WINcard measure

Operational team retention

Premier Inn net loyalty

Restaurants total guest net promoter score

Like-for-like food and beverage covers

Premier Inn consumer share

Total WINcard

Green
target

Result

Performance

86.93%

87.24%

Stretch 

72.00

55.61

-1.6%

77.9%

73.10

58.30

-2.2%

76.3%

Excel 

Excel 

Efficiency target

£40.0m

£85.9m

Achieved

Total 2019/20

Maximum 
opportunity
% of salary

Outcome
% of salary

8.25

2.06

2.06

2.06

2.06

16.50

33.25

49.75

6.19

2.06

2.06

0.52

0.52

11.34

33.25

44.59

More information on how these measures are calculated can be found on page 78. As a result, the awards to be made 
based on WINcard and efficiency measures are as follows:

Director

Alison Brittain
2018/19

Nicholas Cadbury
2018/19

Louise Smalley
2018/19

Total % of salary 

44.59
13.50

44.59
13.50

44.59
13.50

Awards based on strategic growth objectives (20% of total award)
Each of the executive directors had strategic growth objectives and 20% of the maximum incentive opportunity would 
be linked to performance against these objectives. A summary of each of the executive directors’ objectives, together 
with the incentive outcomes, is shown in the table below.

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/2091

Strategic growth objectives 2019/20 – outcomes

Alison Brittain, Chief Executive

Objectives

UK growth

Measures
UK rooms growth

Premier Inn Plus rooms to be opened

Complete Phase 2 of Perfect Portfolio Planning and 
create value from the portfolio through lease re-gears 
and tenure activity

Segmentation (including valuation) of the asset base

Actual outcome
Rooms opened: 2,906

Premier Plus rooms and business floors trialled, 
and Premier Plus rooms rolled out to a further 
500 rooms in 25+ sites

Completed and network plan signed off at 
November strategy day

Action plan agreed at June Board meeting. 
Property portfolio segments and financial 
analysis and valuation completed

Preparation of workplan and timings for property 
strategy delivery

Action plan agreed in June Board meeting and all 
actions on schedule

Innovation – develop ‘Executive rooms’ concept for 
live trial

Achieved

Continue the separation and delivery of key 
infrastructure for Costa

Costa separation completed significantly ahead 
of time and well within budget

Manage the TSAs effectively

TSA managed effectively

German  
growth

Prepare for successful integration and opening of 
13 hotels following Foremost Hospitality acquisition

Prepared for completion end Feb 2020 with 
room growth target achieved

International openings

Opened two Munich hotels and Hamburg in year. 
Also opened two new hotels in UAE

Open at least two new organic hotels in Germany

Achieved

Add further hotels to Germany committed pipeline 
to achieve Business Plan within Corporate Finance 
framework

Evaluate priority acquisition options

Total outcome

Nicholas Cadbury, Finance Director

Added 15 new sites in Germany

Completed purchase of Acom Hotels (two open 
and one pipeline hotel)

Achieved 96.15% of maximum = 31.97% of salary

Objectives

Optimise the 
UK estate

Measures
UK rooms growth

Premier Inn Plus rooms to be opened

Actual outcome
Rooms opened: 2,906

On target by year-end 

Churn strategy agreed and action plan in progress 
for 30 low performing sites in the UK

Completed and network plan signed off at 
November strategy day

Segmental analysis of estate for value creation finalised

Completed

Preparation of workplan and timings for property 
strategy delivery

Action plan agreed in June Board meeting and all 
actions on schedule

Continue the separation and delivery of key 
infrastructure for Costa

Manage the TSAs effectively

ZIP performance evaluated

Open new rooms in Germany

Network plan for 20 cities in Germany

Efficient and effective equity acquisition process 
in place

Achieved ahead of plan

TSA managed effectively

Agreed to defer

Achieved

Completed

Completed

German  
growth

Finance processes and finance systems to enable 2020 
scale

Finance project rated green so far

Appropriate tax structure for growth defined

Done

Integrated PAR/PIR/network planning processes 
with UK

In progress, due to be complete by March

Total outcome

Achieved 92.86% of maximum = 30.88% of salary

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓
✓

✓

✓
✓

✓

✓
✓

✓

✓
✗
✓
✓
✓

✓

✓
✓

Achievement 
per outcome
✓
✓

Achievement 
per outcome
✓
✓
✓

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20– Strategic reportGovernance– Financial statements– Other information92

ANNUAL REPORT ON REMUNERATION  
CONTINUED

Louise Smalley, Human Resources Director

Objectives

UK stabilisation 
and succession 
cover growth 
post Chrysalis

Measures
All appointments to be establishment by half year

Actual outcome
Focus on overhead all year and discipline 
maintained

New baseline and targets for succession cover and D&I 
considered by ExCo and approved

D&I targets by function approved and targeted 
succession cover plans are approved

Technology roadmap to support EVP post Workday 
pause re-defined

HR elements of technology roadmap for UK 
delayed to 2020

German  
growth

Demonstrate effectiveness of new governance model

Scope requirements with Phase 2 of transformation 
programme by half year

New governance model has combined the 
new business with quality of decision making 
demonstrably improved and all design principles 
progressed

Phase 2 pursued in IT and Transformation with 
rigour and appropriate challenge given changes 
to work outlook post 

New Leadership roles hired

Strong leaders appointed

UK roles in new organisation with International focus 
have clarified objectives and performance managed 
to deliver integration plan and room openings

UK Functions have stepped up and delivered 
coordinated integration plan

Detailed HR platforms and processes agreed for the 
expanded German portfolio

Workday platforms agreed following detailed 
review

One EVP defined – UK and International

Matrix working consolidated in new organisation design 
and governance

EVP landed well in all regions and blended with 
model for Germany

Matrix working consolidated and governance 
effective for the full year, with appropriate 
progress for 2020

Achievement 
per outcome
✓

✓

✗

✓

✓

✓
✓

✓

✓

✓

Total outcome

Achieved 90.0% of maximum = 29.93% of salary

Total awards
The maximum potential award was 167% of salary. The split between cash and deferred shares is as follows:

Director

Alison Brittain
2018/19

Nicholas Cadbury
2018/19

Louise Smalley
2018/19

% of salary 
based
on profit

% of salary 
based
on WINcard 
and efficiency

% of salary 
based
on individual
objectives

Total % 
of salary

Cash award
£’000

Cash value
of deferred 
shares award
£’000

18.13

44.59

31.97

94.69

18.13

44.59

30.88

93.60

18.13

44.59

29.93

92.65

415
386

279
260

182
171

415
386

279
260

182
171

Total 
£’000

830
772

558
521

365
341

The Committee is satisfied that the remuneration policy operated as intended in terms of the quantum of these 
awards in the relation to the Company’s performance. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the cash element of these 
awards will, as a one-off, be paid in shares in order to help the Company to preserve cash. The executive directors 
have committed to retain these shares into the next calendar year as a minimum.

The deferred shares will, under normal circumstances, vest in 2023 subject to continued employment within the 
Group. No further performance conditions apply to these awards. Malus provisions apply to the deferred share awards 
in the event, for example, of a material misstatement of results with clawback provisions applying to the cash awards. 
The share price used to calculate the deferred share awards will be based on the average Whitbread share price for 
the five dealing days preceding the grant. The number of deferred shares awarded to each director will be as disclosed 
in the 2020/21 report.

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/2093

Long Term Incentive Plan
The 2017 LTIP contained two performance conditions: an EPS condition, and a ROCE condition. The structure of the 
Group changed in January 2019, due to the completion of the sale of Costa part way through the performance period. 
This was not anticipated at the time the targets for the 2017 LTIP were set. 

The Remuneration Committee carefully considered the appropriate approach, given the different underlying dynamics 
of the Premier Inn and Costa businesses and the fact the EPS and ROCE targets were originally set for the combined 
Whitbread business. 

The Committee decided that the best way to reflect these changes was to split the performance period into two parts. 
The first part is the 22-month period during which Costa was part of the Group and, for this part, the original targets 
were used, with 25% vesting at threshold. The outcomes were as follows:

 – Final year ROCE (50% of the award): Original targets: 13-18%. Outcome for the 22-month period: 15.1%

 – EPS growth (50% of the award): Original targets: 4-10% p.a. Outcome for the 22-month period: 3.2% p.a.

For the remaining 14 months, the Committee referred to the internal expectations in respect of the continuing business 
only targets over that period and determined the outcome appropriately. The Committee believes that this approach 
best reflects the way the business has been managed, and the performance of management for the entirety of the 
performance period.

The Committee also considered the impact of the share buyback programme and tender offer that followed the sale 
of Costa and has ensured that the EPS target was no easier to achieve because of the reduction in the number of 
shares in issue part way through the performance period. The ROCE target was unaffected by the buybacks. This has 
led to a reduction in the vesting level versus the default position.

The outcome is that, in total, 36.0% of the 2017 LTIP awards have vested.

The Committee is aware of its responsibility under the UK Corporate Governance Code to consider, where 
appropriate, whether to override formulaic outcomes and is also aware of the need to act in a fair and reasonable way 
for both share scheme participants and shareholders. In the round, the Committee considered whether this vesting 
amount was appropriate, particularly in the light of current business performance, levels of payout under the Annual 
Incentive Scheme, and the PSP vesting for the three executive directors in 2019 (which replaced the 2018 and 2019 
LTIP awards) and decided that the vesting level was appropriate.

As a result of performance, 36.0% of the shares awarded under the 2017 LTIP will vest. The awards vesting to the 
executive directors, each of which are subject to a two-year holding period, are as follows:

Director
Alison Brittain 
Nicholas Cadbury
Louise Smalley

Number 
of shares 
vested 
2020

Number 
of shares 
vested 
2019

14,975

6,357

4,203

–

–

–

The 2017 LTIP awards were granted based on a share price of 3,822.20 pence per share. The value shown in the single 
figure table on page 89 is calculated based on the average share price for the last quarter of the financial year, being 
4,645.48 pence per share. This equates to an increase in value of 823.28 pence per vested share. At the date of the 
report, the directors have not yet been able to exercise these awards and, as such, have been unable to access this 
theoretical gain. The share price is currently below the price at which the awards were initially granted.

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20– Strategic reportGovernance– Financial statements– Other information94

ANNUAL REPORT ON REMUNERATION  
CONTINUED

Performance Share Plan (PSP)
Details of the PSP award included in the 2018/19 single figure were disclosed in full in last year’s Directors 
Remuneration Report.

The 2018/19 comparator figures shown in the single figure table relate to these awards and do not need to be restated 
as they were valued at the point of vesting. The PSP awards were granted based on a share price of 4,046.0 pence 
per share. The value shown in the single figure table on page 89 is calculated based on the share price on the date 
of vesting, being 4,585.0 pence per share. This equates to an increase in value of 539.0 pence per vested share. 
At the date of the report, the directors have not yet been able to exercise these awards and, as such, have been unable 
to access this theoretical gain. The share price is currently below the price at which the awards were initially granted.

Pension
The percentage of salary or pension allowance received by the executive directors in pension contributions is shown 
in the table below.

Director

Alison Brittain

Nicholas Cadbury

Louise Smalley

% of salary 

25.00

24.17

24.17

The executive directors receive a monthly amount in cash in lieu of the pension contribution. Alison Brittain received 
a cash payment of 25% of salary. Nicholas Cadbury and Louise Smalley each received a cash payment of 24.17% 
of salary. These amounts will phase down to 15% of salary by May 2022, with the first reduction to 21.5% taking effect 
from May 2020.

Single total figure of remuneration – Chairman and non-executive directors (audited information)

Director

Adam Crozier

David Atkins

Horst Baier

Frank Fiskers

Richard Gillingwater

Chris Kennedy

Deanna 
Oppenheimer

Susan Taylor Martin

Base fee

19/20
£’000

400

61

20

61

61

61

61

61

18/19
£’000

400

60

–

5

41

60

60

60

Senior Independent 
Director fee

Fee as Chairman of 
a Board Committee

Fee as a member of  
a Board Committee

19/20
£’000

18/19
£’000

19/20
£’000

18/19
£’000

19/20
£’000

18/19
£’000

–

–

–

–

15

 – 

 –

 –

–

–

–

–

10

 – 

 – 

 – 

–

 –

–

3

–

20

16

 – 

 – 

 – 

–

–

–

 20

20

–

–

10

2

8

5

 – 

1

5

–

10

–

–

–

 – 

–

5

Total

19/20
£’000

400

18/19
£’000

400

71

221
72

81

81

78

66

70

–
511
511

80

80

 65 

1  Fees for part year. Horst Baier joined the Board in November 2019. Richard Gillingwater and Frank Fiskers joined the Board in June 2018 and February 2019 respectively.

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/2095

Statement of directors’ shareholding and share interests (audited information)
The Committee believes that the shareholding requirements for executives play an important role in the 
alignment of the interests of executives and shareholders and help to incentivise executives to deliver sustainable 
long-term performance.

When the new remuneration policy was approved in December 2019, we took the opportunity to bring our 
shareholding requirements for the executive directors in line with market practice. We increased the requirement for 
the Chief Executive from 200% of salary to 300% of salary and the requirement for the other executive directors from 
125% of salary to 200% of salary. In addition, new post-cessation shareholding requirements have been introduced. 
These are subject to transitional arrangements for the current executive directors. We have also made changes to 
the method of calculation, with unexercised share awards no longer subject to performance testing being taken 
into account (adjusted for any deductions to be made at the point of exercise). All of the executive directors are 
in compliance with the requirement. 

The Chairman and the non-executive directors are each required to build a holding to the value of 100% of their 
annual fee over a three-year period.

The table below shows the holdings of directors as at 27 February 2020:

Director

Chairman
Adam Crozier2

Executive directors
Alison Brittain
Nicholas Cadbury
Louise Smalley

Non-executive directors
David Atkins
Horst Baier
Frank Fiskers
Richard Gillingwater
Chris Kennedy
Deanna Oppenheimer3
Susan Taylor Martin

Counting towards requirement

Performance versus requirement

Ordinary 
shares

Share 
awards1

Value based 
on input 
price 
£’000

Value based 
on market 
price 
£’000

Requirement
% of salary/ 
base fee

% of salary 
based on 
input price

% of salary 
based on 
market price

 3,000 

–

132

122

100

 33 

 31 

 34,638 

 121,583 

 7,795 

 23,707 

 71,889 

 47,587 

 4,495 

 1,805 

 2,497 

 4,036 

 1,870 

 2,319 

 1,425 

 1,600 

 610 

 1,000 

 1,500 

 1,600 

 1,490 

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

 56 

 72 

 30 

 45 

 61 

 66 

 50 

 58 

 65 

 25 

 41 

 61 

 65 

 61 

 300 

 200 

 200 

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

 513 

 303 

 578 

 92 

 118 

 48 

 74 

 100 

 108 

 81 

 460 

 314 

 506 

 95 

 107 

 41 

 67 

 100 

 107 

 99

1  The market price used was the average for the last quarter of the financial year (4,645.48p). The number of share awards shown is the full number, but the valuation 

of those awards has been reduced to reflect deductions to be made at the point of exercise in respect of income tax and national insurance contributions.

2  Adam Crozier was appointed Chairman on the last day of the 2017/18 financial year and is currently required to build towards a 100% holding.

3  Deanna Oppenheimer actually holds 6,400 ADRs in Whitbread PLC, each of which represent 0.25 of a Whitbread ordinary share.

In addition to the share awards shown above the executive directors hold other awards for which performance has 
been tested since the year-end and do not therefore count towards the shareholding requirement at the year-end. 
Alison Brittain holds such an award over 14,975 shares, Nicholas Cadbury holds an award over 6,357 shares and 
Louise Smalley holds an award over 4,203 shares. There has been no other change to the interests in the tables 
shown on this page between the end of the financial year and the date of this report.

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20– Strategic reportGovernance– Financial statements– Other information96

ANNUAL REPORT ON REMUNERATION  
CONTINUED

Options exercised (audited information)
The following options were exercised by executive directors under the Company’s share schemes during the year.

Director

Alison Brittain

Nicholas Cadbury

Louise Smalley

Number 
of shares

Exercise 
price

Exercise 
date

Market price
on exercise 
(p)

 22,889 

 3,074 

N/A

N/A

30-May-19

30-May-19

 4,507.0 

 4,507.0 

Scheme

LTIP

AIS

AIS

 4,600 

N/A

31-May-19

 4,619.0 

SAYE

AIS

 232 

 3,227 

 3,866.4 

28-May-19

N/A

30-May-19

 4,588.0 

 4,507.0 

Awards granted
Details of awards made under the Annual Incentive Scheme in relation to the 2018/19 incentive year were disclosed 
in the 2018/19 Annual Report. No awards were granted during the year under the LTIP, PSP or RSP.

Payments to past directors (audited information)
With the exception of regular pension payments and dividends on Whitbread shares and the exercise of share awards 
as permitted under the rules of the Annual Incentive Scheme, the LTIP and the Savings-related Share Option Scheme, 
no other payments were made during the year to past directors.

Chief Executive’s remuneration 
Whitbread is in the hospitality business and has a large workforce of over 35,000 team members who are employed 
directly by the business and the majority being in hourly paid customer-facing roles in our hotels and restaurants. 
We have an aligned set of reward principles for all employees which includes a core principle to offer competitive pay 
rates at all levels reflecting our position as a leading organisation in the hospitality sector. This enables us to attract 
and retain the right talented people for our winning teams.

For our hourly paid team members, we benchmark other hospitality companies to ensure we are competitive 
when comparing pay with similar organisations and we operate an approach to pay which increases pay for skills 
progression with clear and transparent pay rates for each role that increase as new skills are developed. For our 
Chief Executive, we benchmark against the FTSE 100 (removing any non comparative industries eg Financial Services, 
Oil & Gas and Natural Resources which include significantly higher levels of remuneration) and this allows us to have 
an appropriate comparison for this role in our sector. Using comparator data from 2019/20, the Chief Executive’s 
salary is just below the market median and total remuneration is between the lower quartile and mid point.

All three of the UK employee reference points using Option A compare our Chief Executive’s remuneration with 
that of hourly paid team members in customer facing roles in the operational outlets. There is relatively limited 
difference in the outcomes as shown below. The Chief Executive has a high level of variable pay which is dependant 
on the performance and growth of the business. A significant proportion of any variable pay earned is in share 
based payments which will also be impacted by fluctuations in the share price. The inherent variability of the Chief 
Executive’s pay will have significant impact on the ratio year to year which will outweigh internal changes in pay within 
the organisation.

Whitbread has decided to use Option A to calculate its ratio, as the data required is readily available and this option 
provides the most accurate comparison as the figures are calculated on a like-for-like basis.

The table below shows how the total pay of the Chief Executive compares to our UK employees at the 25th, Median 
and 75th percentile:

Year
2019/20

Method
Total pay (FTE):

25th percentile pay ratio
£17,077

Median pay ratio
£18,429

75th percentile pay ratio
£19,157

Total pay & benefits (FTE):

Pay ratio (Option A):

£17,597

150:1

£18,429

143:1

£19,739

134:1

The figures were calculated on 20 February 2020 (the “snapshot date”) and use the single figure methodology 
(salary, benefits, annual incentive, LTIP, pension) and for the Chief Executive this is taken from the total single figure 
remuneration for 2019/20 on page 89 of £2.64m.

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20 
97

The Chief Executive’s remuneration (including base salary, benefits and annual incentive payment) increased by 5.5% 
in the year, compared with an increase of 2.2% for the Group’s employees as a whole.

The following table shows the Chief Executive’s pay over the last ten years, with details of the percentage of maximum 
paid out under the Annual Incentive Scheme and the LTIP vesting percentage for each year.

Year

2019/20

2018/19

2017/18

2016/17

2015/16

2014/15

2013/14

2012/13

2011/12

2010/11

Chief Executive

Alison Brittain

Alison Brittain

Alison Brittain

Alison Brittain

Alison Brittain
Andy Harrison
Combined CEO remuneration for 2015/16

Andy Harrison

Andy Harrison

Andy Harrison

Andy Harrison

Andy Harrison
Alan Parker
Combined CEO remuneration for 2010/11

Single total figure 
of remuneration
£’000

% of maximum 
annual incentive 
achieved

% of LTIP award 
vesting

2,636

5,5881

2,336

2,509

634
2,423
3,057

4,554

6,374

3,432

1,444

534
2,509
3,043

56.7

54.8

64.1

49.8

38.8
38.8
38.8

86.8

82.6

74.9

45.6

94.4
94.4
94.4

36.0

0.0

38.3

76.5

N/A
97.2
97.2

100.0

100.0

89.8

N/A

N/A
82.4
82.4

1 

Includes £3.7 million from the vesting of a one-off award under the PSP in relation to the sale of Costa. This award vested at 97.53% of maximum.

Comparison of executive remuneration policy with wider employee population
This section of the report describes each element of the executive remuneration package and explains the extent 
to which those elements are made available to the wider employee population. The Committee consulted with 
employees in relevant roles and took account of feedback from the Employee Forum (see pages 44 and 45 for more 
details) when developing the directors’ remuneration policy.

Base salary
All employees, including the executive directors, receive an annual review of base salary. Under normal circumstances 
the annual increase in salary for an executive director will be in the same range as the increase for employees across 
the Group. 

Benefits
Approximately 530 employees across the Group are entitled to a company car or cash in lieu of a company car. 
The executive directors are no longer entitled to a company car under this scheme, but are entitled to receive cash 
in lieu of a car. 

Approximately 1,850 employees are entitled to participate in the Group’s private healthcare scheme, with 700 of these, 
including the executive directors, entitled to family cover. 

All employees receive discounts on Company products, but the directors have waived their right to this benefit. 

Whitbread’s Sharesave scheme is a standard HMRC approved SAYE scheme. It is offered to all UK employees, 
including the executive directors, on equal terms. 

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20– Strategic reportGovernance– Financial statements– Other information98

ANNUAL REPORT ON REMUNERATION  
CONTINUED

Annual Incentive Scheme
Approximately 1,130 employees are eligible to receive an annual incentive payment linked to the achievement of profit 
and WINcard targets. Approximately 50 senior leaders, including the executive directors, are given individual strategic 
objectives in addition to the profit and WINcard targets mentioned above. The maximum opportunity is dependent 
on the role. 

Approximately 100 employees, including the executive directors, are entitled to participate in the Annual Incentive 
Scheme, with maximum payouts split between cash and deferred shares, ranging from 60% to 170% of salary. 

Long Term Incentive Plan
Approximately 35 employees, including the executive directors, participate in the Restricted Share Plan. This scheme 
is not available to the wider employee population, although the Sharesave scheme provides employees with a form 
of long-term incentive.

Pension
Like all employees, the executive directors are entitled to participate in the Company’s pension scheme. The scheme 
is a defined contribution scheme. Employees below the executive level are able to choose a contribution rate of 
between 5% and 10% and have this matched by the Company. Employees who do not choose to participate may 
be automatically enrolled with contributions in line with the automatic enrolment regulations. Approximately 25% 
of executives receive between 10% and 20% of basic salary from the Company, which can be allocated to pension 
or taken as cash. 

Since 2013, the policy for new executive directors has been to provide a contribution of 25% that can be allocated 
to pension or taken as cash. The policy for newly appointed executive directors is to provide a contribution of 10% 
of base salary that can be allocated to pension or taken as cash. Existing executive directors receive cash in lieu of 
pension contribution of between 24.17% and 25%. These amounts will phase down to 15% by May 2022, with the first 
reduction to 21.5% taking effect from May 2020. At the end of the three year Policy period, the Committee will review 
the pension levels further.

Fees from external directorships
The executive directors are entitled to retain fees from external directorships. Louise Smalley is a non-executive 
director of DS Smith Plc and retained a fee of £59,875. Alison Brittain is a non-executive director of Marks and Spencer 
plc and retained a fee of £71,000. Nicholas Cadbury is a non-executive director of Land Securities Group PLC and 
retained a fee of £90,000. 

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/2099

Relative importance of spend on pay
The graph below compares the change in total expenditure on employee pay during the year to the change in 
dividend payments and share buybacks.

+596.4%

£m

2,500

2,000

1,500

1,000

500

0

 2018/19

 2019/20

Dividends and
share buybacks1

1  The dividends and buybacks figure for 2019/20 includes the tender offer, which took place in July 2019.

+4.1%

Employee
costs

Implementation of remuneration policy in 2020/21
Base salary
This year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the executive directors waived their right to a salary increase. In addition, 
they have each agreed to a temporary reduction of 30% in their base salaries (not reflected in the table below).

The base salaries of the executive directors with effect from 1 May 2020 will be as follows:

Director

Alison Brittain

Nicholas Cadbury

Louise Smalley

Base salary at 
1 May 2020
£’000

Base salary at 
1 May 2019
£’000

877

596

394

877

596

394

Benefits and pension
The benefits received by each executive director will continue to include family private healthcare, a cash allowance 
in lieu of a company car and cash allowances in lieu of pension. 

Annual Incentive Scheme
To be eligible to receive incentive payments there are ‘gateway’ requirements relating to both performance and 
leadership behaviour. Any incentive payments will be at the discretion of the Remuneration Committee in the 
event that either profit performance is below 90% of target or the health and safety score is red on the WINcard. 
The expectation is that our leaders’ actions reflect Whitbread’s values and code of conduct, including our approach 
to health and safety. Keeping our team and customers safe is not an incentive lever but a core responsibility that 
earns the right to achieve incentivised rewards. The Committee has the discretion to amend formulaic outcomes.

In the light of the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the business, and in particular the fact that the great majority 
of the Company’s hotels and restaurants are not currently operating, the Committee determined that it was not 
appropriate to include the usual WINcard team and customer measures within the incentivised framework for 2020/21. 
Instead, the Committee agreed to allocate the incentive usually based on WINcard measures between efficiency and 
business objectives. 

The Committee has agreed to keep the Scheme under review throughout the year to ensure that it is properly aligned 
with the strategic imperatives faced by the Group during the COVID-19 crisis. Accordingly, the Committee reserves the 
right to adjust the non-financial targets in order to achieve this alignment.

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20– Strategic reportGovernance– Financial statements– Other information100

ANNUAL REPORT ON REMUNERATION  
CONTINUED

The measures and weightings for the 2020/21 annual incentive are therefore as follows:

Measure

Profit 

Efficiency

Scope

Group adjusted profit before tax

Efficiency savings

Business objectives

See below

Weighting

50%

25%

25%

Financial measures
The targets of the two financial metrics, which make up 75% of the annual incentive, are considered by the Board 
to be commercially sensitive and, for that reason, are not disclosed in advance. The Committee intends to disclose 
the targets retrospectively in the 2020/21 report. 

Business objectives
Each executive director also has business objectives linked to the Group’s strategic priorities. They will be eligible 
to receive up to 25% of the maximum incentive opportunity based on the delivery of these objectives. Achievement  
of the approved objective outcomes has been aligned to a payment level that would be recognised as stretch 
performance. The objectives are quantifiable and linked to the business plan and future financial performance. 

This year, the objectives in the first half of the year will be focused on steering Whitbread through the COVID-19 
crisis, managing the Company’s access to the Government’s programme of support and preparing the business 
so that it is ready for re-opening when the time comes. There are also some objectives linked to the growth and 
success of the Company over the longer term, but these are likely to be more of a focus in the second half of the 
year. The Committee will review these objectives at the half-year to ensure that the executives are incentivised 
based on the appropriate objectives at that time.

The table below shows a summary of the individual strategic growth objectives for each of the executive directors, 
together with details on which of the three strategic priorities (see pages 16 to 17) each objective is linked to:

Objectives

Strategic priority 

Alison Brittain
Strategic growth and development options identified to enhance shareholder value

Financially and operationally manage the Covid-19 crisis to ensure company is in a sustainable position at all 
times through the development and execution of a robust financial and operational plan which takes account 
of health and safety of our customers, our employees welfare and supply chain continuity

Development of Premier Inn commercial plans, including new channel development

Growth of the German business and integration of acquired hotels

Nicholas Cadbury
Strategic Growth and Development options to enhance shareholder value and produce savings from UK 
property cost

Financially manage the Covid-19 crisis and ensure company is in a sustainable position at all times through the 
development and execution of a robust financial plan and capital savings plan

Development of Premier Inn commercial plans, including new channel development

Growth of the German business and integration of acquired hotels

Louise Smalley

Enable strategic growth through labour supply strategy and mitigate risk of talent shortages.

Financially and operationally manage the Covid-19 crisis and ensure the company is in a sustainable position 
at all times through the development and execution of a robust financial plan and operational plan which takes 
account of health and safety of our customers, our employees welfare and supply chain continuity.

Delivery of diversity and inclusion plans

Integration of acquired hotels and teams in Germany

1,3

3

1

2

1,3

3

1

2

1,2,3

3

3

2

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20101

The strategic growth objectives have been designed to incentivise the executive directors to steer the Group through 
the current crisis, both operationally and financially. The Committee will review these objectives at the half-year to 
determine whether they remain appropriate and may set new objectives for the second half of the year if necessary.

Cash awards will be made in May 2021, with deferred equity issued in April or May 2021 and due to vest in 2024, 
with no further performance conditions applying.

Restricted Share Plan
The new Restricted Share Plan (RSP) was approved by shareholders in December 2019 and the executive directors 
will receive their first awards under the RSP in May 2020. These will be based on 125% of salary for Alison Brittain and 
110% of salary for Nicholas Cadbury and Louise Smalley.

The awards will be subject to underpins and, subject to these underpins being met, are expected to vest in May 2023, 
after which they will be subject to a two-year holding period. The Remuneration Committee will review the suitability 
of the underpins relating to these awards once the COVID-19 pandemic abates and may make adjustments to them 
at that time if it considers it fair and reasonable to do so. The Committee has the discretion to amend formulaic 
outcomes. Any adjustments will be fully disclosed and explained in the Directors Remuneration Report once a decision 
is made.

Chairman’s fee
Adam Crozier’s fee as Chairman was set at £400,000 when he was appointed to the position in March 2018, with 
the fee to be reviewed annually. Adam indicated that he did not wish to receive an increase in 2019 and, due to the 
COVID-19 pandemic, has again waived his right to an increase in 2020 and agreed to a temporary 20% reduction 
in his fee.

Non-executive director fees
The base annual fee for non-executive directors is unchanged at £61,200. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, 
the non-executive directors have each agreed to a temporary reduction of 20% on their base fee. The fees for the 
chairmanship of the Audit Committee and the Remuneration Committee are unchanged at £20,000. The fee for 
the Senior Independent Director remains at £15,000 and the fees for membership of the Audit and Remuneration 
Committees are unchanged at £5,000. Non-executive director fees are usually reviewed annually but have not been 
reviewed in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Statement of shareholder voting
At the annual general meeting in 2019, the advisory resolution to approve the annual report on remuneration was 
passed. At a general meeting, which was held in December 2019, resolutions to approve a new directors’ remuneration 
policy and the new Restricted Share Plan were also both passed.

The voting results were as follows:

Resolution
Annual report on remuneration (2019 AGM)

For
94,570,584 (97.0%)

Against
2,958,424 (3.0%)

New remuneration policy (2019 GM)

64,495,817 (70.5%)

27,038,317 (29.5%)

Restricted Share Plan (2019 GM)

63,908,522 (69.8%)

27,622,131 (30.2%)

Total
97,529,008

91,534,134

91,530,653

Withheld
996,373

178,635

182,116

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20– Strategic reportGovernance– Financial statements– Other information102

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Directors’ report

Certain information required for disclosure  
in this report is provided in other appropriate 
sections of the Annual Report and Accounts. 
These include the corporate governance  
and remuneration reports and the Group 
financial statements and notes to those 
financial statements, and accordingly these  
are incorporated into the report by reference.

The directors present their Report and Accounts for the 
year ended 27 February 2020. 

Results and dividends

Group adjusted profit before tax

Group profit before tax

Interim dividend paid on  
13 December 2019

£358m

£280m

32.65p per share

Total dividend for the year

32.65p per share

Details on the Group’s dividend policy can be found 
on page 32 in the Group Finance Director’s review.

In light of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the 
Board has decided not to declare a final dividend for 
2019/20. 

The Board

Board of Directors
The directors at the date of this report are listed on pages 
62 and 63. Director changes throughout the year are 
shown on page 67 of the corporate governance report. 

Details of directors’ training are given in the corporate 
governance report on page 67.

Directors’ service contracts
The key terms of the executive directors’ service 
contracts are as follows:

–  notice period – six months by the director and 

12 months by the Company;

–  termination payment – details of the termination 
policy are set out in our remuneration policy, 
which can be found on the Company’s website 
(www.whitbread.co.uk);

–  sickness – full salary for a maximum of 12 months in any 
three-year period or for a maximum of nine consecutive 
months; and 

–  non-compete – for six months after leaving.

The dates of the executive directors’ service contracts are 
as follows:

–  Alison Brittain: 21 May 2015

–  Nicholas Cadbury: 3 September 2012

–  Louise Smalley: 25 October 2012

Powers of directors
The business of the Company is managed by the 
directors who may exercise all the powers of the 
Company, subject to the Company’s articles of 
association, any relevant legislation and any directions 
given by the Company by passing a special resolution 
at a general meeting. In particular, the directors may 
exercise all the powers of the Company to borrow 
money, issue shares, appoint and remove directors 
and recommend and declare dividends.

Appointment and replacement of directors
Directors shall be no fewer than two and no more 
than 20 in number. Directors may be appointed by 
the Company, by ordinary resolution or by the Board 
of Directors.

In accordance with the UK Corporate Governance Code 
(the Code) all directors will stand for annual re-election 
at each AGM.

The Company may, by special resolution, remove any 
director before the expiration of his/her term of office.

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20103

Directors automatically stop being directors if:

Shares

 – they give the Company a written notice of resignation 

(at the date such notice expires);

 – they give the Company a written notice in which they 

offer to resign and the other directors decide to accept 
the offer;

 – all of the other directors (who must comprise at least 

three people) pass a resolution or sign a written notice 
requiring the director to resign;

 – they are or have been suffering from mental or physical 
ill health and the directors pass a resolution removing 
the director from office;

 – they have missed directors’ meetings (whether or 
not an alternate director appointed attends those 
meetings) for a continuous period of six months without 
permission from the directors and the directors pass 
a resolution removing the director from office;

 – a bankruptcy order is made against them or they 
make any arrangement or composition with their 
creditors generally;

 – they are prohibited from being a director under any 

applicable legislation; or

 – they cease to be a director under any applicable 
legislation or are removed from office under the 
Company’s articles of association.

Directors’ indemnity
A qualifying third-party indemnity provision was in 
force for the benefit of the directors during the financial 
year. In addition, a qualifying pension scheme indemnity 
provision was in force for the benefit of Whitbread 
Pension Trustees during the financial year.

Compensation for loss of office
There are no agreements between the Company and its 
directors or employees providing for compensation for 
loss of office or employment that occurs as a result of 
a takeover bid.

Directors’ share interests
Details regarding the share interests of the directors in 
the share capital of the Company, including with respect 
to options to acquire ordinary shares, are set out in the 
remuneration report on page 95.

Share capital
Details of the issued share capital can be found in Note 27 
to the accounts.

Holders of ordinary shares are entitled to attend and 
speak at general meetings of the Company, to appoint 
one or more proxies and, if they are corporations, 
corporate representatives to attend general meetings 
and to exercise voting rights. Holders of ordinary shares 
may receive a dividend and on a liquidation, may share 
in the assets of the Company. Holders of ordinary shares 
are entitled to receive the Company’s Annual Report and 
Accounts. Subject to meeting certain thresholds, holders 
of ordinary shares may requisition a general meeting 
of the Company or the proposal of resolutions at AGMs.

Voting rights
On a show of hands at a general meeting of the 
Company, every holder of ordinary shares present, 
in person or by proxy, and entitled to vote, has one 
vote (unless the proxy is appointed by more than one 
member in which case the proxy has one vote for and 
one vote against if the proxy has been instructed by one 
or more members to vote for the resolution and by one 
or more members to vote against the resolution) and 
on a poll every member present in person or by proxy 
and entitled to vote has one vote for every ordinary 
share held. Voting rights for any ordinary shares held 
in treasury are suspended. None of the ordinary shares 
carry any special rights with regard to control of the 
Company. Electronic and paper proxy appointments and 
voting instructions must be received by the Company’s 
registrars not later than (i) 48 hours before a meeting 
or adjourned meeting (excluding non-working days), or 
(ii) 24 hours before a poll is taken, if the poll is not taken 
on the same day as the meeting or adjourned meeting.

Unless the directors decide otherwise, a shareholder 
cannot attend or vote at any general meeting of the 
Company or at any separate general meeting of the 
holders of any class of shares in the Company or 
upon a poll or exercise any other right conferred by 
membership in relation to general meetings or polls if he 
or she has not paid all amounts relating to those shares 
which are due at the time of the meeting.

Where a shareholder with at least a 0.25% interest in 
a class of shares has been served with a disclosure notice 
in relation to a particular holding of shares and has failed 
to provide the Company with information concerning 
those shares, those shares will no longer give that 
shareholder any right to vote at a shareholders’ meeting.

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20– Strategic reportGovernance– Financial statements– Other information104

DIRECTORS’ REPORT  
CONTINUED

Restrictions on transfer of shares
There are the following restrictions on the transfer of 
shares in the Company:

–  certain restrictions which may from time to time be 

imposed by laws and regulations (for example, insider 
trading laws);

–  pursuant to the Company’s share dealing code, the 

directors and senior executives of the Company require 
approval to deal in the Company’s shares;

–  where a person with at least a 0.25% interest in a class 
of shares has been served with a disclosure notice and 
has failed to provide the Company with information 
concerning interests in those shares;

–  the subscriber ordinary shares may not be transferred 

without the prior written consent of the directors;

–  the directors can, without giving any reason, refuse 
to register the transfer of any shares which are not 
fully paid;

–  transfers cannot be in favour of more than four joint 

holders; and

–  the directors can refuse to register the transfer of an 
uncertificated share in the circumstances set out in 
the uncertificated securities rules (as defined in the 
Company’s articles of association).

The Company is not aware of any agreements between 
shareholders that may result in restrictions on the transfer 
of shares or on voting rights.

B shares and C shares
Holders of B shares and C shares are entitled to 
receive an annual non-cumulative preferential dividend 
calculated at a rate of 75% of six month LIBOR on a value 
of 155 pence per B share and 159 pence per C share 
respectively, but are not entitled to any further right of 
participation in the profits of the Company. They are also 
entitled to payment of 155 pence per B share and 159 
pence per C share respectively on a return of capital on 
winding-up (excluding any intra-group reorganisation 
on a solvent basis).

Except in limited circumstances, the holders of the 
B shares and C shares are not entitled, in their capacity 
as holders of such shares, to receive notice of any general 
meeting of the Company nor to attend, speak or vote 
at any such general meeting. 

Both B and C shares represent significantly less than 
0.01% of the total share capital.

Purchase of own shares
The Company is authorised to purchase its own shares 
in the market. Approval to renew this authority will 
be sought from the shareholders at the 2020 AGM. 
The Company purchased 6.5 million of its own shares 
during the year under existing authorities pursuant 
to the share buyback programme announced on 
21 December 2018 and which commenced on 17 January 
2019. The Company cancelled 9.0 million shares held 
in treasury during the year and transferred a further 
665,000 shares from treasury to the Employee Share 
Ownership Trust. On 23 July 2019 the Company 
completed a tender offer, whereby it repurchased 
40.2 million shares, all of which were cancelled. 
At 27 February 2020 12.5 million shares were held 
as treasury shares (28 February 2019: 15.3 million).

Employee share schemes
Whitbread does not have any employee share schemes 
with shares which have rights with regard to the control 
of the Company that are not exercisable directly by 
the employees.

Major interests
As at the end of the financial year, the Company had 
received formal notification, under the Disclosure and 
Transparency Rules, of the following material holdings in 
its shares (the percentages shown are the percentages at 
the time of the disclosure and have not been re-calculated 
based on the issued share capital at the year-end):

Aberdeen Asset Management

BlackRock, inc

Longview Partners 

MFS Investment Management

Vulcan Value Partners LLC

Number 
of 
shares
9,155,869

8,609,338

9,240,506

8,855,756

7,208,945

% of 
issued 
share 
capital1 
4.99%

6.40%

5.04%

4.82%

5.37%

1  The % of issued share capital is taken from the date of the relevant notification 

and changes to the voting rights since that date can cause higher numbers of 
shares to have lower percentages and vice versa. 

Since the year-end, the Company has received six 
notifications from BlackRock, the most recent on 7 April 
2020, where the Company was informed it had increased 
its holding to 9,105,321 shares representing 6.76% of the 
total voting rights. There has also been one notification 
from Vulcan Value Partners LLC, on 16 April 2020, 
informing the Company that they had decreased their 
holding to 6,698,606 shares representing 4.98% of the 
total voting rights. 

No other changes to the above have been disclosed to 
the Company in accordance with Rule 5 of the Disclosure 
and Transparency Rules between the end of the financial 
year and 19 May 2020. 

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20 
 
105

Additional disclosures

Additional information

Share capital
Other information that is relevant to the directors’ 
report can be found in the following sections of the 
Annual Report:

Information required

Section

Conflicts of interest

Corporate governance report

Financial risk management 
objectives and policies

Financial statements,  
Note 24

Future developments

Strategic report

Research and development

Existence of branches

N/A

N/A

Disclosures required pursuant to Listing Rule 9.8.4R can 
be found in the following sections:

Listing Rule

9.8.4R (1) 

Information 
required

Statement of 
capitalised interest

Section 

Fixed assets Note 15

9.8.4R (2) (5-14)

N/A

N/A

9.8.4R (4)

Long-term incentive 
schemes

Remuneration report

Future developments Strategic report

Research and 
development

Existence of  
branches

N/A

N/A

Mandatory greenhouse gas reporting 
In order to comply with the requirements of the 
Companies Act 2006 (Strategic and Directors’ Report) 
Regulations 2013, we have amended our environmental 
reporting accordingly. 

We have considered the six main GHGs and report in 
CO2e for our Scope 1 (direct) and Scope 2 (indirect) CO2 
emissions. We have used the GHG Protocol Corporate 
Accounting and Reporting Standard methodology 
to calculate our emissions as well as DEFRA and 
International Energy Standards GHG Conversion Factors 
for Company Reporting. 

Scope 1 includes emissions from the fuels we use in our 
hotels, restaurants and offices, such as natural gas and 
liquid petroleum gas. It also includes CO2e from business 
owned vehicles, which includes company cars and food 
logistics vehicles as we own the lease arrangements. 
CO2e from company cars is calculated using the 
manufacturer’s stated performance multiplied by an 
uplift stated in the DEFRA standards methodology paper.

Scope 2 relates to the indirect emissions associated with 
the generation of the electricity consumed in our sites 
including district heating. 

When defining the scope of our data, we do not report 
on operations under joint venture agreements, or are fully 
franchised, where we do not have operational control, 
such as Premier Inn (UAE). For reasons of materiality, 
small, one man, offices in Australasia and the Far East 
have been excluded. All other sites throughout the world 
are included. 

Where possible, we have reported billed or AMR data. 
For those operations which are currently beyond our 
reporting capabilities, we have used an estimation model 
based on historic budgeted or billed usage.

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20– Strategic reportGovernance– Financial statements– Other information106

DIRECTORS’ REPORT  
CONTINUED

Scope 1

Scope 1

Scope 1

Scope 1

Scope 1

Scope 2

Scope 2

Source of emissions
Gas (T CO2e)

LPG (T CO2e)

Fuel Oil (T CO2e)

F-gas (T CO2e)

Business travel (T CO2e)

Electricity and district heating 
(location based) (T CO2e)

Electricity and district heating 
(market based) (T CO2e)

Gross emissions (location based)

Gross emissions (market based)
Floor area (m2)
Tonnes carbon per m2 floor area 
(location based)
Tonnes carbon per m2 floor area 
(market based)

Gas (kWh)

LPG (kWh)

Fuel Oil (kWh)

Electricity and district heating (kWh)

Total (kWh)

2019/20
54,687

2,821

0

5,978

6,685

85,816

7,094

155,986

77,264

2018/19
54,268

2,773

0

8,395

6,521

95,501

4,961

167,458

76,918

2,518,628 

2,461,839

0.0619

0.0680

0.0307

297,452,291

13,115,428

0

334,915,184

645,482,903

0.0312

294,998,185

12,923,496

0

337,193,076

645,114,757

Change %
0.77%

1.72%

0.00%

-28.79%

2.52%

-10.14%

42.98%

-6.85%

0.45%

2.31%

-8.95%

-1.81%

0.83%

1.49%

0.00%

-0.68%

0.06%

In 2019/20 we have continued our strong track record 
of investing heavily in the efficiency of our existing estate, 
with a focus around improving our control of what we use 
and when. 

We installed a further 105 building management systems 
connected to a remote energy management bureau 
that actively monitor and control consumption on each 
site, allowing us to avoid waste and quickly pick up and 
resolve issues. We installed new grills in all our Beefeaters 
to reduce gas consumption as well as low energy lighting 
(200 sites) and solar photovoltaic panels (40 sites).

We also continue to trial cutting edge technologies that 
will form the investment programmes of future years. 
For example, we have installed advanced heat recovery 
boilers, air source heat pumps for efficient hot water 
generation to replace gas and equipment that can make 
our existing boilers run more efficiently. We continue to 
work with suppliers and technical experts across a range 
of technologies to develop our options for investment in 
sustainability that also have good paybacks to support 
the business.

Environmental policies
Whitbread businesses depend upon the environment 
to operate hotels and restaurants through the energy 
we use and the services and products we provide to our 
customers. Our main environmental impacts are from 
the use of natural resources, water consumption and 
generation of residual waste and from GHG emissions 
associated with energy and fuel use.

Whitbread’s strategic drive is provided by the corporate 
responsibility Force for Good programme which includes 
energy, water and waste reduction activities. We are 
committed to minimising our impact on the environment, 
preventing pollution and promoting good environmental 
practices. Further details can be found on pages 48 to 53.

Stakeholder engagement
Information on how the directors engage with Whitbread’s 
different stakeholders, including shareholders, employees 
and customers, can be found in the Stakeholder 
Engagement section on pages 44 to 46.

Employment policies
Whitbread has a range of employment policies covering 
such issues as diversity, employee wellbeing and 
equal opportunities.

The Company takes its responsibilities to the disabled 
seriously and seeks not to discriminate under any 
circumstances (including in relation to training, career 
development and promotion) against current or 
prospective employees because of any disability or 
for any other reason. Fair and full consideration is given 
to applications for employment made by disabled 
persons, having regard to their aptitudes and abilities. 
Employees who become disabled during their career 
at Whitbread will be retained in employment wherever 
possible and given help with rehabilitation and training.

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20107

Employee involvement
The importance of good relations and communications 
with employees is fundamental to the continued success 
of our business. Each of the Group’s operating businesses 
maintains employee relations and consults employees 
as appropriate to its own particular needs. In addition, 
our employee opinion survey, YourSay, is conducted to 
provide insight into the views of employees.

Our employees are actively encouraged to take part in 
our Sharesave scheme, which is available to all employees 
and offers an option price discounted by 20%.

A new Employee Forum has been established to ensure 
that the views of the workforce are properly represented. 
More details can be found on pages 40 and 44.

Regular internal communications are made to all 
employees to ensure that they are kept well informed of the 
performance of the Group and of financial and economic 
factors that may affect the Company’s performance.

Further information on employee involvement can be 
found in the Winning Teams section on page 43.

Amendment of the Company’s articles of association 
Any amendments to the Articles of Association of the 
Company may be made in accordance with the provisions 
of the Companies Act 2006 by way of special resolution.

Significant agreements
The Company’s facility, bond and private placement 
loan notes agreements, details of which can be found 
in Note 20 to the accounts, contain provisions entitling 
the counterparties to exercise termination or other rights 
in the event of a change of control of the Company.

Contractual arrangements
The Group has contractual arrangements with numerous 
third parties in support of its business activities, none of 
which are considered individually to be essential to its 
business and, accordingly, it has not been considered 
necessary for an understanding of the development, 
performance or position of the Group’s business to 
disclose information about any of those third parties.

Post balance sheet events
Information on post balance sheet events is provided in 
Note 34 to the accounts.

Political donations
The Company has not made any political donations 
during the year and intends to continue its policy of not 
doing so for the foreseeable future.

Auditor
Deloitte LLP has expressed its willingness to continue 
in office as auditor of the Company and a resolution 
proposing its reappointment will be put to shareholders 
at the 2020 AGM. After proper consideration, the Audit 
Committee is satisfied that Deloitte LLP continues 
to be objective and independent of the Company. 

In coming to this conclusion, the Audit Committee gave 
full consideration to any non-audit work carried out by 
Deloitte LLP, and has concluded that certain services 
will not be carried out by Deloitte LLP, as outlined in the 
Committee’s terms of reference. 

Disclosure of information to auditor
The directors have taken all reasonable steps to make 
themselves aware of relevant audit information and to 
establish that the auditor is aware of that information. 
The directors are not aware of any relevant audit 
information which has not been disclosed to the auditor.

Going concern
The Group’s business activities, together with the factors 
likely to affect its future development, performance and 
position are set out in the strategic report on pages 2 to 
57. The financial position of the Company, its cash flows, 
net debt and borrowing facilities and the maturity of 
those facilities are set out in the Group Finance Director’s 
review on pages 30 to 37. 

In addition, there are further details in the financial 
statements on the Group’s financial risk management, 
objectives and policies (Note 24) and on financial 
instruments (Note 25).

The Directors have outlined the assessment approach 
for going concern in the accounting policy disclosure 
in Note 2 of the consolidated financial statements. 
Following that review the directors have concluded 
that the going concern basis remains appropriate.

The viability statement can be found on page 54.

Annual general meeting
The AGM will be held at 3.30pm on 7 July 2020 at 
Whitbread Court, Houghton Hall Business Park, Porz 
Avenue, Dunstable LU5 5XE. The Notice of Meeting is 
enclosed with this report for shareholders receiving hard 
copy documents, and is available at www.whitbread.co.uk 
for those who have elected to receive documents 
electronically. Due to the exceptional circumstances 
of the COVID-19 pandemic, shareholders will not be able 
to attend the meeting and all voting will be by proxy only. 
A facility for shareholders to ask questions will be made 
available on the Company’s website.

Approved by the Board on 21 May 2020 and signed.

Chris Vaughan 
General Counsel and Company Secretary
Registered Office:  
Whitbread Court  
Houghton Hall Business Park  
Porz Avenue  
Dunstable  
Bedfordshire LU5 5XE 
Registered company number: 04120344

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20– Strategic reportGovernance– Financial statements– Other information108

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Directors’ Responsibility Statement

The directors are responsible for preparing the 
Annual Report and Accounts in accordance with 
applicable law and regulations.

assets of the Company and hence for taking reasonable 
steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and 
other irregularities.

Company law requires the directors to prepare 
financial statements for each financial year. Under that 
law the directors are required to prepare the Group 
financial statements in accordance with International 
Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as adopted by 
the European Union and Article 4 of the IAS Regulation 
and have elected to prepare the parent company 
financial statements in accordance with United Kingdom 
Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (United 
Kingdom Accounting Standards and applicable law), 
including FRS 101 Reduced Disclosure Framework. 
Under company law the directors must not approve the 
accounts unless they are satisfied that they give a true 
and fair view of the state of affairs of the Company and 
of the profit or loss of the Company for that period.

In preparing the parent company financial statements, 
the directors are required to:

 – select suitable accounting policies and then apply 

them consistently;

 – make judgements and accounting estimates that are 

reasonable and prudent;

 – state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards 

have been followed, subject to any material departures 
disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and

 – prepare the financial statements on the going concern 

basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the 
Company will continue in business.

In preparing the Group financial statements, International 
Accounting Standard 1 requires that directors:

 – properly select and apply accounting policies;

 – present information, including accounting policies, in 
a manner that provides relevant, reliable, comparable 
and understandable information; 

 – provide additional disclosures when compliance with 
the specific requirements in IFRS are insufficient to 
enable users to understand the impact of particular 
transactions, other events and conditions on the entity’s 
financial position and financial performance; and

 – make an assessment of the Group’s ability to continue 

as a going concern.

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

The directors are responsible for the maintenance and 
integrity of the corporate and financial information 
included on the Company’s website. Legislation in 
the United Kingdom governing the preparation and 
dissemination of financial statements may differ from 
legislation in other jurisdictions.

Responsibility statement 
We confirm that to the best of our knowledge:

 – the financial statements, prepared in accordance with 
the relevant financial reporting framework, give a true 
and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position 
and profit or loss of the Company and the undertakings 
included in the consolidation taken as a whole;

 – the strategic report includes a fair review of the 

development and performance of the business and the 
position of the Company and the undertakings included 
in the consolidation taken as a whole, together with 
a description of the principal risks and uncertainties 
that they face; and

 – the Annual Report and Accounts, taken as a whole, 

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

This responsibility statement was approved by the 
Board of Directors on 21 May 2020 and is signed on 
its behalf by:

Alison Brittain 
Chief Executive

Nicholas Cadbury 
Group Finance Director

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20109

Independent auditor’s report  
to the members of Whitbread PLC

2. Basis for opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with International 
Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable 
law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further 
described in the auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of 
the financial statements section of our report. 

We are independent of the Group and the Parent 
Company in accordance with the ethical requirements 
that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements 
in the UK, including the Financial Reporting Council’s 
(the ‘FRC’s’) Ethical Standard as applied to listed public 
interest entities, and we have fulfilled our other ethical 
responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. 
The non-audit services provided to the Group and 
Parent Company for the year are disclosed in note 6 to 
the financial statements. We confirm that the non-audit 
services prohibited by the FRC’s Ethical Standard were 
not provided to the Group or the Parent Company.

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained 
is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for 
our opinion.

Report on the audit of the 
financial statements

1. Opinion
In our opinion:

 – the financial statements of Whitbread plc (the ‘Parent 

Company’) and its subsidiaries (the ‘Group’) give 
a true and fair view of the state of the Group’s and 
of the Parent Company’s affairs as at 27 February 
2020 and of the Group’s profit for the 52 weeks 
then ended;

 – the Group financial statements have been properly 
prepared in accordance with International Financial 
Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the 
European Union;

 – the Parent Company financial statements have 

been properly prepared in accordance with United 
Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice, 
including Financial Reporting Standard 101 “Reduced 
Disclosure Framework”; and

 – the financial statements have been prepared in 

accordance with the requirements of the Companies 
Act 2006 and, as regards the Group financial 
statements, Article 4 of the IAS Regulation.

We have audited the financial statements which comprise:

 – the consolidated income statement;

 – the consolidated statement of comprehensive income;

 – the consolidated and Parent Company statements of 

changes in equity;

 – the consolidated and Parent Company balance sheets;

 – the consolidated cash flow statement;

 – the related notes to the consolidated financial 

statements 1 to 35, including the accounting policies; 
and

 – the related notes to the Parent Company financial 

statements 1 to 9.

The financial reporting framework that has been applied 
in the preparation of the Group financial statements is 
applicable law and IFRSs as adopted by the European 
Union. The financial reporting framework that has been 
applied in the preparation of the Parent Company 
financial statements is applicable law and United 
Kingdom Accounting Standards, including FRS 101 
“Reduced Disclosure Framework” (United Kingdom 
Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20– Strategic reportGovernance– Financial statements– Other information110

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF WHITBREAD PLC  
CONTINUED

3. Summary of our audit approach  

Key audit matters

The key audit matters that we identified in the current year were:

Newly identified: 

 – Going concern
 – Impairment review of maturing sites
 – IFRS 16: Discount rate methodology
 – Share buy-back and tender offer

Similar level of risk: 

 – Classification and presentation of adjusting items

Materiality

Scoping

The materiality that we used for the Group financial statements was £16.9 million, which equates to 4.7% 
of adjusted profit before tax.

We focused our Group audit scope primarily on all significant trading entities at Premier Inn in the UK and the 
Group head office. 

These locations represent the principal business units and account for 99% of the Group’s revenue, 106% of the 
Group’s profit before tax (as a result of losses elsewhere in the Group) and 85% of the Group’s net assets.

Significant changes 
in our approach

Our 2019/20 report includes four new key audit matters as set out above.

We no longer report the following as a key audit matter:

 – Valuation of the pension obligation – this has not been an area that has had a significant effect on our audit 

strategy in the current year, compared to the other key audit matters identified.   

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20111

4. Conclusions relating to going concern, principal risks and viability statement 

Going concern is the basis 
of preparation of the financial 
statements that assumes an 
entity will remain in operation 
for a period of at least 12 months 
from the date of approval of the 
financial statements.

We confirm that we have nothing 
material to report, add or draw 
attention to in respect of these matters.

Viability means the ability of the 
Group to continue over the time 
horizon considered appropriate 
by the directors.  

We confirm that we have nothing 
material to report, add or draw 
attention to in respect of these matters.

4.1 Going concern
We have reviewed the directors’ statement in Note 2 to the financial statements about 
whether they considered it appropriate to adopt the going concern basis of accounting 
in preparing them and their identification of any material uncertainties to the Group’s and 
Company’s ability to continue to do so over a period of at least twelve months from the 
date of approval of the financial statements.

We considered as part of our risk assessment the nature of the Group, its business model 
and related risks including where relevant the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and 
Brexit, the requirements of the applicable financial reporting framework and the system of 
internal control. We evaluated the directors’ assessment of the Group’s ability to continue 
as a going concern, including challenging the underlying data and key assumptions used 
to make the assessment, and evaluated the directors’ plans for future actions in relation to 
their going concern assessment.

Further detail of work performed on the going concern assessment is included in the Key 
Audit Matter below. 

We are required to state whether we have anything material to add or draw attention to in 
relation to that statement required by Listing Rule 9.8.6R(3) and report if the statement is 
materially inconsistent with our knowledge obtained in the audit.

4.2 Principal risks and viability statement
Based solely on reading the directors’ statements and considering whether they were 
consistent with the knowledge we obtained in the course of the audit, including the 
knowledge obtained in the evaluation of the directors’ assessment of the Group’s and the 
Company’s ability to continue as a going concern, we are required to state whether we 
have anything material to add or draw attention to in relation to:

 – the disclosures on pages 54 to 57 that describe the principal risks, procedures 

to identify emerging risks, and an explanation of how these are being managed 
or mitigated;

 – the directors’ confirmation on page 71 that they have carried out a robust assessment 

of the principal and emerging risks facing the Group, including those that would 
threaten its business model, future performance, solvency or liquidity; or

 – the directors’ explanation on page 54 as to how they have assessed the prospects of 

the Group, over what period they have done so and why they consider that period to be 
appropriate, and their statement as to whether they have a reasonable expectation that 
the Group will be able to continue in operation and meet its liabilities as they fall due 
over the period of their assessment, including any related disclosures drawing attention 
to any necessary qualifications or assumptions.

We are also required to report whether the directors’ statement relating to the prospects 
of the Group required by Listing Rule 9.8.6R(3) is materially inconsistent with our 
knowledge obtained in the audit.

5. Key audit matters
Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgement, were of most significance in our 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) that we identified. These matters included 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 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.

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20– Strategic reportGovernance– Financial statements– Other information112

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF WHITBREAD PLC  
CONTINUED

5.1 Going concern 

Key audit matter 
description

As stated in Note 2 to the financial statements, the Directors’ Report on page 107 and the Audit Committee 
report on page 71, the consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the going concern basis. The 
Board of Directors has concluded that there are no material uncertainties which may cast significant doubt over 
the Group’s and Company’s ability to continue as a going concern for at least twelve months from the date of 
approval of the financial statements.   

At 27 February 2020 the Group had cash and cash equivalents of £502.6 million and committed facilities of 
£1,759.0 million, of which £825.5 million had been drawn down. These facilities, alongside the Pension scheme, 
contain covenants which require the Group to maintain specific financial ratios and comply with certain other 
financial covenants. 

From 21 March the Group closed all of its restaurants and from 24 March the majority of its hotels following 
government instruction aimed at containing the spread of COVID-19, with 39 Premier Inn hotels in the UK 
remaining open specifically to provide accommodation for NHS staff and other front-line key workers. 

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the measures put in place to control the virus spreading, have 
created a number of events and conditions which may have indicated a material uncertainty related to going 
concern for the Group at the time of signing the financial statements.

The closure of the hotels and restaurants for an extended period of time has a significant impact on the 
revenue, profits and cash flow of the business. However, given the uncertainty regarding the duration, extent 
and ultimate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Group cannot estimate with any precision the impact on 
its prospective financial performance. 

As a result of the uncertainties surrounding the forecasts due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Group has also 
modelled a scenario which assumes that hotels are shut throughout the going concern period (reverse stress 
test). This shows that the Group has enough liquidity (when taking into account the proceeds of the Rights Issue 
as discussed below) to continue to meet its obligations as they become due, for at least 12 months from the 
date of signing the financial statements if the sites were not to re-open during that period.  

The Group has identified a number of mitigating actions, including securing waivers across all covenants for 
18 months, the raising of £1 billion through a fully pre-emptive rights issue and potential sale of freehold assets.  

In assessing the funding available, the Directors have modelled the proceeds of the rights issue within their 
reverse stress as it has been fully underwritten. A key judgement exists in making this determination as the 
Underwriting Agreement has certain conditions which exist between the date of this annual report and the 
rights to trading, expected to be up to 5 days. These conditions include Material Adverse Change (MAC) clauses 
(i.e. the right to terminate should a material unforeseen event occur) which are outside of the Directors’ control. 
The Directors have assessed that the probability of the Underwriting Agreement not becoming unconditional 
is remote.  

As at the date of this report, the global outlook as a result of COVID-19 is significantly uncertain and the range 
of potential outcomes is wide-ranging and unknown. In particular, should the impacts of the pandemic on 
trading conditions be more prolonged or severe than currently forecast by the Directors, the Group’s going 
concern status would be dependent on its ability to access additional liquidity. For example, the Group applied 
for the Bank of England’s COVID-19 Corporate Financing Facility (CCFF) with an issuer limit of £600 million, 
which was confirmed as successful on 14 April 2020. Although, due to the terms of the loan, the Group is unable 
to rely on the CCFF funding in assessing going concern.

As a result of the impact of COVID-19 on the Group and the uncertainties regarding liquidity and covenant 
positions outlined above, we identified a key audit matter related to going concern due to the significant 
judgement required to conclude that there is not a material uncertainty. 

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20113

5.1 Going concern continued 

How the scope 
of our audit 
responded to the 
key audit matter

We performed the following audit procedures which consider the impact of the uncertainty of the COVID-19 
pandemic and going concern assessment performed:

 – Obtained an understanding of the key controls relating to the Group’s forecasting process;
 – Verified the mechanical accuracy of the model used to prepare the Group’s forecast; 
 – With assistance from our specialist debt advisory team, we reviewed key loan and bond documentation 
to understand the principal terms and related financial covenants and performed a review of the Group’s 
existing and forecast covenants; 

 – Reviewed the correspondence in relation to covenant waivers and assessed the terms and conditions, and 

confirmed their consideration in the forecasts;  

 – Assessed the timing and status of the rights issue at the date of signing the financial statements, and the 
probability of the MAC clauses being invoked, including the review of legal advice received by the Group;

 – We utilised our internal transaction specialists to assist in assessing the appropriateness of forecast 

assumptions by: 
 – Challenged, with reference to external data, the key assumptions underpinning the Group’s forecasts, 

in particular the impact of events taking place after the balance sheet date;

 – Assessed the likelihood of the assumptions in the reverse stress test and the impact of reasonably possible 

downside scenarios on the Group‘s funding position;

 – Compared forecasted sales to recent historical financial information to assess management’s ability to 

forecast with accuracy;

 – Challenged and reviewed the covenant waiver proposals and financing options available; and 
 – Assessed and challenged the mitigating actions available to the Group, including the government CCFF 

funding and the rights issue.

 – Assessed the sufficiency of the Group’s disclosure concerning the going concern basis.  

Key observations

The Directors’ forecasts, as well as reasonably possible downside scenarios, including the reverse stress 
test, indicate that the Group has sufficient financial resources over the going concern period. Based on the 
information available as at the date of this report we consider the forecasts prepared by the Directors and their 
underlying assumptions to be reasonable.

We have reviewed the disclosures prepared by the Directors set out on page 128 and consider them to 
be appropriate. 

5.2 Impairment review of maturing sites 

Key audit matter 
description

As described in Note 16 (Impairment), Note 15 (Property, Plant and Equipment) and Note 22 (Lease 
arrangements) of the financial statements, the Group held £4,232.0 million (2019: £4,090.0 million) of Property, 
plant and equipment and £2,273.7 million (2019: £2,141.7 million) of Right-of-use assets at 27 February 2020.

Under IAS 36 Impairment of Assets, the Group is required to complete an impairment review of its site portfolio 
where there are indicators of impairment. An impairment of £36.6 million (2019: £7.2 million), as disclosed in 
Note 7, has been recognised in the current year following declining trading performance in these sites. 

Judgement is required in identifying indicators of impairment and estimation is required in determining the 
recoverable amount of the Group’s portfolio of sites, particularly in relation to sites which are not yet considered 
to be mature, where there is limited history to use as objective evidence to support future plans. There is a risk 
that the carrying value of sites and related fixed assets may be higher than the recoverable amount. Where 
a review for impairment is performed, the recoverable amount is determined based on the higher of ‘value-
in-use’ or ‘fair value less costs of disposal’ (which is based on either an independent source or an industry 
valuation methodology). 

There are several judgements in assessing the appropriate valuation, which are set out below:

 – Determining the cash-generating units (CGUs) that show indicators of impairment. A CGU is determined 

to be each individual trading outlet;

 – Calculation of the appropriate discount and long-term growth rates; 
 – Estimates of future trading and cash flow projections;
 – Assessing the future growth profile of sites which have not yet reached maturity; and
 – Appropriateness of other valuation methodologies, as well as inputs to these. 

The Group’s accounting policy on impairment and key sources of estimation uncertainty in relation to 
Impairment testing are set out in Note 2. In addition, Impairment testing – property, plant and equipment and 
right-of-use assets is also a significant issue considered by the Audit Committee, as discussed on page 71. 

The Group has also considered the impact of COVID-19 as a non-adjusting post balance sheet event. The 
sensitivities and potential impairment under these scenarios have been disclosed in Note 34.   

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INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF WHITBREAD PLC  
CONTINUED

5.2 Impairment review of maturing sites continued 

How the scope 
of our audit 
responded to the 
key audit matter

In responding to the identified key audit matter, we completed the following audit procedures: 

 – Obtained an understanding of the key controls relating to the impairment review process and determination 

of cash flow forecasts; 

 – Challenged the valuation methodologies adopted by management to identify impairment indicators, 

including the consistency of these with the requirements of IAS 36;

 – Checked the mechanical accuracy of the impairment models, with input from our analytics and modelling 

team; 

 – Assessed the appropriateness of the discount rates applied in conjunction with our internal valuation 

specialists and compared the rates applied with our internal benchmarking data;

 – Assessed the appropriateness of forecast revenue and EBITDA margin growth rates through comparison 
to recent performance, board approved plans and with reference to historic forecasting accuracy as well 
as external data in respect of long term growth rates; 

 – For sites which are not yet mature, where there is limited history to use as objective evidence to support 

future plans, we:
 – challenged management’s assumptions in relation to the impact of capacity being added nearby and the 

potential impact on the short and long term with reference to specific sites; and

 – Understood the maturity profile of hotels and how these are impacted by external factors, with reference 
to performance of similar sites in a start-up phase and industry estimates or market analyses as well as 
engaging with our industry specialists to help inform our challenge; 

 – Evaluated the appropriateness and completeness of information included in the impairment model and 
judgements made based on meetings with the property team and network planning team, as well as 
understanding strategic initiatives, with input from our industry experts on more complex sites;  

 – Understood and challenged the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on both the UK and German markets 
and the timing of hotel closures and decisions made by the business, including whether it is appropriate 
to account for as a non-adjusting post balance sheet event based on the status of the pandemic at the year 
end and the actions the business had planned at this point in time; and 

 – Assessed the completeness and accuracy of disclosures within the financial statements in accordance with 

IFRS, in particular Note 16 and the COVID-19 related sensitivities included in Note 34. 

Key observations

Based on the audit procedures performed, we are satisfied that the carrying value of site-based assets 
is appropriate and that appropriate disclosures have been made.

5.3 IFRS 16: Discount rate methodology 

Key audit matter 
description

How the scope 
of our audit 
responded to the 
key audit matter

As described in Note 2 (Accounting polices) and Note 22 (Lease Arrangements), IFRS 16 Leases has been 
applied for the first time in the current year. The Group has adopted the standard retrospectively. The 
application of IFRS 16 has a significant impact on the reported assets, liabilities and the income statement 
of the Group. This resulted in the recognition of right-of use assets of £2,141.7 million and lease-liabilities of 
£2,471.8 million as at 28 February 2019. The transition reduced the 2019/20 statutory profit by £41.7 million, 
primarily as a result of the depreciation and interest costs now required. In the current year, the right-of-use 
asset recognised is £2,273.7 million and lease liabilities of £2,620.6 million.   

Management judgement is required in determining the implicit rate of interest in each lease when calculating 
the lease liability. The recommended approach to calculating the incremental borrowing rate (IBR) has 
been adopted where the implicit rate of interest in a lease is not readily determinable. There is a risk that 
the judgements made when determining the IBR do not accurately reflect the implicit rate of interest in the 
lease. The key judgements involved in determining the IBR include the determination of the risk free rate with 
reference to gilts/government bonds as well as lease specific adjustments. 

The Audit Committee’s discussion of this key audit matter is set out on page 71.

In responding to the identified key audit matter, we completed the following audit procedures: 

 – Obtained an understanding of the key controls relating to the Group’s transition to IFRS 16, in particular the 

determination of the IBR;

 – Engaged our valuation specialists to assess the inputs to the calculation and appropriateness of the 

methodology applied;

 – Tested the inputs to the calculation to third party external data, for example published gilt rates;
 – Re-performed the lease IBR calculation;
 – Assessed the appropriateness of the lease specific adjustments, through review and challenge of work 

performed by management’s expert; and

 – Assessed and tested the application of the discount rates at inception and modification to a sample of leases.  

Key observations

We have concluded that management’s discount rate methodology is appropriate and in accordance with the 
requirements of IFRS 16. Based on the work performed, we conclude that the rates applied are reasonable. 

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20115

5.4 Classification and presentation of adjusting items 

Key audit matter 
description

As described in the Audit Committee report on page 71, the Accounting Policies (Note 2) and the Glossary 
(page 202), the classification and presentation of income and costs as Adjusting items in the Income Statement 
(to derive ‘Adjusted profit before tax’ and other adjusted measures) is a judgement and not a requirement 
of IFRS. Judgement is exercised by management in determining the classification of items as adjusting and 
therefore there is potential for manipulation of the adjusted measures.  

How the scope 
of our audit 
responded to the 
key audit matter

In the current year, management has introduced a new non-GAAP measure, Adjusted profit before tax, to 
replace the Underlying profit before tax previously reported. The new measure and accounting policy is 
disclosed in Note 2. As a result of the change, the income statement and Note 7 have been re-presented 
to reflect items recognised as adjusting rather than non-underlying. 

In the current year, adjustments totalling £78.3 million (2019: £172.2 million) have been made to profit before tax 
to derive adjusted profit before tax of £358.3 million (2019: £390.3 million). The reconciliation between statutory 
profit before tax is included in the Income Statement, with the adjusting items disclosed in Note 7 to the 
financial statements.  

The most significant items classified as adjusting in the current year are as follows: 

 – Costa disposal – impact on continuing business of £17.5 million;
 – Disposal, impairment and write off of intangible assets and property, plant and equipment and provisions for 

property costs: £76.3 million; and
 – Insurance proceeds of £16.0 million. 

In responding to the identified key audit matter, we completed the following audit procedures: 

 – Obtained an understanding of the key controls relating to the identification and disclosure of adjusting items, 

in particular the review process in assessing items to include or exclude in this category; 

 – Challenged and understood management’s rationale for including certain items outside statutory profit 

before tax, including assessing the consistency of adjustments with the prior year and compliance with the 
Group’s accounting policy;

 – Challenged and verified a sample of items classified as adjusting during the year to determine whether items 

had been appropriately classified;

 – Assessed the completeness of items separately identified as adjusting through an examination of costs and 

income recorded during the year to determine whether items had been omitted from the adjusting category; 
and

 – Assessed the disclosure of the accounting policy for adjusting items, description of the items classified as 

adjusting and the reconciliation between statutory profit before tax and adjusted profit before tax. This was 
performed in the context of the latest guidance published by the European and Securities Markets Authority 
(“ESMA”) and the Financial Reporting Council (“FRC”), ensuring the purpose of using alternative performance 
measures was set out, that they were clearly defined, consistent over time and included appropriate 
reconciliations to statutory financial information. 

Key observations

We are satisfied that the items included within adjusting items have been appropriately presented in line with 
the definition included within the accounting policies. 

5.5 Share buy-back and tender offer 

Key audit matter 
description

As described in Note 27 (Share capital), the Group completed the tender offer to purchase 40.2 million ordinary 
shares at an aggregate cost of £2,012.6 million. Following the commencement of the share buyback programme 
in the prior year, during which 3.5 million ordinary shares were purchased at an aggregate cost of £169.9 million, 
a further 6.5 million ordinary shares were purchased in 2019 at an aggregate cost of £315.8 million.  

As described in the Audit Committee report on page 71 and Note 33 (Prior year restatement), in late 2019, the 
FRC submitted a request for further information on the accounting treatment adopted for the share buy-back 
arrangements in the Annual Report for the year ended 28 February 2019.

Following completion of this review, management concluded that a liability should have been recorded at 
28 February 2019 due to the Group’s irrevocable commitment that existed to purchase its own shares. As such, 
the balance sheet as at 28 February 2019 has been restated to recognise a further liability of £330.1 million.  

Due to the size and scale of the share buy-back and tender offer in the current and prior year, including the 
restatement of the financial statements for the year ended 28 February 2019, this area has had a significant 
impact on our audit strategy. 

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INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF WHITBREAD PLC  
CONTINUED

5.5 Share buy-back and tender offer continued 

How the scope 
of our audit 
responded to the 
key audit matter

In responding to the identified key audit matter, we completed the following audit procedures:

 – Obtained an understanding of the key controls of large scale, one-off transactions; 
 – Reviewed the legal contracts and agreements in place in relation to the tender offer and share buyback;
 – Considered and challenged the accounting treatment of the tender offer under the Companies Act 2006 and 
the share buy-back under IAS 32 Financial Instruments: Presentation, with support from our internal financial 
instrument specialists; 

 – Reviewed the correspondence between the FRC and the Directors of Whitbread plc in relation to this matter;
 – Considered and challenged the accounting treatment of the restatement of the share buyback programme 

under IAS 8 Accounting Policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates and Errors; and

 – Reviewed and challenged the disclosures within the financial statements in accordance with IFRS. 

Key observations

We have concluded that the accounting treatment in the current year of the tender offer and share buyback 
programme is appropriate. We consider that the presentation of the restatement of the share buyback is 
consistent with IAS 8. 

6. Our application of materiality

6.1 Materiality
We define materiality as the magnitude of misstatement in the financial statements that makes it probable that the 
economic decisions of a reasonably knowledgeable person would be changed or influenced. We use materiality both 
in planning the scope of our audit work and in evaluating the results of our work.

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

Materiality

Basis for 
determining 
materiality

Group financial statements

£16.9m (2019: £25.0m)

The Group materiality was determined based on adjusted 
profit before tax of £358.3m, and equates to 4.7% of 
this amount.  

Adjusting items are disclosed in Note 7. 

Rationale for 
the benchmark 
applied

Adjusted profit before tax has been used as it is the primary 
measure of performance used by the Group and stakeholders, 
in line with the prior year. 

Parent company financial statements

£6.7m (2019: £10.0m)

Materiality was determined on the 
basis of the Parent Company’s net 
assets. This was then capped at 40% 
of Group materiality.

The entity is non-trading and contains 
an investment in all of the Group’s 
trading components and as a result, in 
line with prior year, we have determined 
materiality on the basis of net assets for 
the current year. 

Adjusted PBT
£358.3m

● Adjusted PBT 

● Group materiality 

Group materiality £16.9m

Component materiality range
£16.0m to £6.7m

Audit Committee reporting
threshold £0.845m

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20117

6.2 Performance materiality
We set performance materiality at a level lower than materiality to reduce the probability that, in aggregate, 
uncorrected and undetected misstatements exceed the materiality for the financial statements as a whole. 
Group performance materiality was set at 70% of Group materiality for the 2020 audit (2019: 70%). In determining 
performance materiality, we considered the following factors:

 – Our risk assessment, including our assessment of the Group’s overall control environment and that we consider 

it appropriate to rely on controls over revenue, property, plant and equipment and intangible assets.

 – Our cumulative knowledge of the Group, including the nature, quantum and volume of corrected and uncorrected 
misstatements in prior periods, including prior period errors, and our expectation that misstatements from prior 
periods would not likely recur in the current period.

6.3 Error reporting threshold
We agreed with the Audit Committee that we would report to the Committee all audit differences in excess of 
£0.8 million (2019: £1.0 million), as well as differences below that threshold that, in our view, warranted reporting on 
qualitative grounds. We also report to the Audit Committee on disclosure matters that we identified when assessing 
the overall presentation of the financial statements.

7. An overview of the scope of our audit

7.1 Identification and scoping of components
Our Group audit was scoped by obtaining an understanding of the Group and its environment, including Group-wide 
controls, and assessing the risks of material misstatement at the Group level. 

Components were selected to provide an appropriate basis for undertaking audit work to address the risks of material 
misstatement. Based on our assessment, we have focused our audit on the UK business which was subject to full 
audit procedures. We have performed our full audit scope of the UK component using a materiality of £16.0 million 
(or 95% of Group materiality) (2019: £20 million) as this makes up substantially all of the Group’s operations (99% of 
the Group’s revenue (2019: 99%)). 

At the parent entity level we also tested the consolidation process and carried out analytical procedures to confirm 
our conclusion that there were no significant risks of material misstatement of the aggregated financial information 
of the remaining components (including Germany) not subject to audit or audit of specified account balances. 

In the current period, we have performed analytical review procedures on the German component, as well as all other 
wholly owned and joint venture businesses. 

All audit procedures were completed by the Group audit team in the UK. 

Full audit scope
Review at Group level

Revenue
£m

2,059.6

11.9

2,071.5

Profit before 
tax 
£m

Net Assets 
£m

296.8

(16.8)

280.0

3,185.5

563.3

3,748.8

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INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF WHITBREAD PLC  
CONTINUED

7.2 Our consideration of the control environment 
The Whitbread IT landscape contains a number of IT 
systems, applications and tools used to support business 
processes and for reporting. In line with our scoping of 
components (refer to section 7.1) our work in relation to 
IT controls focuses on the UK component. We perform an 
independent risk assessment of the systems, applications 
and tools to determine those which are of greatest 
relevance to the Group’s financial reporting, including 
those that contain system configured automated controls 
that host financially relevant data and associated reports. 

We performed testing of General IT Controls (“GITCs”) 
of these systems, typically covering controls surrounding 
user access management, change management and 
interfaces with other systems relating to in scope IT 
systems (such as Oracle Fusion) as well as controls 
over key reports generated from the IT systems 
and their supporting infrastructure (database and 
operating system). 

In order to evaluate IT controls, we performed 
walkthrough procedures of the key controls relevant 
business cycles, including revenue, property, plant and 
equipment and intangible assets to understand whether 
the purpose of the control was effectively designed to 
address the IT related risk. We then performed testing of 
the control across the audit period, to determine whether 
the control had been consistently applied as designed. 

Our procedures enabled us to place reliance on IT 
controls, as planned, in the audit approach across a 
number of business cycles, where audit quality and 
effectiveness are enhanced by doing so (see section 6.2).   

8. Other information
The directors are responsible for the other information. 
The other information comprises the information included 
in the Annual Report, other than the financial statements 
and our auditor’s report thereon.

Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover 
the other information and, except to the extent otherwise 
explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form 
of assurance conclusion thereon.

In connection with our audit of the financial statements, 
our responsibility is to read the other information and, 
in doing so, consider whether the other information is 
materially inconsistent with the financial statements 
or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise 
appears to be materially misstated.

If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent 
material misstatements, we are required to determine 
whether there is a material misstatement in the financial 
statements or a material misstatement of the other 
information. If, based on the work we have performed, 
we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this 
other information, we are required to report that fact.

In this context, matters that we are specifically required 
to report to you as uncorrected material misstatements 
of the other information include where we conclude that:

 – Fair, balanced and understandable – the statement 
given by the directors that they consider the annual 
report and financial statements taken as a whole is 
fair, balanced and understandable and provides the 
information necessary for shareholders to assess the 
Group’s position and performance, business model and 
strategy, is materially inconsistent with our knowledge 
obtained in the audit; or

 – Audit committee reporting – the section describing the 
work of the Audit Committee does not appropriately 
address matters communicated by us to the Audit 
Committee; or

 – Directors’ statement of compliance with the 

UK Corporate Governance Code –  the parts of the 
directors’ statement required under the Listing Rules 
relating to the company’s compliance with the UK 
Corporate Governance Code containing provisions 
specified for review by the auditor in accordance 
with Listing Rule 9.8.10R(2) do not properly disclose 
a departure from a relevant provision of the UK 
Corporate Governance Code.

We have nothing to report in respect of these matters.

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20119

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

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

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

Details of the extent to which the audit was considered 
capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud 
and non-compliance with laws and regulations are set 
out below.

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 auditor’s report.

11. Extent to which the audit was considered capable 
of detecting irregularities, including fraud
We identify and assess the risks of material misstatement 
of the financial statements, whether due to fraud or 
error, and then design and perform audit procedures 
responsive to those risks, including obtaining audit 
evidence that is sufficient and appropriate to provide 
a basis for our opinion.

11.1 Identifying and assessing potential risks related 
to irregularities
In identifying and assessing risks of material misstatement in 
respect of irregularities, including fraud and non-compliance 
with laws and regulations, we considered the following:

 – the nature of the industry and sector, control 

environment and business performance including 
the design of the Group’s remuneration policies, key 
drivers for directors’ remuneration, bonus levels and 
performance targets;

 – results of our enquiries of management, internal audit 

and the Audit Committee about their own identification 
and assessment of the risks of irregularities; 

 – any matters we identified having obtained and 

reviewed the Group’s documentation of their policies 
and procedures relating to:

 – identifying, evaluating and complying with laws and 
regulations and whether they were aware of any 
instances of non-compliance;

 – detecting and responding to the risks of fraud 

and whether they have knowledge of any actual, 
suspected or alleged fraud;

 – the internal controls established to mitigate risks 

of fraud or non-compliance with laws and regulations;

 – the matters discussed among the audit engagement 

team and involving relevant internal specialists, 
including tax, valuations, pensions, IT, financial 
instrument specialists and industry specialists 
regarding how and where fraud might occur in the 
financial statements and any potential indicators 
of fraud.

As a result of these procedures, we considered the 
opportunities and incentives that may exist within 
the organisation for fraud and identified the greatest 
potential for fraud in the following area: classification and 
presentation of adjusting items. In common with all audits 
under ISAs (UK), we are also required to perform specific 
procedures to respond to the risk of management override.

We also obtained an understanding of the legal and 
regulatory frameworks that the Group operates in, focusing 
on provisions of those laws and regulations that had 
a direct effect on the determination of material amounts 
and disclosures in the financial statements. The key laws 
and regulations we considered in this context included the 
UK Companies Act, Listing Rules, UK corporate governance 
legislation, pensions legislation and UK and overseas 
tax legislation.  

In addition, we considered provisions of other laws 
and regulations that do not have a direct effect on the 
financial statements but compliance with which may be 
fundamental to the Group’s ability to operate or to avoid 
a material penalty. 

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INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF WHITBREAD PLC  
CONTINUED

11.2 Audit response to risks identified
As a result of performing the above, we identified 
classification and presentation of adjusting items as a key 
audit matter related to the potential risk of fraud. The key 
audit matters section of our report explains the matter 
in more detail and also describes the specific procedures 
we performed in response to that key audit matter. 

In addition to the above, our procedures to respond 
to risks identified included the following:

 – reviewing the financial statement disclosures and 
testing to supporting documentation to assess 
compliance with provisions of relevant laws and 
regulations described as having a direct effect on 
the financial statements;

 – enquiring of management, the Audit Committee and 

in-house legal counsel concerning actual and potential 
litigation and claims;

 – performing analytical procedures to identify any 

unusual or unexpected relationships that may indicate 
risks of material misstatement due to fraud;

 – reading minutes of meetings of those charged with 
governance, reviewing internal audit reports and 
reviewing correspondence with HMRC; and

 – in addressing the risk of fraud through management 

override of controls, testing the appropriateness 
of journal entries and other adjustments; assessing 
whether the judgements made in making accounting 
estimates are indicative of a potential bias; and 
evaluating the business rationale of any significant 
transactions that are unusual or outside the normal 
course of business.

We also communicated relevant identified laws and 
regulations and potential fraud risks to all engagement 
team members including internal specialists, and 
remained alert to any indications of fraud or non-
compliance with laws and regulations throughout 
the audit.

Report on other legal and 
regulatory requirements

12. Opinions on other matters prescribed 
by the Companies Act 2006

In our opinion the part of the directors’ remuneration 
report to be audited has been properly prepared 
in accordance with the Companies Act 2006.

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

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

 – the strategic report and the directors’ report have 

been prepared in accordance with applicable 
legal requirements.

In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the 
Group and the Parent Company and their environment 
obtained in the course of the audit, we have not 
identified any material misstatements in the strategic 
report or the directors’ report.

13. Matters on which we are required to report 
by exception

13.1 Adequacy of explanations received and 
accounting records
Under the Companies Act 2006 we are required to report 
to you if, in our opinion:

 – we have not received all the information and 

explanations we require for our audit; or

 – adequate accounting records have not been kept by 

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

 – the Parent Company financial statements are not in 
agreement with the accounting records and returns.

We have nothing to report in respect of these matters.

13.2 Directors’ remuneration
Under the Companies Act 2006 we are also required 
to report if in our opinion certain disclosures of directors’ 
remuneration have not been made or the part of the 
directors’ remuneration report to be audited is not in 
agreement with the accounting records and returns.

We have nothing to report in respect of these matters.

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20121

14. Other matters

14.1 Auditor tenure
Following the recommendation of the Audit Committee, 
we were appointed by the members on 21 June 2016 to 
audit the financial statements for the year ended 3 March 
2016 and subsequent financial periods. The period of total 
uninterrupted engagement including previous renewals 
and reappointments of the firm is five years, covering the 
years ending 3 March 2016 to 27 February 2020.

14.2 Consistency of the audit report with the 
additional report to the audit committee
Our audit opinion is consistent with the additional report 
to the Audit Committee we are required to provide in 
accordance with ISAs (UK).

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

Nicola Mitchell (FCA)
(Senior statutory auditor)

For and on behalf of Deloitte LLP 
Statutory Auditor 
London, UK 
21 May 2020

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20– Strategic reportGovernance– Financial statements– Other information122

Consolidated accounts 2019/20

Contents

123
124
125
126
127
128

Consolidated income statement
Consolidated statement of comprehensive income 
Consolidated statement of changes in equity
Consolidated balance sheet
Consolidated cash flow statement
Notes to the consolidated financial statements

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20123

Consolidated income statement
Year ended 27 February 2020

Continuing operations
Revenue
Other income
Operating costs

Operating profit before joint ventures

Share of loss from joint ventures

Operating profit

Finance costs
Finance income

Profit before tax

Tax expense

Profit for the year from continuing operations

Discontinued operations
Profit for the year from discontinued operations

Profit for the year attributable to parent 
shareholders

Earnings per share
(Note 12)

From continuing operations
Basic 
Diluted 

From continuing and discontinued operations
Basic 
Diluted 

– Strategic report

– Governance

Financial statements

– Other information

52 weeks to 27 February 2020

Before
adjusting
items
£m

Adjusting
items
(Note 7) 
£m

Statutory
£m

Notes

52 weeks to 28 February 2019 
(restated1)

Before
adjusting
items
£m

Adjusting 
items
(Note 7)
£m

Statutory
£m

3,5
2,062.1 
4
18.8 
6  (1,592.0)
 488.9 

 9.4 
 18.3 

 2,071.5 
37.1
(105.6) (1,697.6)
411.0

(77.9)

 2,047.1 
 5.8 
 (1,514.6)
 538.3 

 2.0 
– 

 2,049.1 
 5.8 
 (174.2)  (1,688.8)
 366.1 
 (172.2)

17

9
9
5

10

 (2.1)
 486.8 

 (0.4)
(78.3)

 (2.5)
408.5

 (0.6)
 537.7 

– 
 (172.2)

 (0.6)
 365.5 

 (144.4)
15.9
 358.3 

 – 
 – 
(78.3)

 (144.4)
 15.9 
280.0

 (152.1)
 4.7 
 390.3 

– 
– 
 (172.2)

 (152.1)
 4.7 
 218.1 

 (69.1)
 289.2 

 7.0 
(71.3)

 (62.1)
217.9

 (75.8)
314.5

 34.5 
 (137.7)

 (41.3)
176.8

11

 – 

 – 

 – 

 122.3 

 3,432.3 

 3,554.6 

 289.2 

(71.3)

217.9

 436.8 

 3,294.6 

 3,731.4 

52 weeks to 27 February 2020

52 weeks to 28 February 2019 
(restated1)

pence

pence

pence

pence

pence

pence

 193.6 
 192.4 

(47.7)
(47.4)

145.9
145.0

 172.0 
 171.2 

 (75.3)
 (75.0)

 96.7 
 96.2 

 193.6 
 192.4 

(47.7)
(47.4)

145.9
145.0

 238.9 
 237.8 

 1,802.3 
 1,793.4 

 2,041.2 
 2,031.2 

1  The prior year consolidated income statement has been restated to reflect the impact of adopting a new accounting policy in respect of IFRS 16 Leases and re-presented 

to reflect the introduction of a new alternative performance measure (see Note 2). 

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20124

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income
Year ended 27 February 2020

Profit for the year
Items that will not be reclassified to the income statement:
Re-measurement gain/(loss) on defined benefit pension scheme
Current tax on defined benefit pension scheme
Deferred tax on defined benefit pension scheme
Share of other comprehensive loss of joint ventures

Items that may be reclassified subsequently to the income statement:
Net gain on cash flow hedges
Deferred tax on cash flow hedges
Net gain on hedge of a net investment

Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations
Exchange differences recycled to the income statement on disposal of business

Other comprehensive income/(loss) for the year, net of tax
Total comprehensive income for the year, net of tax

52 weeks to 
27 February 
2020
£m

52 weeks to 
28 February 
2019 
(restated1)
£m

217.9

 3,731.4 

Notes

31
10
10
17

25
10
25

11

 19.7
 18.3 
 (19.6)
 (2.8)
15.6

 3.5 
 (0.6)
 13.0 
 15.9 

 (12.1)
 – 
 (12.1)

 (1.9)
 34.5 
 (34.6)
– 
 (2.0)

 4.8 
 (1.1)
– 
 3.7 

 (9.4)
 (1.9)
 (11.3)

19.4
237.3

 (9.6)
 3,721.8 

1  Prior year profit for the year has been restated to reflect the impact of adopting a new accounting policy in respect of IFRS 16 Leases (see Note 2).

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20125

– Strategic report

– Governance

Financial statements

– Other information

Consolidated statement of changes in equity
Year ended 27 February 2020

At 1 March 2018 (as reported)
IFRS 16 transition (Note 2)
At 2 March 2018 (restated1)

Profit for the year (restated1)
Other comprehensive income
Total comprehensive income (restated1)

Ordinary shares issued
Loss on ESOT shares issued 
Accrued share-based payments
Tax on share-based payments
Equity dividends (Note 13)
Shares purchased in share buyback2 (Note 27)
Future irrevocable commitment – share buyback 
(restated3)
At 28 February 2019 (restated1,3)

Profit for the year
Other comprehensive income

Total comprehensive income

Ordinary shares issued (Note 27)
Loss on ESOT shares issued
Accrued share-based payments (Note 30)
Tax on share-based payments
Reserves transfer4
Equity dividends (Note 13)
Release of irrevocable commitment – 
share buyback3
Shares purchased in share buyback2 (Note 27)
Shares purchased under tender offer (Note 27)
Shares cancelled (Note 27)

At 27 February 2020

Share 
capital
(Note 27)
£m

Share 
premium
(Note 28)
£m

Capital 
redemption 
reserve 
(Note 28)
£m

 150.4 
– 
 150.4 

 73.2 
– 
 73.2 

 12.3 
– 
 12.3 

Retained 
earnings 
(Note 28)
£m

 4,594.7 
 (220.4)
 4,374.3 

Currency 
translation 
reserve 
(Note 28)
£m

 29.0 
– 
 29.0 

Other 
reserves 
(Note 28)
£m

 (2,057.1)
–
 (2,057.1)

Total
£m

 2,802.5 
 (220.4)
 2,582.1 

– 
– 
– 

 0.2 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 

 8.3 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 

– 

– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 

 3,731.4 
 (3.1)
 3,728.3 

– 
 (11.3)
 (11.3)

– 
 4.8 
 4.8 

 3,731.4 
 (9.6)
 3,721.8 

– 
 (4.6)
 22.4 
 5.3 
 (187.4)
– 

– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 

– 
 4.6 
– 
– 
– 
 (169.9)

 8.5 
–
 22.4 
 5.3 
 (187.4)
 (169.9)

 (330.1)

 (330.1)

 150.6 

 81.5 

 12.3 

 7,938.3 

 17.7 

 (2,547.7)

 5,652.7

 – 
 – 
 – 

 0.2 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 

 – 
 – 
 (31.0)
 (6.9)
112.9

 – 
 – 
 – 

 9.3 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 

 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 90.8 

 – 
 – 
 – 

 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 

217.9
15.6
233.5

 – 
 (3.3)
 11.6 
(4.1)
 (1.4) 
 (159.9)

 – 
 0.9 
 0.9 

 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 

 – 
2.9
2.9

 – 
 3.3 
 – 
 – 
 1.4
 – 

217.9
19.4
237.3

 9.5 
 – 
 11.6 
(4.1)
 – 
 (159.9)

 – 
 – 
 31.0 
 6.9 
 50.2 

 – 
 – 
 (2,012.6)
 (140.2)
5,861.9

 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 18.6 

 330.1 
 (315.8)
 – 
 140.2 
(2,385.6)

 330.1 
 (315.8)
 (2,012.6)
 – 
3,748.8

1   Amounts have been restated to reflect the impact of adopting a new accounting policy in respect of IFRS 16 Leases (see Note 2).

2  Following the completion of the sale of Costa on 3 January 2019, the Group announced its intention to start an irrevocable share buyback programme for a total 

commitment of £500.0m. In the year to 27 February 2020, the Group purchased 6.5m (2018/19: 3.5m) ordinary shares representing approximately 3.3% (2018/19: 1.8%) 
of the issued ordinary share capital at an average price of £48.00 per share (2018/19: £48.87), and an aggregate cost of £315.8m (2018/19: £169.9m) under the share 
buyback programme. 

3  Amounts have been restated to reflect the Group’s irrevocable commitment for the purchase of its own shares. This has the impact of recognising the full value of the 

Group’s commitment to repurchase shares in the year to 28 February 2019 (see Note 33).

4  Tax on cash flow hedges, which had previously been recognised within retained earnings, has been transferred to other reserves.

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20126

Consolidated balance sheet 
At 27 February 2020

Non-current assets
Intangible assets
Right-of-use assets
Property, plant and equipment
Investment property
Investment in joint ventures
Derivative financial instruments
Defined benefit pension surplus
Trade and other receivables

Current assets
Inventories
Derivative financial instruments
Current tax asset
Trade and other receivables
Cash and cash equivalents

Assets classified as held for sale
Total assets

Current liabilities
Borrowings
Lease liabilities
Provisions
Derivative financial instruments
Current tax liabilities
Trade and other payables
Other financial liabilities

Non-current liabilities
Borrowings
Lease liabilities
Provisions
Derivative financial instruments
Deferred tax liabilities
Defined benefit pension liability
Trade and other payables

Total liabilities
Net assets

Equity
Share capital
Share premium
Capital redemption reserve
Retained earnings
Currency translation reserve
Other reserves
Total equity

27 February 
2020
£m

Notes

28 February 
2019 
(restated1,2)
£m

2 March 
2018 
(restated1)
£m

14
22
15
15
17
25
31
18

25

18
19

15

20
22
23
25

26
33

20
22
23
25
10
31

27
28
28
28
28
28

 172.8 
2,273.7
4,232.0
20.3
 54.8 
 28.6 
 190.3 
 5.1 
6,977.6

 13.7 
 9.0 
14.9
 292.8 
 502.6 
833.0
 14.9
7,825.5

 84.0 
 79.9 
40.8
 2.2 
 – 
 440.0
 – 
646.9

741.5 
 2,540.7
7.6
2.2 
137.8
 – 
 – 
3,429.8
4,076.7
3,748.8

 175.6 
 2,141.7 
 4,090.0 
–
 56.6 
 14.5 
– 
– 
 6,478.4 

 14.5 
 1.9 
 12.6 
 111.5 
 3,403.2 
 3,543.7 
 12.2
 10,034.3 

– 
 68.8 
 40.9 
 2.1 
– 
 508.0 
 330.1 
 949.9 

 819.9 
 2,403.0 
 14.4 
 3.7 
 71.1 
 119.6 
– 
 3,431.7 
 4,381.6 
 5,652.7 

 300.7 
 2,517.3 
 4,176.0 
–
 50.4 
 9.2 
– 
 5.8 
 7,059.4 

 48.8 
 12.5 
– 
 180.3 
 90.6 
 332.2 
 7.3
 7,398.9 

 108.9 
 126.6 
 26.7 
 2.6 
 44.8 
622.4
–
932.0

 814.5 
 2,718.4 
18.8
 5.3 
 37.0 
 288.6 
 2.2 
3,884.8
 4,816.8 
 2,582.1 

112.9
90.8
 50.2
5,861.9
18.6 
(2,385.6)
3,748.8

 150.6 
 81.5 
 12.3 
 7,938.3 
 17.7 
 (2,547.7)
 5,652.7 

 150.4 
 73.2 
 12.3 
 4,374.3 
 29.0 
 (2,057.1)
 2,582.1 

1   Prior year consolidated balance sheets have been restated to reflect the impact of adopting a new accounting policy in respect of IFRS 16 Leases (see Note 2). 

2  The prior year balance sheet has been restated to reflect the Group’s irrevocable commitment for the purchase of its own shares. This has the impact of recognising the full 

value of the Group’s commitment to repurchase shares in the year to 28 February 2019 (see Note 33).

Alison Brittain Chief Executive

Nicholas Cadbury Finance Director

21 May 2020

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20 
 
127

Consolidated cash flow statement 
Year ended 27 February 2020

Profit for the year 
Adjustments for:
Tax expense
Net finance cost
Share of loss from joint ventures before adjusting items
Profit on disposal of discontinued operations
Adjusting items before tax
Net cash outflow from adjusting items
Depreciation and amortisation
Share-based payments before adjusting items
Other non-cash items

Cash generated from operations before working capital changes

Decrease/(increase) in inventories
Increase in trade and other receivables
(Decrease)/increase in trade and other payables
Cash generated from operations

Payments against provisions
Pension payments
Interest paid – lease liabilities 
Interest paid – other 
Interest received
Corporation taxes paid
Net cash flows from operating activities

Cash flows from investing activities
Purchase of property, plant and equipment and investment property
Proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment
Investment in intangible assets
Proceeds on disposal of subsidiaries, net of cash disposed 
Acquisition of a subsidiary, net of cash acquired
Cash paid in advance of acquisitions2
Capital contributions to joint ventures
Loans advanced to joint ventures
Net cash flows from investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from issue of share capital
Shares purchased in tender offer
Shares purchased in share buyback
Drawdowns of long-term borrowings
Repayments of long-term borrowings
Payment of principal of lease liabilities 
Dividends paid
Net cash flows from financing activities

Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents
Opening cash and cash equivalents
Foreign exchange differences
Closing cash and cash equivalents

– Strategic report

– Governance

Financial statements

– Other information

52 weeks to 
27 February 
2020
£m

52 weeks to 
28 February 
2019 
(restated1)
£m

217.9

 3,731.4 

 62.1 
 128.5 
 2.1 
 – 
78.3
 (21.1)
 268.8 
 11.6
2.2
750.4

 0.9
(4.1)
(60.8)
686.4

(20.1)
 (288.4)
(115.3)
 (31.9)
 12.0
(8.5) 

234.2

 (372.7)
 11.9
(20.7) 
 – 
(22.3)
(170.0)
 – 
 (2.0)
(575.8)

 76.1 
 165.0 
 1.4 
 (3,404.5)
 144.4 
 (25.0)
 363.7 
 15.4 
 (1.3)
 1,066.6 

 (2.1)
 (57.6)
 54.9 
 1,061.8 

 (10.7)
 (193.9)
 (129.9)
 (38.8)
 4.9 
 (90.2)
 603.2 

 (479.6)
 8.9 
 (67.7)
 3,809.3 
 – 
–
 (6.9)
(2.4)
 3,261.6 

 9.5

(2,012.6) 
 (315.8)
 50.0
(50.0) 
 (72.1)
 (159.9)
 (2,550.9)

 8.5 
–
(169.9)
–
 (85.6)
 (117.5)
 (187.4)
 (551.9)

(2,892.5)
 3,403.2

(8.1) 

502.6

 3,312.9 
 90.6 
 (0.3)
 3,403.2 

Notes

10
9

11
7

5
8,30

23
31
22

5

14
11
35

17
17

27
27
27

13

21
21
21
19

1   The prior year consolidated cash flow statement has been restated to reflect the impact of adopting a new accounting policy in respect of IFRS 16 Leases (see Note 2).

2   Cash paid in advance of acquisitions for the 52 weeks ended 27 February 2020 includes £157.2m paid in advance of the year-end relating to the post-year-end acquisition 

of Foremost Hospitality Hiex GmbH (see Note 35) and a £12.8m deposit in relation to an acquisition which was written off subsequent to the year-end following the 
decision not to proceed with the acquisition (see Note 34).

The cash flow statement above includes the entire Group, including, for 2018/19, cash flows relating to the Costa business. 

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20 
 
 
128

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

At 27 February 2020

1 General information and authorisation of consolidated financial statements
The consolidated financial statements of Whitbread PLC for the year ended 27 February 2020 were authorised for issue by the 
Board of Directors on 21 May 2020. Whitbread PLC is a public company limited by shares incorporated in the United Kingdom 
under the Companies Act and is registered in England and Wales. The Company’s ordinary shares are traded on the London 
Stock Exchange. The address of the registered office is shown on pages 107 and 206.

Whitbread PLC, its subsidiaries and joint ventures, operate hotels and restaurants, located in the UK and internationally.

2 Accounting policies
Basis of accounting and preparation
The consolidated financial statements of Whitbread PLC and all its subsidiaries have been prepared in accordance with 
International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as adopted for use in the European Union and as applied in accordance with 
the provisions of the Companies Act 2006.

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis, except for certain financial instruments 
that are measured at fair value at the end of each reporting period and the defined benefit pension scheme, as explained in the 
accounting policies below.

The consolidated financial statements are presented in pounds sterling and all values are rounded to the nearest hundred 
thousand except when otherwise indicated. The financial year represents the 52 weeks to 27 February 2020 (prior financial 
year: 52 weeks to 28 February 2019).

Going concern
The Group’s and Company’s (the “Group“) business activities, together with the factors likely to affect its future development, 
performance and position are set out in the strategic report on pages 1 to 57. The financial position of the Group, its cash flows, 
liquidity position and borrowing facilities are described in the financial review on pages 30 to 37. The principal risks of the 
Group are set out on pages 55 to 57. In addition, Note 24 includes the Group’s financial risk management objectives, details of 
its financial instruments and hedging activities, its exposure to liquidity risk and details of its capital structure. The directors 
have considered these areas alongside the principal risks and how they may impact going concern. 

In considering these areas, the directors have concluded that it is appropriate for the consolidated financial statements to be 
prepared on the going concern basis. This assessment is considered to be a critical accounting judgement as set out below. 
On reaching the conclusion on the Going Concern assessment, in line with the information set out above, the Directors have 
specifically considered the following:

–  At 27 February 2020 the Group had immediately available cash and facilities due to mature in more than one year 

of £1,683.0m for consideration in the going concern assessment. 

–  From 21 March 2020 the Group closed all of its restaurants and from 24 March 2020 the majority of its hotels following 

government instruction aimed at containing the spread of COVID-19, with 39 Premier Inn hotels in the UK remaining open 
specifically to provide accommodation for NHS staff and other front-line key workers.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the measures put in place to control the virus spreading, have created a number 
of uncertainties for the Group at the time of signing the financial statements. 

The current circumstances are exceptional and the Board expects social distancing restrictions to impact the Group’s 
operations in the United Kingdom and in Germany for some time. UK Government guidelines published on 11 May 2020 indicate 
that businesses in the hospitality sector (such as food service providers, pubs and accommodation) will re-open as part of the 
third step of the UK Government’s COVID-19 recovery strategy. At the time of publishing its guidance, the UK Government’s 
assumptions were that this step will be reached no earlier than 4 July 2020. 

The Group is ready to open its businesses in the United Kingdom when the UK Government advises; the Group’s internal 
scenarios to assess going concern, including downside scenarios, assume its hotels and restaurants in the United Kingdom 
to remain closed or operating at low occupancy levels until September 2020. The majority of the Group’s German hotels 
re-opened on 11 May 2020. Thereafter, the Group is prudently planning for a gradual recovery scenario through next year 
in which trading conditions begin to normalise, while allowing for the potential risk of further outbreaks of COVID-19 later 
in the year as restrictions are relaxed. 

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20129

– Strategic report

– Governance

Financial statements

– Other information

2 Accounting policies continued
Given the uncertainty regarding the duration, extent and ultimate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Group cannot 
estimate with any precision the impact on its prospective financial performance. The COVID-19 pandemic is expected to result 
in a material loss of revenue for the financial year ending 25 February 2021. Despite the actions the Group is taking, this is likely, 
given the Group’s high fixed and semi-variable costs, to have a material impact on earnings which may result in the Group not 
making any profit during the financial year ending 25 February 2021, with the clear possibility that it is materially loss-making 
during that period. 

As a result of the uncertainties surrounding the forecasts due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Group has also modelled 
a reverse stress test scenario which shows that the Group has enough liquidity (when taking into account the proceeds 
of the Rights Issue as discussed below) to continue to meet its obligations as they become due, for at least 12 months if the 
sites were not to re-open during that period. 

The Group has outlined further details on the risks associated with COVID-19 in the principal risks and uncertainties section 
on pages 55 to 56. As a result, it is taking significant steps outlined below to address the potential impacts of the closures.

Financing, covenant compliance and mitigating factors

Covenant compliance

The Group has a number of financing facilities that contain covenants requiring the Group to maintain specified financial ratios 
and comply with certain other financial covenants. These financial covenants are tested semi-annually and, at the date of this 
report, the Group is in compliance with all its financial covenants. 

As a result of the forecast impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the results, the Group requested and received covenant test 
waivers for 18 months for its revolving credit facility (RCF), US Private Placements (USPP) and Pension Scheme. Under the 
terms of the waivers, the Group is required to maintain £400.0m cash and/or headroom under undrawn committed bank 
facilities and total net debt must not exceed £2.0bn. These requirements are tested quarterly and are forecast to be met under 
all scenarios in the going concern period.

Financing actions 

The Group has announced its intention to raise gross proceeds of £1.0bn through a rights issue under existing authorities. 
The proceeds of the rights issues will be available to the Group from 10 June 2020. 

At the date of signing these accounts, a number of standard clauses existed within the rights issue underwriting agreement. 
These allow the underwriting banks to terminate the agreement or invoke a condition during the period from signing to the 
date that the nil-paid rights are admitted to the official list, an expected period of up to five days. The Directors have assessed 
the likelihood that these clauses would be exercised. Having concluded that the likelihood is remote they have included the full 
proceeds of the rights issue within the scenarios modelled. 

Mitigating factors 

The factors available to the Group, both already utilised and those which could be implemented, are set out below:

–  The Group welcomes the Government business rates relief for the 12 months to May 2021 and is participating in government 
initiatives to protect the viability of the business, including the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) that is available 
until the end of October 2020. Although not included within our modelled scenarios, the Directors note the additional 
funding available as an eligible issuer under the UK Government’s Covid Corporate Financing Facility (CCFF) with an issuer 
limit of £600.0m.

–  The Group is also backed by a valuable freehold property estate and the sale and/or part-sale of these assets could raise 
significant funds. Although, in the current environment, this may only be possible at lower valuations than the valuations 
previously achieved. 

–  A number of self-help measures have already been undertaken, including a significant reduction in the level of capital 

expenditure in the short term, limiting the outflows to only committed, work in progress, compliance and health and safety 
related spend, pausing all non-essential discretionary and variable spending, not declaring a final dividend for FY20 and 
pausing all future dividends during the lenders’ covenant waiver period.

In considering the above, the Directors have concluded that the going concern assessment without material uncertainties 
is appropriate.

The auditor’s report in the Group’s annual report and financial statements refers to this key audit matter on pages 112 to 113.

References to parts of the Annual Report within this going concern statement, other than the financial statements, are for 
information purposes only.

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20130

2 Accounting policies continued

Changes in accounting policies
The accounting policies adopted in the preparation of these consolidated financial statements are consistent with those 
followed in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements for the year ended 28 February 2019, except for the 
adoption of the new standards and policies applicable for the year ended 27 February 2020. The significant accounting policies 
adopted are set out below.

The Group has applied the following standards and amendments for the first time for the annual reporting period commencing 
1 March 2019.

IFRS 16 Leases 
The Group has applied IFRS 16 Leases for the first time for the annual reporting period commencing 1 March 2019:

IFRS 16 supersedes IAS 17 Leases and sets out the principles for the recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure 
of leases and requires lessees to account for most leases under a single on-balance sheet model.

The Group has adopted IFRS 16 using the fully retrospective method with the date of initial application being 1 March 2019. 
The Group elected to use the transition practical expedient allowing the standard to be applied only to contracts that were 
previously identified as leases, applying IAS 17 at the date of initial application. The Group also elected to use the recognition 
exemptions for lease contracts that, at the commencement date, have a lease term of 12 months or less and do not contain 
a purchase option (‘short-term leases’), lease contracts for which the underlying asset is of low value (‘low-value assets’), 
and leases of intangible assets. 

Before the adoption of IFRS 16, the Group was required to assess and classify each of its leases at the inception date as either 
a finance lease or an operating lease. All leases have previously been classified as operating leases. In an operating lease, 
the leased asset was not capitalised, and the lease payments were recognised as rent expense in the consolidated income 
statement on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Prepaid rent was recognised in prepayments within current trade and 
other receivables and accrued rent was recognised in accruals within current and non-current trade and other payables.

Under IFRS 16, the Group recognises right-of-use assets at the commencement date of the lease (i.e. the date the underlying 
asset is available for use). Unless the Group is reasonably certain to obtain ownership of the leased asset at the end of the lease 
term, the recognised right-of-use asset is depreciated over the shorter of its estimated useful life and lease term. Right-of-use 
assets are subject to impairment testing in accordance with IAS 36 Impairment of Assets.

At the commencement date of the lease, the Group recognises lease liabilities measured at the present value of lease payments 
to be made over the lease term.

Lessor accounting under IFRS 16 is substantially unchanged from IAS 17. The Group recognises rental income from leases 
on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

In accordance with the fully retrospective method of adoption, the Group applied IFRS 16 at the date of initial application 
as if it had already been effective at the commencement date of existing lease contracts. Accordingly, the comparative 
information in these financial statements has been restated as set out below:

Consolidated income statement and consolidated statement of comprehensive income
Other income 
Operating costs 
Finance costs 
Tax expense 
Profit for the year from discontinued operations 

Subtotals
Profit before tax
Profit for the year from continuing operations
Profit for the year attributable to parent shareholders

Earnings per share
Basic EPS from continuing operations
Diluted EPS from continuing operations

52 weeks to 
28 February 
2019
£m
 – 
 (1,754.4)
 (39.0)
 (49.2)
 3,520.0 

52 weeks to 
28 February 
2019 
(restated)
£m
 5.8 
 (1,688.8)
 (152.1)
 (41.3)
 3,554.6 

IFRS 16 
transition
£m
 5.8 
 65.6 
 (113.1)
 7.9 
 34.6 

 259.8 
 210.6 
 3,730.6 

 (41.7)
 (33.8)
 0.8 

 218.1 
 176.8 
 3,731.4 

 115.2 
 114.6 

 (18.5) 
 (18.4) 

 96.7 
 96.2 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  CONTINUEDWhitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20131

– Strategic report

– Governance

Financial statements

– Other information

2 Accounting policies continued 
–  Other income – Rental income of £4.1m was reclassified from operating expenses to be shown separately as other 

income. In addition, rebates relating to a prior period of £1.7m which had previously been included in operating costs were 
re-presented in other income to align with current year presentation. 

–  Operating costs – A net credit of £65.6m was recognised, being the reversal of previously recognised rent expense of £169.7m 

offset by the depreciation charge on the right-of-use assets of £98.3m and reclassifications to other income of £5.8m.

–  Finance costs – Interest costs of £113.1m were recognised on IFRS 16 lease liabilities.

–  Tax expense – Tax expense has reduced by £7.9m reflecting the tax effect of these changes.

–  Profit for the year from discontinued operations – A credit of £34.6m was recognised being an increase in the gain on 

disposal of Costa of £14.3m and an increase in profit from operating activities, net of tax of £20.3m. 

Consolidated balance sheet
Assets
Right-of-use assets
Trade and other receivables – current 

Liabilities 
Lease liabilities – current 
Lease liabilities – non current
Trade and other payables – current 
Trade and other payables – non current
Provisions – non current
Deferred tax liabilities 

Subtotals
Total assets
Total liabilities1 
Net assets1

1   Prior year restatement.

28 February 
20191
£m

IFRS 16 
transition
£m

28 February 
2019 
(restated)
£m

2 March 
2018
£m

IFRS 16 
transition
£m

2 March 
2018 
(restated)
£m

 – 
 123.5 

 2,141.7 
 (12.0)

 2,141.7 
 111.5 

 – 
 191.1 

 2,517.3 
 (10.8)

 2,517.3 
 180.3 

 – 
 – 
 562.2 
 20.5 
 17.0 
 116.3 

 68.8 
 2,403.0 
 (54.2)
 (20.5)
 (2.6)
 (45.2)

 68.8 
 2,403.0 
 508.0 
 – 
 14.4 
 71.1 

 – 
 – 
 668.2 
 26.5 
 21.4 
 82.4 

 126.6 
 2,718.4 
 (45.8)
 (24.3)
 (2.6)
 (45.4)

 126.6 
 2,718.4 
 622.4 
 2.2 
 18.8 
 37.0 

 7,904.6 
 2,032.3 
 5,872.3 

 2,129.7 
 2,349.3 
 (219.6)

 10,034.3 
 4,381.6 
 5,652.7 

 4,892.4 
 2,089.9 
 2,802.5 

 2,506.5 
 2,726.9 
 (220.4)

 7,398.9 
 4,816.8 
 2,582.1 

As reported amounts include the impact of the prior year restatement to correctly include the Group’s irrevocable commitment to purchase its own shares as described 
in Note 33. The impact of this adjustment is to increase other financial liabilities by £330.1m with a corresponding reduction in other reserves. There were no changes made 
to reported profit, earnings per share or cash flows. 

–  Right-of-use assets of £2,141.7m (2018: £2,517.3m) were recognised and presented separately in the consolidated 

balance sheet.

–  Lease liabilities of £2,471.8m (2018: £2,845.0m) were recognised and split between current and non-current liabilities 

on the face of the balance sheet.

–  Deferred tax liabilities reduced by £45.2m (2018: £45.4m).

–  Provisions reduced by £2.6m (2018: £2.6m) reflecting the lease element of the Group’s onerous property contracts.

–  Net working capital movements of £62.7m (2018: £59.3m) were recognised relating to prepaid and accrued rent. 

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20132

2 Accounting policies continued

Consolidated cash flow statement
Profit for the year 
Tax expense 
Net finance costs 
Profit on disposal of discontinued operations 
Depreciation and amortisation
Increase in trade and other receivables
Increase in trade and other payables 
Interest paid – lease liabilities
Payment of principal of lease liabilities 

Subtotals
Cash generated from operations
Net cash flows from operating activities 
Net cash flows from financing activities 
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 

52 weeks to 
28 February 
2019
£m
 3,730.6 
 79.2 
 35.1 
 (3,390.2)
 226.2 
(58.8)
 59.5 
 – 
 – 

52 weeks to 
28 February 
2019 
(restated)
£m
 3,731.4 
 76.1 
 165.0 
 (3,404.5)
 363.7 
(57.6)
 54.9 
 (129.9)
 (117.5)

IFRS 16 
transition
£m
 0.8 
 (3.1)
 129.9 
 (14.3)
 137.5 
1.2
 (4.6)
 (129.9)
 (117.5)

 814.4 
 485.7 
 (434.4)
 3,312.9 

 247.4 
 117.5 
 (117.5)
 – 

 1,061.8 
 603.2 
 (551.9)
 3,312.9 

Impact of adopting IFRS 16 on the current year
The implementation of IFRS 16 in the current year has resulted in the recognition of right-of-use assets of £2,273.7m, lease 
liabilities of £2,620.6m and the replacement of rental expense in the current year of £188.2m with depreciation of £104.0m and 
lease interest of £115.3m (see Note 22)

Interest rate benchmark reform – Amendments to IFRS 9, IAS 39 and IFRS 7
The Group has early adopted the hedge accounting amendments Interest Rate Benchmark Reform, issued by the IASB 
as a response to issues arising from the planned replacement of interest rate benchmarks in a number of jurisdictions. 
The amendments confirm that entities applying hedge accounting can continue to assume that the interest rate benchmark on 
which the hedged cash flows and cash flows of the hedging instrument are based is not altered as a result of the uncertainties 
of the interest rate benchmark reform. Further details are provided in Note 24.

In addition, the Group has also adopted the following standards which have been assessed as having no financial impact 
or disclosure at this time:

–  IFRIC 23 – Uncertainty over Income Tax Treatments

–  Amendments to IFRS 9 (Oct 2017) – Prepayment Features with Negative Compensation

–  Amendments to IAS 28 (Oct 2017) – Long-term Interests in Associates and Joint Ventures 

–  Annual Improvements to IFRS Standards 2015-2017 Cycle (Dec 2017) 

–  Amendments to IAS 19 (Feb 2018) – Plan Amendment, Curtailment or Settlement

Adjusting items and use of alternative performance measures 
On 1 March 2019 the Group adopted a new accounting policy for adjusting items and use of alternative performance measures. 
This policy is set out below and replaces the non-underlying items and use of underlying performance measures policy 
adopted in the previous financial years. As a result of the change, IAS 19 pension finance costs/income no longer fall within the 
definition of adjusting items. Comparative amounts have been re-presented to reflect this change.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  CONTINUEDWhitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20133

– Strategic report

– Governance

Financial statements

– Other information

2 Accounting policies continued
Standards issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) not effective for the current year and not early 
adopted by the Group
Whilst the following standards and amendments are relevant to the Group, they have been assessed as having minimal or 
no financial impact or additional disclosure requirements at this time:1

–  IFRS 17 – Insurance Contracts (effective for periods beginning on or after 1 January 2021)

–  Amendments to IFRS 3 Business Combinations – Definition of a business (effective for periods beginning on or after 

1 January 2020)

–  Amendments to IAS 1 and IAS 8 – Definition of Material (effective for periods beginning on or after 1 January 2020)

–  Amendments to IAS 1 – Classification of liabilities as current or non-current (effective for periods beginning on or after 

1 January 2022)

1   As the consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with IFRS as adopted by the European Union (EU), the adoption date is as per the EU, 

not the IASB. 

The Group does not intend to early adopt any of these new standards or amendments.

Basis of consolidation 
The consolidated financial statements incorporate the accounts of Whitbread PLC and all its subsidiaries, together with the 
Group’s share of the net assets and results of joint ventures incorporated using the equity method of accounting. These are 
adjusted, where appropriate, to conform to Group accounting policies. The financial statements of significant trading 
subsidiaries are prepared for the same reporting year as the parent company.

A subsidiary is an entity controlled by the Group. Control is achieved when the Company:

–  has power over the investee;

–  is exposed, or has rights, to variable returns from its involvement with the investee; and

–  has the ability to use its power to affect its returns.

The Company reassesses whether or not it controls an investee if facts and circumstances indicate that there are changes 
to one or more of the three elements of control listed above.

Apart from the acquisition of Whitbread Group PLC by Whitbread PLC in 2000/01, which was accounted for using merger 
accounting, acquisitions by the Group are accounted for under the acquisition method and any goodwill arising is capitalised 
as an intangible asset. The results of subsidiaries acquired or disposed of during the year are included in the consolidated 
financial statements from, or up to, the date that control passes respectively. All intra-group transactions, balances, income and 
expenses are eliminated on consolidation. Unrealised losses are also eliminated, unless the transaction provides evidence of an 
impairment of the asset transferred.

Discontinued operations 
In accordance with IFRS 5 Non-current Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations, the net results of Costa Limited 
and related subsidiaries (collectively referred to as ‘Costa’) are presented within discontinued operations in the consolidated 
income statement in the comparative period. The disposal completed on 3 January 2019. The consolidated balance sheet 
as at 28 February 2019 shows the financial position of the continuing group only, whereas the consolidated balance sheet 
at 2 March 2018 includes the full Group as it was at that date.

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20134

2 Accounting policies continued
Business combinations 
Acquisitions of businesses are accounted for using the acquisition method. The consideration transferred in a business 
combination is measured at fair value, which is calculated as the sum of the acquisition-date fair values of assets transferred 
by the Group, liabilities incurred by the Group to the former owners of the acquiree and any equity interest issued by the 
Group in exchange for control of the acquiree. Acquisition-related costs are recognised in the consolidated income statement 
as incurred.

When the consideration transferred by the Group in a business combination includes contingent consideration, the contingent 
consideration is measured at its acquisition-date fair value and included as part of the consideration transferred in a business 
combination. Changes in fair value of the contingent consideration that qualify as measurement period adjustments are 
adjusted retrospectively, with corresponding adjustments against goodwill. Measurement period adjustments are adjustments 
that arise from additional information obtained during the ‘measurement period’ (which cannot exceed one year from the 
acquisition date) about facts and circumstances that existed at the acquisition date.

Changes in the fair value of the contingent consideration at subsequent reporting dates that do not qualify as measurement 
period adjustments are recognised within finance costs in the consolidated income statement, unless the contingent 
consideration is classified as equity.

If the initial accounting for a business combination is incomplete by the end of the reporting period in which the combination 
occurs, the Group reports provisional amounts for the items for which the accounting is incomplete. Those provisional amounts 
are adjusted during the measurement period (see above), or additional assets or liabilities are recognised, to reflect new 
information obtained about facts and circumstances that existed as of the acquisition date that, if known, would have affected 
the amounts recognised as of that date.

Goodwill
Goodwill arising on acquisition is capitalised and represents the excess of the fair value of consideration over the value of the 
Group’s interest in the identifiable assets and liabilities of a subsidiary, at the date of acquisition. Goodwill is not amortised but 
reviewed for impairment annually, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value 
may be impaired. On disposal of a subsidiary, the attributable amount of goodwill is included in the determination of the profit 
or loss on disposal.

Intangible assets
Intangible assets are carried at cost less accumulated amortisation and accumulated impairment losses.

Intangible assets acquired separately from a business are carried initially at cost. An intangible asset acquired as part of 
a business combination is recognised at fair value, separately from goodwill if the asset is separable, or arises from contractual 
or other legal rights, and its fair value can be measured reliably.

Amortisation of IT software and technology is calculated on a straight-line basis over the estimated life which varies between 
three and ten years. 

The carrying values are reviewed for impairment if events or changes in circumstances indicate that they may not 
be recoverable.

Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment acquired separately from a business are stated at cost or deemed cost at transition to IFRS, 
less accumulated depreciation and any impairment in value. Gross interest costs incurred on the financing of qualifying assets 
are capitalised until the time that the assets are available for use. Property, plant and equipment acquired as part of a business 
combination are recognised at fair value. Depreciation is calculated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the 
asset as follows:

–  freehold land is not depreciated;

–  freehold and long leasehold buildings are depreciated to their estimated residual values over periods up to 50 years; and

–  plant and equipment is depreciated over three to 25 years.

The residual values and estimated useful lives are reviewed annually.

Profits or losses on disposal of property, plant and equipment reflect the difference between net selling price and carrying 
amount at the date of disposal and are recognised in the consolidated income statement.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  CONTINUEDWhitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20135

– Strategic report

– Governance

Financial statements

– Other information

2 Accounting policies continued
Investment property
Investment property assets are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation and any recognised impairment in value. 
The depreciation policies for investment property are consistent with those described for property, plant and equipment.

Leases

Right-of-use assets
The Group recognises right-of-use assets at the commencement date of the lease (i.e. the date the underlying asset is available 
for use). Right-of-use assets are measured at cost, less any accumulated depreciation and impairment losses, and adjusted 
for any re-measurement of lease liabilities. The cost of right-of-use assets includes the amount of lease liabilities recognised, 
initial direct costs incurred, and lease payments made at or before the commencement date, less any lease incentives received. 
Unless the Group is reasonably certain to obtain ownership of the leased asset at the end of the lease term, the recognised 
right-of-use asset is depreciated over the shorter of its estimated useful life and lease term.

Lease liabilities
At the commencement date of the lease, the Group recognises lease liabilities measured at the present value of lease payments 
to be made over the lease term. The lease payments include fixed payments and variable lease payments that depend on an 
index or a rate less any lease incentives receivable. Variable lease payments that do not depend on an index or a rate (e.g. 
turnover rent) are recognised as an expense in the period over which the event or condition that triggers the payment occurs.

In calculating the present value of lease payments, the Group uses the incremental borrowing rate at the lease commencement 
date if the interest rate implicit in the lease is not readily determinable. After the commencement date, the amount of lease 
liabilities is increased to reflect the accretion of interest and reduced for lease payments made. In addition, the carrying amount 
of lease liabilities is re-measured if there is a modification or a change in the lease term. Cash outflows relating to lease interest 
are recorded within net cash flows from operating activities in the consolidated cash flow statement.

Recognition exemptions
The Group applies the short-term lease recognition exemption to its short-term leases of equipment (i.e. those leases that have 
a lease term of 12 months or less from the commencement date and do not contain a purchase option). It also applies the lease 
of low-value assets recognition exemption to leases that are considered of low value. Lease payments on short-term leases and 
leases of low-value assets are recognised as an expense within operating costs on a straight-line basis over the lease term and 
are recorded within net cash flows from operating activities in the consolidated cash flow statement.

Impairment of non-current assets

Property, plant and equipment and right-of-use assets
The carrying values of property, plant and equipment and right-of-use assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events 
or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying values may not be recoverable. For the purposes of the impairment 
review, the Group considers each trading outlet to be a separate cash generating unit (CGU). Consideration is also given, where 
appropriate, to the market value of the asset either from independent sources or, in conjunction with an accepted industry 
valuation methodology. Any impairment in the values of property, plant and equipment and right-of-use assets is charged to 
the consolidated income statement. 

The Group assesses assets or groups of assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the 
carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable. Individual assets are grouped, for impairment assessment purposes, at the 
lowest level at which there are identifiable cash flows that are largely independent of the cash flows of other groups of assets 
(cash generating units or CGUs). If such indication of impairment exists or when annual impairment testing for an asset group 
is required, the Group makes an estimate of the recoverable amount.

The recoverable amount of an asset or CGU is the greater of its fair value less costs of disposal and value in use. In assessing 
value in use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value, using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects 
current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset. For an asset that does not generate 
largely independent cash inflows, the recoverable amount is determined with reference to the CGU to which the asset belongs. 
Impairment losses are recognised in the consolidated income statement within operating costs.

An impairment loss is recognised if the carrying amount of an asset or CGU exceeds its estimated recoverable amount. 
Impairment losses recognised in respect of CGUs are allocated first to reduce the carrying amount of any goodwill allocated 
to the units and then to reduce the carrying amounts of other assets in the CGU, on a pro rata basis.

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20136

2 Accounting policies continued
An assessment is made at each reporting date as to whether there is any indication that previously recognised impairment 
losses may no longer exist or may have decreased. If such an indication exists, the CGU’s recoverable amount is estimated. 
A previously recognised impairment loss is reversed only if there has been a change in the estimated future cash flows used 
to determine the asset’s recoverable amount since the last impairment loss was recognised. If that is the case, the carrying 
amount of the asset is increased to its recoverable amount. That increased amount cannot exceed the carrying amount 
that would have been determined, net of depreciation, had no impairment loss been recognised for the asset in prior years. 
Such a reversal is recognised in the consolidated income statement. After such a reversal, the depreciation charge is adjusted 
in future periods to allocate the asset’s carrying amount, less any residual value, on a straight-line basis over its remaining 
useful life.

For the purposes of impairment testing, all centrally held assets are allocated in line with IAS 36 to CGUs based on 
management’s view of the consumption of the asset. Any resulting impairment is recorded against the centrally held asset.

Goodwill
Goodwill acquired through business combinations is allocated to groups of CGUs at the level management monitors goodwill, 
which is at an operating segment level. The Group performs an annual review of its goodwill to ensure that its carrying amount 
is not greater than its recoverable amount. The recoverable amount is determined as the greater of fair value, less costs of 
disposal and value in use. An impairment is then made to reduce the carrying amount to the recoverable amount.

Investments in joint ventures
The Group assesses investments for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value 
may not be recoverable. If any such indication of impairment exists, the carrying amount of the investment is compared with 
its recoverable amount. Where the carrying amount exceeds the recoverable amount, the investment is written down to its 
recoverable amount. 

Assets held for sale
Non-current assets and disposal groups are classified as held for sale only if available for immediate sale in their present 
condition and a sale is highly probable and expected to be completed within one year from the date of classification. 
Such assets are measured at the lower of carrying amount and fair value, less the cost of disposal, and are not depreciated 
or amortised.

In accordance with IFRS 5 Non-current Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations, the net results of discontinued 
operations are presented separately in the consolidated income statement.

Inventories 
Inventories, consisting entirely of finished goods, are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Cost is calculated 
on the basis of first in, first out and net realisable value is the estimated selling price less any costs to sell.

Provisions
Provisions are recognised when the Group has a present legal or constructive obligation as a result of a past event, it is 
probable that an outflow of resources will be required to settle the obligation and a reliable estimate can be made of the 
amount of the obligation. 

Provisions are discounted to present value, using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time 
value of money and the risks specific to the liability. The amortisation of the discount is recognised as a finance cost.

Onerous contracts
Present obligations arising under onerous contracts are recognised and measured as provisions. An onerous contract is 
considered to exist where the Group has a contract under which the unavoidable costs of meeting the obligations under the 
contract exceed the economic benefits expected to be received under it.

Restructuring costs
A restructuring provision is recognised when the Group has developed a detailed formal plan and has raised a valid 
expectation, in those affected, that it will carry out the restructuring by starting to implement the plan or announcing its main 
features to those affected by it. The measurement of a restructuring provision includes only the direct expenditures arising from 
the restructuring which are those amounts that are both necessarily entailed by the restructuring and not associated with the 
ongoing activities of the entity.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  CONTINUEDWhitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20137

– Strategic report

– Governance

Financial statements

– Other information

2 Accounting policies continued
Adjusting items and use of alternative performance measures
We use a range of measures to monitor the financial performance of the Group. These measures include both statutory 
measures in accordance with IFRS and alternative performance measures (APMs) which are consistent with the way the 
business performance is measured internally by the Board and Executive Committee. A glossary of APMs and reconciliations 
to statutory measures is given on pages 191 and 192.

The term adjusted profit is not defined under IFRS and may not be directly comparable with adjusted profit measures used 
by other companies. It is not intended to be a substitute for, or superior to, statutory measures of profit. Adjusted measures 
of profitability are non-IFRS because they exclude amounts that are included in, or include amounts that are excluded from, 
the most directly comparable measure calculated and presented in accordance with IFRS.

The Group makes certain adjustments to the statutory profit measures in order to derive many of its APMs. The Group’s policy 
is to exclude items that are considered to be significant in nature and quantum, not in the normal course of business or are 
consistent with items that were treated as adjusting in prior periods or that span multiple financial periods. Treatment as 
an adjusting item provides users of the accounts with additional useful information to assess the year-on-year trading 
performance of the Group.

On 1 March 2019 the Group adopted a new accounting policy for adjusting items and use of alternative performance measures. 
This policy replaces the non-underlying items and use of underlying performance measures policy adopted in the previous 
financial years. As a result of the change, IAS 19 pension finance costs/income no longer fall within the definition of adjusting 
items. Comparative amounts have been re-presented to reflect this change.

On this basis, the following are examples of items that may be classified as adjusting items:

–  net charges associated with the strategic programme in relation to the review of the hotel estate, excluding those relating 

to financing;

–  significant restructuring costs and other associated costs arising from strategy changes that are not considered by the Group 

to be part of the normal operating costs of the business;

–  significant pension charges arising as a result of the changes during 2018/19 to the UK defined benefit scheme practices;

–  impairment and related charges for sites which are underperforming that are considered to be significant in nature and/or 

value to the trading performance of the business;

–  costs in relation to non-trading legacy sites which are deemed to be significant and not reflective of the Group’s ongoing 

trading results;

–  profit or loss on the sale of a business or investment, and the associated cost impact on the continuing business from the sale 

of the business or investment;

–  acquisition costs incurred as part of a business combination or other strategic asset acquisitions;

–  amortisation of intangible assets recognised as part of a business combination or other transaction outside of the ordinary 

course of business; and

–  tax settlements in respect of prior years, including the related interest and the impact of changes in the statutory tax rate, the 
inclusion of which would distort year-on-year comparability, as well as the tax impact of the adjusting items identified above.

The directors believe that the adjusted profit and earnings per share measures provide additional useful information to 
shareholders on the performance of the business. These measures are consistent with how business performance is measured 
internally by the Board and Executive Committee.

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20138

2 Accounting policies continued 
Foreign currency translation 
Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into functional currency at the rates 
of exchange quoted at the balance sheet date. Non-monetary items that are measured in terms of historical cost in a foreign 
currency are translated using the exchange rates as at the dates of the initial transactions.

Day-to-day transactions in a foreign currency are recorded in the functional currency at an average rate for the month 
in which those transactions take place, which is used as a reasonable approximation to the actual transaction rate. 
Translation differences on monetary items are taken to the consolidated income statement.

A number of subsidiaries within the Group have a non-sterling functional currency. The financial performance and end position 
of these entities are translated into sterling in the consolidated financial statements. Balance sheet items are translated at the 
rate applicable at the balance sheet date. Transactions reported in the consolidated income statement are translated using an 
average rate for the month in which they occur.

The differences that arise from translating the results of foreign entities at average rates of exchange, and their assets and 
liabilities at closing rates, are dealt with in a separate component of equity. On disposal of a foreign entity, the deferred 
cumulative amount recognised in equity relating to that particular foreign operation is recognised in the consolidated income 
statement. All other currency gains and losses are dealt with in the income statement.

Revenue recognition 
Revenue is recognised at an amount that reflects the consideration to which an entity expects to be entitled in exchange for 
transferring goods or services to a customer. Consideration is net of discounts, allowances for customer loyalty and other 
promotional activities and amounts collected on behalf of other parties, such as value added tax. Revenue includes duties 
which the Group pays as principal.

The Group has analysed its business activities and applied the five step model prescribed by IFRS 15 Revenue from contracts 
with customers to each material line of business, as outlined below:

Sale of accommodation
The contract to provide accommodation is established when the customer books accommodation. The performance obligation 
is to provide the right to use accommodation for a given number of nights, and the transaction price is the room rate for each 
night determined at the time of booking. The performance obligation is met when the customer is given the right to use the 
accommodation, and so revenue is recognised for each night as it takes place, at the room rate for that night.

Customers may pay in advance for accommodation. In this case the Group has received consideration for services not yet 
provided. This is treated as a contract liability until the performance obligation is met. The Group has taken advantage of the 
practical expedient in IFRS 15 to not adjust the consideration for the effects of a financing component as the period between 
payment and the performance obligation is less than one year. 

Sale of food and beverage
The contract is established when the customer orders the food or beverage item and the performance obligation is the 
provision of food and beverage by the outlet. The performance obligation is satisfied when the food and beverage is delivered 
to the customer, and revenue is recognised at this point at the price for the items purchased. Payment is made on the same day 
and consequently there are no contract assets or liabilities.

Finance income
Interest income is recognised as the interest accrues, using the effective interest method.

Borrowing costs 
Borrowing costs are recognised as an expense in the period in which they are incurred, except for gross interest costs incurred 
on the financing of major projects, which are capitalised until the time that the projects are available for use.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  CONTINUEDWhitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20139

– Strategic report

– Governance

Financial statements

– Other information

2 Accounting policies continued 
Retirement benefits
In respect of the defined benefit pension scheme, the surplus recognised in the consolidated balance sheet represents the 
fair value of scheme assets, reduced by the present value of the defined benefit obligation. Where the calculation results 
in a surplus to the Group, the recognised asset is limited to the present value of any future available refunds from the plan. 
The cost of providing benefits is determined using the projected unit credit actuarial valuation method. Re-measurements are 
recognised in full in the period in which they occur in the statement of comprehensive income and are not reclassified to the 
consolidated income statement in subsequent periods.

For defined benefit plans, the employer’s portion of the past and current service cost is charged to operating profit, with net 
interest costs reported within finance costs. In addition, all administration costs, other than those relating to the management 
of plan assets or taxes payable by the plan itself, are charged as incurred to operating costs in the consolidated income 
statement. Net interest is calculated by applying the opening discount rate to the opening net defined benefit obligation, taking 
into account the expected contributions and benefits paid.

On 26 October 2018, the High Court reached a judgement in relation to Lloyds Banking Group’s defined benefit schemes which 
concluded that the schemes should equalise pension benefits for men and women in respect of guaranteed minimum pension 
benefits. The ruling impacted the Group’s actuarial surplus as it will lead to an increase in pension obligations. The Group 
recognised the increase in its defined benefit liability as a charge to the prior year consolidated income statement. See Note 31 
for further details.

Curtailments and settlements relating to the Group’s defined benefit plan are recognised in the period in which the curtailment 
or settlement occurs.

Payments to defined contribution pension schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due.

Share-based payment transactions

Equity-settled transactions
Certain employees and directors of the Group receive equity-settled remuneration in the form of share-based payment 
transactions, whereby employees render services in exchange for shares or rights over shares. The cost of these equity-settled 
transactions is measured by reference to the fair value, determined using a stochastic model, at the date at which they are 
granted. The cost of equity-settled transactions is recognised, together with a corresponding increase in equity, over the period 
in which the performance conditions or non-vesting conditions are fulfilled, ending on the relevant vesting date. Except for 
awards subject to market-related conditions for vesting, the cumulative expense recognised for equity-settled transactions, 
at each reporting date until the vesting date, reflects the extent to which the vesting period has expired, and is adjusted to 
reflect the directors’ best available estimate of the number of equity instruments that will ultimately vest. The income statement 
charge or credit for a period represents the movement in cumulative expense recognised as at the beginning and end of that 
period. If options are subject to market-related conditions, awards are not cumulatively adjusted for the likelihood of these 
targets being met. Instead, these conditions are included in the fair value of the awards.

Where an equity-settled award is cancelled, it is treated as if it had vested on the date of cancellation, and any expense not yet 
recognised for the award is recognised immediately. Where an equity-settled award is forfeited, the related expense recognised 
to date is reversed. 

Where an equity-settled award is replaced by newly granted instruments, these are accounted for as a modification of the 
existing award. When the terms of an equity-settled award are modified, the minimum expense recognised is the grant date 
fair value of the unmodified award, provided the original vesting terms of the award are met. An additional expense, measured 
as at the date of modification, is recognised for any modification that increases the total fair value of the share-based payment 
transaction, or is otherwise beneficial to the employee.

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20140

2 Accounting policies continued 
Tax
The income tax charge represents both the income tax payable, based on profit for the year, and deferred income tax.

Deferred income tax is recognised in full, using the liability method, in respect of temporary differences between the tax base 
of the Group’s assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts that have originated but have not been reversed by the balance 
sheet date. No deferred tax is recognised if the temporary difference arises from the initial recognition of goodwill, or the initial 
recognition of an asset or liability, in a transaction that is not a business combination and, at the time of the transaction, affects 
neither the accounting profit nor taxable profit or loss. Deferred income tax is recognised in respect of taxable temporary 
differences associated with investments in joint ventures, except where the timing of the reversal of the temporary differences 
can be controlled and it is probable that the temporary differences will not reverse in the foreseeable future.

Deferred income tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is probable that taxable profit will be available against which 
the deductible temporary differences can be utilised. The carrying amount of deferred income tax assets is reviewed at each 
balance sheet date and reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that sufficient taxable profit will be available to allow 
all, or part of, the deferred income tax asset to be utilised.

Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are measured at the tax rates that are expected to apply in the year when the asset is 
realised or the liability is settled, based on tax rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted at the balance sheet date.

Income tax is charged or credited to other comprehensive income if it relates to items that are charged or credited to other 
comprehensive income. Similarly, income tax is charged or credited directly to equity if it relates to items that are charged or 
credited directly to equity. Otherwise, income tax is recognised in the consolidated income statement.

Share buyback scheme and tender offer
Shares purchased for cancellation are deducted from retained earnings at the total consideration paid or payable. 
Shares purchased and held by the Group (treasury shares) are deducted from the treasury reserve at the total consideration 
paid or payable. On cancellation of treasury shares, the cost is transferred from the treasury reserve to retained earnings. 
When treasury shares are issued at below cost, an amount representing the difference between the cost of those shares and 
issue proceeds is transferred to retained earnings. No gain or loss is recognised in the consolidated income statement on the 
purchase, sale, issue or cancellation of the Group’s own equity instruments. 

Investments in joint ventures
Investments in joint arrangements are classified as either joint operations or joint ventures depending on the contractual rights 
and obligations of each investor. The Group has assessed the nature of its joint arrangements and determined them to be 
joint ventures.

The Group’s investments in joint ventures are accounted for using the equity method. Under the equity method, the investment 
in a joint venture is initially recognised at cost. The carrying amount of the investment is adjusted to recognise changes in the 
Group’s share of net assets of the joint venture since the acquisition date. Goodwill relating to joint ventures is included in the 
carrying amount of the investment.

The consolidated income statement reflects the Group’s share of the results of operations of the joint ventures. Any change in 
other comprehensive income of those investees is presented as part of the Group’s consolidated statement of comprehensive 
income. Unrealised gains and losses resulting from transactions between the Group and the joint ventures are eliminated to the 
extent of the interest in the joint venture. When necessary, adjustments are made to bring the accounting policies in line with 
those of the Group.

Recognition and derecognition of financial assets and liabilities
The recognition of financial assets and liabilities occurs when the Group becomes party to the contractual provisions of the 
instrument. The derecognition of financial assets takes place when the Group no longer has the right to cash flows, the risks 
and rewards of ownership, or control of the asset. The derecognition of financial liabilities occurs when the obligation under 
the liability is discharged, cancelled or expires.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  CONTINUEDWhitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20141

– Strategic report

– Governance

Financial statements

– Other information

2 Accounting policies continued
Financial assets

Trade receivables and contract assets 
Trade receivables and contract assets are initially measured at fair value. Subsequently they are measured at amortised cost as 
the objective of the business model is to hold the assets to collect contractual cash flows and the contractual terms of the asset 
give rise to cash flows on specified dates which are solely payments of principal and interest.

In line with the IFRS 9 Financial Instruments ‘simplified approach’, the Group segments its trade receivables and contract 
assets based on shared characteristics, and recognises a loss allowance for the lifetime expected credit loss for each segment. 
The expected credit loss is 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 the current and forecast conditions at the reporting date.

Credit impaired financial assets
A financial asset is credit impaired when one of more events that have a detrimental impact on the estimated future cash flows 
of that financial asset have occurred, such as significant financial difficulty of the debtor or default by the debtor. The Group 
writes off a financial asset where there is no realistic prospect of recovery. Credit losses are recorded within operating costs 
in the consolidated income statement.

Derecognition
The Group derecognises a financial asset only when the contractual rights to the cash flows from the asset expire, or when 
it transfers the financial asset and substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership of the asset to another entity.

Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash at bank, cash in hand and deposits (including Money Market Funds) which are short 
term, highly liquid and which are not at significant risk of changes in value. 

Derivatives and hedging
The Group enters into derivative transactions to manage its exposure to exchange rate and foreign exchange rate risks. 

Derivatives are recognised initially at fair value on the date the contract is entered into and subsequently re-measured to their 
fair value at each reporting date. The resulting gain or loss is recognised in profit or loss immediately unless the derivative is 
designated and effective as a hedging instrument, in which event the timing of the recognition in profit or loss depends on the 
nature of the hedge relationship. 

A derivative with a positive fair value is recognised as a financial asset, whereas a derivative with a negative fair value is 
recognised as a financial liability. Derivatives are not offset in the financial statements unless the Group has both the legal right 
and intention to offset.

A derivative is presented as a non-current asset or a non-current liability if the remaining maturity of the instrument is more 
than 12 months and is not expected to be realised or settled within 12 months. Other derivatives are presented as current assets 
or current liabilities.

The Group designates certain derivatives as hedging instruments in respect of foreign currency risk and interest rate risks 
as fair value hedges and cash flow hedges. Hedges of foreign exchange risk on firm commitments are accounted for as cash 
flow hedges.

At the inception of the hedge relationship, the Group documents the relationship between the hedging instrument and the 
hedged item, along with its risk management objectives and its strategy for undertaking various hedge transactions. The Group 
documents whether the hedging instrument is effective in offsetting the hedged risk, by confirming that

–  there is an economic relationship between hedged items and the hedging instrument; 

–  the effect of credit risk does not dominate the value changes that result from that economic relationship; and 

–  the planned ratio of hedge: hedge item is the same as the actual ratio of hedge: hedge item.

The fair value change on qualifying fair value hedges is recognised in profit or loss.

The effective portion of changes in the fair value of derivatives that are designated as cash flow hedges is recognised in other 
comprehensive income and accumulated under the cash flow hedging reserve. Any gain or loss relating to the ineffective 
portion of the hedge is recognised immediately in profit or loss. Amounts previously recognised in other comprehensive 
income and accumulated in equity are reclassified to profit or loss in the periods when the hedged item affects profit or loss, 
in the same line as the recognised hedged item.

The Group discontinues hedge accounting when the hedge relationship ceases to meet the qualifying criteria, or when the 
hedging instrument expires, is sold, terminated or exercised.

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20142

2 Accounting policies continued 
Hedges of a net investment
Hedges of a net investment in a foreign operation, including a hedge of a monetary item that is accounted for as part of the 
net investment, are accounted for in a way similar to cash flow hedges. Gains or losses on the hedging instrument relating 
to the effective portion of the hedge are recognised in other comprehensive income while any gains or losses relating to the 
ineffective portion are recognised in the statement of profit or loss. On disposal of the foreign operation, the cumulative value 
of any such gains or losses recorded in equity is transferred to the statement of profit or loss.

The Group uses a loan as a hedge of its exposure to foreign exchange risk on its investments in foreign subsidiaries. Refer to 
Note 25 for more details.

Financial liabilities
Debt and equity instruments are classified as financial liabilities or equity in accordance with the substance of the 
contractual arrangements. 

Financial liabilities are measured at amortised cost using the effective interest rate method unless they are required to be 
measured at fair value through profit or loss or the Group has opted to measure them at fair value through the profit or loss. 
The effective interest rate method calculates the amortised cost of a financial liability and allocates interest expense to the 
relevant period. 

Borrowings
Borrowings are initially recognised at the fair value of the consideration received, net of any directly associated issue costs. 
Borrowings are subsequently recorded at amortised cost, with any difference between the amount initially recorded and the 
redemption value recognised in the consolidated income statement using the effective interest method.

Contingent consideration
Contingent consideration, resulting from business combinations, is valued at fair value at the acquisition date as part of 
the business combination. When the contingent consideration meets the definition of a financial liability, it is subsequently 
re-measured to fair value at each reporting date. The determination of the fair value is based on discounted cash flows.

Critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty
The preparation of financial statements requires management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect 
the amounts reported as assets and liabilities at the balance sheet date and the amounts reported as revenues and expenses 
during the year. Although these amounts are based on management’s best estimates, events or actions may mean that actual 
results ultimately differ from those estimates, and these differences may be material. These judgements and estimates and the 
underlying assumptions are reviewed regularly.

Critical accounting judgements
The following are the critical accounting judgements, apart from those involving estimations (dealt with separately below) that 
management have made in the process of applying the Group’s accounting policies and which have the most significant effect 
on the amounts recognised in the financial statements.

Adjusting items

During the year certain items are identified and separately disclosed as adjusting items. Judgement is applied as to whether the 
item meets the necessary criteria as per the accounting policy disclosed earlier in this note. This assessment covers the nature 
of the item, cause of occurrence and the scale of impact of that item on reported performance. Reversals of previous adjusting 
items are assessed based on the same criteria. Note 7 provides information on all of the items disclosed as adjusting in the 
current year and comparative financial statements.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  CONTINUEDWhitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20143

– Strategic report

– Governance

Financial statements

– Other information

2 Accounting policies continued 
Impact of coronavirus (COVID-19) – event after the balance sheet date

In light of the rapidly escalating COVID-19 pandemic, the Group has considered whether any adjustments are required to 
reported amounts in the financial statements.

As at the balance sheet date, no global pandemic had been declared, the UK was still in the ‘containment’ phase in response 
to the outbreak and large scale outbreaks had been limited to South East Asia and Italy. The full impact of COVID-19, and 
the extent of Government interventions in response, were not apparent. To the extent that there were indicators of some 
level of disruption observable at the balance sheet date, these have been factored into the Group’s financial statements as at 
27 February 2020, in particular assessing short term growth assumptions used in impairment testing of non-current assets.

Subsequent to the balance sheet date, the World Health Organisation declared a pandemic on 11 March, the UK government 
moved to a ‘delay’ phase on 12 March, announced social distancing measures on 16 March, and unprecedented ‘stay at home’ 
restrictions on 23 March. The Group, as a result of Government directives, closed all of its restaurants on 21 March, and the 
majority of its hotels from 24 March. 

The Group has concluded that the necessity for large scale Government interventions (in the UK, Germany and UAE) in 
response to COVID-19 only became apparent after the balance sheet date and therefore that the consequences of such 
interventions represent non-adjusting post balance sheet events. However, given these events are of such significance, further 
disclosures, including additional sensitivities, are given in Note 34.

Going concern

In concluding that the Going Concern assessment without material uncertainties was appropriate the Directors had to consider 
the following: that the likelihood of the banks which are underwriting the rights issue exercising the termination rights that 
apply during the period from the time of signing the accounts until the nil-paid rights are admitted to the official list (a period 
of 5 days) is remote. 

Key sources of estimation uncertainty
The following are the key areas of estimation uncertainty that may have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the 
carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year.

Defined benefit pension

Defined benefit pension plans are accounted for in accordance with actuarial advice using the projected unit credit method. 
The Group makes significant estimates in relation to the discount rates, mortality rates and inflation rates used to calculate 
the present value of the defined benefit obligation. Note 31 describes the assumptions used together with an analysis of the 
sensitivity to changes in key assumptions.

Impairment testing – Plant, property and equipment and right-of-use assets

Where there are indicators of impairment, management performs an impairment assessment. Recoverable amounts for cash-
generating units are the higher of fair value less costs of disposal, and value in use. Value in use is calculated from cash flow 
projections based on the Group’s five-year business plans and extrapolated beyond five years based on estimated long-term 
growth rates. Where sites are new, judgement is required to estimate the time taken to reach maturity and the sites’ trading 
level once it is mature. Key estimates and sensitivities for impairment of assets are disclosed in Note 16. Fair value is determined 
with the assistance of independent, professional valuers where appropriate.

Lease liability – discount rate

The calculation of lease liabilities requires the Group to determine an incremental borrowing rate (IBR) to discount future 
minimum lease payments. Judgement is applied in determining the components of the IBR used for each lease including risk 
free rates, the Group’s borrowing margin and any lease specific adjustments. A decrease in IBR by 1% would have increased 
right-of-use assets by £270.0m, annual depreciation by £12.0m and lease liabilities by £210.0m and reduced annual finance 
costs by £15.0m. An increase in IBR by 1% would have reduced right-of-use assets by £230.0m, annual depreciation by £10.0m 
and lease liabilities by £180.0m and increased annual finance costs by £12.0m.

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20144

3 Revenue
An analysis of the Group’s revenue is as follows:

Accommodation
Food, beverage and other items

Revenue before adjusting items 
TSA income1

Revenue

2019/20
£m

 1,321.4 
 740.7 
2,062.1
 9.4 
2,071.5

2018/19
 £m

 1,317.1 
 730.0 
 2,047.1 
 2.0 
 2,049.1 

1   Following the sale of Costa to The Coca-Cola Company, the Group entered into a Transitional Services Agreement (TSA) to provide certain services to facilitate the 

successful separation of Costa from the rest of the Whitbread Group. This includes HR, IT and facilities services. The revenue has been earned since the completion of the 
sale on 3 January 2019 and will continue for a limited time, with all services expected to conclude by the end of 2020. 

4 Other income
An analysis of the Group’s other income is as follows:

Rental income 
Rates rebates relating to prior financial years 
Other

Other income before adjusting items 
Insurance proceeds (Note 7)
Legal settlement (Note 7)

Other income

2019/20
£m

2018/19 
(restated1) 
£m

 4.9 
 13.6 
0.3
18.8
 16.0 
 2.3 
37.1

 4.1 
 1.7 
–
 5.8 
–
–
 5.8

1   Rental income was reclassified from operating expenses to be shown separately as other income on adoption of IFRS 16 Leases. In addition, rebates relating to prior 

financial years which had previously been included in operating costs were re-presented in other income to align with current year presentation (see Note 2).

5 Segment information
For management purposes the Group is organised into a single strategic business unit, Premier Inn. Premier Inn provides 
services in relation to accommodation, food and beverage, both in the UK and internationally.

The UK and International Premier Inn operating segments have been aggregated on the grounds that the International segment 
does not currently meet the thresholds of being a reportable segment and meets the aggregation criteria applying IFRS 8 
Operating Segments.

Management monitors the operating results of its operating segments separately for the purpose of making decisions about 
allocating resources and assessing performance. Segment performance is measured based on adjusted operating profit. 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  CONTINUEDWhitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20145

– Strategic report

– Governance

Financial statements

– Other information

5 Segment information continued
The following tables present revenue and profit information and certain asset and liability information regarding the Premier Inn 
segment for the years ended 27 February 2020 and 28 February 2019.

Revenue
Revenue before adjusting items
Adjusting items – revenue (Note 7)

Revenue from external customers (Note 3)

Profit from operations
Support and central costs 

Adjusted operating profit 
Net finance costs

Adjusted profit before tax
Adjusting items before tax (Note 7)

Profit before tax

Other segment information
Share of loss from joint ventures (Note 17)
Investment in joint ventures

Capital expenditure:
  Property, plant and equipment and investment property – cash basis
  Property, plant and equipment and investment property – accruals basis (Note 15)

Intangible assets (Note 14)

Depreciation – property, plant and equipment and investment property (Note 15)
Depreciation – right-of-use assets (Note 22)
Amortisation (Note 14)

Revenues from external customers are split geographically as follows: 

United Kingdom1
Non-United Kingdom

Non-current assets2 are split geographically as follows: 

United Kingdom
Non-United Kingdom

1   United Kingdom (UK) revenue is revenue where the site is located in the UK.

2   Non-current assets exclude derivative financial instruments and the surplus on the Group’s defined benefit pension scheme.

Year to 
27 February 
2020
£m

Year to 
28 February 
2019 
(restated)
£m

2,062.1 
 9.4 
2,071.5

 2,047.1 
 2.0 
 2,049.1 

Year to 
27 February 
2020
£m

Year to 
28 February 
2019 
(restated)
£m

 645.9
(159.1) 
 486.8
(128.5) 
 358.3
(78.3)
280.0

701.0
 (163.3)
 537.7 
 (147.4)
 390.3 
 (172.2)
 218.1 

 (2.5)
 54.8

 (0.6)
 56.6 

 372.7
359.0
20.7 

 145.0
104.0 
19.8 

 396.3 
 382.2 
 55.1 

 139.1 
 98.3 
 20.9 

2019/20
£m

 2,051.6 
19.9
2,071.5

2018/19 
£m

 2,037.0 
 12.1 
 2,049.1 

2020
£m

6,326.2
432.5
6,758.7

2019
(restated) 
£m

 6,163.0 
 300.9 
 6,463.9 

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20 
 
 
 
146

6 Operating costs

Cost of inventories recognised as an expense 
Employee benefits expense1 (Note 8) 
Amortisation of intangible assets (Note 14)
Depreciation – property, plant and equipment and investment property (Note 15) 
Depreciation – right-of-use assets (Note 22)
Utilities, rates and other site property costs
Variable lease payment expense (Note 22)
Net foreign exchange differences 
Other operating charges1
Adjusting items1 (Note 7)

2019/20 
£m

 208.5 
 612.5 
 19.8 
 145.0 
 104.0 
 431.8 
 2.0 
 (0.2)
 68.6 
105.6
1,697.6

2018/19 
(restated) 
£m

 204.2 
 588.6 
 20.9 
 139.1 
 98.3 
 405.0 
 2.5 
 0.1 
 55.9 
 174.2 
 1,688.8 

1  Adjusting items includes an impairment charge of £49.6m (2019: £38.9m), other operating charges of £58.5m (2019: £103.6m) and a credit of £2.5m (2019: charge of 

£31.7m) relating to employee benefit expenses (see Note 8).

Fees paid to the Group’s auditor during the year1 consisted of: 

Audit of the Group’s financial statements

Audit of the Group’s subsidiaries

Total audit fees
Audit related assurance
Other assurance services
Other non-audit fees2

Total non-audit fees
Included in other operating charges

2019/20
£m

2018/19 
£m

 0.6 

 0.3 
 0.9 
 0.1 
 – 
 – 
 0.1 
 1.0 

 0.7 

 0.3 
 1.0 
 0.1 
 0.1 
 1.2 
 1.4 
 2.4 

1  The analysis of audit and non-audit fees includes both the continuing and discontinued business.

2  In 2018/19 the Group appointed its auditor as reporting accountant for the Group’s disposal of Costa.

7 Adjusting items
As set out in the policy in Note 2, we use a range of measures to monitor the financial performance of the Group. 
These measures include both statutory measures in accordance with IFRS and APMs which are consistent with the way that the 
business performance is measured internally. We report adjusted measures because we believe they provide both management 
and investors with useful additional information about the financial performance of the Group’s businesses. Adjusted measures 
of profitability represent the equivalent IFRS measures adjusted for specific items that we consider hinder the comparison of 
the financial performance of the Group’s businesses either from one period to another or with other similar businesses.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  CONTINUEDWhitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20147

– Strategic report

– Governance

Financial statements

– Other information

7 Adjusting items continued
On 1 March 2019 the Group adopted a new accounting policy for adjusting items and use of alternative performance measures. 
This policy replaces the non-underlying items and use of underlying performance measures policy adopted in the previous 
financial years. As a result of the change, IAS 19 pension finance costs/income no longer fall within the definition of adjusting 
items. Comparative amounts have been re-presented to reflect this change.

Adjusting items were as follows:
Revenue:
  TSA income1

Other income:

Insurance proceeds5

  Legal settlement2

Adjusting other income
Operating costs:
  TSA costs1
  Costa disposal – separation costs3
  Costa disposal – impact on continuing business4
  Costa disposal – review of strategic IT assets9
  Guaranteed minimum pension10

 Disposal, impairment and write off of intangible assets and property, plant and equipment and 
provisions for property costs5

  UK restructuring11
  Employment tax settlement6
  Acquisition costs7

Adjusting operating costs
Share of loss of joint ventures:
Impairment8

Adjusting items before tax

Tax adjustments included in reported profit after tax, but excluded in arriving at adjusted profit after tax:

Tax on adjusting items

Adjusting tax credit

2019/20
£m

2018/19 
(restated)
£m

 9.4

 2.0 

 16.0 
 2.3 
18.3

 (8.9)
 (17.5)
 2.3 
 – 
 – 

(76.3)
 0.2 
 (3.0)
 (2.4)
(105.6)

–
–
–

 (1.9)
 (19.9)
 (80.4)
 (7.7)
 (13.1)

 (44.2)
 (7.0)
–
–
 (174.2)

 (0.4)
(78.3)

 – 
 (172.2)

2019/20 
£m

 7.0 
 7.0 

2018/19 
(restated) 
£m

 34.5 
 34.5 

1  Following the sale of Costa to The Coca Cola Company, the Group entered into a Transitional Services Agreement (TSA) to provide certain services to facilitate the 

successful separation of Costa from the rest of the Whitbread Group. This includes HR, IT and facilities services. The revenue has been earned since the completion of the 
sale on 3 January 2019 and will continue for a limited time, with all services expected to conclude by the end of 2020.

2  During the year, the Group received a legal settlement of £2.3m in relation to leases entered in prior periods. 

3  In addition to the costs of providing the Transitional Services to Costa, the Group incurred £17.5m of separation costs in relation to the reorganisation of the Group. 

This included costs of separating IT infrastructure, contract renegotiation and other related activities. Separation activity has been substantially completed during the year, 
with final costs expected to occur in FY21. 

4  Following the disposal of Costa, the Group announced a restructure to simplify Support Centre operations and recognised a provision at February 2019 of £11.6m in 

relation to this restructure. During the year the Group assessed the remaining provision and released £2.3m to the income statement. During the prior year, following the 
disposal of Costa, the Group undertook a full review of the continuing business operations resulting in a total charge of £80.4m.

5  During the year, the Group made a net gain on asset disposals of £5.2m (2018/19: £2.0m) from disposal of sites previously held for sale. This was offset by impairment 

losses on hotel sites transferred to assets held for sale of £5.0m (2018/19: £4.8m), impairment losses on trading sites of £36.6m (2018/19: £7.2m) and provisions for other 
property costs of £14.5m (2018/19: £10.8m). As a result of the cancellation of IT projects, intangible assets of £3.3m (2018/19: £19.9m) and tangible assets of £5.1m were 
written off, operating costs of £5.6m were incurred and a provision for onerous contracts of £1.1m (2018/19: £3.5m) was created. In addition, following a fire at a Premier 
Inn site, the Group has recorded an impairment of £9.6m and other costs of £0.7m. As the fire represents an insurable event, the Group has recognised anticipated 
insurance claim proceeds of £16.0m covering property and loss of trade in other income.

6  During the year, the Group received an enquiry from HMRC into its historic PAYE Settlement Agreements. Whilst the Group believes it has grounds to resist this challenge, 

it has decided to provide for any potential settlement in full.

7  During the year, the Group incurred costs of £2.4m of fees in relation to acquisitions which did not proceed to completion. 

8  The Group recorded a cost of £0.4m representing its share of a site level impairment in the accounts of its joint venture, Premier Inn Hotels LLC. 

9  During the prior year, following the disposal of Costa, the Group undertook a review of strategic IT assets and projects that were intended for implementation across both 

Premier Inn and Costa. This review resulted in an impairment of assets amounting to £7.7m. 

10 In October 2018, following a High Court ruling that pension schemes should equalise guaranteed minimum pension benefits for men and women, a past service cost 

of £13.1m was recognised in the prior year income statement to reflect this decision in the obligations of the Whitbread Group defined benefit scheme. 

11  During the prior year, the Group restructured its hotel and restaurant operations resulting in redundancy and project costs of £7.0m. An amount of £0.2m was released 

to the income statement in the current year.

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20 
 
148

8 Employee benefits expense

Continuing business
Wages and salaries 
Social security costs 
Pension costs 

2019/20 
£m

 559.9 
 41.6 
 11.0 
 612.5 

2018/19 
£m

 542.5 
 37.5 
 8.6 
 588.6 

The amounts above exclude adjusting items. Wages and salaries excludes a credit of £2.5m (2019: charge of £11.6m) relating 
to the restructuring of the Group’s operations and £nil (2018/19: £7.0m) relating to equity-settled share-based payments. 
Pension costs excludes £nil (2019: £13.1m) relating to a past service cost on the Group’s defined benefit pension scheme 
(see Note 7).

Included in wages and salaries is a share-based payments expense of £11.6m (2018/19: £15.4m), which arises from transactions 
accounted for as equity-settled share-based payments.

Average number of employees directly employed – continuing operations

Employees of joint ventures are excluded from the numbers above. 

Directors’ remuneration is disclosed below:

Directors’ remuneration
Aggregate contributions to the defined contribution pension scheme
Aggregate gains on the exercise of share options

Number of directors accruing benefits under defined contribution schemes

9 Finance (costs)/income

Finance costs
Interest on bank loans and overdrafts 
Interest on other loans
Interest on lease liabilities (Note 22)
Unwinding of discount on provisions (Note 23)
Interest capitalised (Note 15)
IAS 19 pension finance cost (Note 31)
Impact of ineffective portion of cash flow and fair value hedges (Note 25)

Finance income
Bank interest receivable 
Other interest receivable
IAS 19 pension finance income (Note 31)

Net finance costs

2019/20 
Number

 36,034

2018/19 
Number

 35,514 

2019/20
£m

2018/19 
£m

 3.3 
 – 
 1.5 

 3.0 
 – 
1.3

2019/20 
Number

2018/19 
Number

 2

 2 

2019/20
£m

2018/19 
(restated)
£m

 (3.7)
 (27.3)
 (115.3)
 (0.1)
 2.2 
 – 
 (0.2)
 (144.4)

 11.6
 0.3
 4.0
15.9 

 (3.7)
 (32.1)
 (113.1)
 (0.4)
 3.2 
 (5.9)
 (0.1)
(152.1)

 4.6 
 0.1 
 – 
 4.7 

 (128.5)

(147.4)

Net finance costs includes £144.1m (2018/19: £145.7m) finance costs and £11.9m (2018/19: £4.7m) finance income in respect 
of financial assets and liabilities that are measured at amortised cost using the effective interest rate method.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  CONTINUEDWhitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20 
 
149

10 Taxation

Consolidated income statement – continuing operations
Current tax:
  Current tax expense 
  Adjustments in respect of previous periods 

Deferred tax:
  Origination and reversal of temporary differences 
  Adjustments in respect of previous periods

Tax reported in the consolidated income statement

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income – continuing operations
Current tax:
  Cash flow hedges
  Defined benefit pension scheme

Deferred tax:
  Cash flow hedges
  Defined benefit pension scheme

Tax reported in comprehensive income

– Strategic report

– Governance

Financial statements

– Other information

2019/20 
£m

2018/19
(restated) 
£m

24.7
–

 24.7 

34.3
3.1
 37.4 

62.1 

 55.1 
 (3.3)
 51.8 

 (11.9)
 1.4 
 (10.5)

 41.3 

2019/20 
£m

2018/19 
£m

 – 
 (18.3) 

–
 (34.5)

 0.6
 19.6
 1.9

 0.8 
 34.6 
 0.9 

A reconciliation of the tax charge applicable to adjusted profit before tax and profit before tax at the statutory tax rate, to the 
actual tax charge at the Group’s effective tax rate, for the years ended 27 February 2020 and 28 February 2019 respectively 
is as follows:

Profit before tax as reported in the consolidated income statement 

Tax at current UK tax rate of 19% (2018/19: 19%) 
Effect of different tax rates and unrecognised losses in overseas companies
Effect of joint ventures
Tax credit on defined benefit pension scheme contribution
Expenditure not allowable
Adjustments to current tax expense in respect of previous years 
Adjustments to deferred tax expense in respect of previous years 
Impact of deferred tax being at a different rate from current tax rate

Tax expense reported in the consolidated income statement 

2019/20

2018/19

Tax on 
adjusted 
profit
£m

 358.3 

Tax on 
profit
£m

280.0

Tax on 
adjusted 
profit
(restated)
£m

Tax on 
profit
(restated)
£m

 390.3 

 218.1 

 68.1 
3.6
0.1
(3.8)
2.1
–
–
(1.0)
 69.1 

53.2
3.6
0.1
(3.8)
6.9
–
3.1
(1.0)
62.1

 74.2 
 1.4 
 0.1 
–
 2.2 
 (2.9)
 0.5 
 0.3 
 75.8 

 41.4 
 1.4 
 0.1 
–
–
 (3.3)
 1.4 
 0.3 
41.3

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20150

10 Taxation continued
Deferred tax
The major deferred tax assets/(liabilities) recognised by the Group and movement during the current and prior financial years 
are as follows:

Accelerated 
capital 
allowances
£m

Rolled over 
gains and 
property 
revaluations 
£m

Pensions 
£m

Leases
£m

At 2 March 2018 (restated)
(Charge)/credit to consolidated income statement
Charge to statement of comprehensive income
Credit to statement of changes in equity
Discontinued operations  
– amounts charged to income statement
Discontinued operations  
– amounts transferred to disposal group
Foreign exchange and other movements

At 28 February 2019 (restated)
Charge to consolidated income statement
Charge to statement of comprehensive income
Charge to statement of changes in equity
Arising on acquisitions
Foreign exchange and other movements

At 27 February 2020

 (45.3)
 (1.9)
–
–

 0.9 

 (7.4)
 0.3 

 (53.4)
(0.9)
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 (54.3)

 (64.3)
 1.3 
–
–

 28.1 
 2.5 
 (34.6)
–

 45.4 
 7.9 
–
–

Other
£m

 (0.9)
 0.7 
 (0.8)
 5.3 

Total 
£m

 (37.0)
 10.5 
 (35.4)
 5.3 

–

–
–

 (63.0)
(1.4)
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 (64.4)

–

–

 (0.3)

 0.6 

–
 (0.1)

 (4.1)
(32.6)
(19.6)
 – 
 – 
 – 
 (56.3)

 (8.1)
–

 45.2 
(1.9)
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 43.3 

 0.2 
–

 4.2 
(0.6)
(0.6)
(4.4)
(4.9)
0.2
(6.1)

 (15.3)
 0.2 

 (71.1)
 (37.4) 
 (20.2) 
(4.4)
(4.9)
0.2 
(137.8)

Total deferred tax liabilities relating to disposals during the year were £nil (2019: £nil).

The Group has incurred overseas tax losses of £30.0m (2019: £26.0m) which can be carried forward indefinitely and 
offset against future taxable profits in the companies in which they arose. The Group carries out an annual assessment 
of the recoverability of these losses and does not think it is appropriate at this stage to recognise any deferred tax asset. 
Recognition of these assets in their entirety would result in an increase in the reported deferred tax asset of £10.0m 
(2019: £5.0m).

At 27 February 2020, no deferred tax liability is recognised (2019: £nil) on gross temporary differences of £3.1m (2019: £4.0m) 
relating to the unremitted earnings of overseas subsidiaries as the Group is able to control the timings of these temporary 
differences and it is probable that they will not reverse in the forseeable future. 

Tax relief on total interest capitalised amounts to £0.4m (2018/19: £0.6m).

Factors affecting the tax charge for future years
The Finance Act 2016 reduced the main rate of UK corporation tax to 17% with effect from 1 April 2020. The effect of the new 
rate was included in the financial statements in 2016/17. The rate change will also impact the amount of the future cash tax 
payments to be made by the Group.

In his Budget of 11 March 2020, the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced an increase in the main rate of UK corporation 
tax to 19% with effect from 1 April 2020. This change had not been substantively enacted at the balance sheet date and 
consequently is not included in these financial statements. The effect of the proposed increase would be to increase the 
net deferred tax liability by £16.2m. The rate change will also impact the amount of the future cash tax payments made by 
the Group.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  CONTINUEDWhitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20151

– Strategic report

– Governance

Financial statements

– Other information

11 Discontinued operations
On 31 August 2018, the Group entered into a formal sale agreement to dispose of Costa to The Coca-Cola Company. 
In accordance with IFRS 5, the assets and liabilities related to Costa were classified as a disposal group held for sale at 
30 August 2018. The sale was approved by the Group’s shareholders on 10 October 2018 and completed on 3 January 2019.

As a result of the adoption of IFRS 16 during the year, the profit from discontinued operations, net of tax for 2018/19 has been 
restated as follows: 

Profit from operating activities, net of tax 
Gain on sale of discontinued operations 

Profit from discontinued operations, net of tax 

52 weeks to 
28 February 
2019 (as 
reported)
 129.8 
 3,390.2 

52 weeks to 
28 February 
2019 
(restated)
 150.1 
 3,404.5 

IFRS 16 
transition
 20.3 
 14.3 

 3,520.0 

 34.6 

 3,554.6 

Adjusting items included within profit from operating activities, net of tax amounted to a credit of £27.8m.

As a result of the adoption of IFRS 16 during the year, the cash flows from discontinued operations for 2018/19 have been 
restated as follows:

Net cash flows from operating activities 
Net cash flows from investing activities
Net cash flows from financing activities 

Net cash flows for the year 
Intra-Group funding and transactions

Net cash flows from discontinued operations, net of intercompany

Effect of disposal on the financial position of the Group

52 weeks to 
28 February 
2019 (as 
reported)
 138.3 
(93.2) 
(12.7) 

 32.4 
 83.8 

 116.2 

Net assets disposed of and gain on disposal
Consideration received in cash and cash equivalents, net of transaction costs
Less net assets disposed of

Gain on sale before income tax and reclassification of foreign currency translation reserve
Exchange differences recycled to the income statement on disposal of business
Hedging reserve recycled to the income statement on disposal of business

Net cash inflow arising on disposal
Consideration received in cash and cash equivalents, net of transaction costs
Less cash and cash equivalents disposed of

52 weeks to 
28 February 
2019 
(restated)
 202.6 
(93.2) 
(77.0) 

IFRS 16 
transition
 64.3 
–

(64.3) 

–
–

–

 32.4 
83.8

116.2 

2018/19
£m
 3,948.6 
(547.3)

 3,401.3 
 1.9 
 1.3 

 3,404.5 

 3,948.6 
 (139.3)

 3,809.3 

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20152

12 Earnings per share
The basic earnings per share (EPS) figures are calculated by dividing the net profit for the year attributable to ordinary 
shareholders of the parent by the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the year after deducting treasury 
shares and shares held by an independently managed employee share ownership trust (ESOT).

The diluted earnings per share figures allow for the dilutive effect of the conversion into ordinary shares of the weighted 
average number of options outstanding during the year. Where the average share price for the year is lower than the option 
price, the options become anti-dilutive and are excluded from the calculation. The number of such options was nil (2019: nil).

The numbers of shares used for the earnings per share calculations are as follows:

Basic weighted average number of ordinary shares 
Effect of dilution – share options 

Diluted weighted average number of ordinary shares

2019/20
million

 149.4 
 0.9
 150.3 

2018/19
million

 182.8 
 0.9 
 183.7 

The total number of shares in issue at the year-end, as used in the calculation of the basic weighted average number of ordinary 
shares, was 147.0m, less 12.5m treasury shares held by Whitbread PLC and 1.0m held by the ESOT (2019: 195.9m, less 15.6m 
treasury shares held by Whitbread PLC and 0.5m held by the ESOT).

The profits used for the earnings per share calculations are as follows:

Continuing operations
Profit for the year attributable to parent shareholders
Less profit from discontinued operations
Profit from continuing operations
Adjusting items – gross (Note 7)
Adjusting items – taxation (Note 7)
Adjusted profit for the year attributable to parent shareholders

Basic EPS on profit for the year from continuing operations
Adjusting items – gross (Note 7)
Adjusting items – taxation (Note 7)
Basic EPS on adjusted profit for the year from continuing operations

Diluted EPS on profit for the year from continuing operations
Diluted EPS on adjusted profit for the year from continuing operations

2019/20 
£m
217.9
 – 
217.9
78.3
 (7.0)
 289.2

2019/20
pence
145.9
52.4
 (4.7)
 193.6 

2018/19
(restated)
£m
 3,731.4 
 (3,554.6)
 176.8 
 172.2 
 (34.5)
 314.5 

2018/19 
(restated)
pence
 96.7 
 94.2 
 (18.9)
 172.0 

145.0
 192.4 

 96.2 
 171.2 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  CONTINUEDWhitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20153

12 Earnings per share continued

Continuing and discontinued operations
Profit for the year attributable to parent shareholders
Adjusting items – gross (Note 7)
Adjusting items – taxation (Note 7)
Adjusted profit for the year attributable to parent shareholders

Basic EPS on profit for the year
Adjusting items – gross (Note 7)
Adjusting items – taxation (Note 7)
Basic EPS on adjusted profit for the year

Diluted EPS on profit for the year
Diluted EPS on adjusted profit for the year

13 Dividends paid 

Final dividend, proposed and paid, relating to the prior year 
Interim dividend proposed, and paid, for the current year
Total equity dividends paid in the year
Dividends on other shares:
  B share dividend
  C share dividend
Total dividends paid 
Proposed for approval at annual general meeting:
Final equity dividend for the current year

– Strategic report

– Governance

Financial statements

– Other information

2018/19 
(restated)
2019/20
£m
£m
 3,731.4 
217.9
78.3  (3,260.4)
 (34.2)
 (7.0)
 436.8 
 289.2 

2019/20
pence
145.9

2018/19
(restated)
pence
 2,041.2 
52.4  (1,783.6)
 (18.7)
 (4.7)
 238.9 
 193.6 

145.0
 192.4 

 2,031.2 
 237.8

2019/20

2018/19

pence per 
share

 67.00 
 32.65 

 0.90 
 0.60 

£m

 116.3 
 43.6 
 159.9

 – 
 – 
 159.9

pence per 
share

69.75
32.65

0.50
0.60

£m

 127.6 
 59.8 
 187.4 

–
–
187.4

 – 

 – 

67.00

120.5

The Board have decided not to declare a final dividend for the year ended 27 February 2020 (2019: a final dividend of 67.00p 
per share amounting to a dividend of £120.5m was declared). 

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20154

14 Intangible assets

Cost
At 2 March 2018
Additions 
Assets transferred to disposal group
Disposals
Assets written off
Foreign currency adjustment

At 28 February 2019
Additions 
Assets written off
Foreign currency adjustment

At 27 February 2020
Amortisation and impairment
At 2 March 2018
Amortisation during the year
Amortisation transferred to disposal group
Amortisation on assets written off
Disposals
Impairment (Note 16)
Foreign currency adjustment

At 28 February 2019
Amortisation during the year
Amortisation on assets written off

At 27 February 2020
Net book value at 27 February 2020
Net book value at 28 February 2019

Goodwill
£m

Customer 
relationships
£m

IT software 
and 
technology
£m

Other
£m

Total
£m

 180.1 
 – 
 (66.6)
 – 
 – 
 – 

 113.5 
 – 
 (2.2)
 – 
 111.3 

 (3.0)
 – 
– 
 – 
– 
 – 
 – 

 (3.0)
 – 
 2.2 
 (0.8)
 110.5 
 110.5 

 5.9 
 – 
 (5.9)
 – 
 – 
 – 

 – 
–
–
–
–

 (2.9)
 (0.2)
 3.1 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 

 – 
–
 –
–
–
 – 

 169.3 
 63.6 
 (47.9)
 (0.5)
 (68.3)
 (0.1)

 116.1 
20.7
(27.9)
(0.1)
108.8

 (54.6)
 (57.1)
 19.4 
 68.3 
 0.5 
 (27.6)
 0.1 

 (51.0)
(19.8)
 24.3 
(46.5)
62.3
 65.1 

 17.5 
 0.4 
 (17.9)
 – 
 – 
 – 

 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 

 (11.6)
 (1.2)
 12.8 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 

–
 – 
 – 
–
–
–

 372.8 
 64.0 
 (138.3)
 (0.5)
 (68.3)
 (0.1)

 229.6 
 20.7 
 (30.1)
 (0.1)
 220.1 

 (72.1)
 (58.5)
 35.3 
 68.3 
 0.5 
 (27.6)
 0.1 

 (54.0)
 (19.8)
 26.5 
 (47.3)
 172.8 
 175.6 

Goodwill acquired through business combinations is allocated to groups of CGUs at an operating segment level, being the level 
at which management monitors goodwill. The carrying amount of goodwill allocated to groups of CGUs is as follows:

United Kingdom
International

2020
£m

 110.5 
 – 

 110.5 

2019
£m

 110.5 
 – 

 110.5 

Other than goodwill, there are no intangible assets with indefinite lives. IT software and technology assets have been assessed 
as having finite lives and are amortised under the straight-line method over periods ranging from three to ten years from the 
date the asset became fully operational. 

Capital expenditure commitments
Capital expenditure commitments in relation to intangible assets at the year-end amounted to £0.5m (2019: £3.4m).

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  CONTINUEDWhitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20155

– Strategic report

– Governance

Financial statements

– Other information

15 Property, plant and equipment and investment property

Cost
At 2 March 2018
Additions 
Interest capitalised 
Movements to held for sale in the year
Assets transferred to disposal group
Disposals
Assets written off
Reclassified
Foreign currency adjustment

At 28 February 2019
Additions 
Acquisition of a subsidiary (Note 35)
Interest capitalised 
Movements to held for sale in the year
Disposals
Assets written off
Foreign currency adjustment

At 27 February 2020

Depreciation and impairment
At 2 March 2018
Depreciation charge for the year
Impairment (Note 16)
Movements to held for sale in the year
Assets transferred to disposal group
Disposals
Depreciation on assets written off
Foreign currency adjustment

At 28 February 2019
Depreciation charge for the year 
Impairment (Note 16)
Movements to held for sale in the year
Disposals
Depreciation on assets written off
Foreign currency adjustment

At 27 February 2020
Net book value at 27 February 2020
Net book value at 28 February 2019

Land and
buildings
£m

Plant and
equipment
£m

Total 
property, 
plant and 
equipment 
£m

Investment 
property 
£m

Total
 £m

 3,354.9 
 233.3 
 3.2 
 (13.8)
 (157.6)
 (1.8)
 (2.9)
 (4.3)
 (8.5)

 3,402.5 
 158.7 
 – 
 2.2 
 (10.1)
 (1.0)
 (10.2)
 (4.0)
3,538.1

 (210.2)
 (21.9)
 (9.6)
 4.9 
 58.2 
 0.9 
 2.9 
 0.2 

 (174.6)
(18.0)
(32.3)
 2.5 
 0.9 
 10.2 
 0.1 
(211.2)
3,326.9
3,227.9

 1,720.7 
 193.6 
–
 (5.0)
 (430.7)
 (6.2)
 (102.2)
 4.3 
 (1.1)

 1,373.4 
178.3
0.6
 – 
 (3.0)
 – 
 (12.8)
(0.5)
 1,536.0 

 (689.4)
 (164.7)
 (1.7)
 2.4 
 234.6 
 4.6 
 102.2 
 0.7 

 (511.3)
 (126.9)
 (2.6)
 2.2 
 – 
 7.7 
 – 
 (630.9)
 905.1 
 862.1 

 5,075.6 
 426.9 
 3.2 
 (18.8)
 (588.3)
 (8.0)
 (105.1)
–
 (9.6)

 4,775.9 
337.0
0.6
 2.2 
 (13.1)
 (1.0)
 (23.0)
(4.5)
5,074.1

 (899.6)
 (186.6)
 (11.3)
 7.3 
 292.8 
 5.5 
 105.1 
 0.9 

 (685.9)
(144.9)
(34.9)
 4.7 
 0.9 
 17.9 
 0.1 
(842.1)
4,232.0
 4,090.0 

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
22.0
–
–
–
–
–
(1.6)
20.4

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
(0.1)
–
–
–
–
–
(0.1)
20.3
–

 5,075.6 
 426.9 
 3.2 
 (18.8)
 (588.3)
 (8.0)
 (105.1)
–
 (9.6)

 4,775.9 
 359.0 
0.6
 2.2 
 (13.1)
 (1.0)
 (23.0)
(6.1)
5,094.5

 (899.6)
 (186.6)
 (11.3)
 7.3 
 292.8 
 5.5 
 105.1 
 0.9 

 (685.9)
 (145.0)
 (34.9)
 4.7 
 0.9 
 17.9 
 0.1 
(842.2)
4,252.3
 4,090.0 

Included above are assets under construction of £341.2m (2019: £378.3m).

There is a charge in favour of the pension scheme over properties with a market value of £450.0m (2019: £450.0m). See Note 
31 for further information. 

Amounts relating to right-of-use assets under IFRS 16 are detailed in Note 22. 

During the year the Group acquired a freehold site which is currently being leased to a third party and is recorded within 
investment property. The Group intends to take over the operations of the hotel in due course at which point the asset will be 
transferred to property, plant and equipment. The fair value of the investment property approximates the carrying value.

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20156

15 Property, plant and equipment continued

Capital expenditure commitments
Capital expenditure commitments for property, plant and equipment  
for which no provision has been made 

2020 
£m

2019
£m

 168.8

 200.5

Capitalised interest
Interest capitalised during the year amounted to £2.2m, using an average rate of 3.3% (2018/19: £3.2m, using an average rate 
of 3.6%).

Assets held for sale
During the year, four property assets with a combined net book value of £8.5m (2018/19: nine at £11.5m) were transferred 
to assets held for sale. One property was transferred back to property, plant and equipment with a net book value of £0.1m 
(2019: nil). Three property assets sold during the year had a net book value of £4.1m (2018/19: two at £4.0m). An impairment 
loss of £1.6m (2018/19: £0.7m) was recognised relating to assets classified as held for sale. By the year-end there were 11 sites 
with a combined net book value of £14.9m (2019: 11 at £12.2m) classified as assets held for sale. There are no gains or losses 
recognised in other comprehensive income with respect to these assets. Sites are transferred to assets held for sale when there 
is an expectation that they will be sold within 12 months. If the site is not expected to be sold within 12 months it is subsequently 
transferred back to property, plant and equipment.

16 Impairment
During the year, impairment losses of £49.6m (2018/19: £38.9m) and impairment reversals of £nil (2018/19: £nil) were 
recognised within operating costs. 

Impairment losses
Intangible assets
Property, plant and equipment
Right-of-use assets

Total net impairment charge

2019/20
£m

2018/19
£m

–
34.9
14.7
49.6

 27.6 
 11.3 
–
 38.9 

Property, plant and equipment and right-of-use assets
The Group considers each trading site to be a CGU and each CGU is reviewed annually for indicators of impairment. 
Where indicators of impairment are identified, an impairment assessment is undertaken. In assessing whether an asset has 
been impaired, the carrying amount of the site is compared to its recoverable amount. The recoverable amount is the higher 
of its fair value less costs of disposal and its value in use. 

For the purpose of estimating the value in use of CGUs, management has used a discounted cash flow approach. 
The calculations use cash flow projections based on business plans approved by management covering a five-year period 
including management’s best estimate about future developments and market assumptions. The key assumptions used by 
management in the value in use calculations were:

Discount rates
The discount rate is based on the Group’s WACC adjusted where relevant for specific country and currency risks. The average 
pre-tax discount rate used is 7.1% (2019: 7.0%).

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  CONTINUEDWhitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20157

– Strategic report

– Governance

Financial statements

– Other information

16 Impairment continued
Long-term growth rates
A long-term growth rate of 2.0% was used for cash flows subsequent to the approved budget/plan period. This long-term 
growth rate is a conservative rate and is considered to be lower than the long-term historical growth rates of the underlying 
territories in which the CGU operates and the long-term growth rate prospects of the sectors in which the CGU operates.

Approved budget period
Forecast cash flows for the initial five-year period are based on actual cash flows for the current year and applying growth 
assumptions. The key assumptions used by management in setting the financial budgets for the initial five-year period were 
as follows:

Forecast growth rates: Forecast growth rates are based on past experience adjusted for local factors impacting the site in 
the current year or expected to impact the site in future years. Key assumptions include the maturity profile of individual sites, 
the future potential of immature sites and the impact of increasing or reducing market supply in the local area. 

Operating profits are forecast based on historical experience of operating margins, adjusted for the impact of inflation and 
cost-saving initiatives. 

The facts and circumstances which led to the impairment charge of £49.6m are set out below:

During the year, five hotels were transferred to assets held for sale, resulting in an impairment of £3.4m, and following a fire at 
a Premier Inn site, the Group has recorded an impairment of £9.6m. The remaining £21.9m impairment of property, plant and 
equipment and £14.7m relating to right-of-use assets arose on sites which are to be closed or are underperforming.

Sensitivity to changes in assumptions
The level of impairment is predominantly dependent upon judgements used in arriving at future growth rates and the discount 
rates applied to cash flow projections. The impact on the impairment charge of applying a reasonably possible change in 
assumptions to the growth rates used in the five-year business plans, long-term growth rates and in the pre-tax discount rates 
would be an incremental impairment charge of:

Incremental impairment charge
Impairment if discount rates were increased by 1% pt
Impairment if long-term growth rates reduced by 1% pt
Impairment if business plan growth rates were reduced by 1% pt

Total
£m

17.3
9.9
6.1

Goodwill
Goodwill acquired through business combinations is allocated to groups of CGUs at an operating segment level, being the level 
at which management monitors goodwill. An analysis of goodwill by operating segment is included within Note 14. 

The recoverable amount is the higher of fair value less costs of disposal and value in use. The recoverable amount has been 
determined from value in use calculations. The future cash flows are based on assumptions from the business plans and cover 
a five-year period. These business plans and forecasts include management’s most recent view of medium-term trading 
prospects. Cash flows beyond this period are extrapolated using a 2.0% growth rate (2019: 2.0%). The pre-tax discount rate 
applied to cash flow projections is 7.1% (2019: 7.0%).

No impairment was required for goodwill and the valuations indicate sufficient headroom such that a reasonably possible 
change to key assumptions is unlikely to result in an impairment.

Intangible assets
A review of IT assets resulted in a write off of assets with a net book value of £3.6m (2018/19: £27.6m impairment following the 
agreement to dispose of Costa). Following the write off, the impacted intangible assets have a carrying value of £nil (2019: £nil).

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20158

17 Investment in joint ventures
Premier Inn Hotels LLC
The Group holds a 49% interest in Premier Inn Hotels LLC, a joint venture which operates Premier Inn branded hotels in the 
United Arab Emirates. The investment forms part of the Group’s international growth strategy.

Premier Inn Hotels LLC holds a 49% investment in Premier Inn Qatar Limited.

Healthy Retail Limited 
The Group holds a 49% interest in Healthy Retail Limited, a joint venture which operates a chain of 22 stores in London trading 
as ‘Pure’, that specialises in fresh, natural healthy meals. The Group has an option to purchase the remaining 51% interest which 
expires on 30 June 2021. During the year, the Group subscribed for loan notes of £2.0m which are convertible into equity.

The Group continues to account for the investment as a joint venture on the basis that the majority shareholders have an 
equal representation on the investee’s board of directors who have control over the relevant activities of the business, and the 
potential voting rights under the option to purchase are not considered to be substantive. 

Premier Inn Kier Limited 
The Group holds a 50% investment in a dormant UK entity.

Movement in investment in joint ventures

Opening investment in joint ventures
Share of loss for the year 
Share of other comprehensive loss for the year
Foreign exchange movements
Capital contribution
Loans advanced 
Disposals

Closing investment in joint ventures

2020 
£m

56.6
 (2.5)
 (2.8)
 1.5 
 – 
 2.0 
 – 
54.8

2019 
£m

50.4
 (1.4)
– 
 1.3 
 6.9 
 2.4 
 (3.0)
56.6

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  CONTINUEDWhitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20159

17 Investment in joint ventures continued

2020

Healthy 
Retail 
Limited 
£m

Premier Inn 
Hotels LLC
£m

Total
£m

Premier Inn 
Hotels LLC
£m

 6.7 
 159.9 
 (11.4)
 (63.0)
 92.2 
 45.2 
 – 
 – 
 45.2 

 3.8 
 (3.7)
 (61.9)

22.5
 (5.3)
 (17.0)
 (3.4)
 (3.2)
 – 
 (3.2)
 (3.8)
 (7.0)

 2.8 
 29.3 
 (14.0)
 (19.5)
 (1.4)
 (0.7)
 4.5 
 5.8 
 9.6 

 2.5 
 (10.6)
 (19.3)

26.0
 (3.9)
 (22.8)
 (1.2)
 (1.9)
 – 
 (1.9)
 (1.9)
 (3.8)

 9.5 
 189.2 
 (25.4)
 (82.5)
 90.8 
 44.5 
 4.5 
 5.8 
 54.8 

 6.3 
 (14.3)
 (81.2)

48.5
 (9.2)
 (39.8)
 (4.6)
 (5.1)
 – 
 (5.1)
 (5.7)
 (10.8)

 9.7 
164.4
(21.7)
(56.3)
96.1
 47.1 
– 
– 
 47.1 

 6.2 
(9.0)
(55.2)

19.2
 (3.5)
 (13.8)
 (2.1)
(0.2)
– 
(0.2)
– 
(0.2)

Summary of joint ventures’ balance sheets
Current assets 
Non-current assets 
Current liabilities 
Non-current liabilities 

Net Assets
Group’s share of interest in joint ventures’ net assets
Premium paid on acquisition
Loans to joint ventures

Group’s carrying amount of the investment
Within gross balance sheets
Cash and cash equivalents 
Current financial liabilities 
Non-current financial liabilities 

Summary of joint ventures’ income statement
Revenue
Depreciation and amortisation
Other operating costs 
Finance costs 

Loss before tax 
Income tax 
Loss after tax 
Other comprehensive income

Total comprehensive income
Group Share
Loss after tax 
Other comprehensive income

– Strategic report

– Governance

Financial statements

– Other information

2019

Healthy 
Retail 
Limited 
£m

 0.8 
30.2
(6.7)
(21.8)
2.5
 1.2 
4.5
 3.8 
9.5

–
(6.3)
(21.5)

18.4
 (3.1)
 (15.3)
 (1.1)
 (1.1)
– 
 (1.1)
– 
 (1.1)

Total
£m

 10.5 
194.6
(28.4)
(78.1)
 98.6 
48.3
 4.5 
 3.8 
56.6

6.2
(15.3)
(76.7)

37.6
 (6.6)
 (29.1)
 (3.2)
 (1.3)
– 
 (1.3)
– 
 (1.3)

At 27 February 2020, the Group’s share of the capital commitments of its joint ventures amounted to £0.7m (2019: £0.4m).

 (1.6)
 (1.9)

 (0.9)
 (0.9)

 (2.5)
 (2.8)

(0.1)
– 

 (0.5)
– 

 (0.6)
– 

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20160

18 Trade and other receivables

Trade receivables 
Prepayments and accrued income
Other receivables 

Analysed as:
Current
Non-current

2020
£m

 58.6 
 204.8 
 34.5 
297.9

2019 
(restated)
£m

 55.7 
 35.6 
 20.2 
 111.5 

292.8
5.1
297.9

111.5
–
111.5

Trade and other receivables are non-interest bearing and are generally on 30-day terms. Trade receivables includes £55.2m 
(2019: £54.3m) relating to contracts with customers.

The allowance for expected credit loss relating to trade and other receivables at 27 February 2020 was £0.7m (2019: £0.7m). 
During the year, £0.1m (2019: credit of £0.5m) was recognised within operating costs in the consolidated income statement.

Prepayments includes an amount of £169.0m (2019: £12.4m) in relation to consideration paid in advance of the year-end for the 
post-year-end acquisition of Foremost Hospitality Hiex GmbH (see Note 35) and a £12.8m deposit in relation to an acquisition 
which was written off subsequent to the year-end following the decision not to proceed with the acquisition (see note 34).

19 Cash and cash equivalents

Cash at bank and in hand 
Short-term deposits

2020
£m

 78.9 
 423.7 
 502.6 

2019 
£m

 25.9 
 3,377.3 
 3,403.2 

Short-term deposits are made for varying periods of between one day and three months depending on the immediate cash 
requirements of the Group. They earn interest at the respective short-term deposit rates. The fair value of cash and cash 
equivalents is £502.6m (2019: £3,403.2m).

For the purposes of the consolidated cash flow statement, cash and cash equivalents comprise the amounts as 
disclosed above.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  CONTINUEDWhitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20161

20 Borrowings

Revolving credit facility (£950m)
Private placement loan notes
Senior unsecured bonds

– Strategic report

– Governance

Financial statements

– Other information

Maturity

2022
2020 to 2027
2025

Current

Non-current

2020 
£m

–
 84.0 
 – 
 84.0 

2019
£m

–
–
–
–

2020
£m

 – 
295.6
 445.9 
741.5

2019
£m

–
 374.6 
 445.3 
 819.9 

Revolving credit facility (£950m) 
The committed revolving credit facility (RCF) terms give a total available committed credit of £950.0m, which runs until 
September 2022. Loans have variable interest rates linked to LIBOR. The facility is multi-currency.

At 27 February 2020, the Group had available £950.0m (2019: £950.0m) of undrawn committed borrowing facilities in respect 
of revolving credit facilities on which all conditions precedent had been met. 

Private placement loan notes
The Group holds loan notes with coupons and maturities as shown in the following table:

Title

Series B loan notes 
Series C loan notes 
Series C loan notes 
Series D loan notes
Series A loan notes
Series B loan notes

Year issued

Principal value

Maturity

Coupon

2010
2010
2011
2011
2017
2017

US$75.0m
£25.0m
US$93.5m
£25.0m
£100.0m
£100.0m

13 August 2020
13 August 2020
26 January 2022
6 September 2021
16 August 2027
16 August 2027

5.23%
5.19%
4.86%
4.89%
2.54%
2.63%

The Group entered into a number of cross-currency swap agreements in relation to the loan notes to eliminate any foreign 
exchange risk on interest rates or on the repayment of the principal borrowed. These swaps expire in line with the loan notes 
and are discussed in Note 25.

Senior unsecured bonds
The Group issued £450.0m 2025 bonds with a coupon of 3.375% on 28 May 2015.

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20162

21 Movements in cash and net debt

Year ended 27 February 2020

Cash at bank and in hand 
Short-term deposits
Cash and cash equivalents 

Short-term bank borrowings 

Loan capital under one year 
Loan capital over one year 
Total loan capital 

Net cash/(debt)

Year ended 28 February 2019

Cash at bank and in hand 
Short-term deposits
Cash and cash equivalents 

Short-term bank borrowings 

Loan capital under one year 
Loan capital over one year 
Total loan capital 

Net (debt)/cash 

28 February 
2019
£m

Cost of 
borrowings 
£m

Cash flow 
£m 

Foreign 
exchange
£m

Fair value 
adjustments 
to loans
£m

Amortisation 
of premiums 
and 
discounts
£m

27 February 
2020
£m

 25.9 
 3,377.3 
 3,403.2 

 – 

 – 
(819.9)
(819.9)
2,583.3 

 –

 –

(2,892.5)

 (8.1)

 –

 –

 –

 –

 –

 –

 – 
 – 

 – 
(2,892.5)

 (2.2)
 (10.3)

 (1.8)
 (1.8)

 (1.6)
 (1.6)

 78.9 
 423.7 
 502.6 

 – 

 (84.0)
(741.5)
(825.5)
(322.9)

2 March 
2018 
£m

Cost of 
borrowings
£m

Cash flow 
£m

Foreign 
exchange
£m

Fair value 
adjustments 
to loans
£m

Amortisation 
of premiums 
and discounts
£m

28 February 
2019
£m

 29.2 
 61.4 
 90.6 

–

 (108.9)
 (814.5)
 (923.4)

 (832.8)

–

–

–

–

 3,312.9 

 (0.3)

–

–

–

–

 97.2 

 3,410.1 

 9.5 

 9.2 

 (1.6)

 (1.6)

 25.9 
 3,377.3 
 3,403.2 

–

–
 (819.9)
 (819.9)

–

–

 (1.6)

 (1.6)

 2,583.3 

Net debt includes US$ denominated loan notes of US$168.5m (2019: US$168.5m) retranslated to £131.3m (2019: £127.4m). 
These notes have been hedged using cross-currency swaps. At maturity, £108.6m (2019: £108.6m) will be repaid taking into 
account the cross-currency swaps. If the impact of these hedges is taken into account, reported net debt would be £300.1m 
(2019: net cash would be £2,601.0m).

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  CONTINUEDWhitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20163

– Strategic report

– Governance

Financial statements

– Other information

22 Lease arrangements
The Group leases various buildings which are used within the Premier Inn business. The leases are non-cancellable operating 
leases with varying terms, escalation clauses and renewal rights and include variable payments that are not fixed in amount 
but based upon a percentage of sales. The Group also leases various plant and equipment under non-cancellable operating 
lease agreements.

An analysis of the Group’s right-of-use asset and lease liability is as follows:

Right-of-use asset
At 2 March 2018 (restated)
Additions 
Disposals
Depreciation 

At 28 February 2019
Additions 
Acquisitions 
Impairment
Foreign currency adjustment
Depreciation 

At 27 February 2020

Lease liability
At 2 March 2018 (restated)
Additions 
Disposals
Interest 
Payments

At 28 February 2019
Additions 
Acquisitions 
Interest
Foreign currency adjustment
Payments

At 27 February 2020

Property
£m

 2,514.2 
 230.2 
 (469.3)
 (136.0)

 2,139.1 
 205.6 
 45.8 
(14.7)
(1.9)
 (102.4)
2,271.5

Property
£m

 2,842.3 
 230.2 
 (486.9)
 129.8 
 (245.8)

 2,469.6 
 206.6 
 14.8 
115.2
(0.7)
 (186.7)
2,618.8

Other
£m

 3.1 
 1.0 
–
 (1.5)

 2.6 
 1.2 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 (1.6)
 2.2

Other
£m

 2.7 
 1.0 
–
 0.1 
 (1.6)

 2.2 
 1.2 
 – 
 0.1 
 – 
 (1.7)
 1.8 

Total
£m

 2,517.3 
 231.2 
 (469.3)
 (137.5)

 2,141.7 
 206.8 
 45.8 
(14.7)
(1.9)
 (104.0)
2,273.7

Total 
£m

 2,845.0 
 231.2 
 (486.9)
 129.9 
 (247.4)

 2,471.8 
 207.8 
 14.8 
 115.3 
(0.7)
 (188.4)
 2,620.6 

The Group had non-cash additions to right-of-use assets and lease liabilities of £206.8m (2019: £231.2m).

As at 27 February 2020, the Group was committed to leases with future cash outflows totalling £1,774.4m (2019: £1,907.4m) 
which had not yet commenced and as such are not accounted for as a liability. A liability and corresponding right-of-use asset 
will be recognised for these leases at the lease commencement date.

A maturity analysis of gross lease liability payments is included within Note 24.

The following are the amounts recognised within the profit from continuing operations: 

Depreciation expense of right-of-use assets
Interest expense on lease liabilities 
Expense relating to low-value assets and short-term leases
Variable lease payments 
Impairment of right-of-use assets (Note 16)
Lease income

Net lease expense recognised in the consolidated income statement

The Group’s total cash outflows in relation to leases was £190.4m (2018/19: £260.1m).

2019/20 
£m

104.0 
 115.3 
 – 
 2.0 
14.7
 (4.9)
 231.1 

2018/19 
 £m 

 98.3
 113.1 
 – 
 2.5 
– 
 (4.1)
 209.8 

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20 
 
 
164

22 Lease arrangements continued
The Group acts as a lessor in relation to a number of non-trading legacy sites and in subletting space within trading sites. 
Rental income recognised by the Group during the year is £4.9m (2018/19: £4.1m). Future minimum rentals receivable under 
non-cancellable operating leases at the year-end are as follows:

Within one year
After one year but not more than five years
More than five years 

2020
£m

4.3
9.9
9.9
24.1

2019
£m

4.1
9.1
5.3
18.5

The Group has several lease contracts that include extension and termination options. Set out below are the undiscounted 
future rental payments relating to periods following the exercise date of extension and termination options that are not 
included in the lease liability.

Extension options expected not to be exercised 
Termination options expected to be exercised

23 Provisions

At 2 March 2018 (restated1)
Created
Unwinding of discount rate
Utilised
Transfer to liabilities of disposal group
At 28 February 2019 (restated1)
Created
Unwinding of discount rate
Utilised 
Released

At 27 February 2020

Analysed as:
  Current 
  Non-current 

At 27 February 2020
Analysed as:
  Current 
  Non-current 

At 28 February 2019

2020 
£m

 782.2 
 3.3 
 785.5 

2019 
£m 

 727.4 
 3.3 
 730.7

Other
£m

 3.7 
 1.6 
–
–
–

 5.3 
 – 
 – 
 (1.7)
 (0.2)

 3.4 

3.4
–

 3.4 

 1.6 
 3.7 

 5.3 

Total
 £m

 45.5 
 30.4 
 0.6 
 (10.3)
 (10.9)

 55.3 
 15.6 
 0.1 
(20.1)
 (2.5)

48.4

40.8
7.6

48.4

 40.9 
 14.4 

 55.3 

Restructuring
£m

Onerous 
contracts
£m

Property 
costs
£m

 6.1 
 10.6 
–
 (1.6)
 (3.5)

 11.6 
 – 
 – 
 (7.3)
 (2.3)

 2.0 

 2.0 
 – 

 2.0 

 11.6 
 – 

 11.6 

 21.1 
 7.3 
 0.6 
 (6.3)
 (7.4)

 15.3 
 1.1 
 0.1 
(5.4)
 – 

11.1

3.5
7.6

11.1

 4.6 
 10.7 

 15.3 

 14.6 
 10.9 
–
 (2.4)
–

 23.1 
 14.5 
 – 
 (5.7)
 – 

 31.9 

 31.9 
 – 

 31.9 

 23.1 
 – 

 23.1 

1  Comparative information has been restated to reflect the impact of adopting a new accounting policy in respect of IFRS 16. Categories of provisions have also been 

re-presented to disaggregate property cost provisions.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  CONTINUEDWhitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20165

– Strategic report

– Governance

Financial statements

– Other information

23 Provisions continued
Restructuring 
Following the disposal of Costa, the Group announced a restructure to simplify Support Centre operations and to effectively 
support the hotels and restaurants business. A provision of £11.6m was recognised to cover the costs of this restructure. 
During the year, £2.3m was released to the profit and loss and £7.3m was utilised. The remainder of the provision is expected 
to be utilised within one year.

Onerous contracts
Onerous contract provisions relate primarily to property and software licences where the contracts have become onerous. 
Provision is made for property-related costs for the period that a sublet or assignment of the lease is not possible.

Onerous contract provisions are discounted using a discount rate of 2.0% (2019: 2.0%) based on an approximation for the time 
value of money.

Property
The amount and timing of the cash outflows are subject to variation. The Group utilises the skills and expertise of both internal 
and external property experts to determine the provision held. Provisions are expected to be utilised over a period of up to 
13 years.

Software
Certain software licence agreements were deemed to be onerous when, following the disposal of Costa, it was no longer 
beneficial to the Group to use the software. At the year-end, a provision of £5.1m (2019: £7.3m) was held for future unavoidable 
costs on such agreements, to be utilised over a period of up to three years. The software intangible assets associated with 
these contracts were fully impaired in the comparative period. 

During the period, a provision of £1.1m has been created as a result of the cancellation of a contract relating to the supply 
of IT equipment. The provision is expected to be utilised over a period of two years. 

Property costs
During FY18, the Group established a provision for the performance of remedial works on cladding material at a small number 
of the Group’s sites. As a result, a provision of £23.1m was brought forward in relation to these costs. During the year £5.7m 
of the provision has been utilised, and an additional provision of £14.5m was created as further sites were identified following 
a change in the relevant regulations. The remaining provision is expected to be used within one year.

The Group utilises the skills and expertise of both internal and external property experts to determine the provision held. 
The property provision was included within other provisions in the prior year and has been re-presented as a separate category 
in the current year. Comparatives have been re-presented to reflect this change.

Other
A provision of £1.6m was carried forward in relation to certain procurement contracts required as a result of the Costa disposal. 
A total of £1.1m of these costs was utilised during the year and £0.2m was released to the profit and loss. The remaining costs 
are expected to be utilised within one year. 

In July 2016, the Group announced its intention to exit hotel operations in South East Asia. This resulted in the recognition 
of a provision of £3.7m for risks arising from indemnity agreements. At 27 February 2020, £3.1m of the provision was still held 
for risks arising from indemnity agreements. The remaining costs are expected to be utilised within one year. The provision has 
previously been included within restructuring provisions and has been re-presented within other provisions in the current year. 

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20166

24 Financial risk management objectives and policies
The Group’s principal financial instruments, other than derivatives, comprise bank loans, private placement loans, senior 
unsecured bonds, cash, short-term deposits, trade receivables and trade payables. The Group’s financial instrument policies 
can be found in the accounting policies in Note 2. The Board agrees policies for managing the financial risks summarised below:

Interest rate risk 
The Group’s exposure to market risk for changes in interest rates relates primarily to the Group’s long-term debt obligations. 
Interest rate swaps are used where necessary to maintain a mix of fixed and floating rate borrowings to manage this risk, in 
line with the Group treasury policy. Although the private placement loan notes are US dollar denominated, cross-currency 
swaps mean that the interest rate risk is effectively sterling only. At the year-end, £817.7m (99%) of Group debt was fixed for 
an average of 5.3 years at an average interest rate of 3.5% (2019: £819.8m (99.9%) for 6.5 years at 3.8%).

In accordance with IFRS 7 Financial Instruments: Disclosures, the Group has undertaken sensitivity analysis on its financial 
instruments which are affected by changes in interest rates. This analysis has been prepared on the basis of a constant 
amount of net debt, a constant ratio of fixed to floating interest rates, and on the basis of the hedging instruments in place 
at 27 February 2020 and 28 February 2019 respectively. Consequently, the analysis relates to the situation at those dates and 
is not representative of the years then ended. The following assumptions were made:

–  balance sheet sensitivity to interest rates applies only to derivative financial instruments, as the carrying value of debt and 

deposits does not change as interest rates move;

–  gains or losses are recognised in equity or the consolidated income statement in line with the accounting policies set out 

in Note 2; and

–  cash flow hedges were effective.

Based on the Group’s net debt/cash position at the year-end, a 1% pt change in interest rates would affect the Group’s profit 
before tax by £5.0m (2019 (restated): £34.0m), and equity by £2.0m (2019: £3.4m).

Liquidity risk
In its funding strategy, the Group’s objective is to maintain a balance between the continuity of funding and flexibility through 
the use of overdrafts and bank loans. This strategy includes monitoring the maturity of financial liabilities to avoid the risk of 
a shortage of funds.

Excess cash used in managing liquidity is placed on interest-bearing deposit where maturity is fixed at no more than three 
months. Short-term flexibility is achieved through the use of short-term borrowing on the money markets. 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  CONTINUEDWhitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20167

– Strategic report

– Governance

Financial statements

– Other information

24 Financial risk management objectives and policies continued
The tables below summarise the maturity profile of the Group’s financial liabilities at 27 February 2020 and 28 February 2019 
based on contractual undiscounted payments, including interest:

27 February 2020
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings
Lease liabilities
Derivative financial instruments
Trade and other payables

28 February 2019 (restated)
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings
Lease liabilities
Derivative financial instruments
Other financial liabilities (restated)
Trade and other payables

Total liabilities arising from financing activities

Year ended 27 February 2020
Year ended 28 February 2019

On 
demand
£m

Less than 3 
months
£m

 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 

–
 48.9 
–
126.3
175.2

On 
demand
£m

Less than 3
months 
(restated)
£m

–
–
–
–
–
– 

–
 45.6 
–
 330.1 
 190.6 
 566.3 

3 to 12 
months
£m

101.0
147.9 
2.2
4.4
255.5

3 to 12 
months
£m

 27.3 
 136.7 
 2.1 
–
–
 166.1 

1 to 5 
years
£m

164.9
784.8 
2.2
–
951.9

More than 
5 years
£m

673.1
3,999.1 
–
–
4,672.2

1 to 5 
years
£m

More than 
5 years
£m

 245.7 
 730.5 
 4.2 
–
–
 980.4 

 708.6 
 3,923.9 
–
–
–
 4,632.5 

Total
£m

939.0
 4,980.7 
4.4
130.7
6,054.8

Total 
(restated)
£m

 981.6 
 4,836.7 
 6.3 
 330.1 
 190.6 
 6,345.3 

Reclassified 
to disposal 
group
£m

Cash flows
£m

(73.1)
 (203.1)

–
 (498.5)

New lease 
liabilities
£m

222.6
 231.2 

Opening
£m

3,281.1
3,754.3

Other
£m

(2.4)
 (2.8) 

Closing
£m

3,428.2
3,281.1

Total liabilities arising from financing activities includes borrowings, derivative financial instruments and lease liabilities.

Credit risk
Due to the high level of cash held at the year-end, the most significant credit risk faced by the Group is that arising on cash 
and cash equivalents. The Group’s exposure arises from default of the counterparty, with a maximum exposure equal to the 
carrying value of these instruments. The Group seeks to minimise the risk of default in relation to cash and cash equivalents 
by spreading investments across a number of counterparties and dealing in accordance with Group Treasury Policy which 
specifies acceptable credit ratings and maximum investments for any counterparty.

In the event that any of the Group’s banks get into financial difficulty, the Group is exposed to the risk of withdrawal of currently 
undrawn committed facilities. This risk is mitigated by the Group having a range of counterparties to its facilities.

The Group is exposed to a small amount of credit risk attributable to its trade and other receivables. This is minimised 
by dealing with counterparties with good credit ratings. The amounts included in the balance sheet are net of expected 
credit losses, which have been estimated by management based on prior experience and any known factors at the balance 
sheet date. 

The Group’s maximum exposure to credit risk arising from trade and other receivables, loans to joint ventures, derivatives and 
cash and cash equivalents is £639.1m (2019: £3,499.3m).

Foreign currency risk
Foreign exchange exposure is currently not significant to the Group. Although the Group has US dollar denominated loan 
notes, these have been swapped into sterling, thereby eliminating foreign currency risk. Sensitivity analysis has therefore not 
been carried out.

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20168

24 Financial risk management objectives and policies continued
The Group monitors the growth and risks associated with its overseas operations and will undertake hedging activities as and 
when they are required.

Capital management
The Group’s primary objective in regard to capital management is to ensure that it continues to operate as a going concern and 
has sufficient funds at its disposal to grow the business for the benefit of shareholders. The Group seeks to maintain a ratio of 
debt to equity that balances risks and returns and also complies with lending covenants. See pages 30 to 37 of this report for 
the policies and objectives of the Board regarding capital management, analysis of the Group’s credit facilities and financing 
plans for the coming years.

The Group aims to maintain sufficient funds for working capital and future investment in order to meet growth targets. 
The management of equity through share buybacks and new issues is considered as part of the overall leverage framework 
balanced against the funding requirements of future growth. In addition, the Group may carry out a number of sale and 
leaseback transactions to provide further funding for growth.

The Group’s financing is subject to financial covenants. These covenants relate to measurement of EBITDA against consolidated 
net finance charges (interest cover) and total net debt (leverage ratio, on a not-adjusted-for pension and property lease basis). 
The Group has complied with all of these covenants.

The above matters are considered at regular intervals and form part of the business planning and budgeting processes. 
In addition, the Board regularly reviews the Group’s dividend policy and funding strategy.

Interest Rate Benchmark Reform
As discussed in Note 2, the Group has applied the hedge accounting amendments Interest Rate Benchmark Reform to hedge 
accounting relationships directly affected by the replacement of interest rate benchmarks. Under these amendments, for the 
purposes of:

–  determining whether a forecast transaction is highly probable;

–  determining whether the hedged future cash flows are expected to occur;

–  determining whether a hedge is expected to be highly effective in achieving offsetting changes in fair value or cash flows 

attributable to the hedged risk; and

–  determining whether an accounting hedging relationship should be discontinued because of a failure of the retrospective 

effectiveness test.

The Group has assumed that the interest rate benchmark on which the hedged risk or the cash flows of the hedged item or 
hedging instrument are based is not altered by uncertainties resulting from the proposed interest rate benchmark reform. 

The Group has two IFRS 9 designated hedge relationships that are potentially impacted by IBOR reform: our £50m interest 
rate swap in a cash flow hedge and our £50.1m cross-currency swap in a fair value hedge. These swaps reference six-month 
GBP LIBOR and uncertainty arising from the Group’s exposure to IBOR reform will cease when the swaps mature in 2022. 
The implications on the wider business of IBOR reform will be assessed during 2020 (see Note 25).

The assumptions and judgements that the Group has made in applying these requirements include the following:

–  a hedge accounting relationship is assumed to be affected by the interest rate benchmark reform if the reform gives rise to 
uncertainties about the timing and/or amount of the interest rate benchmark-based cash flows of the hedged items and/or 
of the hedging instrument;

–  where relevant, any reclassification of amounts in cash flow hedge reserves to profit or loss have been based on assessing 
whether the hedged cash flows are no longer expected to occur assuming that the interest rate benchmark on which the 
hedged cash flows are based is not altered as a result of the interest rate benchmark reform; and

–  all benchmark rate referenced hedged items and hedging instruments included in hedging relationships are subject to 

uncertainty due to interest rate benchmark reform.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  CONTINUEDWhitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20169

– Strategic report

– Governance

Financial statements

– Other information

25 Financial instruments
The carrying value of financial assets and liabilities at each reporting date are as follows:

As at 27 February 2020
Trade and other receivables
Cash and cash equivalents
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings
Lease liabilities
Derivative financial instruments
Trade and other payables

As at 28 February 2019
Trade and other receivables
Cash and cash equivalents
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings
Lease liabilities (restated)
Derivative financial instruments
Other financial liabilities (restated)
Trade and other payables

Amortised cost

Fair value

Financial 
assets
£m

Financial 
liabilities 
£m

Hedging
instruments 
£m

Other 
£m

Carrying 
value 
£m

93.1
502.6
–
–
–
–

–
–
(825.5)
(2,620.6)
–
(126.3)

75.9
3403.2
–
–
–
–
–

–
– 
 (819.9)
 (2,471.8)
– 
 (330.1)
 (190.6)

–
–
–
–
33.2
–

–
–
–
–
10.6
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
(4.4)

93.1
502.6
(825.5)
(2,620.6)
33.2
(130.7)

–
–
–
–
–
–
–

75.9
3403.2
(819.9)
(2,471.8)
10.6
(330.1)
(190.6)

Fair values
The carrying value of financial assets and liabilities disclosed in Notes 18, 19, 20, 21 and 26 are considered to be reasonable 
approximations of their fair values.

The fair value of derivative instruments classified as level 2 is calculated by discounting all future cash flows by the relevant 
market discount rate at the balance sheet date.

IFRS 13 Fair value measurement requires that the classification of financial instruments at fair value be determined by reference 
to the source of inputs used to derive the fair value. The classification uses the following three-level hierarchy:

Level 1 –  Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;

Level 2 –  Other techniques for which all inputs, which have a significant effect on the recorded fair value, are observable, either 

directly or indirectly; and

Level 3 –  Techniques which use inputs, which have a significant effect on the recorded fair value, that are not based on 

observable market data.

For assets and liabilities that are recognised in the financial statements at fair value on a recurring basis, the Group determines 
whether transfers have occurred between levels in the hierarchy by reassessing categorisation (based on the lowest level input 
that is significant to the fair value measurement as a whole) at the end of each reporting period. 

Financial assets
Derivative financial instruments – level 2

Financial liabilities
Derivative financial instruments – level 2
– level 3
Contingent consideration 

2020
£m

2019
£m

 37.6

 16.4 

 4.4
4.4

 5.8 
–

During the year ended 27 February 2020, there were no transfers between fair value measurement levels. Derivative financial 
instruments include £28.6m assets (2019: £14.5m) and £2.2m liabilities (2019: £3.7m) due after one year. 

Contingent consideration with a fair value of £4.4m was recognised at the year-end in relation to the acquisition made 
during the year and is fair valued using the expected future payments, discounted using a risk adjusted discount rate. 
The consideration will become payable on completion of the construction of the remaining leasehold site.

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20170

25 Financial instruments continued
Derivative financial instruments

Cash flow hedges

Interest rate risk

The Group is exposed to interest rate risk associated with drawdowns on the Revolving Credit Facility during the year 
which incur interest at a variable rate. The Group has interest rate swaps in place to swap a notional amount of £50.0m 
(2019: £50.0m) whereby it receives a variable interest rate based on LIBOR and pays fixed rates of between 5.145% and 5.190% 
(2019: 5.145% and 5.190%). 

Foreign currency risk

The Group is exposed to foreign currency risk associated with the private placement bonds denominated in US$. The Group 
has a cross-currency swap in place in relation to the interest and principal repayment whereby it receives a fixed interest rate of 
4.86% (2019: 4.86%) on a notional amount of US$93.5m (2019: US$93.5m) and pays an average of 5.22% on a notional sterling 
balance of £58.5m (2019: 5.22% on £58.5m).

Fair value hedge
The Group is exposed to foreign currency risk and interest rate risk associated with the private placement bonds denominated 
in US$. The Group has a cross-currency swap in place in relation to the interest and principal repayment whereby it receives a 
fixed interest rate of 5.23% (2019: 5.23%) on a notional amount of US$75.0m (2019: US$75.0m) and pays a spread of between 
1.715% and 1.755% (2019: 1.715% and 1.755%) over six-month GBP LIBOR on a notional sterling balance of £50.1m (2019: £50.1m).

Fair value and cash flow hedge effectiveness
There is an economic relationship between the hedged items and the hedging instruments as the terms of the interest rate and 
cross-currency swaps match the notional amount and expected payment date of the hedged items. The Group has established 
a hedge ratio of 1:1 for the hedging relationships as the underlying risk of the instruments are identical to the hedged risk 
components. To test the hedge effectiveness, the Group compares the changes in the fair value of the hedging instruments 
against the changes in fair value of the hedged items attributable to the hedged risks.

The hedge ineffectiveness relates to foreign currency risk and arises from foreign currency basis spread. There is no hedge 
ineffectiveness relating to interest rate risk. The ineffectiveness recorded within finance costs in the consolidated income 
statement for 2019/20 was £0.2m (2018/19: £0.1m).

Hedge of net investment in foreign operations 
In October 2019, the group entered into cross-currency swaps, whereby it pays an average fixed rate of 2.12% on a notional 
amount of €521.0m and receives a fixed rate of 3.375% on a notional amount of £450.0m. These swaps are being used as a net 
investment hedge to manage the impact of movements in the GBP:EUR exchange rate on the value of the Group’s investment 
in its business in Germany. The swaps mature in October 2025.

There is an economic relationship between the hedged item and the hedging instrument as the net investment creates 
a translation risk that will match the foreign exchange risk on the cross-currency swaps. The Group has established a hedge 
ratio of 1:1 as the underlying risk of the hedging instrument is identical to the hedged risk component. The hedge ineffectiveness 
will arise when the amount of the investment in the foreign subsidiary becomes lower than the nominal amount of the swaps.

The net investment hedges were assessed to be highly effective at 27 February 2020 and a net unrealised gain of £13.0m 
has been recorded in the translation reserve. The ineffectiveness recorded within finance costs in the consolidated income 
statement for 2019/20 was £nil.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  CONTINUEDWhitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20171

– Strategic report

– Governance

Financial statements

– Other information

25 Financial instruments continued
The impact of the hedging instruments and hedged items on the statement of financial position is as follows:

As at 27 February 2020
Cash flow hedges 

Interest rate swaps

Cross-currency swaps 

Fair value hedges 

Notional 
amount
£m

Carrying 
amount
£m

Line item in statement
 of financial position
£m

 50.0 

(4.4)

Derivative financial
 instruments 

 58.5 

13.7

Derivative financial
 instruments 

Cross-currency swaps 

 50.1 

8.6

Net investment in foreign operations

Derivative financial
 instruments 

Change in fair 
value used 
for measuring 
ineffectiveness 
for the year
£m

(0.8)

4.7

1.6

Hedged item
£m

 Revolving 
credit facility 
 US $ 
denominated
loans 

US $ 
denominated
loans 

Cross-currency swaps 

 450.0

15.3

Derivative financial
 instruments

Net investment 
in foreign 
subsidiaries 

13.0

As at 28 February 2019
Cash flow hedges 

Interest rate swaps

Cross-currency swaps 

Fair value hedges 

Notional 
amount
£m

Carrying 
amount
£m

Line item in statement 
of financial position
£m

Change in fair 
value used 
for measuring 
ineffectiveness 
for the year
£m

 50.0 

 (5.8)

 Derivative financial
instruments 

 58.5 

 9.4 

 Derivative financial
instruments 

 (0.5)

 (6.3) 

Cross-currency swaps 

 50.1 

 7.0 

 Derivative financial
instruments 

 1.5 

Hedged item
£m

 Revolving  
credit
facility 
 US $ 
denominated
loans 

 US $ 
denominated
loans 

Change in 
fair value 
of hedged 
item
£m

0.8

(4.7)

(1.8)

(13.0)

Change in 
fair value 
of hedged 
item
£m

 0.5

6.3

 (1.6)

The impact of the hedging instruments in the consolidated income statement and other comprehensive income is as follows:

2019/20
Interest rate swaps
Cross-currency swaps 

2018/19
Interest rate swaps
Cross-currency swaps 

Total hedging 
gain/(loss) 
recognised in OCI
£m

Amount 
reclassified from OCI 
to profit or loss 
£m

Line item in 
the consolidated 
income statement
£m

Accumulated value 
recognised in cash 
flow hedge reserve
£m

(0.8)
4.7

 (0.5) 
 (6.3) 

2.2
(2.6)

2.2
9.1

 Finance costs 
 Finance costs 

 Finance Costs 
 Finance Costs 

(4.4)
(0.2)

 (5.8)
 (2.1)

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20172

25 Financial instruments continued
Impact of hedging on equity 
Set out below is the reconciliation of each component of equity and the analysis of other comprehensive income:

At 2 March 2018
Change in fair value recognised in other comprehensive income
– Interest rate swaps
– Cross-currency swaps
Reclassified to profit or loss as hedged item effects profit or loss 
– Interest rate swaps
– Cross-currency swaps
Foreign exchange arising on consolidation
Recycled to income statement on disposal of subsidiary

At 28 February 2019
Change in fair value recognised in other comprehensive income
– Interest rate swaps
– Cross-currency swaps
Reclassified to profit or loss as hedged item effects profit or loss 
– Interest rate swaps
– Cross-currency swaps
Foreign exchange arising on consolidation
Fair value movement on derivatives designated as net investment hedges
Reserves transfer
Deferred tax impact 

At 27 February 2020

Cash flow 
hedge 
reserve
£m

Foreign 
currency 
translation 
reserve
£m

(12.7)

29.0

(0.5)
(6.3)

2.2
9.1
–
0.3
(7.9)

(0.8)
4.7

2.2
(2.6)

1.4
(0.6)

(3.6)

– 
– 

– 
– 
(9.4)
(1.9)
17.7

– 
– 

– 
– 
(12.1)
13.0
– 
– 

18.6

Cash flow and fair value hedges are expected to impact on the consolidated income statement in line with the liquidity risk 
table shown in Note 24. There have been no amounts reclassified to profit or loss as a result of the hedged cash flow no longer 
being expected to occur. 

26 Trade and other payables

Trade payables 
Other taxes and social security 
Contract liabilities
Accruals
Other payables 

2020
£m

 55.5 
 42.6 
 110.0 
 156.7 
 75.2 
 440.0 

2019 
(restated1)
£m

 78.0 
 21.5 
 105.4 
 190.5 
 112.6 
 508.0 

1  Accruals have been restated to reflect the impact of adopting a new accounting policy in respect of IFRS 16 Leases (see Note 2). 

Contract liabilities relate to payments received for accommodation where the stay will take place after the year-end. During the 
year, £105.4m presented as a contract liability in 2019 has been recognised in revenue (2019: £105.0m).

Trade payables typically have maturities up to 60 days depending on the nature of the purchase transaction and the 
agreed terms.

Other payables includes contingent consideration for acquisitions of £4.4m (2019: £nil) measured at fair value. 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  CONTINUEDWhitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20 
 
 
 
173

27 Share capital
Ordinary share capital
Allotted, called up and fully paid ordinary shares of 76.80p each (2019: 76.80p each) 
At 2 March 2018
Issued 

At 28 February 2019
Issued
Cancelled
Tender offer

At 27 February 2020

– Strategic report

– Governance

Financial statements

– Other information

million 

 195.6 
 0.3 

 195.9 
 0.3 
 (9.0)
 (40.2)
 147.0 

£m

 150.4 
 0.2 

 150.6 
 0.2 
 (6.9)
 (31.0)
 112.9 

Following the completion of the sale of Costa Limited on 3 January 2019, the Group announced its intention to start 
a share buyback programme to return £500m to shareholders. During the year, the Group purchased 6.5m ordinary shares 
(representing approximately 3.3% of the issued share capital) at an average price of £48.00 per share, and an aggregate cost 
of £315.8m, including transaction costs of £3.1m under the share buyback programme. These shares, together with those 
acquired last financial year (3.5m shares at an average of £48.87 per share and an aggregate cost of £169.9m), were initially 
held as treasury shares. The remaining £14.3m, representing the difference between the announced programme and the value 
repurchased, has been released to other reserves during the year. 

During the year, the Group cancelled 9.0m ordinary shares that were previously held as treasury shares, creating a capital 
redemption reserve of £6.9m and transferring cost of treasury shares of £140.2m to retained earnings. 

During the year, the Group announced and completed a tender offer to purchase 40.2m ordinary shares at a price of £49.72 
per share, and an aggregate cost of £2,012.6m, including transaction costs of £12.6m. The shares acquired under the tender 
offer were immediately cancelled, creating a capital redemption reserve of £31.0m.

During the year, options over 0.3m (2018/19: 0.3m) ordinary shares, fully paid, were exercised by employees under the terms 
of various share option schemes. The Group received proceeds of £9.5m (2018/19: £8.5m) on exercise of these options. 

Preference share capital

Allotted, called up and fully paid shares of 1p each (2019: 1p each)
At 2 March 2018, 28 February 2019 and 27 February 2020

B shares

C shares

million

 2.0 

£m 

 – 

million

 1.9 

£m 

 – 

B shareholders are entitled to an annual non-cumulative preference dividend paid in arrears on or around 2 July each year on 
a notional amount of 155p per share.

C shareholders are entitled to an annual non-cumulative preference dividend paid in arrears on or around 14 January each year 
on a value of 159p per share.

Other than shares issued in the normal course of business as part of the share-based payments schemes, there have been no 
transactions involving ordinary shares or potential ordinary shares since the reporting date and before the completion of these 
consolidated financial statements.

28 Reserves
Share premium
The share premium reserve is the premium paid on the Company’s 76.80p ordinary shares. 

Capital redemption reserve
A capital redemption reserve was created on the cancellation of the Group’s B and C preference shares and also includes the 
nominal value of cancelled ordinary shares.

Retained earnings
In accordance with IFRS practice, retained earnings include revaluation reserves which arose on transition to IFRS. 

Currency translation reserve
The foreign currency translation reserve is used to record exchange differences arising from the translation of the financial 
statements of foreign subsidiaries, other foreign currency investments and exchange differences on derivative instruments that 
provide a hedge against net investments in foreign operations.

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20174

28 Reserves continued
Other reserves
The movement in other reserves during the year is set out in the table below:

At 2 March 2018 (as reported)
Other comprehensive income – net gain on cash flow hedges (Note 25)
Loss on ESOT shares issued
Shares purchased – share buyback scheme (Note 27)
Remaining irrevocable commitment – share buyback scheme1 (Note 33)
At 28 February 2019 (restated1)
Other comprehensive income – net gain on cash flow hedges (Note 25)
Other comprehensive income – deferred tax on cash flow hedges (Note 25)
Loss on ESOT shares issued
Reserves transfer 
Release of irrevocable commitment – share buyback
Shares purchased – share buyback scheme (Note 27)
Shares cancelled (Note 27)

Treasury 
reserve 
(restated1) 
£m

Merger 
reserve 
£m

Hedging 
Reserve 
£m

Total other 
reserves 
(restated1) 
£m

 189.4 
 – 
 (4.6)
 169.9 
 330.1 

 684.8 
 – 
–
 (3.3)
 – 
 (330.1)
 315.8 
 (140.2)

 1,855.0 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 –

 1,855.0 
 – 
–
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 

 12.7 
 (4.8)
 – 
 – 
 – 

 7.9 
 (3.5)
0.6
 – 
 (1.4) 
 – 
 – 
 – 

 2,057.1 
 (4.8)
 (4.6)
 169.9 
 330.1 

 2,547.7 
 (3.5)
0.6
 (3.3)
 (1.4) 
 (330.1)
 315.8 
 (140.2)

At 27 February 2020

 527.0 

 1,855.0 

3.6

2,385.6

1  Prior year amounts have been restated to correctly account for the Group’s irrevocable share buyback commitment (see Note 33).

Treasury reserve
This reserve relates to shares held by an independently managed employee share ownership trust (ESOT) and treasury shares 
held by Whitbread PLC. The shares held by the ESOT were purchased in order to satisfy outstanding employee share options 
and potential awards under the Long Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) and other incentive schemes.

The movement in treasury reserves during the year is set out in the table below:

At 2 March 2018 (as reported)
Exercised during the year
Shares purchased – share buyback scheme (Note 27)
Remaining irrevocable commitment – share buyback scheme1 (Note 33)
At 28 February 2019 (restated1)
Exercised during the year
Release of irrevocable commitment – share buyback
Shares purchased – share buyback scheme (see Note 27)
Shares cancelled (Note 27)
Transferred

At 27 February 2020

Treasury shares held 
by Whitbread PLC 
(restated1)

ESOT shares held

million 

£m

million 

 12.1 
 – 
 3.5 
 – 

 15.6 
 – 
 – 
 6.5 
 (9.0)
 (0.7)

 177.2 
 – 
 169.9 
 330.1 

 677.2 
 – 
 (330.1)
 315.8 
 (140.2)
 (8.2)

 12.5 

 514.5 

 0.8 
 (0.3)
 – 
 – 
0.5 
 (0.2)
 – 
 – 
 – 
 0.7

 1.0 

£m

 12.2 
 (4.6)
 – 
 – 

 7.6 
 (3.3)
 – 
 – 
 – 
 8.2

 12.5 

1  Prior year amounts have been restated to correctly account for the Group’s irrevocable share buyback commitment (See Note 33).

Merger reserve
The merger reserve arose as a consequence of the merger in 2000/01 of Whitbread Group PLC and Whitbread PLC.

Hedging reserve
The hedging reserve records movements for effective cash flow hedges measured at fair value.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  CONTINUEDWhitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20175

– Strategic report

– Governance

Financial statements

– Other information

29 Contingent liabilities 
There are no contingent liabilities to be disclosed in the year ended 27 February 2020 (2019: none).

30 Share-based payment plans
Long Term Incentive Plan (LTIP)
The LTIP awards shares to directors and senior executives of the Group. Vesting of all shares under the scheme will depend on 
continued employment and meeting earnings per share (EPS) and return on capital employed (ROCE) performance targets 
over a three-year period (the vesting period). Details of the performance targets for the LTIP awards can be seen in the 
remuneration report on pages 76 to 97. The awards are settled in equity once exercised.

Deferred equity awards
Awards are made under the Whitbread Leadership Group Incentive Scheme implemented during 2004/05. The awards are 
not subject to performance conditions and will vest in full on the release date subject to continued employment at that date. 
If the director or senior executive of the Group ceases to be an employee of Whitbread prior to the release date, normally 
three years after the award, by reason of redundancy, retirement, death, injury, ill health, disability or some other reason 
considered to be appropriate by the Remuneration Committee, the awards will be released in full. If employment ceases for 
any other reason, the proportion of awards which vest depends upon the year in which the award was made and the date that 
employment ceased. If employment ceases in the first year after an award is made, none of the awards vest, between the first 
and second anniversary, 25% vests and between the second and third anniversary, 50% vests. The awards are settled in equity 
once exercised.

Performance Share Plan
The Performance Share Plan (PSP) is a one-off award incentivising the executive directors on the separation of Costa from the 
Whitbread Group and replaced the 2018 and 2019 LTIP awards for the executive directors. Vesting of the awards under the 
scheme was triggered by completion of the separation of Costa from Whitbread and dependent on continued employment 
and meeting return on capital employed (ROCE), Total Shareholder Return (TSR) and Strategic Objectives performance 
targets. The vested award is subject to a two-year holding period and then settled in equity once exercised.

R&R Scheme (previously known as Restricted Share Plan)
The R&R Scheme enables Whitbread to make share awards periodically on a flexible basis. There are typically no performance 
conditions but these can be imposed by Whitbread at time of grant. In 2018 a one-off award was made to Whitbread’s senior 
leaders (excluding executive directors) with no performance conditions, vesting in two tranches (March 2020 and March 2021), 
subject to being in employment at date of vesting. If employment at Whitbread ceases prior to the vesting date by reason of 
resignation or terminated for cause, all unvested shares will lapse. If employment ceases for any other reason, any vesting will 
be at the discretion of the CEO and if granted will be on a pro-rated basis to the leaving date. The awards are settled in equity 
once exercised.

Restricted Share Plan
At the general meeting held on the 6 December 2019, it was agreed that the Restricted Share Plan would replace the Long 
Term Incentive Plan. Vesting of all shares under the scheme will depend on continued employment and meeting earnings per 
share (EPS) and return on capital employed (ROCE) underpin targets over a period of at least three years. After vesting there 
is an additional holding period such that the underpin measurement period and holding period is at least five years. The awards 
are settled in equity once exercised. During the year, 97,939 awards previously made to employees under the LTIP were 
replaced with 69,191 awards under the Restricted Share Plan. 

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20176

30 Share-based payment plans continued
Movements in the number of share awards are as follows:

52 weeks to 27 February 2020
Long Term Incentive Plan
Deferred equity awards
Performance Share Plan 
R&R Scheme (previously known 
as Restricted Share Plan)
Restricted Share Plan

52 weeks to 28 February 2019
Long Term Incentive Plan
Deferred equity awards
Performance Share Plan 
R&R Scheme (previously known 
as Restricted Share Plan)

Outstanding 
at the 
beginning 
of the year 

Granted 
during the 
year 

Replaced 
during the 
year

Exercised 
during the 
year 

Expired 
during the 
year 

Outstanding 
at the end 
of the year 

Exercisable 
at the end 
of the year

 635,923 
 219,977 
 162,627 

 105,736 
 55,857 
 – 

 (97,939)
 – 
 – 

 (54,621)  (246,677)
 (2,693)
 (94,931)
 – 
 – 

 342,422 
 178,210 
 162,627 

 54,067 
 54,561 
 162,627 

 337,533 
 – 
 1,356,060 

 3,195 
 – 
 164,788 

 (37,635)
 – 
 69,191 
 – 
 (28,748)  (218,610)  (287,005)

 (69,058)
 – 

 234,035 
 69,191 
 986,485 

 86,600 
 – 
 357,855 

Outstanding 
at the 
beginning of 
the year 

 787,106 
 275,077 
 – 

Granted 
during the 
year 

 212,679 
 128,047 
 166,747 

 – 

 506,990 
 1,062,183   1,014,463 

Replaced 
during the 
year

Exercised 
during the 
year 

Expired 
during the 
year 

Outstanding 
at the end of 
the year 

Exercisable 
at the end of 
the year

 – 
 – 
 – 

 – 
 – 

 (119,285)  (244,577)
 (13,392)
 (169,755)
 (4,120)
 – 

 635,923 
 219,977 
 162,627 

 108,301 
 75,487 
 162,627 

 (34,124)  (135,333)

 337,533 
 (397,422)  1,356,060 

 (323,164)

 40,594 
 387,009 

Employee Sharesave scheme
The employee Sharesave scheme is open to all employees and provides for a purchase price equal to the market price on the 
day preceding the date of invitation, with a 20% discount. The shares can be purchased over the six-month period following the 
third or fifth anniversary of the commencement date, depending on the length chosen by the employee.

The weighted average exercise price (WAEP) of movements in the number of share awards are as follows: 

Outstanding at the beginning of the year 
Granted during the year 
Exercised during the year 
Expired during the year 
Outstanding at the end of the year 
Exercisable at the year end

2019/20

2018/19

Options

WAEP £ per 
share

Options

WAEP £ per 
share

 1,059,297 
 305,458 
 (308,211)
(281,250)
775,294
64,335

 31.81 
 32.48 
 30.99 
32.24
32.25
30.33

 1,332,638 
 233,982 
 (227,944)
 (279,379)
 1,059,297 
 147,840 

 31.13 
 36.81 
 33.50 
 30.60 
 31.81 
 32.18 

Outstanding options to purchase ordinary shares of 76.80p between 2019 and 2024 are exercisable at prices between £29.42 
and £38.66 per share (2019: between 2018 and 2023 at prices between £27.46 and £38.66). The weighted average share price 
at the date of exercise for options exercised during the year was £46.20 (2019: £45.42).

The weighted average contractual life of the share options outstanding as at 28 February 2020 is between two and three years. 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  CONTINUEDWhitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20177

– Strategic report

– Governance

Financial statements

– Other information

30 Share-based payment plans continued
The following table lists the inputs to the model used for the years ended 27 February 2020 and 28 February 2019:

Exercise 
price
£

Price at 
grant date 
£

Expected 
term
Years 

Expected 
dividend 
yield
%

Expected 
volatility
% 

Risk-free 
rate % 

–
–
–
–

–
–
–
32.49
36.81
32.49
36.81

48.54
38.38
48.54
38.38

40.27
38.38
38.38
46.01
45.98
46.01
45.98

3.00
3.00
3.00
3.00

2.00
2.00
3.00
3.25
3.25
5.25
5.25

2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0

2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0

n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a

n/a
n/a
n/a
25.0
25.0
25.0
25.0

n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a

n/a
n/a
n/a
0.49
0.81
0.50
0.94

Grant date 

01.03.2019
26.04.2018
01.03.2019
26.04.2018

27.06.2018
26.04.2018
26.04.2018
29.11.2019
01.12.2018
29.11.2019
01.12.2018

Vesting 
conditions
Non–market1,2,3
Non–market1,2,3
Service3
Service3
Non–market1,2,3
Market4,5
Service3
Service3
Service3
Service3
Service3
Service3

LTIP awards

Deferred equity awards

PSP awards
R&R awards – 2 year
R&R awards – 3 year
SAYE – 3 years

SAYE – 5 years

1  Return on capital employed.

2   Earnings per share.

3   Employment service.

4   Individual strategic objectives.

5   Relative total shareholder return. 

The fair value of share options granted is estimated as at the date of grant using a stochastic model, taking into account the 
terms and conditions upon which the options were granted.

Expected volatility reflects the assumption that historical volatility is indicative of future trends, which may not necessarily be 
the actual outcome. The risk-free rate is the rate of interest obtainable from government securities over the expected life of the 
equity incentive. The expected dividend yield is calculated on the basis of publicly available information at the time of the grant 
date which, in most cases, is the historic dividend yield. No other features relating to the granting of options were incorporated 
into the measurement of fair value.

Employee share ownership trust (ESOT)
The Company funds an ESOT to enable it to acquire and hold shares for the LTIP. The ESOT held 1.0m shares at 27 February 
2020 (2019: 0.5m). All dividends on the shares in the ESOT are waived by the Trustee.

Total charged to the consolidated income statement for all schemes
Long Term Incentive Plan
Deferred equity 
Performance Share Plan
R&R Scheme (previously known as Restricted Share Plan)
Restricted Share Plan
Employee Sharesave scheme 

Equity-settled

2019/20 
£m

2018/19
£m

 1.7 
 2.5 
 (0.1)
 3.2
1.0 
3.3 
11.6 

 0.1 
 4.3 
 5.9 
7.8
 – 
 4.3 
 22.4 

Included in the prior year charge of £22.4m is £7.0m relating to accelerated charges as a result of the disposal of Costa, which 
has been included within adjusting items (see Note 7).

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20178

31 Retirement benefits
Defined contribution schemes
The Group operates a contracted-in defined contribution scheme under the Whitbread Group Pension Fund. Contributions by 
both employees and Group companies are held in externally invested, trustee-administered funds.

The Group contributes a specified percentage of earnings for members of the above defined contribution scheme, and 
thereafter has no further obligations in relation to the scheme. The total cost charged to the consolidated income statement in 
relation to the defined contribution scheme in the year was £11.0m (2018/19: £11.6m relating to the continuing and discontinued 
business). At the year-end, the Group owed outstanding contributions of £2.5m (2019: £1.5m) in respect of the defined 
contribution scheme.

At the year-end, 24,051 employees (2019: 23,167) were active members of the scheme, which also had 45,485 deferred 
members (2019: 37,053).

Defined benefit scheme
The defined benefit (final salary) section of the principal Group pension scheme, the Whitbread Group Pension Fund, was 
closed to new members on 31 December 2001 and to future accrual on 31 December 2009. The Whitbread Group Pension 
Fund is set up under UK trust law, registered with Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs and regulated by the Pensions 
Regulator. The Whitbread Group Pension Fund is governed by a corporate trustee which operates the scheme in accordance 
with the requirements of UK pensions legislation.

At the year-end, the scheme had no active members (2019: nil), 19,853 deferred pensioners (2019: 20,877) and 16,371 pensions 
in payment (2019: 16,428).

The surplus recognised in the consolidated balance sheet in respect of the defined benefit pension scheme is the fair value 
of the plan assets less the present value of the defined benefit obligation at the end of the reporting period. The IAS 19 
pension cost relating to the defined benefit section of the Whitbread Group Pension Fund is assessed in accordance with 
actuarial advice from, and calculations provided by, Lane Clark & Peacock, using the projected unit credit method. The present 
value of the defined benefit obligation is determined by discounting the estimated future cash outflows using interest rates 
of high quality corporate bonds that have terms to maturity approximating to the terms of the related pension obligation. 
Actuarial gains and losses arising from experience adjustments and changes in actuarial assumptions are charged or credited 
to equity in other comprehensive income in the period in which they arise. As the scheme is closed to future accrual, there is no 
future service cost.

The surplus has been recognised as, under the governing documentation of the Whitbread Group Pension Fund, the Group has 
an unconditional right to receive a refund, assuming the gradual settlement of the scheme liabilities over time until all members 
and their dependants have either died or left the scheme, in accordance with the provisions of IFRIC 14 IAS 19 – The Limit on 
a Defined Benefit Asset, Minimum Funding Requirements and their Interaction.

The weighted average duration of the defined benefit plan obligation at the end of the reporting period is 18.0 years 
(2019: 17.0 years).

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  CONTINUEDWhitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20179

– Strategic report

– Governance

Financial statements

– Other information

31 Retirement benefits continued
Funding
Expected contributions to be made in the next reporting period total £13.3m (2018/19: £287.7m). In 2019/20, contributions 
were £286.5m with £276.4m from the employer, £10.0m from Moorgate Scottish Limited Partnership (SLP) and £0.1m of 
benefits settled by the Group in relation to an unfunded scheme (2018/19: £191.8m, with £182.0m from the employer, £9.7m 
from Moorgate SLP and £0.1m of benefits settled by the Group in relation to an unfunded scheme). In addition, Whitbread paid 
£1.9m (2018/19: £1.8m) of investment manager expenses.

A scheme specific actuarial valuation for the purpose of determining the level of cash contributions to be paid into the 
Whitbread Group Pension Fund was undertaken as at 31 March 2017 by Willis Towers Watson Ltd using the projected unit 
credit method. The valuation showed a deficit of assets relative to technical provisions of £450.0m (31 March 2014: deficit of 
£564.0m). A deficit recovery plan and some protection whilst the scheme remained in deficit had been agreed with the Trustee. 
On completion of the sale of Costa Limited, the Group paid the Pension Scheme a cash contribution of £381.0m (£107.0m in 
2018/19 and £274.0m in 2019/20), following which there are no ongoing deficit recovery contributions, Costa Limited was 
released from its obligations to the Pension Scheme and new protections were agreed by the Group and Trustee.

The Pension Scheme will receive a share of the income, profits and a variable capital payment from its investment in Moorgate 
SLP, which was established by the Group in the year ended 4 March 2010 (the share in profits is accounted for by the Group 
as contributions when paid). The partnership interests in Moorgate SLP are held by the Group, the general partner and by the 
Pension Scheme. 

Moorgate SLP holds an investment in a further partnership, Farringdon Scottish Partnership (SP), which was also established by 
the Group during 2009/10. Property assets with a market value of £221.0m were transferred from other Group companies to 
Farringdon SP and leased back to Whitbread Group PLC and Premier Inn Hotels Limited. The Group retains control over these 
properties, including the flexibility to substitute alternative properties. However, the Trustee has first charge over the property 
portfolio and certain other assets with an aggregate value of £228.0m. The Group retains control over both partnerships and, 
as such, they are fully consolidated in these consolidated financial statements. 

The Pension Scheme is a partner in Moorgate SLP and, as such, is entitled to an annual share of the profits of the partnership 
over the next five years. At the end of this period, the partnership capital allocated to the Pension Scheme partner will, 
depending on the funding position of the Pension Scheme at that time, be transferred in cash to the Pension Scheme up to 
a value of £150.0m.

Under IAS 19, the investment held by the Pension Scheme in Moorgate SLP, a consolidated entity, does not represent a plan 
asset for the purposes of the consolidated financial statements. Accordingly, the pension deficit position in these consolidated 
financial statements does not reflect the £162.4m (2019: £162.4m) investment in Moorgate SLP held by the Pension Scheme.

During the year ended 28 February 2013, the Group entered into a charge in favour of Whitbread Pension Trustees Limited over 
properties with a market value totalling £180.0m at that date. The charge was to secure the obligations of the Group to make 
payments to the Pension Fund as part of the recovery plan to reduce the deficit. This, together with the properties secured 
as a consequence of the arrangement surrounding the partnerships, secures properties totalling £408.0m in favour of the 
Pension Scheme. As part of the funding arrangement related to the sale of Costa Limited, these two charges were released and 
replaced with a consolidated charge securing properties totalling £450.0m that will reduce to £408.0m following completion of 
the 2020 actuarial valuation. The charge secures the obligations of various Group companies to make payments to the scheme.

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20180

31 Retirement benefits continued
Risks
Through its defined benefit scheme, the Group is exposed to a number of risks in relation to the IAS 19 deficit, the most 
significant of which are detailed below:

Risk

Description

Market volatility

Inflationary risk

Accounting assumptions

Impact of uncertainty 
surrounding Brexit

The defined benefit obligation is linked to AA-rated corporate 
bonds whilst the scheme invests in a number of asset classes 
including equities, gilts, bonds, property and cash. This exposes 
the Group to risks including those relating to interest rates, 
equity markets, property markets and foreign exchange. 
Changing market conditions, in conjunction with discount rate 
fluctuations, will lead to volatility in the Group’s net pension 
surplus on the consolidated balance sheet, pension expense 
in the consolidated income statement and re-measurement 
of movements in other comprehensive income. 
Due to the link between the scheme obligation and inflation, 
an increased rate of inflation will lead to higher scheme 
liabilities, although this is mitigated by the scheme holding 
inflation-linked assets which aim to match the increase 
in liabilities. 
The defined benefit obligation is calculated by projecting the 
future cash flows of the scheme for many years into the future. 
Consequently, the assumptions used can have a significant 
impact on the balance sheet position and income statement 
charge. In practice, future scheme experience may not be in line 
with the assumptions adopted. For example, an increase in the 
life expectancy of members would increase scheme liabilities. 
There is a risk to the net pension liability based on the outcome 
of the UK Government RPI reform.
Uncertainty in the UK economy may lead to market volatility 
and long-term UK underperformance that could affect plan 
assets and liabilities in several ways, such as the following:

–  Variation in corporate bond rates and inflation could result 

in volatility in the value of liabilities.

–  UK economic performance could impact the performance 

and valuation of plan assets.

–  Volatility in the value of sterling could impact the value of 

assets held in foreign currencies.

Principal impact on assets and 
obligation reconciliations

Return on plan assets

Actuarial movements in financial 
assumptions

Actuarial movements in financial 
assumptions

Discount rate: interest income 
on scheme assets and cost on 
liabilities

Mortality: actuarial movements in 
demographic assumptions

Actuarial movements in financial 
assumptions
Actuarial movements in financial 
assumptions

Discount rate: interest income 
on scheme assets and cost on 
liabilities

Return on plan assets

The risks arising from the Covid-19 pandemic are included within Note 34.

The principal assumptions used by the independent qualified actuaries in updating the most recent valuation carried out as at 
31 March 2017 of the UK scheme to 27 February 2020 for IAS 19 Employee benefits purposes were:

Pre-April 2006 rate of increase in pensions in payment
Post-April 2006 rate of increase in pensions in payment
Pension increases in deferment
Discount rate 
Inflation assumption 

At 
27 February 
2020
%

At 
28 February 
2019
%

2.80
2.00
2.80
1.60
2.90

3.00
2.10
3.00
2.60
3.10

The mortality assumptions are based on standard mortality tables which allow for future mortality improvements. 
The assumptions are that a member currently aged 65 will live on average for a further 20.8 years (2019: 20.7 years) if they 
are male and for a further 23.3 years (2019: 23.2 years) if they are female. For a member who retires in 2040 at age 65, the 
assumptions are that they will live on average for a further 21.9 years (2019: 21.9 years) after retirement if they are male and 
for a further 24.5 years (2019: 24.5 years) after retirement if they are female.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  CONTINUEDWhitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20181

– Strategic report

– Governance

Financial statements

– Other information

31 Retirement benefits continued
The amounts recognised in the consolidated income statement in respect of the defined benefit scheme are as follows:

Net interest on net defined benefit (surplus)/liability
Administrative expense
Past service cost (GMP equalisation reserve)
Past service cost (augmentation)

Total (income)/expense recognised in the consolidated income statement (gross of deferred tax)

Amounts recognised in operating profit for past service costs or curtailment are £nil (2019: £13.4m).

The amounts taken to the consolidated statement of comprehensive income are as follows:

Actuarial losses/(gains)
Return on plan assets (greater)/lower than discount rate

Re-measurement effects recognised in other comprehensive income

The amounts recognised in the consolidated balance sheet are as follows:

Present value of defined benefit obligation
Fair value of scheme assets 

Surplus/(liability) recognised in the consolidated balance sheet 

2019/20
£m

2018/19
£m

 (4.0)
2.2
 – 
 – 
 (1.8)

 5.9 
 3.7 
 13.1 
 0.3 
23.0

2019/20
£m

 389.6 
 (409.3)
 (19.7)

2018/19
£m

 (22.7)
 24.6 
 1.9 

2020
£m

2019
£m
 (2,992.7)  (2,643.2)
 2,523.6 
 3,183.0 
 (119.6)
 190.3 

During the year, the amount recognised in the consolidated balance sheet changed from a £119.6m deficit at 28 February 2019 
to a £190.3m surplus at 27 February 2020. The principal reasons for the improvement were the Company contributions and 
asset performance in excess of the discount rate.

Changes in the present value of the defined benefit obligation are as follows:

Opening defined benefit obligation 
Interest cost 
Past service cost to recognise additional liability in respect of guaranteed minimum pensions
Past service cost (augmentation)
Re-measurement due to:
  Changes in financial assumptions
  Changes in demographic assumptions
  Experience adjustments
Benefits paid 
Benefits settled by the Group in relation to an unfunded pension scheme1

Closing defined benefit obligation 

2019/20
£m

 2,643.2 
 67.4 
 – 
 – 

 401.9 
 – 
 (12.3)
 (107.4)
 (0.1)
 2,992.7 

2018/19
£m

 2,683.9 
 68.3 
 13.1 
 0.3 

 (12.4)
 (16.7)
 6.4 
 (99.6)
 (0.1)
 2,643.2 

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20182

31 Retirement benefits continued
Changes in the fair value of the scheme assets are as follows:

Opening fair value of scheme assets 
Interest income on scheme assets
Return on plan assets greater/(lower) than discount rate2
Contributions from employer1
Additional contributions from Moorgate SLP1
Investment manager expenses paid by the employer1
Benefits paid 
Administrative expenses 

Closing fair value of scheme assets 

The major categories of plan assets are as follows:

2019/20
£m

 2,523.6 
 71.4 
 409.3 
 276.4 
 10.0 
 1.9 
 (107.4)
 (2.2)
 3,183.0 

2018/19
£m

 2,395.3 
 62.4 
 (24.6)
 182.3 
 9.7 
 1.8 
 (99.6)
 (3.7)
 2,523.6 

Equities
Alternative assets
Bonds
Private markets
Liability driven Investments 
Cash and other3

2020

Quoted 
and pooled
£m

Unquoted
£m

 125.4 
 340.0 
 205.3 
 0.1 
 2,122.6 
39.0
 2,832.4 

 – 
 – 
7.2
 343.4 
 – 
 – 
350.6

Total
£m

125.4
 340.0 
212.5
343.5
2,122.6
39.0
3,183.0

2019 (restated4)

Quoted and 
pooled
£m

Unquoted
£m

 159.6 
 410.7 
 246.0 
 38.9 
 1,327.7 
 28.0 
 2,210.9 

–
–
 51.1 
 261.6 
–
–
 312.7 

Total
£m

 159.6 
 410.7 
 297.1 
 300.5 
 1,327.7 
 28.0 
 2,523.6 

1   The total of these items equals the cash paid by the Group as per the consolidated cash flow statement. ‘Contributions from employer’ include:

   – Company deficit contributions;

– Company contributions towards an augmentation; and

– contributions to cover administration expenses.

2   Includes cost of managing fund assets.

3   Other primarily relates to assets held in respect of cash and net current assets.

4   The asset categories have been restated to reflect changes to the Group’s internal reporting.

The assumptions in relation to discount rate, mortality and inflation have a significant effect on the measurement of scheme 
liabilities. The following table shows the sensitivity of the valuation to changes in these assumptions:

Discount rate
1.00% increase to discount rate
1.00% decrease to discount rate

Inflation
0.25% increase to inflation rate
0.25% decrease to inflation rate

Life expectancy
Additional one-year increase to life expectancy

(Increase)/decrease 
in liability

2020
£m

2019
£m

 467.0
 (610.0)

 393.0 
 (510.0)

 (101.0)
 98.0 

 (88.0)
 85.0 

 (102.0)

 (90.0)

The above sensitivity analyses are based on a change in an assumption whilst holding all other assumptions constant. 
In practice, this is unlikely to occur and changes in some of the assumptions may be correlated. When calculating the sensitivity 
of the defined benefit obligation to significant actuarial assumptions, the same method (projected unit credit method) has 
been applied as when calculating the pension liability recognised within the consolidated balance sheet. The methods and 
types of assumptions did not change.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  CONTINUEDWhitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20 
 
183

– Strategic report

– Governance

Financial statements

– Other information

32 Related party disclosure
The Group consists of a parent company, Whitbread PLC, incorporated in the UK, and a number of subsidiaries and joint 
ventures held directly and indirectly by Whitbread PLC, which operate and are incorporated around the world. Note 9 to the 
Company’s separate financial statements lists details of the interests in subsidiaries and related undertakings.

The Group holds 6% as a general partnership interest in Moorgate Scottish Limited Partnership (SLP) with Whitbread Pension 
Trustees holding the balance as a limited partner. Moorgate SLP holds a 67.8% investment in a further partnership, Farringdon 
Scottish Partnership (SP), which was established by the Group to hold property assets. The remaining 32.2% interest in 
Farringdon SP is owned by the Group. The partnerships were set up in 2009/10 as part of a transaction with Whitbread 
Pension Trustees and the Group retains control over both partnerships and, as such, they are fully consolidated in these 
consolidated financial statements. Further details can be found in Note 31.

Shares in Whitbread Group PLC are held directly by Whitbread PLC. Shares in the other subsidiaries are held directly and 
indirectly by Whitbread Group PLC.

Related party transactions
Sales to a related party
Purchases from a related party
Amounts owed by related party
Amounts owed to related party

Joint ventures
For details of the Group’s investments in and loans to joint ventures, see Note 17.

Compensation of key management personnel (including directors):

Short-term employee benefits 
Post-employment benefits 
Share-based payments 

2019/20 
Joint 
ventures
£m

2018/19 
Joint 
ventures
£m

 0.1 
0.1
0.1
0.1

 0.1 
–
–
–

2019/20
£m

2018/19
£m

7.4
 – 
 4.8 
 12.2 

 7.6 
–
 10.0 
 17.6 

Terms and conditions of transactions with related parties
Sales to, and purchases from, related parties are made at normal market prices. Outstanding balances at year-end are 
unsecured and settlement occurs in cash. There have been no guarantees provided, or received, for any related party 
receivables. No adjustment for expected credit loss relating to amounts owed by related parties has been made (2019: £nil). 
An assessment is undertaken, each financial year, through examining the financial position of the related parties and the market 
in which the related parties operate.

Transactions with other related parties
Details of transactions with directors are detailed in Note 8.

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20184

33 Prior year restatement
In late 2019 the Financial Reporting Council (FRC) submitted a request for further information on one aspect of the Group’s 
Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 28 February 2019. The review conducted by the FRC was based solely on 
the Group’s published report and accounts and does not provide any assurance that the report and accounts are correct 
in all material respects. 

Following completion of this review, the directors have concluded that a liability should have been recorded at 28 February 
2019 for the Group’s irrevocable commitment to purchase its own shares. At the balance sheet date an irrevocable commitment 
existed which was not reflected appropriately as a liability. As a result, the consolidated balance sheet for the year ended 
28 February 2019 has been restated as follows:

Consolidated balance sheet
Liabilities 
Other financial liabilities

Total liabilities 
Equity
Other reserves

Net assets

28 February 
2019
(as reported)
£m

Restatement
£m

28 February 
2019 
(restated)
£m

–
 1,702.2 

 330.1 
 330.1 

330.1
 2,032.3 

 (2,217.6)
 6,202.4 

 (330.1)
 (330.1)

 (2,547.7)
 5,872.3 

The restatement did not result in any change to reported profit, earnings per share or cash flows reported in the 2019 
financial year.

34 Events after the balance sheet date

COVID-19 pandemic

Closure of hotels and restaurants
The Group closed all of its restaurants on 21 March 2020 and the vast majority of its hotels on 24 March 2020, with 39 in key 
locations remaining open for key workers. The majority of the Group’s German hotels re-opened on 11 May 2020. 

Despite the mitigating actions the Group is taking, the closure of our sites will result in a material reduction in revenue for 
the financial year ending 25 February 2021. Given this, the Group may not make any profit during that period with the clear 
possibility that it will be loss-making.

Banking and pension covenants and waivers 
In order to avoid the impact of a breach of debt covenants in FY21, since the end of the financial year the Group has requested 
waivers from certain covenants contained within debt facility agreements and pension trustee guarantees.

These waivers cover the period from H1 FY21 to H1 FY22 and ensure any breach of those covenants that would otherwise 
have occurred will not result in default by the Group. In obtaining the waivers, the Group has agreed to certain other measures 
including an additional £50.0m of asset security for the pension fund. In the event the security is not in place within a defined 
timeframe, a £50.0m additional cash contribution will become payable. Under the terms of the waivers, the Group is required 
to maintain £400.0m cash and/or headroom under undrawn committed bank facilities and total net debt must not exceed 
£2.0bn, and these matters are tested quarterly. Dividends will remain suspended until the existing lender covenant waiver 
period ends.

Rights issue
The Group has announced its intention to raise gross proceeds of £1.0bn by way of a fully underwritten rights issue. This will 
provide an appropriate capital structure and a strong platform from which to deliver on the Group’s growth strategy.

Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and Business Rates Relief
The Group has utilised the business support measures introduced by the Government in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, 
including the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, expected to provide a c.£70.0m-£85.0m benefit for the period from March 
to August 2020, and business rates relief through to May 2021, which is expected to provide a c.£120.0m benefit to the Group.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  CONTINUEDWhitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20185

– Strategic report

– Governance

Financial statements

– Other information

34 Events after the balance sheet date continued
Government CCFF Facility
The Group applied for the Bank of England’s COVID-19 Corporate Financing Facility (CCFF) with an issuer limit of £600.0m, 
which was confirmed as successful on 14 April 2020. The facility was undrawn at 20 May 2020. 

Acquisition pipeline
At year-end, the Group had purchased a call option for an acquisition as part of the Group’s strategy for international growth. 
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Group decided subsequent to the year-end not to proceed with the acquisition. 
An amount of £1.3m was recovered following settlement negotiations and therefore a charge of £11.4m will be included within 
statutory profit or loss in the financial year 2020/21.

Impairment
Impairment of property, plant and equipment and right-of-use assets has been assessed during the financial year using growth 
assumptions from the FY21 budget and 5-year business plan. As a result of the impacts of COVID-19, these assumptions, 
specifically for FY21, are no longer appropriate. Depending on the length of closures, and in the absence of further 
improvements, the response to the COVID-19 outbreak will result in further indicators of impairment across the Whitbread 
business, potentially impacting property, plant and equipment, right-of-use assets, goodwill and investments in joint ventures.

The impairment sensitivities outlined in Note 16 consider the sensitivities historically relevant to the Group. In line with several 
scenarios modelled these sensitivities have been applied across our site level impairment models. A reduction in FY21 & 22 
cash flows against the FY21 budget and the longer-term growth rate (from year 5) would have the following impact on the 
impairment of property, plant and equipment and right-of-use assets:

Incremental impairment charge
If cash flows were reduced by 50% year 1, 8% for year 2 and long term growth reduced to 1%
If cash flows were reduced by 70% year 1, 8% for year 2 and long term growth reduced to 1%

Total
£m

50.0-70.0
55.0-75.0

Defined benefit pension surplus
A full valuation of the defined benefit pension scheme as at 31 March 2020 will take place in FY21 as part of the triennial review 
which will confirm the technical deficit. Since the year-end the fluctuation in the pension surplus as a result of the market 
volatility has remained within the amount indicated in the sensitivities disclosed in note 31.

Financial risk management
The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in an increase in interest rate and foreign exchange volatility. Refer to Note 24 for the 
Group’s approach to financial risk management and sensitivity analysis.

Refund of customer deposits (contract liabilities)
Following the closure of the majority of its hotels, the Group has offered a full refund to customers who had booked and 
prepaid. This has resulted in the repayment of c.£60.0m in relation to contract liabilities recognised at year end of £110.0m that 
will not flow through to revenue in FY21. We expect the majority of this balance to be repaid. 

Other
On 28 February 2020 the Group completed the acquisition of Foremost Hospitality Hiex GmbH. For details of this transaction 
see Note 35.

There have been no other transactions involving ordinary shares or potential ordinary shares between the reporting date and 
the date of authorisation of these financial statements. 

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20186

35 Business combinations
Acquisition of Acom Hotelbetriebs- und Verwaltungs GmbH
On 17 September 2019, the Group acquired 100% of the share capital of Acom Hotelbetriebs- und Verwaltungs GmbH from 
a private individual operating under the brand ‘Accomhotel’ for consideration of £27.4m. The acquisition consists of two 
leasehold hotels that are open and trading and a further leasehold hotel under construction. The acquisition includes the right 
to purchase the freehold for the open sites in seven and 13 years. The transaction forms part of the Group’s strategic priority 
of international growth.

Consideration transferred
Cash 
Deferred consideration
Contingent consideration 

Total consideration

£m

 22.8 
 0.2 
 4.4 
27.4

Contingent consideration is classified as a level 3 financial instrument and is fair valued using the expected future payments, 
discounted using a risk adjusted discount rate. The consideration will become payable on completion of the construction of the 
remaining leasehold site. The carrying value at the year-end is recorded within other payables (see Note 26).

Fair value of net assets acquired
Property, plant and equipment
Right-of-use assets
Inventories
Trade and other receivables
Cash and cash equivalents

Total assets acquired 
Trade and other payables
Lease liabilities 
Deferred tax liabilities

Total liabilities acquired

Net identifiable assets acquired at fair value
Goodwill arising on acquisition

Purchase consideration transferred 

 0.6 
 45.8 
 0.1 
 0.7 
 0.5 
47.7
 (0.6)
 (14.8)
 (4.9)
(20.3)

27.4
 – 
27.4

The gross amount of trade receivables is £0.7m and it is expected that the full contractual amounts can be collected.

In relation to the pipeline sites, the Group has committed future cash outflows of £17.0m which are not recognised as the lease 
has not yet commenced. 

From the date of acquisition, the acquiree contributed £3.8m of revenue and £0.6m to profit before tax from continuing 
operations of the Group. If the combination had taken place at the beginning of the year, revenue from continuing operations 
would have been £2,080.0m and profit before tax from continuing operations for the Group would have been £281.4m.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  CONTINUEDWhitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20187

– Strategic report

– Governance

Financial statements

– Other information

35 Business combinations continued
Post-year-end acquisition of Foremost Hospitality Hiex GmbH
On 28 February 2020, the Group acquired 100% of the share capital of Foremost Hospitality Hiex GmbH for consideration 
of £225.8m. The acquisition consists of 13 trading hotels which are currently being rebranded to Premier Inn as well as the 
leasehold for a further six pipeline sites. The transaction forms part of the Group’s strategic priority of international growth. 

Trading hotel leases
The Group has recognised right-of-use assets and lease liabilities in relation to the thirteen hotels which are being rebranded. 

Pipeline hotel leases
Three of the pipeline sites are open and will continue to be operated by a third party. The Group has acquired the headlease for 
these sites and is subleasing those for a period of up to two years. The Group has recognised investment property and lease 
liabilities in relation to these sites and upon expiration of the sublease, the Group will take over the operations of those sites and 
these will be transferred to right-of-use assets. 

The remaining three pipeline sites are still undergoing development. The Group has committed cash outflows in relation to the 
sites in development of £76.3m which will be recognised within lease liabilities when the site is opened. 

Contingent consideration
Contingent consideration has been recognised at the date of acquisition and will be paid in instalments when the Group takes 
control of the operations of the pipeline hotels. 

Consideration transferred 
Cash 
Deferred consideration
Contingent consideration

Total consideration

Fair value of net assets acquired (provisional)
Property, plant and equipment
Investment property
Right-of-use assets
Trade and other receivables
Cash and cash equivalents

Total assets acquired 
Trade and other payables
Lease liabilities 

Total liabilities acquired
Net identifiable assets acquired at fair value
Goodwill arising on acquisition
Purchase consideration transferred 

£m

169.5
(0.6)
56.9
225.8

6.3
51.9
193.3
0.5
1.4
253.4
(2.8)
(245.2)
(248.0)
5.4
220.4
225.8

The goodwill acquired in the above transactions comprises certain intangible assets that cannot be separately identified. 
This includes the skills and experience of the assembled workforce and the future growth opportunities the business provides 
to the Group’s operations. None of the goodwill recognised is expected to be deductible for income tax purposes.

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20188

Whitbread PLC Company  
accounts 2019/20

Contents

189
190
191

Company balance sheet
Company statement of changes in equity
Notes to the Company financial statements

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20189

Company balance sheet
At 27 February 2020

Fixed assets
Investment in subsidiaries 

Total non-current assets 

Current assets
Debtors: amounts falling due within one year 

Current liabilities
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
Other financial liabilities

Net current assets/(liabilities)
Net assets

Capital and reserves
Share capital 

Share premium
Capital redemption reserve
Retained earnings
Treasury reserve

Shareholders’ funds 

– Strategic report

– Governance

Financial statements

– Other information

27 February 
2020
£m

Notes

28 February 
2019 
(restated1)
£m

3

4

5

6

7
7
7
7

2,412.4
2,412.4

 2,400.8 
 2,400.8 

253.0

 6.8 

 (6.2)
 – 
 (6.2)
246.8
2,659.2

 (23.2)
 (330.1)
 (353.3)
 (346.5)
 2,054.3 

 112.9

 150.6 

90.8
50.2 
2,932.3
(527.0)
2,659.2

 81.5 
 12.3 
 2,494.7 
 (684.8)
 2,054.3 

1   The prior year balance sheet has been restated to reflect the Company’s irrevocable commitment for the purchase of its own shares. This has the impact of recognising the 

full value of the Company’s commitment to repurchase shares in the year to 28 February 2019 (see Note 33 to the consolidated financial statements).

The profit and loss account of the parent company is omitted from the Company’s accounts by virtue of the exemption granted 
by section 408 of the Companies Act 2006. The profit generated in the year for ordinary shareholders, and included in the 
financial statements of the parent company, amounted to £2,742.0m (2018/19: £345.1m).

Alison Brittain Chief Executive

Nicholas Cadbury Finance Director

21 May 2020

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20 
190

Company statement of changes in equity
Year ended 27 February 2020

At 2 March 2018

Profit for the year
Total comprehensive income

Ordinary shares issued
Accrued share-based payments
Loss on ESOT shares issued
Equity dividends
Shares purchased in share buyback1
Future irrevocable commitment – share buyback (restated2)
At 28 February 2019 (restated1)

Profit for the year

Total comprehensive income

Ordinary shares issued
Accrued share-based payments
Loss on ESOT shares issued
Equity dividends
Release of irrevocable commitment – share buyback2
Shares purchased in share buyback1
Shares purchased under tender offer 
Shares cancelled

At 27 February 2020

Share 
capital 
(Note 6)
£m

 150.4 

Share 
premium 
(Note 7)
£m

Capital 
redemption 
reserve 
(Note 7)
£m

Retained 
earnings 
(Note 7)
£m

Treasury 
reserve 
(Note 7)
£m

Total
£m

 73.2 

 12.3 

 2,319.2 

 (189.4)

 2,365.7 

– 
– 

 0.2 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 

 8.3 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

 345.1 
 345.1 

– 
 22.4 
 (4.6)
 (187.4)
– 
– 

– 
– 

 345.1 
 345.1 

– 
– 
 4.6 
– 
 (169.9)
 (330.1)

 8.5 
 22.4 
– 
 (187.4)
 (169.9)
 (330.1)

 150.6 

 81.5 

 12.3 

 2,494.7 

 (684.8)

 2,054.3 

 – 

 – 

 0.2 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 (31.0)
 (6.9)

112.9

 – 

 – 

 9.3 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 

 – 

 – 

 2,742.0 

 2,742.0 

 – 

 – 

 2,742.0 

 2,742.0 

 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 31.0 
 6.9 

 – 
 11.6 
 (3.3)
 (159.9)
 – 
 – 
 (2,012.6)
 (140.2)

 – 
 – 
 3.3 
 – 
 330.1 
 (315.8)
 – 
 140.2 

 9.5 
 11.6 
 – 
 (159.9)
 330.1 
 (315.8)
 (2,012.6)
 – 

 90.8 

 50.2 

 2,932.3 

 (527.0)

 2,659.2 

1   Following the completion of the sale of Costa on 3 January 2019, the Group announced its intention to start an irrevocable share buyback programme for a total 

commitment of £500.0m. In the year to 27 February 2020, the Company purchased 6.5m (2018/19: 3.5m) ordinary shares representing approximately 3.3% (2018/19: 1.8%) 
of the issued ordinary share capital at an average price of £48.00 per share (2018/19: £48.87) and an aggregate cost of £315.8m (2018/19: £169.9m) under the share 
buyback programme.

2  Amounts have been restated to reflect the Company’s irrevocable commitment for the purchase of its own shares. This has the impact of recognising the full value of the 

Company’s commitment to repurchase shares in the year to 28 February 2019 (see Note 33 to the consolidated financial statements).

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20191

– Strategic report

– Governance

Financial statements

– Other information

Notes to the Company financial statements

At 27 February 2020

1 Basis of accounting
The financial statements of Whitbread PLC for the year ended 27 February 2020 were authorised for issue by the Board 
of Directors on 21 May 2020. The financial year represents the 52 weeks to 27 February 2020 (prior financial year: 52 weeks 
to 28 February 2019).

The financial statements are prepared under the historical cost convention and in accordance with applicable UK Accounting 
Standards. The Company meets the definition of a qualifying entity under FRS 100 Application of Financial Reporting 
Requirements as issued by the Financial Reporting Council (FRC). Accordingly, in the year ended 3 March 2016, the Company 
underwent transition from reporting under UK GAAP to FRS 101 Reduced Disclosure Framework. The financial statements are 
therefore prepared in accordance with FRS 101.

As permitted by FRS 101, the Company has taken advantage of the disclosure exemptions available under that standard in 
relation to share-based payments, non-current assets held for sale, financial instruments, capital management, presentation 
of comparative information in respect of certain assets, presentation of a cash flow statement, standards not yet effective, 
impairment of non-current assets and related party transactions.

Where required, equivalent disclosures are given in the consolidated financial statements of the Group.

Going Concern
The directors have concluded that it is appropriate for the financial statements to be prepared on the going concern basis 
(see Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements).

2 Summary of significant accounting policies
Investments
Investments held as fixed assets are stated at cost less provision for any impairment. The carrying value of investments are 
reviewed for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable.

Share buyback scheme and tender offer
Shares purchased for cancellation are deducted from retained earnings at the total consideration paid or payable. 
Shares purchased and held by the Group (treasury shares) are deducted from the treasury reserve at the total consideration 
paid or payable. On cancellation of treasury shares, the cost is transferred from the treasury reserve to retained earnings. 
When treasury shares are issued at below cost, an amount representing the difference between the cost of those shares and 
issue proceeds is transferred to retained earnings. No gain or loss is recognised in the income statement on the purchase, sale, 
issue or cancellation of the Company’s own equity instruments. 

Critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty
In the opinion of the directors, there are no critical accounting judgements or key sources of estimation uncertainty in relation 
to the parent company financial statements.

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20192

NOTES TO THE COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
CONTINUED

3 Investment in subsidiary undertakings

Investments at cost
Opening investments
Contributions to subsidiaries in respect of share-based payments

Closing investments

2020
£m

2,400.8
11.6
2,412.4

2019
£m

 2,378.4 
 22.4 
 2,400.8 

Significant trading subsidiary undertakings

Whitbread Group PLC 
Premier Inn Hotels Limited 

Principal activity

Hotels & Restaurants
Hotels 

Country of 
incorporation

Country of 
principal 
operations

% of equity 
and votes 
held

England 
England 

England 
England 

100.0
100.0

Whitbread Group PLC, in which the Company has an investment, holds 6% as a general partnership interest in Moorgate 
Scottish Limited Partnership (SLP) with Whitbread Pension Trustees holding the balance as a limited partner. Moorgate SLP 
holds a 67.8% investment in a further partnership, Farringdon Scottish Partnership (SP), which was established by the Group 
to hold property assets. The remaining 32.2% interest in Farringdon SP is owned by Whitbread Group PLC. The partnerships 
were set up in 2009/10 as part of a transaction with Whitbread Pension Trustees. Further details can be found in Note 31 to 
the Whitbread PLC consolidated financial statements.

Shares in Whitbread Group PLC are held directly by Whitbread PLC. Shares in the other subsidiaries are held directly or 
indirectly by Whitbread Group PLC or its subsidiaries. A full list of subsidiaries and related undertakings is provided in Note 9.

4 Debtors

Amounts falling due within one year
Amounts due from subsidiary undertakings
Corporation tax receivable

5 Creditors

Amounts falling due within one year
Unclaimed dividends
Other payables

2020
£m

251.2
 1.8 
253.0

2020
£m

 6.2 
 – 
 6.2 

2019
£m

 5.7 
 1.1 
 6.8 

2019
£m

 6.0 
 17.2 
 23.2 

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20193

6 Share capital
Ordinary share capital
Allotted, called up and fully paid ordinary shares of 76.80p each (2019: 76.80p each) 
At 2 March 2018
Issued 

At 28 February 2019
Issued
Cancelled
Tender offer

At 27 February 2020

– Strategic report

– Governance

Financial statements

– Other information

million 

 195.6 
 0.3 

 195.9 
 0.3 
 (9.0)
 (40.2)

£m

 150.4 
 0.2 

 150.6 
 0.2 
 (6.9)
 (31.0)

 147.0 

 112.9 

Following the completion of the sale of Costa Limited on 3 January 2019, the Group announced its intention to start a share 
buyback programme to return £500.0m to shareholders. During the year, the Company purchased 6.5m ordinary shares 
(representing approximately 3.3% of the issued share capital) at an average price of £48.00 per share, and an aggregate cost 
of £315.8m, including transaction costs of £3.1m under the share buyback programme. These shares, together with those 
acquired last financial year (3.5m shares at an average of £48.87 per share and an aggregate cost of £169.9m), were initially 
held as treasury shares. The remaining £14.3m, representing the difference between the announced programme and the value 
repurchased, has been released to treasury reserve during the year.

During the year, the Company cancelled 9.0m ordinary shares that were previously held as treasury shares, creating a capital 
redemption reserve of 6.9m and transferring cost of treasury shares of £140.2m to retained earnings. 

During the year, the Group announced and completed a tender offer to purchase 40.2m ordinary shares at a price of £49.72 
per share, and an aggregate cost of £2,012.6m, including transaction costs of £12.6m. The shares acquired under the tender 
offer were immediately cancelled, creating a capital redemption reserve of £31.0m.

During the year, options over 0.3m (2019: 0.3m) ordinary shares, fully paid, were exercised by employees under the terms 
of various share option schemes. The Group received proceeds of £9.5m (2018/19: £8.5m) on exercise of these options. 

Preference share capital

Allotted, called up and fully paid shares of 1p each (2019: 1p each)
At 2 March 2018, 28 February 2019 and 27 February 2020

B shares

C shares

million

 2.0 

£m 

–

million

 1.9 

£m 

–

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20194

NOTES TO THE COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
CONTINUED

7 Reserves
Share premium
The share premium reserve is the premium paid on the Company’s 76.80p ordinary shares.

Capital redemption reserve
A capital redemption reserve was created on the cancellation of the Company’s B and C preference shares and also includes 
the nominal value of cancelled ordinary shares.

Retained earnings
Retained earnings are the net earnings not paid out as dividends, but retained to be reinvested.

Treasury reserve
This reserve relates to shares held by an independently managed employee share ownership trust (ESOT) and treasury shares 
held by Whitbread PLC. The shares held by the ESOT were purchased in order to satisfy outstanding employee share options 
and potential awards under the Long Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) and other incentive schemes.

The movement in treasury reserves during the year is set out in the table below:

Treasury shares held 
by Whitbread PLC 
(restated1)

ESOT shares held

At 2 March 2018 (as reported)
Exercised during the year
Shares purchased – share buyback scheme (Note 6)
Remaining irrevocable commitment – share buyback scheme1

At 28 February 2019 (restated1)

Exercised during the year
Release of irrevocable commitment – share buyback
Shares purchased – share buyback scheme (Note 6)
Shares cancelled (Note 6)
Transferred

At 27 February 2020

£m

million 

million 

 12.1 
– 
 3.5 
– 

 177.2 
– 
 169.9 
 330.1 

 15.6 

 677.2 

 – 
 – 
 6.5 
 (9.0)
 (0.7)

12.5

 – 
 (330.1)
 315.8 
 (140.2)
 (8.2)

514.5

 0.8 
 (0.3)
– 
– 

0.5 

 (0.2)
 – 
 – 
 – 
 0.7 

1.0

£m

 12.2 
 (4.6)
– 
– 

 7.6 

 (3.3)
 – 
 – 
 – 
 8.2 

12.5

1  Prior year amounts have been restated to correctly account for the Company’s irrevocable share buyback commitment. (See Note 33 to the consolidated 

financial statements).

Distributable Reserves 
As at 27 February 2020, Whitbread PLC had distributable reserves of £2,249.0m (2019 (restated): £1,665.2m).

8 Contingent liabilities
Whitbread PLC is a member of the Whitbread Group PLC VAT group. All members are jointly and severally liable for the liability. 
At the balance sheet date the Group liability amounted to £24.0m (2019: £6.9m).

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20195

– Strategic report

– Governance

Financial statements

– Other information

9 Related parties
The Company has taken advantage of the exemption under paragraph 8(k) of Financial Reporting Standard 101 not to disclose 
transactions with other Group companies.

Details of related undertakings are shown below:

Active related undertakings

Company name
acom Hotelbetriebs und Verwaltungs 
acom Nürnberg Nordost GmbH
acom Hotel München-Haar GmbH
AIRE HIEX Stuttgart Verwaltungs GmbH
Brickwoods Limited
Duttons Brewery Limited 
Elm Hotel Holdings Limited
Farringdon Scottish Partnership
Healthy Retail Limited 

Country of 
incorporation
Germany8
Germany8
Germany8
Germany8
England1
England1
England1
Scotland2
England18

Milton (SC) 2 Limited
Milton (SC) Limited
Milton 1 Limited
Moorgate Scottish Limited Partnership
P I Hotels and Restaurants Ireland Limited
Premier Inn (Bath Street) Limited
Premier Inn (Guernsey) Limited
Premier Inn (Isle of Man) Limited
Premier Inn (Jersey) Limited
Premier Inn (UK) Limited
Premier Inn Dortmund Königswall GmbH
Premier Inn Frankfurt Eschborn GmbH
Premier Inn (Frankfurt Ostbahnhof) GmbH
Premier Inn Glasgow Limited
Premier Inn GmbH
Premier Inn Hamburg Nordanalstrasse GmbH
Premier Inn Hotels Limited
Premier Inn Hotels LLC

Scotland2
Scotland2
England1
Scotland2
Ireland3
Jersey5
Guernsey16
Isle of Man4
Jersey5
England1
Germany8
Germany8
Germany8
England1
Germany8
Germany8
England1
United Arab 
Emirates6
Qatar7

Premier Inn Hotels Qatar
Premier Inn International Development Limited England1
Premier Inn Investments GmbH
Premier Inn Manchester Airport Limited
Premier Inn Manchester Trafford Limited
Premier Inn Mannheim Quadrate T1 GmbH
Premier Inn München Frankfurter Ring GmbH
Premier Inn Ochre Limited
Premier Inn Rostock City Hafen GmbH  
(formerly UNA 344. Equity Management GmbH)
Premier Inn Stuttgart Feuerbach GmbH
Premier Inn Westminster Limited 

Germany8
England1
England1
Germany8
Germany8
England1
Germany8

Germany8
England1

% of class of 
shares held 
by the Group 
(if different 
from the 
parent 
company)
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
N/A
100.0
–
–
100.0
100.0
100.0
N/A
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
49.0

% of class 
of shares 
held by 
the parent 
company
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
N/A
–
–
–
–
–
–
N/A
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

% of 
nominal 
value 
(where 
applicable)
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
N/A
49.0
–
–
100.0
100.0
100.0
N/A
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
49.0

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–

49.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0

100.0
100.0

49.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0

100.0
100.0

Class of shares held
Ordinary EUR 50,000
Ordinary EUR 25,000
Ordinary EUR 25,000
Ordinary EUR 50,000
Ordinary £0.25
Ordinary £1.00 
Ordinary £0.10
N/A
‘A’ Ordinary £0.01
‘B’ Ordinary £0.01
‘C’ Ordinary £0.01
Ordinary £1.00 
Ordinary £1.00 
Ordinary £1.00 
N/A
Ordinary EUR 1.00 
Ordinary £1.00 
Ordinary £1.00 
Ordinary £1.00 
Ordinary £1.00 
Ordinary £1.00 
Ordinary EUR 25,000
Ordinary EUR 25,000
Ordinary EUR 25,000
Ordinary £1.00 
Ordinary EUR 25,000
Ordinary EUR 25,000
Ordinary £1.00 
Ordinary AED 1,000

Ordinary QAR 100.00
Ordinary £1.00 
Ordinary EUR 25,000
Ordinary £1.00 
Ordinary £1.00
Ordinary EUR 25,000
Ordinary EUR 25,000
Ordinary £1.00
Ordinary EUR 25,000

Ordinary EUR 25,000
Ordinary £1.00

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20196

NOTES TO THE COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
CONTINUED

9 Related parties continued
Active related undertakings continued

Company name

Premier Travel Inn India Limited
PT. Whitbread Indonesia
PTI Middle East Limited

Silk Street Hotels Limited

St Andrews Homes Limited 
Swift Hotels Limited

T.F. Ashe & Nephew Limited 

UNA 312. Equity Management GmbH
UNA 352. Equity Management GmbH
Whitbread Asia Pacific Private Limited
Whitbread East Pennines Limited
Whitbread Group PLC 

Whitbread Holdings Germany GmbH
Whitbread Hotel Company Limited 
Whitbread International Sourcing Business 
Services (Shanghai) Co., Ltd
Whitbread Properties Limited 

Country of 
incorporation

England1
Indonesia10
United Arab 
Emirates11
England1

England1
England1

England1

Germany8
Germany8
Singapore12
England1
England1

Germany8
England1
China9

England1

Whitbread West Pennines Limited 
WHRI Development DMCC

WHRI Holding Company Limited

England1
United Arab 
Emirates13
England1

Dormant related undertakings

Class of shares held

Ordinary £1.00
Ordinary USD 1.00
Ordinary AED 1,000

Deferred £1.00
Ordinary USD 0.01
Ordinary £1.00
Ordinary £1.00
Preference £5.00 
Deferred £1.00
Ordinary £0.01
Ordinary EUR 25,000
Ordinary EUR 25,000
Ordinary SGD 1.00
Ordinary £1.00
Ordinary £0.25
A Ordinary £0.25
Ordinary EUR 25,000
Ordinary £0.10
Ordinary RMB 1.00

5% Non-Cumulative 
Preference £0.50
7% Non-Cumulative 
Preference £0.25
Ordinary £0.175
Ordinary £1.00
Ordinary AED 1,000

Ordinary £1.00

Company name
Advisebegin Limited 
Alastair Campbell & Company Limited 
Archibald Campbell Hope & King Limited
Autumn Days Limited 
Belgrave Hotel Limited
Belstead Brook Manor Hotel Limited 
Brewers Fayre Limited 
Britannia Inns Limited 
Broughton Park Hotel Limited 

Country of 
incorporation
England1
Scotland15
Scotland15
England1
England1
England1
England1
England1
England1

Class of shares held
Ordinary £1.00 
Ordinary £1.00 
Ordinary £1.00 
Ordinary £1.00 
Ordinary £1.00 
Ordinary £1.00 
Ordinary £1.00 
Ordinary £1.00 
Ordinary £1.00 

% of class of 
shares held 
by the Group 
(if different 
from the 
parent 
company)

% of class 
of shares 
held by 
the parent 
company

% of 
nominal 
value 
(where 
applicable)

–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
100
100
–
–
–

–

–

–
–
–

–

100.0
100.0
100.0

100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
–
–
100.0
100.0
100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0
100.0
100.0

100.0
100.0
100.0

99.1
0.1
100.0
99.9
0.1
99.9
0.1
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
50.0
50.0
100.0
100.0
100.0

24.9

16.4

58.7
100.0
100.0

100.0

100.0

% of class of 
shares held 
by the Group 
(if different 
from the 
parent 
company)
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0

% of class 
of shares 
held by 
the parent 
company
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

% of 
nominal 
value 
(where 
applicable)
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20197

9 Related parties continued
Dormant related undertakings continued

Company name

Carpenters of Widnes Limited

Cherwell Inns Limited

Chiswell Overseas Limited 
Chiswell Properties Limited
Churchgate Manor Hotel Limited 
Country Club Hotels Limited
Cromwell Hotel (Stevenage) 
Cymric Hotel Company Limited
Danesk Limited 
David Williams (Builth) Limited 
Dealend Limited 
Delamont Freres Limited 
Delaunay Freres Limited 
Dome Restaurants Limited 
Dragon Inns and Restaurants Limited 
Dukes Head 1988 Limited

E. Lacon & Co., Limited 
E.B. Holdings Limited 
Evan Evans Bevan Limited 
Finite Hotel Systems Limited

Country of 
incorporation

England1

England1

England1
England1
England1
England1
England1
England1
Scotland14
England1
England1
England1
England1
England1
England1
England1

England1
England1
England1
England1

England1
Fleet Wines & Spirits Limited
Forest of Arden Golf and Country Club Limited England1
England1
Gable Care Limited 
England1
Goodhews (Castle)

Goodhews (Holdings) Limited

England1

Goodhews (Inns)
Goodhews (Restaurants)
Goodhews B. & S. Limited
Goodhews Enterprises
Goodhews Limited
Gough Brothers Limited

Grosvenor Leisure Limited
Hammock Limited
Hart & Co., (Boats) Limited

England1
England1
England1
England1
England1
England1

England1
England1
England1

– Strategic report

– Governance

Financial statements

– Other information

% of class of 
shares held 
by the Group 
(if different 
from the 
parent 
company)

% of class 
of shares 
held by 
the parent 
company

% of 
nominal 
value 
(where 
applicable)

–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–

100.0
100.0
100.0

100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0

100.0
100.0

100.0
100.0
66.7

33.3
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
50.0
50.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
51.0
49.0
42.2
42.2
15.6
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
97.6
2.4
100.0
100.0
99.0

1.0
–

Class of shares held

Ordinary £0.01
Deferred Ordinary £1.00
A Ordinary Non-Voting 
£1.00
Ordinary £1.00
Ordinary £1.00
Ordinary £1.00
Ordinary £1.00
Ordinary £1.00
Ordinary £1.00
Ordinary £1.00
Ordinary £1.00
Ordinary £1.00
Ordinary £1.00
Ordinary £1.00
Ordinary £1.00
Ordinary £1.00
Ordinary £1.00
B Ordinary £1.00
W Ordinary £1.00
Ordinary £1.00
Ordinary £1.00
Ordinary £1.00
A Ordinary £1.00
B Ordinary £1.00
Ordinary £1.00
Ordinary £1.00
Ordinary £1.00
A Ordinary £1.00 
Ordinary £1.00
A Ordinary £1.00
B Ordinary £1.00 
C Ordinary £1.00
Ordinary £1.00
Ordinary £1.00
Ordinary £1.00
Ordinary £1.00
Ordinary £1.00 
Deferred Ordinary £.0.20
Ordinary £0.20
Ordinary £1.00 
Ordinary £1.00 
1% Non-Cumulative 
Preference £1.00
Ordinary £1.00
1% Non-Cumulative 
Preference £0.01

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20198

NOTES TO THE COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
CONTINUED

9 Related parties continued
Dormant related undertakings continued

Company name

Harveys Leisure Promotions Limited

Country of 
incorporation

England1

Hunter & Oliver Limited 
J. Burton (Warwick) Limited 
J. J. Norman and Ellery Limited 
James Bell and Company Limited

Jestbread Limited 
Kingsmills Hotel Company Limited 
Lambtons Ale Limited 
Latewise Limited 
Lawnpark Limited 
Leisure and Retail Resources Limited
Lloyds Avenue Catering Limited

London International Hotel Limited 
Lorimer & Clark, Limited 
Mackeson & Company Limited
Mackies Wine Company Limited 
Maredrove Limited 
Marine Hotel Porthcawl Limited 
Marlow Catering Limited 
Meon Valley Golf and Country Club Limited 
Milton 2 Limited
Morans of Bristol Limited 
Morris’s Wine Stores Limited

New Clapton Stadium Company Limited
Norseman Lager Limited 
Pacific Caledonian Properties Limited 
Percheron Properties Limited 
Peter Dominic Limited 
PI Hotels York Limited
Piquant Caterers Limited 
Pizzaland Limited
Premier Inn Kier Limited

Premier Inn Limited
Premier Inn Troon Limited
Priory Leisure Limited
R.C. Gough and Co. Limited 
Raybain (Northern) Limited 
Raybain (Wine Bars) Limited 
Respotel Limited 
Rhymney Breweries Limited 

England1
England1
England1
England1

England1
Scotland17
England1
England1
England1
England1
England1

England1
Scotland15
England1
England1
England1
England1
England1
England1
England1
England1
England1

England1
England1
Scotland14
England1
England1
England1
England1
England1
England1

England1
England1
England1
England1
England1
England1
England1
England1

% of class of 
shares held 
by the Group 
(if different 
from the 
parent 
company)

% of class 
of shares 
held by 
the parent 
company

% of 
nominal 
value 
(where 
applicable)

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
53.4
100.0
99.6
100.0

100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0

100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
–
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0

70.0
30.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
96.2
3.8
100.0
100.0
100.0
53.4
100.0
99.6
50.0

50.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
5.4
94.6

100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
–
50.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0

Class of shares held

A Ordinary £1.00
B Ordinary £1.00
Ordinary £1.00
Ordinary £1.00
Ordinary £1.00
Deferred Ordinary £0.25 
Ordinary £0.01
Ordinary £1.00
Ordinary £1.00
Ordinary £1.00
Ordinary £1.00
Ordinary £1.00
Ordinary £1.00
3% Non-Cumulative 
Preference £1.00
Ordinary £1.00
Ordinary £1.00
Ordinary £1.00
Ordinary £1.00
Ordinary £1.00
Ordinary £1.00
Ordinary £1.00
Ordinary £1.00
Ordinary £1.00
Ordinary £1.00 
Ordinary £1.00 
Ordinary £1.00 
5.6% Non-Cumulative 
Preference £1.00
Ordinary £0.05
Ordinary £1.00 
Ordinary £1.00 
Ordinary £1.00 
Ordinary £1.00 
Ordinary £1.00
Ordinary £1.00 
Ordinary £1.00 
A Ordinary £1.00
B Ordinary £1.00
Ordinary £1.00 
Ordinary £1.00
Ordinary £1.00
Ordinary £1.00
Ordinary £1.00
Ordinary £1.00
Ordinary £1.00
Ordinary £1.00

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20199

9 Related parties continued
Dormant related undertakings continued

Company name

S & S Property Limited 
S.H. Ward & Company Limited 
Salford Automatics Limited 
Scorechance 1 Limited
Scorechance 12 Limited
Scorechance 17 Limited
Scorechance 25 Limited
Scorechance 8 Limited
Sheffield Automatics Limited 
Shewell Limited 
Silk Street Hotel Liverpool Limited 
Small & Co. (Engineering) Limited
Small & Co. Limited

Country of 
incorporation

England1
England1
England1
England1
England1
England1
England1
England1
England1
England1
England1
England1
England1

England1
Spring Soft Drinks Limited 
England1
Sprowston Manor Hotel Limited 
England1
Square October 1 Limited
England1
Square October 2 Limited
England1
Square October 3 Limited
England1
St Andrews Homes (1995) Limited 
England1
Stoneshell Limited
England1
St Martins Care Homes Investments Limited 
England1
Stripe Travel Inn Limited
England1
Strong and Co. of Romsey Limited 
England1
Summerfields Care Limited 
England1
Sun Taverns Limited
England1
Sweetings (Chop House) Limited 
England1
Swift (Lurchrise) Limited 
England1
Swift Hotels (1995) Limited 
England1
Swift Hotels (Management) Limited 
England1
Swift Inns and Restaurants Limited 
England1
Swift Profit Sharing Scheme Trustees Limited 
England1
Swift Quest Limited 
England1
Swingbridge Hotel Limited
Tewkesbury Park Golf and Country Club Limited  England1
England1
The Barcave Group Limited

The Dominic Group Limited 
The Four Seasons Hotel Investments Limited

England1
England1

The Four Seasons Hotel Investments  
Management Limited

England1

Class of shares held

Ordinary £1.00
Ordinary £1.00
Ordinary £1.00
Ordinary £1.00
Ordinary £1.00
Ordinary £1.00
Ordinary £1.00
Ordinary £1.00
Ordinary £1.00
Ordinary £1.00
Ordinary £1.00
Ordinary £1.00
7% Cumulative Preference 
£1.00 
Ordinary £1.00
Ordinary £1.00
Ordinary £1.00
Ordinary £1.00
Ordinary £1.00
Ordinary £1.00
Ordinary £1.00
Ordinary £1.00
Ordinary £1.00
Ordinary £1.00
Ordinary £1.00
Ordinary £1.00
Ordinary £1.00
Ordinary £1.00
Ordinary £1.00
Ordinary £1.00
Ordinary £1.00
Ordinary £1.00
Ordinary £1.00
Ordinary £1.00
Ordinary £1.00
Ordinary £1.00
7% Cumulative Preference 
£1.00 
Ordinary £1.00
Ordinary £1.00
8% Cumulative Preference 
A £1.00
8% Cumulative Preference 
B £1.00
Ordinary £1.00
Preferred Ordinary £1.00
Ordinary £1.00

– Strategic report

– Governance

Financial statements

– Other information

% of class of 
shares held 
by the Group 
(if different 
from the 
parent 
company)

% of class 
of shares 
held by 
the parent 
company

% of 
nominal 
value 
(where 
applicable)

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–

–

–
–
–

100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0

100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0

100.0
100.0
100.0

100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
0.7

99.3
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
90.9

9.1
100.0
33.0

100.0

28.1

100.0
100.0
100.0

30.2
8.8
100.0

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20200

NOTES TO THE COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
CONTINUED

9 Related parties continued
Dormant related undertakings continued

Company name

The Four Seasons Hotel Limited 
The Oyster Spa Company Limited 
The Portsmouth and Brighton United  
Breweries, Limited 
Thomas Wethered & Sons Limited
Threlfalls (Liverpool & Birkenhead) Limited 
Threlfalls (Salford) Limited
Trentrise Limited 
Uncle Sam’s Limited
Virlat Limited
W. M. Darley, Limited 

W. R. Wines Limited 

West Country Breweries Limited 
Wentworth Guarantee Company Limited 
Wheeler Gate Limited 
Whitbread (G.C.) Limited 
Whitbread Company Two Limited
Whitbread (Condor) Holdings Limited
Whitbread Developments Limited 
Whitbread Devon Limited 
Whitbread Directors 1 Limited
Whitbread Directors 2 Limited
Whitbread Dunstable Limited
Whitbread Enterprise Centre Limited
Whitbread Finance PLC
Whitbread Fremlins Limited
Whitbread Golf and Country Club Limited

Whitbread Golf Club Limited
Whitbread Guarantee Company Two Limited
Whitbread Healthcare Trustees Limited
Whitbread Hotel (Bournemouth) Limited
Whitbread Hotels (Management) Limited

Whitbread International Limited 
Whitbread International Trading Limited 
Whitbread Investment Company Limited
Whitbread Investment Company Securities 
Limited 
Whitbread London Limited 
Whitbread Nominees Limited 
Whitbread Pension Trustee Directors  
Company Limited

Country of 
incorporation

England1
England1
England1

England1
England1
England1
England1
England1
England1
England1

England1

England1
England1
England1
England1
England1
England1
England1
England1
England1
England1
England1
England1
England1
England1
England1

England1
England1
England1
England1
England1

England1
England1
England1
England1

England1
England1
England1

Class of shares held

Ordinary £1.00
Ordinary £1.00
Ordinary £0.25

Ordinary £1.00
Ordinary £1.00
Ordinary £1.00
Ordinary £1.00
Ordinary £1.00
Ordinary £1.00
Ordinary £1.00
Preference £1.00
Preferred Ordinary £0.01
Deferred £1.00
Ordinary £0.01
Ordinary £1.00
N/A
Ordinary £1.00
Ordinary £1.00
Ordinary £1.00
Ordinary £0.0001
Ordinary £1.00
Ordinary £1.00
Ordinary £0.05
Ordinary £1.00
Ordinary £1.00
Ordinary £1.00
Ordinary £1.00
Ordinary £1.00
5% Non-Cumulative 
Preference £1.00 
A Ordinary £1.00
Ordinary £1.00
N/A
Ordinary £1.00
Ordinary £0.05
Deferred £1.00 
USD 0.01
Ordinary £1.00
Ordinary £0.25
Ordinary £1.00
Ordinary £1.00

Ordinary £1.00
Ordinary £1.00
N/A

% of class of 
shares held 
by the Group 
(if different 
from the 
parent 
company)

% of class 
of shares 
held by 
the parent 
company

% of 
nominal 
value 
(where 
applicable)

–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
N/A
–
–
–
-
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
N/A
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
N/A

100.0
100.0
100.0

100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
N/A
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0

100.0
100.0
N/A
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0

100.0
100.0
N/A

100.0
100.0
100.0

100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
49.8
49.8
0.4
99.0
1.0
100.0
N/A
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
45.0

55.0
100.0
N/A
100.0
100.0
100.0
–
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0

100.0
100.0
N/A

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20– Strategic report

– Governance

Financial statements

– Other information

% of class of 
shares held 
by the Group 
(if different 
from the 
parent 
company)

% of class 
of shares 
held by 
the parent 
company

% of 
nominal 
value 
(where 
applicable)

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
N/A
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
N/A
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0

100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0

100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
–
100.0
100.0
100.0
50.0
50.0
N/A
100.0
100.0
57.0
43.0

50.0
50.0
50.0
50.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
50.0
25.0
25.0
100.0 

201

9 Related parties continued
Dormant related undertakings continued

Company name

Whitbread Pension Trustees
Whitbread Pub and Bars Limited 
Whitbread Pub Partnership Limited
Whitbread Pub Restaurants Business Limited
Whitbread Quest Trustee Limited 
Whitbread Restaurants (Australia) Limited

Whitbread Restaurants Limited
Whitbread Scotland Limited
Whitbread Secretaries Limited

Country of 
incorporation

England1
England1
England1
England1
England1
England1

England1
Scotland14
England1

Whitbread Share Ownership Trustees Limited
Whitbread Spa Company Limited
Whitbread Sunderland (1995) Limited
Whitbread Sunderland 2 Limited

England1
England1
England1
England1

Whitbread Sunderland Limited

England1

Whitbread Trafalgar Properties Limited 

England1

Whitbread UK Limited 
Whitbread Wales Limited 
Whitbread Wessex Limited 
White Cross Films Limited 
Wiggin Tree Limited 
Willhouse Limited

England1
England1
England1
England1
England1
England1

William Overy Crane Hire Limited 

England1

Class of shares held

Ordinary £1.00
Ordinary £1.00
Ordinary £1.00
Ordinary £1.00
Ordinary £1.00
Ordinary £1.00
Ordinary £0.56
Ordinary £1.00
Ordinary £1.00
Ordinary £0.05
4% Preference £0.05
N/A
Ordinary £1.00
Ordinary £1.00
Ordinary £1.00 
5.6% Non-Cumulative 
Preference £1.00
Ordinary £5.00
Preference £5.00 
A Ordinary £1.00
B Ordinary £1.00 
Ordinary £1.00
Ordinary £1.00
Ordinary £1.00
Ordinary £1.00
Ordinary £1.00
Deferred £1.00
Q Ordinary £1.00
W Ordinary £1.00
Ordinary £1.00

The registered office of the above companies is as follows:

1  Whitbread Court, Houghton Hall Business Park, Porz Avenue, Dunstable, Beds, LU5 5XE

2  4th Floor, Saltire Court, 20 Castle Terrace, Edinburgh, EH1 2EN

3  3rd Floor, Kilmore House, Park Lane, Spencer Dock, Dublin 1, Ireland

4  2nd Floor, St Mary’s Court, 20 Hill Street, Douglas, IM1 1EU, Isle of Man

5  4th Floor, St Paul’s Gate, 22-24 New Street, St Helier, JE1 4TR, Jersey

6  Ground Floor, Premier Inn Dubai Investment Park, P.O. Box 35118, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

7  3rd Floor, Tornado Towers, PO Box 34040, Doha, Qatar

8  Messeturm (12th Floor), Friedrich-Ebert-Anlage 49, 60308 Frankfurt am Main, Germany

9  Room 742, 968 West Beijing Road, Jing’an District, Shanghai, China

10 Gandaria 8 Office Tower, 19th Floor Unit A1, Jalan Sultan Iskandarmuda, Kebayoran Lama, 12240, Indonesia

11  TMF Services B.V., Nassima Tower, Office 1401, Sheikh Zayed Road, PO Box 213975, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

12  38 Beach Road, 29-11 South Beach Tower, Singapore 189767, Singapore

13  Almas 6C, Almas Tower, Jumeirah Lake Towers, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

14 4th Floor, 115 George Street, Edinburgh, EH2 4JN, Scotland

15  The Royal Scot Hotel, 111 Glasgow Road, Edinburgh, EH12 8NF, Scotland

16 11 New St, Guernsey GY1 3EG, Guernsey

17  Swallow Royal Scot Hotel, Glasgow Road, Edinburgh, EN12 8NF, Scotland

18  100 Moorgate, London, England, EC2M 6AB

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20202

OTHER INFORMATION

Glossary

Accommodation sales†#
Premier Inn accommodation revenue 
excluding non-room income such as food 
and beverage.

Adjusted basic EPS†#
Adjusted profit attributable to the 
parent shareholders divided by the 
basic weighted average number of 
ordinary shares in issue during the year 
after deducting treasury shares and shares 
held by an independently managed share 
ownership trust (ESOT).
Closest IFRS measure:  
Basic EPS
Reconciliation:  
Note 12

Adjusted EBITDA (post-IFRS 16)†#
Profit before adjusting items, interest, 
tax, depreciation and amortisation. 
The directors consider this to be a 
useful measure as this is a commonly 
used industry metric which facilitates 
comparison between companies.
Closest IFRS measure:  
No direct equivalent
Reconciliation:  
Refer below

Adjusted EBITDA (pre-IFRS 16)†#
Profit before adjusting items, interest, tax, 
depreciation and amortisation restated 
to remove the impact of adopting IFRS 16 
by deducting rent expense. New measure 
to enable comparison between periods 
following adoption of IFRS 16 in the year.
Closest IFRS measure:  
No direct equivalent
Reconciliation:  
Refer below

Adjusted EBITDAR†#
Profit before adjusting items, interest, 
tax, depreciation of property, plant and 
equipment and right-of-use assets, 
amortisation, variable lease payments and 
rental income.
Closest IFRS measure:  
No direct equivalent
Reconciliation:  
Refer below

Adjusted net debt/(cash)†
Net debt/(cash) adjusted for cash, 
assumed by ratings agencies to be not 
readily available. The directors consider 
this to be a useful measure as it is aligned 
with the method used by ratings agencies 
to assess the financing position of 
the Group. 
Closest IFRS measure:  
Borrowings less cash and cash equivalents
Reconciliation:  
Refer below

Adjusted operating profit†#
Operating profit before adjusting items. 
Closest IFRS measure:  
Profit before tax 
Reconciliation:  
Consolidated income statement

Adjusted tax†#
Tax expense before adjusting tax items.
Closest IFRS measure:  
Tax expense
Reconciliation:  
Consolidated income statement

Adjusted operating profit  
(pre-IFRS 16)†#
Operating profit before adjusting 
items restated to remove the impact 
of adopting IFRS 16, replacing IFRS 16 
right-of-use asset depreciation with rent 
expense under IAS 17. New measure to 
enable comparison between periods 
following adoption of IFRS 16 in the 
year. The directors consider this to be 
a useful measure as it is aligned with the 
performance targets of the Group and 
the basis for executive remuneration. 
Closest IFRS measure:  
Profit before tax 
Reconciliation:  
Refer below

Adjusted profit before tax†#
Profit before tax before adjusting items. 
Closest IFRS measure:  
Profit before tax 
Reconciliation:  
Consolidated income statement

Adjusted profit before tax  
(pre-IFRS 16)†#
Profit before tax before adjusting items 
restated to remove the impact of adopting 
IFRS 16, replacing IFRS 16 right-of-use 
asset depreciation and lease liability 
interest with rent expense under IAS 
17. New measure to enable comparison 
between periods following adoption of 
IFRS 16 in the year. The directors consider 
this to be a useful measure as it is aligned 
with the performance targets of the Group 
and the basis for executive remuneration.
Closest IFRS measure:  
Profit before tax 
Reconciliation:  
Refer below

Adjusted property rent
Total property rent less a proportion of 
contingent rent. 

Adjusted revenue†#
Revenue adjusted to exclude the TSA 
income. The Directors consider this to 
be a useful measure as TSA income is 
connected to the disposal of Costa which 
was a non-recurring event.
Closest IFRS measure:  
Revenue  
Reconciliation:  
Consolidated income statement

Average room rate (ARR)†
Accommodation sales divided by the 
number of rooms occupied by guests. 
The directors consider this to be a 
useful measure as this is a commonly 
used industry metric which facilitates 
comparison between companies.
Closest IFRS measure:  
No direct equivalent
Reconciliation:  
N/A

Basic earnings per share (Basic EPS)
Profit attributable to the parent 
shareholders divided by the weighted 
average number of ordinary shares in 
issue during the year after deducting 
treasury shares and shares held by an 
independently managed share ownership 
trust (ESOT).

Committed pipeline
Sites where the Group have a legal interest 
in a property (that may be subject to 
planning/other conditions) with the 
intention of opening a hotel in the future.

Direct bookings/distribution
Based on stayed bookings in the 
financial year made direct to the Premier 
Inn website, Premier Inn app, Premier 
Inn customer contact centre or hotel 
front desks.

Discretionary free cash flow†
Cash generated from operations after 
payments for interest, tax, payment 
of principal of lease liabilities and 
maintenance capital expenditure. The 
directors consider this to be a useful 
measure as it is a good indicator of the 
cash generated which is available to fund 
future growth or shareholder returns. 
Closest IFRS measure:  
Cash generated from operations
Reconciliation:  
Group Finance Director’s review

Engagement score
The engagement score is calculated by 
adding together the positive responses 
to the YourSay questions regarding 
pride in the organisation, advocacy, 
recommending the Company as a place 
of work, intention to stay and motivation. 
These scores are then averaged to 
produce an overall engagement score.

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20OTHER INFORMATION  203

Food and beverage (F&B) sales
Food and beverage revenue from all 
Whitbread owned pub restaurants and 
integrated hotel restaurants.

Funds from operations (FFO)†
Net cash flows from operating activities 
after deducting payment of principal of 
lease liabilities and adding back changes 
in working capital, adjusted property rent 
and cash interest. The directors consider 
this to be a useful measure as it forms the 
basis of the Group’s leverage targets. 
Closest IFRS measure:  
Net cash flow from operating activities
Reconciliation:  
Refer below

IFRS
International Financial Reporting 
Standards.

Joint sites
A site which has both a Premier Inn and 
Whitbread owned pub restaurant in 
one location.

Lease debt
Eight times adjusted property rent.

Lease-adjusted net debt/(cash)†
Adjusted net debt/(cash) plus lease debt. 
The directors consider this to be a useful 
measure as it forms the basis of the 
Group’s leverage targets.
Closest IFRS measure:  
Borrowings less cash and cash equivalents
Reconciliation:  
Refer below

Lease-adjusted net debt/(cash): FFO†
Ratio of lease-adjusted net debt/(cash) 
compared to funds from operations (FFO). 
The directors consider this to be a useful 
measure as it forms the basis of the 
Group’s leverage targets.
Closest IFRS measure:  
No direct equivalent
Reconciliation:  
Refer below

Like-for-like sales†
Period over period change in revenue 
for outlets open for at least one year. 
The directors consider this to be a 
useful measure as it is a commonly used 
performance metric and provides an 
indication of underlying revenue trends. 
Closest IFRS measure:  
No direct equivalent
Reconciliation:  
Refer below

Net debt/(cash)†
Total borrowings after deducting cash and 
cash equivalents. The directors consider 
this to be a useful measure of the financing 
position of the Group.
Closest IFRS measure:  
Borrowings less cash and cash equivalents
Reconciliation:  
Note 21

Net recommend
Based on the fundamental perspective 
that every company’s customers 
can be divided into three categories 
when completing a survey with ten 
score choices:
Promoters (score nine to ten), Passives 
(score seven to eight), and Detractors 
(score zero to six). The Net Guest 
Score can be calculated by taking 
the percentage of customers who 
are Promoters and subtracting the 
percentage who are Detractors.

Occupancy
Number of hotel bedrooms occupied 
by guests expressed as a percentage 
of the number of bedrooms available 
in the period.

Operating margin/margins
Operating profit expressed as 
a percentage of revenue.

Operating profit
Profit before net finance costs and tax.

OTAs
Online travel agents.

Profit from operations
Profit before adjusting items, support and 
central costs, interest and tax.
Closest IFRS measure:  
Profit before tax
Reconciliation:  
Note 5

RevPAR†
Revenue per available room is also known 
as ‘yield’. This hotel measure is achieved 
by multiplying the ARR by Occupancy. 
The directors consider this to be a 
useful measure as it is a commonly used 
performance measure in the hotel industry. 
Closest IFRS measure:  
No direct equivalent
Reconciliation:  
Refer below

Return on capital (ROCE)†
Adjusted operating profit (pre-IFRS 16) 
for the year divided by net assets at the 
balance sheet date, adding back net debt/
(cash), right-of-use assets, lease liabilities, 
taxation assets/liabilities, the pension 
surplus/deficit and derivative financial 
assets/liabilities, other financial liabilities 
and IFRS 16 working capital adjustments. 
The directors consider this to be a useful 
measure as it expresses the underlying 
operating efficiency of the Group and is 
used as the basis for remuneration targets. 
Closest IFRS measure:  
No direct equivalent
Reconciliation:  
Refer below

Team retention
The number of permanent new starters 
that we retain for the first 90 days/ 
3 months.

WINcard
Whitbread In Numbers – balanced 
scorecard to measure progress against 
key performance targets.

YourSay
Whitbread’s annual employee opinion 
survey to provide insight into the views 
of employees.

† 

Property rent
IFRS 16 property lease liability payments 
plus variable lease payments adjusted 
for deferred rental amounts. This is 
used as a proxy for rent expense as 
recorded under IAS 17 in arriving at funds 
from operations.

Promoters
Customers that score nine to ten 
when completing a survey with ten 
score choices.

Rent expense
Rental costs recognised in the income 
statement prior to the adoption of IFRS 16.

  Alternative Performance Measures
 We use a range of measures to monitor the financial 
performance of the Group. These measures 
include both statutory measures in accordance 
with IFRS and alternative performance measures 
(APMs) which are consistent with the way that 
the business performance is measured internally. 
We report adjusted measures because we believe 
they provide both management and investors with 
useful additional information about the financial 
performance of the Group’s businesses.

 Adjusted measures of profitability represent the 
equivalent IFRS measures adjusted for specific 
items that we consider relevant for comparison of 
the financial performance of the Group’s businesses 
either from one period to another or with other 
similar businesses.

 APMs are not defined by IFRS and therefore 
may not be directly comparable with similarly 
titled measures reported by other companies. 
APMs should be considered in addition to, and are 
not intended to be a substitute for, or superior to, 
IFRS measures.

#  New APM

 Measure represents a new/revised APM as a direct 
result of the adoption of the new adjusting items 
accounting policy (see Note 2).

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20– Strategic report– Governance– Financial statementsOther information 
  
 
 
204

Reconciliation of APMs (unaudited)

Adjusted profit before tax (pre–IFRS 16)
Adjusted profit before tax
Depreciation – right–of–use assets
Interest on lease liabilities
Rent expense 

Adjusted profit before tax (pre–IFRS 16)

Adjusted operating profit (pre–IFRS 16)
Adjusted operating profit 
Depreciation – right-of-use assets
Rent expense 

Adjusted operating profit (pre–IFRS 16)

Return on capital
Net assets
Net debt/(cash)
Current tax assets
Deferred tax liabilities 
Pension (surplus)/liability 
Other financial liabilities 
Derivative financial assets
Derivative financial liabilities
Right–of–use assets
Lease liabilities 
IFRS 16 working capital adjustments

Net assets for return on capital (pre–IFRS 16)

Return on capital

Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDAR
Adjusted operating profit 
Depreciation – right–of–use assets
Depreciation – plant, property and equipment 
Amortisation

Adjusted EBITDA (post–IFRS 16)
Variable lease payments
Rental income 

Adjusted EBITDAR
Rent expense, variable lease payments and rental income

Adjusted EBITDA (pre–IFRS 16)

Income statement
 Note 22 
 Note 22 

Income statement
 Note 22

Balance sheet
 Note 21
 Balance sheet 
 Balance sheet 
 Balance sheet 
 Balance sheet 
 Balance sheet 
 Balance sheet 
 Balance sheet
 Balance sheet

Income statement
 Note 6
 Note 6
Note 6

Note 22
Note 4

2019/20 
£m

 358.3 
 104.0 
 115.3 
(188.2)
 389.4 

2019/20 
£m

 486.8 
 104.0 
(188.2)
402.6 

2018/19
£m

 390.3 
 98.3 
 113.1 
 (169.7)
 432.0 

2018/19
£m

 537.7 
 98.3 
 (169.7)
 466.3 

2019/20
£m

2018/19
£m

 3,748.8 
 322.9 
 (14.9)
 137.8
 (190.3)
–
 (37.6)
 4.4 

 5,652.7 
 (2,583.3)
 (12.6)
 71.1 
 119.6 
 330.1 
 (16.4)
 5.8 
 (2,273.7)   (2,141.7)
 2,471.8 
 2,620.6 
 (65.3)
(65.0)
 3,831.8 
 4,253.0

9.5%

12.2%

2019/20
£m

 486.8
104.0
145.0
19.8
755.6
2.0
(4.9)
752.7
(185.3)
567.4

2018/19
£m

 537.7 
 98.3 
 139.1 
 20.9 
 796.0 
 2.5 
 (4.1)
 794.4 
 (168.1)
 626.3 

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20OTHER INFORMATION   
 
 
205

Funds from operations
Net cash flows from operating activities 
Payment of principal of lease liabilities
Movement in working capital
Cash interest
Adjusted property rent
Adjustment for one-off pension payment

Funds from operations

Lease adjusted net debt/(cash)
Net debt/(cash)
Restricted cash adjustment

Adjusted net debt/(cash)
Lease debt

Lease adjusted net debt/(cash)

Lease–adjusted net debt/(cash) to FFO

Accommodation sales and RevPAR
Accommodation sales – UK1 (£m)
Accommodation sales – international (£m)

Accommodation sales (£m)

LFL UK accommodation sales
Contribution from net new hotels

Total UK accommodation sales growth

Accommodation sales – UK (£m)
Available rooms UK (000)

RevPAR (£)

1  Accommodation sales – UK – includes one site in each of Jersey, Ireland and the Isle of Man.

Cash flow statement
Cash flow statement
Cash flow statement 
Cash flow statement

Note 31 

 Note 21 

2019/20 
£m

 234.2 
(72.1)
64.0
19.9
186.3
274.0
706.3

2018/19 
£m

 603.2 
(117.5)
 1.4 
 33.9 
 274.1 
 107.0 
 902.1 

2019/20 
£m

2018/19 
£m
322.9  (2,583.3)
 10.0 
 10.0 
 (2,573.3)
332.9 
 2,192.8 
1,490.0
 (380.5)
1,822.9

2.6

 (0.4)

2019/20

1,311.6
9.8
1,321.4

2018/19

Growth

(0.1%)

1,312.8
4.3
1,317.1

(2.40%)
2.30%
(0.10%)

(0.60%)
4.10%
3.50%

 1,311.6
27,963
46.91

 1,312.8
26,794
49.00

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20– Strategic report– Governance– Financial statementsOther information206

Shareholder services 

Useful contacts

Registrars
Link Asset Services
Whitbread Share Register
The Register
34 Beckenham Road
Kent 
BR3 4TU

The website address is www.linkassetservices.com

For enquiries regarding your shareholding please 
telephone +44 (0)344 855 2327. Alternatively you 
can email: whitbread@linkgroup.co.uk

Registered office
Whitbread PLC
Whitbread Court
Houghton Hall Business Park
Porz Avenue
Dunstable
Bedfordshire
LU5 5XE

General Counsel and Company Secretary
Chris Vaughan

Managing your shareholdings
You can manage your shareholdings by visiting 
www.whitbread-shares.com. This is a secure online site 
where you can:

–  sign up to receive shareholder information by email;

–  buy and sell shares via the Link Share Dealing Service;

–  view your holding and get an indicative valuation; and 

–  change your personal details.

You will need to have your investor code to hand. This can 
be found on the following documentation:

–  share certificate;

–  dividend voucher; or

–  proxy card.

Please ensure that you advise Link promptly of any 
change of address.

Share dealing service1 
For Link Share Dealing Services you can telephone  
+44 (0)371 664 0445. Calls are charged at the standard 
geographic rate and will vary by provider. Calls from 
outside the United Kingdom will be charged at the 
applicable international rate. Lines are open between 
8.00am and 4.30pm, Monday to Friday excluding public 
holidays in England and Wales.

Private shareholder
Private shareholders are shareholders who hold their 
shares in their own name on the Company’s Register 
of Members. They have full voting rights and have the 
right to stipulate their communication preferences and 
bank account preferences on their own holding. 

Nominee shareholder
Nominee shareholders are underlying beneficial 
shareholders who hold their shares through a nominee 
company. The name of the nominee company will appear 
on the Company’s Register of Members. It will depend 
on the terms and conditions of the nominee provider as 
to whether underlying shareholders receive copies of the 
AGM documents and any other Company documents 
that are mailed. Dividend options may also be restricted 
by the nominee. If underlying shareholders wish to 
receive Company mailings then they have the right to 
request to be put on the beneficial holders’ information 
rights register, which can be arranged via their 
nominee provider.

Corporate Sponsored Nominee
During the year we have worked with Link to establish 
a new Whitbread Corporate Sponsored Nominee 
(CSN). We did this because we know that a number of 
shareholders prefer not to hold their shares in certificated 
form, but still wish to receive documents and benefits 
from the Company. This has been raised by shareholders 
at previous AGMs. The new CSN allows shareholders 
to hold their Whitbread shares via a nominee, but also 
allows Whitbread to have direct access to the underlying 
register, such that we can ensure that participants receive 
the documents and benefits that they request.

If you would like to hold your shares in the new Whitbread 
CSN, please log on to www.whitbread-shares.com. 
If you have not registered before then you will need your 
Investor Code. Your Investor Code is located on your 
share certificate. 

On the portal you will find further information in relation 
to the Whitbread CSN. The terms and conditions and 
various transfer forms that you will need to review and 
complete are located there. If you need any assistance 
with the forms or want any additional support, please 
e-mail custodymgt@linkgroup.co.uk outlining what you 
would like to do and they will email you back with the 
relevant instructions.

Annual general meeting 2020
The 2020 AGM will be held at 3.30pm on 7 July 2020 
at Whitbread Court, Houghton Hall Business Park, 
Porz Avenue, Dunstable LU5 5XE. Due to the COVID-19 
pandemic, shareholders will not be able to attend 
the meeting. A facility whereby shareholders can put 
questions to the Board will be made available on the 
Company’s website.

1  These details have been provided for information only and any action you take is at your own risk. If you are in any doubt about what action to take, please consult your 

own financial adviser. Should you not wish to use these services you could find a broker in your local area, on the internet, or enquire about share dealing at any high street 
bank or building society. The availability of this service should not be taken as a recommendation to deal.

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20OTHER INFORMATION  207

Analysis of ordinary shares at 27 February 2020

Band
1-100

101-200

201-500

501-1,000

1,001-2,000

2,001-5,000

5,001-10,000

10,001-50,000

50,001-100,000

100,001-500,000

500,001-1,000,000

1,000,001-5,000,000

5,000,001-10,000,000

10,000,001-50,000,000

50,000,001-100,000,000

Total

Capital gains tax 
For further information on:

–  the market value of shares in the Company  

as at 31 March 1982;

–  the reduction of capital on 10 May 2001; and

–  the special dividend and share consolidation  

in May 2005,

or if you require any further information on capital gains 
tax allocations, please refer to the investors’ section 
of the Company’s website: www.whitbread.co.uk

Dividend Reinvestment Plan
To reinvest your dividend you will need to sign up for 
the Dividend Reinvestment Plan (the DRIP). The Terms 
and Conditions of the DRIP and a Shareholder Dividend 
Form are available at www.whitbread-shares.com 
or can be requested from Link Asset Services. 
For enquiries regarding the DRIP please telephone  
+44 (0)371 664 0381.

Number of
holders

20,902

5,733

5,721

2,400

1,028

476

179

254

84

123

25

15

2

3

0

36,945

% of  
holders

56.5760

15.5177

15.4852

6.4961

2.7825

1.2884

0.4845

0.6875

0.2274

0.3329

0.0677

0.0406

0.0054

0.0081

0.0000

Number  
of shares

743,324

838,430

1,844,306

1,684,221

1,414,836

1,442,897

1,250,111

5,922,094

5,900,648

26,587,583

17,648,352

35,178,892

11,885,291

34,668,566

0

147,009,551

% of share  
capital

0.5056

0.5703

1.2545

1.1457

0.9624

0.9815

0.8504

4.0284

4.0138

18.0856

12.0049

23.9297

8.0847

23.5825

Dividend payments by BACS
We can pay your dividends directly to your bank or 
building society account using the Bankers’ Automated 
Clearing Service (BACS). This means that your dividend 
will be in your account on the same day we make the 
payment. Your tax voucher will be posted to your home 
address. If you would like to use this method please ring 
the registrars on +44 (0)344 855 2327.

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20– Strategic report– Governance– Financial statementsOther information208

SHAREHOLDER SERVICES  
CONTINUED

Shareholder FAQs 
Where can I find information about B and C shares?
As outlined in the original circulars, the Company made 
two separate purchase offers for the B and C shares. 
There will be no further purchase offers. The Company 
does have the right to convert the B and C shares to 
ordinary shares, but there is no current intention to do 
so. The B and C shares will continue to attract an annual 
dividend payment.

How can I find the current share prices?
You can keep up to date with the current share price 
at the Company’s website: www.whitbread.co.uk. 

I have lost my share certificate, how can I get 
a replacement?
If you have lost your certificate please contact the 
Company’s registrars, Link Asset Services, on the 
shareholder helpline +44 (0)344 855 2327. They will 
be able to assist you in arranging a replacement.

Am I entitled to shareholder benefits?
Shareholders with a holding of 64 shares or more 
are eligible to receive a shareholder benefits card. 
Those shareholders who have previously registered 
to receive the shareholder benefits card should 
automatically have received the card with the Annual 
Report and Accounts mailing. Shareholders who wish 
to register for a card can do so by contacting Link, 
whose contact details are shown on page 206.

Unsolicited mail
We are aware that some shareholders have had occasion 
to complain of the use, by outside organisations, of 
information obtained from Whitbread’s share register. 
Whitbread, like other companies, cannot by law refuse 
to supply such information provided that the organisation 
concerned pays the appropriate statutory fee. If you are 
a resident in the UK and wish to stop receiving unsolicited 
mail then you should register with the Mailing Preference 
Service, telephone: 0845 703 4599 or you can register 
online: www.mpsonline.org.uk

Shareholder warning
In recent years, many companies have become aware 
that their shareholders have received unsolicited phone 
calls or correspondence concerning investment matters. 
These are typically from overseas-based ‘brokers’ who 
target UK shareholders, offering to sell them what often 
turn out to be worthless or high risk shares in US or UK 
investments. There operations are commonly known as 
‘boiler rooms’. These ‘brokers’ can be very persistent and 
extremely persuasive, and a 2006 survey by the Financial 
Conduct Authority (FCA) reported that the average 
amount lost by investors is around £20,000, with around 
£200 million lost in the UK each year. It is not just the 
novice investor that has been duped in this way; many 
of the victims had been successfully investing for several 
years. Shareholders are advised to be wary of unsolicited 
advice, offers to buy shares at a discount or offers of 
free company reports. If you receive any unsolicited 
investment advice:

 – make sure you get the correct name of the person 

or organisation;

 – check that they are properly authorised by the FCA 
before getting involved by visiting www.fca.org.uk 
and contact the firm using the details on the register;

 – report the matter to the FCA either by calling 
0800 111 6768 or visit www.fca.org.uk/scams;

 – if the calls persist, hang up; and

 – REMEMBER if it sounds too good to be true, it 

probably is!

If you deal with an unauthorised firm, you will not be 
eligible to receive payment under the Financial Services 
Compensation Scheme (FSCS) if things go wrong. 
The FCA can be contacted by completing an online 
form at www.fca.org.uk/scams or you can call the FCA 
Consumer Helpline on 0800 111 6768 or Action Fraud 
0300 123 2040 (www.actionfraud.police.uk).

Details of any share dealing facilities that the Company 
endorses will be included in Company mailings.

More detailed information on this or similar activity can be 
found on the FCA website, www.fca.org.uk/consumers.

Whitbread Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20Consultancy, design and production
www.luminous.co.uk

Design and production
www.luminous.co.uk

Printed by Park Communications 
on FSC® certified paper. Park is 
and EMAS certified company and 
its Environmental Management 
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Whitbread Court
Houghton Hall Business Park
Porz Avenue
Dunstable
Bedfordshire
LU5 5XE

www.whitbread.co.uk/investors