# Conygar Investment Company Significant progress and change made this year

- Link: https://www.directorstalkinterviews.com/conygar-investment-company-significant-progress-and-change-made-this-year/412762043
- Published: 2018-11-27T07:25:34+00:00
- Author: Giles Arbor

**Conygar Investment Company PLC** ([LON: CIC](https://www.directorstalkinterviews.com/company/conygar-investment-company-plc/cic.l))
has today provided its preliminary results for the year ended 30th September 2018.

**Summary**

Net asset value per share 201.3p.

· Outline planning submitted to Nottingham City Council for a mixed use scheme consisting
of over 2 million square feet.

· Exchanged a lease agreement with Lidl UK to construct a 23,000 square foot store
at Cross Hands, south west Wales.

· Disposed of M&S Food Hall at Ashby-de-la-Zouch for £4.4 million.

· Agreed a lease with B&M Retail and a forward sale at Ashby-de-la-Zouch.

· Planning permission granted and construction started for an 80 bed Premier Inn
at Parc Cybi, Anglesey. Forward sold for £6.9 million.

· Purchase of industrial property in Selly Oak, Birmingham for £3.5 million in April
2018.

· Sold all 26.3 million Regional REIT shares for £25.5 million.

· Total cash available of £49.3 million with no debt or borrowings.

· Bought back 7.13 million shares (10.7% of ordinary share capital) at an average
price of 165.9 pence per share.

Summary Group Net Assets as at 30 September 2018

 

  |

 |

 |

Per Share

  |  
 |

 |

£’m

  |

p

  |  
 |

Properties and Projects

  |

70.2

  |

117.3

  |  
 |

Cash and other net assets

  |

50.1

  |

84.0

  |  
 |

Net Assets

  |

120.3

  |

201.3

  |

 

>  **Robert Ware, Conygar Investment Company PLC Chief Executive, commented:**
> “Significant progress and change has occurred over the year. With the sale of 
> our holding in Regional REIT and the sale or forward sale of certain assets, our
> balance sheet is now stronger than a year ago, consisting only of our properties
> and cash reserves, with no debt. We have submitted outline planning for the Nottingham
> City Centre site, taken full control of the Holyhead Waterfront development, are
> delivering our properties under construction and are also well positioned to capitalise
> on other opportunities when they arise.”

**Chairman’s & Chief Executive’s Statement**

**Results**

We present the Group’s results for the year ended 30 September 2018.

Net asset value per share was 201.3p (2017: 203.0p).

Significant progress and change has occurred over the year. Following the sale of
the investment property portfolio in 2017, the Group has sold all of its holding
in Regional REIT Ltd. We have taken full control of the development project at Holyhead
Waterfront, which was previously a 50%/50% joint venture with Stena Line. We have
sold one asset and conditionally agreed to forward sell two assets taking advantage
of the favourable market conditions we have seen for assets with long-term income,
let to strong tenants.

As referred to in our interim results for the six months ended 31 March 2018, we
have written down the values of two of our development projects, at Fishguard Waterfront
and Llandudno Junction, and this has been the main cause of the loss before taxation
for the year of £3.8 million (2017: profit of £1.2 million).

Despite this loss, the balance sheet remains strong and now consists of our investment
properties under construction and development projects totalling £70.2 million and
our cash deposits of £49.3 million.

This places us in a good position to deliver our development pipeline and also to
capitalise on opportunities when they arise.

**Progress**

The Group disposed of its entire holding of 26.3 million shares in Regional REIT
Limited, realising a total of £25.5 million. The total gain from the investment 
property portfolios sold to Regional REIT is £45.7 million over seven years, on 
an original investment cost of £113.4 million.

The development pipeline has progressed well during the year. In June, the Group
submitted an outline planning application for a mixed used scheme of over two million
square feet at its 37 acre site in Nottingham City Centre. We have continued to 
work closely with Nottingham City Council to deliver this exciting project, which
will include offices, apartments, student housing, leisure uses and associated community
retail offering, along with open public spaces. We expect a decision from the Council
with regard to the planning application shortly and we are keen to begin the infrastructure
works as soon as possible.

As mentioned above, the Group has decided to sell or forward sell a number of assets
which it originally intended to hold to provide long-term income. The unsolicited
offers received were compelling and highlight that, despite the current uncertainty
in the UK economy, there is still a strong appetite for good quality regional assets.
In November 2017, we sold our M&S Food Hall investment in Ashby-de-la-Zouch for 
£4.35 million, realising a profit of £446,000. At the same site, we exchanged a 
lease agreement with B&M Retail Ltd to construct a 20,000 square foot store with
an additional 7,500 square foot garden centre and parking. Subsequently, an offer
was received to forward purchase this asset and once constructed, which we expect
will be by next autumn, the disposal will result in the Group receiving £4.3 million
for the land and completed development.

On Parc Cybi, Anglesey, detailed planning permission was granted by Ynys Mon County
Council (the Isle of Anglesey County Council) for an eighty bedroom hotel, which
once built, is subject to a 25 year lease with Premier Inn Hotels Limited. Similarly
to Ashby-de-la-Zouch, an offer was received for this asset which will result in 
the Group receiving net proceeds of £6.9 million for the completed development. 
These net proceeds equate to a net initial yield of 4.7% and again this disposal
highlights the attraction of assets benefitting from long-term income let to high
quality occupiers.

In September, we were pleased to announce that we had exchanged a lease agreement
with Lidl UK Gmbh to construct a 23,000 square foot store on our retail park at 
Cross Hands, in south west Wales. Once Lidl is operating, approximately 75,000 square
feet of the park will be income generating, leaving just 15,000 square feet of constructed
space available to let and 0.75 acres available for future construction. We continue
to aim to have this site fully operational by next autumn.

In May, the Group agreed with its partner, Stena Line Ports Limited, to take 100%
control of its joint venture development project at Holyhead Waterfront. The transaction
enables us to progress with the scheme as planned and we are working towards obtaining
detailed planning permission in the coming months. As part of the transaction, Stena
was granted 999 year leases of the platform at Soldier’s Quay, which is not required
for the waterfront development, and a warehouse, which is situated at Soldier’s 
Point and is used by Stena. We retain a right to call for a sublease if this warehouse
is required for the waterfront development in the future. As part of the transaction,
Stena repaid £2.5 million to Conygar, which is Stena’s 50% share of a loan the Group
made to the joint venture company. As consideration for the sale of its shares in
the joint venture company, Stena received £1 and will receive 20% of the profit 
after tax of the development once it has completed.

Lastly, in April, we acquired an industrial property in Selly Oak, Birmingham for
£3.5 million which generates income of £215,000 per annum. The property is located
in a predominantly residential area and it benefits from good medium term redevelopment
prospects.

**Dividend**

The Board recommends that no dividend is declared in respect of the year ended 30
September 2018. More information on the Group’s dividend policy can be found within
the Strategic Report.

**Share Buy Back**

During the year, the Group acquired 7,130,000 ordinary shares representing 10.7%
of its ordinary share capital, at an average price of 165.9p per share at a cost
of £11.8m. As a result of the buy backs, net asset value per share has been enhanced
by 4.4 pence per share. Following the year end, the Group has acquired a further
2,550,000 ordinary shares representing 3.8% of its ordinary share capital at an 
average price of 171.5p per share. This cost £4.4 million and has enhanced net asset
value per share by 1.6 pence per share. The Group will seek to renew the buy back
authority at the forthcoming AGM as we consider it to be a useful capital management
tool.

**Outlook**

Our balance sheet is now stronger than a year ago, consisting only of our properties
and cash reserves, with no debt. Accordingly, we are well positioned to deliver 
the development projects and also, to make further acquisitions should the right
opportunities arise.

N J Hamway – Chairman
 R T E Ware – Chief Executive

**Strategic Report**

The Group’s Strategic Report provides a review of the business for the financial
year; discusses the Group’s financial position at the year end and explains the 
principal risks and uncertainties facing the business and how we manage those risks.
We also outline the Group’s business model and strategy.

**Strategy and Business Model**

Conygar is an AIM quoted property investment and development group dealing primarily
in UK property. Our aim is to invest in property assets and companies where we can
add significant value using our property management, development and transaction
structuring skills.

The business operates three major strands being, property investment, property development
and investment in companies which trade or invest in property or hold substantial
property assets. We continue to focus upon positive cash flow and are prepared to
use modest levels of gearing to enhance returns. Assets are recycled to release 
capital as opportunities present themselves and we will continue to buy back shares
where appropriate. The Group is content to hold cash and adopt a patient strategy
unless there is a compelling reason to invest.

**Position of the Company at the year end**

The portfolio of investment properties under construction and the development pipeline
are progressing and construction is expected to start at several more locations 
this year. The balance sheet remains strong with cash of £49.3 million and there
is no debt in the Group. The Group has adequate resources to maintain and develop
its business and the balance sheet remains both liquid and robust.

**Events since the balance sheet date**

There have been no significant events since the balance sheet date.

**Summary of Group Net Assets**

The Group net assets as at 30 September 2018 may be summarised as follows:

  |

 |

 |

 |

Per Share

  |  
 |

 |

£’m

  |

 |

p

  |  
 |

Properties and Projects

  |

70.2

  |

 |

117.3

  |  
 |

Cash and other net assets

  |

50.1

  |

 |

84.0

  |  
 |

Net Assets

  |

120.3

  |

 |

201.3

  |

 

**Investment properties and Investment in Regional REIT Limited**

The Group completed the disposal of various Group undertakings on 24 March 2017 
which, with the exception of the investment properties under construction, comprised
the Group’s entire investment property portfolio. The net consideration was satisfied
by the issue of 26,326,644 ordinary shares in Regional REIT Limited at a price of
106.3 pence per share. The shares were sold in the year at an average price of 97
pence per share generating £25.5 million.

**Investment Properties Under Construction and Development Projects**

Good progress has been made on most of our development projects and investment properties
under construction since we last reported.

**Nottingham**

In December 2016, the Group acquired 37 acres in Nottingham city centre for £13.5
million. The mainly cleared site was formerly Boots, the Chemists’ headquarters 
and laboratories and has been vacant for twenty years. An outline planning application
was submitted in June 2018 and includes offices, residential, student accommodation
and leisure facilities comprising some two million square feet. We believe this 
is a very exciting opportunity to help shape a major UK city and we look forward
to commencing the infrastructure works as soon as possible.

**Cross Hands**

We completed the construction of the initial 67,000 square foot phase of the retail
park at Cross Hands, south west Wales in October 2017. The construction was delivered
on time and on budget. In September, we exchanged a lease agreement with Lidl UK
Gmbh to construct a 23,000 square foot store and associated car parking and subject
to the successful determination of a Section 73 application, which has been submitted,
we intend to start on site in early 2019, with practical completion planned for 
the autumn. Once operating, approximately 75,000 square feet of the park will be
income generating with other tenants including B&M Retail Ltd, Iceland Foods Limited,
Pets at Home Ltd, Peacocks Stores Limited, Costa Coffee Ltd, Dominos PLC and David
Jenkins Ltd. There will then be 15,000 square feet of constructed space available
to let and 0.75 acres available for construction.

**Holyhead Waterfront**

At Holyhead Waterfront, we agreed with Stena Line Ports Limited to take 100% control
of the joint venture development project. This transaction enables us to progress
with the scheme as planned and we will now progress the detailed design and Reserved
Matters application for the development over the coming year.

**Parc Cybi Business Park and Rhosgoch**

At Parc Cybi, Anglesey, we exchanged an agreement for lease with Premier Inn Hotels
Ltd to construct an 80-bedroom hotel with a restaurant and bar. We received planning
permission from Ynys Mon County Council in November 2017. The pre-let to Premier
Inn is on a 25 year lease, with a first break clause at year 20. We started construction
in March and expect to complete in early 2019. The asset has been forward sold and
the net sale proceeds from the sale of land and the development agreement will be
£6.9 million, representing a yield of 4.7%.

The option agreement we signed with Horizon Nuclear Power (HNP) in December 2016,
enabling them to instruct us to build a logistics centre on our 6.9 acre site at
Parc Cybi is still in place. Similarly, the second option agreement that covers 
the 203 acre site at Rhosgoch for use during the construction of Wylfa B stands 
until December 2022. Rhosgoch is one of several sites that HNP are considering as
a location for housing the temporary construction workers. The Development Consent
Order for the entire Wylfa scheme and associated infrastructure was submitted by
Horizon Nuclear in June and is currently being examined by the planning inspectorate
in a process which is expected to last six months.

**Selly Oak**

In April, we acquired units 5-9 Selly Oak Industrial Estate in Birmingham for £3.5
million including costs. The units consist of 50,000 square feet and are fully let
to University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust and Revolution Gymnastics
Limited, generating income of £215,500 per annum. The property is located in a predominantly
residential area and has strong short to medium term redevelopment prospects.

**Haverfordwest**

At Haverfordwest, we successfully discharged the three pre-commencement conditions
of the residential permission relating to master planning, phasing and ecology. 
We plan to submit a reserved matters application for the first phase of approximately
one hundred units imminently.

We continue to work on plans for the retail site where we withdrew our planning 
application in 2017.

**Ashby-de-la-Zouch**

At Ashby-de-la-Zouch, we completed the construction of an 11,000 square foot Marks
and Spencer Food Hall, that was pre-let for a fixed term of 15 years. Having received
an unsolicited offer of £4.35m, we disposed of the property in November 2017 for
a net initial yield to the purchaser of 4.75%. On the further 2 acres of the site,
we exchanged an agreement for lease, subject to planning, with B&M Retail for a 
term of 15 years. In October, a resolution to grant planning was awarded. The construction
of the 20,000 square foot store and 7,500 square foot garden centre will start in
the New Year. We have agreed to forward sell this asset and it is expected that 
the net sale proceeds from the sale of land and the development agreement will equate
to £4.3 million.

**King’s Lynn, Norfolk**

This is a six acre residential development site with planning permission for 94 
dwellings near to King’s Lynn, Norfolk. We are in discussions to sell this site 
and will provide an update on the potential disposal when we next report.

**Fishguard Harbour**

At Fishguard Harbour, we announced in January that we can no longer progress our
plans for this mixed-use marina development and we have therefore written off a 
total of £2.4 million.

**Llandudno Junction**

We have been working with Conwy County Council, as its preferred development partner,
to bring forward 90,000 square feet of retail floor space at its Old Brickworks 
site. Due to the profound difficulties in the retail sector and our belief that 
we will not be able to deliver the park as planned, it was decided that this investment
should be written off. We are continuing to work with the Council and potential 
occupiers to devise alternative schemes for the site.

**Summary of Investment Properties**

  |

 |

2018

  |

2017

  |  
 |

 |

£’m

  |

£’m

  |  
 |

Nottingham

  |

15.00

  |

14.01

  |  
 |

Cross Hands

  |

9.64

  |

8.14

  |  
 |

Haverfordwest (Retail)

  |

3.59

  |

3.52

  |  
 |

Selly Oak 1

  |

3.57

  |

–

  |  
 |

Rhosgoch

  |

3.47

  |

3.46

  |  
 |

Parc Cybi, Holyhead

  |

2.83

  |

1.61

  |  
 |

Ashby-de-la-Zouch 2

  |

0.13

  |

3.55

  |  
 |

Total investment to date

  |

38.23

  |

34.29

  |

 

1. On 30 April 2018, the Company acquired units 5-9 Selly Oak Industrial Estate.

2. The Marks and Spencer Food Hall development was completed in the year and, having
received an unsolicited offer of £4.35m, was disposed of in November 2017.

**Summary of Development Projects**

It remains our intention, once the individual projects are significantly advanced,
to introduce third party valuations as soon as it is practical to do so. We remain
confident that there is significant upside in these projects which will become evident
over the medium term.

  |

 |

2018

  |

2017

  |  
 |

 |

£’m

  |

£’m

  |  
 |

Haverfordwest

  |

22.14

  |

22.03

  |  
 |

Holyhead Waterfront 1

  |

8.85

  |

10.26

  |  
 |

King’s Lynn

  |

0.87

  |

0.87

  |  
 |

Fishguard Lorry Stop 2

  |

0.07

  |

0.54

  |  
 |

Fishguard Waterfront 2

  |

–

  |

2.17

  |  
 |

Llandudno Junction

  |

–

  |

0.71

  |  
 |

Total investment to date

  |

31.93

  |

36.58

  |

 

1. Includes £2.5m received from Stena Line Ports Limited.

2. The Company is unable to progress its proposals for a mixed-use development.

**Financial review**

**Net Asset Value**

The net asset value at the year end was £120.3 million (2017: £135.8 million). The
primary movements in the year were £1.8 million from investment property sales and
net rental income plus £1.6 million of dividends from Regional REIT Limited offset
by a £2.1 million loss on the sale of the Regional REIT shares, £3.2 million of 
development costs written off, £3.1 million of administrative costs and £11.8 million
spent on purchasing our own shares. Following the cancellation of the share options
in 2016, there are no diluting items to the basic NAV per share.

The NNNAV or “triple net asset value” is the net asset value taking into account
asset revaluations, the mark to market costs of debt and hedging instruments and
any associated tax effect. Our investment properties are carried on our balance 
sheet at independent valuation. Our investment properties under construction are
carried at fair value and the development and trading assets are carried at the 
lower of cost and net realisable value. We have not sought to value these assets
as, in our opinion, they are at too early a stage in their development to provide
a meaningful figure, so cost is equated to fair value for these purposes. On this
basis, there is no material difference between our stated net asset value and NNNAV.

**Cash flow**

The Group used £1.0 million cash in operating activities (2017: used £0.2 million).

The primary cash outflows in the year were £3.5 million to purchase Selly Oak, £
4.2 million incurred on investment properties under construction and £11.8 million
to buy back shares. These were offset by £4.3 million from the sale of an investment
property, £25.5 million from the sale of Regional REIT shares and £2.5 million received
from Stena Line Ports following the release of their interest in the Stena Line 
joint venture, resulting in a cash inflow during the year of £12.1 million (2017:
cash outflow of £26.5 million).

**Net Income From Investment Property Activities**

  |

 |

2018

  |

2017

  |  
 |

 |

£’m

  |

£’m

  |  
 |

Rental income

  |

1.5

  |

5.0

  |  
 |

Direct property costs

  |

(0.2)

  |

(1.6)

  |  
 |

Rental surplus

  |

1.3

  |

3.4

  |  
 |

Profit on sale of group undertakings*

  |

–

  |

1.5

  |  
 |

Sale of investment property

  |

4.3

  |

–

  |  
 |

Cost of investment property sold

  |

(3.8)

  |

–

  |  
 |

Total net income arising from investment property activities

  |

 1.8

  |

 4.9

  |  
 |

 |

*Profit arising from the sale of the investment property portfolio to Regional REIT
Limited.

**Administrative Expenses**

The administrative expenses for the year ended 30 September 2018 were £3.1 million
compared with £2.7 million the previous year. The major items were salary costs 
of £1.9 million (2017: £1.7 million) and various costs arising as a result of the
Group being listed on AIM.

**Financing**

At 30 September 2018, the Group had cash of £49.3 million (2017: £37.2 million).
The increase has resulted mainly from sale of both the Regional REIT shares and 
investment property, partly offset by the cash used in buying back shares, administrative
costs, the purchase of Selly Oak and investing in the investment properties under
construction and development projects.

As at 30 September 2018, the Group does not maintain any bank loan facilities.

**Taxation**

The tax credit for the year is £0.1 million on the pre-tax loss of £3.8 million 
and comprises £0.1 million of current tax offset by a £0.2 million deferred tax 
credit. Current tax is payable, at a rate of 19% for UK registered companies and
20% for those registered in Jersey, on net rental income after deduction of finance
costs and administrative expenses. The deferred tax liability of £0.2 million, recognised
at 30 September 2017, has been reversed in the year following the sale of all the
Regional REIT shares.

**Capital management**

**Capital Risk Management**

The Group’s objectives when managing capital are to safeguard the Group’s ability
to continue as a going concern in order to provide returns for shareholders and 
benefits for other stakeholders and to maintain an optimal capital structure to 
reduce the cost of capital.

While the Group does not have a formally approved gearing ratio, the objective above
is actively managed through the direct linkage of borrowings to specific property.
The Group seeks to ensure that secured borrowing stays within agreed covenants with
external lenders.

**Treasury Policies**

The objective of the Group’s treasury policies is to manage the Group’s financial
risk, secure cost effective funding for the Group’s operations and to minimise the
adverse effects of fluctuations in the financial markets on the value of the Group’s
financial assets and liabilities, on reported profitability and on the cash flows
of the Group.

The Group finances its activities with a combination of bank loans, cash and short
term deposits. Other financial assets and liabilities, such as trade receivables
and trade payables, arise directly from the Group’s operations. The Group may also
enter into derivative transactions to manage the interest rate risk arising from
the Group’s operations and its sources of finance. Derivative instruments may be
used to change the economic characteristics of financial instruments in accordance
with the Group’s treasury policies.

The management of cash and similar instruments is monitored weekly with summary 
cash statements produced on a fortnightly basis and discussed regularly in management
and Board meetings. The overall aim is to provide sufficient liquidity to meet the
requirements of the business in terms of funding developments and potential acquisitions.
Surplus funds are invested with a broad range of institutions with a range of maturities
up to a maximum of 180 days. At any point in time, at least half of the Group’s 
cash is held on instant access or short term deposit of less than 30 days.

**Dividend policy**

The Board recommends that no dividend is paid in respect of the year ended 30 September
2018.

Our dividend policy is consistent with the overall strategy of the business: namely
to invest in property assets and companies where we can add significant value using
our property management, development and transaction structuring skills.

Over the past nine years we have used the surplus cash flow from the investment 
property portfolio to enhance these properties by refurbishment, re-letting and 
extending tenancies, fund the operation of the business, create a medium term pipeline
of development opportunities, pay a modest dividend and buy back shares where appropriate.

The Board will continue to review our dividend policy each year. Our focus is, and
will continue to be, primarily growth in net asset value per share.

**Share buy backs**

During the year, the Group acquired 7,130,000 ordinary shares at an average price
of 165.9p which represents 10.7% of its ordinary share capital. This cost £11.8 
million and net asset value per share has been enhanced by approximately 4.4 pence
per share. The Group will seek to renew the buy back authority at the forthcoming
Annual General Meeting.

**Principal risks and uncertainties**

Managing risk is an integral element of the Group’s management activities and a 
considerable amount of time is spent assessing and managing risks to the business.
Responsibility for risk management rests with the Board, with external advisers 
used where necessary.

**Strategic risks**

Strategic risks are risks arising from an inappropriate strategy or through flawed
execution of a strategy. By definition, strategies tend to be longer term than most
other risks and, as has been amply demonstrated in the last few years, the economic
and wider environment can alter quickly and significantly. Strategic risks identified
include global or national events, regulatory and legal changes, market or sector
changes and key staff retention.

The Board devotes a considerable amount of time and resource to continually monitoring
and discussing the environment in which we operate and the potential impacts upon
the Group. We are confident we have sufficiently high calibre directors and managers
to manage strategic risks.

We are content that the Group has the right approach toward strategy and our financial
performance and strong balance sheet are good evidence of that.

**Operational risks**

Operational risks are essentially those risks that might arise from inadequate internal
systems, processes, resources or incorrect decision making. Clearly, it is not possible
to eliminate operational risk, however a considerable amount of time and resource
is applied towards ensuring we have the right calibre of staff and external support
to minimise such risks, as most operational risks arise from people-related issues.
We have also invested in improved IT systems to support the business and protect
data. Our executive directors are very closely involved in the day-to-day running
of the business to ensure sound management judgement is applied.

The Group has not suffered any material loss from operational risks during the year.

**Market risks**

Market risks primarily arise from the possibility that the Group is exposed to fluctuations
in the values of, or income from, its investment property portfolio and development
land bank. This is a key risk to the principal activities of the Group and the exposures
are continuously monitored through timely financial and management reporting and
analysis of available market intelligence.

Where necessary, management takes appropriate action to mitigate any adverse impact
arising from identified risks and market risks continue to be monitored closely.

**Estimation and judgement risks**

To be able to prepare accounts according to generally accepted accounting principles,
management must make estimates and assumptions that affect the asset and liability
items and revenue and expense amounts recorded in the accounts. These estimates 
are based on historical experience and various other assumptions that management
and the board of directors believe are reasonable under the circumstances. The results
of these considerations form the basis for making judgements about the carrying 
value of assets and liabilities that are not readily available from other sources.

The key sources of estimation uncertainty that have a significant risk of causing
material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the
next financial year are the following:

**Property held for Investment**

The fair value of property held for investment is based upon open market value and
is calculated using a third party valuation provided by an external valuer.

**Properties held for Development**

The net realisable value of properties held for development requires an assessment
of fair value of the underlying assets using property appraisal techniques and other
valuation methods. Such estimates are inherently subjective and actual values can
only be determined in a sales transaction.

**Investment Properties under Construction**

The fair value of investment properties under construction rests in planned developments,
and is difficult to estimate before the completion of their construction, and hence
has been estimated by the Directors at cost as an approximation to fair value.

**Financial Liabilities**

The Group’s policy is to manage the cost of borrowing using variable rate debt. 
Whilst floating rate borrowings are not exposed to changes in fair value, the Group
is exposed to cash flow risk as costs increase if market rates rise. The Group’s
policy is to use derivative financial instruments to mitigate at least 50% of this
risk in order to

achieve a sensible and appropriate level of interest rate protection whilst maintaining
flexibility to match the commercial trading strategy.

As at 30 September 2018, the Group does not maintain any bank loan facilities or
derivative financial instruments.

**Financial Assets**

The interest rate profile of the Group’s cash at the balance sheet date was as follows:

  |

 |

30 Sep 18

  |

30 Sep 17

  |  
 |

 |

£’000

  |

£’000

  |  
 |

Floating rate

  |

49,262

  |

37,170

  |  
 |

 |

 |

 

Floating rate financial assets comprise cash and short term deposits at call and
money market rates for up to thirty days and institutional cash funds.

**Credit Risk**

The risk of financial loss due to a counterparty’s failure to honour its obligations
arises principally in connection with property leases, the investment of surplus
cash and transactions where the Group sells properties with an element of deferred
consideration.

Tenant rent payments are monitored regularly and appropriate action is taken to 
recover monies owed or if necessary, to terminate the lease. Deferred consideration
terms are only agreed with counterparties approved by the Board or where some additional
security is available, and there were none as at 30 September 2018 (2017: none).

The Group policy has been to invest funds with a broad range of institutions having
investment grade low risk credit ratings and a strong or superior ability to repay
short term debt obligations. The unprecedented credit and banking market disruption
of the global financial crisis had a significant impact upon the ability to rely
upon either credit ratings or the ability of financial institutions to honour their
commitments and the widespread nature of the financial crisis introduced considerable
uncertainty into the process. As at 30 September 2018, the Group had a single balance
of £57,000 (2017: £59,000) where the counter-party had failed to honour a notice
deposit and a full impairment provision has been recorded against the balance. There
are no other receivables which are past due but not impaired.

**Liquidity Risk**

The Group’s objective is to maintain a balance between continuity of funding and
flexibility through the use of bank loans secured on the Group’s properties. The
Group is exposed to liquidity risk should it encounter difficulties in realising
assets mainly through the sale of properties. However, the Group maintains a prudent
approach to financing and cash flow such that the adverse impact of this can be 
mitigated.

**Price Risk**

The Group’s exposure to changing market prices on the value of financial instruments
may have an impact on the carrying value of financial instruments and would arise
principally as a result of entering into swaps or similar transactions to fix interest
rates on the Group’s borrowings. The Group’s policies for managing this risk are
to control the levels of fixed rate debt. As the Group’s assets and liabilities 
are all denominated in Pounds Sterling, there is currently no exposure to currency
risk.

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