LSL Property Services plc Annual Report and Accounts 2021
Annual Report
and Accounts 2021
Directors’ Report and Financial Review (including Business Review)
Contents
Overview, Strategic Report and Directors’ Report
Overview
1 2021 Highlights
2 2022 Outlook
3 About LSL and Our Markets
6 Chair’s Statement
7 Group Chief Executive’s Review
Strategic Report
10 Purpose, Strategy, Culture, Values and Business Model
11 Financial and Divisional Reviews:
11 – Financial Review
13 – Financial Services Division
15 – Surveying & Valuation Division
16 – Estate Agency Division
18 – Balance Sheet Review
19 Stakeholder Engagement Arrangements – including s172
Companies Act 2006 statement
22 Principal Risks and Uncertainties
27 Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) Report
36 The Board
38 The Executive Committee
Directors’ Report (including Corporate Governance Reports
and Committee Reports)
40 Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities in Relation to the
Financial Statements
41 Report of the Directors
45 Corporate Governance Report including Nominations
Committee Report
54 Audit & Risk Committee Report
60 Directors’ Remuneration Report
Financial Statements
86 Independent Auditor’s Report to the Members of LSL
Property Services plc
96 Group Income Statement
97 Group Statement of Comprehensive Income
98 Group Balance Sheet
99 Group Statement of Cash-Flows
100 Group Statement of Changes in Equity
101 Notes to the Group Financial Statements
150 Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities in Relation to the
Parent Company Financial Statements
151 Parent Company Balance Sheet
152 Parent Company Statement of Cash-Flows
153 Parent Company Statement of Changes in Equity
154 Notes to the Parent Company Financial Statements
Other Information
167 Definitions
171 Shareholder Information (including forward looking
statements information)
For further information about our Group, please visit our
website: lslps.co.uk.
Forward looking statements
This Report may contain forward looking statements with
respect to certain plans and current goals and expectations
relating to the future financial condition, business performance
and results of LSL. Further information about forward looking
statements can be found in the Shareholder Information section
on page 171.
Annual Report and Accounts 2021
Other Information
Financial Statements
Strategic Report
Directors’ Report (including Corporate
Governance Reports and Committee Reports)
Overview
01
A record year of profits, with strong performances in each of our core businesses
2021 2020 Var
Group Revenue (£m) 326.8 266.7 23%
Group Underlying Operating Profit
1
(£m)
(post-COVID-19 costs) 49.3 35.2 40%
Group Underlying Operating margin
(post-COVID-19 costs) 15% 13% +190bps
Exceptional Gains (£m) 31.1 0.7 nm
Exceptional Costs (£m) (2.0) (7.1) 71%
Group operating profit (£m) 72.6 23.9 205%
Profit before tax (£m) 69.9 20.9 234%
Basic Earnings per Share
2
(pence) 59.6 15.9 275%
Adjusted Basic Earnings per Share
2
(pence) 37.7 31.9 18%
Net Cash/(Net Bank Debt)
3
(£m) 48.5 (1.6) nm
Final proposed dividend (pence) 7.4 nil nm
Full year dividend (pence) 11.4 nil nm
nm: not meaningful
Notes:
1
Group Underlying Operating Profit is before exceptional items, contingent consideration, amortisation
of intangible assets and share-based payments (as set out in note 5 to the Financial Statements).
2
Refer to note 11 to the Financial Statements for the calculation.
3
Refer to note 33 to the Financial Statements for the calculation.
2021 Highlights
Group Underlying
Operating Profit
£49.3m
(2020: £35.2m)
+40%
Net Cash/(Net Bank Debt)
£48.5m
(2020: (£1.6m))
+£50.1m
Profit Before Tax
£69.9m
(2020: £20.9m)
+234%
Group Revenue
£326.8m
(2020: £266.7m)
+23%
Financial
Services
£14.8m
26%
Surveying and
ValuaƟon
£23.6m
42%
Estate
Agency
£18.4m
32%
Divisional Underlying Operating Profit
Before central costs
02
2022 Outlook
We expect 2022 financial performance to benefit from continued growth in Financial Services in a more challenging housing market,
demonstrating reduced cyclicality of earnings.
• Latest market estimates suggest the mortgage market will be around 11% lower than 2021, and housing transactions in 2022 around 19%
lower than 2021.
• Mortgage and housing market activity levels are expected to be at similar levels as 2019.
• The Group’s strategic focus on Financial Services and the significant progress made in the Surveying & Valuation Division, has reduced
our exposure to housing market volatility with the result that we expect a more limited impact on the Group’s results in 2022 than would
historically have been the case.
• Overall front end sales activity across the Group in the year to date is in line with internal expectations.
• The financial performance across Financial Services and Surveying & Valuation in the first two months of 2022 is in line with the Board’s
expectations.
• The Board is encouraged by front end sales activity in Estate Agency. However, residential pipeline conversion remains slow, impacted by
continuing industry-wide capacity issues in conveyancing and this has delayed Estate Agency profits. The Group retained a strong residential
pipeline at 28 February 2022, which had increased by 10% compared to 31 December 2021, with fall-throughs remaining at normal levels.
• In 2022 the Board expects mortgage and housing transactions to revert to pre-COVID-19 levels with geopolitical uncertainties adding to
existing inflationary cost pressures. The Board has also considered the impact of a market-wide continuation of slower residential pipeline
conversion. Nevertheless, at this early stage in the year, the Board’s current expectation is that the Group will deliver a full year Group
Underlying Operating Profit in line with its prior expectations, as the business is expected to continue to benefit from the execution of its
Financial Services led growth strategy and strong performance of our Surveying & Valuation business.
• The split of H1:H2 profit in 2022 is expected to revert to a more typical profile with a skew to H2, after record housing transactions in H1 2021.
• The Financial Services Division remains on track to be the most profitable Division by 2023, with further organic growth in network financial
advisers expected, supported by additional advisers from Pivotal Growth firms and to service distribution agreements.
Other Information
Financial Statements
Strategic Report
Directors’ Report (including Corporate
Governance Reports and Committee Reports)
Overview
03
About LSL and Our Markets
About LSL
We are one of the largest providers of services to mortgage intermediaries, specialist mortgage and insurance advice to estate agency and new
build customers, and valuation services to the UK’s biggest mortgage lenders. We also operate a network of owned and franchised estate agency
branches.
We comprise three Divisions:
• Financial Services.
• Surveying & Valuation.
• Estate Agency.
One of the UK’s
largest mortgage
and insurance
networks
A number of the
UK’s largest
mortgage and
insurance brokers
One of the UK’s
largest surveying
and valuation
businesses
Some of the UK’s
largest estate
agency brands
Financial Services Estate Agency
Surveying &
Valuation
Financial Services
One of the UK’s largest mortgage and insurance networks
Together, the PRIMIS Network, with 971 firms and 2,858 financial advisers, and The Mortgage Alliance (TMA) comprise one of the UK’s largest
mortgage and insurance networks. PRIMIS is a multi-award winning network, winning Best Network in the 2021 Money Marketing Awards and
Residential Network of the Year in the 2021 OSB Group Key Intermediary Awards.
A number of the UK’s largest mortgage and insurance brokers
We own a number of leading direct-to-consumer (D2C) mortgage and insurance businesses. Embrace Financial Services and Linear Financial
Solutions provide financial advice to estate agency customers, RSC New Homes and the Group First companies provide financial advice to
customers purchasing new build houses and First2Protect is a specialist household insurance brand.
We are also a partner in Pivotal Growth, a joint venture with Pollen Street Capital, an independent alternative investment management
company. Pivotal Growth invests in acquiring and growing profitable mortgage and insurance brokerages to help them build long term
sustainable value.
Surveying & Valuation
e.surv is one of the UK’s largest surveying and valuation businesses, together with Walker Fraser Steele Chartered Surveyors which services the
Scottish market. It is one of the UK’s biggest employers of Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) registered surveyors, with 489 (FTE)
surveyors, and counts seven of the UK’s ten largest lenders amongst its clients.
Estate Agency
We own two of the UK’s largest estate agency brands, namely Your Move and Reeds Rains, and we also own a network of small brands including
Marsh & Parsons. Together, we own 225 estate agency branches and we have 128 franchised branches.
We also have further specialist businesses in our Estate Agency Division. LSL Land & New Homes provides a complete range of services for
house builders and investors. Homefast Property Services provides conveyancing panel management and support services and, together, LSL
Corporate Client Department and Templeton LPA provide a range of asset management services.
04
About LSL and Our Markets
Our Markets
Demand for our products and services are driven primarily by the UK mortgage market in the Financial Services and Surveying & Valuation
Divisions and the UK housing market in the Estate Agency Division. There is some correlation between the UK housing and mortgage markets,
although the remortgage, product transfer and insurance markets are significant parts of the mortgage market, which are often not correlated
with the housing market.
Mortgage Market
Demand for mortgages and advice from financial advisers, for both purchase and remortgage, remained strong in 2021:
• Total gross mortgage lending
1
in 2021 was £313bn, 5% higher than the prior year (2020: £246bn).
• The proportion of mortgage lending placed through financial advisers
2
increased to 77% in 2021 (2020: 76%).
• Total mortgage approvals for house purchases
3
were up 13% to 1,571,000 in 2021, with demand aided by the Government scheme waiving
Stamp Duty.
• Remortgage (and other)
3
activity was up 7% on 2020, with strong activity in the product transfer market, where consumers switch deals with
their existing lender.
Housing Market
2021 was one of the strongest years on record for the UK residential property market, which was materially impacted by the Government
scheme waiving Stamp Duty:
• UK housing transactions
4
were 1,480,000, up 41% year-on-year (2020: 1,047,000).
• Transactions were up 104% in H1 2021 and only 2% up year-on-year in H2 2021.
• At the end of 2021, average house prices in England and Wales
5
were 6% higher than the same period last year. The H1 activity reflected the
built-up demand created by the lockdowns in 2020 and the announcement by the Government that the lower Stamp Duty threshold would be
increased to £500,000 until June 2021 and then reduced to £250,000 until September 2021. Excluding London and the South East, the rest of
England and Wales showed annual house price growth of 4.7%.
Other Information
Financial Statements
Strategic Report
Directors’ Report (including Corporate
Governance Reports and Committee Reports)
Overview
05
20212020201920182017
943
797
781
789
801
20212020201920182017
313
260
269
269
246
20212020201920182017
629
729
754
761
588
20212020201920182017
1,389
1,571
1,526
1,535
1,549
Total Mortgage Approvals for House Purchase
’000s
Total Gross Mortgage Lending
£bn
Remortgage (and other) Volumes
’000s
Total Mortgage Approvals
’000s
Sources:
1
New mortgage lending by purpose of loan, UK (Bank of England) – Table MM23.
2
New residential lending sold direct and via intermediaries, UK Finance - Table RL8.
3
Approvals for lending secured on dwellings, Bank of England – Table A5.4.
4
Number of residential property transaction completions with value £40,000 or above, HMRC.
5
House price index, England and Wales, LSL Acadata.
06
Chair's Statement
It is a pleasure to report that our Group
achieved record Group Underlying Operating
Profit of £49.3m in 2021 and that at the
end of the year, we had record Net Cash of
£48.5m. In last year’s Annual Report and
Accounts, we set out that our Financial
Services led strategy and our significant
investments in 2021 will deliver benefits in
the coming years. This included launching
our joint venture with Pollen Street Capital,
Pivotal Growth, which has already acquired
two mortgage brokers. Overall, we achieved
growth in profit and made strategic progress
across our Financial Services, Surveying &
Valuation and Estate Agency Divisions. In
addition, we sold investments in two non-
core businesses for a combined £41.3m in
cash.
The above results were achieved in difficult
circumstances, given the ongoing COVID-19
pandemic. In everything we did, we looked
to keep our people and customers safe, and
we thank colleagues across the Group for
delivering these impressive numbers during
these unusual times.
Governance
The Board remains committed to strong
corporate governance and in particular
making sure we monitor and challenge our
strategy, performance, risk and approach
to managing our people. You can read more
about our governance arrangements in the
Corporate Governance Report (page 45 of this
Report).
Following changes to the directorate
announced in April 2021, at which time
I became Chair, we noted that we would
look to recruit two new independent Non
Executive Directors to the Board. James
Mack, who is Chief Financial Officer at
Barclays Bank UK plc, joined the Board as
a Non Executive Director and Chair of the
Audit & Risk Committee in September 2021.
More recently, Sonya Ghobrial also joined us
as a Non Executive Director. Sonya is Head
of Investor Relations for GSK’s Consumer
Healthcare division. This ensures we have
the requisite proportion of independent
Directors required by the UK Corporate
Governance Code. In June 2021, we appointed
one of our existing Non Executive Directors,
Gaby Appleton, as our Senior Independent
Director (SID).
I also Chair the Nominations Committee,
which met six times in the year. Our work
in 2021 included considering succession
planning for both Executive and Non
Executive Directors, and the Board’s diversity,
which will continue to play an important part
in any future recruitment.
Environmental, Social and Governance
(ESG) Matters
The Board understands the growing interest
in ESG issues from all our stakeholders. We
have now developed our Living Responsibly
Strategy and our ESG programme, and details
can be found on page 27 of this Report and in
our Living Responsibly Report
1
. The Board
spent some time considering this strategy
and the programme at both the start and end
of the development process, and as part of
our regular meetings.
Having established the Group’s purpose and
values, we have also taken the first steps in
defining an enduring culture. This is never
a quick fix, and we are approaching it as
a top-down process, in which we lead by
example. I set out the essential elements
of our culture at our first ever Senior
Management Conference during the year. In
short, we want to have the right people, doing
the right things, in the right way. This means
accepting accountability for our actions,
delivering customer expectations, being open,
challenging ourselves and supporting others.
Dividends
Having paused dividend payments during
2020 in response to the pandemic, we were
pleased to reinstate the dividend in the
second half of 2021, with an interim dividend
of 4.0 pence per share. In line with our
policy to pay out 30% of Group Underlying
Operating Profit after finance and normalised
tax charges, we are recommending a final
dividend of 7.4 pence, to give a total for the
year of 11.4 pence per share.
Looking forward
The Group has a healthy cash position and a
proven management team, which will enable
us to successfully implement our growth
strategy centred on Financial Services.
The Board is confident that the strategic
investments we have made this year will
contribute to further progress in 2022 and
beyond.
Bill Shannon
Chair
15 March 2022
1
The Living Responsibly Report is available on our website lslps.co.uk.
Other Information
Financial Statements
Strategic Report
Directors’ Report (including Corporate
Governance Reports and Committee Reports)
Overview
07
Group Chief Executive’s Review
I am pleased to report that we achieved
a record year of profits, with strong
performances in each of our core businesses
– Financial Services Network, Surveying &
Valuation, and our owned and franchised
estate agencies. We continue to benefit from
our Financial Services led growth strategy
and we expect the investments we made
during 2021 to contribute to our performance
in future years.
Record Group results
Group Revenue grew by 23% to £327m,
contributing to Group Underlying Operating
Profit of £49.3m, an increase of 40%. We
ended the year with record Net Cash of
£48.5m.
In Financial Services, Underlying Operating
Profit of our Network business rose by 34%,
supported by further growth in our network
of financial advisers, which grew by 11%
year-on-year to 2,858 advisers. Underlying
Operating Profit for Financial Services as
a whole increased by 20%, with further
investment being made in technology and
our Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) businesses.
Surveying & Valuation improved its
operational efficiency and income per job,
contributing to a 46% rise in the Division’s
Underlying Operating Profit.
Estate Agency increased its residential
market share across its core catchment areas
and its Underlying Operating Profit was 53%
higher. Conversion of its pipeline slowed in
the second half, following the record market
levels experienced in the lead up to the
Stamp Duty deadline, as well as industry-wide
capacity issues in conveyancing. The Division
had a strong pipeline going into 2022.
Strategic and operational developments to
support growth
During the year, we invested significantly
in growth opportunities in Financial
Services, reflecting the substantial long
term potential in this market. This included
strengthening our digital capabilities
through the acquisitions of Mortgage Gym
and Direct Life Quote Holdings Limited and
launching our Pivotal Growth joint venture
with Pollen Street Capital. Pivotal Growth
aims to ‘buy and build’ a leading national
mortgage broker and it completed its first
acquisition in December 2021, purchasing
one of Scotland’s largest mortgage brokers.
A further acquisition was made in February
2022, purchasing a specialist new build
mortgage and insurance brokerage. We are
also investing in our D2C financial services
model. In addition to capital investment, we
expensed costs of c.£3m in the year as we
progressed these initiatives, with further
investment planned in 2022. Over the
medium term, we are confident these actions
will deliver substantial value for shareholders.
Our focus on our core businesses led us to
dispose of two non-core holdings in 2021.
These were LMS, which we sold in May, and
TM Group, which completed in July. The
combined consideration was £41.3m in cash.
We estimate that the lost profit contribution
from these businesses was approximately
£1m in 2021.
We have continued to add strength
and depth to the management team,
with key hires including a Group Chief
Operating Officer, to drive our IT strategy
and transformation programme, a highly
experienced leader for our Financial Services
D2C operation and a new Chief Financial
Officer for Financial Services.
Strategic priorities
Our two overarching strategic objectives are
to:
1. Put Financial Services at the heart of our
strategy, focussing on growth markets.
2. Reduce earnings exposure to housing
market volatility by generating more
resilient and reliable revenues.
In Financial Services, we aim to increase our
number of financial advisers and increase
revenue per adviser.
In Surveying & Valuation, we aim to gain
market share in both the B2B and D2C
markets, as well as develop new, data-
enriched services for lenders.
In Estate Agency, we aim to grow profitable
market share, optimise operating efficiency,
and develop our franchising proposition.
Our Living Responsibly and ESG programmes
will play a central role in the development
and execution of our strategy and have been
given a high priority by our Board.
Strong balance sheet
The combination of the disposals discussed
above and our cash generation in the year
resulted in a record Net Cash balance of
£48.5m at the year end. Our balance sheet
and strong cash generation enables further
investment to deliver the Group’s ambitious
growth strategy, including continued
investment in capability and technology,
expected investment in Pivotal Growth
D2C brokerage acquisitions, and potential
acquisition targets to build our Financial
Services Network business. The Board will
continue to actively review capital allocation
regularly to ensure we maintain an efficient
balance sheet.
Dividend
Our policy is to pay out 30% of Group
Underlying Operating Profit after finance and
normalised tax charges. Having declared an
interim dividend of 4.0 pence per share, the
Board has recommended a final dividend
of 7.4 pence per share. This, if approved by
shareholders, would give a total dividend for
the year of 11.4 pence per share, in line with
the policy.
The ex-dividend date is 28 April 2022 with a
record date of 29 April 2022 and a payment
date of 6 June 2022. Shareholders can elect
to reinvest their cash dividend and purchase
existing shares in LSL through a dividend
reinvestment plan. The election date is
12 May 2022.
A responsible business
We are keenly aware that sustained success
is about more than just profits. The Board is
committed to ensuring that we are, first and
foremost, a responsible business and one that
has a positive impact on the communities
in which we operate. In our ESG Report and
in our Living Responsibly Report, you can
read more about our focus on inclusion
and diversity, limiting our environmental
impact and our work in our communities. It is
important that what we do has real substance
and is reflected in everything we do, and to
help achieve this we have set up independent
colleague forums and working groups to drive
us forward in each of these areas.
The last couple of years have been hugely
challenging and we could not have achieved
what we have without the help, hard work
and commitment of our staff. I want to thank
everyone in the Group on behalf of the
Board. I also thank our shareholders for their
continued support.
08
Group Chief Executive’s Review
Outlook
Our strategy is on track and our core
businesses are performing well. Following the
COVID-19 led boom we expect housing and
mortgage transactions in 2022 to be more
in line with the levels we saw prior to the
pandemic, with inflation and the pressure on
household finances also having an impact.
Geopolitical uncertainty adds further risk.
These issues are expected to affect our Estate
Agency Division in particular, and as always,
we will be agile and respond to market
conditions as necessary.
However, the benefits of both our growth
strategy in Financial Services and the
significant progress made in Surveying &
Valuation, mean that we expect the housing
market cycle to have a more limited impact
on the Group’s results. We look forward
to reporting further growth in Financial
Services, alongside continued investment in
building our D2C businesses. We look forward
to the future with confidence.
David Stewart
Group Chief Executive Officer
15 March 2022
09
Strategic Report
Directors’ Report (including Corporate
Governance Reports and Committee Reports)
Other Information
Financial Statements
Strategic Report
Overview
Strategic Report
Overview
In this section
10 Purpose, Strategy, Culture, Values and Business
Model
11 Financial and Divisional Reviews:
11 – Financial Review
13 – Financial Services Division
15 – Surveying & Valuation Division
16 – Estate Agency Division
18 – Balance Sheet Review
19 Stakeholder Engagement Arrangements –
including s172 Companies Act 2006 statement
22 Principal Risks and Uncertainties
27 Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) Report
36 The Board
38 The Executive Committee
10
Purpose, Strategy, Culture, Values and
Business Model
The Board has established our purpose,
culture, values and strategy. Our purpose
statement, culture and values are aligned to
our strategy, provide an anchor point for risk
management and articulate what joins our
group of companies together.
Our Purpose
To provide first-class services to mortgage and
insurance advisers, estate agents, lenders and
their customers, to create long term benefits
for external stakeholders and our people.
Our Strategy
Financial Services is at the heart of our
strategy.
During 2022, we will continue to grow our
Surveying & Valuation and Estate Agency
Divisions and implement a new target
operating model, including a specific focus
on leveraging their capabilities to grow the
Financial Services Division.
Our strategic objectives are to:
• Reduce exposure to housing market
volatility.
• Generate more resilient and reliable
revenues, plus a more flexible cost base.
• Focus on and invest in growth markets.
• Invest in acquisitions and partnerships,
where it supports our strategy, plus digital,
data and technology.
• Leverage cross-Group opportunities.
• Focus on our Living Responsibly Strategy
and our ESG programme.
• Retain, develop and attract talented
people.
Our Culture
We describe our desired culture as having:
The right people: who accept accountability
for their actions.
Doing the right things: which deliver
customer expectations.
In the right way: being open, challenging of
themselves and supporting others.
Our Values
Our values, which underpin our culture, are:
• People focused.
• Market leaders.
• Honesty.
• Delivering on promises.
• Teamwork.
• Innovation.
Our Business Model
Through a number
of key resources...
...we provide a range
of first class products
and services...
...to our customers...
Ke
y
Financial Services
Group
Estate Agency
Surveying & ValuaƟon
Talented and
commiƩed
people
Leading
technology
Group
infrastructure
Group
capital
Services
to mortgage
intermediaries
Mortgage and
insurance
advice
ValuaƟon
and surveys
Estate agency
services
Mortgage
and insurance
intermediaries
Retail customers
Lenders
Retail customers
Retail customers
Shareholders Colleagues Customers Suppliers
...for the benefit of
all our stakeholders...
11
Financial and Divisional Reviews
Other Information
Financial Statements
Directors’ Report (including Corporate
Governance Reports and Committee Reports)
Strategic Report Strategic Report
Overview
Group summary (P&L)
We achieved record Group profit, with
growth in the core Financial Services Network
business, strong execution in Surveying &
Valuation and profitable market share gains
in Estate Agency. The Group’s financial result
was in line with the Board’s expectations.
We supported the future growth of our
Financial Services businesses and expensed
c.£3m in Financial Services technology
and D2C. The technology investment is
expected to begin to show tangible returns
in the second half of 2022 as we roll it out
through our Financial Services Network,
making our proposition more attractive to
potential recruits, increasing our efficiency,
and generating additional income from
subscription fees. We expect to see the major
benefits to start coming through in 2023 and
beyond. We also continued to invest in other
parts of the Group, notably key Group hires
and sustained marketing in Estate Agency to
build the sales pipeline for 2022.
Group Revenue increased by 23% to £326.8m
(2020: £266.7m), with year-on-year revenue
up by 29% in the Financial Services Division,
21% in the Surveying & Valuation Division and
20% in the Estate Agency Division. H1 Group
Revenue was up 45%, as we traded well in
a favourable housing market, with record
transaction levels ahead of the extended
Stamp Duty holiday at the end of June 2021.
The prior year comparatives for H1 were
impacted by COVID-19. H2 Group Revenue
was up 6%, reflecting the lower relative level
of market activity as well as industry-wide
capacity issues in conveyancing impacting
pipeline conversion in Estate Agency and
slower completion of purchase mortgages in
Financial Services.
Group Underlying Operating Profit
1
of £49.3m
was a record result, 15% more than the
previous best in 2015, 40% more than 2020
(2020: £35.2m) and 36% more than 2019
(2019: £37.0m). Group Underlying Operating
margin of 15.1% was up year-on-year by 190
bps. On a statutory basis, Group operating
profit increased 204% to £72.6m (2020:
£23.9m).
The split of H1:H2 profit in 2022 will revert to
a more typical profile with a skew to H2, after
record housing transactions in H1 2021.
Our profit turns into cash at a high rate, with
adjusted cash-flow conversion
2
of 106%. The
Group finished the year with a very strong
balance sheet, reporting Net Cash of £48.5m
(2020: Net Bank Debt £1.6m).
Total adjusted operating expenditure
Total adjusted operating expenses increased
by 20% to £280.2m (2020: £232.9m). This
increase was predominantly in employee
costs, with higher commissions linked to the
23% year-on-year increase in revenue, while
prior year employee costs included £15.7m
of Government Coronavirus Job Retention
Scheme (CJRS) support, reduced payments
whilst colleagues were on furlough, the
cancellation of all Executive Director bonuses,
and other Senior Management Team bonuses
which were limited to a maximum of 5%.
Other discretionary costs also increased
towards normalised levels in 2021 following
lower expenditure in 2020 resulting from the
impact of COVID-19, which included reduced
marketing, office and travel expenditure and
other reductions in discretionary costs.
Group Underlying Operating Profit
Group Underlying Operating Profit of £49.3m
was 40% above 2020 (£35.2m). In 2020,
COVID-19 costs
3
of £6.4m were recognised
in Group Underlying Operating Profit.
Stated before these COVID-19 costs, Group
Underlying Operating Profit in 2020 was
£41.5m. The Group has not benefited from
any CJRS funds in 2021.
Other operating income, gain on sale of
property, plant, and equipment
Other income, relating to rental income,
was £0.9m (2020: £0.8m). A gain on sale of
£1.1m (2020: £0.02m) was generated from
the disposal of seven commercial properties
in the Estate Agency Division, for total
consideration of £1.7m.
Income from joint ventures and associates
Income from joint ventures and associates
of £0.7m (2020: £0.5m) mainly comprised
our share of LMS and TM Group profits prior
to disposal, and our share of set up costs of
Pivotal Growth.
Share-based payments
The share-based payment charge of £1.9m
(2020: £0.02m) consists of a charge in
the period of £2.6m, offset by lapses and
adjustments for leavers and options exercised
in the period. The low charge in 2020 was
largely as a result of scheme lapses offsetting
existing scheme charges.
Amortisation of intangible assets
The amortisation charge for 2021 was £4.5m
(2020: £5.4m). The year-on-year decrease
was as a result of some lettings books
reaching full amortisation during 2020.
Exceptional items
The exceptional gain of £31.1m (2020: £0.7m)
relates to a £29.5m gain on disposal of the
Group’s joint venture holdings in LMS (£3.2m
gain) and TM Group (£26.3m gain) for total
proceeds of £41.3m and a release in the PI
Costs provision of £1.6m.
The exceptional cost of £2.0m (2020: £7.1m)
relates to the formation of the joint venture
Pivotal Growth (£1.2m), restructuring costs in
Embrace Financial Services (£0.7m) and costs
relating to the dissolution of the previously
owned associate holding in Mortgage Gym
Limited.
Contingent consideration
The credit to the income statement in 2021
of £0.7m (2020: credit £0.5m), relates mainly
to the reassessment of the contingent
consideration liability for RSC, due to be paid
in 2023.
Net financial costs
Net financial costs amounted to £2.7m (2020:
£3.0m) and related principally to unwinding
of the IFRS 16 lease liability of £1.5m (H1
2020: £1.6m) and interest and fees on the
revolving credit facility of £1.0m (2020:
£1.2m).
Profit before tax
Profit before tax increased to £69.9m (2020:
£20.9m). This increase was largely driven
by the improvement in Group Underlying
Operating Profit, the exceptional gains on
the sale of the investments in the LMS and
TM Group joint ventures and the reduction in
exceptional costs.
Taxation
The tax charge of £8.0m (2020: £4.6m)
represents an effective tax rate of 11.4%,
lower than the headline UK tax rate of 19%,
mainly due to profits on the sale of joint
venture investments not being subject to
corporation tax. Adjusting for the profits on
the sale of joint venture investments, the
effective tax rate was 18.8%. Deferred tax
assets and liabilities are revalued to 25%
(2020: 19%), the tax rate effective from
1 April 2023.
Financial Review
12
Financial and Divisional Reviews
Basic and Adjusted Basic Earnings per
Share
4
The Basic Earnings per Share was 59.6 pence
(2020: 15.9 pence). The Adjusted Basic
Earnings per Share was 37.7 pence (2020: 31.9
pence), an increase of 18%.
Notes:
1
Group Underlying Operating Profit is before
exceptional items, contingent consideration,
amortisation of intangible assets and share-
based payments (as set out in note 5 to the
Financial Statements).
2
Adjusted cash-flow conversion defined as
cash generated from operations (pre-PI Costs
and post-lease liabilities) divided by Group
Underlying Operating Profit.
3
In 2020 costs relating to COVID-19 were
separately identified relating to employee costs
and property and related costs (as set out in
note 5 to the Financial Statements).
4
Refer to note 11 to the Financial Statements for
the calculation.
13
Financial and Divisional Reviews
Other Information
Financial Statements
Directors’ Report (including Corporate
Governance Reports and Committee Reports)
Strategic Report Strategic Report
Overview
FY
Financial Summary 2021 2020 Var
P&L (£m)
Financial Services Network gross revenue 295.9 243.5 22%
Financial Services Network (net revenue) 38.3 31.3 23%
Financial Services Other 40.2 29.7 35%
Total revenue 78.5 61.0 29%
Mortgage net revenue 33.7 25.9 30%
Protection and general insurance net revenue 35.2 26.2 34%
Other net revenue 9.6 8.9 8%
Total revenue 78.5 61.0 29%
Financial Services Network 14.4 10.7 34%
Financial Services Other 0.4 1.6 (73)%
Underlying Operating Profit
1
(post-COVID-19 costs) 14.8 12.3 20%
Financial Services Network margin 38% 34% +320bps
Financial Services Other margin 1% 5% -420bps
Underlying Operating margin
(post-COVID-19 costs) 19% 20% -130bps
Underlying Operating Profit
1
(pre-COVID-19 costs) 14.8 13.5 10%
KPIs
LSL mortgage completion lending
2
(£bn) 41.1 32.6 26%
Total advisers 2,858 2,585 11%
Gross revenue per ave adviser
3
(Financial Services Network) (£’000) 92.5 86.1 7%
Annualised premium equivalent (£m) 70.3 53.5 31%
Notes:
1
Underlying Operating Profit is stated on the same basis as Group Underlying Operating Profit (as set out in note 5 to the Financial Statements).
2
LSL mortgage completions lending quoted includes product transfers.
3
Gross revenue per adviser is calculated as Financial Services Network gross revenue (excluding the TMA mortgage club) per active adviser.
Financial Services Division
14
Financial and Divisional Reviews
Summary
Financial Services Division revenue increased
by 29%, with profit up by 20%. Profits in the
core Financial Services Network business
increased by 34%, with operating margins up
400bps to 38% (2020: 34%).
Total financial advisers at 31 December
2021 were up by a record 273 year-on-year
to 2,858 and our share of the UK mortgage
market grew to around 10%, further
consolidating our position as the UK’s largest
mortgage and insurance network
1
.
We continued to support the future growth
of our Financial Services businesses,
with significant investment during the
year in technology, development of
capability, headcount to support growth,
the establishment of the Pivotal Growth
joint venture and development of our D2C
business. Whilst suppressing profits in the
short term, the investment will start to show
tangible returns in the second half of 2022,
with more material benefits expected in 2023
and beyond.
Financial overview
Net revenue reported for the year was up
29% to £78.5m (2020: £61.0m). H1 revenue
increased by 39%, benefiting from a strong
purchase mortgage market and COVID-19
impacted comparatives. Revenue was
up 20% in H2 reflecting stronger relative
comparatives, with higher refinancing
volumes and slower completion of purchase
mortgages.
Underlying Operating Profit was up 20% to
£14.8m (2020: £12.3m). In 2020, COVID-19
costs of £1.2m were recognised in the
Financial Services Division. Stated before
COVID-19 costs, Underlying Operating
Profit in 2020 was £13.5m and Underlying
Operating Profit growth in 2021 was 10%.
The Division’s revenue mix by product
highlights the significance of our insurance
business and its success in arranging
insurance products both on a standalone
basis as well as when needed at the time
of a mortgage being arranged. There is a
broadly equal split between mortgage related
and insurance related revenue. The split of
revenue by product type in 2021 was 43%
for mortgage fees (2021: £33.7m), 45% for
insurance fees (2021: £35.2m) and 12% in
other fees (2021: £9.6m).
For the first time, we are separately disclosing
the profit of our core Financial Services
Network business, which comprises the
PRIMIS Network and the TMA mortgage
club. This provides greater transparency
and demonstrates the consistent growth
and strong margins of this core part of the
Financial Services Division. Financial Services
Other comprises Pivotal Growth, our New
Homes businesses, D2C and our technology
businesses (Mortgage Gym and Direct Life
and Pensions which were both acquired
during 2021).
Financial Services Network business
Our gross mortgage completion lending
increased by 26% to £41.1bn (2020: £32.6bn)
representing an increased share of the
lending market excluding product transfers
2
of 9.6% (2020: 9.0%).
Our accounting policy is to recognise Financial
Services Network revenue as the net amount
of commission retained by the network. To
provide additional information, we now also
disclose gross revenues. Gross revenues
generated by the Financial Services Network
(including the TMA mortgage club) increased
by 22% to £295.9m (2020: £243.5m). Financial
Services Network net revenue increased by
23% to £38.3m (2020: £31.3m).
Gross revenue per average adviser of £93k
was a 7% increase (2020: £86k per adviser).
In general, advisers joining the Financial
Services Network take some time to reach
maximum productivity, and as such make a
relatively small contribution to turnover in
the year of their joining. Revenue in 2022
will therefore benefit from a full year of the
advisers who joined in 2021.
Underlying Operating Profit increased by
34% to £14.4m (2020: £10.7m) with the
Underlying Operating margin rising to 38%
(2020: 34%), notwithstanding significant
investment in headcount made to support
future growth. Profit was up 87% in H1 and
3% in H2, reflecting the more buoyant market
in H1 compared to H2, the weaker COVID-19
impacted comparatives in H1 2020 and the
strong bounce-back from lockdown in H2
2020.
Financial Services Other
Financial Services Other revenue increased
by 35%, largely reflecting the acquisition
of Direct Life and Pensions in Q1 2021 and
growth in our D2C business, as a result of
stronger housing transactions as well as
the benefit of the change of commercials
between the Financial Services Division
and the Estate Agency Division, which was
reported in the 2021 Interims. Revenue
in New Build was broadly flat. Financial
Services Other Underlying Operating Profit
reduced to £0.4m (2020: £1.6m), reflecting
the investment for future growth, weaker
execution in New Build, and D2C profit
increasing in the more buoyant market,
albeit with weaker conversion rates from our
owned and franchised Estate Agency leads as
we switched resources to focus on launching
The Property Franchise Group deal.
Financial Services Other profit is stated
after expensing c.£3m in Financial Services
technology and D2C, including costs of the
TPFG contract and the Pivotal Growth joint
venture set up costs. As anticipated, the
TPFG contract will continue to act as a drag
on profitability in 2022 and is expected to
generate a positive contribution by 2023. The
Pivotal Growth joint venture was established
in April 2021, with a net loss in 2021 of £0.9m
representing set up costs and overheads. A
positive contribution is expected in 2022,
dependant on the profile of acquisition
undertaken and the financing means used.
As well as significant investment in Mortgage
Gym, we continued to invest in the Financial
Services Network technology platform
(Toolbox), to deliver benefits to firms and
their advisers and create further efficiencies
and improved functionality. Capital
investment in the platform amounted to
£0.5m in 2021 (2020: £0.5m).
Notes:
1
UK’s largest mortgage and insurance network
based on LSL estimates.
2
New mortgage lending by purpose of loan, UK
(Bank Of England) – Table MM23.
15
Financial and Divisional Reviews
Other Information
Financial Statements
Directors’ Report (including Corporate
Governance Reports and Committee Reports)
Strategic Report Strategic Report
Overview
FY
Financial Summary 2021 2020 Var
P&L (£m)
Total revenue 93.7 77.1 21%
Underlying Operating Profit
1
(post-COVID-19 costs) 23.6 16.2 46%
Underlying Operating margin
(post-COVID-19 costs) 25% 21% 420bps
Underlying Operating Profit
1
(pre-COVID-19 costs) 23.6 17.9 32%
Underlying Operating margin
(pre-COVID-19 costs) 25% 23% 200bps
KPIs
Jobs performed (000’s) 541 487 11%
Jobs per average surveyor 1,079 947 14%
Revenue from private surveys (£m) 2.2 1.1 96%
Income per job (£) 173 159 9%
Operational surveyors employed (FTE2) 489 513 (5)%
Notes:
1
Underlying Operating Profit is stated on the same basis as Group Underlying Operating Profit (as set out in note 5 to the Financial Statements).
2
Full Time Equivalent (FTE).
Summary
The Surveying & Valuation Division’s
Underlying Operating Profit increased by
46%, as we traded very well in favourable
markets during H1 and benefited in H2 from
increased key lender allocations. Surveyor
capacity utilisation also improved in 2021,
with 11% more jobs performed whilst
employing fewer operational surveyors.
Underlying Operating margin increased to
25% (2020: 21%), due to improved utilisation
and higher income per job.
We estimate that we increased market
share in 2021, while maintaining operational
resilience and providing high quality service
in a very busy market. We were named
Mortgage Surveyor of the Year at the 2021
Mortgage Awards organised by Money Age.
During 2021, two key supplier contracts were
renewed, increasing allocations, and we also
achieved increases in allocations from some
existing lender clients. Around three quarters
of our total annual volume is currently
secured for two or more years.
Financial overview
Revenue increased by 21% to a record £93.7m
(2020: £77.1m). H1 revenue was up 48%
compared to COVID-19 impacted H1 2020.
H2 revenue was up 3%, which was a very
strong performance given H2 total mortgage
approvals for house purchases were down
22% compared to the same period in the
prior year. At the 2021 Interims, we identified
the opportunity to commercialise valuable
data gathered as part of the valuation
process. Revenue for data services of £0.1m
was generated for the first time during H2.
Underlying Operating Profit increased by
46% to £23.6m (2020: £16.2m), up 179% in
H1 and up 1% in H2. In 2020, COVID-19 costs
of £1.7m were recognised in the Surveying &
Valuation Division. Stated before COVID-19
costs, Underlying Operating Profit in 2020
was £17.9 m.
Income per job increased by 9% to £173
(2020: £159), reflecting an improved lender
mix, house price inflation and a slightly lower
proportion of remote valuations in 2021 of
18%, compared to the COVID-19 impacted
period in 2020, during which remote
valuations made up 24% of the total.
During 2021, 71% of the Division’s revenues
derived from its top five customers. This is
broadly consistent with the concentration
of mortgage lending in the UK, where it
is estimated that the six largest lenders
collectively account for around 70% of the
market. The total number of jobs performed
during the period was 541,000, which was
11% greater than 2020.
At 31 December 2021, the total provision
for PI Costs was £3.9m (31 December 2020:
£7.0m). The Group continued to make
positive progress in addressing historic PI
claims and there was a net £1.6m exceptional
gain in the year. The number of new valuation
claims provided for in the period remained
very low.
The number of operational surveyors
employed (FTE) at 31 December 2021 slightly
reduced to 489 (31 December 2020: 513). Our
graduate and trainee mentoring programmes
continue to provide new productive
surveyors, to alleviate any capacity
constraints in the market.
Surveying & Valuation Division
16
Financial and Divisional Reviews
FY
Financial Summary 2021 2020 Var
P&L (£m)
Residential Sales exchange income 71.7 48.8 47%
Lettings income 62.0 58.6 6%
Other income 20.8 21.2 (2)%
Total revenue 154.6 128.7 20%
Underlying Operating Profit
1
(post-COVID-19 costs) 18.4 12.1 53%
Underlying Operating margin
(post-COVID-19 costs) 12% 9% 250bps
Underlying Operating Profit
1
(pre-COVID-19 costs) 18.4 15.5 18%
Underlying Operating margin
(pre-COVID-19 costs) 12% 12% -20bps
KPIs
Exchange units 18,845 12,921 46%
Managed properties 24,372 24,804 (2)%
Owned branches 225 225 –
Franchised branches 128 131 (2)%
Total Estate Agency branches 353 356 (1)%
Notes:
1
‘Other income’ includes franchise, conveyancing services, Asset Management, EPCs, Home Reports, utilities and other products and services to clients of the
branch network.
2
Underlying Operating Profit is stated on the same basis as Group Underlying Operating Profit (as set out in note 5 to the Financial Statements).
Summary
Estate Agency Division Underlying Operating
Profit increased by 53%, with Underlying
Operating margin up to 12% (2020: 9%),
benefiting from good trading in favourable
residential markets in H1 and an increase
during the year in our residential market
share across the core catchment areas in
which we compete.
The strong sales pipelines coming into 2021,
favourable market conditions and very high
exchange volumes in the lead up to the
extended Stamp Duty holiday that ended in
June, contributed to very strong Residential
Sales exchange income in H1. Estate Agency
residential pipeline conversion slowed in
H2 2021, following the record market levels
experienced in the lead up to the 30 June
2021 Stamp Duty deadline and capacity
issues in the conveyancing market.
Financial overview
Total Estate Agency Division revenue
increased by 20% to £154.6m (2020:
£128.7m), increasing by 46% in H1 and 1%
in H2, reflecting the residential market
dynamics described above.
Estate Agency Underlying Operating Profit
increased by 53% to £18.4m (2020: £12.1m).
H1 2021 Underlying Operating Profit of
£12.5m was very significantly higher than
H1 2020 (H1 2020: £2.4m), benefiting from
the strong opening pipelines and very strong
Residential Sales performance. Profits in H2
were £5.9m (2020: £9.7m) largely reflecting
reduced pipelines following the record June
2021 exchanges, a flat housing market in H2
compared to the prior year and the slowdown
in exchanges in Q4 2021. In addition, lost
profit contribution following the disposal of
the non-core holdings in LMS and TM Group
reduced comparative profit further in H2 by
a total of c.£1m. Underlying Operating Profit
also benefited from the improved franchise
revenues of £2.7m in 2021 (2020: £1.7m).
In 2020, COVID-19 costs of £3.4m were
recognised in the Estate Agency Division.
Stated before COVID-19 costs, Underlying
Operating Profit in 2020 was £15.5m.
Residential Sales
Residential Sales exchange income increased
by 47% to £71.7m (2020: £48.8m). The
number of exchange units increased by 46%
on the prior year. This is ahead of the overall
market trend on a national level, reflecting
the increase in market share in the locations
we trade in. Residential Sales exchange
income was up by 117% in H1 and 4% in H2.
The Residential Sales exchange pipeline at
31 December 2021 was 7% lower than the
record pipeline reported at the same date in
2020.
Lettings
In the lettings market there was a very
limited supply of new instructions and we
therefore focused on reletting and retaining
our managed property portfolio. The
total number of managed properties at 31
December 2021 was 24,372, broadly in line
with the same date in 2020. Total Lettings
income increased by 6% to £62.0m (2020:
£58.6m) largely reflecting an increase in Q2
Estate Agency Division
17
Other Information
Financial Statements
Directors’ Report (including Corporate
Governance Reports and Committee Reports)
Strategic Report Strategic Report
Overview
2021 compared to the COVID-19 impacted
prior year in the same period.
Other income
Other income was down 2% to £20.8m (2020:
£21.2m) with strong residential markets
benefiting conveyancing and other income
(up 43%) and franchise income (up 64%).
These increases were more than offset by
falls in Estate Agency’s share of Financial
Services income, which was down 36%
primarily reflecting the changed commercial
arrangement with the Financial Services
Division, as reported at the 2021 Interims
Results Statement, and Asset Management
(down 10%) due to lower market
repossession volumes.
18
Financial and Divisional Reviews
Goodwill
The carrying value of goodwill is £160.9m
(31 December 2020: £159.9m), with £1.0m
added due to the acquisition of Direct Life and
Pensions. No impairment is required from the
Group’s annual impairment testing.
Other intangible assets and property, plant
and equipment
Total capital expenditure in the year
amounted to £6.9m (2020: £4.1m). We
continued to invest in technology and the
capital expenditure in the year, including
£2.2m (2020: £1.8m) for further development
of the Toolbox platform in the Financial
Services Division and investment by the
Estate Agency Division in third party property
software. The prior year also reflected cash
conservation measures taken during the
lockdown, which focused capital spend on
essential projects.
Financial assets and investments in joint
ventures and associates
Financial assets
Financial assets of £5.7m at 31 December
2021 (2020: £9.6m) comprise investments in
equity instruments in unlisted companies. The
largest investment is an 8.8% shareholding
in Yopa Property Limited, a UK-based online
hybrid estate agent. The carrying value of this
investment has been assessed and a fair value
impairment of £2.0m has been made through
the Statement of Other Comprehensive Income.
The carrying value of the Group’s investment
at 31 December 2021 is £4.5m (2020: £6.5m).
The decrease in the year also included
settlement of secured loan notes, as
consideration for the purchase of the trade
and assets of Mortgage Gym Limited.
Joint ventures
The Group established the Pivotal Growth
joint venture during the year and held a 47.8%
interest at 31 December 2021. The joint
venture is equity accounted and is held on the
balance sheet at £1.6m at 31 December 2021,
representing equity investment during the
period less our share of costs for the period.
During 2021, we disposed of our entire
holding in both non-core businesses LMS
(May 2021) and TM Group (July 2021) for
total proceeds of £41.3m. At 31 December
2020, these businesses had been held on the
balance sheet at £11.4m.
As reported at the 2021 Interims, as part
of the LMS sale we agreed to provide an
indemnity to a maximum of £2m in relation
to claims of fraud by an LMS panel law firm.
We are required to assess the fair value of the
most probable outcome on this indemnity.
There is uncertainty around how likely a claim
can be made by the four banks with identified
losses. We have assessed the available
information on the claims and in line with
the accounting standards, a provision for our
share of these claims has been included of
£0.6m, offsetting the gain on disposal of LMS.
Mortgage Gym
In February 2021, the Group acquired the
trade and assets of Mortgage Gym Limited, a
former associate of the Group, for £2.4m. The
loan notes valued at £2.24m at 31 December
2020 were offset against the consideration
for the purchase from the administrators,
reducing the balance of these loan notes to
nil. The exceptional write down of the £2.0m
carrying value of the investment in Mortgage
Gym Limited was recognised in the financial
statements in the Annual Report and Accounts
2020.
Bank facilities/Net Bank Debt/Liquidity
On 24 February 2021, we announced a new
banking facility, providing the Group with
balance sheet flexibility to take advantage of
growth opportunities, particularly in Financial
Services. A £90m committed revolving credit
facility, with a maturity date of May 2024,
arranged on competitive terms, replaced
the previous £100m facility that was due to
mature in May 2022.
In arranging the banking facility, the Board
took the opportunity to review the Group’s
borrowing requirements in light of our
strong cash generation and the Group’s
aim of reducing its reliance on the housing
market. We therefore reduced the size of the
committed facility and the costs associated
with it. To provide further flexibility to
support growth, the facility includes a £30m
accordion, to be requested by LSL at any time,
subject to bank approval.
The facility is provided by Barclays Bank UK
plc and Santander UK plc, two long-standing
banking partners, alongside NatWest Bank
plc, a new member of the banking syndicate.
We have a strong and long-standing
relationship with NatWest Bank plc, through
our Financial Services and Surveying &
Valuation Divisions.
At 31 December 2021, Net Cash was at a historic
high of £48.5m (2020: Net Bank Debt: £1.6m).
The Group generated adjusted cash from
operations of £37.7m (2020: £66.3m). After
adjusting for payments made during 2021
for tax payment deferrals agreed with HMRC
relating to 2020, the cash-flow conversion
1
rate in 2021 was 106% (2020: 122%). The
reported cash-flow conversion rate before
adjusting for tax deferral payments, was 76%
(2020: 159%).
The net increase in cash and cash equivalents
of £37.0m during 2021 (2020: £11.4m
increase) included £41.3m proceeds from the
sale of investments in LMS and TM Group,
investments in Pivotal Growth (£2.5m) and
Direct Life and Pensions (£1.8m), capital
expenditure of £6.9m (2020: £4.1m) and
payment of the reinstated 2021 interim
dividend of £4.2m (2020: £nil dividends paid).
Working capital outflows included payments
for tax deferrals from 2020, with provisions
also decreasing by £3.2m (2020: decrease
of £1.5m), due to the positive progress in
addressing historic PI claims.
Contingent consideration
Contingent consideration at 31 December
2021 was £3.0m (31 December 2020: £5.4m).
Contingent consideration relates primarily
to the cost of acquiring the remaining shares
in RSC. The year-on-year reduction reflects
part settlement and an update to forecasts,
both relating to RSC, with additions in the
period due to the acquisition of Direct Life
and Pensions.
Treasury and Risk Management
We have an active debt management policy.
The Group does not hold or issue derivatives
or other financial instruments for trading
purposes. Further details on the Group’s
financial commitments, as well as the Group’s
treasury and risk management policies are set
out in note 32 to the Financial Statements.
International Financial Reporting Standards
(IFRS)
The Financial Statements have been
prepared in accordance with international
accounting standards in conformity with the
requirements of the Companies Act 2006
and UK adopted International Accounting
Standards.
Note:
1
Adjusted cash-flow conversion defined as cash
generated from operations (pre-PI Costs and
post-lease liabilities) divided by Group Underlying
Operating Profit.
Balance Sheet Review
19
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Financial Statements
Directors’ Report (including Corporate
Governance Reports and Committee Reports)
Strategic Report Strategic Report
Overview
Stakeholder Engagement Arrangements - including s172
Companies Act 2006 statement
This section of the Report describes how we engage with our stakeholders and how the Board and its Committees consider stakeholder views in
their decision making.
We regularly review our arrangements to ensure that we are operating in line with best practice and each year the Board considers its stakeholder
engagement arrangements. Our reviews also consider guidance published by the Investment Association and The Chartered Governance Institute,
in addition to the GC100 guidance on director’s duties under section 172 of the Companies Act 2006.
Our stakeholders
We have identified the following as our key stakeholders:
a. Shareholders.
b. Colleagues.
c. Customers.
d. Suppliers.
e. Regulators and professional bodies.
While we regularly consider other stakeholders such as our landlords and banking facility providers, this section of the Report focuses on our
arrangements with key stakeholders.
Additional information on our stakeholder engagement is included in the ESG Report (page 27) and the Corporate Governance Report (page 45)
sections of this Report.
Stakeholder engagement arrangements and report on 2021 activities
1. Shareholders
We place a great deal of importance on our communications with shareholders and seek to establish constructive relationships with investors
and potential investors. We will undertake measures to gain investor feedback from time to time, to ensure we understand the views of our
shareholders.
Institutional shareholders
We maintain a dialogue with institutional shareholders through regular meetings with them, attended by the Group Chief Executive Officer and
Group Chief Financial Officer. At these meetings they typically discuss Group strategy, performance and governance matters and obtain investor
feedback. In addition, presentations are arranged from time to time for shareholders and analysts, including after the publication of the interim
and full year results.
The Code requires chairs of company boards to seek regular engagement with major shareholders, in order to understand their views on
governance and performance against strategy. In line with this, all major shareholders are offered the opportunity to attend meetings with all the
Non Executive Directors, including the Chair and the Senior Independent Director, as they require. From time to time, the Chair of the Board or of
a Committee will meet with shareholders, to discuss specific issues such as remuneration policy or Board appointments.
Throughout each year, we ensure that all Directors understand the views of significant shareholders, including providing feedback received from
the corporate advisers and Executive Directors and the distribution of analysts’ reports to the Board.
During 2021 and into 2022, we have engaged with shareholders regarding ESG matters, and they have provided us with details of their ESG
priorities, which we have taken into account in developing our Living Responsibly Strategy and our ESG programme. Shareholders views have
been obtained in a variety of ways, including meetings with investors; reviewing investor publications; and responding to investor requests for
information. We have also consulted with our corporate brokers on our ESG strategy, and they have also provided investor feedback.
See later in this Report (s172 Statement) for a description of how we considered stakeholder views in the development of our Living Responsibly
Strategy.
If any shareholder or shareholder representative groups would like to discuss any issues or concerns with any Non Executive Directors, they can
be contacted through the Company Secretary’s office (see the Shareholder Information section of this Report for contact details (page 171)).
Individual shareholders
We consider the AGM to be our main forum for communication with individual shareholders and all of our Directors will be available at the 2022
AGM to meet with shareholders.
In addition to the above, we engage with our shareholders in the following ways:
a. Publication of information on our website (lslps.co.uk). This includes all regulatory news announcements as well as copies of presentations,
financial reports and shareholder notices.
b. Holding of a general meeting. In 2021 we held a general meeting to approve matters relating to the Pivotal Growth joint venture with Pollen
Street Capital, which is described in more detail below.
c. Responding to email enquiries.
d. Feedback received via our corporate brokers, Numis and Zeus.
20
Stakeholder Engagement Arrangements - including s172 Companies Act 2006 statement
2. Colleagues
We engage with our colleagues through:
a. Employee surveys. In 2021, we ran our annual colleague survey in addition to a series of ‘pulse surveys’, to gauge sentiment on a number
of topical issues and gather more general feedback. The annual survey received a 76% response rate (3,119 responses), building on 2020’s
response rate of 75% (3,496 responses). The results are shared in detail with the Executive Committee and the Board. See ESG Report (page 27)
in this Report for details of the key findings and actions arising from the surveys.
b. Our Employee Engagement Forum, Inclusion and Diversity Forum and Communities Forum, in addition to a number of Divisional employee
forums. For further details on the Inclusion and Diversity Forum and Communities Forum, see the ESG Report in this Report (page 27).
c. Darrell Evans, as the Non Executive Director designated for workforce engagement (see below).
d. Emails from the Group Chief Executive Officer and Divisional Managing Directors. Each Division also runs local colleague conferences, as well as
hosting intranet sites and message boards, keeping our colleagues up to date on company information.
e. The operation of all-employee share schemes, such as the SAYE and the BAYE/SIP. In 2021 we launched a sharesave scheme, which gave all
colleagues in the Group the opportunity to participate in the all-employee share plan and to share in the Group’s success. Further, for the first
time, in 2021 the sharesave scheme option price was discounted by 20%, providing employees with a further incentive to join the scheme and
resulting in record levels of employees joining this scheme.
We also continued to operate an all-employee BAYE/SIP share plan. The plan allows employees to save up to £150 per month and buy shares
in LSL in a tax efficient manner (as approved by HMRC). Furthermore, for every five shares that the employee purchases through the plan, one
share is awarded as a matching share by the Company. Employees who participate in this plan also benefit from dividends which are reinvested
into the plan, to further align employees and shareholders’ interests.
f. Senior Management Conference. The Executive Committee hosted and delivered a conference to members of the Group’s Senior Management
Team in 2021. This was an opportunity to present the Group’s strategy and plans for 2022.
Workforce engagement in 2021
During 2021, Darrell Evans met with the Employee Engagement Forum to discuss the Executive Directors’ remuneration arrangements. Further
detail on this exercise is set out below and in the Directors’ Remuneration Report in this Report (page 60).
3. Customers
All Group businesses seek regular feedback from customers, which informs our decision making and, in particular, the improvement of our
services, for example the development of technology in our Financial Services Division. This feedback is obtained through a number of methods,
such as relationship management meetings, formal questionnaires, mystery shopping exercises and consumer focus groups.
Each of our Divisions also monitors KPIs and management information relating to its customer service, including complaints information and data
tracking adherence to agreed service levels for corporate clients. We also have client relationship management arrangements. These approaches
allow us to take into account customer views regarding our products and services.
In addition, as part of special business and regular presentations from each Division during the year, the Board receives reports on customer
feedback, including consumer surveys and feedback from our key lender clients.
4. Suppliers
Across the Group, we manage our key suppliers through supplier management protocols, which include reviews of contractual performance and
other KPIs. As part of Management’s reporting, including special business presentations, the Board also receives information on key supplier
engagements. We are also developing a supplier code of practice, which will be put into place in 2022.
5. Regulators and professional bodies
The Board receives regular reporting from Management on the Group’s contact with regulators focusing on communications which are outside of
business as usual engagements. This includes engagement with the FCA, HMRC, ICO, TPO and RICS.
The Group will also engage with regulators by participating in and contributing to consultations which are relevant to our businesses.
We also participate in discussions with the Bank of England from time to time regarding business activity and market conditions.
See also below our Director Duties Statement for examples of how shareholders, employees and customers were considered in the Board’s
decision making during 2021. The ESG Report in this Report (page 27) also describes how our businesses communicate with customers and
suppliers.
Directors’ Duties Statement (s172 Companies Act 2006 Statement and Provision 5 of the Code)
Section 172 of the Companies Act 2006 sets out certain matters company directors must consider when performing their duty to promote the
success of the company. These matters include taking into account the interests of stakeholders and the impact of decisions in the long term.
To support the Board in carrying out its duties under s172, Management is required to identify the stakeholder groups impacted by any proposals
submitted to the Board for approval and explain what those potential impacts are.
21
Other Information
Financial Statements
Directors’ Report (including Corporate
Governance Reports and Committee Reports)
Strategic Report Strategic Report
Overview
The three examples below demonstrate how the Directors have considered stakeholders in principal decisions made during the year.
1. Investment in Pivotal Growth
In April 2021, we announced the formation of a joint venture with Pollen Street Capital to establish a joint venture vehicle (Pivotal Growth) which
is seeking to become a leading national mortgage broker powered by market-leading technology, first-class regulatory compliance and exemplary
customer service. The terms of the arrangement with Pollen Street Capital originally included a cap on the proceeds that we could receive on the
disposal of our shareholding, and we sought and obtained shareholder approval to remove this cap in July 2021 when we held a general meeting.
The details of the transaction, together with the circular published and issued to shareholders, are available on our website: lslps.co.uk.
When making its decision to invest in Pivotal Growth and seek shareholder approval for the removal of the cap, the Board considered the
following stakeholder-related factors:
1. Shareholders: the investment will generate value for the Group as a result of our shareholding in the joint venture and also as a result of the
recruitment of financial services brokers into the PRIMIS Network.
2. The long term: the investment will also generate recurring revenue for the Group and will increase the Group’s share of the financial services
market.
3. Distribution partners: the investment enables the Group to increase its distribution of insurance products and to grow its share of remortgage
and product transfer business undertaken by PRIMIS Network members, thereby benefiting the Group’s distribution partners. The Board also
considered the impact of the investment on our existing Financial Services Network businesses and their broker firms as the investment is
expected to result in growth and investment in our network businesses.
2. Living Responsibly Strategy
During 2021 the Board adopted a new sustainability strategy and programme which is detailed in our ESG Report (page 27) and our Living
Responsibly Report (published on our website: lslps.co.uk), which involved the following:
1. Developing our purpose, values and culture. See Strategy section for details (page 10).
2. Establishing the Living Responsibly Steering Committee, whose members include the Executive Committee.
3. Creating two new employee engagement forums: Communities and Inclusion and Diversity.
4. Promoting diversity initiatives, including starting to gather diversity data on our colleagues and the adoption of Board and Senior Management
Team diversity targets (subject to the FCA publication of the final rules).
When making its decision to adopt the strategy and programme, the Board considered the following stakeholders:
1. Employees: the Board considered the impact of the proposed strategy and ESG priorities on our colleagues. Our priorities are detailed in our
Living Responsibly Report, and they include a number of initiatives which directly impact colleagues, such as the promotion of:
a. Group HR employee welfare and inclusion and diversity initiatives.
b. the work of the Environmental Working Group in identifying environmental initiatives, including greener company car schemes.
c. the work of the two new employee engagement forums, which are supporting the ESG programme and capturing employee engagement via
the forum members on an ongoing basis. We have encouraged our colleagues to directly participate in and support our Living Responsibly
Strategy, including the ESG programme, and to contribute their views via these forums:
i. the work of the Communities Forum to promote and support community and charity initiatives selected by our colleagues.
ii. the work of the Inclusion and Diversity Forum and the development of inclusion and diversity initiatives by Group HR, which promote
inclusion and diversity amongst our colleagues.
d. colleagues engaging with the Living Responsibly Steering Committee via presentations and attendance at their meetings.
2. Shareholders have expressed their desire for companies to develop, implement and report on ESG strategies and the Board has taken these
expectations into consideration when developing its approach. Shareholder views have been secured in a variety of ways, including views
shared at meetings with us, documents published by investors or emails sent to us.
3. Customers and other business partners are considered in the development and delivery of our ESG initiatives. For example, key lender clients
have shared their ESG priorities with us and we have considered how these priorities align with our strategy.
4. The wider community: the establishment of the Communities Forum is expected to deliver increased benefits to our wider community, for
example by increasing opportunities for our employees to take part in community and charitable initiatives. Our colleagues are encouraged to
seek and share the views from their local communities.
3. Executive Remuneration
Darrell Evans, independent Non Executive Director, Chair of the Remuneration Committee and the designated workforce engagement Non
Executive Director, attended a meeting with the Group’s Employee Engagement Forum to seek views on executive remuneration. At this meeting,
the forum members received a presentation on executive remuneration matters and their views were sought on a range of matters including
the alignment of executive remuneration to the remuneration policy for the wider workforce. The forum’s feedback was then provided to the
Remuneration Committee by the Group HR Director and Darrell at its meeting in December 2021. The feedback helped inform the Remuneration
Committee’s thinking, particularly with respect to appropriate non-financial measures for 2022 and the all-employee share plan awards for the
coming year.
22
Principal Risks and Uncertainties
Our risk framework:
• Risk management is the responsibility of the Board and is a key factor in the delivery of the Group’s strategic objectives. The Board establishes
the culture of effective risk management and is responsible for maintaining appropriate systems and controls. The Board sets the risk appetite
and determines the policies and procedures that are put in place to mitigate exposure to risks. The Board plays a central role in the Group’s risk
review process, which covers emerging risks and incorporates scenario planning and detailed stress testing.
• Risk management is underpinned by a governance framework that defines our governance structures and control functions, which in turn
support Board decision making. The Group risk framework policy is reviewed and approved annually by the Audit & Risk Committee.
• We have adopted a ‘three lines of defence’ approach to ensure risks are promptly identified and managed through robust oversight routines.
These structures ensure that oversight activities are layered to prevent sole reliance on risk management updates from front line teams.
Associated control functions perform regular assessments to articulate their tolerable risk boundaries and to identify emergent trends. These
are factored into risk status evaluations, with risk treatment plans applied and issues escalated when appropriate. Examples of oversight
functions include Risk and Governance (second line), Group Finance (second line) and Internal Audit (third line).
• The risk management routines are applied at both Divisional and Group level. They interface with relevant governance forums, to ensure our
overall principal risk profile is regularly reassessed and approved.
2021 activities
• The Group has achieved record results in 2021 and successfully continued its strategic shift towards Financial Services despite the continuing
challenges of COVID-19. Investment has continued in the Pivotal Growth joint venture and the development of core technology platforms that
will drive future growth.
• The 2021 results have been supported by the operation of a risk management framework. Focus on core risk topics like change management,
resilience and regulatory compliance have contributed to an environment where relevant risk factors are identified and managed in a way that
supports sustainable growth.
• Improvements have also been delivered through the strengthening of some of our risk roles, and further details are provided in the Audit & Risk
Committee Report on page 54.
2022 plans
• Our initiatives for 2022 include Group-led mapping and analysis of risk profiles across both businesses and support functions. This will include
evaluating the clarity of responsibilities for key risk areas at Executive Committee level. Other initiatives involve developing dashboard
reporting and ‘speaking-up’ routines applied by key governance forums.
• Continuing progress with our Living Responsibly and ESG programmes, which includes managing ESG-related risks, remains a priority. This
includes embedding further related governance routines at a Divisional level.
• Our Internal Audit plans will increase their focus on assessing the effectiveness of strategy execution and second line oversight routines.
• We will also strengthen our horizon-scanning routines and reassess our health and safety framework.
Our risk profile:
• We have undertaken a robust and systematic assessment of the Group’s principal risks and uncertainties, including emerging areas. Divisional
Management and the Audit & Risk Committee monitor and regularly evaluate changes in risk profiles, including our appetite levels. Changes to
the risk profile influence risk themes for the Board to focus on and the parameters we apply to our viability stress tests.
• We consider that all of our principal risks and uncertainties are currently within the Group’s risk appetite, though the overall trend of our
aggregated risks is increasing.
• We added COVID-19 as a new principal risk in 2020 and established successful mitigations to protect our colleagues, customers and suppliers.
Whilst the impact of successive pandemic waves is now better understood and safeguards are in place, we have retained this category as a
principal risk due to the potential for significant future waves and variants.
• Principal risks and uncertainties are linked to key strategic goals as part of the following tabular summary. In the last year, we have particularly
focused on delivery of our growth strategy, ensuring the resilience of core technology systems, developing the maturity of Divisional risk
frameworks, and protecting the safety and welfare of our colleagues, customers and suppliers.
• Further detail on our principal risks and uncertainties, including recent gross risk trends, is provided as follows.
23
Other Information
Financial Statements
Directors’ Report (including Corporate
Governance Reports and Committee Reports)
Strategic Report Strategic Report
Overview
Nature of principal risk and uncertainty Mitigating actions Trend (gross)
Primary
strategy link
1. UK housing market and mortgage lending
Group performance and liquidity are sensitive
to the UK housing market and the availability of
mortgage funding, which in turn are influenced
by external events.
• Our Financial Services led growth strategy and diversification
of income streams are reducing dependency on housing
market transactions.
• We also manage cyclical trends by regular stress testing of
market scenarios, a scalable cost base and a UK-wide spread,
to avoid over-exposure to local market factors.
Stable Sustainable
growth
2. Market disruption
We are exposed to competitive pressures
from market participants, including new
entrants, disruptor business models and new
combinations.
• We monitor investment opportunities, including the
expansion of joint venture activities through the Pivotal
Growth arrangements.
• We develop digital opportunities, new technology platforms
and ways of working, to improve efficiency and the customer
experience.
Decreasing Innovation
3. Execution of growth strategy
Weaknesses in decision making or
implementation could mean that investments,
acquisitions and major projects fail to deliver
the Group’s overall strategic aims.
• We continue to focus on Financial Services growth, such as
the conversion of the Pivotal Growth investment targets and
harnessing innovative digital platforms.
• We have appointed a Group Chief Strategy Officer to oversee
the development of our strategy.
• Teams within each Division support due diligence, modelling
and integration of acquisitions and investments.
Increasing Innovation
4. Professional services
We could be exposed to significant professional
indemnity claims arising from lapses in the
delivery of professional services across all
Divisions.
• Our culture promotes effective conduct and positive customer
outcomes.
• Financial Services do not provide investment/wealth advice
and our Surveying & Valuation activities focus on mainstream
lending. This reduces exposure to products with higher risk
features and complexities.
• Our risk framework involves insurance arrangements and
a ‘three lines of defence’ approach to oversight routines,
supported by quality assurance, Internal Audit and
complaints/claims handling functions.
Decreasing Customer service
5. Client contracts
We could lose key B2B client(s) within the
Surveying & Valuation Division, influenced by
factors such as service delivery, commercial
terms or competitive pressures.
• Our culture emphasises strong client servicing, innovative
product delivery channels, and risk profiling of prospective
clients, renewals and ongoing portfolios.
• Our dedicated relationship managers closely monitor
service levels, operating dependencies and compliance with
contractual terms.
• Delivery of key client contract renewals.
Stable Customer service
24
Principal Risks and Uncertainties
6. Business infrastructure (including technology)
We may fail to maintain resilient systems
and technology that promote competitive
advantage, robust client servicing and delivery
of strategic objectives.
• Strategic focus on technology-based investments and
consolidation of IT systems across brands.
• Our Data and Information Security Committee sets Group
policy and minimum standards; including continuity/
recovery routines, vetting of third party dependencies and
maintenance of business interruption insurance.
• Resilience safeguards also include learnings from a 2021
inter-Group breach simulation exercise involving a mock
ransomware attack.
Stable Sustainable
growth
7. Information security (including data protection)
A major data loss could lead to recovery issues,
reputational damage and regulatory exposure.
• We have dedicated information security specialists and
Data Protection Officers across all Divisions, within a Group
environment involving base policy requirements, minimum
standards (defined via Cyber Essentials standards), cybercrime
insurance cover and governance support and Group co-
ordination provided via the Data and Information Security
Committee.
• Investment in Group IT resource and staff training/awareness
programmes. Recent ‘deep dives’ on technical areas, followed
by Group-wide expertise sharing.
• System security is supported by penetration testing, intrusion
scanning routines, secure back-ups, encryption of key data
and a robust access control framework.
Increasing Safety and
integrity
8. Regulatory compliance
The Group and our associates are required
to comply with various legal and regulatory
requirements, including FCA authorisations
and significant areas of emerging reform (for
example in Estate Agency).
Any significant compliance breaches could
result in material financial sanctions and
reputational damage. Recent focus topics
include tenant welfare and a review of
appointed representative business models.
• Our culture has reinforced our focus on fairness,
transparency, delivery of robust customer outcomes and
monitoring of emergent legislation.
• The Group risk framework is supported by investment in
specialist oversight roles (for example conduct risk expertise)
across all ‘three lines of defence’, with external consultative
input sought as necessary.
• We communicate a zero-tolerance policy for any weaknesses
leading to regulatory breaches (including health and safety).
Increasing Safety and
integrity
9. Environmental, social and governance (ESG)
We may fail to establish and deliver
appropriate ESG performance, affecting our
productivity, reputation and market value
performance.
• We have a Living Responsibly Strategy and ESG programme
sponsored by the Group Chief Executive Officer and led by the
Group Chief Strategy Officer, with an overarching Executive
steering forum and workstreams specialising in each focus
area (environment, social and governance).
• We recognise the importance of environmental, social and
governance goals, which include a net zero carbon objective
by 2040 (see ESG Report – page 27 and our Living Responsibly
Report (lslps.co.uk)).
• Progress is tracked against defined targets and benchmarks
provided by proxy agencies (for example ISS).
Increasing Sustainable
growth
25
Other Information
Financial Statements
Directors’ Report (including Corporate
Governance Reports and Committee Reports)
Strategic Report Strategic Report
Overview
10. Employee resources and talent
Failure to attract, develop and retain talented
colleagues will affect the Group’s ability to
deliver our objectives, particularly in key
strategic areas.
• We have governance routines, policies and initiatives,
overseen by the Remuneration and Nominations Committees,
to recruit and retain talent in key strategic roles.
• We employ colleague surveys, workforce engagement forums,
culture assessments and welfare initiatives as ways to identify
and address pressures.
Increasing People-driven
11. COVID-19 virus `
Future waves or variants of COVID-19 may
materially impact on our customers, suppliers,
colleagues, and the wider housing market.
• We have adaptable working arrangements and customer
service mediums in place, to minimise disruption to business
activity.
• Our agile business continuity plans promote secure
technology connectivity.
• We ensure effective health and safety at work arrangements
are implemented to promote safe environments for
colleagues, customers and suppliers.
Decreasing Safety and
integrity
Our viability:
The Directors have assessed the Group’s prospects and financial viability, taking into account its current and expected financial position, existing
banking facilities, actions available to management and the potential impact of its principal risks.
Assessment of prospects
Our business model and strategy are central to understanding our prospects and details are included in the Strategy section of this Report
(page 10).
Our purpose is to provide first-class services to mortgage and insurance advisers, estate agents, lenders and their customers, to create long term
benefits for external stakeholders and our people.
The Board assesses the Group’s prospects throughout the year and particularly during the strategic planning process. This includes an annual
review of our ongoing plan, led by the Group Chief Executive Officer and Group Chief Financial Officer, in addition to the relevant business
functions involved.
The Directors participate fully in the annual planning process. Part of the Board’s role is to consider whether our plan takes appropriate account
of the changing environment, including macroeconomic, political (including geopolitical), regulatory and technological changes.
This process allows the Board to produce strategic objectives and detailed financial forecasts over a three year period. The latest updates to the
plan were finalised in January 2022. This considered our current position and our prospects of operating over the three year period ending 31
December 2024 and reaffirmed our strategy.
COVID-19
We assess the risks related to the COVID-19 pandemic on an ongoing basis. Our approach ensures that we closely monitor any impact on our
operations, including the effect of any national or local lockdowns or similar arrangements, and that we regularly reassess the risk status, identify
actions we need to take, and conduct regular scenario modelling. Our principal risks and uncertainties continue to reflect the ongoing uncertainty
arising from the pandemic.
Assessment of viability
Although the strategic plan reflects the Directors’ best estimate of the Group’s prospects in accordance with provision 31 of the Code, we have
assessed our viability over a longer period than the 12 months required by the going concern provision.
For the purposes of assessing the Group’s viability, we determined that a three year period ending on 31 December 2024 was appropriate, as
it was consistent with the Board’s strategic planning cycle. Our assessment took into account the Group’s current position and prospects, the
Board’s risk management framework and the Group’s principal risks and uncertainties.
We considered several severe but plausible scenarios and modelled two in detail, with input from across a functional group of senior managers,
including representatives from the Divisional finance teams. Our base forecast and scenarios assume all three Divisions continue to operate.
26
Principal Risks and Uncertainties
The scenarios reflected the following risks:
• a severe downturn in our markets, close to the levels seen during the financial crisis in 2008, caused by one or more of COVID-19, Brexit or
political, economic or other uncertainties; and
• a combination stress test, including the loss of a major contract and a PI claims risk event in Surveying & Valuation, a downturn in our markets,
and a one-off regulatory fine following a data breach.
We developed detailed assumptions for each scenario and modelled them by month across the three year period. The models measured
the impact on revenue and the actions we would take to retain cash reserves and maintain our operations such as the suspension of capital
expenditure, which is within Management’s control.
We also made assumptions about the stability and potential growth of the Group’s recurring income and counter-cyclical businesses, notably
mortgage and insurance renewals, lettings and asset management, and the extent to which we could quickly ramp up some activities, such as
remote valuations, in extreme market conditions. The modelling and assumptions took account of our broad range of services across a wide
geographical area, which gives us some protection from the impact of stress scenarios.
The Group’s financial position was further strengthened during 2021 by our disposal of investments in two joint ventures, LMS and TM Group, for
net proceeds of £41.3m. This contributed to a strong Net Cash position of £48.5m at 31 December 2021. We also have a revolving credit facility in
place until May 2024.
The stress testing indicated that the Group would be able to withstand the financial and operational impact of each scenario and therefore
continue to operate and meet its liabilities, as they fall due, over the three year period ending 31 December 2024. Under all of the modelled
scenarios, the Group had sufficient liquidity throughout the going concern period and to the end of the planning period in December 2024.
Directors’ viability statement (this statement is made by the Directors appointed at 31 December 2021 only)
Based on their assessment of the Group’s prospects and viability, the Directors confirm that they have a reasonable expectation that the Group
will continue to operate and meet its liabilities, as they fall due, for the next three years, and that the likelihood of extreme scenarios which would
lead to a breach of covenant is remote.
The Directors also confirm that in making this statement they 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.
The Board also considered it appropriate to prepare the Financial Statements on the going concern basis, as explained in the Basis of Accounting
paragraph in the Principal Accounting Policies section contained within the Financial Statements of this Report.
The Audit & Risk Committee oversaw the process by which the Directors reviewed and discussed Management’s assessment in proposing the
viability statement.
27
Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Report
Other Information
Financial Statements
Directors’ Report (including Corporate
Governance Reports and Committee Reports)
Strategic Report Strategic Report
Overview
This section provides ESG information which we are required to include in this Report. For further details on our wider Living Responsibly Strategy
and programme, please see our Living Responsibly Report which has been published at the same time as this Report and is available on our
website: lslps.co.uk.
Our Approach
The Board has overall responsibility for our ESG approach. David Stewart, as Group Chief Executive Officer, is the Board sponsor of our Living
Responsibly Strategy and Andy Deeks, Group Chief Strategy Officer, leads the development of our programme. Our arrangements include an
assessment of ESG related risks and further details on these risks are included in the Principal Risks and Uncertainties section of this Report
(page 22).
The diagram below illustrates the various matters which we have considered in developing our Living Responsibly programme, which includes our
ESG arrangements.
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Living
Responsibly
and ESG
Combined Ethics
Policy, including
Anti-Slavery and
Whistleblowing
Policies
Speak Up
Policy
Colleague
Policy Suite
(including Equality
and Diversity, Bullying and
Harassment, Flexible
Working)
Suite of
Colleague
Training and
Education
Health and
Safety Policy
Stress and
Mental Wellbeing
Policy
Information
Security and
Data Protection
and Handling
Policy Suite
Relationship
Management
Framework
Stakeholder
Mapping
Annual
Review
Payment
Practices
Reports
Expectations
of Suppliers
Document
Risk
Management
Policy Suite and
Framework
Combined
Ethics Policy
(including Anti-
Bribery and
Corruption, Fraud
and Tax Evasion)
Code
Compliance
Review
Directors
Remuneration
Policy
Matters
Reserved for
the Board
Environmental
Policy
Modern
Slavery
Climate Change
and Greenhouse
Gas Emissions
Reduction
Whistleblowing
Ethics
Human Rights
Equal
Opportunities
Communities
Learning and
Development
Inclusion and
Diversity
Health and
Safety, Mental
Wellbeing
Data Protection
and Information
Security
Corporate
Governance
Anti-Bribery
and Corruption
Internal Controls
Tax Strategy
Risk
Stakeholders
and
Engagement
Board Inclusion
and Diversity
28
Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Report
Our ESG approach in 2021 involved three workstreams:
• Environmental – headed by David Akinluyi, Group Chief Operating Officer.
• Social:
o
Inclusion, Diversity and Equality: headed by Helen Buck, Executive Director – Estate Agency.
o
Colleague Surveys, Mental Health and Wellbeing, and Learning and Development: headed by John McConnell, Group HR Director.
o
Communities: headed by Communities Forum (supported by Sapna B. FitzGerald).
• Governance – headed by Sapna B. FitzGerald, General Counsel and Company Secretary.
Progress with each of these workstreams in 2021 is set out below.
Environmental
During the year, we have sought to identify ways in which our businesses can reduce their impact on the environment, including considering the
identification and adoption of targets. During 2022, we plan to continue to develop and implement our environmental initiatives.
2021 review
During 2021, we reviewed the environmental impact of our activities. This involved analysing our emissions, focusing first on Scopes 1 and 2. We
engaged a consultancy in mid-2021 to support our work (see below Greenhouse Gas Emissions), which has helped us identify our climate-related
risks and opportunities. For further information on our governance arrangements and our risk management processes, please refer to Principal
Risks and Uncertainties section of this Report (page 22).
Further, through the adoption of new ways of working as a result of the pandemic, we have noted the positive impact that these changes have on
the environment as we reduce business travel and hold meetings using internet-based solutions.
We have focused on assessing our Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions utilising science-based target tools and creating a credible plan for delivery.
COVID-19 impact
COVID-19 had a periodical impact on the Group’s emissions. Apart from lockdown periods the business was still operating and generating
emissions across the Estate Agency Division who were permitted to trade with restrictions (with exception of the first lockdown). Vehicle emission
levels also reduced periodically in e.surv as more remote valuations were being completed during this time. Employee commuting to head offices
reduced significantly due to greater remote working and the use of internet-based solutions to facilitate communication.
2022 actions
During 2022 we will undertake an analysis of our Scope 3 emissions. We are committed to becoming a net zero carbon business on our direct
operations by 2040. Further details on our target is included below in our Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TSFD) reporting.
2022 targets
In alignment with international and governmental commitments to keep the global temperature increase to well below 2°C above pre-industrial
levels and limit the increase to 1.5°C, we have committed to reducing our impact via the following Scope 1 activities.
Scope 1 - Removing 480 tCO2e through procuring green energy gas supply to our locations and transitioning our diesel and petrol fleet vehicles
to hybrid and electric vehicles.
Scope 2 - Procuring energy from renewable sources at 99% of our locations aligns us with our net zero target at the end of 2022. The Board will
receive regular updates with our achievement of these targets, and we may set additional targets during the year.
Environmental policy
We have an environmental policy, which addresses employee waste management, including recycling, energy and resource consumption and
encouraging the issuing of low and zero emissions fleet vehicles. The policy is made available to all colleagues on our Group HR self-service
platform and reviewed annually.
For further information on our climate-related financial disclosures, as required by the TCFD, see below.
Energy Savings Opportunities Scheme (ESOS)
We continue to progress our delivery of the 2019 ESOS audit and our performance against our objectives is summarised below:
a. Energy from renewable sources to 100% of our managed locations.
b. The transition from diesel and petrol vehicles is ongoing and during 2021 numbers reduced to 498 vehicles (2020: 581); hybrid vehicles
increased to 175 (2020: 123) and electric vehicles (EVs) to 23 (2020: 9).
c. Recycling facilities are provided at all locations with 41% of waste recycled during 2021, an increase of 6% over the previous year.
d. Confidential waste is securely managed through our accredited partner. 53 tonnes were collected during 2021, with the equivalent of 1,032
trees saved.
e. The improvement in electrical efficiencies is ongoing, including the provision of LED lighting, installed at 44% of locations.
f. The installation of energy efficient systems continues, as existing facilities reach end of life.
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Overview
g. Smart meters have been installed at 77% of our sites.
h. Water meters have been installed at 85% of our sites.
We continue to engage with our landlords, and at multi-tenanted sites seek to influence change on environmental matters around green energy,
recycling and provision of EV charging points. We have also engaged with our colleagues on environmental matters through the creation of an
Environmental Working Group (EWG), which is chaired by David Akinluyi, Group Chief Operating Officer. The EWG includes representation from
each of the Divisions and reports into the Living Responsibly Steering Committee.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
During the 2020/21 reporting period, the Group emitted a total of 2,165 tCO2e from fuel combustion and operation of facilities (Scope 1 direct),
and electricity purchased for the Group’s own use (Scope 2 indirect). This is equal to 7 tCO2e per £m of revenue or 0.52 tCO2e per FTE employee.
The table below shows our tCO2e emissions for the period 1 October to 30 September for the years 2016 to 2020.
(tCO2e) 2020/21 2019/20 2018/19 2017/18 2016/17
Combustion of fuel and operation of facilities (Scope 1) 2,125 2,517 3,420 3,705 3,959
Electricity, heat, steam and cooling purchased for our own use (Scope 2) 39 1,139 1,535 2,625 2,721
Total Scope 1 and 2 2,165 3,656 4,955 6,330 6,680
tCO2e per FTE employee 0.52 0.94 1.17 1.27 1.47
tCO2e per £m revenue 7 14 16 20 22
Since 2017 our absolute emissions have decreased by 68%. This has principally been due to the commitment of the Group to reducing its carbon
footprint and progress on a number of objectives within our environmental policy, as described earlier in this section. The most significant
improvement in Scope 2 emissions in comparison to the prior year has been as a result of the move to renewable energy for our managed
properties.
Greenhouse gas reporting methodology
The Group quantifies and reports on its organisational greenhouse gas emissions according to Defra’s Environmental Reporting Guidelines
and has utilised the 2021 UK Government GHG Conversion Factors for Company Reporting, in order to calculate CO
2
equivalent emissions from
corresponding activity data. We also utilised data required for compliance with Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting (SECR) and ESOS.
Greenhouse gas reporting boundaries and limitations
The emission sources included in this Report fall within the consolidated Financial Statements. We do not have responsibility for any emission
sources that are not included within the consolidated Financial Statements. We have not, to date, calculated our fugitive refrigerants from air
conditioning equipment, as these are considered to be de minimis. However, we may look to quantify and report on emissions from this source in
future years.
The greenhouse gas sources that constitute our operational boundary for the 2020/21 reporting period are:
• Scope 1: Natural gas combustion in boilers and road fuel combustion in vehicles; and
• Scope 2: Purchased electricity consumption for our own use.
During 2022 we will undertake an analysis of our Scope 3 emissions.
Greenhouse gas reporting assumptions and estimations
In some cases, missing data has been estimated using either extrapolation of available data from the reporting period or data from 2019/20 as a
proxy.
Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD)
We have adopted the TCFD’s recommendations to aid our understanding of the impacts of climate change on our business.
TCFD Governance
David Stewart, as Group Chief Executive Officer has Board oversight and responsibility for climate-related risks and opportunities, as part of his
overall sponsorship of our ESG programme. David is supported by Andy Deeks, Group Chief Strategy Officer, who is responsible for developing
our Living Responsibly Strategy, which includes climate-related issues, and for ensuring the defining of our purpose, values and culture and the
alignment of these to our strategy, including our climate-related strategy.
The Living Responsibly Steering Committee receives reports on climate-related issues and reports from the EWG. The EWG is focused on defining,
implementing and tracking our environmental initiatives.
The Audit & Risk Committee supports the Board in managing all risks, including climate-related risks. Our review of our principal risks and
uncertainties has included assessing the impact on climate change on our Group.
TCFD Strategy
As a services business, we do not have a significant environmental footprint. However, we are committed to assessing and mitigating physical and
financial climate change adaption risks across our businesses.
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Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Report
In line with the TCFD recommendations, we undertook an assessment of our risks, and this covered both physical risks (i.e. physical impacts of
climate change, such as severe weather, flooding events, increase in temperature and sea level rise) and transition risks (i.e. risks relating to the
transition to a lower-carbon economy in order to avoid the worst physical impacts of climate change, such as policy and regulation changes).
Climate-related opportunities for the Group include the financial benefit of a shift in customer preferences to favour environmentally friendly
products and helping people to understand the environmental performance of their properties. We will continue to develop our response
to climate change issues and seek to operate the business in a manner that meets the expectations of our stakeholders. The most significant
opportunities in the medium to longer term will arise from improvements in our operational resilience, which we expect to see as a result of the
climate change transition and adaptation measures being implemented.
During 2022 and beyond, we plan to develop our climate-related risk assessment methodology to ensure we identify and assess risks and
opportunities that we may face beyond our typical business planning cycles. Furthermore, we will undertake scenario modelling to assess the
resilience of the business strategy, taking into consideration different climate-related scenarios.
TCFD Risk Management
Our existing risk management and control framework enables us to effectively identify, assess and manage climate-related risks. During the year,
we assessed and evaluated risks relating to climate change and these were discussed by the Living Responsibly Steering Committee and EWG. They
are also factored into our review and reporting on our principal risks and uncertainties. See the Principal Risks and Uncertainties section of this
Report (page 22) for further details of our ESG risks.
Management of our climate-related risks is overseen by David Akinluyi and this forms part of the wider ESG risk management which Andy
Deeks oversees. The Living Responsibly Steering Committee and EWG monitor the identification and assessment of climate-related risk and the
implementation and tracking of the Group’s environmental initiatives.
During 2022 we will continue to embed climate risk into our Group-wide risk management framework, which includes identification and
assessment, management and aggregation and reporting.
TCFD Metrics and Targets
We have been reporting on our greenhouse gas emissions since 2013 and we have consistently reduced our carbon footprint each year. Since
2017, our absolute emissions have decreased by 68%.
We monitor and report our Scope 1 and 2 emissions (with work on Scope 3 assessment ongoing) and our operational targets are aligned to the
Paris Accord, which is a global agreement to keep temperature rise well below 2
o
C above pre-industrial levels and pursue efforts to limit the
increase to 1.5
o
C.
Net Zero Target
We are committed to becoming a net zero carbon business on our direct operations by 2040 and we have a science-based carbon target to reduce
our Scope 1 operational carbon emissions by a total of 63% by 2035, aligned with a 1.5
o
C scenario. We intend to commit to additional science-
based targets during 2022 and this is subject to additional work, which we are carrying out to assess our Scope 3 emissions. Management has not
fully determined the financial impact of becoming a net zero business by 2040 and therefore the financial impact is not fully incorporated into the
Financial Statements.
We continue to make positive progress against these targets. Further information can also be found in our Living Responsibly Report.
People
A key aspect of our ESG programme involves considering our impact on, and investment in, society and the communities in which we operate.
During 2021, our social workstream involved a focus on people and this was headed by Helen Buck, Executive Director – Estate Agency and by
John McConnell, Group HR Director. This workstream has focused on improving the experiences of our colleagues.
Colleague Engagement:
Our people programme includes three Group colleague engagement forums:
1. Communities Forum
2. Inclusion and Diversity Forum
3. Employee Engagement Forum
Further information on the Employee Engagement Forum can be found below and in the Stakeholder Engagement Report of this Report (page 19).
The Communities and Inclusion and Diversity Forums were established in late 2020 and started work in early 2021. Their members include
colleagues who joined the forums as volunteers. Both forums have a chair, who is mentored by Helen Buck (for Inclusion and Diversity) and Sapna
B. FitzGerald (for Communities). The forum chairs are financially compensated for their roles and report directly to David Stewart, providing him
with regular updates on the work of the forum and the views of its members.
Examples of initiatives delivered by the forums in 2021 are provided in our Living Responsibly Report.
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Overview
Group colleague matters are overseen by John McConnell, including ensuring the promotion of equal opportunities in the Group. During 2021, the
Group HR team established a series of initiatives as part of our ESG programme, some of which are described in our Living Responsibly Report. One
such initiative, in consultation with the forum, was the evaluation of charters focused on race and ethnicity. This work is continuing into 2022 and
we intend to select one to adopt over the coming year.
Inclusion, Diversity and Equality (I,D&E)
The Group HR projects support the Group’s I,D&E objectives, which have been adopted by the Board and are summarised below:
Our I,D&E Vision
Welcoming people of all backgrounds and identities, through inclusive working cultures and practices.
Our I,D&E Goal
To have a workforce that reflects the communities in which we operate, and to provide a platform that supports progression, promotes health
and wellbeing, and creates a positive impact.
Our I,D&E Pillars
Improving our
employees’
understanding and
interacƟons
Developing our
infrastructure for
inclusive, diverse and
equal working
pracƟces
Giving our
employees equal
opportunity of access
and development
CreaƟng
Awareness
ConƟnually
Improving Our
PracƟces
PromoƟng
Opportunity
Gender Diversity Key Performance Indicators
Set out below is data on the diversity of our colleagues together with key performance indicators for 2021 and targets for 2022 and beyond.
2021 2020 2019 2018 2017
Total employees at 31 December 4,617 4,335 4,772 5,463 5,084
Total employee turnover percentage (%) 28.1 17.4 26.7 27.0 28.7
Male 2,173 2,104 2,255 2,562 2,273
Female 2,444 2,231 2,517 2,901 2,811
Note: Data excludes forced leavers
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Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Report
During 2021 we asked employees to anonymously provide diversity information as part of our annual employee survey, to allow us to begin
our journey to better understand our workforce and to understand how representative we are of the communities in which we work. A similar
exercise was also undertaken amongst our Senior Management Team population as part of our 2021 Group-wide talent review.
As a result of these diversity surveys we can disclose the following ethnicity information for our Board, Executive Committee, Senior Management
Team and wider workforce at 31 December 2021:
White ethnic background
Non-white or ethnic minority
background
Directors
1
100% 0%
Executive Committee
2
78% 22%
Senior Management Team
3
90% 10%
All Employees
4
95% 5%
The figures in the table are representative of those who provided a response to the diversity surveys: 91% of the Senior Management Team (including 100% of
Executive Committee and Directors) and 76% of all employees responded. Please see Employee Feedback section below for more information on the annual survey.
Notes:
1
‘Directors’ includes both Executive Directors and Non Executive Directors at 31 December 2021 and excludes any appointments after this date. The Corporate
Governance Report includes gender and ethnicity data in relation to our Board and the Executive Committee.
2
‘Executive Committee’ includes three Executive Directors.
3
‘Senior Management Team’ includes three Executive Directors, and the Executive Committee and their direct reports, excluding PAs and administrators, at 31
December 2021.
4
‘All Employees’ includes both Directors and Senior Management Team, and this data is obtained from the surveys conducted during 2021.
As part of the employee survey and a Senior Management Team talent review exercise, we also asked our employees to provide us with
information on their gender identity, which we recognise may differ from legal sex and enabled colleagues to identify as non-binary.
As an employer we also hold information on employees’ legal sex, which is held for a variety of legislative reasons. As this dataset is complete
it has been chosen for reporting purposes, however this will be kept under review in future years as we hope to improve our employee data
collection methods.
The information for our Board, Executive Committee, Senior Management Team and wider workforce is as follows:
Female Male
Directors
1
25% 75%
Executive Committee
2
22% 78%
Senior Management Team
3
30% 70%
All Employees
4
53% 47%
Notes:
1
‘Directors’ includes both Executive Directors and Non Executive Directors, at 31 December 2021 and excludes any appointments after this date.
2
‘Executive Committee’ includes three Executive Directors.
3
‘Senior Management Team’ includes three Executive Directors, Executive Committee and their direct reports, excluding PAs and administrators, at 31 December
2021.
4
‘All Employees’ information at 31 December 2021.
Future Diversity Reporting and Targets
We are in the process of collecting further detailed data on the diversity of our workforce and we plan on reporting our progress on the
data collated in our ESG reporting next year. We are at the start of a journey, moving forwards towards building full insight into our Senior
Management Team population and Group colleagues so that we may be as representative as possible of both the communities in which we
operate, and the UK population.
Based on the disclosed information presented above as well as the available census data we have established new gender and ethnicity targets for
our Senior Management Team in an effort to ensure we make progress against this objective:
Senior Management Team Targets: by 1 January 2023, we are targeting that:
• at least 33% of senior management are female (or identify as female); and
• at least 11% of senior management are from a non-white ethnic minority background.
These targets will be reviewed and adjusted as we generate further insights into our workforce and when 2021 census data is made available. We
will be focusing on recruitment, appointments and promotions and development within the organisation to monitor progress. Our objective is
to have a workforce reflective of society as a whole and it is to set targets relating to our wider workforce, taking into consideration geographic
differences, which will be aligned with the 2021 census data when it is available. For details of the diversity of the Senior Management Team at 31
December 2021, see above.
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Targets relating to the Board have not yet been adopted, as we are awaiting the regulatory requirements to be published following the FCA’s 2021
consultation into diversity. For further information see the Corporate Governance Report of this Report (page 45).
Disabled Colleagues
We have reviewed our relevant policies and procedures for accessibility, to help ensure that we accommodate all abilities wherever possible, both
during recruitment and selection and then throughout the employee journey. If existing employees become disabled, we make every reasonable
effort to ensure their employment with us can continue on a worthwhile basis and to explore reasonable adjustments, with career opportunities
remaining available to them based on aptitude and ability.
We have also signed up to the Department for Work and Pension’s Disability Confident Employer Scheme, for which we will aim to achieve Level
3 ‘committed’ certification during 2023. This involves initiatives such as physical accessibility audits of certain sites, with training designed for
Group Disability Champions who will be able to offer support and advice for managers and colleagues to better support people with disabilities. At
the end of 2021, we also considered alignment and partnership with Disability Rights UK, to improve our support for colleagues with disabilities
throughout their career with us. We will pursue this during 2022.
Colleague Training and Policies
David Stewart has overall responsibility for colleague matters, with John McConnell responsible for our employment policies and practices. Our
Internal Audit team undertakes employee awareness audits of our policies, and the Board receives regular Group HR reporting to the Board,
which includes indicators such as staff turnover.
Our Group HR policies cover a wide range of employee related subjects, such as standard setting for performance and conduct within the
workplace. We also have policies, including a Family Friendly Policy, which document the procedures for supporting colleagues with their work
and home responsibilities, as well as an Equality and Diversity Policy, which sets our approach to ensuring fair behaviour and other workplace
measures. John McConnell has overall responsibility for Group HR policies and each policy is subject to regular reviews by the policy owner, to
ensure continued compliance with employment regulations.
The Group HR policies are accessible to all colleagues via our central Group HR self-service system and on other business intranets. For further
information relating to our Group HR policies, please refer to the Living Responsibly Report which can be found on lslps.co.uk.
Employee data processing is governed by the Group Data and Information Security Policy, HR Data Handling Policy and Group Data Protection
Policy, which are accessible to all employees on the Group HR self-service platform, and the latter of which form part of the Group’s Information
Security Framework. For details of internal controls, see the Audit & Risk Committee Report in this Report.
A suite of training materials on inclusion and diversity issues has been created and is in the process of being delivered. It covers a range of topics,
from understanding the importance of diversity and inclusion, to practicing conscious inclusion and beyond. We are delivering this training in
bitesize online sessions. We also launched a new Speak Up Policy and training, following a review of our whistleblowing arrangements.
We operate an apprenticeship programme which provides access to further education for all employees, including those who may not have
otherwise had access to such opportunities. The programme assists with mobility throughout the organisation, as well as supporting individual
career progression, further enhancing access for diverse individuals. Details relating to our programme in 2021 are contained in our Living
Responsibly Report.
With respect to our recruitment arrangements, we aim to appoint the best candidates based on suitability for the job and to treat all employees
and applicants fairly, regardless of any characteristic or background, and to ensure that no individuals suffer harassment or intimidation. To
support this work, we have signed up to the Recruitment and Employment Confederation’s Good Recruitment Charter, which has involved a gap
analysis to identify areas of improvement in our approach. We will respond to areas identified through new project work.
To support diversity in our Group, our recruitment teams have successfully gained a recruitment licence through the first phase of deployment of
a new Licence to Recruit training programme in 2021. This is designed to establish consistent recruitment practices involving conscious inclusion,
which is being delivered to our hiring managers in 2022. We are committed to developing our data infrastructure for recruitment and will be
reviewing our technology and process throughout 2022.
Details relating to our training arrangements including our expenditure in 2021, can be found in the Living Responsibly Report.
Colleague Health, Safety and Welfare
Adam Castleton, Group Chief Financial Officer has overall Group responsibility for health and safety arrangements. A Health and Safety Policy is in
place to ensure the wellbeing and safety of colleagues, visitors, members of the public and contractors. The Board receives bi-annual reports on
health and safety matters and the Health and Safety Policy is reviewed annually and submitted for Board approval. We have procedures in place to
comply with all relevant regulatory requirements and we have a zero tolerance for any breaches of health and safety requirements.
We are committed to doing all that is reasonably practicable to maintain a safe working environment through identifying and managing hazards
and preventing accidents and injuries to employees. We have processes for reporting hazards and accidents, which form part of the monthly
reporting to Adam Castleton. Training supports the Health and Safety Policy, and we encourage colleagues to raise issues with management or
via the Speak Up Policy. Additionally, all employees have a duty to do everything possible to prevent injury to themselves and to others and to
exercise responsibility.
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Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Report
Our Internal Audit team undertakes subsidiary company audits, including reviewing Health and Safety Policy documentation, certification to
ensure compliance with statutory requirements, employee engagement, record keeping on hazards and accidents, and the follow-up actions
identified and implemented. Internal Audit submit its reports to the Audit & Risk Committee.
Following the launch in 2020 of various mental wellbeing initiatives, including the expansion of an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to cover
all Group businesses, during 2021 we launched an app to make the service more accessible for employees. The app operates in addition to the
online portal and telephone service. Training remains available to employees and managers where required. The Board and Senior Management
Team continue to fully support mental wellbeing initiatives, with senior leaders demonstrating their commitment through an employer pledge to
support mental wellbeing, to which the businesses committed in 2021. For further information on our learning and development arrangements
please refer to the Living Responsibly Report. The Stress and Mental Wellbeing Policy is reviewed annually and is available to all employees on the
Group HR self-service platform.
Employee Feedback
The Board receives employee feedback via the Group’s employee opinion surveys, which are undertaken across all Group businesses.
Supplementing the annual survey is a pulse survey, which ran twice in 2021. The employee opinions captured are then presented to the Board
as part of a regular review of employee matters. Key performance indicators such as labour turnover and responses to key questions are also
monitored, to measure staff morale and review culture.
The employee opinion surveys also provide the Executive Committee and the Board with insight into what factors concern and motivate the
Group’s employees and contribute to action plans and/or focus groups across the Group. The employee survey process is regularly evaluated and
developed, to maximise the validity and reliability of the data captured.
We engage a consultant to assist with the annual employee opinion surveys. This allows us to generate an accurate picture of engagement across
the Group and to benchmark the results against similar organisations, using the consultant’s data.
The 2021 survey related to 2020 and, as in previous years, covered all aspects of the working environment. This included culture, training, careers,
performance and communications, together with questions on the effectiveness of Group companies’ management and leadership. As noted
above, the survey also included questions relating to diversity for the first time in 2021. The response to the 2021 survey was very positive, with
3,119 employees taking part, making it our highest recorded participation rate at 76% (2020: 3,496 (75%)).
The annual survey provided insight into a number of areas, including positive feedback that:
• Employee engagement had increased, and for almost all Group companies there was an increase in satisfaction and commitment.
• Good communication underpinned some of the best improvements, with employees highlighting their awareness of what is happening
generally, communication between departments, a clear link between roles and the achievement of objectives, and feeling free to raise
concerns.
• Against the external benchmark, high scores for questions related to communication were also prominent.
The Group has an Employee Engagement Forum, with the Senior Management Team and other colleague representatives from across the Group.
In 2021, the forum met remotely each month, meeting in person once towards the end of 2021. Initiatives, such as the pulse survey, are shared
across the Group to improve employee engagement.
The forum also met twice with Darrell Evans, the designated Non Executive Director, in relation to executive remuneration. As outlined in the
Stakeholder Engagement Arrangements (page 19) and Corporate Governance Report (page 45) sections of this Report, the Group’s Employee
Engagement Forum provides a vehicle for Darrell to establish regular dialogue with some of our colleagues.
Communities
Our businesses have a direct impact on local communities and the Board recognises that good relations with these communities are fundamental
to our sustained success. Through our social programme, we support our businesses and their investment in the communities in which they
operate. We are sensitive to local communities’ cultural, social and economic needs and are committed to acting responsibly wherever we
operate. The Group’s social and community interests also include the promotion of human rights, ethical issues and the prevention of modern
slavery.
We believe that working in partnership with communities consistently is the most effective way to achieve objectives and lasting change. During
2021, our businesses achieved these objectives in a number of ways including:
• supporting the work of the Communities Forum;
• making donations to local and national charities;
• supporting and organising fundraising events, including supporting charities and local community initiatives selected by Group companies; and
• supporting employees in their personal fundraising ambitions.
Further details of some of our community initiatives, see the Living Responsibly Report.
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Strategic Report Strategic Report
Overview
Governance
Our governance arrangements are sponsored and led by Sapna B. FitzGerald, General Counsel and Company Secretary. For details of our
governance arrangements relating to the Board and its Committees, see the Corporate Governance Report (page 45) of this Report. The Directors’
Remuneration Report (page 60) contains details of how we have incorporated ESG matters into Executive Director remuneration arrangements.
The Purpose, Strategy, Culture, Values and Business Model section (page 10) of this Report contains details of our purpose, values and culture and
how they are aligned to our strategy.
ESG Governance
The Board has overall responsibility for the Group’s Living Responsibly Strategy, including the ESG programme. The strategy and programme were
developed during the year and were presented to and adopted by the Board.
Through regular reporting, the Board receives information on ESG matters and ensures that these issues are taken into account in its decision
making. The Board also ensures that ESG-related risks are managed and mitigated. As part of the ESG programme, risks are reviewed periodically
with mitigation identified and addressed through the programme of work. Further details on our internal controls and risk management
arrangements are contained in the Principal Risks and Uncertainties section (page 22) of this Report. Our ESG governance arrangements include a
suite of policies and statements which are subject to Board review and approval. This includes the Group’s Combined Ethics Policy (CEP), which is
one of the policies that is presented to the Board for annual review and approval.
The CEP covers:
a. anti-slavery and human trafficking (see below);
b. anti-corruption and bribery (including hospitality);
c. conflicts;
d. fraud;
e. tax evasion; and
f. whistleblowing, which is in addition to the Group HR published Speak Up Policy.
All of our colleagues have access to the CEP. The Internal Audit team audits awareness and compliance with the CEP and reports its findings to the
Audit & Risk Committee or Board (as appropriate).
All of our businesses are committed to conducting business in a socially responsible way. We seek to carry out our businesses in accordance with
appropriate ethical standards and to be honest and fair in our relationships with customers and suppliers. Additionally, after engaging with our
suppliers on anti-slavery practices, we are developing a comprehensive supplier code of conduct, which we aim to launch towards the end of
2022.
Modern Slavery and Human Rights
We undertake arrangements which seek to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking occurring within our businesses or any of our supply
chains. During 2021, we continued with our arrangements to ensure compliance with the Modern Slavery Act 2015, including publishing our
Modern Slavery Statement for the financial year ending 2020, which was published in April 2021
(see lslps.co.uk/modern slavery).
We also have a dedicated Anti-Slavery and Human Trafficking Policy, which in combination with our whistleblowing arrangements provides
information and guidance to colleagues on how to recognise and deal with anti-slavery and human trafficking issues.
Bribery Act 2010
We have adopted a risk-based approach to ensuring compliance with the Bribery Act 2010. We seek to identify and review anti-corruption and
bribery risks in the development of our policies and procedures, which are reviewed periodically. The Anti-Corruption and Bribery Policy sets out
information and guidance for colleagues on how to recognise and deal with bribery and corruption issues.
Payment Practices Reporting
Your Move, Reeds Rains and e.surv annually submit their payment practices reports, which are available on the Government’s website for report
submissions (check-payment-practices.service.gov.uk/).
Tax Evasion
In 2021, the Board reviewed our Tax Evasion Policy as part of the CEP review. We also reviewed our tax strategy in 2021, which is available on our
website (lslps.co.uk/investor-relations/corporate-governance/tax-strategy).
36
The Board
This section of the Report includes information on the Directors and Company Secretary as at 28 April 2021.
Executive Directors
David Stewart, Group Chief Executive Officer
David was appointed Group Chief Executive Officer on 1 May 2020 and has primary responsibility for LSL’s performance,
strategy and development. Prior to this David was a Non Executive Director, having joined the Board on 1 May 2015. He
was also Chair of the Audit & Risk Committee and a member of the Remuneration and Nominations Committees. David has
significant experience in finance, strategy, operations, risk and compliance, with particular expertise in financial services.
Previously, he was Chief Executive of the Coventry Building Society from 2006 to 2014, having earlier served as Finance
Director and Operations Director. Prior to joining the Coventry, David spent ten years at DBS Management plc, holding a
number of board positions including Group Chief Executive and Group Finance Director. David qualified as a Chartered
Accountant with Peat Marwick (KPMG) and is a graduate of Warwick University. He is also the Non Executive chair of the
Enra Group.
Adam Castleton, Group Chief Financial Officer
Adam was appointed Group Chief Financial Officer on 2 November 2015. He has broad financial skills and experience in the
retail and services sectors and joined LSL from French Connection Group PLC, where he was the Group Finance Director.
He previously held leadership roles at a number of market-leading companies including O2 UK, eBay and The Walt Disney
Company. Adam has over 30 years’ experience in finance, having started his career with Price Waterhouse, where he
qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 1989.
Helen Buck, Executive Director – Estate Agency
Helen was appointed as Executive Director – Estate Agency on 2 February 2017. She has overall responsibility for the
performance, strategy and development of LSL’s Estate Agency Division. Prior to this role Helen had, since December 2011,
served as an independent Non Executive Director and was a member of LSL’s Nominations and Remuneration Committees.
Helen was previously Chief Operating Officer at Palmer & Harvey and was part of the Sainsbury’s management team from
2005 to 2015, including five years as a member of the Operating Board. Helen has extensive expertise in strategy, marketing,
commercial and operations. Before joining Sainsbury’s, Helen held senior positions at Marks & Spencer, Woolworths and
Safeway, and was a senior manager at McKinsey & Co.
Non Executive Directors
Bill Shannon, Independent Non Executive Director, Chair of the Board
Bill was appointed as Chair of the Board with effect from 28 April 2021, having been first appointed as a Non Executive
Direc tor on 7 Januar y 2014. He also chairs the Nominations Committee and he is a member of the Remuneration Committee.
Bill was deemed to be independent prior to his appointment as Chair of the Board.
Bill has signifi c an t PLC board exp eri en ce in st rate g y, oper atio ns , finance, and governan ce, in the con su me r, financ ial se r vice s,
residential and commercial property sectors. He is also currently Council Member at the University of Southampton and
Independent Non Executive Chair of Ashtead Technology Holdings plc, which is AIM Listed. He was previously at Whitbread
Group plc from 1974 and between 1994 and 2004, he was a Divisional Managing Director. He has also served as Non
Executive Chair of Johnson Service Group plc, of Aegon UK plc and St Modwen Property PLC, and as a Non Executive
Director of Rank Group plc, Barratt Developments plc and Matalan plc.
Gaby Appleton, Senior Independent Director
Gaby joined LSL as an independent Non Executive Director on 1 September 2019 and was appointed Senior Independent
Director on 30 June 2021. She is also a member of LSL’s Nominations, Remuneration and Audit & Risk Committees. Gaby
has significant experience in strategy, technology, product development, and sales and marketing, particularly in the
professional information solutions sector. This includes her current appointment as Chief Digital Product Officer at Reed
Exhibitions (a RELX Group plc company). Gaby has previously held a number of executive strategy, digital and marketing
roles including Global Director of Strategy and Director of Research Strategy at Elsevier in Amsterdam, and she was a board
member at the International Association of STM Publishers, a global industry trade body. Before joining Elsevier, Gaby held
operating positions at Sainsbury’s Supermarkets Ltd, within the Procter & Gamble group of companies, and was a senior
manager at McKinsey & Co. Gaby holds a BA from the University of Cambridge.
37
Other Information
Financial Statements
Directors’ Report (including Corporate
Governance Reports and Committee Reports)
Strategic Report Strategic Report
Overview
James Mack, Independent Non Executive Director
James was appointed as an independent Non Executive Director and as Chair of LSL’s Audit & Risk Committee on 27
September 2021. He also serves on the Group’s Nominations and Remuneration Committees. James has significant
experience in audit, risk and financial services, particularly in retail financial services. This includes his current appointment
as Chief Financial Officer at Barclays Bank UK plc. James was previously Chief Financial Officer at Aldermore plc and acting
Chief Financial Officer at the Co-operative Bank. His previous experience also includes senior roles in finance and internal
audit at Skipton Building Society. James qualified as an accountant with KPMG and holds a BA from the University of
Nottingham. James was deemed to have relevant financial experience to Chair the Audit & Risk Committee.
Darrell Evans, Independent Non Executive Director
Darrell was appointed as an independent Non Executive Director on 28 February 2019 and as Chair of the Remuneration
Committee with effect from 28 April 2021. He is also a member of LSL’s Nominations Committee and the Audit & Risk
Committee and is LSL’s designated Non Executive Director for workforce engagement. He has significant experience in
financial services and is currently Managing Director, Retail Bank at the Co-Operative Bank plc. Darrell spent the first part
of his career at Royal Bank of Scotland plc, where he was Managing Director, Mortgages, Loans and Retail Telephony in
the retail banking division, responsible for all aspects of the Group’s mortgage proposition. Prior to that he was Product
Director for the RBS retail bank. Darrell has also held senior executive roles at Direct Line Insurance Group plc, Virgin
Money plc and The Consulting Consortium, where he was CEO.
Sonya Ghobrial, Independent Non Executive Director
S o n y a w a s a p p o i n t e d a s a n i n dep e n d e n t N o n Exe c u ti ve Di r e c t o r on 4 M a r ch 2022. Sh e is a l s o a m e mb er of L S L’s Re m u n e r atio n
Committee, Nominations Committee and the Audit & Risk Committee. Sonya has significant experience in banking, finance,
strategy, investor relations, governance and ESG, which she has gained from her roles in the consumer sector. This includes
her current appointment as Head of Investor Relations at GSK Consumer Healthcare. Sonya was previously Head of Investor
Relations at Heineken and prior to her current role had provided investor relations and consultancy services as Clear Giraffe
IR. Sonya’s previous experience also includes senior roles with investment banks, including Barclays Capital, Goldman Sachs
and Morgan Stanley. She qualified as an accountant with KPMG and holds a BAcc (Hons) in Accountancy and Economics.
Simon Embley, Non Executive Director
Simon was Non Executive Chair of the LSL Board from 1 January 2015 until 28 April 2021, when he stepped down from this
role following his appointment as Chief Executive of Pivotal Growth Limited, which is a joint venture between LSL and Pollen
Street Capital. Simon was previously Deputy Chair from 2014 to 2015 and Group Chief Executive Officer until 2014, a role
which he held at the time of the management buyout of e.surv and Your Move from Aviva (formerly Norwich Union Life) in
2004. Simon has remained on the Board to enable the Group to continue to benefit from his knowledge and experience.
He has significant experience in strategy, operations, financial and property services, and his other directorships include
a small estate management company, Eveclo Holdings Limited (an IT business), Road to Health (a healthcare provider) and
the role of Non Executive chair at Global Property Ventures, a market leading insurance-based tenant deposit company.
Company Secretary
Sapna B. FitzGerald, General Counsel and Company Secretary
Sapna qualified as a solicitor in 1998 and has been General Counsel and Company Secretary at LSL since 2004. Prior to the
management buyout of Your Move and e.surv, Sapna was a member of Aviva Life Legal Services and had, since 2001, been
part of the team that supported Your Move and e.surv Chartered Surveyors.
38
The Executive Committee
The Executive Committee at the date of this Report is:
David Stewart
Group Chief Executive Officer
Executive Director
Adam Castleton
Group Chief Financial Officer
Executive Director
Andy Deeks
Group Chief Strategy Officer
PDMR
David Akinluyi
Group Chief Operating Officer
PDMR
Jon Round
Group Financial Services Director
PDMR
Steve Goodall
Managing Director,
Surveying & Valuation
PDMR
Helen Buck
Executive Director
Estate Agency
John McConnell
Group HR Director
Sapna B. FitzGerald
General Counsel and
Company Secretary
The Strategic Report is approved by and signed on behalf of the Board of Directors
David Stewart
Group Chief Executive Officer
15 March 2022
Adam Castleton
Group Chief Financial Officer
15 March 2022
39
Directors’ Report (including Corporate
Governance Reports and Committee Reports)
Other Information
Financial Statements
Strategic Report
Directors’ Report (including Corporate
Governance Reports and Committee Reports)
Overview
Directors’ Report (including Corporate
Governance and Committee Reports)
In this section
40 Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities in
Relation to the Financial Statements
41 Report of the Directors
45 Corporate Governance Report including the
Nominations Committee Report
54 Audit & Risk Committee Report
60 Directors’ Remuneration Report
40
Statement of Directors’
Responsibilities in Relation to
the Financial Statements
The Directors are responsible for preparing the Annual Report and the Financial Statements in accordance with applicable UK law and regulations.
Company law requires the Directors to prepare Financial Statements for each financial year. Under that law the Directors have elected to prepare the
Financial Statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as adopted by the UK, in conformity with the Companies
Act 2006. Under company law the Directors must not approve the Financial Statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of
the state of affairs of the Group and the Company and of the profit or loss of the Group and the Company for that period.
Under the FCA’s Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules, the Financial Statements are required to be prepared in accordance with international
accounting standards in conformity with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 and UK adopted International Accounting Standards (IAS).
In preparing these Financial Statements the Directors are required to:
a. select suitable accounting policies in accordance with IAS 8 ‘Accounting Policies, Change in Accounting Estimates and Errors’ and then apply them
consistently;
b. make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
c. present information, including accounting policies, in a manner that provides relevant, reliable, comparable and understandable information;
d. provide additional disclosures when compliance with the specific requirements in IFRS is insufficient to enable users to understand the impact of
particular transactions, other events and conditions on the Group’s financial position and financial performance;
e. in respect of the Financial Statements, state whether IFRS in conformity with the Companies Act 2006 have been followed, subject to any material
departures disclosed and explained in the Financial Statements;
f. in respect of the Company Financial Statements, state whether IFRS in conformity with the Companies Act 2006 and UK adopted IAS, have been
followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the Financial Statements; and
g. prepare the Financial Statements on the going concern basis unless it is appropriate to presume that the Company and/or the Group will not
continue in business.
The Directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the Company’s and Group’s
transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Company and the Group and enable them to ensure that
the Parent Company and the Financial Statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the
Group and Company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
Under applicable law and regulations, the Directors are also responsible for preparing the Strategic Report, Report of the Directors, Directors’
Remuneration Report and Corporate Governance Report that comply with that law and those regulations. The Directors are responsible for the
maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on the Company’s website.
41
Report of the Directors
Directors’ Report (including Corporate
Governance Reports and Committee Reports)
Other Information
Financial Statements
Strategic Report
Directors’ Report (including Corporate
Governance Reports and Committee Reports)
Overview
Business review and development
The Strategic Report (including the Chair’s Statement, the Group Chief Executive’s Report and the Financial and Divisional Reviews) sets out a review of
the Group’s business, including details of our performance, developments and strategy during 2021.
Annual general meeting
Our AGM will be held at Hilton London Paddington, 146 Praed Street, London W2 1EE on 27 May 2022, starting at 12.15pm (doors will open at
12.00pm). The Notice of Meeting convening the AGM is in a separate circular to be sent to shareholders with this Report. The Notice of Meeting also
includes a commentary on the business of the AGM and notes to help shareholders to attend, speak and/or vote at the AGM.
Financial results
The Strategic Report and Financial Statements set out our financial results in relation to 2021.
Dividend
Our policy is to pay out 30% of Group Underlying Operating Profit after finance and normalised tax charges. Having declared an interim dividend of
4.0 pence per share, the Board has recommended a final dividend of 7.4 pence. This, if approved by shareholders, would give a total dividend for the
year of 11.4 pence per share, in line with the policy.
The ex-dividend date is 28 April 2022 with a record date of 29 April 2022 and a payment date of 6 June 2022. Shareholders can elect to reinvest their
cash dividend and purchase existing shares in LSL through a dividend reinvestment plan. The election date is 12 May 2022.
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
Financial and Divisional Reviews section (page 11) of the Strategic Report. The financial position of the Group, its cash-flows, liquidity position and
policy for treasury and risk management are described in the Financial Review section of the Strategic Report (page 11). Details of the Group’s
borrowing facilities are set out in note 24 to the Financial Statements. Note 32 to the Financial Statements describes the Group’s objectives, policies
and processes for managing its capital; its financial risk management objectives; details of its financial instruments and hedging activities; and its
exposures to credit risk and liquidity risk. A description of the Group’s principal risks and uncertainties and arrangements to manage these risks can
be found in the Principal Risks and Uncertainties section of the Strategic Report on page 22.
As explained in note 32 to the Financial Statements, the Group meets its day to day working capital requirements through cash generated from
operations, as well as utilising its revolving credit facility, which was arranged in March 2021. The Group currently has a £90m facility (December
2020: £100m) which is committed for a period up to May 2024. As stated in note 32 to the Financial Statements, as at 31 December 2021 the Group
had available £90m of undrawn borrowing out of an available £90m, in respect of which all conditions precedent had been met. The Group’s
forecasts and projections, taking account of reasonably possible changes in trading performance, show that the Group should be able to operate
within the terms of its renewed facility.
The Directors have considered the future profitability of the Group, forecast of future cash-flows, banking covenants, liquidity of investments and
joint ventures and the Group’s ability to re-finance any loans due to mature in the next 12 months (including the Group’s facility which is due to
mature in May 2024) where necessary. Further, the Directors considered the key judgements, assumptions and estimates underpinning the review.
As part of this assessment, the Group has also considered the FRC Thematic Review: Viability and Going Concern (most recent guidance released
September 2021) which has encouraged companies to assess the level of disclosure of qualitative and quantitative detail in scenario modelling, to
consider disclosure relating to the resilience of the Group to identified risks, and in respect of the viability assessment, the length of the viability
period.
In reaching its conclusion on the going concern assessment, the Board considered the findings of the work performed to support the Group’s long
term viability statement. As noted in the Viability Statement which is included in the Principal Risks and Uncertainties section of this Report and is set
out on page 25, this included assessing forecasts of severe but plausible downside scenarios related to our principal risks, notably the extent to which
a severe downturn in the UK housing market, close to the level seen during the financial crisis in 2008, would affect the Group’s base forecasts.
After making enquiries, the Directors consider that the Group has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future.
Accordingly, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing this Report.
Financial instruments
The Strategic Report sets out our strategies and objectives relating to treasury and risk management. Details of the financial instruments are set out in
note 32 to the Financial Statements.
42
Report of the Directors
Employee, suppliers, customers and other stakeholders
Please see the Stakeholder Engagement Arrangements section of this Report (page 19), which contains our disclosures pursuant to the Companies Act
2006. This is in addition to the details of our stakeholder considerations which can also be found in the ESG Report contained in this Report (page 27).
The Greenhouse Gas Emissions (Directors’ Reports) Regulations 2013 and Part 7 of the Companies Act 2006 (Strategic Report and Directors’
Reports) Regulations 2013
In accordance with Part 7 of the Companies Act 2006 (Strategic Report and Directors’ Reports) Regulations 2013, each year we report on targets and
KPIs approved by the Board within the Report of the Directors (page 41). The 2021 results are included within the ESG Report section of this Report
(page 27).
Directors
Details of the Directors who served during 2021 are in the Corporate Governance Report (page 45) and The Board (page 36) sections of this Report.
Re-election and election
Our policy is to have annual re-elections of our Directors and this policy is set out in the Nominations Committee’s terms of reference. As a result, all
the Directors will retire at the AGM and, being eligible, intend to stand for re-election.
Our articles provide that the Board may appoint an individual to act as a Director, but anyone so appointed will retire from office at the next AGM and
seek election. Shareholders may by ordinary resolution elect or re-elect any individual as a Director.
During the 2021 annual evaluation of the Board and its Committees, the performance of the Directors who were members of the Board during 2021,
was specifically evaluated, and the Board confirmed that it values the experience and commitment to the business demonstrated by each of these
individuals.
Directors’ interests
The interests of the Directors who are on the Board at the date of this Report are contained within the Directors’ Remuneration Report (page 60).
During the period between 31 December 2021 and the date of this Report, there were no changes in the Directors’ interests, other than:
a. the purchases of shares by David Stewart (136 shares), Adam Castleton (136 shares) and Helen Buck (137 shares) as participants of LSL’s SIP/BAYE
scheme (these shares were purchased by the Trust at the prevailing market rate); and
b. the exercise of the 2012 LTIP award by Simon Embley (58,333 shares) (in January 2022).
During 2021, the Board maintained its arrangements for managing and recording conflicts, in line with its policy. This includes observing an anti-
bribery and hospitality policy, to ensure compliance with section 176 of the Companies Act 2006.
Further, during the year, no Director was materially interested in any contract that is or was significant to the business of the Group or any subsidiary
undertaking.
Directors’ service contracts and letters of appointment relating to Directors who were members of the Board during 2021
Details of the Executive Directors’ service agreements and the Non Executive Directors’ letters of appointment (including any extensions to
appointments) are set out in the Directors’ Remuneration Report (page 60). The contracts and letters of appointment are available for inspection at
the Registered Office during normal business hours and at each AGM.
Directors’ qualifying third party indemnity provisions
We had qualifying third party indemnity provisions for the benefit of the Directors in force from the start of the financial period to the date of this
Report, subject to the conditions set out in the Companies Act 2006. We have put in place Directors' and Officers' Liability insurance and indemnities
to cover for this liability.
Compensation for loss of office – change of control
There are no agreements between LSL and its Directors or employees providing for compensation for loss of office or employment (whether through
resignation, purported redundancy or otherwise) that occurs because of a takeover bid.
Auditor
Ernst & Young LLP, the Group’s external auditor, has advised of its willingness to continue in office and a resolution to re-appoint it to this role and the
authority for its remuneration to be determined by the Directors will be proposed at the 2022 AGM.
Details of LSL’s policy to safeguard the external auditor’s independence and objectivity are included in the Audit & Risk Committee Report, together
with details of how the Audit & Risk Committee undertakes this assessment.
43
Directors’ Report (including Corporate
Governance Reports and Committee Reports)
Other Information
Financial Statements
Strategic Report
Directors’ Report (including Corporate
Governance Reports and Committee Reports)
Overview
Share capital
The information below includes information we are required to disclose following the implementation of the Takeover Directive into UK law.
Our 0.2 pence ordinary shares are listed on the London Stock Exchange and are the only class of shares in issue. At 31 December 2021, our issued
share capital comprised 105,158,950 0.2 pence ordinary shares. The authorised share capital is 500,000,000 ordinary shares of 0.2 pence each.
Details of our share capital are also set out in note 27 to the Financial Statements.
Rights and obligations attached to shares
Each issued share has the same rights attached to it. The rights of each shareholder include:
a. the right to vote at general meetings;
b. to appoint a proxy or proxies;
c. to receive dividends; and
d. to receive circulars from LSL.
We will seek shareholder approval for the renewal of authority for the Directors to allot unissued shares and for the power to disapply statutory pre-
emption rights at the 2022 AGM. We obtained shareholder approval to disapply pre-emption rights at the 2021 AGM.
Full details of the deadline for exercising voting rights in respect of the resolutions to be considered at the 2022 AGM are set out in the Notice of
Meeting.
On a show of hands at a general meeting, every holder of ordinary shares present in person and entitled to vote shall have one vote and, on a poll,
every member present in person or by proxy and entitled to vote shall have one vote for every ordinary share they hold. The Notice of Meeting which
is published with this Report specifies deadlines for appointing a proxy in relation to resolutions to be passed at the AGM. Where the Chair of the
AGM is appointed as proxy, such proxy votes are counted and the numbers for, against or withheld in relation to each resolution are announced at the
AGM and published on our website after the meeting (lslps.co.uk).
There are no restrictions on the transfer of ordinary shares in LSL other than:
a. Certain restrictions which may from time to time apply under applicable laws and regulations (for example, insider trading laws and market
requirements relating to closed periods).
b. Pursuant to the Listing Rules of the FCA/UKLA and our Share Dealing Policy, whereby certain employees require approval to deal in LSL’s
securities.
Our Articles of Association may only be amended by way of a special resolution at a general meeting of our shareholders. We have the authority
under section 701 of the Companies Act 2006 to make market purchases of our ordinary shares on such terms and in such manner that the Directors
determine. The maximum shares we can buy back is capped at 10% of the issued ordinary share capital of the Group being 10,515,895 ordinary
shares.
Employee share schemes
We have two employee benefit trusts. The first was established in 2006, prior to our flotation on the London Stock Exchange. We appointed Apex
Financial Services (Trust Company) Limited (formerly Capita Trustees Limited) (ESOT Trustees) to operate the LSL Property Services plc Employee
Share Scheme (ESOT). The ESOT is able to acquire and hold shares to satisfy options or awards granted under any discretionary share option scheme,
long term incentive arrangement or Save As You Earn (SAYE) plan operated by us. Details of the shares acquired by the Trust are set out in note 14 to
the Financial Statements. The ESOT trustees have waived the right to any dividend payment in respect of each share held by them (including future
payments).
We also operate The LSL Property Services plc Employee Share Incentive Plan (BAYE) for our colleagues, which was established in 2007 and is
administered by Link Market Services (Trustees) Limited (formerly Capita IRG Trustees Limited) (Link). Link is the trustee of the LSL Property Services
Employee SIP Trust (Trust), in which shares are held on behalf of participants in the BAYE. The shares held in the Trust have dividend and voting
rights in line with the rules of the BAYE. At 31 December 2021, the Trust held 0.89% (2020: 1.51%) of the issued share capital in trust for the benefit of
employees of the Group and their dependents. The voting rights in relation to these shares are exercised by the Trustees.
Significant agreements – change of control
Subsidiaries of LSL are party to agreements which take effect, alter or terminate upon a change of control of the subsidiary company following a
takeover bid. The majority of the income derived through the provision of Surveying & Valuation and the Asset Management income streams are
driven by specific contracts. Any termination of such contracts on the change of control of the relevant subsidiary company will have a significant
impact on those income streams.
The Group is party to a number of banking agreements, which upon a change of control of the Group are terminable by the bank and all outstanding
amounts become immediately due.
44
Report of the Directors
Post-balance sheet events
In February 2022, LSL invested an additional £0.9m in its Pivotal Growth joint venture to fund its buy and build growth strategy.
Substantial shareholdings
At 31 December 2021 and as at 14 March 2022, the Shareholders set out below have notified LSL of their interest under DTR 5:
Institutional Shareholders:
31 December 2021 14 March 2022
Institution
Nature of
shareholding
Number of
ordinary shares
% of
ordinary shares
Number of
ordinary
shares
% of
ordinary
shares
Kinney Asset Management, LLC Beneficial 9,770,595 9.29 10,536,895 10.02
Setanta Asset Management Limited Beneficial 6,288,162 5.98 6,288,162 5.98
SMF UK Management LLP Beneficial 5,523,218 5.25 5,523,218 5.25
Liontrust Asset Management plc Beneficial 5,485,475 5.22 5,485,475 5.22
FMR LLC Beneficial – – 5,167,776 4.914
Harris L.P Beneficial 5,220,081 4.96 5,220,081 4.96
Brandes Investment Partners L.P Beneficial 5,172,615 4.92 5,172,615 4.92
FIL Limited Beneficial 5,161,887 4.90 5,161,887 4.90
Franklin Templeton Institutional, LLC Beneficial 3,211,900 3.05 3,211,900 3.05
Individual shareholders (excluding Directors):
David Newnes Registered 3,479,910 3.31 3,479,910 3.31
Directors’ responsibility statement
The Directors who were each a member of the Board during 2021 confirm, to the best of their knowledge:
a. That the consolidated Financial Statements, prepared in accordance with international accounting standards in conformity with the requirements
of the Companies Act 2006 and UK adopted International Accounting Standards, give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position
and profit of the Parent Company and undertakings included in the consolidation taken as a whole.
b. That this Report, including the Strategic Report, includes a fair review of the development and performance of the business and the position of
the Company and undertakings included in the consolidation taken as a whole, together with a description of the principal risks and uncertainties
that they face.
c. That they consider this Report, taken as a whole, is fair, balanced and understandable and provides the information necessary for shareholders to
assess the Company’s position, performance, business model and strategy.
Disclosure of information to the auditor
Having made enquiries of fellow Directors and of the external auditor, each of the Directors who were members of the Board during 2021, have
confirmed that:
a. To the best of his/her knowledge and belief, there is no information (as defined in the Companies Act 2006) relevant to the preparation of this
Report of which the external auditor is unaware.
b. He/she has taken all the steps a Director might reasonably be expected to have taken to be aware of relevant audit information and to establish
that the external auditor is aware of that information.
The Report of the Directors has been approved by and is signed on behalf of the Board of Directors
Sapna B. FitzGerald
Company Secretary
15 March 2022
45
Directors’ Report (including Corporate
Governance Reports and Committee Reports)
Other Information
Financial Statements
Strategic Report
Directors’ Report (including Corporate
Governance Reports and Committee Reports)
Overview
Corporate Governance Report
including Nominations Committee Report
This section of the Report details our corporate governance arrangements. LSL has a premium listing on the London Stock Exchange. As a result, we
are subject to the UK Corporate Governance Code (Code) together with the Financial Conduct Authority’s (FCA) requirements. A copy of the Code can
be obtained from frc.org.uk.
FRC Code and Guidance (comply or explain)
Our Board is committed to operating in accordance with the Code. At 31 December 2021, we complied with the Code in all respects, except for the
following provisions:
1. Provision 11: At least half the board, excluding the chair, should be Non Executive directors whom the board considers to be independent.
At the year end, the Board comprised the Chair, three independent Non Executive Directors, one Non Executive Director who is not considered to be
independent, and three Executive Directors. However, on 4 March 2022 we appointed Sonya Ghobrial as an independent Non Executive Director and
our Board composition is now compliant with the Code.
2. Provision 23: The annual report should describe the work of the nomination committee, including… the policy on diversity and inclusion, its
objectives and linkage to company strategy, how it has been implemented and progress on achieving the objectives.
To date, the Board has not adopted a formal policy in relation to its diversity. However, during 2021 the Board and Nominations Committee resolved
to adopt a diversity policy for the Board, its Committees and the Group’s Senior Management Team. An FCA consultation on diversity targets closed in
October 2021 and we are now awaiting publication of the final targets. Once published, the Board intends to adopt the targets and publish its policy.
See also Board Diversity and Inclusion below (page 51).
Board roles and responsibilities
The Board is responsible for establishing the Group’s purpose, its overall management and for decisions on the strategy. It also monitors financial
performance and formulates the Group’s risk appetite framework (see the Principal Risks and Uncertainties section for more information) (page 22).
The ESG Report in this Report explains the Board’s oversight of the Group’s whistleblowing arrangements (page 27).
The Board’s Committees
The Board has four Committees, whose terms of reference are available on our website: lslps.co.uk. Additional Committee meetings will be organised
during the year in addition to the scheduled meetings as required:
Committee Members
Frequency of
scheduled
meetings (per year) Role
Nominations Bill Shannon (Chair)
Gaby Appleton
Darrell Evans
James Mack
Sonya Ghobrial
3 • Lead the process for appointments to the Board.
• Oversee succession plans for the Board and the Senior Management
Team.
Remuneration Darrell Evans (Chair)
Bill Shannon
Gaby Appleton
James Mack
Sonya Ghobrial
3 • Determine the policy for Executive Director remuneration and set the
remuneration for the Board, Chair and the Senior Management Team.
• Review workforce remuneration and related policies and alignment
of incentives and rewards with culture, when setting executive
remuneration policy.
See the Directors’ Remuneration Report for further details (page 60).
Audit & Risk James Mack (Chair)
Gaby Appleton
Darrell Evans
Sonya Ghobrial
3 • Oversight of audit, risk and internal control.
See the Audit & Risk Committee Report (page 54) and the Principal Risks
and Uncertainties section (page 22) for further details, including our
internal controls and risk management arrangements.
Disclosure Bill Shannon
Gaby Appleton
David Stewart
Adam Castleton
As required Ensuring compliance with UK Market Abuse Regulation (MAR)
arrangements.
46
Corporate Governance Report including the Nominations Committee Report
Executive Committee
We also have an Executive Committee, which is headed by David Stewart. This team comprises:
Name Role Other information
David Stewart Group Chief Executive Officer Executive Director
Adam Castleton Group Chief Financial Officer Executive Director
Helen Buck Executive Director – Estate Agency Executive Director
Jon Round Group Director of Financial Services PDMR
Steve Goodall Managing Director – Surveying & Valuation PDMR
Andy Deeks Group Chief Strategy Officer PDMR
David Akinluyi Group Chief Operating Officer PDMR
John McConnell Group Human Resources Director
Sapna B. FitzGerald General Counsel and Company Secretary
The Executive Committee includes two women and two persons of colour. For further details relating to the diversity of our colleagues, including the
Senior Management Team, see the ESG Report (page 27).
Board composition
The Directors at 31 December 2021 and at 4 March 2022 are shown in the table below. Details of each Director are contained in The Board
section. This also includes details of other directorships. The Board does not consider any of the Directors’ other appointments to interfere with or
compromise their appointment by LSL.
Since 4 March 2022, the Board includes three female Directors. The Board does not include any person of colour. See also Board Diversity and
Inclusion below.
The Board includes skills and experience in the following areas:
a. Strategy.
b. Technology and digital services.
c. Operations.
d. Governance.
e. ESG.
f. Investor relations.
g. Risk and compliance.
h. Sales and marketing.
i. Finance.
j. Retail financial services and consumer services.
k. Residential and commercial property.
l. Entrepreneurship.
m. Employment and human resources.
The Directors identified as independent all meet the criteria set out in provision 10 of the Code.
All Directors will retire at the AGM and stand for election or re-election. Further details relating to the Directors’ election will be included in the
Notice of Meeting.
Director appointments
Each Executive Director has a service contract, and each Non Executive Director (including the Chair) has a letter of appointment. These documents
are available for inspection at our Registered Office during normal business hours and at each AGM. Further details relating to the Directors’
appointments are contained in the Directors’ Remuneration Report.
47
Directors’ Report (including Corporate
Governance Reports and Committee Reports)
Other Information
Financial Statements
Strategic Report
Directors’ Report (including Corporate
Governance Reports and Committee Reports)
Overview
Key roles
There is clear division of responsibilities between the key roles on the Board, details of which are set out on our website (lslps.co.uk) and are
summarised below.
Role Responsibilities summary
Chair • Leadership of the Board, including setting its agenda and overseeing its decision making
processes and arrangements.
• Shaping the culture, style and tone of discussions and promoting openness and debate.
• Leading regular Non Executive Director only meetings, to support the Board’s discussions.
• Overseeing our stakeholder engagement arrangements.
• Supporting the Group Chief Executive Officer and other Directors, including ensuring
appropriate training and induction arrangements are in place.
• Leading our annual Board and Committee evaluation exercise.
Group Chief Executive Officer • Running the business, using delegated powers set by the Board.
• Proposing and delivering Group strategy.
• Overseeing Group culture.
• Supporting the Board’s decision making by providing appropriate information.
Senior Independent Director • Acting as a sounding board for the Chair.
• Leading the evaluation of the Chair.
• Providing an alternative point of contact for Directors and stakeholders (including
shareholders).
Board and Committee meetings in 2021
Each year, we put in place a schedule of meetings for the Board and our Committees, which are supplemented by additional meetings as required.
The Directors meet in person and virtually and the table below summarises the meetings for 2021 and each Director’s attendance. Where a Director
is not a member of a Committee, their attendance or non-attendance is not reported. We also schedule meetings for the Non Executive Directors to
meet without the Executive Directors. The Audit & Risk Committee also meets the auditor without the Executive Directors.
Board Member
Attendance at Board
meetings (including
strategy meetings)
(total 17 held in the year)
Attendance at Audit
& Risk Committee
meetings
(total 5 held in the year)
Attendance at
Remuneration
Committee meetings
(total 6 held in the year)
Attendance at
Nominations Committee
meetings
(total 6 held in the year)
Attendance at Disclosure
Committee Meetings
(none held in the year)
Gaby Appleton 17 5 6 4
1
Helen Buck 17
Adam Castleton 17 0
Simon Embley 17
Darrell Evans 14
2
5 6 6
James Mack 4 1 1 0
3
Bill Shannon 17 4 5 6 0
David Stewart 17 0
Notes:
1
Gaby missed two Nominations Committee meetings. She received the papers prior to each meeting and was able to provide feedback for other Directors to
consider at the meeting.
2
Darrell missed three Board meetings. He received the papers prior to each meeting and was able to provide feedback for the other Directors to consider at the
meeting.
3
James was appointed in September and the Nominations Committee did not meet following his appointment.
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Board meeting and decision making arrangements
At the start of each year, we put in place a planner with a schedule of matters for discussion, which includes special business as well as standing
items. The Board also has a Matters Reserved for the Board (MRB) policy, which identifies matters that require Board approval and matters that are
delegated to the Group Chief Executive Officer and Group Chief Financial Officer for approval. It also includes a list of matters which the Board will
receive for information. Each year, the Board will review its policy to ensure that remains appropriate.
At each meeting the Board will receive regular reports that cover the following:
a. Group Chief Executive Officer’s Report – strategy and key project updates and commentary on the Group’s performance.
b. Group Chief Financial Officer’s Report – Group financial performance review and risks.
c. Divisions Report – each MD provides a report on their businesses which covers financial performance, risk and operational matters.
d. Group Chief Strategy Officer’s Report – strategy and ESG updates.
e. Group Chief Operating Officer’s Report – operational matters, including resilience.
f. Group HR Director’s Report – colleague matters including staff turnover data.
g. Governance Report – legal and Matters Reserved for the Board policy reporting (being either information which is required to be given to the
Board or proposals requiring Board approval).
h. Shareholder Report – report detailing changes to our investor register.
i. Board Planner – review of items scheduled for future meetings including setting the agenda for the next meeting.
The Board will also receive special business presentations, which could relate to a deep dive on a particular business area or relate to a new project or
initiative.
The Directors, the Board and the Committees are all supported by the Company Secretary (Sapna B. FitzGerald), who is responsible for ensuring
adherence to governance requirements and policies. This includes managing meeting arrangements and supporting Director induction and training.
See also our s172 Statement which is included in the Stakeholder Engagement section of this Report (page 19).
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Overview
Board decisions in 2021
Set out below is a summary of some of the key decisions which were taken by the Board during 2021, together with how they relate to our strategy
and our key stakeholders:
Key topic Link to strategy Relevant stakeholder(s)
COVID-19: The Board considered the impact of COVID-19 on the
Group’s performance and operations including arrangements to
manage the welfare of colleagues and customers.
The Board focused on ensuring the Group
continued to operate during the pandemic. As
we come out of the pandemic, the Board has
explored new ways of working and the way in
which we deliver our services.
• Colleagues
• Customers
• Suppliers
Operational Resilience: Development of the Group’s risk
management and operational resilience framework.
Divestment of minority interests in LMS and TM Group. These decisions provided the Group with capital
and balance sheet flexibility to take advantage
of opportunities to support our strategy. The
divestments also simplified the Group structure.
• Shareholders
• Colleagues
New £90m revolving credit facility which expires in 2024.
Development and communication of the Group Strategy. During the year the Board agreed a strategic
road map with a focus on growth opportunities
in Financial Services.
It also made decisions on individual transactions
which support the strategy.
• Shareholders
• Colleagues
• Customers
• Suppliers
Acquisitions of financial services technology businesses –
Mortgage Gym Limited and Direct Life and Quote Holdings
Limited.
Securing a contract with The Property Franchise Group (TPFG)
for the provision of financial services.
Investment in Pivotal Growth joint venture with Pollen Street
Capital.
ESG: The development of the Group’s sustainability programme,
including our purpose, values and culture and ensuring the
alignment to our strategy.
Focus on the development of our Living
Responsibly Strategy.
• Shareholders
• Colleagues
• Customers
Development of stakeholder communication arrangements. The Board has sought to improve its
communications with stakeholders, especially
investors and colleagues.
• Shareholders
• Colleagues
Review of governance arrangements. There has been focus during the year on
improving Board reporting arrangements,
including identifying ways in which information
can be improved to support decision making.
• Shareholders
• Colleagues
• Customers
• Suppliers
COVID-19 impact
During 2021, we continued to operate hybrid ways of working in response to the pandemic. Where meetings in person were possible these took place
and our AGM returned to normal arrangements, having been a closed meeting in 2020.
Shareholders also approved the adoption of new Articles of Association at the 2021 AGM. The updated articles allow us to conduct hybrid general
meetings. Wholly virtual meetings are not permitted. In the event that we hold a hybrid meeting, we will ensure compliance with the Code of
Best Practice produced by the GC100, to ensure that the meeting facilitates shareholder engagement and Board scrutiny. For further information
regarding how we engage with our shareholders, see the Stakeholder Engagement section (page 19).
Directors’ conflicts
We have arrangements to manage any conflict of interest that may arise in relation to a Director. We maintain a register of Directors’ interests
and ensure that where a conflict is declared, the Director is either excluded from discussions or obtains the Board’s approval to participate.
Notwithstanding this, no Director is permitted to participate in any decision relating to their appointment, including their remuneration.
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Director induction and training
We have an induction plan which is tailored for each Director when they join, and one was put in place in September for James Mack. His induction
plan included the supply of previous meeting papers, and meetings with members of the Board and the Executive Committee, our corporate brokers
and our internal and external auditors. An induction plan for Sonya Ghobrial is being put together. For existing Directors, training is arranged as
required.
Board and Committee evaluation
Each year the Directors review the Board and the Committees. Gaby Appleton led the process for 2021, supported by the Company Secretary. The
intention had been to engage an external provider to support the process. However, taking into account the changes which took place during the
year, the Directors who were on the Board in 2021 decided that it would be beneficial to defer an externally facilitated evaluation to 2022. This will
allow everyone to settle into their new roles ahead of the exercise. This year therefore followed the format of previous years, using a questionnaire
covering the following areas.
a. Composition, succession and evaluation.
b. Leadership and division of responsibilities.
c. Meeting processes.
d. Evaluation processes.
e. ESG and corporate sustainability (including purpose, values and culture).
f. Additional comments.
The questionnaire was supplemented by one-to-one calls between each Director and Gaby. The responses were then anonymised, consolidated and
shared with the Board ahead of a scheduled discussion. Sonya Ghobrial was not involved in the exercise as she was appointed after the exercise had
been completed.
Actions in response to the 2020 evaluation exercise:
As part of the Board’s year end review, the Directors also reviewed the completion of actions identified during the previous year and confirmed that
the actions were either completed or deferred for completion in 2022.
These included:
a. A review of meeting arrangements and Board reporting, which led to the adoption of arrangements to hold hybrid meetings and the use of
electronic packs for meeting papers.
b. A focus on succession planning for the Board and Senior Management Team to address gaps in diversity and in skills and experiences linked to
technology and financial services. This resulted in the appointment of two additional independent Non Executive Directors and recruitment into
the Senior Management Team. We also appointed Gaby as Senior Independent Director.
c. As stated above, we deferred the decision to undertake an externally facilitated evaluation exercise in 2021 and this is expected to take place in
2022.
d. Development of the Group’s ESG programme, which resulted in the Living Responsibly Strategy, which is contained in our Living Responsibly
Report and the ESG section of this Report (page 27).
2021 evaluation exercise:
The 2021 evaluation concluded that each Director, the Board and its Committees had all been effective in discharging their responsibilities. Noting
their desire for continual improvement, the Directors agreed to progress the following in 2022:
a. Continuing to prioritise succession planning. This included recruiting an additional Non Executive Director in 2022 and, through that recruitment,
taking steps to improve the Board’s diversity (especially gender, colour, expertise and sector). This resulted in the appointment of Sonya Ghobrial
on 4 March 2022. 2022 succession planning will include all key roles and involve putting in place appropriate development plans for individuals.
b. Ensuring that each Committee provides sufficiently detailed reports on their discussions to the Board, so that all Directors are briefed on the
Committees’ work.
c. Undertaking an externally facilitated evaluation in respect of 2022 and consider including feedback from our brokers and our auditor.
d. Making continual improvements to our Board reporting and evaluation arrangements, including KPIs, management information and Board
papers; and ensuring that Board meeting time is prioritised to the most important issues. The Board will consider alternating the focus within
meetings between special projects updates and divisional deep dives.
e. Further developing the Group’s ESG strategy and Living Responsibly programme.
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Overview
The evaluation exercise also considered the Board’s composition. This formed a useful part of the Board’s succession planning review, as it provided
an opportunity to review skills, assess composition and agree plans for filling any gaps in skills and diversity. Further details relating to succession
planning, diversity and recruitment are set out below, within the Nominations Committee Report.
Nominations Committee Report
During 2021, the Nominations Committee was chaired by Bill Shannon and its other members were Gaby Appleton, Darrell Evans and James Mack
(from September 2021). Since 4 March 2022, Sonya Ghobrial has been a member.
2021 highlights
The Nominations Committee met six times in 2021 and its discussions and decisions included:
a. Extension of Simon Embley’s term as a Non Executive Director until 31 December 2024.
b. Changes to Board and Committee roles:
i. Simon stepping down from the roles of Chair of the Board and Nominations Committee.
ii. Appointment of Bill Shannon as Chair of the Board and Nominations Committee.
iii. Bill stepping down as Chair of the Remuneration Committee and remaining a member of this Committee.
iv. Appointment of Darrell Evans as Chair of the Remuneration Committee.
v. Bill stepping down as Chair of the Audit & Risk Committee and leaving the Committee.
vi. James Mack being appointed as Chair of the Audit & Risk Committee.
vii. Appointment of Gaby Appleton as Senior Independent Director.
c. Executive and senior management succession planning.
d. Review of Non Executive Director skills, experiences, expertise, diversity and recruitment.
e. The Group’s diversity and inclusion projects and consideration of the FCA consultation on the diversity of listed company boards, committees
and senior management teams. The Committee also discussed the adoption of a Board and Senior Management diversity policy. See below for
further details.
We received search and recruitment services from Odgers Berndtson and Nurole in 2021 and neither company has any other connection with the
Group. Further details on our Non Executive Director searches are set out below.
Non Executive Director recruitment
We worked with Odgers Berndtson to identify an independent Non Executive Director to succeed as Chair of the Audit & Risk Committee, which
resulted in the appointment of James Mack. The aim of our search was to ensure that the Nominations Committee was presented with a diverse
longlist, from which it could make its selection. Odgers Berndtson presented the Nominations Committee with the longlist from which a shortlist
of appointable candidates was selected for interview by Board members. James’s experiences in retail financial services significantly added to the
continuing development of the Group’s Financial Services strategy. It also addressed our succession planning for the Board, as James took on the role
of Chair of the Audit & Risk Committee and he was determined to have the relevant financial experience to Chair this Committee.
We have also recently appointed Sonya Ghobrial as an independent Non Executive Director. This appointment followed a search which began in 2021
and involved the services of Nurole, a director search consultancy. In our search, we were clear that we were committed to improving the Board’s
diversity (including gender, ethnicity and expertise) and this was a very important consideration for the Board and the Nominations Committee in
2021. Sonya’s appointment on 4 March 2022 has improved our gender diversity and she also brings highly relevant experience, which adds to the
continuing development of the Group’s strategy. In particular, her experience in ESG matters will support us in the development and communication
of our Living Responsibly Strategy.
Neither Odgers Berndtson nor Nurole has any connection to the Group, other than the provision of these services.
Board diversity and inclusion
The Nominations Committee and the Board received presentations on the Group’s initiatives to promote diversity and inclusion and details of these
initiatives in relation to colleagues are included in the ESG Report (page 27) in this Report.
In relation to the diversity of the Board, its Committees and our Senior Management Team (including the Executive Committee), we have considered
the adoption of a diversity policy and are currently waiting for the FCA to publish its final targets before adopting this policy.
Our intention is to adopt the FCA’s proposed targets, which were outlined in the consultation that it published in July and closed in October 2021. The
FCA has stated that it intends to change the Listing Rules to require companies to set targets and to disclose their diversity annually. While we await
publication of the final requirements, we will prioritise diversity and inclusion initiatives in our recruitment. Once the Board has adopted its targets,
the Nominations Committee and Board will receive regular information and reports to enable them to monitor adherence to the targets and assess
whether the targets are the right ones for our Group, considering factors such as role and location.
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The FCA’s consultation also proposed the inclusion of data in company reporting which is set out below and related to the Board and Executive
Committee since 4 March 2022:
Table 1
Gender
Number of
Board members % of Board
Number of senior
positions on the
Board
1
Number in
Executive
Committee
% of Executive
Committee
Men (including those self-identifying as men) 6 66 3 7 78
Women (including those self-identifying as women) 3 34 1 2 22
Non-binary – – – – –
Not specified/prefer not to say – – – – –
Table 2
ONS ethnicity category
Number of
Board members % of Board
Number of senior
positions on the
Board
1
Number in
Executive
Committee
% of Executive
Committee
White British or White Other 9 100 4 7 78
Mixed/Multiple Ethnic Groups – – – – –
Asian/Asian British – – – 1 11
Black/African/Caribbean/Black British – – – 1 11
Other Ethnic Group – – – – –
Not specified/prefer not to say – – – – –
Note:
1
Senior positions refers to the roles of Chair, Group Chief Executive Officer, Group Chief Financial Officer, or Senior Independent Director.
In relation to our recruitment activities, the Nominations Committee is focused on ensuring the inclusion of women and individuals of colour in Board
and Executive Committee related searches. We have ensured that any recruitment or search agencies we have engaged are given explicit instructions
about the importance of identifying and putting forward female and ethnic candidates.
Whilst we believe that all appointments should be on merit, we recognise the imbalance that exists and the role that we can play in improving
diversity and inclusion. We also recognise the benefits that diversity has on decision making and on the Group’s performance.
Further details relating to diversity matters are included in the ESG Report in this Report (page 27), including our reporting on gender pay and gender
and ethnic diversity in our Senior Management Team and the wider workforce. The Living Responsibly Report, which is published at the same time as
this Report and available on our website (lslps.co.uk), also contains details on some of our diversity and inclusion initiatives.
Culture
The Board is mindful that it has the ultimate responsibility for our culture. The right culture provides the foundation to drive purpose and the delivery
of strategy, and therefore plays a key role in our long term success.
The Board has a range of mechanisms for monitoring our culture, including:
a. Monitoring employee engagement, as part of the Board engagement programme:
i. Results of the annual employee survey and regular pulse surveys are reported to the Board.
ii. The updated Speak Up Policy has been approved by the Board.
iii. Bill Shannon attended and presented at the Group’s Senior Management Conference.
iv. Darrell Evans (Designated Non Executive Director for Workforce Engagement) attends bi-annual meetings with the Employee Engagement
Forum.
v. Group HR arrangements introduced to enhance colleague engagement and communications.
b. Regularly reviewing our colleague diversity, equality and inclusion projects.
c. Conducting a deep dive on our people strategy, including metrics on colleague attrition, talent and succession for Senior Managers, presented by
the Group HR Director.
d. Monitoring senior leadership capability, development and succession through the Nominations Committee.
e. Overseeing progress against Senior Managers’ non-financial measures, which form part of the annual bonus plan.
f. Regular updates on and annual reviews of our core Group compliance policies.
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Overview
Share Dealing Code and Disclosure Committee
The Board has delegated responsibilities to a Disclosure Committee, which supports our compliance with the disclosure and control of inside
information obligations. Notwithstanding this, the Board remains responsible for our compliance with all regulatory disclosure obligations and the
Disclosure Committee refers matters to the Board as it sees fit. The Disclosure Committee did not meet during 2021.
We also have in place a Share Dealing Policy and Share Dealing Code, to ensure compliance with market abuse and insider dealing legislation. The
Share Dealing Policy and Share Dealing Code apply to our Directors, our PDMRs (all listed above) and other relevant employees of LSL.
Subsidiary governance
Day to day management of the Group’s subsidiary companies is delegated to the respective Divisional Management committees and to the boards
of the subsidiary companies. During the year we undertook a review of subsidiary governance including a review of our subsidiary boards and have
revised and re-issued our guidance to subsidiary directors. We will be issuing increased training to our subsidiary directors during 2022.
Colleague matters
Gender pay reporting
We published our gender pay reports for all Group companies with more than 250 employees in April 2021 and further reporting will be published in
2022. The 2021 report is available to view at gender-pay-gap.service.gov.uk and it will be available during the year.
Other pay reporting
We are continuing to monitor the Government’s reviews in relation to ethnic pay reporting and looking at what steps would need to be taken to
ensure compliance with any proposed future reporting.
Whistleblowing, fraud and anti-bribery arrangements
Pursuant to our Matters Reserved for the Board Policy, the Board oversees our whistleblowing arrangements, and the Audit & Risk Committee receives
reports on fraud and anti-bribery matters, including those reported through the Group’s whistleblowing procedures. The Audit & Risk Committee also
receives reports on any matters which relate to our internal controls and risk management arrangements, including those relating to any incidents of
fraud or bribery and further details are included in the Audit & Risk Committee Report (page 54) and the Principal Risks and Uncertainties (page 22)
sections of this Report.
The ESG Report in this Report (page 27) includes details of our whistleblowing arrangements alongside other colleague policies included within the
governance workstream of our ESG programme.
The Corporate Governance Report is approved by and signed on behalf of the Board of Directors
Sapna B. FitzGerald
Company Secretary
15 March 2022
54
Audit & Risk Committee Report
Dear Shareholder
As Chair of this Committee, I am pleased to present our report for the year ended 31 December 2021.
I took over from Bill as Chair of the Committee on 27 September 2021, at which point Bill, who had been appointed Chair of the Board earlier in
the year, ceased to be a member of this Committee. The other Committee members during 2021 were Darrell and Gaby. Since 4 March 2022,
Sonya has also joined the Committee.
I would like to thank Bill for his leadership and everyone who served on our Committee during the year for their support and the active role they
played.
In this section of the Report, we detail how the Committee discharged its roles and responsibilities during 2021, provide highlights from the
year and set out our priorities for 2022.
In 2021, we took some important steps to strengthen our governance roles across the Group and increased our emphasis on developing
the ownership, transparency and evolution of underlying risk frameworks. Much progress was made, and associated risks were managed
effectively, against the backdrop of the pandemic. We will maintain our balanced approach going forward and remain cautious for matters
involving regulatory compliance.
I will be available at the 2022 AGM, along with my fellow Directors, to answer shareholders’ questions relating to the Audit & Risk Committee
and how we discharged our roles and responsibilities during 2021.
James Mack
Chair of the Audit & Risk Committee
15 March 2022
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Audit & Risk Committee
The Audit & Risk Committee discharges governance responsibilities in respect of audit, risk and internal controls and reports to the Board on the
results of its work. Details of the Committee’s roles and responsibilities is set out in its terms of reference which is available at
lslps.co.uk.
The Committee
All of the current members of the Audit & Risk Committee are independent Non Executive Directors. James Mack replaced Bill Shannon as Chair of the
Committee on 27 September 2021. Since 4 March 2022, the Committee also includes Sonya Ghobrial. The Committee has also determined that James
has the relevant financial experience to Chair this Committee.
In addition to the Committee meetings, the Committee also met regularly with both the external and internal auditors, independently of the
Executive Directors. Details of the attendance by members of the Committee in 2021 is detailed in the Corporate Governance Report of this Report
(page 45).
2021 highlights
The Committee met five times in 2021 and its key activities included the following:
a. Providing assurance to the Board on whether this Report, taken as a whole, is fair, balanced and understandable.
b. Reviewing papers supporting significant judgements made within the Financial Statements of this Report, such as goodwill and revenue
recognition.
c. Considering the effectiveness of the wider control environment and underlying financial reporting systems.
d. Assessing the measures taken to ensure the Group maintained sufficient liquidity within its capital structure, together with the stress tests and
financial modelling assumptions used to conclude on the Group’s Going Concern Statement and Viability Statement (see also pages 25 to 26 of
Principal Risks and Uncertainties).
e. Approving the annual Internal Audit plan and considering the results of an extensive range of related thematic assurance reviews, a cycle that
includes the linkage of Internal Audit results with the bonus-based remuneration of the Senior Management Team. Focus areas included health
and safety topics, fees/payment routines and the resilience of core business systems.
f. Reviewing the remit, reach and effectiveness of Divisional risk and compliance oversight routines, as part of responses to a set of internal
challenges raised by the Group Chief Executive Officer.
g. Reviewing the strengthening of risk-related roles across the Financial Services Division, including appointing a new Chief Risk Officer and
appointing the Group Chief Operating Officer as Chair of the Financial Services Oversight Committee.
h. Overseeing Group risk appetite themes, including ensuring a cautious approach is adopted for any weaknesses in health and safety or sales
conduct arrangements.
i. Reviewing steps being taken to strengthen governance routines supporting our technology infrastructure, including the rollout of new policy
standards, appointing the Group Chief Operating Officer as Chair of the Data and Information Security Committee and investment in specialist
second line resource.
j. Considering monitoring routines for tracking fraud suspicions.
Committee work in 2021
During 2021, we focused on a range of issues and accounting judgements relating to the Financial Statements. We also oversaw the external and
internal audit functions, as well as reviewing the Group’s risk management and internal control systems and procedures. The table below summarises
our activities in the year.
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Audit & Risk Committee Report
Area Key responsibilities Activities during 2021
Financial
reporting
• Provide assurance to the Board on whether
the Annual Report and Accounts, taken as a
whole, is fair, balanced and understandable.
• Review significant judgements and
assumptions made within the Financial
Statements including valuation of goodwill and
appropriateness of revenue recognition.
• Ensure clarity of disclosures and compliance
with the Listing Rules and other regulatory
requirements.
• Provide assurance to support the long term
Viability Statement and the procedures for
evaluating the Going Concern assessment.
• Ensure the integrity of formal announcements
relating to the Group’s financial performance,
including the half year and full year Financial
Statements.
• Examined the integrity of the full year and half year Financial
Statements and recommended their approval to the Board.
• Assessed the appropriateness of key accounting policies and
practices, judgements, estimates and compliance with accounting
standards and tax requirements, including recent developments. In
particular, considered the appropriateness of revenue recognition,
including lapse provisions and the carrying value of goodwill in
relation to the Estate Agency business.
• Reviewed Management’s calculations and assumptions applied
in the annual goodwill impairment test. This concluded that no
impairment was necessary to goodwill at 31 December 2021.
• Considered the findings of financial audits completed by the
Internal Audit team, as part of its assurance plan.
• Considered whether a reasonably possible change to assumptions
in the impairment test would result in a material impairment and
therefore require sensitivity disclosure in the Financial Statements,
including a sensitivity disclosure for Marsh & Parsons in relation to a
reasonably possible change in either the budget/three year plan or
the discount rate applied.
• Reviewed Management’s application of revenue recognition
policies and continued monitoring of compliance with financial
reporting and accounting controls linked to revenue recognition.
During the year there have been no changes to the Group’s revenue
recognition practices.
• Reviewed Management’s estimates of the lapse provisions and
considered the risk that revenue is recognised in the wrong period,
either due to cut-off errors, management bias and/or estimation
uncertainty.
• Reviewed the Viability Statement and Going Concern assessment
and their supporting material and advised the Board that the Group
is able to continue in operation and meet its liabilities as they fall
due for at least the next 12 months.
• Assessed the Group’s capital structure and dividend policy.
• Reviewed ESG disclosures including the Group’s climate change and
inclusion and diversity objectives for inclusion in this Report.
• Provided continuing assurance to the Board about the maintenance
of appropriate financial control systems and procedures,
throughout further cycles of the pandemic.
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Area Key responsibilities Activities during 2021
Risk management • Review the effectiveness of the Group’s
risk management framework, governance
arrangements and procedures.
• Advise the Board on current and emerging
risks.
• Annual review and recommendation of the Audit & Risk
Committee’s terms of reference, Group risk framework policy and
related Group governance committee structures.
• Reviewed the operation of our ‘three lines of defence’ risk
management structure.
• Regularly reviewed the Group’s principal risks and uncertainties,
including underlying Divisional risk routines and emerging risk
areas.
• Focused on the effectiveness of Divisional routines to define,
identify and respond to areas outside risk tolerance, including their
interaction with Group standards and appetite.
• Promoted a culture which is designed to ensure regulatory
compliance, stakeholder safety and ‘speaking-up’ on any concerns.
Internal control • Review the internal control environment, to
ensure that processes are effectively designed
to reduce risk and the likelihood of material
error or fraud.
• Consider the operation and effectiveness of
the Group’s internal control systems, covering
financial, operational and compliance
controls.
• Reviewed the Group’s risk management framework and governance
committee structures – see above.
• Considered outputs from the Divisional ‘three lines of defence’
oversight and compliance routines.
• Reviewed control environment assessments prepared by Group
Finance and the Divisional risk and compliance leads.
• Evaluated control benchmarks and compliance performance versus
defined policy and procedural standards.
• Monitored the effectiveness of internal and external auditing
processes and themes arising from their outputs.
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Audit & Risk Committee Report
Area Key responsibilities Activities during 2021
External audit • Make recommendations to the Board on the
appointment, reappointment, and removal of
the external auditor.
• Assess the independence, objectivity and
effectiveness of the external auditor.
• Approve the external auditor’s fees.
• Agree the scope of the audit with the Group’s
external auditor.
• Review the external auditor’s findings and its
key focus areas.
• Ensured Ernst & Young has adequate processes to maintain
independence, including regular rotation of the audit partner. Mark
Morritt has retired as audit partner by rotation following the end
of the 31 December 2021 audit and has been replaced by Jenn
Hazlehurst for the 31 December 2022 audit.
• Annual review and recommendation of the Auditor Independence
Policy.
• Reviewed the materiality and effectiveness of planning, including
relevant risk-based focus areas and the changing profile of profit
contributions across relevant entities.
• Evaluated the audit findings, including resolution of any issues and
feedback on the quality of interactions with relevant Divisional
senior management.
• Considered fee levels, including for non-audit services, which
amounted to £48,000 for the provision of a comfort letter for the
Pivotal Growth joint venture arrangement. This was not considered
to compromise the objectivity and rigour of audit work undertaken
by Ernst & Young.
• Reviewed the effectiveness of the external audit process, taking
into consideration applicable UK professional and regulatory
requirements, independence considerations and feedback from
Divisional senior management.
• Our conclusions on effectiveness and independence supported our
recommendation to reappoint Ernst & Young as external auditor at
the 2022 AGM. As Ernst & Young’s audit tenure began in 2004 and
cannot exceed 20 years, a new external auditor will be appointed
prior to the end of 2024. The last audit tender took place in 2016.
Internal audit • Assess the scope of the Internal Audit plan,
the effectiveness of its delivery and any
resourcing implications.
• Ensure the Internal Audit function has open
lines of communication and access to records.
• Review themes arising from Internal Audit
outputs, including resolution of issues and
emergent areas.
• Approved the audit plan and supporting papers, including the wider
three year assurance cycle and Internal Audit Charter which covers
our Internal Audit team.
• Reviewed a benchmarking exercise supporting the effective
operation of the function during the year.
• Removed ‘risk’ from the Internal Audit team’s title, to emphasise
the function’s independent assurance role, and supported changes
in reporting style to promote fact-based findings.
• Tracked the completion of agreed Internal Audit actions.
• Reported themes and resultant Group-level recommendations to
each Committee meeting.
Other key matters • Evaluation of the effectiveness of the
Committee.
• Monitor fraud-related suspicions.
• As part of the annual Board and Committee evaluation process, the
Directors evaluated the Committee’s effectiveness and confirmed it
is effective. This included confirming that the skills and expertise of
our members are appropriate and that the Chair has the necessary
financial experience.
• Tracked fraud-related suspicions across the Group and logged
investigations, conclusions and remedies.
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Strategic Report
Directors’ Report (including Corporate
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Overview
Priorities for 2022
Our focus areas for 2022 include the following:
a. Monitoring emerging areas affecting the Group’s risk profile, including changes in the regulatory environment and clearly defining our risk appetite.
b. Promoting ownership and alignment of robust risk management routines across all of our businesses and lines of defence, including reviewing
progress with Divisional assessments evaluated at the end of 2021.
c. Mapping of risk profiles across the Group, including focus on any risk categories not fully captured within existing Divisional routines.
d. Continuing our cultural emphasis on encouraging colleagues and other key stakeholders to ‘speak up’ about any issues or concerns.
e. Developing escalation and attestation routines from underlying committee structures on risk and control matters.
f. Assessing and improving robust and resilient cyber security controls. This will involve feedback from the technology assurance routines driven by
relevant governance forums and oversight functions.
g. Reviewing the delivery and effectiveness of external audit processes under the new audit partner.
h. Reviewing Internal Audit engagements covering the effectiveness of strategy execution, change management, technology risk and second line
oversight routines.
The Audit & Risk Committee Report is approved by and signed on behalf of the Board
James Mack
Chair of the Audit & Risk Committee
15 March 2022
60
Directors’ Remuneration Report
Annual Statement
Dear Shareholder
This is my first year as Remuneration Committee Chair and I am pleased to present the Directors’ Remuneration Report for 2021. I would like to
thank Bill for chairing the Committee prior to my appointment in April 2021. As a Committee, we will be reviewing our Directors’ Remuneration
Policy in the coming year, before presenting this to shareholders for approval at the 2023 AGM. Ahead of this, I look forward to engaging with
both our shareholders and colleagues as part of this review process.
The Directors’ Remuneration Report is divided into the following sections:
• Annual Statement: summarising remuneration for 2021, explaining major decisions made during the year and the operation of the Directors’
Remuneration Policy for 2022;
• Directors’ Remuneration Policy (Policy): sets out the Policy approved by shareholders at the 2020 AGM; and
• Annual Report on Remuneration: sets out details of the remuneration earned by Directors in 2021 and how the Policy will be implemented
during 2022.
The Policy was approved by 97.1% of shareholders voting at the 2020 AGM. The Remuneration Committee considers that the Policy continues to
support the Group’s strategy and we are not proposing any changes for 2022.
The Annual Statement and the Annual Report on Remuneration are subject to a combined shareholder advisory vote, which we will present for
approval at the forthcoming 2022 AGM. For further details, see the AGM Notice.
Summary of our performance in the year and decisions taken in response to COVID-19
Against the backdrop of an uncertain housing market at the beginning of the year, impacted by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, our
performance has been very positive and significantly ahead of prior year, with record Group Underlying Operating Profit. This financial
performance is reflected in the underlying remuneration outcomes for the year.
As detailed in last year’s Annual Report and Accounts, we undertook a number of cost saving measures during 2020, as a result of the pandemic.
These included suspending the annual pay review, deferring LTIP awards and not paying bonuses to Executive Directors for 2020. These
decisions were taken in light of wider stakeholder considerations and shareholder expectations, including the use of Government support and
the decision to suspend the full year dividend in 2019 and both the interim and full year dividends in 2020.
I am pleased to report that in 2021 business performance has improved substantially, and it is our intention to resume dividend payments,
subject to shareholder approval. All employees were returned from furlough by April 2021 and for the small number of staff who were on
furlough during the first few months of 2021, we have repaid the funds claimed in full to HMRC.
Key decisions taken by the Committee during 2021
In light of the updated guidance from the FRC released in early 2021 the Committee reviewed its post-employment shareholding policy. As a
result, we have strengthened this policy by requiring Executive Directors to hold for two years the lower of 150% of salary in shares (200% for
the Group Chief Executive Officer) and actual shares held on cessation of employment. This is in addition to the previous policy, which required
the continuation of the annual bonus and LTIP holding periods post-cessation of employment. Details of the full shareholding policy can be
found later in this Report. The Directors have voluntarily agreed to this updated policy and it will be incorporated into our proposed Policy, to
be submitted for shareholder approval at our 2023 AGM.
During 2021, we appointed a number of individuals to further strengthen our Executive Committee and Senior Management Team. The
Committee was actively involved in determining the remuneration packages for all these individuals. We also reviewed and redefined the Senior
Management Team, to determine which roles are subject to review by this Committee.
The Remuneration Committee is keen to understand the views of the wider workforce with respect to executive remuneration and I was
pleased to attend a meeting with our Employee Engagement Forum during the year, as part of this process. The forum’s views were sought
on a range of executive remuneration matters and we discussed the alignment of executive remuneration to the remuneration policy for the
wider workforce. The forum’s feedback was provided to the Committee by the Group HR Director and myself in December 2021. The feedback
has helped inform and guide the Committee’s thinking, particularly with respect to appropriate non-financial measures for 2022 and the all-
employee share plan awards for the coming year.
Finally, the Committee reviewed and discussed the Executive Directors and Senior Management Team’s progress against the non-financial
bonus metrics throughout the year.
Incentive outcomes for 2021
The bonus scheme in 2021 was based 70% on Group Underlying Operating Profit and 30% on individually agreed non-financial measures, with
the Executive Directors’ maximum bonus opportunity being 100% of basic salary. The 2021 annual bonus outcomes for the Executive
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Other Information
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Strategic Report
Directors’ Report (including Corporate
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Overview
Directors reflect strong performance against the financial performance targets, as well as the successful delivery of a number of strategic
initiatives.
Based on our financial and operational performance in 2021, the Executive Directors each earned an annual bonus award of 70% of basic
salary in respect of the financial performance element of the bonus scheme, reflecting performance against Group and (in relation to Helen
Buck) Estate Agency Division measures, and between 12.6% and 14.7% of basic salary for performance against their individual non-financial
measures. These non-financial measures have been important in driving forward and delivering strategic initiatives during the year. This results
in 2021 bonus outcomes of 84.7% of salary for the Group Chief Executive Officer, 84.4% of salary for the Group Chief Financial Officer and 82.6%
for the Executive Director – Estate Agency.
The Committee reviewed the profit performance against the targets set, noting the very difficult outlook at the start of the year given the
ongoing impact from the pandemic, as well as matters that had contributed to the overall strengthening of the housing market, such as the
prolonged reduction in Stamp Duty. We concluded that notwithstanding these factors, performance had been very strong and far exceeded
the maximum targets. We therefore concluded that the bonus payment was appropriate and there were no circumstances that required scaling
back the formulaic outcome.
The three year performance period for the 2019 LTIP ended on 31 December 2021. Both the EPS and total shareholder return (TSR) targets
were partially achieved, resulting in 91.6% of the maximum award vesting in March 2022.
The Committee reviewed the incentive outturns and we concluded that they reflected the strong business performance and shareholder
returns over the same period. We also considered the wider stakeholder experience, noting dividends had resumed, that the workforce has
received relatively high levels of commission or bonus and that all employees had returned to work from furlough, with any funds claimed in
2021 fully repaid to HMRC. We were therefore comfortable that we did not need to exercise any discretion to adjust the formulaic outcome of
the 2021 incentives and that the outcomes are appropriate. We also considered whether there were any relevant ESG matters that we needed
to take account of when reviewing the remuneration outcomes and concluded that there were no such factors that needed to be taken into
account. The Committee is also comfortable that the Policy has operated as intended and that no changes are required as a result of the review
of its operation in 2021.
Further details of performance against the targets for the annual bonus and LTIP awards are set out in the Annual Report on Remuneration
(page 60).
Implementation of Policy for 2022
The Executive Directors will receive salary increases of 2%, rounded to the nearest £250, this increase is in line with the average pay award
for senior and middle management roles and less than the average pay award for more junior roles within our Group; who will receive more
substantial increases. The Non Executive Directors will also receive fee increases of 2%, rounded to the nearest £250.
The annual bonus will be subject to the same performance conditions as last year, namely 70% based on Group Underlying Operating Profit
and 30% based on non-financial measures, which include ESG targets which focus upon improvements in gender and diversity of the Senior
Management Team and meeting our Living Responsibly targets. The Committee has considered the slightly higher weighting given to non-
financial measures, which was put in place last year, and determined that this remains appropriate, as it emphasises the importance of key
strategic objectives as a driver of further profitability and growth.
In relation to the LTIP awards for 2022, the Committee will make awards at the normal award level of 125% of salary to the Executive Directors.
The 2022 LTIP awards will continue to be based 50% on EPS and 50% on TSR, in line with the 2021 grants. TSR performance will continue to be
measured relative to the FTSE Small Cap Index and the EPS targets have been set to ensure they are as stretching as previous years, taking into
account both the business and market outlook. Details of these targets can be found in the latter section of this Report.
Conclusion
The Committee believes that the remuneration arrangements for the Executive Directors and Senior Management Team are aligned to our
strategic goals and incorporate the Group’s key performance indicators. We are comfortable that the remuneration outcomes for 2021 are
aligned to performance, that the Policy continues to promote our long term success and incentivises the delivery of strong and sustainable
financial results, with the creation of shareholder value. We have also reviewed the implementation of Policy for 2022, to ensure it is aligned
with our purpose, culture and values.
Accordingly, the Committee seeks the support of shareholders for the resolution to approve our remuneration arrangements at the 2022 AGM.
If shareholders have any questions or observations, then I will be pleased to hear from you directly and will be available at the 2022 AGM, along
with my fellow Directors. I can also be contacted via the Company Secretary’s office (please see details on page 171).
Darrell Evans
Chair of the Remuneration Committee
15 March 2022
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Directors’ Remuneration Report
Directors’ Remuneration Policy (Policy)
Introduction and overview
This part of the Directors’ Remuneration Report sets out the remuneration policy for the Directors and has been prepared in accordance with The
Large and Medium-sized Companies and Groups (Accounts and Reports) (Amendment) Regulations 2013 and the Companies (Miscellaneous Reporting)
Regulations 2018 (Regulations).
The Policy was approved by shareholders at our AGM on 30 June 2020 and applies for three years from that date, unless shareholder approval
is sought for earlier changes. The Policy which is detailed below is a summary version of the full Policy which can be found in the 2019 Directors’
Remuneration Report (included in the Annual Report and Accounts 2019 which is available on our website: lslps.co.uk).
Operation of the Policy in 2021
In determining the Policy and its operation, we considered the following six factors which are referred to in the Code:
a. Clarity – the Policy is well understood by our Senior Management Team and has been clearly explained to our shareholders through direct
engagement and our annual remuneration reporting. A key responsibility for our Group HR Director and Darrell Evans, as the designated
workforce engagement Non Executive Director, is to engage with the wider employee base on all of our ‘people matters’ (including
remuneration). This engagement is conducted through our Employee Engagement Forum and also via our employee survey, the results of which
are reviewed by the Board.
b. Simplicity – our focus is to ensure that our Policy and practices are simple and straightforward and that the objectives and deliverables are clear.
We only operate two employee incentive plans, an annual bonus and a long term incentive scheme. Targets are based on business KPIs and
measure performance against them, tracking and rewarding progress toward achieving our strategies and longer term sustainable growth.
c. Risk – the Policy is designed to ensure that reputational, behavioural and other risks are managed and will not be rewarded via (i) a balanced
use of fixed and variable pay, with both short and long term incentive plans, which employ a blend of financial, non-financial and shareholders
return targets, (ii) the significant role played by equity in the incentive plans (together with executive shareholding guidelines in service and the
post-service policy) and (iii) the inclusion of malus/clawback provisions.
d. Predictability – our employee incentive plans are subject to individual caps, with share plans also subject to market standard dilution limits. The
scenario charts on page 68 illustrate how the rewards potentially receivable by the Executive Directors vary based on performance delivered
and share price growth. The Committee also has the discretion to adjust any vesting outcomes if they are not considered appropriate.
e. Proportionality – there is a clear link between individual awards, delivery of strategy and our long term performance. In addition, the significant
role played by incentive or ‘at-risk ’ pay, together with the structure of the Executive Directors’ service contracts, ensures that poor performance
is not rewarded.
f. Alignment to culture – the incentive schemes drive behaviours consistent with our purpose, culture, values and strategy (including the Group’s
ESG and Living Responsibly strategies), by using metrics in both the annual bonus and the LTIP that underpin the delivery of our strategies.
Employee personal success is directly linked to the success of our clients and businesses, through the short and long term incentive plans and
targets which we operate.
Overall business performance, ESG matters, and workforce pay, including the Group Chief Executive Officer pay ratio, are taken into account when
determining remuneration for the year.
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Other Information
Financial Statements
Strategic Report
Directors’ Report (including Corporate
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Overview
Policy detail by remuneration element
Element of
remuneration
arrangements
How this component supports our
strategies
Operation Maximum Performance metrics
and period
Basic salary • Reflects the value of the
individual and their role.
• Reflects skills and experience
over time.
• Provides an appropriate level
of basic fixed income, avoiding
excessive risk arising from over
reliance on variable income.
• Reviewed annually, normally effective
1 January.
• Takes periodic comparison against
companies with similar characteristics and
sector comparators.
• There is no prescribed
maximum annual basic
salary increase.
• The Remuneration
Committee is guided by
the general increase for
the broader employee
population but may
decide to award a lower
increase for Executive
Directors or indeed
exceed this to recognise,
for example, an increase
in the scale, scope or
responsibility of the role
and/or to take account
of relevant market
movements.
• Current basic salary
levels are set out in
the Annual Report on
Remuneration.
• Not applicable.
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Directors’ Remuneration Report
Element of
remuneration
arrangements
How this component supports our
strategies
Operation Maximum Performance metrics
and period
Annual bonus • Incentivises annual delivery of
financial and strategic goals.
• Maximum bonus only payable
for achieving demanding
targets.
• Targets reviewed annually.
• Bonus level is determined by the
Remuneration Committee after the end of
the financial year, subject to performance
against targets set at the start of the
financial year.
• The Remuneration Committee has the
discretion to adjust or override formulaic
outcomes for annual bonus payment, if
the Committee considers it is not reflective
of the Group’s underlying performance,
taking into account amongst other things,
the quality of earnings that underlie the
pay and vesting outcomes, which may put
at risk future cash-flows, as well as investor
experience and the employee reward
outcome.
• The Group Chief Executive Officer is
required to purchase and hold shares
equivalent to 33% of any bonus earned,
net of tax, for a period of two years. The
other Executive Directors are required to
purchase and hold shares equivalent to
25% of any bonus earned net of tax, for a
period of two years, which will in normal
circumstances continue post-cessation of
employment. For all Executive Directors on
cessation of employment, these shares will
not be forfeited for any reason. However
clawback and the holding period will
continue to apply.
• Not pensionable.
• Bonus awards are subject to clawback
and malus for six years from payment
of the bonus, in circumstances of:
material misstatement of financial
results, corporate failure, failure of risk
management, reputational damage, error,
inaccurate or misleading information in
determining a performance condition
or any other matter determining the
vesting of an award, breach of relevant
regulations, an act or omission during
vesting period to the significant detriment
of customers, or an act or omission leading
to gross misconduct. Recovery can be
made through scaling back of existing
awards, reduction of future awards
including under the LTIP and requesting
repayment as a cash sum.
• Maximum opportunity:
100% with the ability
to increase to 125% of
basic salary*.
*Maximum opportunity
will not be increased
above 100% of basic
salary without significant
shareholder consultation.
This has not occurred and
therefore the maximum
remains at 100% of salary.
• Performance period
of one year.
• Performance
metrics:
– a maximum of 30%
of the award will
be determined
by non-financial
measures and a
minimum of 70% by
financial measures;
and
– not more than 20%
of the total bonus
will pay out at
threshold.
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Other Information
Financial Statements
Strategic Report
Directors’ Report (including Corporate
Governance Reports and Committee Reports)
Overview
Element of
remuneration
arrangements
How this component supports our
strategies
Operation Maximum Performance metrics
and period
LTIP awards
(approved by
shareholders
at the 2017
AGM)
• Aligned to key performance
indicators of the Group that
drive the strategies and
performance of the businesses.
• Awards of nil-cost or conditional shares
are made annually, with vesting dependent
on the achievement of performance
conditions over the subsequent three
years.
• The Remuneration Committee reviews
the quantum of awards annually and
monitors the continuing suitability of the
performance measures.
• The Committee has the discretion to
adjust and override formulaic outcomes
of LTIP vesting, if it considers that it is
not reflective of the Group’s underlying
performance, taking into account amongst
other things the quality of earnings that
underlie the vesting outcomes, which may
put at risk future cash-flows, as well as
the investor experience and the employee
reward outcome.
• The Committee has discretion to provide
for dividend equivalents in shares to
accrue from the date of award to the
vesting date or, if applicable, to the end of
any post-vesting holding period.
• LTIP awards are subject to clawback
and malus for six years from vesting, in
circumstances of: material misstatement
of financial results, corporate failure,
failure of risk management, reputational
damage, error, inaccurate or misleading
information in determining a performance
condition or any other matter determining
the vesting of an award, breach of relevant
regulations, act or omission during vesting
period to the significant detriment of
customers, act or omission leading to
gross misconduct. Recovery can be made
through scaling back of existing awards,
reduction of future awards including under
the annual bonus and deferred annual
bonus plan and requesting repayment as
a cash sum.
• Normal maximum
limit of 125% of basic
salary, with grants
of up to 200% of
basic salary being
made in exceptional
circumstances.
• Performance period:
normally three
years.
• A two year
post-vesting holding
period applies to
awards granted from
2018 and in normal
circumstances
continues to apply
post-cessation of
employment.
• At least 30% of
the award will be
determined by
TSR performance,
with the remainder
by other financial
metrics.
• 25% vests at
threshold for all
parts of the LTIP.
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Directors’ Remuneration Report
Element of
remuneration
arrangements
How this component supports our
strategies
Operation Maximum Performance metrics
and period
All-employee
share schemes:
SAYE, SIP/BAYE
and CSOP
• Encourages long term
shareholding in LSL.
• Invitations from the Remuneration Committee
under the approved SAYE, SIP/BAYE and CSOP.
• As per HMRC limits. None.
Executive share
ownership
guidelines
• Aligns Executive Directors and
shareholders.
• The Group Chief Executive Officer is required
to build and maintain a minimum shareholding
equivalent to 200% of basic salary over a
period of five years from the approval of the
Policy.
• The other Executive Directors are required to
build and maintain a minimum shareholding
equivalent to 150% of basic salary over a
period of five years from the approval of the
Policy.
• All Executive Directors are expected to retain
all vested long term incentive awards (subject
to any sales necessary to meet tax liability
on vesting or exercise) and shares purchased
from annual bonus under the Policy, until the
guideline is met.
• A post-employment shareholding policy
applies as follows, with the Committee
retaining the discretion to amend the Policy in
exceptional circumstances:
–
Directors to hold the lower of shares with
a value equivalent to 150% of salary (200%
for the Group Chief Executive Officer) and
actual shares held on cessation for two
years
2
.
–
The two year holding period for annual
bonus shares continues post-employment.
–
The two year post-vesting holding period for
LTIP awards continues post-employment.
• Minimum of 200%
of basic salary
for Group Chief
Executive Officer
and 150% of basic
salary for the other
Executive Directors
– no maximum.
None.
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Other Information
Financial Statements
Strategic Report
Directors’ Report (including Corporate
Governance Reports and Committee Reports)
Overview
Element of
remuneration
arrangements
How this component supports our
strategies
Operation Maximum Performance metrics
and period
Benefits
• Provides insured benefits
to support the Executive
Directors and their families
during periods of ill health,
or in the event of accident or
death.
• Access to car allowance to
facilitate travel.
• Includes car allowance, life assurance and
private medical insurance. Other benefits
may be provided where appropriate.
• Any reasonable business related expenses
(including tax thereon) can be reimbursed
if determined to be a taxable benefit.
• At cost. None.
Pension • Provides modest retirement
benefits.
• Opportunity for Executive
Directors to contribute to their
own retirement plan.
• Defined contribution.
• HMRC approved arrangement.
• New appointments
will receive employer
pension contributions
in line with the
contribution for
the majority of the
workforce at the time of
appointment.
• Existing Directors are
offered a pension in
accordance with auto
enrolment minimums or
a pension contribution
equivalent to 5% of basic
salary.
None.
Chair and Non
Executive
Directors
• To provide fees reflecting
the time commitments and
responsibilities of each role,
in line with those provided by
similarly sized companies.
• Cash fee paid on a monthly basis.
• Fees are normally reviewed annually.
• Any reasonable business related expenses
can be reimbursed (including tax thereon if
determined to be a taxable benefit).
• There is no prescribed
maximum annual fee
increase, although
there is a total fee cap
of £750,000, which is
contained in our Articles
of Association.
• Fees are determined
and reviewed taking into
account experience,
time commitment,
responsibility and scope
of role, as well as the
general increase for
the broader employee
population and market
data for similar roles
in other companies
of a similar size and
complexity. Current fees
are set out in the Annual
Report on Remuneration.
None.
Notes to the Policy summary:
1. Authority is given to us to honour any commitments entered into with current or former Executive Directors (such as the payment of last year’s
annual bonus or the vesting/exercise of share awards granted in the past) that have been disclosed in this and previous Directors’ Remuneration
Reports. Details of any payments to former directors will be set out in the Annual Report on Remuneration as they arise.
2. The updated post-employment shareholding policy which requires the Executive Directors to retain a shareholding post-employment will apply
to shares acquired from LTIP awards granted from 2019 onwards (i.e. those that vest from 2022 onwards) and bonus awards invested in shares in
respect of performance in 2022 onwards (i.e. any bonus award payable from 2023 onwards).
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Directors’ Remuneration Report
Reward scenarios (illustration of application of the Policy for 2022)
The chart below shows how the composition of the remuneration packages for each of the Executive Directors varies at different levels of
performance under the Policy detailed above, both as a percentage of total remuneration opportunity and as a total value.
The graph also indicates the maximum remuneration under a scenario of 50% share price appreciation over the three year performance period of the
LTIP award:
0
250
500
750
1,000
1,250
1,500
1,750
2,000
Group Chief Executive Officer Group Chief Financial Officer Executive Director – Estate Agency
£482
£1,005
£1,528
£1,818
£331
£684
£1,037
£1,233
£336
£696
£1,056
£1,256
£’000
Maximum
with 50%
share price
appreciation
MaximumTargetBelow targetMaximum
with 50%
share price
appreciation
MaximumTargetBelow targetMaximum
with 50%
share price
appreciation
MaximumTargetBelow target
100% 48%
23%
29%
32%
30%
38%
27%
25%
48%
100% 48%
23%
29%
32%
30%
38%
27%
25%
48%
100% 48%
23%
29%
32%
30%
38%
27%
25%
48%
Fixed pay Bonus LTIP
Notes to the reward scenarios:
1. The ‘below target’ performance scenario comprises the fixed elements of remuneration only, including:
a. basic salary as applicable from 1 January 2022;
b. pension as per the Policy; and
c. benefits are as reported for the previous financial year.
2. The target level of bonus is assumed to be 50% of the maximum bonus opportunity (100% of basic salary), and the on-target level of LTIP
vesting is assumed to be 50% of the face value, assuming a normal grant level (125% of basic salary). These values are included in addition to the
components of fixed remuneration.
3. The maximum remuneration assumes full bonus payout (100% of basic salary) and the full-face value of the LTIP (125% of basic salary), in addition
to fixed components of remuneration.
4. No share price growth has been factored into the calculations in the below target, target and maximum calculations.
5. 50% share price growth over the three year performance period of the LTIP award has been used for the ‘maximum with 50% share price
appreciation’ scenario.
6. The assumptions noted for on-target performance in the graph above are provided for illustration purposes only.
Approach to recruitment and promotions
The remuneration package on appointment for a new Executive Director is set in accordance with the Policy which is in place at the date of the
appointment and will take into account the skills and experience of the individual, the market rate for a candidate with those skills and experience and
the importance of securing the relevant individual.
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Overview
Basic salary will be provided at the level required to attract the most appropriate candidate and may be set initially at a below mid-market level, on
the basis that it may progress towards the mid-market level once skills, expertise and performance have been proven and sustained. The annual
bonus potential will be limited to 100% of basic salary (with the ability to increase to 125% of basic salary only when the policy limit is increased
following significant shareholders consultation). Grants under the LTIP will be limited to 125% of basic salary or 200% of basic salary in exceptional
circumstances. Depending on the timing of the appointment, the Committee may deem it appropriate to set different annual bonus performance
metrics to the existing Executive Directors for the first performance year after appointment. Further, in exceptional circumstances the Committee
may offer additional cash and/or share-based elements to replace deferred or incentive pay forfeited by an individual leaving a previous employer.
It will seek to ensure, where possible, that these awards are consistent with any awards forfeited in terms of delivery mechanism, vesting periods,
expected value and performance conditions.
For an internal candidate appointed as an Executive Director, any variable pay element awarded in respect of the prior role may be allowed to pay out
according to its terms. In addition, any other ongoing remuneration obligations existing prior to appointment may continue, provided they are put to
shareholders for approval at the earliest opportunity.
For both external and internal candidate appointments, the Committee may agree that we will meet certain relocation and/or incidental expenses as
appropriate.
In exceptional circumstances, the Committee may also agree, on the recruitment of a new Executive Director, a notice period in excess of nine
months with the intention to reduce this to nine months over a specified period.
Service contracts for Executive Directors
The service contracts for each of the Executive Directors in place at the date of this Report are not fixed term and are terminable by either the
Company or the Executive Director as detailed below:
Director Commencement of service contract Notice period (from Executive Director and the
Company)
David Stewart
Group Chief Executive Officer
1 May 2020 Nine months
Adam Castleton
Group Chief Financial Officer
2 November 2015 Nine months
Helen Buck
Executive Director – Estate Agency
2 February 2017 Nine months
At the Committee’s recommendation and at the Board’s discretion, an Executive Director’s service contract can be terminated early by payment of
basic salary and benefits in lieu of the required notice period. The main contractual terms surrounding termination are summarised below:
Provision Detailed Terms
Notice period Nine months.
Termination payment Payment in lieu of notice, based on basic salary, fixed benefits and pension.
Remuneration entitlements A bonus may be payable (pro-rated where relevant) and outstanding share awards may vest (see below).
Change of control No Executive Director’s service contract contains additional provisions in respect of change of control.
The Remuneration Committee may pay reasonable outplacement and legal fees where appropriate, and may pay any statutory entitlements, or settle
or compromise claims or potential claims in connection with a termination of employment, where considered in the Group’s best interests.
Subject to the performance conditions being met, an annual bonus may be payable with respect to the period of the financial year served, although it
will be pro-rated for time, based on performance and paid at the normal payment date.
Any share-based entitlements granted to an Executive Director under our share plans will be determined based on the relevant share plan rules.
However, in certain prescribed circumstances under the LTIP scheme rules, such as death, injury, disability, redundancy, retirement or cessation by
reason of the employing company/business ceasing to be a member of the Group, or other circumstances at the discretion of the Committee, a ‘good
leaver’ status may be applied.
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Directors’ Remuneration Report
LTIP awards for ‘good leavers’ will, except in exceptional circumstances:
• vest at the original vesting date;
• be determined by testing the performance conditions at the usual time;
• be pro-rated for the proportion of the vesting period that has elapsed; and
• be subject to the two year post-vesting holding period, where applicable.
Awards to Executive Directors who are not ‘good leavers’ lapse immediately on cessation.
Subject to Board approval and any conditions stipulated by the Board, Executive Directors may accept appropriate outside commercial non executive
director appointments, provided that the aggregate commitment is compatible with their duties as an LSL Executive Director.
Non Executive Directors
Our policy is to appoint Non Executive Directors with a breadth of qualifications, skills and experience relevant to the Group’s businesses and strategy.
The Board makes appointments based on the recommendation of the Nominations Committee. For further details on the Nominations Committee’s
role and responsibilities, and how it discharges its duties, see the Nominations Committee Report which is included in the Corporate Governance
Report (page 45).
Non Executive Directors, including the Chair, have letters of appointment which set out their roles and responsibilities. The Non Executive Directors,
including the Chair, are not eligible to participate in incentive arrangements or receive pension provision. The following table shows details of the
terms of appointment of our Non Executive Directors (as at the date of this Report).
Director Date original term commenced Date current term commenced Expiry date of current term
Gaby Appleton
Independent Non Executive Director
and Senior Independent Director
1 September 2019 31 August 2022 31 August 2025
Simon Embley
Non Executive Director
1
January 2015 1
January 2021 31 December 2023
Darrell Evans
Independent Non Executive Director
and Chair of the Remuneration
Committee
28 February 2019 28 February 2022 27 February 2025
Sonya Ghobrial
Independent Non Executive Director
4 March 2022 4 March 2022 3 March 2025
James Mack
Independent Non Executive Director
and Chair of the Audit & Risk Committee
27 September 2021 - 26 September 2024
Bill Shannon
Non Executive Chair and Chair of the
Nominations Committee
7 January 2014 7 January 2020 6 January 2023
Annual Report on Remuneration
Implementation of the Policy for the year ending 31 December 2022
This section of the Directors’ Remuneration Report sets out how the Policy will be implemented for 2022.
Basic salary
2022 basic salary increases for the Executive Directors are 2%, rounded to the nearest £250. This increase is in line with the average pay award for
senior and middle management roles and less than the average pay award for more junior roles within our Group, who will receive more substantial
increases. The basic salary levels at 1 January 2022 for the Executive Directors are set out below:
Director Role 2022
(£)
% increase from 1 January
2022
2021
(£)
Helen Buck Executive Director – Estate Agency 320,000 2% 313,750
Adam Castleton Group Chief Financial Officer 313,750 2% 307,500
David Stewart Group Chief Executive Officer 464,750 2% 455,750
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Overview
Annual bonus for 2022
We will operate an annual bonus plan for Executive Directors during 2022 that is broadly similar to that operated in 2021, as detailed in the table
below.
Financial performance
measures
Group Underlying Operating Profit Estate Agency Underlying
Operating Profit
Non-financial measures Maximum total bonus
Director % of basic salary % of basic salary % of basic salary % of basic salary
Helen Buck 35% 35% 30% 100%
Adam Castleton 70% - 30% 100%
David Stewart 70% - 30% 100%
The Group Underlying Operating Profit and (for Helen Buck) the Estate Agency operating profit targets require performance to be significantly better
than budget for full payout.
The non-financial measures for the 2022 bonus scheme will include objectives based on the Executive Directors’ delivery of key strategic initiatives
in each of our three Divisions: Financial Services, Surveying & Valuation, and Estate Agency. Full disclosure of these targets will be provided in
the 2022 Directors’ Remuneration Report. We are satisfied that the objectives set are challenging and demanding, reflect our ongoing business
expectations and have a clear link to our strategy. These non-financial measures will also include specific objectives relating to ESG which focus
upon improvements in gender and diversity at the Senior Management Team level and meeting our Living Responsibly targets. The Committee has
reviewed these non-financial metrics carefully to ensure alignment with our purpose, culture and values.
As detailed in the Policy, the Executive Directors are required to purchase shares with a proportion of their net of tax bonus and to hold these shares
for a minimum of two years.
Long Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) 2022 awards
We will operate an LTIP for Executive Directors during 2022 that is broadly similar to that operated in 2021, as detailed in the table below. The
Committee intends to grant an award of 125% to each of the Executive Directors, in line with the Policy.
Performance measure Percentage of award subject to
condition
Performance period Threshold performance level
(25% vesting)
Maximum performance level
(100% vesting)
Adjusted basic EPS growth 50%
3 years ending
31 December 2024
46.9 52.8
TSR (relative to FTSE Small
Cap, excluding investment
trusts)
50% Median
(50
th
percentile)
Upper quartile
(75
th
percentile)
The TSR and adjusted EPS performance conditions were selected on the basis that they reward the delivery of long term returns to our shareholders
and our financial growth.
Benefits
Taxable benefits for the Executive Directors will continue to include a car allowance, life assurance and private medical insurance.
Pension
All Executive Directors are paid an employer pension contribution in line with or below that received by the majority of our wider workforce. Adam
Castleton chooses to participate in our auto enrolment pension scheme and receives 3% of banded earnings as a pension contribution from the
Company. Helen Buck has elected not to join the pension scheme and receives no additional compensation in lieu of this. David Stewart receives 3%
of banded earnings in lieu of any employer pension contributions.
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Non Executive Directors
As a result of new appointments to the Board, including the appointment of a new Chair of the Board and the removal of the position of Deputy Chair,
the fees were reviewed to ensure they were appropriate for the time commitment and experience of the Non Executive Directors. The resulting fees,
which came into effect from 1 July 2021, are detailed in the 2021 column of the table below.
In 2022, fees for the Non Executive Directors were increased in line with the average pay review awarded to our wider workforce (2%), rounded to the
nearest £250. The 2% increase was applied to the Non Executive fee and some of the additional fees which are applied for additional responsibilities.
Role 2022 (£) 2021 (£)
Chair of the Board 150,500 147,500
Independent Non Executive Director
49,000
48,000
Senior Independent Director 8,250 8,000
Chair of the Remuneration Committee 8,750 8,500
Chair of the Audit & Risk Committee 8,750 8,500
Designated Non Executive Director for workforce engagement 2,000 2,000
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Directors’ Report (including Corporate
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Overview
Directors’ remuneration payable in 2021 – audited information
Directors’ remuneration
The remuneration of the Directors for 2021 was as follows:
Note Year
Basic salary
or fees
£
Benefits
5
£
Pension
contributions
6
£
Subtotal -
fixed pay
£
Annual
bonus
£
Share
awards
7
£
Subtotal -
variable pay
£
Grand total
£
Chair
Bill Shannon 1 2021 123,919 - - 123,919 - - - 123,919
2020 78,000 - - 78,000 - - - 78,000
Executive Directors
Helen Buck 2021 313,750 16,030 - 329,780 259,158 588,995 844,388 1,177,933
2020 309,000 16,123 - 325,123 - 47,444 47,444 372,567
Adam Castleton 2021 307,500 16,288 1,319 325,107 259,530 577,562 834,602 1,162,199
2020 303,000 16,423 1,314 320,737 0 46,507 46,507 367,245
David Stewart 2021 455,750 16,288 1,149 473,187 386,020 - 386,020 859,207
2 2020 299,333 10,833 766 310,932 0 - 0 310,932
Non Executive
Directors
Gaby Appleton 2021 50,375 - - 50,375 - - - 50,375
2020 44,000 - - 44,000 - - - 44,000
Simon Embley 3 2021 77,169 - - 77,169 - - - 77,169
2020 137,500 - - 137,500 - - - 137,500
Darrell Evans 2021 53,675 - - 53,675 - - - 53,675
2020 46,000 - - 46,000 - - - 46,000
James Mack 4 2021 14,744 - - 14,744 - - - 14,744
2020 - - - - - - - -
Total 2021 1,396,882 48,606 2,467 1,447,955 904,708 1,166,557 2,071,265 3,519,221
2020 1,233,500 43,380 2,079 1,278,959 0 93,951 93,951 1,372,911
Notes to Directors’ remuneration:
1. Bill Shannon was appointed Non Executive Chair of the Board on 28 April 2021 having previously been Deputy Chair and Senior Independent
Director. Bill's remuneration for his time as an independent Non Executive Director is included in the 2021 and 2020 figures provided in the Chair
section of the table.
2. David Stewart was appointed Group Chief Executive Officer on 1 May 2020, having previously held the position of independent Non Executive
Director and Chair of the Audit & Risk Committee. David's remuneration for his time as Group Chief Executive Officer is shown in the Executive
Director’s section of the table above, whilst his time as Non Executive Director is shown in the Non Executive Directors’ section of the table.
3. Simon Embley stood down as Chair of the Board on 28 April 2021 and he remained as a Non Executive Director from that date. Simon's
remuneration for his time as Chair of the Board is included in the 2021 and 2020 figures provided in the Non Executive Directors’ section of the
table.
4. James Mack was appointed to the Board as an independent Non Executive Director and Chair of the Audit & Risk Committee on 27 September
2021.
5. Benefits comprise private medical cover and company car or car allowance.
6. David Stewart receives 3% of banded earnings in lieu of pension. Adam Castleton is part of the auto enrolment pension scheme and receives 3%
of banded earnings as an employer contribution.
7. The expected value of vesting for the 2019 LTIP has been calculated using our closing share price over the last three months of the financial year
to 31 December 2021 (424.7 pence). £235,348 and £230,780 of this amount is attributable to share price appreciation for Helen Buck and Adam
Castleton respectively. These figures will be restated in the 2022 Directors’ Remuneration Report to reflect the actual share price at vesting. The
2018 LTIP value has been restated based on our closing share price at the time of vesting (303 pence). £13,074 and £12,816 of this amount is
attributable to share price appreciation for Helen and Adam respectively.
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Directors’ Remuneration Report
Annual bonus payments 2021 – audited information
The maximum bonus achievable by the Executive Directors was 100% of salary, 70% of which was determined by achievement of financial measures
and 30% by achievement of non-financial measures. The table below shows the total bonus payable to the Executive Directors in relation to the year
ended 31 December 2021.
Executive Director
Maximum bonus
achievable,
in relation
to financial
measures
(% of salary)
Bonus achieved,
in relation
to financial
measures
(% of salary)
Maximum
bonus
achievable,
in relation to
non-financial
measures
(% of salary)
Bonus
achieved, in
relation to
non-financial
measures
(% of salary)
Total bonus
payable
(% of salary)
Total bonus
payable
Helen Buck 70% 70% 30% 12.6% 82.6% £259,158
Adam Castleton 70% 70% 30%
14.4%
84.4%
£259,530
David Stewart 70% 70% 30%
14.7%
84.7%
£386,020
As per the Policy, Helen Buck and Adam Castleton are required to invest 25% of net of tax bonus into our shares, whilst David Stewart is required to
invest 33% of net of tax bonus into shares. These shares must be held for at least two years and until their shareholding guideline is met.
The sections below provide further detail on how the proportion of bonus payable in relation to the financial measures and non-financial measures
has been determined.
Financial measures
The table below summarises the financial bonus targets which were set at the beginning of the year, and performance for 2021:
Financial
performance
measures
Group Underlying Operating Profit Estate Agency Underlying Operating Profit Bonus payable
in relation
to financial
measures, as %
of basic salary
Director Weighting Threshold
1
Maximum Achievement Weighting Threshold Maximum Achievement
Helen Buck 35% £ 37.0m £43.160m
£49.313m
35% £12.240m £15.840m £17.131m 70%
Adam
Castleton
70% £ 37.0m £43.160m
Specific to Helen Buck only
70%
David
Stewart
70% £ 37.0m £43.160m 70%
Note to financial measures:
1. The level of payment for threshold performance is 18% of salary for each of the Executive Directors.
The 2021 Group Underlying Operating Profit bonus range (threshold and maximum figures detailed in the table above) was set at a higher level
than in either 2019 or 2020 and profit achievement was notably higher than both the maximum targets and the previous year’s outturn, resulting in
maximum payout of this element.
The Estate Agency Underlying Operating Profit range was slightly lower than that set for 2020. However, given the market challenges this was seen
as equally challenging to ranges set in prior years. Profit achievement was also notably higher than both the maximum targets and previous years
outturn, resulting in maximum payout of this element.
We reviewed the profit performance against the targets set, noting the very difficult outlook at the start of the year with the ongoing impact from
the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as those matters that had contributed to the overall strengthening of the housing market, such as the prolonged
reduction in Stamp Duty, and concluded that notwithstanding these factors, performance had been very strong and far exceeded the maximum
target set. We concluded therefore that the bonus payment was appropriate and there were no circumstances that gave rise to a scale back of the
formulaic outcome.
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Non-financial measures/strategic goals
Detailed below is a summary of the non-financial measures which were in place for Executive Directors in respect of their 2021 annual bonus.
We noted the increased weighting given to non-financial measures and the importance of maintaining rigorous and detailed scrutiny, both in terms of
setting the objectives and assessing performance against them, with the requirement for significant over achievement for maximum payout.
Based on the outcomes and the weightings detailed in the table below, Helen Buck achieved 42% of her non-financial measures (equating to 12.6% of
basic salary), Adam Castleton achieved 48% of his non-financial measures (equating to 14.4% of basic salary) and David Stewart achieved 49% of his
non-financial measures (equating to 14.7% of basic salary).
Helen Buck - Executive non-financial measures
Objective and factors used to determine overall outcome Weighting Outcome Weighted outcome
A. Estate Agency operating model
Development of key services including: conveyancing, new homes, asset
management and property management services.
30% 50%
achievement
15%
B. Financial Services strategic initiatives
Efficiencies in new homes mortgage provision businesses, mortgage leads
generated and new mortgage attachment rates.
25% 20%
achievement
5%
C. Group synergies
Delivery of new Group operating model for key support functions, development
of inclusion and diversity forum, execution of ESG strategy, feedback from proxy
agencies and investors on ESG strategy.
20% 30%
achievement
6%
D. Estate Agency team performance, morale and bench strength
Market share, senior management attrition and development of robust succession
plans.
25% 64%
achievement
16%
Total 42% achievement
Adam Castleton - Executive non-financial measures
Objective and factors used to determine overall outcome Weighting Outcome Weighted outcome
A. Shareholder value, stakeholder perception and new investors
Measured through share price performance relative to peers, new investor %,
proxy agency feedback and execution of ESG strategy.
15% 70%
achievement
10.5%
B. Strategic execution
Execution of strategic objectives across our three Divisions and progress against
long term CAGR profit growth target.
20% 32.5%
achievement
6.5%
C. Growth
Market share by segment, growth % of investments and income per franchise
branch.
20% 40%
achievement
8%
D. Strategic resource
Quality of key strategic resource brought into business, level of senior management
attrition and development of robust succession plans.
15% 53%
achievement
8%
E. Strategic reporting
Improvements in KPI and financial reporting to drive strategic initiatives.
20% 25%
achievement
5%
F. Liquidity
Agreement of new banking facility and terms agreed for disposal of investments.
10% 100%
achievement
10%
Total 48% achievement
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Directors’ Remuneration Report
David Stewart - Executive non-financial measures
Objective and factors used to determine overall outcome Weighting Outcome Weighted outcome
A. Shareholder value, stakeholder perception and new investors
Measured through share price performance relative to peers, new investor %,
proxy agency feedback and execution of ESG strategy.
15% 70%
achievement
10.5%
B. Strategic execution
Execution of strategic objectives across our three Divisions and progress against
long term CAGR profit growth target.
35% 40%
achievement
14%
C. Growth
Market share by segment, growth % of investments and income per franchise
branch.
35% 40%
achievement
14%
D. Strategic resource
Quality of key strategic resource brought into business, level of senior management
attrition and development of robust succession plans.
15% 70%
achievement
10.5%
Total 49% achievement
Share awards vesting
The LTIP awards granted in 2019 and measured over the three year period ended 31 December 2021, will vest in 2022. The level of vesting of this
award is 91.56% of maximum. Details of the performance measures, targets and performance from which this vesting level is calculated are set out in
the table below.
Performance measure
Percentage of award
subject to condition Performance period
Threshold
performance leve
l
(25% vesting)
Maximum
performance level
(100% vesting) Actual performance Percentage vesting
Adjusted basic
EPS growth
70%
3 years ending
31 December
2021
5% per annum 12% per annum 11.4% 94.5%
TSR
(performance
against peers)
30% Median
(50
th
percentile)
Upper quartile
(75
th
percentile)
70
th
percentile 84.7%
Total 91.56%
Details of the LTIP awards granted in 2019 and the expected value of the vesting are shown in the table below.
Executive Director Date of grant Date of vesting
Number of shares
under award Vesting %
Number of shares
vesting
Expected total
vesting
Helen Buck 29 March 2019 29 March 2022 151,470 91.56% 138,685 £588,995
Adam Castleton 29 March 2019 29 March 2022 148,529
91.56%
135,993
£577,562
Notes to 2019 LTIP awards:
1. The TSR performance is measured against a peer group comprising 21 companies that operate in similar or related sectors to us. For a full list of
these companies, please refer to the 2018 Annual Report and Accounts (which is available on our website lslps.co.uk).
2. The expected value of vesting has been calculated using our average share price over the three months to 31 December 2021 (424.7 pence).
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Share awards granted during 2021
The LTIP grant was delayed slightly in 2021 due to a delay in the announcement of the 2020 annual results. Details of LTIP (nil cost option) awards
granted in 2021 are as follows:
Executive Director Date of grant Date of vesting
Share price at
grant date
Number of shares
under award
Face value of
award as % of
salary
Face value of
award £ at grant
date
Helen Buck 5 May 2021 5 May 2024 408.5 pence 96,006 125% £392,185
Adam Castleton 5 May 2021 5 May 2024 408.5 pence
94,094
125%
£384,374
David Stewart 5 May 2021 5 May 2024 408.5 pence
139,458
125%
£569,686
The LTIP awards detailed above are subject to a two year post-vesting holding period that would also apply post-cessation of employment.
We considered carefully the appropriate EPS range for the 2021 LTIP award, as per the previous year, and elected to set an absolute EPS pence range,
as detailed in the table below. In setting this range, the Committee considered the Group’s internal forecasts under a range of scenarios, the forecast
conditions in the housing market and the external market consensus for our EPS in the coming years. We believed the threshold level of vesting
provides the Executive Directors with a realistic target, whilst the upper end of this range requires significant outperformance. We can adjust the
award outcomes if vesting levels do not reflect our underlying financial performance and can reconsider the EPS range should the housing market
perform significantly better than assumed in setting this range.
The performance measures associated with the 2021 LTIP grant are as follows:
Performance measure
Percentage of award subject to
condition Performance period
Threshold performance leve
l
(25% vesting)
Maximum performance level
(100% vesting)
Adjusted basic EPS in 2023 50%
3 years ending
31 December 2023
28.6 pence 40.5 pence
TSR (performance against
FTSE Small Cap excluding
investment trusts)
50% Median
(50
th
percentile)
Upper Quartile
(75
th
percentile)
External appointments
David Stewart is also Non Executive Chair of the Enra Group. Otherwise, none of the Executive Directors hold non-executive directorships of any
other companies, other than to represent the Group’s investment interests in other companies.
Payments to past Directors
No payments have been made to past Directors.
Payments for loss of office
On stepping down from the board on 1 May 2020, Ian Crabb remained an employee until 30 January 2021, in line with his nine month notice period.
From 1 January 2021 to 30 January 2021, Ian received his basic salary of £37,416, a car allowance of £2,915 and pension contributions totalling £3,817.
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Directors’ Remuneration Report
Outstanding share awards
Options granted to Executive Directors and to Simon Embley (when he was Group Chief Executive Officer) to acquire shares are as follows:
Director
Award
type Date of grant
Share price
on grant
Exercise
price
As at
1 January
2021
Awards
granted
during year
Awards
lapsed
during year
Awards
exercised
during year
Awards
vested
during year
As at
31 December
2021 Exercise period
Helen Buck LTIP 29 March 2018 219.50p Nil 173,405 - 157,747 15,658 - 0 29 March 2021 to
29 March 2028
SAYE 1 June 2018 249.00p 245.00p 1,469 - - 1,469 - 0 1 June 2021 to
30 November 2021
LTIP 29 March 2019 255.00p Nil 151,470 - - - - 151,470 29 March 2022 to
29 March 2029
SAYE 1 June 2019 227.00p 265.00p 2,037 - - - - 2,037 1 June 2022 to
30 November 2022
LTIP 9 November 2020 210.50p Nil 152,665 - - - - 152,655 9 November 2023 to
9 November 2030
LTIP 5 May 2021 408.50p Nil 0 96,006 - - - 96,006 5 May 2024 to
5 May 2031
SAYE 28 May 2021 468.00p 327.00p 0 2,388 - - - 2,388 1 July 2024 to
31 December 2024
Adam
Castleton
LTIP 29 March 2018 219.50p Nil 169,988 - 154,639 - - 15,349 29 March 2021 to
29 March 2028
SAYE 1 June 2018 249.00p 245.00p 1,469 - - 1,469 - 0 1 June 2021 to
30 November 2021
LTIP 29 March 2019 255.00p Nil 148,529 - - - - 148,529 29 March 2022 to
29 March 2029
LTIP 9 November 2020 210.50p Nil 149,700 - - - - 149,700 9 November 2023 to
9 November 2030
LTIP 5 May 2021 408.50p Nil 0 94,094 - - - 94,094 5 May 2024 to
5 May 2031
SAYE 28 May 2021 468.00p 327.00p 0 3,302 - - - 3,302 1 July 2024 to
31 December 2024
Simon
Embley
LTIP 2 April 2012 275.00p Nil 58,333 - - - - 58,333 2 April 2015 to
2 April 2022
David
Stewart
LTIP 9 November 2020 210.5p Nil 221,833 - - - - 221,833 9 November 2023 to
9 November 2030
LTIP 5 May 2021 408.50p Nil 0 139,458 - - - 139,458 5 May 2024 to
5 May 2031
SAYE 28 May 2021 468.00p 327.00p 0 3,302 - - - 3,302 1 July 2024 to
31 December 2024
Notes to outstanding share awards:
1. All of the above are scheme interests. Details of long term incentive awards granted in 2021 are presented in a separate paragraph, while details of previous
outstanding awards are presented in the previous year’s Directors’ Remuneration Report and are included in note 14 to the Financial Statements.
2. The 2018 LTIP awards exercised by Helen Buck are subject to a two year holding period and have therefore been held and are included in Helen’s shareholding as
detailed in the Directors’ interests in shares table below.
3. The share mid-market price ranged from 154.0 pence to 486.5 pence and averaged 386.0 pence during 2021. The share price on 31 December 2021 was 416.0
pence, compared to 280.5 pence on 4 January 2021.
4. Simon Embley’s LTIP award has been pro-rated to reflect his change of role from Group Chief Executive Officer to Non Executive Chair on 1 January 2015.
5. The LTIP awards granted to the Executive Directors in 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021 are subject to the two year post-vesting holding period. This would continue to
apply post-cessation of employment.
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Directors’ interests in shares
The interests of the Directors who served on the Board during the year are set out in the table below:
Shareholdings
(number of shares)
Share awards
(number of shares)
Total
(number of
shares for
shareholding)
Shareholding
guideline
1
Executive
Director
shareholding
2
Director
31 December
2021
31 December
2020
Unvested Vested but
unexercised
number of
shares
31 December
2021
(% of basic
salary)
(% of basic
salary)
Gaby Appleton
Non Executive Director
- - - - - - N/A
Helen Buck
Executive Director – Estate Agency
21,121 3,378 404,556 - 21,121 150% 28%
Adam Castleton
Group Chief Financial Officer
6,468 4,374 395,625 15,349 21,817 150% 19.8%
Simon Embley
3
Non Executive Director
6,777,291 6,777,291 - 58,333 6,835,624 - N/A
Darrell Evans
Non Executive Director
- - - - - - N/A
James Mack
Non Executive Director
- - - - - - N/A
Bill Shannon
Chair of the Board
25,329 25,329 - - 25,329 - N/A
David Stewart
Group Chief Executive Officer
280 - 364,593 - 280 200% 0.26%
Notes to Directors’ interest in shares:
1. We recognise that due to the minimal vesting of long term incentive awards in recent years, there have been limited opportunities for Executive Directors to
accumulate shares. We are keen to increase share ownership amongst the Executive Directors and believe that through the requirement to purchase shares with
a proportion of bonus and through the retention of all vested long term incentive awards, the Directors’ shareholding will increase substantially during 2022.
2.
The shareholdings are calculated based on shares owned and vested but unexercised awards, net of tax, at 31 December 2021. Shareholding guideline
calculations are based on the share price at 31 December 2021 of 416.0 pence and the Executive Director’s basic salary at 31 December 2021.
3. The Annual Report and Accounts 2020 stated that Simon Embley’s total interest in shares was 6,932,052. This figure incorrectly included values for a JSOP and
CSOP award which lapsed during 2020 and the correct total interest in shares at 31 December 2020 was 6,835,624. The above table does not reflect Simon’s
exercise of his 2012 LTIP which took place in 2022, which is referred to below.
All of the interests detailed above are beneficial. Apart from the interests disclosed above, no Directors held interests at any time in the year in the
share capital of any other Group company.
There have been no changes in the interests of any Director between 31 December 2021 and the date of this Report, other than the purchases of
shares by Adam (136 shares), Helen (137 shares) and David (136 shares) as participants of our SIP/BAYE scheme (in January, February and March 2022)
(these shares were purchased by the Trust at the prevailing market rate) and the exercise of the 2012 LTIP award by Simon (58,333 shares) (in January
2022).
No Director has, or has had, any direct or indirect interest in any transaction, contract or arrangement (excluding service agreements), which is or was
unusual in its nature or conditions, or significant to our business, during the current or immediately preceding financial year.
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Directors’ Remuneration Report
Performance graph and table
The following graph shows the value, up to 31 December 2021, of £100 invested in LSL compared with the value of £100 invested in both the FTSE
Small Cap (excluding investment trusts) Index and the FTSE 250 (excluding investment trusts) Index on 31 December 2011. The FTSE 250 Index has
been chosen for consistency with prior years and the FTSE Small Cap Index because LSL is a constituent of the FTSE Small Cap Index.
0
50
100
150
200
250
300
350
400
31 Dec 2011 31 Dec 2012 31 Dec 2013 31 Dec 2014 31 Dec 2015 31 Dec 2016 31 Dec 2017 31 Dec 2018 31 Dec 2019 31 Dec 2020
31 Dec 2021
Value (£)
Total Shareholders Return
LSL Property Services plc FTSE 250 Index (excluding investment trusts) FTSE Small Cap Index (excluding investment trusts)
Group Chief Executive Officer’s total remuneration
The total remuneration figures for the role of Group Chief Executive Officer during each of the last ten financial years are shown in the table below.
The total remuneration figure includes the annual bonus based on that year’s performance and share awards based on three year performance
periods ending in or just after the relevant year. The annual bonus payout and share vesting level as a percentage of the maximum opportunity are
also shown for each of these years.
Year ending in
Simon Embley
(to 9 September 2013)
Ian Crabb
(from 9 September 2013 to 1 May 2020)
David Stewart
(from 1 May 2020)
2012 2013 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2020 2021
Total
remuneration
£525,018 £500,862
1
£119,522
1
£571,500 £852,869 £499,000 £835,120 £774,629 £760,679 £161,214
2
£310,932
2
£859,207
Annual bonus
60% 91.7% N/A 54% 93.3% 16% 97% 79.8% 61.7% 0% 0% 84.7%
LTIP vesting 55% 0% N/A N/A 66.81% 0% 0% 0% 0% N/A N/A N/A
Notes to Group Chief Executive Officer’s total remuneration:
1. The total remuneration disclosed for 2013 is Simon Embley’s total remuneration as Group Chief Executive Officer up to 9 September 2013, when he changed role
to Deputy Chair, and Ian Crabb’s total remuneration from 9 September 2013, when he was appointed Group Chief Executive Officer, to 31 December 2013.
2. The total remuneration disclosed for 2020 is Ian Crabb’s total remuneration as Group Chief Executive Officer up to 30 April 2020, when he ceased to be Group
Chief Executive Officer, and for David Stewart from 1 May 2020, when he was appointed Group Chief Executive Officer.
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Financial Statements
Strategic Report
Directors’ Report (including Corporate
Governance Reports and Committee Reports)
Overview
Percentage change in Directors’ remuneration
In line with the requirements of the Revised Shareholders Rights Directive (2018 Regulations), the table below shows the annual percentage change in
salary/fees, benefits and bonus for each of the current Directors, compared to the average for our wider workforce over the last three financial years.
Director
2021 vs 2020
2020 vs 2019
9
2019 vs 2018
9
% change in
salary/fees
% cha0nge
in taxable
benefits
(excluding
pension)
% change
in bonus
(includes
commission)
% change in
salary/fees
% change
in taxable
benefits
(excluding
pension)
% change
in bonus
(includes
commission)
% change in
salary/fees
% change
in taxable
benefits
(excluding
pension)
% change
in bonus
(includes
commission)
Chair
Simon Embley
1
N/A N/A N/A -13.2 0.0 0.0 19.6 0.0 0.0
Bill Shannon
2
N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Executive Directors
3
Helen Buck 1.5 -0.6 N/A 0.0 -1.2 -100.0 1.5 -1.2 36.8
Adam Castleton 1.5 -0.8 N/A 0.0 -1.7 -100.0 1.5 -0.3 -17.8
David Stewart
4
N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Non Executive Directors
Gaby Appleton
5
14.5 0.0 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Darrell Evans
6
16.7 0.0 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
James Mack
7
N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
All employees
Median of LSL workforce
8
1.9 -71.8 -7.0 2.1 67.8 5.2 4.8 N/A 30.0
Notes to percentage change in Directors’ remuneration for the period 2021 vs 2020:
1. Simon Embley stood down as Chair of the Board in 2021. A percentage change from the prior year has not been provided, due to this change in role.
2. Bill Shannon was appointed as Chair of the Board during 2021. A percentage change from the prior year has not been provided, due to this change in role.
3. The Executive Directors were not awarded any bonus in 2020 and higher bonuses were awarded in respect of 2021 in line with achievement against financial and
non-financial measures. A percentage change figure from 2020 to 2021 has therefore not been provided for this section.
4. David Stewart was appointed as Group Chief Executive Officer on 1 May 2020. Prior to this date, David was a Non Executive Director. The percentage change
in relation to fees for this role are not shown above. As David was not an Executive Director prior to 2020, a percentage change from the prior year is not
meaningful and has not been provided.
5. Gaby Appleton became Senior Independent Director during 2021 and her fee was increased accordingly.
6. Darrell Evans became Chair of the Remuneration Committee during 2021 and his fee was increased accordingly.
7.
James Mack was appointed to the Board during 2021 and therefore a percentage change from the prior year has not been provided.
8. The median full time equivalent pay of all employees in the Group and still in employment at 31 December has been provided as an appropriate comparator. The
total number of employees in this group at 31 December 2021 was 4,611. This excludes employees who joined the business during December 2021 but received
their first pay in January 2022. Increase in average basic salaries amongst the wider workforce was broadly in line with the Executive Directors. The decrease in
the median value of benefits and bonus for the workforce is attributable to changes in the distribution of earnings amongst this group, as the median FTE total
pay of the workforce actually increased by 8.6% (from £29,789 to £32,362) on the prior year, as detailed in the figures in the Group Chief Executive Officer pay
ratio figures below and corresponding figures in the 2020 Annual Report.
9. For notes of changes in previous years, please refer to our previous Annual Report and Accounts.
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Directors’ Remuneration Report
Group Chief Executive Officer to employee pay ratio
The table below discloses the ratio between the Group Chief Executive Officer’s remuneration and our wider workforce since 2018.
Financial Year Method 25
th
percentile
pay ratio
Median pay
ratio
75
th
percentile
pay ratio
2018 Option A 40.5 : 1 27.9 : 1 16.2 : 1
2019 Option A 38.1 : 1 26.1 : 1 14.9 : 1
2020 Option A 23.4 : 1 15.8 : 1 9.1 : 1
2021 Option A 40.3: 1 26.5 : 1 15.4 : 1
The 2021 employee data used to calculate the ratios is set out in the table below:
25
th
percentile Median 75
th
percentile
Total pay and benefits of employees £21,344 £32,362 £55,714
Basic salary of employees £17,920 £22,500 £36,000
Notes to percentage change in Group Chief Executive Officer to employee pay ratio:
We have chosen option A (which compares our full time equivalent total remuneration for all UK employees against the Group Chief Executive Officer)
as the most appropriate methodology to report the ratios, in line with the recommendation from the UK Government’s Department for Business,
Energy and Industrial Strategy, and a number of shareholders representative and proxy-voting bodies.
The ratio above includes all UK-based employees who were employed in any part of the Group at 31 December 2021. The employee remuneration
data includes the full time equivalent data in respect of basic pay, bonus, commission, taxable benefits, share-based remuneration and pension
benefits, so as to provide a comparable figure to the Group Chief Executive Officer single figure total remuneration.
In calculating the bonus and commission elements for employees, we have used the bonus and commission paid to employees during 2021. In some
instances, employees receive bonus or commission payments in arrears. However, due to a number of these elements (for example year end annual
bonuses) not being finalised at the time of writing, this Report was written with these elements not being reapportioned to the relevant financial year.
In line with the legislation, we disclose this variation in methodology. However, we consider that this approach provides a broadly similar outcome to
the result if 2021 year end bonuses had been included.
At 31 December 2021, we employed over 4,600 people in a wide variety of roles. The reward policies and practices for employees follow those set
for the Executive Directors, as detailed on page 62 of this Report. The Committee also has responsibility for setting the remuneration of the Senior
Management Teams within the Group and reviews and monitors the Group’s wider remuneration policies and practices.
We note the increase in the ratio from 2020 and attribute this to the increase in the Group Chief Executive Officer’s earnings, as he received no
bonus payment last year and was awarded a bonus this year, in line with the achievement of financial and non-financial measures. We believe the
remuneration and ratio presented above is representative of the Group Chief Executive Officer’s responsibilities and contribution to the Group and is
consistent with the pay, reward and progression policies for Group employees.
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Other Information
Financial Statements
Strategic Report
Directors’ Report (including Corporate
Governance Reports and Committee Reports)
Overview
Relative importance of spend on pay
The following table shows our actual spend on pay for all employees, relative to dividends paid and profit earned:
2021 (£m) 2020 (£m) Change (%)
Staff costs
1
202.2 162.5 24.4
Dividends (excluding any special dividend) 11.8 - 100
Profit after tax
2
61.9 16.3 279.8
Adjusted profit after tax
2
39.1 32.8 19.2
Notes to relative importance of spend on pay:
1. See note 14 to the Financial Statements for calculation of staff costs.
2. See note 11 to the Financial Statements.
Statement of shareholders’ voting
The Directors’ Annual Statement and Report on Remuneration for 2020 was presented to shareholders at the 2021 AGM on 23 June 2021. The Policy
was presented to shareholders at the 2020 AGM on 30 June 2020. The voting outcomes were as follows:
Annual statement and annual
report on remuneration
Directors’ remuneration policy
Votes cast in favour 80,602,230 99.11% 8 0,357,149 97.14%
Votes cast against 722,186 0.89% 2,362,567 2.86%
Total votes cast 81,324,416 100% 82,719,716 100%
Total votes withheld 0 - 2,000 -
Remuneration Committee
Role and membership
During 2021, Bill Shannon was Chair of the Committee until April 2021 when Darrell Evans took over. The other members were Bill Shannon, Gaby
Appleton and James Mack. Sonya Ghobrial joined the Committee on 4 March 2022. Details of attendance at the Committee’s meetings in 2021 are set
out in the Corporate Governance Report on page 47 of this Report and its responsibilities are set out in its terms of reference which are available from
the Company Secretary or from our website (lslps.co.uk).
2021 highlights
The Remuneration Committee met six times in 2021 and its discussions included the following items:
a. Review of the Senior Management Team population in scope for the Committee’s approval.
b. Review of total reward for the Senior Management Team population.
c. Review of variable pay arrangements and payments below Board level.
d. 2021 bonus scheme arrangements including mid year review of NFMs.
e. Share plan matters, including the vesting and granting of awards.
f. Review of Executive Director remuneration/policy and employee feedback on this subject.
g. Consideration of appropriate all-employee share plan proposals for 2022.
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Directors’ Remuneration Report
Set out below are those areas of the Committee’s work that it is required to report under the Code and reporting regulations and which are not
covered elsewhere in this Report.
Engagement with stakeholders
During 2021, there were no remuneration related matters that required engagement with shareholders. We consider shareholder feedback received
in relation to our Annual Report and Accounts, including the Directors’ Remuneration Report, at a meeting following our AGM each year and this is
taken into account in the implementation of the Policy. We will actively engage with shareholders to seek their views and feedback as part of the
Policy review during 2022 and will present the revised Policy to shareholders for approval at the 2023 AGM.
As set out in the Stakeholder Engagement Arrangements and the Corporate Governance Report sections of this Report, we have a number of different
channels for engaging with our workforce. This includes through the designated Non Executive Director for workforce engagement, Darrell Evans; his
role as Chair of the Remuneration Committee provides a route for the Committee to engage with the wider workforce on remuneration matters. The
Employee Engagement Forum’s views were also sought during 2021 on Executive remuneration policy and its alignment with our wider pay practices.
Remuneration Committee advisers
We received independent advice during the year from Korn Ferry on matters relating to Executive Director and senior managers remuneration. No
other services are provided to the Group by Korn Ferry.
Korn Ferry was selected and appointed by the Committee and provided advice to us in relation to the assessment of TSR performance for the
LTIP, benchmarking of the senior roles, bonus share investment and the disclosures required in this Report. Additionally, Korn Ferry attended the
September 2021 Committee meeting to provide a market update and advice in relation to workforce engagement on remuneration matters and
potential changes to the post-employment shareholding policy. Its fees for 2021, which are based on an hourly rate, were £27,085 (excluding VAT)
(2020: £11,521).
Korn Ferry is a signatory to the Remuneration Consultants’ Code of Conduct and has confirmed to us that it adheres in all respects to the terms of this
code. We consider its advice to be independent and objective.
The Directors’ Remuneration Report is approved by and signed on behalf of the Board of Directors
Darrell Evans
Chair of the Remuneration Committee
15 March 2022
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Financial Statements
Directors’ Report (including Corporate
Governance Reports and Committee Reports)
Other Information
Financial Statements
Strategic Report
Overview
In this section
86 Independent Auditor’s Report to the Members of
LSL Property Services plc
96 Group Income Statement
97 Group Statement of Comprehensive Income
98 Group Balance Sheet
99 Group Statement of Cash-Flows
100 Group Statement of Changes in Equity
101 Notes to the Group Financial Statements
150 Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities in
Relation to to the Parent Company Financial
Statements
151 Parent Company Balance Sheet
152 Parent Company Statement of Cash-Flows
153 Parent Company Statement of Changes in Equity
154 Notes to the Parent Company Financial
Statements
86
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Independent Auditor’s Report
for the year ended 31 December 2021
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF LSL PROPERTY SERVICES PLC
Opinion
In our opinion:
• LSL Property Services plc’s group financial statements and parent company financial statements (the “financial statements”) give a true and fair
view of the state of the group’s and of the parent company’s affairs as at 31 December 2021 and of the group’s profit for the year then ended;
• the group financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with UK adopted international accounting standards;
• the parent company financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with UK adopted international accounting standards as
applied in accordance with section 408 of the Companies Act 2006; and
• the financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.
We have audited the financial statements of LSL Property Services plc (the ‘parent company’) and its subsidiaries (the ‘group’) for the year ended 31
December 2021 which comprise:
Group Parent company
Group Income Statement for the year ended 31 December 2021 Parent Company Balance Sheet as at 31 December 2021
Group Statement of Comprehensive Income for the year ended
31 December 2021
Parent Company Statement of Cash-Flows for the year ended
31 December 2021
Group Balance Sheet as at 31 December 2021 Parent Company Statement of Changes in Equity for the year ended
31 December 2021
Group Statement of Cash-Flows for the year ended 31 December
2021
Related notes 1 to 19 to the financial statements, including a
summary of significant accounting policies
Group Statement of Changes in Equity for the year ended
31 December 2021
Related notes 1 to 37 to the financial statements, including a
summary of significant accounting policies
The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and UK adopted international accounting standards and
as regards the parent company financial statements, as applied in accordance with section 408 of the Companies Act 2006.
Basis for opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those
standards are further described in the Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We believe that the
audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.
Independence
We are independent of the group and parent in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements
in the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical Standard as applied to listed public interest entities, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in
accordance with these requirements.
The non-audit services prohibited by the FRC’s Ethical Standard were not provided to the group or the parent company and we remain independent
of the group and the parent company in conducting the audit.
Conclusions relating to going concern
In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the directors’ use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the
financial statements is appropriate. Our evaluation of the directors’ assessment of the group and parent company’s ability to continue to adopt the
going concern basis of accounting included the following procedures:
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87
Other Information
Financial Statements
Strategic Report
Overview
Directors’ Report (including Corporate
Governance Reports and Committee Reports)
How we evaluated management’s assessment
• We obtained management’s going concern assessment including the cash forecast and covenant calculations for the going concern period through
to 31 March 2023 and tested these for arithmetical accuracy;
• We challenged the appropriateness of the key assumptions in management’s forecasts including revenue growth, by comparing these to industry
benchmarks and through consideration of historical forecasting accuracy;
• We obtained management’s downside forecasts which included a severe reduction in performance to levels similar to the 2008 financial crisis as
well as material cash outflows relating to a PI risk event and to fund acquisitions made by the Pivot Growth joint venture;
• We assessed the plausibility of management’s downside scenarios by corroborating the key assumptions to third party data for indicators of
contradictory evidence, for example, in relation to the reduction in house prices during the 2008 financial crisis. Further we considered whether
there could be any material impact of climate change in the going concern period;
• We performed reverse stress testing in order to identify and understand what factors would lead to the group utilising all liquidity or breaching
the financial covenants during the going concern period. Reverse stress testing showed that performance would need to reduce in excess of
independently forecast worst case scenarios in order to utilise all liquidity or breach financial covenants;
• We considered the quantum and timing of mitigating factors included in management’s forecasts and the extent to which these are within
management’s control such as the suspension of dividend payments which is the most significant mitigating factor and is not reflected in the going
concern scenarios described above;
• We obtained the agreement for the Revolving Credit Facility (‘RCF’) and reviewed the nature of the facility, repayment terms, covenants and
attached conditions. We assessed its continued availability to the group through the going concern period and checked completeness of covenants
identified by management;
• We reviewed the disclosures made relating to going concern included in the Annual Report & Accounts in order to assess the appropriateness of
the disclosures and conformity with reporting standards;
Our key observations
• The group has cash of £48.5m as at 31 December 2021 and borrowings of nil. There is significant liquidity through the cash balance and revolving
credit facility to enable the group to continue to meet its obligations as they fall due through the going concern period.
• The RCF has a facility limit of £90m plus a £30m accordion and matures in May 2024.
Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or
collectively, may cast significant doubt on the group and parent company’s ability to continue as a going concern for the period to 31 March 2023.
In relation to the group and parent company’s reporting on how they have applied the UK Corporate Governance Code, we have nothing material to
add or draw attention to in relation to the directors’ statement in the financial statements about whether the directors considered it appropriate to
adopt the going concern basis of accounting.
Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the directors with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.
However, because not all future events or conditions can be predicted, this statement is not a guarantee as to the group’s ability to continue as a
going concern.
88
88
Independent Auditor’s Report continued.
for the year ended 31 December 2021
Overview of our audit approach
Audit scope • We performed an audit of the complete financial information of 9 components and audit procedures on specific
balances for a further 4 components.
• The components where we performed full or specific audit procedures accounted for 98% of profit before tax
excluding exceptional costs and the exceptional gain in relation to sale of joint ventures (‘adjusted profit before
tax’), 95% of revenue and 96% of total assets.
Key audit matters • Risk of inappropriate recognition of revenue (including lapse provision)
• Risk of inappropriate valuation of goodwill in relation to Marsh & Parsons and Your Move / Reeds Rains
Materiality • Overall group materiality of £2.1m which represents 5% of adjusted profit before tax.
An overview of the scope of the parent company and group audits
Tailoring the scope
Our assessment of audit risk, our evaluation of materiality and our allocation of performance materiality determine our audit scope for each company
within the group. Taken together, this enables us to form an opinion on the consolidated financial statements. We take into account size, risk profile,
the organisation of the group and effectiveness of group-wide controls, changes in the business environment and other factors such as recent
Internal audit results when assessing the level of work to be performed at each company.
In assessing the risk of material misstatement to the group financial statements, and to ensure we had adequate quantitative coverage of significant
accounts in the financial statements, of the 30 reporting components of the group, we selected 13 components covering entities within the UK and
Jersey, which represent the principal business units within the group.
Of the 13 components selected, we performed an audit of the complete financial information of 9 components (“full scope components”) which
were selected based on their size or risk characteristics. For the remaining 4 components (“specific scope components”), we performed audit
procedures on specific accounts within that component that we considered had the potential for the greatest impact on the significant accounts in
the financial statements either because of the size of these accounts or their risk profile.
The reporting components where we performed audit procedures accounted for 98% (2020: 90%) of the group’s adjusted profit before tax, 95%
(2020: 94%) of the group’s revenue and 96% (2020: 99%) of the group’s total assets. For the current year, the full scope components contributed
92% (2020: 79%) of the group’s adjusted profit before tax, 86% (2020: 84%) of the group’s Revenue and 94% (2020: 96%) of the group’s Total assets.
The specific scope components contributed 6% (2020: 11%) of the group’s adjusted profit before tax, 9% (2020: 10%) of the group’s revenue and
2% (2020: 3%) of the group’s total assets. The audit scope of these components may not have included testing of all significant accounts of the
component but will have contributed to the coverage of significant accounts tested for the group.
Of the remaining 17 components that together represent 2% of the group’s adjusted profit before tax, none are individually greater than 3% of
the group’s adjusted profit before tax. For these components, we performed other procedures, including analytical review, review of internal audit
reports, review of minutes of board meetings, testing of consolidation journals and review of entity level controls to respond to any potential risks of
material misstatement to the group financial statements.
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Other Information
Financial Statements
Strategic Report
Overview
Directors’ Report (including Corporate
Governance Reports and Committee Reports)
The charts below illustrate the coverage obtained from the work performed by our audit teams.
Adjusted profit before tax
6% Specific
scope components
92% Full scope
components
2% Other
procedures
Revenue
9% Specific
scope components
86% Full scope
components
5% Other
procedures
Total assets
2% Specific
scope components
94% Full scope
components
4% Other
procedures
Changes from the prior year
The number of full scope components increased compared to the prior year as a result of the increasing relative contribution to the group from
financial services components.
Involvement with component teams
All audit work performed for the purposes of the audit was undertaken by the group audit team.
Climate change
There has been increasing interest from stakeholders as to how climate change will impact LSL Property Services plc. Given the nature of the business
in a non-carbon intensive industry, management does not consider there to be a material impact from climate change. Group management has
determined that the potential future impacts from climate change on its operations would be from severe weather events impacting office-based
locations, however, with a predominantly leased property footprint, group management concludes there is little risk of significant business disruption
and no significant financial impact from climate change. These conclusions are explained on pages 29 to 30 in the required Task Force for Climate
related Financial Disclosures and on pages 22 to 26 in the principal risks and uncertainties, which form part of the “Other information,” rather
than the audited financial statements. Our procedures on these disclosures therefore consisted solely of considering whether they are materially
inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the course of the audit or otherwise appear to be materially misstated.
As explained in Note 2 to the Group Financial Statements, management considered the impact of climate change when preparing the Group Financial
Statements. The group did not identify any climate risk that would impact the carrying values of the group’s assets or have any other impact on the
financial statements.
Whilst the group has stated its commitment to the aspirations to achieve net zero by 2040, the group is currently unable to determine the full
future economic impact on their business model, operational plans and customers to achieve this and therefore the potential impacts are not fully
incorporated in these financial statements.
90
90
Independent Auditor’s Report continued.
for the year ended 31 December 2021
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 our opinion
thereon, and we do not provide a separate opinion on these matters.
Risk Our response to the risk
Key observations communicated to the
Audit & Risk Committee
Risk of inappropriate recognition of revenue
(including lapse provision)
Refer to the Audit & Risk Committee Report
(page 54); Accounting policies (page 101);
and Note 3 of the Group Financial Statements
(page 109)
The group has reported revenues of £326.8m
(2020: £266.7m).
The risk was one of the most significant
assessed risks of material misstatement due
to the potential for bias or error in the timing
of transactions. There is also judgement in
the value of commission income that will be
clawed back.
We identified the following specific risk
of fraud and error in respect of improper
revenue recognition given the nature of the
group’s services as follows:
• Inappropriate cut-off of revenue at period
end; and
• Inappropriate measurement of the
reduction to revenue recorded for expected
clawback of commissions on lapsed
insurance policies.
There is no change in risk profile in the
current year.
At each full and specific scope audit component
with material revenue streams:
• We performed walkthroughs of each significant
stream of revenue and confirmed the existence
of key controls around the recognition of
revenue and measurement of the lapse
provisions;
• We performed cut-off testing for the period
before and after the year end with reference
to underlying contracts and evidence of
management’s assessment of the point of
revenue recognition. This included assessment
of the appropriateness of the cut-off model
applied by management in the Financial
Services division.
• We performed transactional testing and data
analysis procedures to assess the recognition of
revenue throughout the year. Where items did
not follow the expected transaction flow, we
investigated outliers and corroborated to third
party evidence where appropriate.
For the lapse provision:
• We tested the underlying calculations for
arithmetical accuracy and consistency across
the group;
• We tested the integrity of the data which
underpins management’s assumptions in the
lapse provision model by testing a sample of
historical lapses to third party evidence.
We have not identified any evidence of
material misstatement in the revenue
recognised in the year.
The methodology for calculating the lapse
provision was applied consistently across
all full and specific scope entities and was
found to be reflective of the key terms of the
contracts with customers.
We performed full and specific scope audit
procedures over this risk area in 11 locations,
which covered 95% of the group’s revenue.
We also performed other procedures in
9 locations which covered the remaining
5% of the group’s revenue. This consisted
of analytical procedures over material
movements in the Income Statement and
Balance Sheet.
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Other Information
Financial Statements
Strategic Report
Overview
Directors’ Report (including Corporate
Governance Reports and Committee Reports)
Risk Our response to the risk
Key observations communicated to the
Audit & Risk Committee
Risk of inappropriate valuation of goodwill in
relation to Marsh & Parsons and Your Move
/ Reeds Rains
Refer to the Audit & Risk Committee Report
(page 54); Accounting policies (page 101);
and Note 16 of the Consolidated Financial
Statements (page 123)
The carrying value of goodwill on the Group
Balance Sheet is £160.9m (2020: £159.9m).
Of this amount, £40.3m relates to Marsh &
Parsons and £58.8m relates to the Your Move
/ Reeds Rains CGU.
The valuation of goodwill for these two
cash generating units (‘CGUs’) was one
of the most significant assessed risks of
material misstatement due to the high level
of estimation uncertainty inherent in the
impairment review, particularly in assessing
the future performance of these CGUs and
the appropriate discount rate to apply in
calculating the ‘value in use’ of the CGUs.
There is no change in risk profile in the
current year. As in prior year the risk has
been allocated to the entities which have a
lower percentage of headroom in 2021, being
Marsh & Parsons and Your Move / Reeds
Rains.
We challenged management’s assumptions
used in its assessment of the recoverability of
the carrying value of goodwill. We did this by
focusing on the appropriateness of the CGU
identification and the methodology applied to
estimate the value in use, discount rates and
forecast cash flows. Specifically:
• We evaluated whether the CGUs identified
are the lowest level at which management
monitors goodwill consistent with the
requirements of IAS 36;
• We assessed the methodology applied in
the value in use calculations as compared to
the requirements of IAS 36 and tested the
mathematical accuracy of management’s
model;
• We confirmed that the base cash flow
forecasts prior to group overlay adjustments
used in the valuation are consistent with
information approved by the Board. We
assessed the appropriateness of the use
of these forecasts in light of the historical
accuracy of management’s forecasts and
current economic conditions;
• We challenged management on the group
overlay adjustments made to the Board-
approved forecasts;
• We considered the impact of IFRS 16 on the
cashflows, ensuring consistency between the
assets and associated cash flows;
• We obtained an understanding of, and
assessed the basis for, key underlying
assumptions in the three-year forecasts
which form the basis of the calculations;
• We challenged the appropriateness of the
long-term growth rate applied within the
model through comparison to external
sources;
• We engaged our internal valuation
specialists to assess the appropriateness of
the discount rates applied within the model
for each CGU, the compliance of the model
with IAS 36 and the appropriateness of the
long-term growth rate;
We consider management’s conclusion that
goodwill is not impaired to be reasonable.
We conclude a disclosure is required for
Marsh & Parsons as reasonably possible
changes in assumptions, notably in relation
to the cash flow forecasts, could lead to
impairment.
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Independent Auditor’s Report continued.
for the year ended 31 December 2021
Risk Our response to the risk
Key observations communicated to the
Audit & Risk Committee
• We performed sensitivity analyses by stress
testing key assumptions in the model with
downside scenarios to understand the
parameters that, should they arise, could
lead to a different conclusion in respect of
the carrying value of goodwill;
• We challenged whether reasonably possible
changes in assumptions could lead to
a different conclusion in respect of the
carrying value of goodwill;
• We performed reverse stress testing analysis
to determine the sensitivity of the cash flows
to the compound annual growth rate.
• We considered the adequacy of the
disclosure in the financial statements in
respect of the key assumptions where a
reasonably possible change could give rise to
an impairment; and
• We considered whether there is any
material risk from climate change to the
recoverability of each CGU.
In the prior year, our auditor’s report included key audit matters in relation to risk of inappropriate valuation of contingent consideration liabilities
and risk of inappropriate valuation of professional indemnity (PI) provision. In the current year, these risks are no longer considered to be key audit
matters due to the reduced size of, and judgement within, the balances compared with 2020.
Our application of materiality
We apply the concept of materiality in planning and performing the audit, in evaluating the effect of identified misstatements on the audit and in
forming our audit opinion.
Materiality
The magnitude of an omission or misstatement that, individually or in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to influence the economic
decisions of the users of the financial statements. Materiality provides a basis for determining the nature and extent of our audit procedures.
We determined materiality for the group to be £2.1 million (2020: £1.4 million), which is 5% (2020: 5%) of adjusted profit before tax. We believe that
adjusted profit before tax provides us with the most relevant performance measure to the stakeholder of the group.
We determined materiality for the Parent Company to be £1.5 million (2020: £1.1 million), which is 1% (2020: 1%) of equity.
Starting basis
• Total Profit before tax of £69.9m
• Totals £42.5m (adjusted profit before tax)
• Materiality of £2.1m (5% of adjusted profit before tax)
• Exceptional costs of £2.0m
• Exceptional gain in relation to the sale of joint ventures
of £29.4m
Adjustments
Materiality
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During the course of our audit, we reassessed initial materiality with the only change in the final materiality from our original assessment at
planning being to reflect the actual reported performance of the group in the year. This resulted in a materiality of £2.1m compared with our initial
assessment at the planning stage of £2.0m.
Performance materiality
The application of materiality at the individual account or balance level. It is set at an amount to reduce to an appropriately low level the probability
that the aggregate of uncorrected and undetected misstatements exceeds materiality.
On the basis of our risk assessments, together with our assessment of the group’s overall control environment, our judgement was that performance
materiality was 50% (2020: 50%) of our planning materiality, namely £1.1m (2020: £0.7m). We have set performance materiality at this percentage
reflecting our prior year audit experience and the decentralised nature of the group.
Audit work at component locations for the purpose of obtaining audit coverage over significant financial statement accounts is undertaken based
on a percentage of total performance materiality. The performance materiality set for each component is based on the relative scale and risk
of the component to the group as a whole and our assessment of the risk of misstatement at that component. In the current year, the range of
performance materiality allocated to components was £0.1m to £0.7m (2020: £0.1m to £0.4m).
Reporting threshold
An amount below which identified misstatements are considered as being clearly trivial.
We agreed with the Audit & Risk Committee that we would report to them all uncorrected audit differences in excess of £0.1m (2020: £0.1m), which
is set at 5% of planning materiality, as well as differences below that threshold that, in our view, warranted reporting on qualitative grounds.
We evaluate any uncorrected misstatements against both the quantitative measures of materiality discussed above and in light of other relevant
qualitative considerations in forming our opinion.
Other information
The other information comprises the information included in the annual report set out on pages 166 to 171 other than the financial statements and
our auditor’s report thereon. The directors are responsible for the other information contained within the annual report.
Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in this report, we
do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.
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 course of 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 this gives rise to a material misstatement in
the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of the other
information, we are required to report that fact.
We have nothing to report in this regard.
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.
94
94
Independent Auditor’s Report continued.
for the year ended 31 December 2021
Matters on which we are required to report by exception
In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the group and the parent company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we
have not identified material misstatements in the strategic report or the directors’ report.
We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our
opinion:
• adequate accounting records have not been kept by the parent company, or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from branches
not visited by us; or
• the parent company financial statements and the part of the Directors’ Remuneration Report to be audited are not in agreement with the
accounting records and returns; or
• certain disclosures of directors’ remuneration specified by law are not made; or
• we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit.
Corporate Governance Statement
We have reviewed the directors’ statement in relation to going concern, longer-term viability and that part of the Corporate Governance Statement
relating to the group and company’s compliance with the provisions of the UK Corporate Governance Code specified for our review by the Listing
Rules.
Based on the work undertaken as part of our audit, we have concluded that each of the following elements of the Corporate Governance Statement
is materially consistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained during the audit:
• Directors’ statement with regards to the appropriateness of adopting the going concern basis of accounting and any material uncertainties
identified set out on page 40;
• Directors’ explanation as to its assessment of the company’s prospects, the period this assessment covers and why the period is appropriate set out
on pages 25 to 26;
• Director’s statement on whether it has a reasonable expectation that the group will be able to continue in operation and meets its liabilities set out
on page 40;
• Directors’ statement on fair, balanced and understandable set out on page 44;
• Board’s confirmation that it has carried out a robust assessment of the emerging and principal risks set out on page 22;
• The section of the annual report that describes the review of effectiveness of risk management and internal control systems set out on page 57;
and;
• The section describing the work of the Audit & Risk Committee set out on page 55.
Responsibilities of directors
As explained more fully in the directors’ responsibilities statement set out on page 40, 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 and parent company’s ability to continue as a going
concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the directors either intend
to liquidate the group or the parent company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.
Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether
due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a
guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise
from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic
decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.
Explanation as to what extent the audit was considered capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud
Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities,
outlined above, to detect irregularities, including fraud. The risk of not detecting a material misstatement due to fraud is higher than the risk of
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Other Information
Financial Statements
Strategic Report
Overview
Directors’ Report (including Corporate
Governance Reports and Committee Reports)
not detecting one resulting from error, as fraud may involve deliberate concealment by, for example, forgery or intentional misrepresentations, or
through collusion. The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below.
However, the primary responsibility for the prevention and detection of fraud rests with both those charged with governance of the company and
management.
• We obtained an understanding of the legal and regulatory frameworks that are applicable to the group and determined that the most significant
are those that relate to the reporting framework (UK adopted international accounting standards, Companies Act 2006, and the UK Corporate
Governance Code, 2018) and the relevant tax compliance regulations in the UK.
• We understood how LSL Property Services plc is complying with those frameworks by making enquiries of management, internal audit, those
responsible for legal and compliance procedures and the Company Secretary. We corroborated our enquiries through our review of board minutes
and papers provided to the Audit & Risk Committee and attendance at all meetings of the Audit & Risk Committee.
• We assessed the susceptibility of the group’s financial statements to material misstatement, including how fraud might occur by meeting with
management from various components of the group to understand where it considered there was a susceptibility to fraud. We also considered
performance targets and their propensity to influence efforts made by management to manage earnings. We considered the programmes and
controls that the group has established to address risks identified, or that otherwise prevent, deter and detect fraud; and how senior management
monitors those programmes and controls. Where the risk was considered to be higher, we performed audit procedures to address each identified
fraud risk or other risk of material misstatement. These procedures included those on revenue recognition detailed above and the testing of
manual journals and were designed to provide reasonable assurance that the financial statements were free from material fraud and error .
• Based on this understanding we designed our audit procedures to identify non-compliance with such laws and regulations. Our procedures
involved journal entry testing, with a focus on manual consolidation journals and journals indicating large or unusual transactions based on our
understanding of the group; enquiries of legal counsel, management and internal audit; and testing as described above. In addition, we completed
procedures to conclude on the compliance of the disclosures in the Annual Report and Accounts with the requirements of the relevant accounting
standards, UK legislation and the UK Corporate Governance Code 2018.
A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council’s website at https://
www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor’s report.
Other matters we are required to address
• Following the recommendation from the Audit & Risk Committee, we were appointed by the company on 23 June 2021 to audit the financial
statements for the year ending 31 December 2021 and subsequent financial periods.
The period of total uninterrupted engagement including previous renewals and reappointments is 21 years, covering the years ending 31 December
2001 to 31 December 2021. LSL Property Services plc listed on the London Stock Exchange in 2006.
• The audit opinion is consistent with the additional report to the Audit & Risk Committee.
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.
Mark Morritt (Senior statutory auditor)
for and on behalf of Ernst & Young LLP, Statutory Auditor
Leeds
15 March 2022
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96
Group Income Statement
for the year ended 31 December 2021
Note
2021
£’000
2020
£’000
Continuing operations:
Revenue 3 326,832 266,742
Operating expenditure:
Employee and subcontractor costs 14 (202,269 ) (162,455 )
Establishment costs (10,071 ) (9,528 )
Depreciation on property, plant and equipment 17 (12,500 ) (13,929 )
Other operating costs (55,339 ) (46,938 )
(280,179 ) (232,850 )
Other operating income 3 937 783
Gain on sale of property, plant and equipment 1,061 15
Income from joint ventures and associates 19 668 493
Share-based payments 14 (1,916 ) (18 )
Amortisation of intangible assets 16 (4,534 ) (5,395 )
Exceptional gains 8 31,050 674
Exceptional costs 8 (2,045 ) (7,076 )
Contingent consideration 24 710 544
Group operating profit 5 72,584 23,912
Finance costs 6 (2,709 ) (3,134 )
Finance income 7 14 144
Net finance costs (2,695 ) (2,990 )
Profit before tax 69,889 20,922
Taxation charge 15 (7,985 ) (4,596 )
Profit for the year 61,904 16,326
Attributable to:
Owners of the parent 61,941 16,326
Non-controlling interest (37 ) –
Earnings per Share expressed in pence per share:
Basic 11 59.6 15.9
Diluted 11 59.2 15.7
The notes on pages 101 to 149 form part of these Financial Statements.
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Financial Statements
Strategic Report
Overview
Directors’ Report (including Corporate
Governance Reports and Committee Reports)
Group Statement of Comprehensive Income
for the year ended 31 December 2021
Note
2021
£’000
2020
£’000
Profit for the year 61,904 16,326
Items not to be reclassified to profit and loss in subsequent periods:
Revaluation of financial assets not recycled through Income Statement 18 (1,557 ) –
Tax on revaluation (132 ) –
(1,689 ) –
Total other comprehensive loss for the year, net of tax (1,689 ) –
Total comprehensive income for the year, net of tax 60,215 16,326
Attributable to:
Owners of the parent 60,252 16,326
Non-controlling interest (37 ) –
The notes on pages 101 to 149 form part of these Financial Statements.
98
98
Group Balance Sheet
as at 31 December 2021 Company No. 05114014
Note
2021
£’000
2020
£’000
Non-current assets
Goodwill 16 160,865 159,863
Other intangible assets 16 29,604 27,894
Property, plant and equipment 17 37,070 42,741
Financial assets 18 5,748 9,561
Investments in joint ventures and associates 19 1,610 11,406
Contract assets 20 733 433
Total non-current assets 235,630 251,898
Current assets
Trade and other receivables 21 33,829 28,438
Contract assets 20 424 253
Current tax assets 1,142 184
Cash and cash equivalents 22 48,464 11,443
Total current assets 83,859 40,318
Total assets 319,489 292,216
Current liabilities
Financial liabilities 24 (8,523 ) (12,466 )
Trade and other payables 23 (64,206 ) (72,936 )
Provisions for liabilities 25 (775 ) (2,998 )
Total current liabilities (73,504 ) (88,400 )
Non-current liabilities
Financial liabilities 24 (22,602 ) (40,060 )
Deferred tax liability 15 (2,073 ) (1,822 )
Provisions for liabilities 25 (3,191 ) (4,180 )
Total non-current liabilities (27,866 ) (46,062 )
Total liabilities (101,370 ) (134,462 )
Net assets 218,119 157,754
Equity
Share capital 27 210 210
Share premium account 28 5,629 5,629
Share-based payment reserve 28 5,263 3,942
Shares held by EBT 2,28 (3,063 ) (5,012 )
Fair value reserve 28 (15,273 ) (13,584 )
Retained earnings 224,832 166,569
Total equity attributable to owners of the parent 217,598 157,754
Non-controlling interest 521 –
Total equity 218,119 157,754
The notes on pages 101 to 149 form part of these Financial Statements.
The Financial Statements were approved by and signed on behalf of the Board by:
David Stewart
Group Chief Executive Officer
15 March 2022
Adam Castleton
Group Chief Financial Officer
15 March 2022
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99
Other Information
Financial Statements
Strategic Report
Overview
Directors’ Report (including Corporate
Governance Reports and Committee Reports)
Group Statement of Cash-Flows
for the year ended 31 December 2021
Note
2021
£’000
2020
£’000
Profit before tax 69,889 20,922
Adjustments for:
Exceptional operating items and contingent consideration (29,716 ) 5,857
Depreciation of tangible assets 12,500 13,929
Amortisation of intangible assets 16 4,534 5,395
Share-based payments 14 1,916 18
Profit on disposal of fixed assets 9 (1,061 ) (15 )
Income from joint ventures and associates 19 (668 ) (493 )
Finance income 7 (14 ) (144 )
Finance costs 6 2,709 3,134
Operating cash-flows before movements in working capital 60,089 48,603
Movements in working capital
(Increase)/decrease in trade and other receivables (3,439 ) 8,553
(Decrease)/increase in trade and other payables (8,919 ) 13,606
Decrease in provisions (3,213 ) (1,474 )
(15,571 ) 20,685
Cash generated from operations 44,518 69,288
Interest paid (2,554 ) (2,581 )
Income taxes paid (8,528 ) (6,093 )
Exceptional costs paid (2,045 ) (7,311 )
Net cash generated from operating activities 31,391 53,303
Cash-flows used in investing activities
Acquisitions of subsidiaries and other businesses, net of cash acquired 30 (730 ) (293 )
Payment of contingent consideration (2,462 ) (169 )
Investment in joint venture (2,477 ) –
Investment in financial assets 18 (14 ) (418 )
Dividend received from joint venture 1,178 –
Cash received on sale of joint venture 18 41,349 –
Receipt of lease income 20 –
Purchase of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets 16,17 (6,902 ) (4,050 )
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment 17 431 138
Net cash generated/(expended) on investing activities 30,393 (4,792 )
Cash-flows used in financing activities
(Repayment)/drawdown of loans 13 (13,000 ) (28,883 )
Payment of deferred consideration (122 ) (80 )
Payment of lease liabilities (8,922 ) (8,304 )
Receipt of lease income – 23
Proceeds from exercise of share options 1,447 176
Dividends paid 12 (4,166 ) –
Net cash expended in financing activities (24,763 ) (37,068 )
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 37,021 11,443
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year 48,464 11,443
The notes on pages 101 to 149 form part of these Financial Statements.
100
100
Group Statement of Changes in Equity
for the year ended 31 December 2021
Share
capital
£’000
Share
premium
account
£’000
Share-
based
payment
reserve
£’000
Shares held
by EBT
£’000
Fair value
reserve
£’000
Retained
earnings
£’000
Equity
attributable
to owners
of the
parent
£’000
Non-
controlling
interest
£’000
Total
equity
£’000
At 1 January 2021 210 5,629 3,942 (5,012 ) (13,584 ) 166,569 157,754 – 157,754
Profit for the year – – – – – 61,941 61,941 (37 ) 61,904
Revaluation of financial assets – – – – (1,557 ) – (1,557 ) – (1,557 )
Tax on revaluations – – – – (132 ) – (132 ) – (132 )
Total comprehensive income for the
year – – – – (1,689 ) 61,941 60,252 (37 ) 60,215
Acquisition of subsidiary – – – – – – – 558 558
Issued share capital in the year – – – – – – – – –
Exercise of options – – (990 ) 1,949 – 488 1,447 – 1,447
Dividend paid – – – – – (4,166 ) (4,166 ) – (4,166 )
Share-based payments – – 1,916 – – – 1,916 – 1,916
Tax on share-based payments – – 395 – – – 395 – 395
At 31 December 2021 210 5,629 5,263 (3,063 ) (15,273 ) 224,832 217,598 521 218,119
During the year ended 31 December 2021, the Trust acquired nil LSL shares. During the period, 555,824 share options were exercised relating to LSL’s
various share option schemes resulting in the shares being sold by the Trust. LSL received £1.4 m on exercise of these options.
The notes on pages 101 to 149 form part of these Financial Statements.
for the year ended 31 December 2020
Share
capital
£’000
Share
premium
account
£’000
Share-based
payment
reserve
£’000
Shares held
by EBT
£’000
Fair value
reserve
£’000
Retained
earnings
£’000
Total
equity
£’000
At 1 January 2020 208 5,629 4,429 (5,224 ) (13,584 ) 149,758 141,216
Profit for the year – – – – – 16,326 16,326
Total comprehensive income for the year – – – – – 16,326 16,326
Issued share capital in the year 2 – – – – – 2
Exercise of options – – (80 ) 212 – 44 176
Share-based payments – – (423 ) – – 441 18
Tax on share-based payments – – 16 – – – 16
At 31 December 2020 210 5,629 3,942 (5,012 ) (13,584 ) 166,569 157,754
During the year ended 31 December 2020, the Trust acquired 167,083 LSL shares. During the period, 60,565 share options were exercised relating to
LSL’s various share option schemes resulting in the shares being sold by the Trust. LSL received £0.2 m on exercise of these options.
The notes on pages 101 to 149 form part of these Financial Statements.
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Strategic Report
Overview
Directors’ Report (including Corporate
Governance Reports and Committee Reports)
Notes to the Group Financial Statements
for the year ended 31 December 2021
1. Authorisation of Financial Statements and statement of compliance with IFRS
The Financial Statements of LSL and its subsidiaries for the year ended 31 December 2021 were authorised for issue by the Board of Directors on
15 March 2022 and the Group Balance Sheet was signed on the Board’s behalf by David Stewart, Group Chief Executive Officer and Adam Castleton,
Group Chief Financial Officer. LSL is a premium listed company, listed on the London Stock Exchange, incorporated and domiciled in England
Group operates Financial Services, Surveying & Valuation and Estate Agency businesses.
2. Accounting policies, judgements and estimates
2.1 Basis of preparation
The accounting policies which follow set out those significant policies which apply in preparing the Financial Statements for the year ended
31 December 2021. The policies have been applied consistently to all years presented. The Financial Statements are presented in pound sterling and
all values are rounded to the nearest thousand pounds (£’000) except when otherwise indicated.
These Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with international accounting standards in conformity with the requirements of the
Companies Act 2006 and UK adopted International Accounting Standards.
These Financial Statements have been prepared on a going concern basis and on a historical cost basis, except for certain debt and equity financial
assets that have been measured at fair value.
The Directors have considered the Group’s current and future prospects, risks and uncertainties set out in the risk management objectives and
policies, and its availability of financing, and are satisfied that the Group can continue to pay its liabilities as they fall due for the period to 31 March
2023. For this reason, the Directors continue to adopt the going concern basis of preparation for these Financial Statements. Further detailed
information is provided in the going concern statement in the Report of the Directors.
In preparing the Financial Statements management has considered the impact of climate change, taking into account the relevant disclosures in the
Strategic Report, including those made in accordance with the recommendations of the Taskforce on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD).
Recognising that the environmental impact of the Group’s operations is relatively low, no issues were identified that would impact the carrying values
of the Group’s assets or have any other impact on the Financial Statements.
2.2 Basis of consolidation
The consolidated Financial Statements comprise the Financial Statements of the Company and its subsidiaries at 31 December 2021. The financial
year represents the year from 1 January 2021 to 31 December 2021.
Subsidiaries
Subsidiaries are consolidated from the date that control commences until the date control ceases. A change in the ownership interest of a subsidiary,
without a loss of control, is accounted for as an equity transaction.
Interest in joint ventures and associates
The Group’s share of the results of joint ventures and associates is included in the Group Income Statement using the equity method of accounting.
Investments in joint ventures and associates are carried in the Group Balance Sheet at cost plus post-acquisition changes in the Group’s share of the
net assets of the entity, less any impairment in value. Goodwill relating to the joint venture or associate is included in the carrying amount of the
investment and is not tested for impairment individually. Unrealised gains and losses resulting from transactions between the Group and the joint
venture or associate are eliminated to the extent of the interest in the joint venture or associate.
In addition, when there has been a change recognised directly in the equity of the joint venture or associate, the Group recognises its share of any
changes, when applicable, in the Statement of Changes in Equity.
The Financial Statements of the associate or joint venture are prepared for the same reporting period as the Group. When necessary, adjustments
are made to bring the accounting policies in line with those of the Group.
2.3 Business combinations and goodwill
The Group accounts for all business combinations by applying the acquisition method. All acquisition-related costs are expensed. On acquisition,
the assets (including intangible assets), liabilities and contingent liabilities of an acquired entity are measured at their fair values. The choice of
measurement of non-controlling interest, either at fair value or at the proportionate share of the acquiree’s identifiable net assets, is determined on
a transaction by transaction basis.
102
Notes to the Group Financial Statements continued.
for the year ended 31 December 2021
2. Accounting policies, judgements and estimates (continued)
Any contingent consideration to be transferred by the acquirer will be recognised at fair value at the acquisition date. Contingent consideration
classified as equity is not re-measured and its subsequent settlement is accounted for within equity. Contingent consideration classified as an
asset or liability that is a financial instrument and within the scope of IFRS 9 Financial Instruments, is measured at fair value with the changes in fair
value recognised in the Group Income Statement in accordance with IFRS 9. Other contingent consideration that is not within the scope of IFRS 9 is
measured at fair value at each reporting date with changes in fair value recognised in profit or loss.
Where a put and call option is transacted over a non-controlling interest independently of a business combination, the present value of the exercise
price of the put and call option is recorded as a liability with a debit to equity. Subsequent movements in the assessment of the exercise price are
taken to profit and loss. If the put option lapses, the liability is derecognised with a corresponding adjustment to equity.
Goodwill arising on consolidation represents the excess of the consideration transferred over the net fair value of the Group’s share of the net
assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities of the acquired subsidiary, joint venture or associate and the fair value of the non-controlling interest in the
acquiree. If the consideration is less than the fair value of the Group’s share of the net assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities of the acquired entity
(i.e. a bargain purchase), the difference is credited to the Group Income Statement in the period of acquisition.
At the acquisition date of a subsidiary, goodwill acquired is recognised as an asset and is allocated to each of the cash generating units or groups of
cash-generating units expected to benefit from the business combination’s synergies and to the lowest level at which management monitors the
goodwill. Goodwill arising on the acquisition of joint ventures and associates is included within the carrying value of the investment. On disposal of a
subsidiary, joint venture or associate, the attributable amount of goodwill is included in the determination of the profit or loss on disposal.
2.4 Revenue recognition
Revenue is recognised under IFRS 15. The standard is based on a single model that distinguishes between promises to a customer that are satisfied
at a point in time and those that are satisfied over time. Revenue is recognised when control of a good or service transfers to a customer. IFRS 15
focuses on control with risk and rewards as an indicator of control.
Financial Services income
Revenue from mortgage procuration fees is recognised by reference to the completion date of the mortgage/remortgage on the housing transaction.
Revenue from insurance sales is recognised at a point in time by reference to the date that the policy goes on risk. The lapse provision is recognised
as a reduction in revenue which is based on historic lapses which have occurred. Lapse provisions are recorded within trade and other payables.
Rendering of services
Revenue from the exchange fees in the Residential Sales business is recognised by reference to the legal exchange date of the housing transaction.
Revenues from the supply of Surveying & Valuation are recognised upon the completion of the professional survey or valuation by the surveyor, and
therefore at a point in time. Revenue from Lettings, Asset Management and conveyancing services is recognised on completion of the service being
provided, and therefore at a point in time. Management services relating to Lettings and Asset Management are recognised over time using the time
basis approach. The costs incurred from obtaining a contract and payable to the customer are capitalised and held under contract assets in the Group
Balance Sheet and amortised into revenue over the contract term.
Interest income
Revenue is recognised at a point in time as interest accrues (using the effective interest method – that is the rate that exactly discounts estimated
future cash receipts through the expected life of the financial instrument to the net carrying amount of the financial asset).
Rental income
Rental income including the effect of lease incentives from sub-let properties is recognised either at a point in time on a straight-line basis over the
lease term for operating leases or by recognising in the Group Balance Sheet a lease receivable equal to the investment in the lease for finance leases.
Sub-leases are assessed as finance leases or operating leases in reference to the right of use asset the lease generates.
Dividends
Revenue is recognised when the Group’s right to receive the payment is established.
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Directors’ Report (including Corporate
Governance Reports and Committee Reports)
2. Accounting policies, judgements and estimates (continued)
2.5 Segment reporting
An operating segment is a distinguishable segment of an entity that engages in business activities from which it may earn revenues and incur
expenses and whose operating results are reviewed regularly by the Board. The Board reviews the Group’s operations and financial position as
Financial Services, Surveying & Valuation and Estate Agency, and therefore considers that it has three operating segments. The information presented
to the Directors directly reflects the Group Underlying Operating Profit as defined in the alternate performance measures in note 5 to these Financial
Statements and they review the performance of the Group by reference to the results of the operating segments against budget.
2.6 Alternative Performance Measures (APMs)
In the analysis of the Group’s financial performance, LSL reports a number of APMs that are designed to assist with the understanding of the
underlying performance of the Group. The Group seeks to present a measure of underlying performance which is not impacted by the inconsistency
in profile of exceptional gains and exceptional costs, contingent consideration, amortisation of intangible assets and share-based payments. These
measures are not defined under IFRS and, as a result, may not be directly comparable with other companies’ non-GAAP measures. Share-based
payments are excluded from the underlying performance due to the fluctuations that can impact the charge, such as lapses and the level of annual
grants. They are not designed to be a substitute for any of the IFRS measures of performance. The principal APMs used within the consolidated
Financial Statements and the location of the reconciliations to equivalent IFRS measures are:
• Group Underlying Operating Profit (reconciled in note 5 to these Financial Statements).
• Adjusted Basic EPS (reconciled in note 11 to these Financial Statements).
• Adjusted Diluted EPS (reconciled in note 11 to these Financial Statements).
The Directors consider that these adjusted measures give a better and more consistent indication of the Group’s underlying performance; these
measures form part of Management’s internal financial review and are contained within the monthly management information reports reviewed by
the Board.
In prior periods the Group disclosed Adjusted EBITDA as an additional APM. This is no longer disclosed as an APM of the Group as it is no longer a
relevant metric which Management monitors to gain a better and more consistent understanding of the Group’s underlying performance.
2.7 Income taxes
Current tax assets and liabilities are measured at the amount expected to be recovered from or paid to the taxation authorities, based on tax rates
and laws that are enacted or substantively enacted by the Group Balance Sheet date. Management periodically evaluates positions taken in the tax
returns with respect to the situations in which applicable tax regulations are subject to interpretation and establishes provisions where appropriate.
Deferred income tax is recognised on all temporary differences arising between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts in
the Financial Statements, with the following exceptions:
• where the temporary difference arises from the initial recognition of goodwill or of an asset or liability in a transaction that is not a business
combination that at the time of the transaction affects neither accounting nor taxable profit or loss;
• in respect of taxable temporary differences associated with investments in subsidiaries, where the timing of the reversal of the temporary
differences can be controlled and it is probable that the temporary differences will not reverse in the foreseeable future; and
• deferred income tax assets are recognised only to the extent that it is probable that taxable profit will be available against which the deductible
temporary differences, carried forward tax credits or tax losses can be utilised.
Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are measured on an undiscounted basis at the tax rates that are expected to apply when the related asset is
realised or liability is settled, based on tax rates and laws enacted or substantively enacted at the Group Balance Sheet date.
The carrying amount of deferred income tax assets is reviewed at each Group 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 tax asset to be utilised. Unrecognised deferred tax assets are
reassessed at each reporting period and are recognised to the extent that it has become probable that future taxable profits will allow the deferred
tax asset to be recovered.
104
Notes to the Group Financial Statements continued.
for the year ended 31 December 2021
2. Accounting policies, judgements and estimates (continued)
Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are offset, only if a legally enforceable right exists to set off current tax assets against current tax liabilities,
the deferred income taxes relate to the same taxation authority and that authority permits the Group to make a single net payment. Income tax
is charged or credited directly to OCI or equity, if it relates to items that are charged or credited in the current or prior periods to OCI or equity
respectively. Otherwise, income tax is recognised in the Group Income Statement.
2.8 Share-based payment transactions
The equity share option programme allows Group employees to acquire LSL shares. The fair value of the options granted is recognised as an
employee expense with a corresponding increase in equity in the case of equity-settled schemes. The fair value is measured at grant date and spread
over the period during which the employees become unconditionally entitled to the options. The fair value of employee share option plans, which are
all equity-settled, is calculated at the grant date using the Black Scholes model. The resulting cost is charged to the Group Income Statement over the
vesting period. The value of the charge is adjusted to reflect expected and actual levels of vesting.
No expense is recognised for awards that do not ultimately vest, except for equity-settled transactions where vesting is conditional upon a market or
non-vesting condition, which are treated as vesting irrespective of whether or not the market or non-market vested condition is satisfied, provided
that all other performance and/or service conditions are satisfied.
The dilutive effect of outstanding options is reflected as additional share dilution in the computation of diluted earnings per share (further details are
given in note 11 to these Financial Statements).
2.9 Shares held by EBT
The Group has an employee share scheme (ESOT) for the granting of LSL shares to Executive Directors and selected senior employees and an
employee share incentive plan (Trust). Shares in LSL held by the ESOT and the Trusts are treated as treasury shares and presented in the Group
Balance Sheet as a deduction from equity. No gain or loss is recognised in the Group Income Statement on the purchase, sale, issue or cancellation of
the Group’s own equity instruments. The finance costs and administration costs relating to the ESOT and the Trusts are charged to the Group Income
Statement. Dividends earned on shares held in the ESOT and the Trusts have been waived. The ESOT and Trust shares are ignored for the purposes of
calculating the Group’s EPS.
2.10 Exceptional items
An exceptional item is considered to be non-recurring and unusual in nature. These items are presented within their relevant Group Income
Statement category but highlighted separately on the face of the Group Income Statement. Items that management considers fall into this category
are also disclosed within a note to the Financial Statements (see note 8 to the Financial Statements).
Due to the nature and expected infrequency of these items, separate presentation helps provide a better indication of the Group’s underlying
business performance. This allows shareholders to understand better the elements of financial performance in the year, so as to facilitate comparison
with prior periods and to assess better trends in financial performance.
2.11 Intangible assets
Intangible assets such as brand names, lettings contracts, customer relationships and in-house software are measured at cost less accumulated
amortisation and impairment losses. Internally generated intangibles, excluding capitalised development costs, are not capitalised and the related
expenditure is reflected in profit or loss in the period in which the expenditure is incurred. Gains or losses arising from derecognition of an intangible
asset are measured as the difference between the net disposal proceeds and the carrying amount of the asset and are recognised in the Group
Income Statement when the asset is derecognised.
The useful lives of intangible assets are assessed as either finite or indefinite.
Brand names are not amortised as the Directors are of the opinion that they each have an indefinite useful life based on the expectation that there
is no foreseeable limit to the period over which each of the assets are expected to generate net cash inflows to the businesses. Intangible assets
with indefinite useful lives are assessed annually for impairment. The Directors are confident that trademark registration renewals will be filed
at the appropriate time and sufficient investment will be made in terms of marketing and communication to maintain the value inherent in the
brands, without incurring significant cost. All brands recognised have been in existence for a number of years and are not considered to be at risk of
obsolescence from technical, technological nor commercial change. Whilst operating in competitive markets they have demonstrated that they can
continue to operate in the face of such competition and that there is expected to remain an underlying market demand for the services offered. The
lives of these brands are not dependent on the useful lives of other assets of the entity.
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Strategic Report
Overview
Directors’ Report (including Corporate
Governance Reports and Committee Reports)
2. Accounting policies, judgements and estimates (continued)
All other intangible assets are amortised on a straight-line basis over their useful economic lives of 12 months for order books, two years for customer
contracts, five years for lettings contracts, between three and five years for in-house software and ten years for franchise agreements.
2.12 Impairment of non-financial assets
The Group assesses at each reporting date whether there is an indication that an asset may be impaired. If any such indication exists, or when annual
impairment testing for an asset is required, the Group makes an estimate of the asset’s recoverable amount. An asset’s recoverable amount is the
higher of an asset’s or cash generating unit’s fair value less costs to sell and its value-in-use and is determined for an individual asset unless the
asset does not generate cash inflows that are largely independent of those from other assets or groups of assets. Where the carrying amount of an
asset exceeds its recoverable amount, the asset is considered impaired and is written down to its recoverable amount. 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. Impairment losses of continuing operations are recognised in the Group Income Statement in those
expense categories consistent with the function of the impaired asset.
For assets excluding goodwill, 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 indication exists, the Group estimates the asset’s or cash generating unit’s
recoverable amount.
2.13 Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment losses. Property, plant and equipment is depreciated
on a straight-line basis to its residual value over its anticipated useful economic life:
Office equipment, fixtures and fittings – over three to seven years
Computer equipment – over three to four years
Motor vehicles – over three to four years
Leasehold improvements – over the shorter of the lease term or ten years
Freehold and long leasehold property – over 50 years or the lease term whichever is shorter
An item of property, plant and equipment is derecognised upon disposal or when no future economic benefits are expected from its use or disposal.
Any gain or loss arising on derecognition of the asset (calculated as the difference between the net disposal proceeds and the carrying amount of
the asset) is included in the Group Income Statement when the asset is derecognised. These assets’ residual values, useful lives and methods of
depreciation are reviewed at each financial year end, and adjusted prospectively, if appropriate.
2.14 Dividends
Equity dividends are recognised when they become legally payable. In the case of interim dividends to shareholders, this is when paid. In the case of
final dividends, this is when approved by shareholders at each AGM.
2.15 Leases
Leases are defined as a contract which gives the right to use an asset for a period of time in exchange for consideration. As a lessee, the Group
recognises three classes of leases on this basis:
• Property leases.
• Motor vehicle leases.
• Other leases.
Property leases and motor vehicle leases have been recognised on the Group Balance Sheet, in financial liabilities, by recognising the future cash-
flows of the lease obligation, discounted using the incremental borrowing rate of the Group, adjusted for factors such as swap rates available and the
credit risk of the entity entering into the lease.
Corresponding right of use assets have been recognised in the Group Balance Sheet under property, plant and equipment and have been measured
as being equal to the discounted lease liability plus any lease payments made at or before the inception of the lease and initial direct costs, less any
lease incentives received. Cash-flows from these leases have been recognised by including the principal portion of the lease payments in cash-flows
from financing activities and the interest portion of the lease payment recognised through operating activities.
106
Notes to the Group Financial Statements continued.
for the year ended 31 December 2021
2. Accounting policies, judgements and estimates (continued)
Other leases are leases for low value items (less than $5,000) or leases whose contract term is less than 12 months. The practical expedient not
to recognise right of use assets and lease liabilities for these leases has been utilised by the Group. A charge for these leases has been recognised
through the Group Income Statement as an operating expense. The cash-flows relating to low value and short term leases have been recognised in
net cash-flows from operating activities.
No leases where the Group is a lessee, or a lessor contain variable lease payments.
For sub-leases where the Group is an intermediate lessor, the Group has assessed whether the sub-lease is an operating lease or finance lease in
respect to the right of use asset generated by the head lease. It has performed this assessment on a lease-by-lease basis. The Group has both finance
leases and operating leases based on this assessment, and sub-lease assets are recognised in financial assets (further details are given in note 26 to
these Financial Statements).
2.16 Pensions
The Group operates a defined contribution pension scheme for employees of all Group companies. The assets of the scheme are invested and
managed independently of the finances of the Group. The pension cost charge represents contributions payable in the year.
2.17 Provisions
A provision is recognised in the Group Balance Sheet when the Group has a present legal or constructive obligation as a result of a past event,
and it is probable that an outflow of economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation. If the effect is material, provisions are determined
by discounting the expected future cash-flows at a pre-tax rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and, when
appropriate, the risks specific to the liability.
2.18 Financial instruments
Financial assets and financial liabilities are recognised in the Group Balance Sheet when the Group becomes a party to the contractual provisions of
the instrument. When financial assets are recognised initially, they are measured at fair value, being the transaction price plus, in the case of financial
assets not at fair value through profit or loss, directly attributable transaction costs. Financial assets are derecognised when the Group no longer has
the rights to cash-flows, the risks and rewards of ownership or control of the asset. Financial liabilities are derecognised when the obligation under
the liability is discharged, cancelled or expires.
The subsequent measurement of financial assets depends on their classification.
The Group’s accounting policy for each category of financial instruments is as follows:
Financial assets designated at fair value through OCI (equity instruments)
Upon initial recognition, the Group can elect to classify irrevocably its equity investments as equity instruments designated at fair value through
OCI when they meet the definition of equity under IFRS 9 Financial Instruments and are not held for trading. The classification is determined on an
instrument-by-instrument basis. Gains and losses on these financial assets are never recycled to profit or loss. Dividends are recognised as other
income in the statement of profit or loss when the right of payment has been established, except when the Group benefits from such proceeds as a
recovery of part of the cost of the financial asset, in which case, such gains are recorded in OCI. Equity instruments designated at fair value through
OCI are not subject to impairment assessment.
Financial assets designated at fair value through profit and loss
Gains and losses arising from the changes in the fair value of equity investments are recognised through the profit and loss.
Cash and short term deposits
Cash and short-term deposits in the Group Balance Sheet and Cash-Flow Statement comprise cash at bank and in hand and short-term deposits with
an original maturity period of three months or less.
Trade receivables
Trade receivables do not carry any interest and are stated at their original invoiced value as reduced by appropriate allowances for estimated
irrecoverable amounts. The expected credit loss model under IFRS 9 is applied to trade and other receivables. The chosen method of recognising
the expected credit loss across the Group is the simplified approach allowing a provision matrix to be used, which is based on the expected life of
trade receivables and historic default rates. Default being defined as when impaired debts are assessed as uncollectable. The carrying amount of the
receivable is reduced through use of an allowance account. Impaired debts are derecognised when they are assessed as uncollectable.
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Other Information
Financial Statements
Strategic Report
Overview
Directors’ Report (including Corporate
Governance Reports and Committee Reports)
2. Accounting policies, judgements and estimates (continued)
Trade payables
Trade payables are stated in the Group Balance Sheet at their original invoice value.
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings
All loans and borrowings are initially recognised at fair value less directly attributable transaction costs. After initial recognition, interest-bearing loans
and borrowings are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method. Gains and losses arising on repurchase, settlement
or otherwise cancellation of liabilities are recognised respectively in finance income and finance costs. Finance costs comprise interest payable on
borrowings calculated at the effective interest rate method and recognised on an accruals basis. Borrowing costs are recognised as an expense when
incurred.
2.19 Government grants
Government grants are recognised at their fair value where there is reasonable assurance that the grant will be received, and all attaching conditions
will be complied with. When the grant relates to an expense item, it is recognised in operating costs within the Group Income Statement over the
period necessary to match on a systematic basis to the costs that it is intended to compensate.
Government grants have been recognised in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic. These comprise amounts receivable under the Coronavirus Job
Retention Scheme (CJRS) and amounts receivable under the Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grant (RHLG) Fund.
CJRS comprises grants receivable in relation to the costs incurred by the Group for furloughed employees and is recognised in the Group Income
Statement, within operating costs, in the same period as the related costs and when there is reasonable assurance that the grant will be received.
RHLG comprises grants receivable in relation to retail properties used for Estate Agency and Lettings and is recognised in the Group Income
Statement, within operating costs, in the same period as the related costs and when there is reasonable assurance that the grant will be received.
2.20 Judgements and estimates
The preparation of the Financial Statements requires Management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions in applying the Group’s
accounting policies to determine the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, income and expenses. The estimates and associated assumptions
are based on historical experience and various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ
from these estimates. The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis, with revisions to accounting estimates applied
prospectively.
Judgements
Critical judgements, apart from those involving estimations, that are applied in the preparation of the consolidated Financial Statements are
discussed below:
Deferred tax
The Group recognises deferred tax assets on all applicable temporary differences where it is probable that future taxable profits will be available for
utilisation. This requires Management to make judgements and assumptions regarding the amount of deferred tax that can be recognised based
on the magnitude and likelihood of future taxable profits. The carrying amount of deferred tax assets is reviewed at each Group 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 asset to be recovered.
Deferred tax liabilities are provided for in full.
Exceptional items
The Group presents as exceptional items on the face of the Group Income Statement those material items of income and expense which, because of
the nature and expected infrequency of the events giving rise to them, merit separate presentation to allow shareholders to understand better the
elements of financial performance in the year, so as to facilitate comparison with prior periods and to assess better trends in financial performance.
Estimates
The key assumptions affected by future uncertainty that have significant risks of causing material adjustment to the carrying value of assets and
liabilities within the next financial year are:
108
Notes to the Group Financial Statements continued.
for the year ended 31 December 2021
2. Accounting policies, judgements and estimates (continued)
Lapse provision
Certain subsidiaries sell life assurance products which are cancellable without a notice period, and if cancelled within a set period require that a
portion of the commission earned must be repaid. The lapse provision is recognised as a reduction in revenue which is based on historic lapses which
have occurred. Details of the assumptions applied to lapse provisions are disclosed in note 23 to these Financial Statements.
Professional indemnity (PI) claims
Details of the assumptions applied to PI claims areas are disclosed in notes 8 and 25 to these Financial Statements. A sensitivity calculation which
illustrates the impact of different assumptions on the required PI Costs provision is included in note 25.
Valuation of financial assets
The Group uses valuation techniques to measure fair value of financial assets, maximising the use of relevant observable inputs and minimising the
use of unobservable inputs. The fair value of equity financial assets that are not traded in the open market are valued using the best information
available in the circumstances, including cash-flow forecasts and financial statements, to arrive at the fair value. Where appropriate a range of
potential outcomes is considered in reaching a conclusion. Further details of the methodology used are disclosed in note 18 to these Financial
Statements. A sensitivity calculation which shows the impact of changes in assumption is shown in note 32.
Impairment of intangible assets
The Group determines whether indefinite life intangible assets (including goodwill) are impaired on an annual basis and this requires an estimation of
the value-in-use of the cash generating units to which the intangible assets are allocated. This involves estimation of future cash-flows and choosing a
suitable discount rate (see note 16 to these Financial Statements).
Contingent consideration
In accordance with the accounting standards, estimates have been made with regard to the future profitability of these acquisitions and a provision
for the cost of acquiring these interests has been recognised. The provisions are disclosed in note 24 to these Financial Statements. A sensitivity
calculation which shows the impact of changes in assumption is shown in note 32 to these Financial Statements.
Income tax
The Group will pay income taxes based on the tax computations of the subsidiary entities. While the outcome of these tax computations cannot
be determined with certainty until the completion of subsidiary accounts, Management’s estimates of income taxes are used to determine the tax
charges and provisions carried by the Group. The estimated tax charges are calculated having taken consideration of the tax impact of significant
transactions within the Group during the respective accounting period, significant transactions during the current year were the profits made on the
sale of subsidiary companies on which the Substantial Shareholding Exemption has been claimed. Management also use their existing knowledge
of the tax profile of the Group’s recurring trading activities and review prior year tax computations to estimate the likely amount of permanent
disallowable expenditure.
2.21 New standards and interpretations not applied
The International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) has issued no new standards that are not yet effective that are expected to impact the Financial
Statements of the Group.
109
Other Information
Financial Statements
Strategic Report
Overview
Directors’ Report (including Corporate
Governance Reports and Committee Reports)
3. Disaggregation of revenue
Set out below is the disaggregation of the Group’s Revenue from contracts with customers:
Year ended 31 December 2021
Financial
Services
£’000
Surveying &
Valuation
£’000
Residential
Sales
exchange
£’000
Lettings
£’000
Asset
Management
£’000
Other
£’000
Total
£’000
Timing of revenue recognition
Services transferred at a point in time 84,818 93,699 71,737 32,268 2,217 11,162 295,901
Services transferred over time – – – 29,783 1,148 – 30,931
Total revenue from contracts with customers 84,818 93,699 71,737 62,051 3,365 11,162 326,832
Year ended 31 December 2020
Financial
Services
£’000
Surveying &
Valuation
£’000
Residential
Sales
exchange
£’000
Lettings
£’000
Asset
Management
£’000
Other
£’000
Total
£’000
Timing of revenue recognition
Services transferred at a point in time 70,845 77,125 48,821 29,211 2,602 7,592 236,196
Services transferred over time – – – 29,390 1,156 – 30,546
Total revenue from contracts with customers 70,845 77,125 48,821 58,601 3,758 7,592 266,742
2021
£’000
2020
£’000
Revenue from services 326,832 266,742
Operating revenue 326,832 266,742
Rental income 937 783
Other operating income 937 783
Total revenue 327,769 267,525
4. Segment analysis of revenue and operating profit
For the year ended 31 December 2021 LSL has reported three operating segments: Financial Services; Surveying & Valuation; and Estate Agency:
• The Financial Services Division is a provider of services to mortgage intermediaries and specialist mortgage and insurance advice to estate agency
and new build customers.
• The Surveying & Valuation Division provides a valuations and professional surveying service of residential properties to various lenders and
individual customers.
• The Estate Agency Division provides services related to the sale and letting of residential properties. It operates a network of high street branches,
arranges conveyancing services and for a range of lenders provides repossession and asset management services.
Operating segments
Each reportable segment has various products and services and the revenue from these products and services are disclosed on pages 11 to 17 under
the Business Review section of the Strategic Report.
Management monitors the operating results of its business units separately for the purpose of making decisions about resource allocation and
performance assessment. Segment performance is evaluated based on operating profit or loss which in certain respects, as explained in the table
below, is measured differently from operating profit or loss in these Financial Statements. Head office costs, Group financing (including finance costs
and finance incomes) and income taxes are managed on a Group basis and are not allocated to operating segments.
110
Notes to the Group Financial Statements continued.
for the year ended 31 December 2021
4. Segment analysis of revenue and operating profit (continued)
Reportable segments
The following table presents revenue and profit information regarding the Group’s reportable segments for the financial year ended 31 December
2021 and financial year ended 31 December 2020 respectively.
Year ended 31 December 2021
Financial
Services
£’000
Surveying
& Valuation
£’000
Estate Agency
£’000
Unallocated
£’000
Total
£’000
Income Statement information
Revenue from external customers 84,818 93,699 148,315 – 326,832
Introducers’ fee (6,287) – 6,287 – –
Total revenue 78,531 93,699 154,602 – 326,832
Segmental result:
– Group Underlying Operating Profit 14,787 23,609 18,430 (7,507) 49,319
– Operating Profit 9,976 24,721 46,464 (8,577) 72,584
Finance income 14
Finance costs (2,709)
Profit before tax 69,889
Taxation (7,985)
Profit for the year 61,904
Balance sheet information
Segment assets – intangible 20,779 11,086 158,531 73 190,469
Segment assets – other 9,891 12,772 55,046 51,311 129,020
Total segment assets 30,670 23,858 213,577 51,384 319,489
Total segment liabilities (25,343) (20,621) (50,130) (5,276) (101,370)
Net assets / (liabilities) 5,327 3,237 163,447 46,108 218,119
Other segment items
Capital expenditure including intangible assets (1,086) (657) (5,157) (2) (6,901)
Depreciation (824) (1,926) (9,746) (4) (12,500)
Amortisation of intangible assets (2,496) (382) (1,656) – (4,534)
Exceptional gains – 1,641 29,409 – 31,050
Exceptional costs (2,045) – – – (2,045)
Share of results in joint ventures and associates (869) – 1,537 – 668
PI Costs provision – 3,907 – – 3,907
Onerous leases provision – – 59 – 59
Share-based payment (270) (147) (430) (1,069) (1,916)
In the year the Group sold its interests in the two joint ventures recorded in the Estate Agency Division, results for these joint ventures are recorded
to their disposal dates. The Group acquired an interest in a joint venture in the Financial Services Division during April 2021.
Unallocated net assets comprise intangible assets and plant and equipment £0.1m, other assets £3.0m, cash £48.5m, accruals and other payables
£3.4m, current and deferred tax liabilities £2.1m. Unallocated result comprises costs relating to the Parent Company.
111
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Strategic Report
Overview
Directors’ Report (including Corporate
Governance Reports and Committee Reports)
4. Segment analysis of revenue and operating profit (continued)
Year ended 31 December 2020
Financial
Services
£’000
Surveying
& Valuation
£’000
Estate Agency
£’000
Unallocated
£’000
Total
£’000
Income Statement information
Revenue from external customers 70,845 77,125 118,772 – 266,742
Introducers’ fee (9,889) – 9,889 – –
Total revenue 60,956 77,125 128,661 – 266,742
Segmental result:
– Group Underlying Operating Profit 12,287 16,193 12,071 (5,368) 35,183
– Operating Profit 10,679 14,680 3,802 (5,249) 23,912
Finance income 144
Finance costs (3,134)
Profit before tax 20,922
Taxation (4,596)
Profit for the year 16,326
Balance sheet information
Segment assets – intangible 17,109 11,280 159,367 – 187,756
Segment assets – other 7,935 13,571 68,993 13,961 104,460
Total segment assets 25,044 24,851 228,360 13,961 292,216
Total segment liabilities (26,010) (27,398) (63,640) (17,414) (134,462)
Net assets/(liabilities) (966) (2,547) 164,720 (3,453) 157,754
Other segment items
Capital expenditure including intangible assets (694) (154) (3,202) – (4,050)
Depreciation (757) (2,173) (10,999) – (13,929)
Amortisation of intangible assets (1,507) (459) (3,429) – (5,395)
Exceptional gains – 674 – – 674
Exceptional costs (1,992) (1,992) (319) (2,773) (7,076)
Share of results in joint ventures and associates (821) – 1,314 – 493
PI Costs provision – (7,042) – – (7,042)
Onerous leases provision – – (136) – (136)
Share-based payment (100) 97 (135) 120 (18)
The joint venture interests of the Group are recorded in the Estate Agency segment, with the associate interest recorded in the Financial Services
segment.
Unallocated net liabilities comprise other assets £2.5m, cash £11.4m, accruals and other payables £2.6m, current and deferred tax liabilities £1.8m
and revolving credit facility overdraft £13.0m. Unallocated result comprises costs relating to the Parent Company.
112
Notes to the Group Financial Statements continued.
for the year ended 31 December 2021
5. Adjusted performance measures (APMs)
In addition to the various performance measures defined under IFRS, the Group reports a number of alternative performance measures that are
designed to assist with the understanding of the underlying performance of the Group, as defined in the accounting policies (note 2). Share-based
payments are excluded from the underlying performance due to the fluctuations that can impact the charge, such as lapses and the level of annual
grants.
In the prior year, costs relating to COVID-19 were separately identified and excluded from Group Underlying Operating Profit as the Directors
considered that these adjusted measures shown give a better and more consistent indication of the Group’s underlying performance. The most
significant areas of costs relating to COVID-19 were employee costs and property and related asset costs. In 2021, the Group has not incurred
separately identifiable costs related to COVID-19 and has not excluded any from Group Underlying Operating Profit.
The three adjusted measures reported by the Group are:
• Group Underlying Operating Profit.
• Adjusted Basic EPS.
• Adjusted Diluted EPS.
The Directors consider that these adjusted measures shown above give a better and more consistent indication of the Group’s underlying
performance. These measures form part of Management’s internal financial review and are contained within the monthly management information
reports reviewed by the Board.
The calculations of Adjusted Basic and Adjusted Diluted EPS are given in note 11 to the consolidated Financial Statements.
Note
2021
£’000
2020
£’000
Group operating profit 4 72,584 23,912
Share-based payments 1,916 18
Amortisation of intangible assets 4,534 5,395
Exceptional gains 8 (31,050) (674)
Exceptional costs 8 2,045 7,076
Contingent consideration (credit)/charge 24 (710) (544)
Group Underlying Operating Profit 49,319 35,183
Total costs related to COVID-19 – 6,358
Group Underlying Operating Profit (pre-COVID-19 costs) 49,319 41,541
6. Finance costs
2021
£’000
2020
£’000
Interest on borrowings and RCF 1,048 1,203
Unwinding of discount on lease liabilities 1,507 1,594
Unwinding of discount on contingent consideration 154 335
Unwinding of discount on professional indemnity provision – 2
2,709 3,134
7. Finance income
2021
£’000
2020
£’000
Finance income on sub-lease assets 9 1
Loan note interest – 143
Other interest 5 –
14 144
113
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Strategic Report
Overview
Directors’ Report (including Corporate
Governance Reports and Committee Reports)
8. Exceptional items
2021
£’000
2020
£’000
Exceptional costs:
Exceptional costs in relation to investment in joint venture 1,179 –
Embrace Financial Services Limited restructuring project 714 –
Branch/centre closure and restructuring costs including redundancy costs – 2,312
Aborted merger deal costs – 2,350
Dissolution and impairment of associate Mortgage Gym Limited 152 1,992
Other – 422
2,045 7,076
Exceptional gains:
Exceptional gain in relation to historic PI Costs (1,641) (674)
Exceptional gain in relation to sale of joint ventures (29,409) –
(31,050) (674)
Exceptional costs
Exceptional costs in relation to investment in joint venture
Costs relating to class 1 circular and set up of Pivotal Growth.
There were £1.2m (2020: nil) of non-recurring and material exceptional costs relating to the formation of Pivotal Growth, a new joint venture. No
further costs are expected in relation to this.
Embrace Financial Services Limited restructuring project
There were £0.7m (2020: nil) of non-recurring and material exceptional costs relating to the restructure of Embrace Financial Services Limited. No
further costs are expected in relation to this.
Dissolution of associate Mortgage Gym Limited
The Mortgage Gym Limited associate went into administration in February 2021 and prior to this the Group held £2.0m on its balance sheet as an
investment in associate. The Group recognised an impairment for the full value of its holding in Mortgage Gym Limited in the financial statements
included in the Annual Report and Accounts 2020 since the events and conditions (insufficient funds to continue trading) that led to Mortgage Gym
Limited entering administration existed at 31 December 2020. Administrator fees connected to this were recognised in 2021. No further costs are
expected in relation to this.
Exceptional gains
Provision for professional indemnity (PI) claims and insurance claim notification
The Group continued to make positive progress in settling historic PI claims, in which actual settlement costs have been lower than expected, and
therefore there has been a release of £1.6m in 2021 (December 2020: £0.7m) in relation to exceptional PI claims.
Disposal of interest in joint ventures
In May 2021, the Group disposed of its 49.6% interest in Cybele Solutions Holdings Limited (LMS) for consideration of £12.0m. The net gain
recognised on sale of LMS was £3.2m.
In August 2021, the Group disposed of its 32.34% interest in TM Group for consideration of £29.3m. The net gain recognised on sale of TM Group
was £26.2m.
114
Notes to the Group Financial Statements continued.
for the year ended 31 December 2021
9. Profit before tax
Profit before tax is stated after charging:
2021
£’000
2020
£’000
Auditor’s remuneration (see note 10 to the Financial Statements) 755 616
Short term leases 2,333 1,468
Low value leases 412 538
Depreciation – owned assets 3,990 4,407
Depreciation – leased assets 8,510 9,522
(Gain) on sale of owned property, plant and equipment (1,061) (15)
10. Auditor’s remuneration
The remuneration of the auditor is further analysed as follows:
2021
£’000
2020
£’000
Audit of these Financial Statements 129 98
Audit of subsidiaries 530 480
Total audit 659 578
Audit related assurance services (interim results review fee) 48 38
Other assurance services 48 –
755 616
11. Earnings per Share (EPS)
Basic EPS amounts are calculated by dividing net profit for the year attributable to ordinary equity holders of the Parent Company by the weighted
average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the year.
Diluted EPS amounts are calculated by dividing the net profit attributable to ordinary equity holders of the Parent Company by the weighted average
number of ordinary shares outstanding during the year plus the weighted average number of ordinary shares that would be issued on the conversion
of all the dilutive potential ordinary shares into ordinary shares.
Profit after tax
£’000
Weighted
average number
of shares
2021
Per share
amount
pence
Profit after tax
£’000
Weighted
average number
of shares
2020
Per share
amount
pence
Basic EPS 61,941 103,912,148 59.6 16,326 102,939,680 15.9
Effect of dilutive share options 688,806 947,704
Diluted EPS 61,941 104,600,954 59.2 16,326 103,887,384 15.7
There have been no other transactions involving ordinary shares or potential ordinary shares between the reporting date and the date of completion
of these Financial Statements.
The Directors consider that the adjusted earnings shown below give a better and more consistent indication of the Group’s underlying performance:
2021
£’000
2020
£’000
Group Underlying Operating Profit 49,319 41,541
Loss attributable to non-controlling interest 37 –
Net finance costs (excluding exceptional and contingent consideration items and discounting on lease liabilities) (1,047) (1,062)
Normalised taxation (tax rate 19%, 2020: 19%) (9,171) (7,691)
Adjusted profit after tax attributable to owners of the parent 39,138 32,788
115
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Governance Reports and Committee Reports)
11. Earnings per Share (EPS) (continued)
Adjusted Basic and Diluted EPS
Adjusted profit
after tax
£’000
Weighted
average number
of shares
2021
Per share
amount
pence
Adjusted profit
after tax
£’000
Weighted
average number
of shares
2020
Per share
amount
pence
Adjusted Basic EPS 39,138 103,912,148 37.7 32,788 102,939,680 31.9
Effect of dilutive share options 688,806 947,704
Adjusted Diluted EPS 39,138 104,600,954 37.4 32,788 103,887,384 31.6
12. Dividends paid and proposed
2021
£’000
2020
£’000
Declared and paid during the year:
2021 Interim: 4.0 pence per share 4,166 –
4,166 –
Dividends on ordinary shares proposed (not recognised as a liability as at 31 December):
Equity dividends on ordinary shares:
Dividend: 7.4 pence per share (2021: nil) 7,689 –
13. Cash-flow from financing activities
At 1 January 2021
£’000
Cash-flow
£’000
Acquisitions
£’000
Lease liability
movements
£’000
Unwind
£’000
At 31 December
2021
£’000
Long term liabilities 36,407 (13,000) – (5,244) 1,507 19,670
Short term liabilities 10,672 (9,044) – 6,819 – 8,447
47,079 (22,044) – 1,575 1,507 28,117
Long term liabilities
Long term liabilities relate to lease liabilities totalling £19.7m (2020: £23.4m).There was no outstanding bank loan in 2021 (2020: £13m).
Short term liabilities
Short term liabilities comprise lease liabilities totalling £8.4m (2020: £10.55m). There was no deferred consideration outstanding in 2021 (2020:
£0.1m).
Lease liability movements comprise new leases entered into in the year, cancellation of leases and movements between non-current and current
liabilities. This also includes movement for lease interest paid within the year of £1.5m.
14. Directors and employees
Remuneration of Directors
2021
£’000
2020
£’000
Directors’ remuneration (short term benefits)
1
3,535 1,524
Contributions to money purchase pensions schemes (post-employment benefits) 2 9
Share-based payments charge on current incentive schemes 532 147
4,069 1,680
Note:
1 Included within this amount is accrued bonuses of £0.9m (2020: nil). The number of Directors who were members of Group money purchase pension schemes during
the year totalled 2 (2020: 2). The Directors did not exercise any share options in the current or prior year.
116
Notes to the Group Financial Statements continued.
for the year ended 31 December 2021
14. Directors and employees (continued)
Employee numbers and costs
The Group employs staff in its branches and head offices. Aggregate payroll costs of these employees were:
2021
£’000
2020
£’000
Wages and salaries 174,567 140,526
Social security costs 19,171 14,878
Pension costs 7,678 6,231
Total employee costs 201,416 161,635
Subcontractor costs 853 820
Total employee and subcontractor costs 202,269 162,455
Share-based payment expense (see below) 1,916 18
Note:
Included within total employee costs in 2020 was £15.7m receivable under the Government’s CJRS.
The average monthly FTE staff numbers (including Directors) during the year were:
2021 2020
Financial Services 942 887
Surveying & Valuation 872 871
Estate Agency 2,262 2,260
4,076 4,018
Share-based payments
The Directors’ Remuneration Policy on pages 62 to 67 of the Directors’ Remuneration Report details the policies in relation to share-based payments,
which includes details on the Remuneration Committee’s discretion to adjust the LTIP vesting outcomes if it considers that it is not reflective of the
underlying performance of LSL.
Long term incentive plan
The Group operates a LTIP (an equity-settled share-based remuneration scheme) for certain employees. Under the LTIP, the options vest if the
individual remains an employee of the Group after a three year period, unless the individual has left under certain ‘good leaver’ terms in which case
the options may vest earlier and providing the performance conditions are met.
LTIP 2021 vesting conditions
50% of the options vest based on the TSR of LSL as compared to a comparator group of FTSE Small Cap, excluding investment trusts, over the three
year performance period (1 January 2021 to 31 December 2023):
• if the Group is in the top 25% percentile, all of these options will vest;
• if the Group is at the median, 25% will vest;
• straight-line vesting between median and top 25% percentile; and
• below the median, no options vest.
50% of the options are based on LSL’s Adjusted Basic EPS performance in financial year ending 31 December 2023:
• if 2023 Adjusted Basic EPS is equal to or over (≥) 31.5 pence – 100% vest;
• if 2023 Adjusted Basic EPS is equal to 25.6 pence – 25% vest;
• straight-line vesting between 25.6 pence and 31.5 pence; and
• if 2023 Adjusted Basic EPS is below 25.6 pence – no options vest.
117
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Directors’ Report (including Corporate
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14. Directors and employees (continued)
LTIP 2020 vesting conditions
50% of the options vest based on the TSR of LSL as compared to a comparator group of FTSE Small Cap, excluding investment trusts, over the three
year performance period (9 November 2020 to 9 November 2023):
• if the Group is in the top 25% percentile, all of these options will vest;
• if the Group is at the median, 25% will vest;
• straight-line vesting between median and top 25% percentile; and
• below the median, no options vest.
50% of the options are based on LSL’s Adjusted Basic EPS performance in financial year ending 31 December 2022:
• if 2022 Adjusted Basic EPS is equal to or over (≥) 31.5 pence – 100% vest;
• if 2022 Adjusted Basic EPS is equal to 25.6 pence – 25% vest;
• straight-line vesting between 25.6 pence and 31.5 pence; and
• if 2022 Adjusted Basic EPS is below 25.6 pence – no options vest.
LTIP 2019 vesting conditions
30% of the options vest based on the TSR of LSL as compared to a comparator group of 21 companies in similar or related sectors over the three year
performance period:
• if the Group is in the top 25% percentile, all of these options will vest;
• if the Group is at the median, 25% will vest;
• straight-line vesting between median and top 25% percentile; and
• below the median, no options vest.
70% of the options are based on the Adjusted Basic EPS performance over the three financial years starting with the financial year in which the LTIP
award is granted:
• if growth is equal to or over (≥) 12.0% p.a. – 100% vest;
• if growth is 5.0% p.a. – 25% vest;
• straight-line vesting between 5.0% p.a. and 12.0% p.a.; and
• if growth is below 5.0% p.a. – no options vest.
LTIP 2018 vesting conditions
30% of the options vest based on the TSR of LSL as compared to a comparator group of 22 companies in similar or related sectors over the three year
performance period:
• if the Group is in the top 25% percentile, all of these options will vest;
• if the Group is at the median, 25% will vest;
• straight-line vesting between median and top 25% percentile; and
• below the median, no options vest.
70% of the options are based on the Adjusted Basic EPS performance over the three financial years starting with the financial year in which the LTIP
award is granted:
• if growth is equal to or over (≥) 13.0% p.a. – 100% vest;
• if growth is 7.5% p.a. – 25% vest;
• straight-line vesting between 7.5% p.a. and 13.0% p.a.; and
• if growth is below 7.5% p.a. – no options vest.
118
Notes to the Group Financial Statements continued.
for the year ended 31 December 2021
14. Directors and employees (continued)
2021 2020
Weighted
average exercise
price
£ Number
Weighted
average exercise
price
£ Number
Outstanding at 1 January – 2,575,826 – 1,995,087
Granted during the year – 652,289 – 1,210,792
Exercised during the year – (94,500) – (2,700)
Lapsed during the year – (655,170) – (627,353)
Outstanding at 31 December – 2,478,445 – 2,575,826
There were 80,920 options exercisable at the end of the year (2020: 116,560). The weighted average remaining contractual life is 1.29 years (2020:
1.68 years). The weighted average fair value of options granted during the year was £3.63 (2020: £1.92). The weighted average share price of options
at the date of their exercise was £3.50 (2020: £2.74).
Company stock option plan (CSOP)
The Group operates a CSOP (an equity-settled share-based remuneration scheme) for certain employees. Under the CSOP the options vest if the
individual remains an employee of the Group after a three year period, unless the individual has left under certain ‘good leaver’ terms in which case
the options may vest earlier.
2021 2020
Weighted
average exercise
price
£ Number
Weighted
average exercise
price
£ Number
Outstanding at 1 January 3.67 880,203 3.59 1,016,407
Granted during the year – – – –
Exercised during the year 3.47 (241,805) 2.77 (49,830)
Lapsed during the year 3.44 (87,542) 3.22 (86,374)
Outstanding at 31 December 3.76 550,867 3.67 880,203
There were 550,867 options exercisable at the end of the year (2020: 880,203). The average market value at the date of exercise was £4.42 (2019:
£3.11).
Given that the scheme has vested, the weighted average remaining contractual life was 3.42 years (2020: 4.38 years).
SAYE (Save As You Earn) scheme
The Group has offered options under the SAYE scheme in each of 2011 to 2014, 2016 to 2019 and 2021 years. All these offers were open to all
qualifying employees and provide for an exercise price equal to the daily average market price on the date of grant. The options will vest if the
employee remains in service for the full duration of the option scheme (three years). There are no cash settlement alternatives.
2021 2020
Weighted
average exercise
price
£ Number
Weighted
average exercise
price
£ Number
Outstanding at 1 January 2.47 912,044 2.39 1,374,554
Granted during the year 3.27 698,615 – –
Exercised 2.44 (219,519) 2.24 (8,035)
Lapsed during the year due to employee withdrawals 2.22 (276,561) 2.56 (454,475)
Outstanding at 31 December 3.04 1,114,579 2.47 912,044
The weighted average fair value of options granted during the year was £2.30 (2020: £nil) and the weighted average remaining contractual life was
1.92 years (2020: 0.67 years). The average market value at the date of exercise was £4.63 (2020: £2.85).
There were 186,161 (2020: nil) options exercisable at the end of the year.
119
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14. Directors and employees (continued)
BAYE (Buy As You Earn) scheme
The matching shares element of the SIP/BAYE was introduced and provides participants with one matching share for every five partnership shares
purchased. The matching shares are allocated from ordinary shares held by the Trust for the benefit of SIP/BAYE participants. The maximum saving
under the scheme would be automatically capped at £150 per month (as per HMRC limits).
2021 2020
Weighted
average exercise
price
£ Number
Weighted
average exercise
price
£ Number
Outstanding at 1 January 2.5 78,000 2.5 78,000
Granted during the year – – – –
Exercised – – – –
Lapsed during the year due to employee withdrawals – – – –
Outstanding at 31 December 2.5 78,000 2.5 78,000
There were nil options exercisable at the end of the year.
All-employee share award
The Group launched its first free share award under its SIP in 2020. The award was £500 per full time employee and a pro-rated award for all part
time employees. This award offer was made to Group employees who had joined on or before 31 March 2020 and were still employed and not
serving notice at the time the grant was made on 1 October 2020. The awards will normally become available for employees once they have been
held in the SIP for three years or more. The weighted average fair value at grant was £2.19. There were nil options exercisable at the end of the year.
2021 2020
Weighted
average exercise
price
£ Number
Weighted
average exercise
price
£ Number
Outstanding at 1 January – 832,914 – –
Granted during the year – – – 832,914
Exercised – – – –
Lapsed during the year due to employee withdrawals – (128,698) – –
Outstanding at 31 December – 704,216 – 832,914
Equity-settled transactions
The assumptions used in the estimation of the fair value of equity-settled options were as follows:
LTIP
2021
SAYE
2021
LTIP
2020
Share award
2020
Option pricing model used Black Scholes Black Scholes Black Scholes Black Scholes
Weighted average share price at grant date (£) 4.09 4.08 2.11 2.19
Exercise price (£) – 3.27 – –
Expected life of options (years) 3 3 3 3
Expected volatility (%) 100 100 100 100
Expected dividend yield (%) 2.94 2.94 3.20 3.20
Risk free interest rate (%) 0.00 0.00 0.63 0.63
The volatility assumption, measured at the standard deviation of expected share price returns, is based on statistical analysis of historical share price.
The dividend yield assumption is based on the fact that the shares awarded are not eligible to receive dividends until the end of the vesting period.
120
Notes to the Group Financial Statements continued.
for the year ended 31 December 2021
14. Directors and employees (continued)
The total cost recognised for equity-settled transactions is as follows:
2021
£’000
2020
£’000
Share-based payment expense during the year 1,916 18
A charge of £1.1m (2020: credit of £0.2m) relates to employees of the Company.
15. Taxation
(a) Tax on profit on ordinary activities
The major components of income tax charge in the Group Income Statements are:
2021
£’000
2020
£’000
UK corporation tax – current year 7,873 5,111
– adjustment in respect of prior years (251) (409)
7,622 4,702
Deferred tax:
Origination and reversal of temporary differences (179) (597)
Changes in tax rates 562 243
Adjustment in respect of prior year (20) 248
Total deferred tax (credit) 363 (106)
Total tax charge in the Group Income Statement 7,985 4,596
Corporation tax is recognised at the headline UK corporation tax rate of 19% (2020: 19%).
The opening deferred tax balances in the Financial Statements were measured at 19%. For the year ended 31 December 2021, a tax rate of 25% has
been applied in line with rates enacted by the Finance Act 2021 which was enacted on 10 June 2021. This gives rise to a debit to the profit and loss
account of £0.6m.
The effective rate of tax for the year was 11.4% (2020: 22.0%). The effective tax rate for 2021 is lower than the headline UK tax rate for several
reasons, the most significant being the profit on disposal of investments which are not taxable as they qualify for Substantial Shareholders Exemption.
Deferred tax debited directly to other comprehensive income is £0.1m (2020: £nil). Income tax credited directly to the share-based payment reserve
is £0.4m (2020: £nil).
121
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15. Taxation (continued)
(b) Factors affecting tax charge for the year
The tax assessed in the profit and loss account is lower than (2020: higher than) the standard UK corporation tax rate, because of the following
factors:
2021
£’000
2020
£’000
Profit on ordinary activities before tax 69,889 20,922
Tax calculated at UK standard rate of corporation tax rate of 19% (2020: 19%) 13,279 3,975
Non-deductible expenditure/(non-taxable income) from joint ventures and associates (52) (53)
Other disallowable expenses 431 769
Non-taxable gains on disposal of investments (5,804) –
Impact of movement in contingent consideration charged/(credited) to the Group Income Statement (106) (40)
Share-based payment relief (55) 24
Brought forward losses not previously recognised – (161)
Impact of rate change on deferred tax 562 243
Prior period adjustments – current tax (250) (409)
Prior period adjustment – deferred tax (20) 248
Total taxation charge 7,985 4,596
A major component of the disallowable expenditure is a permanent disallowance of depreciation on assets that do not qualify for capital allowances.
This is a recurring adjustment and the tax impact in the year is £0.2m (2020: £0.2m). Another significant adjustment is the impact of exceptional
expenditure, which is not taxable for tax purposes. The impact of this non-taxable expenditure is £5.2m (2020: not deductible of: £0.4m).
(c) Factors that may affect future tax charges (unrecognised)
2021
£’000
2020
£’000
Unrecognised deferred tax asset relating to:
Losses 2,973 2,393
2,973 2,393
The deferred tax assets may be recoverable in the future and this is dependent on subsidiary companies generating taxable profits sufficient to allow
the utilisation of these amounts. These deferred tax assets cannot be offset against profits elsewhere in the Group as they relate to losses brought
forward which can only be offset against taxable profits arising from the same trade in which the losses arose. There is no time limit for utilisation of
the above tax losses.
122
Notes to the Group Financial Statements continued.
for the year ended 31 December 2021
15. Taxation (continued)
(d) Deferred tax
An analysis of the movements in deferred tax is as follows:
2021
£’000
2020
£’000
Net deferred tax liability at 1 January 1,822 1,805
Deferred tax liability arising on acquisitions and business combinations 313 104
Deferred tax on acquisition (162) –
Deferred tax liability recognised directly in other comprehensive income 132 19
Deferred tax liability recognised directly in equity (395) –
Deferred tax (credit) in Group Income Statement for the year (note 15a to these Financial Statements) 363 (106)
Net deferred tax liability at 31 December 2,073 1,822
Analysed as:
2021
£’000
2020
£’000
Accelerated capital allowances (1,578) (1,460)
Deferred tax liability on separately identifiable intangible assets on business combinations 5,293 4,033
Deferred tax on financial assets 144 25
Deferred tax on share options (993) (241)
Other short term temporary differences (312) (287)
Trading losses recognised (481) (248)
2,073 1,822
Deferred tax credit/(expense) in Group Income Statement relates to the following:
2021
£’000
2020
£’000
Intangible assets recognised on business combinations (948) 244
Accelerated capital allowance 76 (164)
Deferred tax on share options 359 –
Other temporary differences 35 34
Trading losses recognised 115 (8)
(363) 106
At the end of either year there was no unrecognised deferred tax liability for taxes that would be payable on the unremitted earnings of the Group’s
subsidiaries.
123
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Overview
Directors’ Report (including Corporate
Governance Reports and Committee Reports)
16. Intangible assets
Goodwill
£’000
Cost
At 1 January 2020 159,863
Arising on acquisitions –
At 31 December 2020 159,863
Arising on acquisitions 1,002
At 31 December 2021 160,865
Net book value
At 31 December 2021 160,865
At 31 December 2020 159,863
There has been no impairment in respect of the carrying amount of goodwill held on the Group Balance Sheet. Goodwill is assessed on a CGU level.
The carrying amount of goodwill by cash generating unit is given below:
2021
£’000
2020
£’000
Financial Services Division
Group First 13,913 13,913
RSC New Homes 7,128 7,128
First Complete 3,998 3,998
Advance Mortgage Funding 2,604 2,604
Personal Touch Financial Services 348 348
Direct Life and Pension Services 1,002 –
28,993 27,991
Surveying & Valuation Division
e.surv 9,569 9,569
Estate Agency Division
Your Move and Reeds Rains 58,800 58,800
Marsh & Parsons 40,307 40,307
LSLi 22,512 22,512
Templeton LPA 336 336
Others 348 348
122,303 122,303
Total 160,865 159,863
124
Notes to the Group Financial Statements continued.
for the year ended 31 December 2021
16. Intangible assets (continued)
Impairment of goodwill and other intangibles with indefinite useful lives
Goodwill and brands acquired through business combinations have been allocated for impairment testing purposes to either statutory companies or
groups of statutory companies which are managed and considered as a singular cash generating unit as follows:
• Financial Services Division
– Group First
– RSC New Homes
– First Complete
– Advance Mortgage Funding
– Personal Touch Financial Services
– Direct Life and Pensions Services
• Surveying & Valuation Division
– e.surv
• Estate Agency Division
– Your Move and Reeds Rains (including its share of cash-flows from LSL Corporate Client Department)
– Marsh & Parsons
– LSLi
– Templeton LPA
– St Trinity
Recoverable amount of companies
The recoverable amount of the Financial Services, Surveying & Valuation and Estate Agency companies has been determined based on a value-in-use
calculation using cash-flow projections based on financial budgets approved by the Board and in the three year plan. The discount rate applied to
cash-flow projections is 12.2% (2020: 11.7%) and cash-flows beyond the three year plan are extrapolated using a 2.0% growth rate (2020: 2.0%).
Key assumptions used in value-in-use calculations
The calculation of value-in-use for each of the Financial Services, Surveying & Valuation and Estate Agency companies is most sensitive to the
following assumptions:
• Discount rates.
• Performance in the market.
Discount rates
Reflect Management’s estimate of the post-tax Weighted Average Cost of Capital (WACC) of the Group and this is grossed up to arrive at a pre-tax
discount rate (using a tax rate of 19.0%) of 12.2% (2020: 11.7%); external advice has been sought for certain elements of the source data. This is the
benchmark used by Management to assess operating performance and to evaluate future acquisition proposals.
Performance in the market
Reflects how Management believes the business will perform over the three year period and is used to calculate the value-in-use of the CGUs.
There has been no impairment in respect of the carrying amount of goodwill or brand (an indefinite useful life asset) held on the Group Balance
Sheet.
125
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16. Intangible assets (continued)
Sensitivity to changes in assumptions
Management has undertaken sensitivity analysis to determine the effect of changes in assumptions on the 2021 impairment reviews. Marsh &
Parsons has headroom of £10.3m and in this instance a reasonable possible change in either the financial budgets in the three year plan or the
discount rate applied could lead to impairment. A reduction in each of the three years of cash-flow forecast by 13.0% which represents a reduction
of £1.1m in the third year of cash-flow forecasts, or an increase to the discount factor applied from 12.2% to 13.7% would lead to an impairment of
£0.6m and £0.8m respectively.
Other intangible assets
Brand
names
£’000
Customer
contracts
£’000
Lettings
contracts
£’000
Order book
£’000
Other
1
£’000
Total
£’000
Cost
At 1 January 2020 19,265 – 21,230 228 15,096 55,819
Additions – – – – 1,843 1,843
Arising on acquisition – – 540 – – 540
Disposals – – – (228) – (228)
At 31 December 2020 19,265 – 21,770 – 16,939 57,974
Additions – – – – 2,191 2,191
Arising on acquisition – 625 – – 3,428 4,053
At 31 December 2021 19,265 625 21,770 – 22,558 64,218
Amortisation and impairment
At 1 January 2020 191 – 14,884 228 9,610 24,913
Amortisation – – 2,808 – 2,587 5,395
Disposals – – – (228) – (228)
At 31 December 2020 191 – 17,692 – 12,197 30,080
Amortisation – 286 1,345 – 2,903 4,534
At 31 December 2021 191 286 19,037 – 15,100 34,614
Net book value
At 31 December 2021 19,074 339 2,733 – 7,458 29,604
At 31 December 2020 19,074 – 4,078 – 4,742 27,894
Note:
1
Other relates to in-house software and Estate Agency franchise agreements.
126
Notes to the Group Financial Statements continued.
for the year ended 31 December 2021
16. Intangible assets (continued)
The carrying amount of brand by operating unit is as follows:
2021
£’000
2020
£’000
Financial Services Division
Group First 396 396
Advance Mortgage Funding 180 180
RSC New Homes 43 43
619 619
Surveying & Valuation Division
e.surv 1,305 1,305
Estate Agency Division
Marsh & Parsons 11,724 11,724
Your Move 2,510 2,510
Reeds Rains 1,241 1,241
LSLi 1,675 1,675
17,150 17,150
Total 19,074 19,074
127
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Directors’ Report (including Corporate
Governance Reports and Committee Reports)
17. Property, plant and equipment
Land and
buildings
£’000
Leasehold
improvements
£’000
Motor
vehicles
£’000
Fixtures, fittings
and computer
equipment
£’000
Total
£’000
Cost
At 1 January 2020 39,390 9,636 8,392 29,649 87,067
Additions 3,549 367 1,811 1,842 7,569
Disposals (958) (311) (1,056) (1,748) (4,073)
At 31 December 2020 41,981 9,692 9,147 29,743 90,563
Additions 1,694 587 1,868 4,123 8,272
Acquisition – – 14 90 104
Disposals (2,468) (668) (2,032) (16,016) (21,184)
At 31 December 2021 41,207 9,611 9,003 18,741 78,562
Depreciation and impairment
At 1 January 2020 6,785 5,111 3,034 22,567 37,497
Charge for the year 6,682 909 2,886 3,452 13,929
Disposals (592) (311) (1,000) (1,701) (3,604)
At 31 December 2020 12,875 5,709 4,920 24,318 47,822
Charge for the year 6,138 902 2,419 3,041 12,500
Disposals (1,134) (630) (1,905) (15,968) (19,637)
At 31 December 2021 17,879 5,981 5,440 12,192 41,492
Net book value
At 31 December 2021 23,328 3,630 3,563 6,549 37,070
At 31 December 2020 29,106 3,983 4,227 5,425 42,741
Owned assets 540 3,630 13 6,549 10,732
IFRS 16 leased assets 22,788 – 3,550 – 26,338
23,328 3,630 3,563 6,549 37,070
In 2021 assets with a book value of £1.5m were disposed in the year. This includes leasehold properties with book value totalling £0.6m which was
sold for net proceeds of £1.7m resulting in a profit on disposal of £1.1m.
In 2020 assets with a book value of £0.5m were disposed in the year. This includes a leasehold property with a book value totalling £0.1m which was
sold for net proceeds of £0.1m.
128
Notes to the Group Financial Statements continued.
for the year ended 31 December 2021
18. Financial assets
2021
£’000
2020
£’000
Convertible loan notes carried at fair value
Secured convertible loan notes (Global Property Ventures) – 10
Secured convertible loan notes – 5% – 2,240
Investment in equity instruments – at fair value
Unquoted shares at fair value 5,418 6,961
IFRS 16 lessor financial assets 330 350
5,748 9,561
Opening balance 9,561 9,326
Additions 14 418
Fair value adjustments (1,557) –
Disposals (2,270) (183)
Closing balance 5,748 9,561
Convertible loan notes at fair value
In 2020 LSL held secured loan notes of £2.2m with Mortgage Gym Limited. In February 2021 these loan notes were settled as consideration for the
acquisition of the trade and assets of Mortgage Gym Limited.
Investment in equity instruments
The financial assets include unlisted equity instruments which are carried at fair value. Fair value is judgemental given the assumptions required and
have been valued using a Level 3 valuation.
Yopa Property Limited (Yopa)
The carrying value of the Group’s investment in Yopa at 31 December 2021 has been assessed as £4.4m (2020: £6.4m). The method for valuing the
Group’s investment in Yopa was changed in 2021 from a market approach to an income-based valuation. This change was made due to the increasing
age of the most recent market transaction data previously used in the valuation, resulting in management no longer considering this to be an
appropriate basis for the valuation.
Vibrant Energy Matters Limited (VEM)
The carrying value of the Group’s investment in VEM at 31 December 2021 has been assessed as £0.7m (2020: £0.3m), following a share transaction
between third party shareholders.
Global Property Ventures Limited
The carrying value of the Group’s investment in Global Property Ventures Limited at 31 December 2021 has been assessed as £0.1m (2020: £0.1m).
NBC Property Master Limited
The carrying value of the Group’s investment at 31 December 2021 has been assessed as £0.1m (2020: £0.1m).
129
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19. Investments in joint ventures and associates
2021
£’000
2020
£’000
Investment in joint ventures and associates 1,610 11,406
Investment in joint ventures
Opening balance 11,406 10,305
Disposal of LMS (8,249) –
Disposal of TM Group (3,120) –
Dividend received from LMS (1,178) –
Equity investment in Pivotal Growth 2,477 –
Equity accounted profit 274 1,101
Closing balance 1,610 11,406
LMS
In May 2021, the Group sold its 49.6% (2020: 50.0%) interest in LMS, a joint venture whose principal activity is to provide conveyancing panel
management services. The carrying value of LMS at the time of disposal was £8.2m. LSL received £12.0m as consideration for its share of LMS.
Claims indemnity provision and contingency
Included in the sale agreement of LMS was a claims indemnity of £2.0m, for which the Group has provided £0.6m, which it considers to be the
most likely outcome. Further cases exist and are considered possible, not probable; therefore no further provision has been made for these cases in
accruals in these Financial Statements. Should these claims succeed the estimated further cost would be £1.4m.
The summarised financial information of LMS, which is accounted for using the equity method, is presented below:
2021
£’000
2020
£’000
LMS balance sheet:
Non-current assets – 16,467
Current assets – 1,621
Cash and cash equivalents – 3,957
Current liabilities – (3,628)
Non-current liabilities – (272)
Net assets – 18,145
LSL share of net assets – 9,073
25 May 2021
£’000
2020
£’000
LMS results:
Revenue 6,098 19,732
Depreciation (583) (1,515)
Operating expenses (4,643) (17,556)
Operating profit 872 661
Finance income – 2
Profit before tax 872 663
Taxation (166) (126)
Profit after tax 707 537
LSL share of profit after tax 354 269
Non-current assets include £nil (2020: £5m) in respect of goodwill arising on the acquisition of shares in LMS.
130
Notes to the Group Financial Statements continued.
for the year ended 31 December 2021
19. Investments in joint ventures and associates (continued)
2021
£’000
2020
£’000
Investment in associate – –
Opening balance – 2,653
Acquisitions – 160
Equity accounted loss – (821)
Fair value impairment – (1,992)
Closing balance – –
TM Group
In July 2021, the Group announced the sale of its 32.34% (2020: 33.33%) holding in TM Group, details of which are included in note 34. The carrying
value of TM Group at the time of disposal was £3.1m. LSL received £29.3m as consideration for its share of TM Group.
The summarised financial information of TM Group, which is accounted for using the equity method, is presented below:
2021
£’000
2020
£’000
TM Group balance sheet:
Non-current assets – 7,462
Current assets – 5,441
Cash and cash equivalents – 7,545
Current liabilities – (13,353)
Non-current liabilities – (96)
Net assets – 6,999
LSL share of net assets – 2,333
8 July 2021
£’000
2020
£’000
TM Group results:
Revenue 41,651 66,677
Depreciation (518) (477)
Operating expenses (38,217) (63,123)
Operating profit 2,916 3,077
Finance income – 6
Profit before tax 2,916 3,083
Taxation (554) (586)
Profit after tax 2,362 2,497
LSL share of profit after tax 787 832
Shareholder service charge 395 213
Income from TM Group 1,183 1,045
Pivotal Growth
In April 2021, the Group invested in Pivotal Growth, a joint venture whose principal activity is to become a national mortgage broker. The Group
acquired a 47.8% holding in Pivotal Growth for initial investment of £0.8m. A further £1.7m equity investment in Pivotal Growth was made in
December 2021.
131
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19. Investments in joint ventures and associates (continued)
The summarised financial information of Pivotal Growth, which is accounted for using the equity method, is presented below:
2021
£’000
2020
£’000
Pivotal Growth balance sheet:
Non-current assets 2,549 –
Current assets (excluding cash and cash equivalents) 516 –
Cash and cash equivalents 1,763 –
Current liabilities (991) –
Non-current liabilities (469) –
Net assets 3,368 –
LSL share of net assets 1,610 –
2021
£’000
2020
£’000
Pivotal Growth results:
Revenue 109 –
Operating expenses (2,354) –
Operating profit (2,245) –
Finance costs 1 –
Profit before tax (2,244) –
Taxation 426 –
Profit after tax (1,818) –
LSL share of profit after tax (868) –
132
Notes to the Group Financial Statements continued.
for the year ended 31 December 2021
19. Investments in joint ventures and associates (continued)
Investment in associate
The Group had a 45.2% holding in Mortgage Gym Limited at the end of 2020, a digital mortgage business. The carrying value at December 2020 was
nil. In February 2021, LSL acquired the trade and assets of Mortgage Gym Limited from administrators, details of the acquisition can be found in note
30 to these Financial Statements.
The summarised financial information of Mortgage Gym Limited, which is accounted for using the equity method, is presented below:
2021
£’000
2020
£’000
Mortgage Gym Limited balance sheet:
Non-current assets – 497
Current assets – 253
Cash and cash equivalents – 115
Current liabilities – (3,999)
Non-current liabilities – –
Net assets – (3,134)
LSL share of net assets – –
2021
£’000
2020
£’000
Mortgage Gym Limited results:
Revenue – 603
Depreciation – (269)
Operating expenses – (2,066)
Operating loss – (1,732)
Finance costs – (102)
Loss before tax – (1,834)
Taxation – 348
Loss after tax – (1,486)
LSL share of loss after tax – (821)
20. Contract assets
2021
£’000
2020
£’000
Non-current contract asset 733 433
Current contract asset 424 253
1,157 686
During the year, the Group entered into a long term contract for the provision of mortgage and insurance advice in the Financial Services Division.
In accordance with IFRS 15, items relating to the reimbursement of costs associated with the award of material contracts in the Group have been
recognised as contract assets. This reimbursement will be amortised over the term of the contracts. The amount of amortisation recognised in the
Group Income Statement in 2021 is £0.4m (2020: £0.3m).
133
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21. Trade and other receivables
2021
£’000
2020
£’000
Current
Trade receivables 12,712 12,507
Prepayments 20,317 15,143
Other debtors 800 788
33,829 28,438
Trade receivables are non-interest-bearing and are generally on 4 to 30 day terms depending on the services to which they relate. As at 31 December
2021, trade receivables with a nominal value of £3.2m (2020: £4.0m) were impaired and fully provided for. Set out below is the movement in the
allowance for expected credit losses of trade receivables:
2021
£’000
2020
£’000
At 1 January 4,040 3,868
Provision for expected credit losses 236 192
Amounts written off (1,028) (20)
At 31 December 3,248 4,040
The chosen method of recognising the expected credit loss across the Group is the simplified approach allowing a provision matrix to be used, which
is based on the expected life of trade receivables, historic default rates and forward looking information.
As at 31 December, an analysis of trade receivables by credit risk rating grades is as follows:
Total
£’000
Neither past due
nor impaired
£’000
<30 days
£’000
30-60 days
£’000
60-90 days
£’000
90-120 days
£’000
>120 days
£’000
2021 12,712 6,670 2,881 447 184 56 2,474
2020 12,507 6,453 1,977 740 288 317 2,732
The expected credit loss rate applied by ageing bracket has been disclosed below:
Total
Neither past due
nor impaired <30 days 30-60 days 60-90 days 90-120 days >120 days
2021 0.70% 4.30% 13.50% 34.30% 46.20% 45.80%
2020 0.50% 0.70% 2.50% 2.30% 4.00% 23.30%
In 2021 the expected credit loss rate applied to each ageing bucket has increased, due to a higher expectation of credit risk. This has been driven by
increased experience of bad debt write offs within the year.
22. Cash and cash equivalents
2021
£’000
2020
£’000
Cash and cash equivalents 48,464 11,443
Cash at bank earns interest at floating rates based on daily bank overnight deposit rates.
The Group has a bank offset arrangement in its current RCF whereby the Company and several of its subsidiaries each have bank accounts with the
same bank, which are subject to rights of offset and are intended to be settled net. The cash at bank and in hand of £48.5m above included the net
balance on these offset accounts of £35.2m, which comprised £59.4m of positive bank balances less £24.2m of bank overdrafts.
134
Notes to the Group Financial Statements continued.
for the year ended 31 December 2021
23. Trade and other payables
2021
£’000
2020
£’000
Current
Trade payables 8,207 11,733
Other taxes and social security payable 12,247 24,971
Other payables 3,600 2,291
Accruals 35,222 29,412
Lapse provision 4,930 4,529
64,206 72,936
Lapse provision
Certain subsidiaries sell life assurance products which are cancellable without a notice period, and if cancelled within a four year window require
that a portion of the commission earned must be repaid. The lapse provision is recognised as a reduction in revenue which is based on historic lapse
experience. The charge to the Group Income Statement in 2021 was £0.4m. The provision is Management’s best estimate of future clawed back
commission on life assurance policies, taking into account historic lapse rates in each subsidiary. The exact timing of any future repayments within the
four year period is uncertain and the provision was based on the Directors’ best estimate of the probability of clawbacks to be made.
24. Financial liabilities
2021
£’000
2020
£’000
Current
IFRS 16 lessee financial liabilities 8,447 10,550
Deferred consideration – 122
Contingent consideration 76 1,794
8,523 12,466
Non-current
Bank loans – RCF – 13,000
IFRS 16 lessee financial liabilities 19,670 23,407
Contingent consideration 2,932 3,653
22,602 40,060
Bank loans – RCF and overdraft
In February 2021 LSL announced that it had entered into a new banking facility which runs to May 2024 with a new limit of £90m; this replaced the
previous RCF, with maturity date of May 2022 and credit limit of £100m.
The bank loan totalling £nil (2020: £13.0m) is secured via cross guarantees issued from the following businesses: LSL Property Services plc, Your
Move, Reeds Rains, e.surv, Lending Solutions Holdings Limited, First Complete, New Daffodil Limited, St Trinity, LSL Corporate Client Department,
Advance Mortgage Funding, Marsh & Parsons, Marsh & Parsons (Holdings) Limited, BDS Mortgage Group Limited (struck of Companies Register
on 1 March 2022), LSLi, Davis Tate, Lauristons, David Frost Estate Agents Limited, Intercounty, Goodfellows, JNP, Vitalhandy Enterprises Limited,
Mortgages First, Insurance First Brokers, Group First, Personal Touch Financial Services, Personal Touch Administration Services and Embrace
Financial Services.
The utilisation of the RCF may vary each month as long as this does not exceed the maximum £90m facility (2020: £100m). The Group’s overdraft is
also secured on the same facility, and the combined overdraft and RCF cannot exceed £90m (2020: £100m). The banking facility is repayable when
funds permit on or by May 2024.
Interest and fees payable on the RCF amounted to £1.0m (2020: £1.2m) including amortisation of arrangement fees. The interest rate applicable to
the facility signed in February 2021 is SONIA plus a margin rate; the margin rate is linked to the leverage ratio of the Group and the margin rate is
reviewed at six monthly intervals.
135
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24. Financial liabilities (continued)
Deferred consideration
2021
£’000
2020
£’000
LSLi – 122
– 122
Contingent consideration
2021
£’000
2020
£’000
RSC New Homes 2,615 3,653
Direct Life and Pensions 393 –
Group First – 1,470
LSLi contingent consideration – 302
Other – 22
3,008 5,447
Current contingent consideration 76 1,794
Non-current contingent consideration 2,932 3,653
Total contingent consideration 3,008 5,447
Opening balance 5,447 5,804
Cash paid (2,462) (171)
Acquisition 579 23
Amounts recorded through Group Income Statement (556) (209)
Closing balance 3,008 5,447
RSC New Homes
£2.6m (2020: £3.7m) of contingent consideration relates to RSC New Homes. The movement relates to the assessment of the fair value of the
contingent consideration which has been calculated using earnings multiples of between five and six times EBITA (plus excess cash in the business)
and has been capped at a maximum of £7.5m.
Direct Life and Pensions
£0.4m of contingent consideration relates to Direct Life and Pensions Services, acquired in January 2021. The additional consideration has been
calculated using an earnings multiple of four times EBITA and has been capped at a maximum of £1.5m.
Group First
£nil (2020: £1.5m) of contingent consideration relates to Group First. Final payment of £1.5m was paid in July 2021.
LSLi
£nil (2020: £0.3m) of contingent consideration relates to payments to former shareholders in relation to the acquisition of LSLi and certain of its
subsidiaries between 2012 and 2016. The full balance was paid in January 2021.
During 2021 £2.4m (2020: £0.2m) of contingent consideration was paid to former shareholders.
136
Notes to the Group Financial Statements continued.
for the year ended 31 December 2021
24. Financial liabilities (continued)
The table below shows the allocation of the contingent consideration income charge between the various categories:
2021
£’000
2020
£’000
Arrangement under IFRS 3 (710) (544)
Unwinding of discount on contingent consideration 154 335
(Credit)/charge (556) (209)
The contingent consideration charged to the Group Income Statement in the year, excluding the unwinding of discount relates to both new and
previous acquisitions and relates to the acquisition of RSC New Homes credit of £0.4m (2020: credit of £0.2m) and Direct Life and Pensions credit of
£0.3m (2020: £nil).
25. Provisions for liabilities
2021 2020
PI claim
provision
£’000
Onerous
leases
£’000
Total
£’000
PI claim
provision
£’000
Onerous
leases
£’000
Total
£’000
Balance at 1 January 7,042 136 7,178 8,212 440 8,652
Amount utilised (2,070) (67) (2,137) (1,707) – (1,707)
Amount released (1,641) (10) (1,651) (679) (304) (983)
Unwinding of discount – – – 2 – 2
Provided in financial year 576 – 576 1,214 – 1,214
Balance at 31 December 3,907 59 3,966 7,042 136 7,178
Current liabilities 735 40 755 2,926 72 2,998
Non-current liabilities 3,172 19 3,191 4,116 64 4,180
3,907 59 3,966 7,042 136 7,178
PI Costs (professional indemnity claims) provision
The PI Cost provision is to cover the costs of claims relating to valuation services for clients. The PI Costs provision includes amounts for claims already
received from clients, claims yet to be received and any other amounts which may be payable as a result of legal disputes associated with provision of
valuation services.
The provision is the Directors’ best estimate of the likely outcome of such claims, taking account of the incidence of such claims and the size of the
loss that may be borne by the claimant, after taking account of actions that can be taken to mitigate losses. The PI Costs provision will be utilised
as individual claims are settled and the settlement amount may vary from the amount provided depending on the outcome of each claim. It is not
possible to estimate the timing of payment of all claims and therefore a significant proportion of the provision has been classified as non-current.
Claims are settled, on average, 3.7 years after initial notification.
As at 31 December 2021 the total provision for PI Costs was £3.9m. The Directors have considered the sensitivity analysis on the key risks and
uncertainties discussed above.
Cost per claim
A substantial element of the PI Costs provision relates to specific claims where disputes are ongoing. These specific cases have been separately
assessed and specific provisions have been made. The average cost per claim has been used to calculate the IBNR. Should the costs to settle and
resolve these claims and future claims increase by 10%, an additional £0.2m would be required.
Rate of claim
The IBNR assumes that the rate of claim for the high-risk lending period in particular reduces over time. Should the rate of reduction be lower than
anticipated and the duration extended, further costs may arise. An increase of 30% in notifications in excess of that assumed in the IBNR calculations
would increase the required provision by £0.6m.
Notifications
The Group has received a number of notifications which have not deteriorated into claims or loss. Should the rate of deterioration increase by 50%,
an additional provision of less than £0.2m would be required.
137
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26. Leases
At the year ended 31 December 2021, the Group has the following in regards to leases in the Group Balance Sheet.
Right of use assets
2021 2020
Property
£’000
Vehicles
£’000
Total
£’000
Property
£’000
Vehicles
£’000
Total
£’000
1 January 27,544 4,218 31,762 30,887 5,339 36,226
Additions 1,694 1,868 3,562 3,549 1,811 5,360
Disposals (350) (126) (476) (249) (53) (302)
Depreciation (6,100) (2,410) (8,510) (6,643) (2,879) (9,522)
31 December 22,788 3,550 26,338 27,544 4,218 31,762
These are included in the carrying amounts of PPE on the face of the Group Balance Sheet, and have been included in note 17.
Lease liabilities
2021
£’000
2020
£’000
1 January 33,957 37,232
Additions 3,567 5,445
Interest expense 1,507 1,594
Disposals (485) (415)
Repayment of lease liabilities (10,429) (9,899)
31 December 2021 28,117 33,957
The Group added £3.5m (2020: £5.4m) of new lease liabilities in the year. The weighted average discount rate applied across the Group for these
additions was 7.25% (2020: 3.91%).
Maturity of these lease liabilities is analysed as follows:
Property
£’000
Vehicles
£’000
Total
£’000
Current lease liabilities 6,597 1,850 8,447
Non-current lease liabilities 17,757 1,913 19,670
31 December 2021 24,354 3,763 28,117
These are included in non-current and current financial liabilities on the face of the Group Balance Sheet, and have been included in note 24. Maturity
analysis of the future cash-flows of lease liabilities has been included in note 32.
138
Notes to the Group Financial Statements continued.
for the year ended 31 December 2021
26. Leases (continued)
The following shows how lease expenses have been included in the Group Income Statement, broken down between amounts charged to operating
profit and amounts charged to finance costs:
2021
£’000
2020
£’000
Depreciation of right of use assets
Property (6,100) (6,643)
Vehicles (2,410) (2,879)
Short-term and low value lease expense (note 9) (2,745) (2,006)
Sub-lease income – 25
Charge to operating profit (11,255) (11,503)
Interest expense related to lease liabilities (1,507) (1,594)
Interest income related to sublease – –
Charge to profit before taxation (1,507) (1,594)
Cash outflow relating to operating activities (4,272) (3,624)
Cash outflow relating to financing activities (8,902) (8,280)
Total cash outflow relating to leases (13,174) (11,904)
At 31 December 2020 the Group had not entered into any leases to which it was committed but had not yet commenced.
27. Share capital
2021 2020
Shares £’000 Shares £’000
Authorised:
Ordinary shares of 0.2 pence each 500,000,000 1,000 500,000,000 1,000
Issued and fully paid:
At 1 January 105,158,950 210 104,158,950 208
Issued in the year – – 1,000,000 2
At 31 December 105,158,950 210 105,158,950 210
28. Reserves
Share premium
The amount subscribed for share capital in excess of nominal value less any costs attributable to the issue of new shares.
Share-based payment reserve
The share-based payment reserve is used to record the value of equity-settled share-based payment provided to the employees, as part of their
remuneration. Note 14 gives further details of these plans.
Shares held by EBT
Treasury shares represent the cost of LSL shares purchased in the market and held by the Trust to satisfy future exercise of options under the Group’s
employee share options schemes. At 31 December 2021 the Trust held 1,042,276 (2020: 1,589,974) LSL shares at an average cost of £2.95 (2020:
£3.14). The market value of LSL shares at 31 December 2021 was £3.1m (2020: £4.6m). The nominal value of each share is 0.2 pence.
Fair value reserve
The fair value reserve is used to record the changes in fair value of equity financial assets that the Group has elected to recognise through OCI. Note
18 to these Financial Statements gives further details of the movement in the current year.
139
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29. Pension costs and commitments
The Group operates defined contribution pension schemes for certain Executive Directors and certain employees. The assets of the schemes are held
separately from those of the Group in independently administered funds.
The total contributions to the defined contribution schemes in the year were £7.7m (2020: £6.2m). At 31 December 2021 there were outstanding
pension contributions of £0.9m (2020: £0.8m) included in trade and other payables.
30. Acquisitions during the year
Year ended 31 December 2021
The Group acquired the following businesses during the year:
Direct Life Quote Holdings Limited
On 22 January 2021, the Group acquired 60% of the issued share capital of Direct Life Quote Holdings Limited and its subsidiary company, Direct Life
and Pension Services. Direct Life and Pension Services is a financial intermediary providing systems and services that enable consumer brands and
intermediaries to market, sell and transact protection insurance. Direct Life and Pension Services is authorised by the FCA.
The consideration for the initial investment was £2,379,000 with £1,800,000 paid on completion and a present value contingent consideration of
£579,000 at acquisition date. The contingent consideration is expected to be paid in January 2024.
The purchase price allocations for the acquisition are disclosed below:
Fair value
£’000
Intangible assets 1,641
Property, plant and equipment 104
Investments 1
Trade and other receivables 511
Cash and cash equivalents 1,070
Current tax assets 207
Trade and other payables (749)
Provision for liabilities (438)
Deferred tax liabilities (410)
Total identifiable net assets acquired 1,935
Purchase consideration 2,379
Non-controlling interest 558
Goodwill 1,002
£’000
Purchase consideration discharged by:
Cash 1,800
Present value contingent consideration (note 13) 579
2,379
On acquisition of Direct Life and Quote Holdings Limited and Direct Life and Pension Services, intangible assets were valued at £1,641,000. The
intangible assets valued relate to customer contracts and in-house developed software. On recognition of the intangible assets, deferred tax liabilities
of £410,000 were created. The goodwill represents expected synergies and intangible assets that do not qualify for separate recognition.
The non-controlling interest has been measured at the proportion of net assets at the date of acquisition.
140
Notes to the Group Financial Statements continued.
for the year ended 31 December 2021
30. Acquisitions during the year (continued)
From the date of acquisition, Direct Life and Pension Services has contributed £3,360,000 of revenue and £196,000 loss to the continuing operations
of the Group. If the acquisition had taken place at the beginning of the year, revenue from continuing operations would have been £3,379,000 and
the loss from operations would have been £200,000. Group Revenue would have been £326,851,000 and Group operating profit would have been
£73,012,000
The Group has recognised costs of £30,000 relating to the acquisition in administration expenses.
Mortgage Gym Limited
In February 2021, the Group (via Mortgage Gym) acquired the trade and assets of Mortgage Gym Limited from administrators. Mortgage Gym
Solutions Limited (Mortgage Gym) research, develop and deliver an online technology platform that matches mortgage borrowers with mortgage
lenders in a digital marketplace. Mortgage Gym is an appointed representative of PRIMIS Network, a trading name for First Complete, which is
authorised and regulated by the FCA.
Prior to February 2021, Mortgage Gym Limited was an associate of the Group, with the Group holding an interest of 34.69%.
The consideration paid for the trade and assets of Mortgage Gym Limited, considered to be entirely attributable to the intangible asset, was
£2,384,000, which was settled by offsetting LSL as a secured creditor. The fair value of the secured loan notes at the date of acquisition was
£2,240,000 with accrued interest of £144,000.
From the date of acquisition, Mortgage Gym Limited has contributed £696,000 of revenue and £959,000 loss before tax to the continuing operations
of the Group. If the acquisition had taken place at the beginning of the year, revenue from continuing operations would have been £780,000 and
the loss from operations would have been £1,076,000. Group Revenue would have been £326,916,000 and Group operating profit would have been
£72,900,000
The Group has recognised costs of £152,000 relating to the dissolution in exceptional costs (note 8 to these Financial Statements).
Year ended 31 December 2020
The Group acquired the following businesses during 2020:
Lettings books
During the period the Group acquired two lettings books for a total consideration of £438,000. The fair value of the identifiable assets and liabilities of
these businesses as at the date of acquisition have been provisionally determined as below:
Fair value
recognised on
acquisition
£’000
Intangible assets 540
Deferred tax liabilities (102)
Total identifiable net liabilities acquired 438
Purchase consideration 438
Goodwill –
£’000
Purchase consideration discharged by:
Cash 293
Deferred consideration 122
Contingent consideration 23
438
£’000
Analysis of cash-flow on acquisition
Purchase consideration discharged in cash (included in cash-flows from investing activities) 293
Net cash outflow on acquisition 293
141
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Governance Reports and Committee Reports)
31. Client monies
As at 31 December 2021, monies held by subsidiaries in separate bank accounts on behalf of clients amounted to £101.1m (2020: £97.3m). Neither
this amount, nor the matching liabilities to the clients concerned are included in the Group Balance Sheet.
Client funds are protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) under which the Government guarantees amounts up to £85,000.
This guarantee applies to each individual client, not the total of deposits held by LSL.
32. Financial instruments – risk management
The Group’s principal financial instruments comprise of cash and cash equivalents with access to a £90m loan facility. The main purpose of these
financial instruments is to raise finance for the Group’s operations and to fund acquisitions. The Group has various financial assets and liabilities such
as trade receivables, cash and short term deposits and trade payables, which arise directly from its operations.
The Group is exposed through its operations to the following financial risks:
• interest rate risk;
• liquidity risk; and
• credit risk.
Policy for managing these risks is set up by the Board following recommendations from the Group Chief Financial Officer. Certain risks are managed
centrally, while others are managed locally following communications from the centre. The policy for each of the above risks is described in more
detail below.
Interest rate risk
The Group’s exposure to the risk of changes in market interest rates relates primarily to the Group’s long term debt obligations with floating interest
rates.
The majority of external Group borrowings are variable interest rate based and this policy is managed centrally. The subsidiaries are not permitted to
borrow from external sources directly without approval from the Group Finance team.
The following table demonstrates the sensitivity to a reasonably possible change in interest rates on loans and borrowings. With all other variables
held constant, the Group’s profit before tax is affected through the impact on floating rate borrowings as follows. There is no material impact on the
Group’s equity.
Increase/
decrease in basis
point
Effect on profit
before tax
£’000
2021 +100 (64)
-100 64
2020 +100 (130)
-100 130
Liquidity risk
The Group aims to mitigate liquidity risk by managing cash generation by its operations, dividend policy and acquisition strategy. Acquisitions are
carefully selected with authorisation limits operating up to Board level and cash payback periods applied as part of the investment appraisal process.
In this way the Group aims to maintain a good credit rating to facilitate fundraising. The Group is also very cash generative as demonstrated by the
cash from operations. The Group has net current assets in the current year, mainly attributable to the cash generated from the sale of two joint
ventures, LMS and TM Group. The requirement to pay creditors is managed through future cash generation and, if required, from the RCF.
The Group monitors its risk of a shortage of funds using a recurring liquidity planning tool and daily cash-flow reporting. This includes consideration
of the maturity of both its financial investments and financial assets (for example accounts receivable, and other financial assets) and projected cash-
flows from operations. The Group’s objective is to maintain a balance between continuity of funding and flexibility for potential acquisitions through
the use of its banking facilities.
142
Notes to the Group Financial Statements continued.
for the year ended 31 December 2021
32. Financial instruments – risk management (continued)
Cash at the bank earns interest at floating rates based on daily bank overnight deposit rates. Short term deposits are made for varying periods of
between one day and three days depending on the immediate cash requirements of the Group and earn interest at the respective short term deposit
rates. The fair value of cash and cash equivalents is £48.5m (2020: £11.4m). At 31 December 2021, the Group had available £90m of undrawn
committed borrowing facilities in respect of which all conditions precedent had been met
(2020: £87.0m).
The table below summarises the maturity profile of the Group’s financial liabilities at 31 December 2021 based on contractual undiscounted
payments:
Year ended 31 December 2021
On demand
£’000
<3 months
£’000
3-12 months
£’000
1-5 years
£’000
>5 years
£’000
Total
£’000
Trade payables – 8,207 – – – 8,207
Other payables – 38,824 – – – 38,824
Contingent consideration – 76 – 3,228 – 3,304
Lease liabilities – 2,003 6,008 16,364 7,092 31,467
– 49,110 6,008 19,592 7,092 81,802
Year ended 31 December 2020
On demand
£’000
<3 months
£’000
3-12 months
£’000
1-5 years
£’000
>5 years
£’000
Total
£’000
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings
(including overdraft) – 108 329 13,181 – 13,618
Trade payables – 11,733 – – – 11,733
Other payables – 33,939 – – – 33,939
Contingent consideration – 324 1,470 4,287 – 6,081
Deferred consideration – 46 76 – – 122
Lease liabilities – 3,205 7,345 19,725 9,241 39,516
– 49,355 9,220 37,193 9,241 105,009
The liquidity risk of each Group entity is managed centrally by the Group Treasury function. The Group’s cash requirement is monitored closely.
All surplus cash is held centrally to offset against the Group’s borrowings and reduce the interest payable. The type of cash instrument used and
its maturity date will depend on the Group’s forecast cash requirements. The Group has a RCF with a syndicate of major banking corporations to
manage longer term borrowing requirements.
Capital management
The primary objective of the Group’s capital management is to ensure that it maintains appropriate capital structure to support its business
objectives, including any regulatory requirements, and maximise shareholder value. Capital includes share capital and other equity attributable to the
equity holders of the parent.
In the medium to long term, the Group will strive to maintain a reasonable leverage (i.e. balance between debt and equity) to help achieve the
Group’s business objectives of growth (through acquisitions and organic growth) and meet its dividend policy. In the short term, the Group does
not have a set leverage ratio to be achieved but the Directors monitor the ratio of net debt to operating profit to ensure that the debt funding is not
excessively high.
The Group does not have a current ratio of Net Bank Debt to EBITDA (2020: 0.03x) due to a Net Cash position of £48.5m (2020: Net Debt £1.6m) and
operating profit before exceptional costs, amortisation and share-based payment charge of £49.3m (2020: £41.5m). The business is cash generative
with a low capital expenditure requirement. The Group remains committed to its stated dividend policy of 30% of Group Underlying Operating Profit
after interest and tax. The Board has reviewed the policy in line with the risks and capital management decisions facing the Group.
143
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Governance Reports and Committee Reports)
32. Financial instruments – risk management (continued)
Credit risk
There are no significant concentrations of credit risk within the Group. The Group is exposed to a credit risk in respect of revenue transactions (i.e.
turnover from customers). It is Group policy, implemented locally, to obtain appropriate details of new customers before entering into contracts.
The majority of the Estate Agency customers use the Group’s services as part of a house sale transaction and consequently the debt is paid from the
proceeds realised from the sale of the house by the vendor’s solicitor before the balance of funds is transferred to the vendor. This minimises the risk
of the debt not being collected.
Risk of exposure to non-return of cash on deposit is managed by placing funds with lenders who form part of the Group’s agreed banking facility
syndicate, which comprises several leading UK banks.
The majority of the Surveying & Valuation customers and those of the Asset Management business are large financial institutions and as such the
credit risk is not expected to be significant. The maximum credit risk exposure relating to financial assets is represented by the carrying value as at the
Group Balance Sheet date.
Financial instruments are grouped on a subsidiary basis to apply the expected credit loss model.
The chosen method of recognising the expected credit loss across the Group is the simplified approach allowing a provision matrix to be used, which
is based on the expected credit life of trade receivables, historic default rates and forward looking information. Trade receivable balances are written
off when the probability of recovery is assessed as being remote.
Interest rate risk profile of financial assets and liabilities
The Group’s treasury policy is described above. The disclosures below exclude short term receivables and payables which are primarily of a trading
nature and expected to be settled within normal commercial terms.
The interest rate profile of the financial assets and liabilities of the Group at 31 December 2021 are as follows:
Within 1 year
£’000
1-2 years
£’000
2-3 years
£’000
3-4 years
£’000
Total
£’000
Floating rate
Cash and cash equivalents 48,464 – – – 48,464
The effective interest rate and the actual interest rate charged on the loans in 2021 are as follows:
Effective rate Actual rate
RCF 1.11% 2.25%
The interest rate profile of the financial assets and liabilities of the Group at 31 December 2020 are as follows:
Within 1 year
£’000
1-2 years
£’000
2-3 years
£’000
3-4 years
£’000
Total
£’000
Floating rate
Cash and cash equivalents 11,443 – – – 11,443
RCF – (13,000) – – (13,000)
The effective interest rate and the actual interest rate charged on the loans in 2020 are as follows:
Effective rate Actual rate
RCF 1.2% 1.0%
The effective interest rate on the RCF during the year is higher than the actual rate due to commitment fees payable on undrawn amounts.
Fair values of financial assets and financial liabilities
There are no differences between the carrying amounts and fair values of all of the Group’s financial instruments that are carried in the Financial
Statements.
144
Notes to the Group Financial Statements continued.
for the year ended 31 December 2021
32. Financial instruments – risk management (continued)
Fair value hierarchy
The Group uses the following hierarchy for determining and disclosing the fair value of the financial instruments by valuation technique:
• Level 1: quoted (unadjusted) prices 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.
The following table provides the fair value measurement hierarchy of the Group’s assets and liabilities:
2021
Total
£’000
Level 1
£’000
Level 2
£’000
Level 3
£’000
Assets measured at fair value
Financial assets 5,748 – – 5,748
Liabilities measured at fair value
Contingent consideration 3,008 – – 3,008
2020
Total
£’000
Level 1
£’000
Level 2
£’000
Level 3
£’000
Assets measured at fair value
Financial assets 9,561 – – 9,561
Liabilities measured at fair value
Contingent consideration 5,447 – – 5,447
The fair value of equity financial assets that are not traded in the open market is £5.7m (2020: £9.6m) are valued using Level 3 techniques in
accordance with the fair value hierarchy and Management use all relevant and up to date information (including cash-flow forecasts and financial
statements) to arrive at their judgement. Where appropriate a range of potential outcomes is considered in reaching a conclusion. If this was to drop
by 10%, the implied valuation is likely to also drop by around 10%, £0.5m.
The contingent consideration relates to amounts payable in the future on acquisitions. The amounts payable are based on the amounts agreed in the
contracts and based on the future profitability of each entity acquired. In valuing each provision, estimates have been made as to when the options
are likely to be exercised and the future profitability of the entity at this date. Further details of these provisions are shown in note 24.
If the future profitability of the entities were to decline by 10%, the size of the contingent consideration would decrease by approximately £0.1m for
DLPS and £0.1m for RSC.
145
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Overview
Directors’ Report (including Corporate
Governance Reports and Committee Reports)
33. Analysis of Net Cash/Debt
Net Bank (Cash)/Debt is defined as follows:
2021
£’000
2020
£’000
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings (including loan notes, overdraft, IFRS 16 leases, contingent and deferred
consideration)
– Current 8,523 12,466
– Non-current 22,602 40,060
31,125 52,526
Less: cash and short term deposits (48,464) (11,443)
Less: IFRS 16 lessee financial liabilities (28,117) (33,957)
Less: deferred and contingent consideration (3,008) (5,569)
Net Bank (Cash)/Debt (48,464) 1,557
Net Bank (Cash)/Debt is defined as excluding lease liabilities to be consistent with the Group’s banking covenant requirements and is how the Group
monitors its compliance with those requirements.
34. Related party transactions
As disclosed in note 19 to these Financial Statements LSL had two joint ventures, LMS and TM Group, and an associate Mortgage Gym Limited which
it disposed of in the year. A further joint venture, Pivotal Growth, was set up in the year. All transactions are to be settled in cash.
Transactions with LMS and its subsidiaries
2021
£’000
2020
£’000
Sales – –
Transactions with TM Group and its subsidiaries
2021
£’000
2020
£’000
Sales 653 1,048
Purchases (1,181) (931)
Creditor at 31 December – (80)
Transactions with Mortgage Gym Limited
2021
£’000
2020
£’000
Purchases – (456)
Creditor at 31 December – –
Transactions with Pivotal Growth
2021
£’000
2020
£’000
Sales – –
Purchases – –
Creditor at 31 December – –
146
Notes to the Group Financial Statements continued.
for the year ended 31 December 2021
35. Capital commitments
2021
£’000
2020
£’000
Capital expenditure contracted for but not provided – –
36. Subsidiaries and joint venture companies
The Group owns directly or indirectly the following issued and fully paid ordinary and preference share capital of its subsidiary undertakings, all of
which are incorporated in Great Britain, with the exception of Albany Insurance Company (Guernsey) Limited, which is incorporated in Guernsey, and
whose operations are conducted mainly in the UK. The results for all of the subsidiaries have been consolidated within these Financial Statements:
Name of subsidiary company
Registered
office
address LSL holding LSL shareholder
Proportion of
nominal value of
shares held Nature of business
Lending Solutions Holdings Limited 1 Direct LSL Property Services plc 100% Holding Company
Lending Solutions Limited 1 Indirect Lending Solutions Holdings Limited 100% Non Trading
Financial Services
Direct Life Quote Holdings Limited
1
2 Direct LSL Property Services plc 60% Holding Company
Direct Life and Pensions Services
Limited
1
2 Indirect Direct Life Quote Holdings Limited 100% Financial Services
Direct Life Limited
1
2 Indirect Direct Life and Pension Services
Limited
100% Non Trading
Life Quote Limited
1
2 Indirect Direct Life and Pension Services
Limited
100% Non Trading
Embrace Financial Services Ltd 2 Direct LSL Property Services plc 100% Financial Services
First2Protect Limited 2 Indirect your-move.co.uk Limited 100% Financial Services
Group First Ltd
2
2 Indirect your-move.co.uk Limited 100% Holding Company
Insurance First Brokers Ltd 2 Indirect Group First Ltd 100% Financial Services
Mortgages First Ltd 2 Indirect Group First Ltd 100% Financial Services
Reeds Rains Financial Services Limited 2 Indirect Reeds Rains Limited 100% Financial Services
RSC New Homes Limited
3
2 Indirect your-move.co.uk Limited 70% Financial Services and
Holding Company
RSC Protect Limited 2 Indirect RSC New Homes Limited 100% Non Trading
Advance Mortgage Funding Limited 1 Direct LSL Property Services plc 100% Financial Services and
Holding Company
BDS Mortgage Group Limited
4
1 Indirect Advance Mortgage Funding Limited 100% Non Trading
First Complete Limited 1 Indirect Lending Solutions Holdings Limited 100% Financial Services and
Holding Company
Linear Financial Services Limited 2 Indirect Linear Financial Services Holdings
Limited
100% Non Trading
Linear Financial Services Holdings
Limited
2 Indirect First Complete Limited 100% Holding Company
Linear Mortgage Network Holdings
Limited
2 Indirect First Complete Limited 100% Holding Company
Linear Mortgage Network Limited 2 Indirect Linear Mortgage Network Holdings
Limited
100% Financial Services
Mortgage Gym Solutions Limited
5
2 Direct LSL Property Services plc 100% Business and domestic
software development
Personal Touch Administration Services
Limited
2 Indirect Personal Touch Financial Services
Limited
100% Financial Services
Personal Touch Financial Services
Limited
2 Direct LSL Property Services plc 100% Financial Services
Qualis Wealth Limited 2 Direct LSL Property Services plc 100% Financial Services
147
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Name of subsidiary company
Registered
office
address LSL holding LSL shareholder
Proportion of
nominal value of
shares held Nature of business
Surveying & Valuation
Albany Insurance Company
(Guernsey) Limited
7 Direct LSL Property Services plc 100% Captive Insurer
e.surv Limited 5 Direct LSL Property Services plc 100% Chartered Surveyors
Estate Agency – Asset Management
LSL Corporate Client Services Limited 1 Direct LSL Property Services plc 100% Asset Management
St Trinity Limited 1 Direct LSL Property Services plc 100% Non Trading
Templeton LPA Limited 1 Indirect First Complete Limited 100% Asset Management
Estate Agency – Residential Sales and Lettings
Airport Lettings Stansted Limited 2 Indirect ICIEA Limited 100% Non Trading
Appleton Estates and Property
Management Limited
2 Indirect Davis Tate Ltd 100% Non Trading
Bawtry Lettings and Sales Limited 2 Indirect your-move.co.uk Limited 100% Non Trading
Beldhamland Limited 3 Indirect Marsh & Parsons Limited 100% Non Trading
Brown North East Lettings Ltd 2 Indirect your-move.co.uk Limited 100% Non Trading
Charterhouse Management (UK)
Limited
2 Indirect your-move.co.uk Limited 100% Non Trading
David Frost Estate Agents Limited 2 Indirect Vitalhandy Enterprises Limited 100% Residential Sales and Lettings
Davis Tate Ltd 2 Indirect LSLi Limited 100% Residential Sales, Lettings and
Holding Company
EA Student Lettings Ltd 2 Indirect your-move.co.uk Limited 100% Non Trading
Eastside Property Developments Ltd 2 Indirect your-move.co.uk Limited 100% Non Trading
Elliott & Freeth Limited 2 Indirect Davis Tate Ltd 100% Non Trading
Fourlet (York) Limited 2 Indirect Reeds Rains Limited 100% Non Trading
Front Door Property Management Ltd 2 Indirect ICIEA Limited 100% Non Trading
GFEA Limited 2 Indirect LSLi Limited 100% Residential Sales, Lettings and
Holding Company
Guardian Property Lettings Limited 2 Indirect Reeds Rains Limited 100% Non Trading
Hawes & Co Limited 2 Indirect LSLi Limited 100% Residential Sales, Lettings and
Holding Company
Hawes & Co (Thames Ditton) Limited 2 Indirect Hawes & Co Limited 100% Non Trading
Headway Property Management
Limited
2 Indirect Reeds Rains Limited 100% Non Trading
Holloways Residential Ltd 2 Indirect your-move.co.uk Limited 100% Non Trading
Home and Student Link Limited 2 Indirect your-move.co.uk Limited 100% Non Trading
Homefast Property Services Limited 2 Indirect Lending Solutions Holdings Limited 77.5% Conveyancing Packaging
Hydegate Limited 2 Indirect JNP Estate Agents Limited 100% Non Trading
ICIEA Limited 2 Indirect LSLi Limited 100% Residential Sales, Lettings and
Holding Company
Inter County Lettings Limited 2 Indirect ICIEA Limited 100% Non Trading
IQ Property (Hull) Limited 2 Indirect Reeds Rains Limited 100% Non Trading
JNP Estate Agents Limited 2 Indirect LSLi Limited 100% Residential Sales, Lettings and
Holding Company
JNP Estate Agents (Princes Risborough)
Limited
2 Indirect JNP Estate Agents Limited 100% Non Trading
JNP (Residential Lettings) Limited 2 Indirect JNP Estate Agents Limited 100% Non Trading
JNP (Surveyors) Limited 2 Indirect LSLi Limited 100% Non Trading
36. Subsidiaries and joint venture companies (continued)
148
Notes to the Group Financial Statements continued.
for the year ended 31 December 2021
36. Subsidiaries and joint venture companies (continued)
Name of subsidiary company
Registered
office
address LSL holding LSL shareholder
Proportion of
nominal value of
shares held Nature of business
Kent Property Solutions Limited 2 Indirect your-move.co.uk Limited 100% Non Trading
LSL Land & New Homes Ltd 2 Indirect your-move.co.uk Limited 100% Residential Sales
Lauristons Limited 2 Indirect LSLi Limited 100% Residential Sales, Lettings and
Holding Company
LetCo Group Limited 2 Indirect your-move.co.uk Limited 100% Holding Company
LetCo Limited 2 Indirect LetCo Group Limited 100% Non Trading
Lets Move Property Limited 2 Indirect your-move.co.uk Limited 100% Non Trading
Longshoot Properties Limited 2 Indirect your-move.co.uk Limited 100% Non Trading
LSLi Limited 1 Direct LSL Property Services plc 100% Residential Sales, Lettings,
Financial Services and
Holding Company
Marsh & Parsons Limited 3 Indirect Marsh & Parsons (Holdings) Limited 100% Residential Sales, Lettings and
Holding Company
Marsh & Parsons (Holdings) Limited 2 Direct LSL Property Services plc 100% Holding Company
Marshcroft Properties Limited 3 Indirect Marsh & Parsons Limited 100% Non Trading
New Daffodil Limited 2 Direct LSL Property Services plc 100% Non Trading
New Let Limited 2 Indirect your-move.co.uk Limited 100% Non Trading
Oakley Lettings Limited 2 Indirect ICIEA Limited 100% Non Trading
Paul Graham Lettings & Management
Ltd
2 Indirect GFEA Limited 100% Non Trading
Philip Green Lettings Limited 2 Indirect JNP Estate Agents Limited 100% Non Trading
PHP Lettings Scotland Limited 4 Indirect your-move.co.uk Limited 100% Non Trading
Prestons Lettings Ltd 2 Indirect Reeds Rains Limited 100% Non Trading
Pygott & Crone Lincoln Lettings Limited 2 Indirect your-move.co.uk Limited 100% Non Trading
Reeds Rains Limited 2 Direct LSL Property Services plc 100% Residential Sales, Lettings,
Financial Services and
Holding Company
Reeds Rains Cleckheaton Limited 2 Indirect Reeds Rains Limited 100% Non Trading
Simply Let Limited 4 Indirect your-move.co.uk Limited 100% Non Trading
Thomas Morris Limited
6
1 Indirect LSLi Limited 100% Residential Sales and Lettings
Top-Let Limited 2 Indirect LetCo Group Limited 100% Non Trading
Vanstons (Barnes) Limited 3 Indirect Marsh & Parsons Limited 100% Non Trading
Vanstons Commercial Limited 3 Indirect Marsh & Parsons Limited 100% Non Trading
Vanstons Lettings Limited 3 Indirect Marsh & Parsons Limited 100% Non Trading
Vanstons Limited 3 Indirect Marsh & Parsons Limited 100% Non Trading
Vitalhandy Enterprises Limited 2 Indirect LSLi Limited 100% Holding Company
Warners Letting Agency Limited 2 Indirect ICIEA Limited 100% Non Trading
Woollens of Wimbledon Limited 2 Indirect Lauristons Limited 100% Non Trading
Yates Lettings Limited 2 Indirect Davis Tate Ltd 100% Non Trading
your-move.co.uk Limited 1 Indirect Lending Solutions Holdings Limited 100% Residential Sales, Lettings,
Financial Services and
Holding Company
Zenith Properties Limited 2 Indirect ICIEA Limited 100% Non Trading
Joint Ventures and Associates
Mottram TopCo Limited 8 Direct LSL Property Services plc 47.7% Joint Venture – Holding
Company
Mottram MidCo Limited 8 Indirect Mottram TopCo Limited 100% Joint Venture – Holding
Company
149
Other Information
Financial Statements
Strategic Report
Overview
Directors’ Report (including Corporate
Governance Reports and Committee Reports)
36. Subsidiaries and joint venture companies (continued)
Name of subsidiary company
Registered
office
address LSL holding LSL shareholder
Proportion of
nominal value of
shares held Nature of business
Pivotal Growth Limited 8 Indirect Mottram MidCo Limited 91.4%
(100% voting)
Joint Venture – Financial
Services
Mortgage Gym Limited 6 Direct LSL Property Services plc 45.2% Associate – Financial Services
Notes:
1. 60% of Direct Life Quote Holdings Limited was acquired by LSL on 29 January 2021. LSL’s holding in the company increased from 60% to 70% on 28 January 2022.
2. On 27 July 2021 Your Move’s holding in Group First Ltd increased from 95% to 100%.
3. On 14 October 2021 Your Move’s holding in RSC New Homes Limited increased from 60% to 70%.
4. The voluntary strike off was recorded on the Companies Register on 1 March 2022.
5. LSL Three Limited was renamed Mortgage Gym Solutions Ltd on 8 March 2021.
6. On 13 January 2021 LSLi’s holding in Thomas Morris Limited increased from 93.33% to 100%.
Audit exemptions under section 479a of the Companies Act 2006
Nine of the Group’s subsidiaries are exempt from audit of individual accounts under section 479a of the Companies Act 2006:
a. Lending Solutions Holdings Limited (05095079).
b. Reeds Rains Financial Services Limited (08130339).
c. New Daffodil Limited (02045933).
d. Templeton LPA Limited (06507759).
e. St Trinity Limited (07092652).
f. Mortgage Gym Solutions Ltd (12460735).
g. LSL Land & New Homes Ltd (09018581).
h. LSL Corporate Client Services Limited (07299192).
i. Linear Mortgage Network Limited (05198588).
Registered office addresses:
1. Newcastle House, Albany Court, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE4 7YB.
2. Howard House, 3 St Marys Court, Blossom Street, York, YO24 1AH.
3. 80 Hammersmith Road, London, W14 8UD.
4. 25 North Bridge Street, Bathgate, West Lothian, EH48 4PJ.
5. Unit 1, Orion Park, Kettering, Northamptonshire, England, NN15 6PP.
6. C/O Restructuring Advisory LLP, Central Square, 5
th
Floor, 29 Wellington Street, Leeds, LS1 4DL.
7. The Albany, South Esplanade, St Peters Port, Guernsey, GY1 4NF.
8. 11-12 Hanover Square, London, W1S 1JJ.
37. Events after the reporting period
In February 2022, LSL invested an additional £0.9m in its Pivotal Growth joint venture to fund its buy and build growth strategy.
150
Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities in Relation to
the Parent Company Financial Statements
The Directors are responsible for preparing the Annual Report and the Financial Statements in accordance with applicable UK law and regulations.
Company law requires the Directors to prepare Financial Statements for each financial year. Under that law the Directors have elected to prepare the
Company Financial Statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as adopted by the UK, in conformity with the
Companies Act 2006. Under company law the Directors must not approve the Financial Statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and
fair view of the state of affairs of the Group and the Company and of the profit or loss of the Group and the Company for that period.
Under the FCA’s Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules, the Financial Statements are required to be prepared in accordance with international
accounting standards in conformity with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 and UK adopted International Accounting Standards (IAS).
In preparing these Financial Statements the Directors are required to:
a. select suitable accounting policies in accordance with IAS 8 Accounting Policies, Change in Accounting Estimates and Errors and then apply them
consistently;
b. make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
c. present information, including accounting policies, in a manner that provides relevant, reliable, comparable and understandable information;
d. provide additional disclosures when compliance with the specific requirements in IFRS is insufficient to enable users to understand the impact of
particular transactions, other events and conditions on the Group’s financial position and financial performance;
e. in respect of the Financial Statements, state whether IFRS in conformity with the Companies Act 2006 have been followed, subject to any
material departures disclosed and explained in the Financial Statements;
f. in respect of the Parent Company Financial Statements, state whether IFRS in conformity with the Companies Act 2006 and UK adopted
International Accounting Standards, have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the Financial Statements;
and
g. prepare the Financial Statements on the going concern basis unless it is appropriate to presume that the Company and/or the Group will not
continue in business.
The Directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the Company’s and Group’s
transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Company and the Group and enable them to ensure that
the Parent Company and the Group Financial Statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets
of the Group and Parent Company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
Under applicable law and regulations, the Directors are also responsible for preparing the Strategic Report, Report of the Directors, Directors’
Remuneration Report and Corporate Governance Report that comply with that law and those regulations. The Directors are responsible for the
maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on the Company’s website.
151
Other Information
Financial Statements
Strategic Report
Overview
Directors’ Report (including Corporate
Governance Reports and Committee Reports)
Parent Company Balance Sheet
as at 31 December 2021 Company No. 05114014
Note
2021
£’000
2020
£’000
Non-current assets
Other intangible assets 3 79 7
Property, plant and equipment 4 8 12
Investment in subsidiaries 5 179,718 187,192
Financial assets 6 4,610 8,846
Investment in joint ventures and associates 7 2,477 7,235
Deferred tax asset 11 578 122
187,470 203,414
Current assets
Trade and other receivables 8 36,438 42,225
Total assets 223,910 245,639
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables 9 (71,754) (110,518)
Financial liabilities 10 (5,024) (13,928)
(76,778) (124,446)
Non-current liabilities
Financial liabilities 10 (317) (13,000)
Total liabilities (77,095) (137,446)
Net assets 146,813 108,193
Equity
Share capital 12 210 210
Share premium account 13 5,629 5,629
Share-based payment reserve 13 5,263 3,942
LSL shares held by the EBT 13 (3,063) (5,012)
Fair value reserve 13 (15,695) (13,695)
Retained earnings 13 154,469 117,119
Total equity 146,813 108,193
The profit after tax for the year, attributable to the Company, was £41.0m (2020: £11.7m).
The notes on pages 154 to 165 form part of these Financial Statements.
The Financial Statements were approved by and signed on behalf of the Board by:
David Stewart Adam Castleton
Group Chief Executive Officer Group Chief Financial Officer
15 March 2022 15 March 2022
152
Parent Company Statement of Cash-Flows
for the year ended 31 December 2021
Note
2021
£’000
2020
£’000
Parent operating profit before tax and interest 42,641 9,960
Adjustments for:
Exceptional operating items (23,021) 4,260
Depreciation of tangible assets 4 4 38
Share-based payments 1,102 57
Finance income (14) (143)
Finance costs 1,098 1,056
Dividend income (29,000) (22,500)
Operating cash-flows before movements in working capital (7,190) (7,272)
Movements in working capital
(Increase)/decrease in trade and other receivables 8 18,213 (174)
Increase/(decrease) in trade and other payables 9 (41,577) 21,086
(23,324) 20,912
Cash generated from operations (30,514) 13,640
Interest paid (1,098) (1,056)
Income taxes paid (8,249) (5,788)
Net cash generated from operating activities (39,861) 6,796
Cash-flows used in investing activities
Investment in financial assets 6 (14) (418)
Investment in joint ventures (2,477) —
Proceeds from sale of joint venture 41,349 —
Acquisition of subsidiary (1,800) —
Dividends received from subsidiaries 29,000 22,500
Purchases of property, plant and equipment (51) —
Net cash generated/(expended) on investing activities 66,007 22,082
Cash-flows used in financing activities
(Repayment)/drawdown of loans (13,000) (28,000)
Repayment of overdraft (8,980) (778)
(Repayment)/issue of unsecured loan notes 10 — (66)
Payment of lease liabilities — (34)
Dividends paid to equity holders of the parent (4,166) —
Net cash generated/(expended) in financing activities (26,146) (28,878)
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents — —
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year — —
The notes on pages 154 to 165 form part of these Financial Statements.
153
Other Information
Financial Statements
Strategic Report
Overview
Directors’ Report (including Corporate
Governance Reports and Committee Reports)
Parent Company Statement of Changes in Equity
for the year ended 31 December 2021
Issued
capital
£’000
Share
premium
£’000
Share-
based
payment
reserve
£’000
Shares held
by EBT
£’000
Fair value
reserve
£’000
Retained
earnings
£’000
Total
£’000
As at 1 January 2021 210 5,629 3,942 (5,012) (13,695) 117,119 108,193
Other comprehensive income for the year — — — — — — —
Profit for the year — — — — — 41,028 41,028
Revaluation of financial assets — — — — (2,000) — (2,000)
Total comprehensive income for the year — — — — (2,000) 41,028 39,028
Exercise of options — — (990) 1,949 — 488 1,447
Share-based payment transactions — — 1,916 — — — 1,916
Tax on share-based payments — — 395 — — — 395
Dividends paid — — — — — (4,166) (4,166)
As at 31 December 2021 210 5,629 5,263 (3,063) (15,695) 154,469 146,813
During the year ended 31 December 2021, the Trust acquired nil LSL shares. During the period, 555,824 share options were exercised relating to LSL’s
various share option schemes resulting in the shares being sold by the Trust. LSL received £1.4m on exercise of these options.
The notes on pages 154 to 165 form part of these Financial Statements.
for the year ended 31 December 2020
Issued
capital
£’000
Share
premium
£’000
Share-based
payment
reserve
£’000
Shares held
by EBT
1
£’000
Fair value
reserve
£’000
Retained
earnings
£’000
Total
£’000
As at 1 January 2020 208 5,629 4,429 (5,224) (13,695) 104,913 96,260
Other comprehensive income for the year — — — — — — —
Profit for the year — — — — — 11,721 11,721
Total comprehensive income for the year — — — — — 11,721 11,721
Issue of share capital 2 — — — — — 2
Exercise of options — — (80) 212 — 44 176
Share-based payment transactions — — (423) — — 441 18
Tax on share-based payments — — 16 — — — 16
As at 31 December 2020 210 5,629 3,942 (5,012) (13,695) 117,119 108,193
During the year ended 31 December 2020, the Trust acquired 167,083 LSL shares. During the period, 60,565 share options were exercised relating to
LSL’s various share option schemes resulting in the shares being sold by the Trust. LSL received £176,000 on exercise of these options.
Note:
1
‘Treasury shares’ have been renamed to ‘Shares held by EBT’.
The notes on pages 154 to 165 form part of these Financial Statements.
154
Notes to the Parent Company Financial Statements
for the year ended 31 December 2021
1. Accounting policies
Basis of preparation
The Parent Company Financial Statements have been properly prepared in accordance with International Accounting Standards in conformity with
the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 as applied in accordance with section 408 of the Companies Act 2006.
The Company Financial Statements have been prepared on a going concern basis and on a historical cost basis, except for certain debt and financial
assets and liabilities that have been measured at fair value.
The accounting policies which follow set out those significant policies which apply in preparing the Company’s Financial Statements for the year
ended 31 December 2021. The Company’s Financial Statements are presented in pounds sterling and all values are rounded to the nearest thousand
pounds (£’000) except when otherwise indicated.
Summary of significant accounting policies
The accounting policies adopted in the preparation of the Company’s Financial Statements are consistent with those followed in the preparation of
the Company Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2020.
Judgements and estimates
The preparation of financial information in conformity with IFRS as adopted by the UK, requires Management to make judgements, estimates and
assumptions that affect the application of policies and reporting amounts of assets and liabilities, income and expenses. The estimates and associated
assumptions are based on historical experience and various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of
which form the basis of making the judgements about carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual
results may differ from these estimates.
The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which
the estimate is revised if the revision affects only that period or in the period of the revision and future periods if the revision affects both current and
future periods.
• Judgements
There are no areas of judgement that have a significant effect on the amounts recognised in the Financial Statements of the Company.
• Estimates
The key assumption affected by future uncertainty that has significant risks of causing material adjustment to the carrying value of assets and
liabilities within the next financial year is:
Valuation of financial assets
The Company owns non–controlling interests in a number of unlisted entities. The Company uses valuation techniques to measure fair value of
financial assets, maximising the use of relevant observable inputs and minimising the use of unobservable inputs. The fair value of equity financial
assets that are not traded in the open market are valued using the best information available in the circumstances, including cash-flow forecasts
and financial statements, to arrive at the fair value. Where appropriate a range of potential outcomes is considered in reaching a conclusion. Further
details of the methodology used are disclosed in note 18 to the Financial Statements.
Income taxes
Current tax assets and liabilities are measured at the amount expected to be recovered from or paid to the taxation authorities, based on tax rates
and laws that are enacted or substantively enacted by the balance sheet date. Management periodically evaluates positions taken in the tax returns
with respect to the situations in which applicable tax regulations are subject to interpretation and establishes provisions where appropriate.
Deferred income tax is recognised on all temporary differences arising between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts in
the Financial Statements, with the following exceptions:
a. where the temporary difference arises from the initial recognition of goodwill or of an asset or liability in a transaction that is not a business
combination that at the time of the transaction affects neither accounting nor taxable profit or loss;
b. in respect of taxable temporary differences associated with investments in subsidiaries, where the timing of the reversal of the temporary
differences can be controlled and it is probable that the temporary differences will not reverse in the foreseeable future; and
c. deferred income tax assets are recognised only to the extent that it is probable that taxable profit will be available against which the deductible
temporary differences, carried forward tax credits or tax losses can be utilised.
155
Other Information
Financial Statements
Strategic Report
Overview
Directors’ Report (including Corporate
Governance Reports and Committee Reports)
1. Accounting policies (continued)
Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are measured on an undiscounted basis at the tax rates that are expected to apply when the related asset is
realised or liability is settled, based on tax rates and laws enacted or substantively enacted at the balance sheet date.
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 tax asset to be utilised. Unrecognised deferred tax assets are
reassessed at each reporting period and are recognised to the extent that it has become probable that future taxable profits will allow the deferred
tax asset to be recovered.
Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are offset, only if a legally enforceable right exists to set off current tax assets against current tax liabilities,
the deferred income taxes relate to the same taxation authority and that authority permits the Group to make a single net payment. Income tax is
charged or credited directly to other comprehensive income or equity, if it relates to items that are charged or credited in the current or prior periods
to other comprehensive income or equity respectively. Otherwise income tax is recognised in the Company’s income statement.
Pensions
The Company operates a defined contribution pension scheme for employees of the Company. The assets of the scheme are invested and managed
independently of the finances of the Company. The pension cost charge represents contributions payable in the year.
Share-based payment transactions
The fair value of employee share option plans and share award schemes, which are all equity-settled, is calculated at the grant date using the Black
Scholes model. The resulting cost is charged to the Company income statement over the vesting period. The value of the charge is adjusted to reflect
expected and actual levels of vesting. The charge relating to employees of subsidiaries is added to the cost of investment in those subsidiaries.
Shares held by EBT
The Group has an employee share scheme (ESOT) for the granting of LSL shares to Executive Directors and selected senior employees and an
employee share incentive plan (Trust). Shares in LSL held by the ESOT and the Trusts are treated as treasury shares and presented in the Balance
Sheet as a deduction from equity. No gain or loss is recognised in the Group Income Statement on the purchase, sale, issue or cancellation of the
Group’s own equity instruments. The finance costs and administration costs relating to the ESOT and the Trusts are charged to the Group Income
Statement. Dividends earned on shares held in the ESOT and the Trusts have been waived.
Investments in subsidiaries
Investments are shown at cost less provision for impairment. The cost of an investment is measured as the aggregate of the consideration
transferred, measured at acquisition date fair value. Any contingent consideration will be recognised at fair value at the acquisition date. Subsequent
changes to the fair value of the contingent consideration are recognised through profit and loss.
Investments are reviewed for impairment annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that its carrying value may be
impaired.
Investments in joint ventures and associates
An associate is an entity over which the Company has significant influence. Significant influence is the power to participate in the financial and
operating policy decisions of the investee but is not control or joint control over those policies.
A joint venture is a type of joint arrangement whereby the parties that have joint control of the arrangement have rights to the net assets of the joint
venture. Joint control is the contractually agreed sharing of control of an arrangement, which exists only when decisions about the relevant activities
require the unanimous consent of the parties sharing control.
Investments in joint ventures and associates are accounted for at cost less any provision for impairment. Investments are reviewed for impairment
annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that its carrying value may be impaired. The cost of an investment is
measured as the aggregate of the consideration transferred, measured at acquisition date fair value. Any contingent consideration will be recognised
at fair value at the acquisition date. Subsequent changes to the fair value of the contingent consideration are recognised in profit and loss.
156
Notes to the Parent Company Financial Statements continued.
for the year ended 31 December 2021
1. Accounting policies (continued)
Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment losses. Property, plant and equipment is depreciated
on a straight-line basis to its residual value over its anticipated useful economic life:
a. Office equipment, fixtures and fittings – over three to seven years
b. Computer equipment – over three to four years
c. Leasehold improvements – over the shorter of the lease term or ten years
An item of property, plant and equipment is derecognised upon disposal or when no future economic benefits are expected from its use or disposal.
Any gain or loss arising on derecognition of the asset (calculated as the difference between the net disposal proceeds and the carrying amount of
the asset) is included in the Company’s income statement when the asset is derecognised. These assets’ residual values, useful lives and methods of
depreciation are reviewed at each financial year end, and adjusted prospectively, if appropriate.
Financial instruments
Financial assets and financial liabilities are recognised in the Company’s Balance Sheet when the Company becomes a party to the contractual
provisions of the instrument. When financial assets are recognised initially, they are measured at fair value, being the transaction price plus, in the
case of financial assets not at fair value through profit or loss, directly attributable transaction costs. Financial assets are derecognised when the
Company no longer has the rights to cash-flows, the risks and rewards of ownership or control of the asset. Financial liabilities are derecognised
when the obligation under the liability is discharged, cancelled or expires. All regular way purchases and sales of financial assets are recognised on
the trade date, being the date that the Company commits to purchase or sell the asset. Regular way transactions require delivery of assets within the
timeframe generally established by regulation or convention in the marketplace.
The subsequent measurement of financial assets depends on their classification.
The Company’s accounting policy for each category of financial instruments is as follows:
Financial assets designated at fair value through OCI (equity instruments)
Upon initial recognition, the Company can elect to classify irrevocably its equity investments as equity instruments designated at fair value through
OCI when they meet the definition of equity under IFRS 9 Financial Instruments and are not held for trading. The classification is determined on an
instrument-by-instrument basis.
Gains and losses on these financial assets are never recycled to profit or loss. Dividends are recognised as other income in the statement of profit or
loss when the right of payment has been established, except when the Company benefits from such proceeds as a recovery of part of the cost of the
financial asset, in which case, such gains are recorded in OCI. Equity instruments designated at fair value through OCI are not subject to impairment
assessment.
Financial assets designated at fair value through profit and loss
Gains and losses arising from the changes in the fair value are recognised through the profit and loss.
The Company’s accounting policy for each category of financial instruments is as follows:
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings
All loans and borrowings are initially recognised at fair value less directly attributable transaction costs. After initial recognition, interest-bearing loans
and borrowings are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method. Gains and losses arising on repurchase, settlement
or otherwise cancellation of liabilities are recognised respectively in finance income and finance costs. Finance costs comprise interest payable on
borrowings calculated at the effective interest rate method and recognised on an accruals basis. Borrowing costs are recognised as an expense when
incurred.
Trade receivables
Trade receivables do not carry any interest and are stated at their original invoiced value as reduced by appropriate allowances for estimated
irrecoverable amounts. The expected credit loss model under IFRS 9 is applied to trade and other receivables.
157
Other Information
Financial Statements
Strategic Report
Overview
Directors’ Report (including Corporate
Governance Reports and Committee Reports)
2. Cash-flow from financing activities
At 1 January 2021
£’000
Cash-flow
£’000
Acquisitions
£’000
Foreign
exchange
£’000
Unwind of
discount
£’000
At 31 December
2021
£’000
Short term liabilities 13,928 (8,980) — — — 4,948
Long term liabilities 13,000 (13,000) — — — —
26,928 (13,000) — — — —
Short term liabilities
At 31 December 2021 short term liabilities were made up of the bank overdraft of £4.9m (2020: £13.9m) and unsecured loan notes £nil (2020: £nil)
(see note 10 to these Financial Statements).
Long term liabilities
At 31 December 2021 the long term liabilities were made up of the bank loan of £nil (2020: £13.0m) (see note 10 to these Financial Statements).
3. Intangible assets
Software
£’000
Total
£’000
Cost
At 1 January 2021 7 7
Additions 72 72
As at 31 December 2021 79 79
Impairment
At 1 January 2021 — —
Amortisation — —
As at 31 December 2021 — —
Net book value
As at 31 December 2021 79 79
As at 31 December 2020 7 7
158
Notes to the Parent Company Financial Statements continued.
for the year ended 31 December 2021
4. Property, plant and equipment
Land and
buildings
£’000
Leasehold
improvements
£’000
Fixtures, fittings
and computer
equipment
£’000
Total
£’000
Cost
At 1 January 2020 90 74 120 284
Additions — — — —
At 31 December 2020 90 74 120 284
Additions — — — —
At 31 December 2021 90 74 120 284
Depreciation
At 1 January 2020 57 67 110 234
Charge for the year 33 — 5 38
At 31 December 2020 90 67 115 272
Charge for the year — — 4 4
At 31 December 2021 90 67 119 276
Net book value
At 31 December
2021 — 7 1 8
At 31 December 2020 — 7 5 12
Owned assets — 7 1 8
IFRS 16 leased assets — — — —
— 7 5 12
5. Investment in subsidiaries
Details of the subsidiaries held directly and indirectly by the Company are shown in note 36 to the Group Financial Statements.
2021
£’000
2020
£’000
At 1 January 187,192 187,055
Additions 2,379 —
Adjustments for share-based payment 847 137
Impairment in cost of investment in Albany (10,700) —
At 31 December 179,718 187,192
In 2021 there was an increase of £0.8m (2020: increase of £0.1m) on investment in subsidiaries for share-based payment, representing the financial
effects of awards by the Company of options over its equity shares to employees of subsidiary undertakings. The total contribution to date is £8.6m.
In 2021 the Company acquired Direct Life Quote Holdings Limited for £2.4m consideration, details of the acquisition accounting can be found in note
30 to the Group Financial Statements.
In 2021 the Company recognised an impairment of £10.7m in its cost of investment in Albany, as a result of its assessment of recoverability. The
carrying value of Albany at 31 December 2021 is £7.6m, which is assessed as the recoverable amount, measured as the value-in-use of Albany, using
a discount rate of 12.15%.
159
Other Information
Financial Statements
Strategic Report
Overview
Directors’ Report (including Corporate
Governance Reports and Committee Reports)
6. Financial assets
2021
£’000
2020
£’000
Convertible loan notes – at fair value
Secured convertible loan notes (Global Property Ventures) — 10
Secured convertible loan notes (Mortgage Gym Limited) – 5% — 2,240
Investment in equity instruments – at fair value
Unquoted shares at fair value 4,610 6,596
4,610 8,846
At 1 January 8,846 8,588
Additions 14 418
Disposals (2,250) (160)
Revaluation (2,000) —
At 31 December 4,610 8,846
Convertible loan notes at fair value
In 2020 LSL held secured loan notes of £2.2m with Mortgage Gym Limited, in February 2021 these loan notes were settled as consideration for the
acquisition of the trade and assets of Mortgage Gym Limited.
Investment in equity instruments
The financial assets include unlisted equity instruments which are carried at fair value. Fair value is judgemental given the assumptions required and
have been valued using a Level 3 valuation techniques (see note 32 to the Group Financial Statements).
Yopa Property Limited (Yopa)
The carrying value of the Company’s investment in Yopa at 31 December 2021 is £4.5m (December 2020: £6.5m). The fair value of the Company’s
investment in Yopa has been assessed by using Level 3 techniques.
7. Investment in joint ventures and associates
2021
£’000
2020
£’000
At cost
At 1 January 7,235 11,335
Additions 2,477 160
Disposals (7,235) —
Impairment — (4,260)
At 31 December 2,477 7,235
LMS
In May 2021, the Company sold its 49.6% (2020: 50.0%) interest in LMS, a joint venture whose principal activity is to provide conveyancing panel
management services. The carrying value of LMS at the time of disposal was £7.2m. LSL received £12.0m as consideration for its share of LMS.
Claims indemnity provision and contingency
Included in the sale agreement of LMS was a claims indemnity of £2.0m, for which the Company has provided £0.6m, which it considers to be the
most likely outcome. Further cases exist and are considered possible, not probable, therefore no further provision has been made for these cases in
the Financial Statements. Should these claims succeed the estimated further cost would be £1.4m.
Pivotal Growth
In April 2021 the Company formed Pivotal Growth, a joint venture whose principal activity is to become a national mortgage broker. The
Company acquired a 47.80% holding in Pivotal for initial investment of £0.8m. A further £1.7m equity investment in Pivotal Growth was made in
December 2021.
160
Notes to the Parent Company Financial Statements continued.
for the year ended 31 December 2021
8. Trade and other receivables
2021
£’000
2020
£’000
Group relief receivable 13,829 11,921
Prepayments 793 1,450
Other taxes and social security 117 28
Amounts owed by Group undertakings 21,699 28,826
36,438 42,225
The expected credit loss relating to amounts owed by Group undertakings is £0.0m (2020: £0.0m).
9. Trade and other payables
2021
£’000
2020
£’000
Trade payables 327 413
Accruals 3,299 2,331
Amounts owed to Group undertakings 68,128 107,774
71,754 110,518
10. Financial liabilities
2021
£’000
2020
£’000
Current liabilities
Contingent consideration 76 -
Bank overdraft 4,948 13,928
5,024 13,928
Non-current liabilities
Contingent
consideration 317 —
Bank loans – RCF — 13,000
317 13,000
Deferred consideration
During 2021 £nil (2020: £nil) of deferred consideration was paid to third parties.
Bank loans – RCF and overdraft
The Company’s bank loan totals £nil (2020: £13.0m) and the Company’s overdraft totals £4.9m (2020: £13.9m). The bank loan is secured via a cross
guarantee issued from all of the Group’s subsidiaries excluding the following subsidiaries: Lending Solutions Limited, Homefast Property Services,
Linear (Linear Mortgage Network and Linear Financial Services), Templeton LPA, Group First, Personal Touch Financial Services, and RSC New Homes.
The utilisation of the RCF may vary each month as long as this does not exceed the maximum £90m facility (2020: £100m). The Group’s overdraft is
also secured on the same facility, and the combined overdraft and RCF cannot exceed £90m (2020: £100m). The banking facility is repayable by May
2024.
The interest rate applicable to the facility is SONIA plus a margin rate. The margin rate is linked to the leverage ratio of the Group and the margin rate
is reviewed at six monthly intervals.
161
Other Information
Financial Statements
Strategic Report
Overview
Directors’ Report (including Corporate
Governance Reports and Committee Reports)
11. Deferred tax
2021
£’000
2020
£’000
Deferred tax asset
Deferred tax asset at 1 January 122 153
Deferred tax credit/(charge) in profit and loss account for the year 180 (19)
Deferred tax credit/(charge) to other comprehensive income 276 (12)
Deferred tax asset at 31 December 578 122
At 2021 a deferred tax asset is recognised in relation to timing differences on fixed assets of £0.0m (2020: £0.0m) and share-based payments of
£0.6m (2020: £0.1m). No deferred tax liability is recognised in respect of equity financial assets.
12. Called up share capital
2021 2020
Shares £’000 Shares £’000
Authorised:
Ordinary shares of 0.2 pence each 500,000,000 1,000 500,000,000 1,000
Issued and fully paid:
At 1 January 105,158,950 210 104,158,950 208
Issued in the year — — 1,000,000 2
At 31
December 105,158,950 210 105,158,950 210
13. Reserves
Share premium
The amount subscribed for share capital in excess of nominal value less any costs attributable to the issue of new shares.
Share-based payment reserve
This represents the amount provided in the year in respect of share awards. The Company has operated long term incentive plans (including JSOP
and CSOP) and a number of SAYE schemes for the employees in the Company and the Group. See note 14 to the Group Financial Statements for
details of the LTIP, JSOP, CSOP, SIP/BAYE and the SAYE schemes. The effect of share-based payment transactions on the Company’s profit for the
period was a charge of £1.1m (2020: charge of £0.0m).
Fair value reserve
The fair value reserve is used to record the changes in fair value of equity financial assets.
14. Company profit/loss for the financial year after tax
The Company has not presented its own profit and loss account as permitted by section 408 of the Companies Act 2006. The profit after tax for the
year was £41.0m (2020: £11.8m).
Remuneration paid to Directors of the Company is disclosed in note 14 to the Group Financial Statements.
The Company paid £0.4m (2020: £0.3m) to its auditor in respect of the audit of the Financial Statements of the Company.
Fees paid to the external auditor and their associates for non-audit services to the Company itself are not disclosed in the individual accounts of the
Company because Group financial statements are prepared which are required to disclose such fees on a consolidated basis. These are disclosed in
note 10 to the Group Financial Statements.
162
Notes to the Parent Company Financial Statements continued.
for the year ended 31 December 2021
15. Pensions costs and commitments
Total contributions to the defined contribution schemes in the year were £48,556 (2020: £0.0m). The amount outstanding in respect of pensions as
at 31 December 2020 was £nil (2020: £nil).
The Parent Company headcount at 31 December 2021 was three (2020: three).
16. Capital commitments
The Company had no capital commitments at 31 December 2021 (2020: none).
17. Related party transactions
During the year the transactions entered into by the Company are as follows:
Sales to related
parties
£’000
Purchases from
related parties
£’000
Amounts owed by
related parties
£’000
Amounts owed to
related parties
£’000
Wholly owned subsidiaries
2021 — — 21,699 67,584
2020 — — 28,798 107,229
Sales to related
parties
£’000
Purchases from
related parties
£’000
Amounts owed by
related parties
£’000
Amounts owed to
related parties
£’000
Non-wholly owned subsidiaries
2021 — — — 544
2020 — — 10 545
18. Financial instruments – risk management
The Company’s principal financial instruments comprise of financial assets such as fair value of unquoted shares and a cash overdraft, along
with access to a £90m loan facility. The main purpose of these financial instruments is to raise finance for the Company’s operations and to fund
acquisitions. The Company has various financial assets and liabilities such as trade receivables, cash and short term deposits and trade payables,
which arise directly from its operations.
It is the Company’s policy that trading in derivatives shall not be undertaken. The Company may, from time to time and as necessary, enter into
interest rate swaps for risk management purposes but did not hold any such swaps during either the current or prior year.
The Company is exposed through its operations to the following financial risks:
a. interest rate risk;
b. liquidity risk; and
c. credit risk.
Policy for managing these risks is set up by the Board following recommendations from the Group Chief Financial Officer. The policy for each of the
above risks is described in more detail below.
Interest rate risk
The Company’s exposure to the risk of changes in market interest rates relates primarily to the Company’s long term debt obligations with floating
interest rates.
The majority of external Company borrowings are variable interest based and this policy is managed centrally.
163
Other Information
Financial Statements
Strategic Report
Overview
Directors’ Report (including Corporate
Governance Reports and Committee Reports)
18. Financial instruments – risk management (continued)
The following table demonstrates the sensitivity to a reasonably possible change in interest rates on loans and borrowings. With all other variables
held constant, the Company’s profit before tax is affected through the impact on floating rate borrowings as follows. There is no material impact on
the Company’s equity.
Increase/
decrease in basis
point
Effect on profit
before tax
£’000
2021 +100 (64)
-100 64
2020 +100 (130)
-100 130
Liquidity risk
The Company aims to mitigate liquidity risk by managing cash generation by its operations, dividend policy and acquisition strategy. Acquisitions are
carefully selected with authorisation limits operating up to Group Board level and cash payback periods applied as part of the investment appraisal
process.
The Company monitors its risk to a shortage of funds using a recurring liquidity planning tool and daily cash-flow reporting. This includes
consideration of the maturity of both its financial investments and financial assets (for example accounts receivable, and other financial assets) and
projected cash-flows from operations. The Company’s objective is to maintain a balance between continuity of funding and flexibility for potential
acquisitions through the use of its banking facilities.
The table below summarises the maturity profile of the Company’s financial liabilities at 31 December 2021 based on contractual undiscounted
payments:
Year ended 31 December 2021
On demand
£’000
<3 months
£’000
3–12 months
£’000
1–5 years
£’000
>5 years
£’000
Total
£’000
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings
(including overdraft) 4,948 — — — — 4,948
Trade and other payables — 71,754 — — — 71,754
4,948 71,754 — — — 76,702
Year ended 31 December 2020
On demand
£’000
<3 months
£’000
3–12 months
£’000
1–5 years
£’000
>5 years
£’000
Total
£’000
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings
(including overdraft) 13,928 276 843 14,585 — 29,632
Trade and other payables — 108,159 — — — 108,159
13,928 108,435 843 14,585 — 137,791
The liquidity risk of the Company entity is managed centrally by the Group Treasury function. The Company’s cash requirement is monitored closely.
The Company has a RCF with a syndicate of major banking corporations to manage longer term borrowing requirements.
Capital management
The primary objective of the Company’s capital management is to ensure that it maintains appropriate capital structure to support its business
objectives, including any regulatory requirements, and maximise shareholder value. Capital includes share capital and other equity attributable to the
equity holders of the parent.
In the medium to long term, the Company will strive to maintain a reasonable leverage (i.e. balance between debt and equity) to help achieve the
Company’s business objectives of growth (through acquisitions and organic growth) and dividend policy. In the short term, the Company does not
have a set leverage ratio to be achieved but the Directors monitor the ratio of net debt to operating profit to ensure that the debt funding is not
excessively high.
164
Notes to the Parent Company Financial Statements continued.
for the year ended 31 December 2021
18. Financial instruments – risk management (continued)
Credit risk
There are no significant concentrations of credit risk within the Company.
Interest rate risk profile of financial assets and liabilities
Treasury policy is described in the note above.
The interest rate profile of the financial assets and liabilities of the Company at 31 December 2021 are as follows:
Within 1 year
£’000
1-2 years
£’000
2-3
years
£’000
3-4
years
£’000
Total
£’000
Floating rate
Cash and cash equivalents (4,948) — — — (4,948)
Loan notes — — — — —
RCF — — — — —
The effective interest rate and the actual interest rate charged on the loans in 2021 are as follows:
Effective rate Actual rate
RCF 1.1% 2.3%
The effective interest rate on the RCF during the year is higher than the actual rate due to commitment fees payable on undrawn amounts.
The interest rate profile of the financial assets and liabilities of the Company at 31 December 2020 are as follows:
Within 1 year
£’000
1-2 years
£’000
2-3
years
£’000
3-4
years
£’000
Total
£’000
Floating rate
Cash and cash equivalents (13,928) — — — (13,928)
Loan notes — — — — —
RCF — (13,000) — — (13,000)
The effective interest rate and the actual interest rate charged on the loans in 2020 are as follows:
Effective rate Actual rate
RCF 1.2% 1.0%
Fair values of financial assets and financial liabilities
The fair values for the majority of the financial instruments have been calculated by discounting the expected future cash-flows at interest rates
prevailing for a comparable maturity period for each instrument. There are no material differences between the book value and fair value for any of
the Company’s financial instruments.
Fair value hierarchy
The company uses the following hierarchy for determining and disclosing the fair value of the financial instruments by valuation technique:
• Level 1: quoted (unadjusted) prices 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.
165 165
Other Information
Financial Statements
Strategic Report
Overview
Directors’ Report (including Corporate
Governance Reports and Committee Reports)
18. Financial instruments – risk management (continued)
The following table provides the fair value measurement hierarchy of the company’s assets and liabilities.
2021 £’000
Level 1
£’000
Level 2
£’000
Level 3
£’000
Assets measured at fair value
Financial assets 4,610 — — 4,610
2020 £’000
Level 1
£’000
Level 2
£’000
Level 3
£’000
Assets measured at fair value
Financial assets 8,847 — — 8,847
The fair value of equity financial assets that are not traded in the open market of £4.6m (2020: £8.8m) are using Level 3 techniques in accordance
with the fair value hierarchy and Management use all relevant and up to date information (including cash-flow forecasts and financial statements)
there appropriate a range of potential outcomes is considered in reaching a conclusion.
19. Events after the reporting period
In February 2022, LSL invested an additional £0.9m in its Pivotal Growth joint venture to fund its buy and build growth strategy.
166
Other Information
In this section
167 Definitions
171 Shareholder Information (including forward
looking statements information)
167
Definitions
Other Information
Financial Statements
Strategic Report
Overview
Directors’ Report (including Corporate
Governance Reports and Committee Reports)
“Adjusted Basic Earnings per Share” or “Adjusted Basic EPS” is defined at note 11 to the Financial Statements.
“Adjusted EBITDA” is Group Underlying Operating Profit (note 5 to the Financial Statements) plus depreciation on property, plant and equipment.
“AGM” Annual General Meeting.
“Advance Mortgage Funding” Advance Mortgage Funding Limited.
“Albany” Albany Insurance Company (Guernsey) Limited.
“Asset Management” refers to LSL’s repossessions, asset management and property management services for multi-property landlords.
“Audit & Risk Committee” LSL’s Audit & Risk Committee.
“Auditor Independence Policy” LSL policy relating to non-audit services provided by the external auditor.
“Basic Earnings per Share” or “EPS” is defined at note 11 to the Financial Statements.
“Board”/“Board of Directors” the board of Directors of LSL.
“BAYE” Buy As You Earn (also referred to as SIP).
“BDS” BDS Mortgage Group Limited.
“B2B” business to business.
“CAGR” compound average growth rate.
“Committees” refers to LSL’s Nominations Committee, the Audit & Risk Committee and the Remuneration Committee.
“Company” and “Parent Company” refers to LSL Property Services plc.
“Corporate Governance Report” The Corporate Governance and Nominations Committee Report contained within this Report.
“Code” UK Code of Corporate Governance published by the Financial Reporting Council (FRC) (July 2018 edition).
“Company Secretary” Sapna B. FitzGerald.
“CJRS” Coronavirus Jobs Retention Scheme.
“CSOP” Company Share Ownership Plan.
“COVID-19” coronavirus.
“Data and Information Security Committee" or “DISC” LSL’s Data and Information Security Committee.
“Davis Tate” trading name of Davis Tate Limited.
“Director” an Executive Director or Non Executive Director of LSL.
“Division(s)” refers to each of our Financial Services, Surveying & Valuation and Estate Agency divisions.
“DL&PS” or “Direct Life and Pension Services” or “Direct Life and Pensions” Direct Life and Pension Services Limited.
“DPO” Data Protection Officer.
“D2C” direct to consumer.
“EBITDA” Earnings, Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortisation.
“Elsevier” Elsevier Limited.
“Embrace Financial Services” or “EFS” Embrace Financial Services Limited.
“EPS” Earnings per Share.
“Ernst & Young” Ernst & Young LLP.
“ESG” Environmental, Social and Governance.
“ESOS” Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme.
168
“ESOT” LSL’s employee share scheme.
“ESOT Trustees” Apex Financial Services (Trust Company) Limited.
“Estate Agency Division” or “Estate Agency” this refers to Residential Sales, Lettings and Asset Management businesses.
“e.surv” or “e.surv Chartered Surveyors” trading names of e.surv Limited.
“Executive Committee” Executive Committee of the Group, which includes the Executive Directors.
“Executive Director(s)” David Stewart, Adam Castleton and Helen Buck.
“EU” European Union.
“FCA” Financial Conduct Authority.
“Financial Services Division” or “Financial Services” or “FS” refers to LSL’s financial services division (including mortgage, non-investment insurance
brokerage services and the operation of LSL’s intermediary networks).
“Financial Services D2C” or “D2C” refers to First2Protect and Embrace Financial Services.
“Financial Services Networks” refers to the PRIMIS Network and TMA mortgage club.
“Financial Services Other” refers to Pivotal Growth, New Homes businesses, D2C and technology businesses (Mortgage Gym and DL&PS).
“First2Protect” First2Protect Limited.
“First Complete” First Complete Limited.
“Financial Statements” financial statements contained in this Report.
“FRC” Financial Reporting Council.
“Global Property Ventures” refers to Global Property Ventures Limited.
“Group” LSL Property Services plc and its subsidiaries.
“Group First” Group First Limited, holding company of Mortgages First and Insurance First Brokers.
“Group Revenue” total revenue for the LSL Group.
“Group Underlying Operating margin” Group Underlying Operating Profit divided by Group Revenue.
“Goodfellows” trading name of GFEA Limited.
“Hawes” or “Hawes & Co” trading name of Hawes & Co Limited.
“HMRC” Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs.
“Homefast Property Services” Homefast Property Services Limited.
“Home Report” a report which includes a single survey, energy report and property questionnaire and which must accompany all residential property
marketing in Scotland.
“IBNR” Incurred But Not Reported.
“ICO” Information Commissioner’s Office
“IFRS” International Financial Reporting Standards.
“Insurance First Brokers” Insurance First Brokers Ltd.
“Intercounty” trading name of ICIEA Limited.
“JNP” trading name of JNP Estate Agents Limited.
“JSOP” joint share ownership plan.
“Korn Ferry” trading name of Korn Ferry Hay Group Limited.
“KPI” key performance indicators.
Definitions
169
Other Information
Financial Statements
Strategic Report
Overview
Directors’ Report (including Corporate
Governance Reports and Committee Reports)
“Land & New Homes” LSL Land & New Homes Ltd.
“Lauristons” trading name of Lauristons Limited.
“Lawlors” trading name of Lawlors Property Services Limited.
“LMS” LMS Direct Conveyancing Limited and Cybele Solutions Holdings Limited.
“Linear” and “Linear Financial Solutions” are trading names of Linear Mortgage Network Limited.
“Living Responsibly Report” report published on our website setting out our Living Responsibly Strategy and programme.
“LSLi” LSLi Limited and its subsidiary companies (during 2021 these included JNP, Intercounty, David Frost Estate Agents Limited, Goodfellows, Davis
Tate, Lauristons, Lawlors, Hawes & Co and Thomas Morris).
“LSL”, “Group” and “Parent Company” refers to LSL Property Services plc and its subsidiaries.
“LSL Corporate Client Department” trading name of LSL Corporate Client Services Limited.
“LTIP” Long Term Incentive Plan.
“Management” refers to the Group’s management teams.
“MAR” the UK Market Abuse Regulation.
“Marsh & Parsons” trading name of Marsh & Parsons Limited.
“Mortgages First” Mortgages First Ltd.
“Mortgage Gym” Mortgage Gym Solutions Limited.
“NBC Property Master” NBC Property Master Limited.
“Net Bank Debt” see note 33 to the Financial Statements.
“Net Cash” see note 33 to the Financial Statements.
“New Build” and “New Homes” refers to RSC New Homes and the Group First companies.
“NFM” non-financial measures.
“Non Executive Director” refers, during 2021, to Gaby Appleton, Darrell Evans, Bill Shannon, Simon Embley. Since 4 March 2022 it also includes Sonya
Ghobrial.
“Notice of Meeting” the circular made available to shareholders setting out details of the AGM.
“Numis” Numis Securities Limited.
“OCI” refers to other comprehensive income.
“Palmer and Harvey” trading name of Palmer & Harvey McLane Limited.
“PDMRs” Persons Discharging Managerial Responsibility as defined in Article 3(1) (25) of UK MAR.
“Personal Touch Financial Services” or “PTFS” Personal Touch Financial Services Limited.
“Personal Touch Administration Services” or “PTAS” Personal Touch Administration Services Limited.
“Pivotal Growth” Pivotal Growth Limited.
“PI” professional indemnity.
“PI Costs” costs relating to ongoing and expected future PI claims relating to Surveying & Valuation business.
“Pollen Street Capital” or “PSC” Pollen Street Capital Limited
“PRIMIS Network” or “PRIMIS” a trading name of Advance Mortgage Funding, First Complete and Personal Touch Financial Services.
“RCF” Revolving Credit Facility.
“Reeds Rains” trading name of Reeds Rains Limited.
170
“Registered Office” Newcastle House, Albany Court, Newcastle Business Park, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE4 7YB.
“RELX” RELX Group plc.
“Report” LSL’s Annual Report and Accounts 2021.
“RICS” Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.
“Road to Health” RoadtoHealth Group Ltd.
“RSC New Homes” or “RSC” RSC New Homes Limited.
“Sainsbury’s” Sainsbury’s Supermarkets Limited.
“SAYE” Save As You Earn.
“Senior Management Team” or “Senior Managers” includes three Executive Directors, and the Executive Committee and their direct reports,
excluding PAs and administrators.
“SIP” Share Incentive Plan (also referred to as BAYE).
“Surveying Division” or “Surveying” refers to LSL’s Surveying & Valuation business.
“Surveying & Valuation” refers to e.surv Limited (including where it trades as Walker Fraser Steel).
“Templeton” trading name of Templeton LPA Limited.
“The Property Franchise Group” or “TPFG” The Property Franchise Group plc.
“Thomas Morris” trading name of Thomas Morris Limited.
“The Mortgage Alliance” or “TMA” are trading names of Advance Mortgage Funding Limited’s mortgage club.
“TM Group” TM Group Limited.
“Toolbox” PRIMIS’s end-to-end customer services platform.
“TPO” The Property Ombudsman.
“Trust” LSL’s SIP trust.
“Trustees” Link Market Services (Trustees) Limited.
“TSR” Total Shareholder Return.
“UKLA” UK Listing Authority.
“Underlying Operating Margin” operating profit before exceptional costs, contingent consideration, amortisation and share-based payments shown
as a percentage of turnover.
“Underlying Operating Profit/Loss” before exceptional costs, contingent consideration, amortisation of intangible assets and share-based payments.
“VEM” or “Vibrant Energy Matters” Vibrant Energy Matters Limited.
“Walker Fraser Steele” a trading name of e.surv Limited.
“Your Move” trading name of your-move.co.uk Limited.
“Zeus” Zeus Capital Limited.
171
Other Information
Financial Statements
Strategic Report
Overview
Directors’ Report (including Corporate
Governance Reports and Committee Reports)
Shareholder Information
(including forward looking statements information)
Company details
LSL Property Services plc
Registered in England (company number 5114014)
LEI Number 213800T4VM5VR3C7S706
Registered office
Newcastle House, Albany Court, Newcastle Business Park, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE4 7YB
Telephone: 0191 233 4600
Email: investorrelations@lslps.co.uk
Website: lslps.co.uk
Company Secretary’s office
Howard House, 3 St Marys Court, Blossom Street, York, YO24 1AH
Email: investorrelations@lslps.co.uk
Share listing
LSL Property Services plc 0.2 pence ordinary shares are listed on the London Stock Exchange under ISIN GB00BIG5HX72
Registrar
Link Group, 10th Floor, Central Square, 29 Wellington Street, Leeds, LS1 4DL
Telephone: 0371 664 0300
Calls are charged at the standard geographic rate and will vary by provider. Calls outside the UK will be charged at the applicable international rate. Link Group
is open between 09:00 – 17:30, Monday to Friday excluding public holidays in England and Wales.
Website: linkgroup.eu
Email: shareholderenquiries@linkgroup.co.uk
If you move, please do not forget to let the registrar know your new address.
Brokers:
Numis Securities Limited
Zeus Capital Limited
Calendar of events
Preliminary results released 16 March 2022
AGM proxy form deadline 25 May 2022
AGM 27 May 2022
The AGM will be held at Hilton London Paddington, 146 Praed Street, London W2 1EE at 1pm. The Notice of Meeting details the proposed resolutions.
In accordance with our Articles of Association, we publish shareholder information, including notice of AGMs and the Annual Report and Accounts on our
website, lslps.co.uk. Reducing the number of communications sent by post not only results in cost savings to us, it also reduces the impact that unnecessary
printing and distribution of reports has on the environment.
Our Articles of Association enable all communications between us and our shareholders to be made in electronic form (as permitted by the Companies Act
2006). Documents will be supplied via our website to shareholders who have not requested a hard copy or provided an email address to which documents of
information may be sent. Where a shareholder has consented to receive information via the website, a letter will be sent to the shareholder on release of any
information directing them to the website (lslps.co.uk).
If a shareholder wishes to continue to receive hard copy documents, they should contact Link Group (details above).
Forward looking statements
By their nature, all forward looking statements involve risk and uncertainty because they relate to future events and circumstances and are subject to
assumptions that are beyond the control of LSL including, amongst other things, UK domestic and global economic and business conditions, market related
risks such as fluctuations in interest rates, inflation, deflation, the impact of competition, changes in customer preferences, delays in implementing proposals,
the timing, impact and other uncertainties of future acquisitions or other combinations within relevant industries, the policies and actions of regulatory
authorities and the impact of tax or other legislation and other regulations in the UK. As a result LSL’s actual future condition, business performance and results
may differ materially from the plans, goals and expectations expressed or implied in these forward looking statements. Nothing in this Report is intended to or
should be construed as a profit forecast. Information about the management of the Principal Risks and Uncertainties facing LSL is set out within the Strategic
Report on pages 22 to 26.
Any forward looking statements in this document speak only at the date of this document and LSL undertakes no obligation to update publicly or review any
forward looking statement to reflect new information or events, circumstances or developments after the date of this document.
LSL Property Services plc
lslps.co.uk
Registered in England
(Company number 5114014)
Registered office:
Email: investorrelations@lslps.co.uk
LSL Property Services plc Annual Report and Accounts 2021