Our strategic priorities

OUR STRATEGIC PRIORITIES

In line with our simple, focused approach, we have set three strategic priorities that will drive our business forward in the year ahead (FY2022). Executing on these priorities will support our long-standing strategic objective to deliver sustainable returns to our shareholders and long-term socio-economic benefits in the communities where we work.

OVERHEAD REDUCTION

Deliver on our efficiencies programme to significantly reduce gross recurring overheads, including staff, office, third-party and other discretionary costs.

FY2021 PERFORMANCE
  • 26% reduction in gross recurring overhead to £15.5 million (FY2020: £21.0 million).
  • 42% reduction in staff numbers from 1 April 2020 to 30 June 2021.
  • Office headquarter lease on the market; search for smaller, cheaper office space solutions underway.
  • Exceeded target of £33.0 million cash preserved through a reduction in discretionary capex.

 

FY2022 TARGET

  • 33% reduction in gross recurring overhead to £14 million from FY2020 £21.0 million base; reduction to £12 million by FY2023.
  • Reduction in office costs, including solution for Howick Place lease and staff headquarters.
  • Annualised savings through decrease in offshore entities and rationalising portfolio of assets.

PORTFOLIO RATIONALISATION

Execute on our accelerated monetisation programme to dispose of assets we have defined as ‘non-core’ within our development, trading and investment portfolios.

FY2021 PERFORMANCE

  • Completed portfolio review and identified non-core assets for disposal.
  • Formed internal team focused on delivery of disposals programme.
  • Proceeds of £54.5 million - of which £43.6 million is free cash and £10.9 million is restricted cash - ahead of our £50 million target.

 

FY2022 TARGET

  • Proceeds of £80 million through further disposals of non-core assets.
  • Reduce number of non-core development and trading projects to 28 in the next 12-24 months from 35 at FY2021.
  • Reduce on balance sheet gearing to 25-35% or 35-45% including our share of joint venture debt.

INTEGRATED ESG APPROACH

Roll out our integrated ESG programme with evidence-based and measurable targets across key areas of the ESG agenda, reflecting our core values and ambitions to be an industry leader.

FY2021 PERFORMANCE

  • Independent ESG review completed.
  • Set out a detailed framework and programme for delivery of our ESG agenda.
  • Four immediate priority areas, objectives and material issues identified.
  • Programme commenced.

FY2022 TARGET

  • Publish a complete socio-economic audit of our entire portfolio.
  • Publish an ambitious set of targets across all aspects of the ESG agenda, that are relevant to our business and schemes.
  • Roll out a capacity building programme to deliver on our targets.
  • Publish our first annual Positive Impact Report that will measure our performance.
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