TIDM37QC

RNS Number : 9184G

Meadowhall Finance PLC

26 July 2019

The Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2019, attached below in accordance with DTR 6.3.5R, has been submitted to the Financial Conduct Authority through the National Storage Mechanism and will shortly be available for inspection at: http://www.morningstar.co.uk/uk/NSM

The Annual Report and Accounts are also available at: https://www.britishland.com/investors/strategic-partnerships/meadowhall-finance-plc

For a print friendly version of the Annual Report and Accounts, please follow link below:

http://www.rns-pdf.londonstockexchange.com/rns/9184G_1-2019-7-26.pdf

Meadowhall Finance PLC

Annual Report and Financial Statements

Year ended 31 March 2019

Company number: 05987141

Strategic Report for the Year Ended 31 March 2019

The directors present their Strategic Report for the year ended 31 March 2019.

Business review and principal activities

Meadowhall Finance PLC ("the company") is a wholly owned subsidiary of Meadowhall Limited Partnership, which itself is indirectly owned by MSC Property Intermediate Holdings Limited. MSC Property Intermediate Holdings Limited and its subsidiaries ("the group") operate as a joint venture between The British Land Company PLC and NBIM Victoria Partners LP.

The company's principal activity is to provide funding to fellow subsidiaries within the group.

As shown in the company's Profit and Loss Account on page 9, the company's profit on ordinary activities before taxation is GBP3,488 compared to a profit on ordinary activities before taxation of GBP3,433 in the prior year.

Dividends of GBPnil (2018: GBPnil) were paid in the year.

The Balance Sheet on page 11 shows that the company's financial position at the year end has, in net liability terms, increased compared with the prior year. This is mainly due to movements in the valuation of interest rate swaps reflecting the increase in Sterling interest rates since the beginning of the year.

Details of significant events since the balance sheet date, if any, are contained in note 15.

Key performance indicators

The directors measure how the group is delivering its strategy through the key performance indicators.

The directors consider the primary measure of performance of the group to be turnover and net asset value. The performance of the group, which includes the company, is discussed in the group's annual report which can be obtained as per the details in note 16.

The expected future developments of the company are determined by the strategy of the group. There are no future developments outside of the company's operations planned.

Principal risks and uncertainties

This company is part of a large property investment group. As such, the fundamental underlying risks for this company are those of the property group as discussed below.

The group generates returns to shareholders through long-term investment decisions requiring the evaluation of opportunities arising in the following areas:

 
--  demand for space from occupiers against available supply; 
--  identification and execution of investment and development 
     strategies which are value enhancing; 
     Principal risks and uncertainties (continued)--  availability of financing or refinancing at an acceptable 
          cost; 
     --  economic cycles, including their impact on tenant covenant 
          quality, interest rates, inflation and property values; 
     --  legislative changes, including planning consents and taxation; 
     --  engagement of development contractors with strong covenants; 
     --  key staff changes; and 
     --  environmental and health and safety policies. 
 
     These opportunities also represent risks, the most significant 
     being change to the value of the property portfolio. This 
     risk has high visibility to directors and is considered and 
     managed on a continuous basis. Directors use their knowledge 
     and experience to knowingly accept a measured degree of market 
     risk. 
 
     The group's preference for prime assets and their secure long 
     term contracted rental income, primarily with upward only 
     rent review clauses, presents lower risks than many other 
     property portfolios. 
 
     Credit risk is the risk that one party to a financial instrument 
     will fail to discharge an obligation and cause the other party 
     to incur a financial loss. In order to manage this risk, management 
     regularly monitors all amounts that are owed to the company 
     to ensure that amounts are paid in full and on time. 
 
     Liquidity risk is the risk that the entity will encounter 
     difficulty in raising funds to meet commitments associated 
     with financial liabilities. This risk is managed through day 
     to day monitoring of future cash flow requirements to ensure 
     that the company has enough resources to repay all future 
     amounts outstanding. 
 
     The company's activities expose it primarily to interest rate 
     risk. The company uses interest rate swap contracts to hedge 
     these exposures. The company does not use derivative financial 
     instruments for speculative purposes. 
 
     The company finances its operations through public debt issues. 
     The company borrows in Sterling at both fixed and floating 
     rates of interest, using interest rate derivatives to hedge 
     the interest rate risk on variable rate debt. 
 
     The company holds one derivative as at 31 March 2019 (2018: 
     one) to fix the interest rates on external debt at approximately 
     4.65% (2018: 4.65%). The fair value of interest rate derivatives 
     at the year end is a liability of GBP15.5m (2018: GBP15.4m 
     liability) and has been accounted for using hedge accounting 
     through the Statement of Comprehensive Income, with the ineffective 
     portion recognised in the profit and loss account. 
     The financial and political risks for the company are managed 
     in accordance with the group financial risk management policy, 
     as disclosed in the consolidated group financial statements. 
     The general risk environment in which the group operates has 
     heightened over the course of the year, which is largely due 
     to the continued level of uncertainty associated with the 
     future impact of the UK's exit from the EU, the significant 
     deterioration in the UK retail market and weaker investment 
     markets. 
     Approved by the Board on ................................... 
     and signed on its behalf by: 
     ......................................... 
 
 
     British Land Company Secretarial Limited 
     Company secretary 
 

Directors' Report for the Year Ended 31 March 2019

The directors present their report and the audited financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2019.

Directors of the company

The directors, who held office during the year, and up to the date of signing the financial statements, were as follows:

J Patel

E Strysse (resigned 10 June 2019)

P Case

C A Barber (alternate: H Shah)

The following director was appointed after the year end:

R Peel (appointed 10 June 2019)

Directors' responsibilities statement

The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for preparing the Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations.

Company law requires the directors to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under that law the directors have prepared the financial statements in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (United Kingdom Accounting Standards, comprising FRS 101 "Reduced Disclosure Framework", and applicable law). 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 company and of the profit or loss of the company for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the directors are required to:

 
--  select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently; 
--  state whether applicable United Kingdom Accounting Standards, 
     comprising FRS 101, have been followed, subject to any material 
     departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; 
--  make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable 
     and prudent; and 
--  prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis 
     unless it is inappropriate to presume that the company will 
     continue in business. 
 

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

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

Environment

The company recognises the importance of its environmental responsibilities, monitors its impact on the environment; and designs and implements policies to reduce any damage that might be caused by the company's activities. The company operates in accordance with best practice policies and initiatives designed to minimise the company's impact on the environment including safe disposal of manufacturing waste, recycling and reducing energy consumption.

Going concern

The directors consider the company to be a going concern and the financial statements are prepared on this basis. Details of this are shown in note 2 of the financial statements.

Subsequent Events

Details of significant events since the Balance Sheet date, if any, are contained in note 15.

Disclosure of information to the auditors

Each director has taken steps that they ought to have taken as a director in order to make themselves aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the company's auditors are aware of that information. The directors confirm that there is no relevant information that they know of and of which they know the auditors are unaware.

Reappointment of auditors

The auditors, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, have indicated their willingness to continue in office and a resolution concerning their re-appointment will be proposed at the next Board Meeting.

Approved by the Board on ................................... and signed on its behalf by:

.........................................

British Land Company Secretarial Limited

Company Secretary

Independent Auditors' Report to the Members of Meadowhall Finance PLC

Report on the audit of the financial statements

Opinion

In our opinion, Meadowhall Finance PLC's financial statements:

 
--  give a true and fair view of the state of the Company's affairs 
     as at 31 March 2019 and of its profit for the year then ended; 
--  have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom 
     Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (United Kingdom Accounting 
     Standards, comprising FRS 101 "Reduced Disclosure Framework", 
     and applicable law); and 
--  have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of 
     the Companies Act 2006. 
 

We have audited the financial statements, included within the Annual Report and Financial Statements (the "Annual Report"), which comprise: the Balance Sheet as at 31 March 2019; the Profit and Loss Account, the Statement of Comprehensive Income, and the Statement of Changes in Equity for the year then ended; and the Notes to the Financial Statements, which include a description of the significant accounting policies.

Our opinion is consistent with our reporting to those charged with governance.

Basis for opinion

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

Independence

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

To the best of our knowledge and belief, we declare that non-audit services prohibited by the FRC's Ethical Standard were not provided to the Company.

We have provided no non-audit services to the Company in the period from 1 April 2018 to 31 March 2019.

Our audit approach

Overview

 
  --  Overall materiality: GBP6,225,000 (2018: GBP6,522,000), 
       based on 1% of total assets. 
  --  Our 2019 audit was planned and executed having regard to 
       the fact that the Company's operations were largely unchanged 
       in nature from the previous year. Additionally, there have 
       been no significant changes to the accounting standards 
       relevant to the Company. In light of this, our approach 
       to the audit in terms of scoping and areas of focus was 
       largely unchanged. 
  --  We have no key audit matters to report. 
 

The scope of our audit

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

Capability of the audit in detecting irregularities, including fraud

Based on our understanding of the Company and industry, we identified that the principal risks of non-compliance with laws and regulations related to the Companies Act 2006 and the Listing Rules, and we considered the extent to which non-compliance might have a material effect on the financial statements. We also considered those laws and regulations that have a direct impact on the preparation of the financial statements such as the Companies Act 2006 and the Listing Rules. We evaluated management's incentives and opportunities for fraudulent manipulation of the financial statements (including the risk of override of controls), and determined that the principal risks were related to the Companies Act 2006 and the Listing Rules. Audit procedures performed by the engagement team included:

 
--  Discussions with management, including consideration of known 
     or suspected instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations 
     and fraud, and review of the reports made by management and 
     internal audit; 
--  Understanding of management's internal controls designed to 
     prevent and detect irregularities, risk-based monitoring of 
     customer processes; 
--  Reviewing relevant meeting minutes. 
 

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

Key audit matters

Key audit matters are those matters that, in the auditors' professional judgement, were of most significance in the audit of the financial statements of the current period and include the most significant assessed risks of material misstatement (whether or not due to fraud) identified by the auditors, including those which had the greatest effect on: the overall audit strategy; the allocation of resources in the audit; and directing the efforts of the engagement team. We determined that there were no key audit matters applicable to the Company to communicate in our report.

How we tailored the audit scope

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

Materiality

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

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

 
Overall materiality      GBP6,225,000 (2018: GBP6,522,000). 
How we determined it     1% of total assets. 
Rationale for benchmark  We believe that total assets is the primary 
 applied                  measure used by shareholders in assessing 
                          the performance of the entity, and is 
                          a generally accepted auditing benchmark. 
 

We agreed with those charged with governance that we would report to them misstatements identified during our audit above GBP311,000 (2018: GBP326,000) as well as misstatements below that amount that, in our view, warranted reporting for qualitative reasons.

Conclusions relating to going concern

ISAs (UK) require us to report to you when:

 
--  the Directors' use of the going concern basis of accounting 
     in the preparation of the financial statements is not appropriate; 
     or 
--  the Directors have not disclosed in the financial statements 
     any identified material uncertainties that may cast significant 
     doubt about the Company's ability to continue to adopt the 
     going concern basis of accounting for a period of at least 
     twelve months from the date when the financial statements 
     are authorised for issue. 
 

We have nothing to report in respect of the above matters.

However, because not all future events or conditions can be predicted, this statement is not a guarantee as to the Company's ability to continue as a going concern. For example, the terms on which the United Kingdom may withdraw from the European Union are not clear, and it is difficult to evaluate all of the potential implications on the Company's trade, customers, suppliers and the wider economy.

Reporting on other information

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

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

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

Based on the responsibilities described above and our work undertaken in the course of the audit, ISAs (UK) require us also to report certain opinions and matters as described below.

Strategic Report and Directors' Report

In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit, the information given in the Strategic Report and Directors' Report for the year ended 31 March 2019 is consistent with the financial statements and has been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements.

In light of the knowledge and understanding of the Company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we did not identify any material misstatements in the Strategic Report and Directors' Report.

Responsibilities for the financial statements and the audit

Responsibilities of directors for the financial statements

As explained more fully in the Directors' responsibilities statement set out on page 3, the Directors are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the applicable framework and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view. The directors are also responsible for such internal control as they determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

In preparing the financial statements, the Directors are responsible for assessing the 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 Company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

Auditors' responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements

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

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

Use of this report

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

Other required reporting

Companies Act 2006 exception reporting

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

 
--  we have not received all the information and explanations 
     we require for our audit; or 
--  adequate accounting records have not been kept by the Company, 
     or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from 
     branches not visited by us; or 
--  certain disclosures of Directors' remuneration specified by 
     law are not made; or 
--  the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting 
     records and returns. 
 

We have no exceptions to report arising from this responsibility.

Appointment

Following the recommendation of those charged with governance, we were appointed by the directors on 15 March 2018 to audit the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2019 and subsequent financial periods. The period of total uninterrupted engagement is 2 years, covering the years ended 31 March 2018 to 31 March 2019.

......................................

John Waters (Senior Statutory Auditor)

For and on behalf of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP,

Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditors

London

Date:.............................

Profit and Loss Account for the Year Ended 31 March 2019

 
                                                       2019          2018 
                                         Note           GBP           GBP 
Interest receivable and similar income   4       31,837,392    33,304,534 
Interest payable and similar expenses    5     (31,833,904)  (33,301,101) 
                                               ------------  ------------ 
Profit on ordinary activities before 
 taxation                                      3,488         3,433 
Tax on profit on ordinary activities     8            (663)         (652) 
                                               ------------  ------------ 
Profit for the year                                   2,825         2,781 
                                               ============  ============ 
 

Turnover and results were derived from continuing operations within the United Kingdom.

Statement of Comprehensive Income for the Year Ended 31 March 2019

 
                                                    2019       2018 
                                                     GBP        GBP 
Profit for the year                                2,825      2,781 
                                               ---------  --------- 
Items that may be reclassified subsequently 
 to profit or loss 
(Loss)/gain on cash flow hedges (net)          (198,419)  2,590,912 
Tax relating to components of other 
 comprehensive expense / (income)                 21,409  (448,561) 
                                               ---------  --------- 
                                               (177,010)  2,142,351 
                                               ---------  --------- 
Total comprehensive (expense)/income 
 for the year                                  (174,185)  2,145,132 
                                               =========  ========= 
 

Balance Sheet as at 31 March 2019

 
                                                    31 March       31 March 
                                                        2019           2018 
                                         Note            GBP            GBP 
Current assets 
Debtors due within one year              9        35,200,132     36,514,002 
Debtors due after more than one year     9       587,310,630    615,743,821 
Cash at bank and in hand                              38,423         34,901 
                                               -------------  ------------- 
                                                 622,549,185    652,292,724 
Creditors due within one year            10     (50,320,572)   (51,435,326) 
                                               -------------  ------------- 
Total assets less current liabilities            572,228,613    600,857,398 
Creditors due after more than one year   11    (584,676,610)  (613,131,210) 
                                               -------------  ------------- 
Net liabilities                                 (12,447,997)   (12,273,812) 
                                               =============  ============= 
Capital and reserves 
Called up share capital                  13           12,502         12,502 
Cash flow hedging reserve                       (11,964,405)   (11,787,395) 
Profit and loss account                            (496,094)      (498,919) 
                                               -------------  ------------- 
Total shareholders' deficit                     (12,447,997)   (12,273,812) 
                                               =============  ============= 
 

Approved by the Board on ................................... and signed on its behalf by:

.........................................

P Case

Director

Statement of Changes in Equity for the Year Ended 31 March 2019

 
                                                   Cash flow     Profit and 
                             Share capital   hedging reserve   loss account         Total 
                                       GBP               GBP            GBP           GBP 
Balance at 1 April 
 2017                               12,502      (13,929,746)      (501,700)  (14,418,944) 
Profit for the year                      -                 -          2,781         2,781 
(Loss)/gain on cash 
 flow hedges (net)                       -         2,590,912              -     2,590,912 
Tax relating to components 
 of other comprehensive 
 income                                  -         (448,561)              -     (448,561) 
                             -------------  ----------------  -------------  ------------ 
Total comprehensive 
 income for the year                     -         2,142,351          2,781     2,145,132 
                             -------------  ----------------  -------------  ------------ 
Balance at 31 March 
 2018                               12,502      (11,787,395)      (498,919)  (12,273,812) 
                             =============  ================  =============  ============ 
 
 
Balance at 1 April 
 2018                        12,502  (11,787,395)  (498,919)  (12,273,812) 
Profit for the year               -             -      2,825         2,825 
(Loss)/gain on cash 
 flow hedges (net)                -     (198,419)          -     (198,419) 
Tax relating to components 
 of other comprehensive 
 income                           -        21,409          -        21,409 
                             ------  ------------  ---------  ------------ 
Total comprehensive 
 (expense)/income 
 for the year                     -     (177,010)      2,825     (174,185) 
                             ------  ------------  ---------  ------------ 
Balance at 31 March 
 2019                        12,502  (11,964,405)  (496,094)  (12,447,997) 
                             ======  ============  =========  ============ 
 

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2019

 
1  General information 
 

The company is a public company limited by share capital, incorporated and domiciled in England, United Kingdom.

The address of its registered office is:

York House

45 Seymour Street

London

W1H 7LX

 
2  Accounting policies 
 

Summary of significant accounting policies and key accounting estimates

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

Basis of preparation

These financial statements were prepared in accordance with Financial Reporting Standard 101 Reduced Disclosure Framework ("FRS 101").

In preparing these financial statements, the company applies the recognition, measurement and disclosure requirements of International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the EU ("Adopted IFRSs"), but makes amendments where necessary in order to comply with Companies Act 2006 and has set out below where advantage of the FRS 101 disclosure exemptions has been taken.

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, as modified to include the revaluation of derivatives. Historical cost is generally based on the fair value of the consideration given in exchange for the assets.

Summary of disclosure exemptions

The company has taken advantage of the following disclosure exemptions under FRS 101:

 
(a)  The requirements of IAS 1 to provide a Balance Sheet at 
      the beginning of the year in the event of a prior year adjustment; 
(b)  The requirements of IAS 1 to provide a Statement of Cash 
      flows for the year; 
(c)  The requirements of IAS 1 to provide a statement of compliance 
      with IFRS; 
(d)  The requirements of IAS 1 to disclose information on the 
      management of capital; 
(e)  The requirements of paragraphs 30 and 31 of IAS 8 Accounting 
      Policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates and Errors to 
      disclose new IFRS's that have been issued but are not yet 
      effective; 
(f)  The requirements in IAS 24 Related Party Disclosures to 
      disclose related party transactions entered into between 
      two or more members of a group, provided that any subsidiary 
      which is a party to the transaction is wholly owned by such 
      a member; 
(g)  The requirements of paragraph 17 of IAS 24 Related Party 
      Disclosures to disclose key management personnel compensation; 
(h)  The requirements of IFRS 7 to disclose financial instruments; 
      and 
(i)  The requirements of paragraphs 91-99 of IFRS 13 Fair Value 
      Measurement to disclose information of fair value valuation 
      techniques and inputs. 
 

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2019 (continued)

 
2  Accounting policies (continued) 
 

Disclosure exemptions for subsidiaries are permitted where the relevant disclosure requirements are met in the consolidated financial statements. Where required, equivalent disclosures are given in the group financial statements of MSC Property Intermediate Holdings Limited. The group financial statements of MSC Property Intermediate Holdings Limited are available to the public and can be obtained as set out in note 16.

Adoption status of relevant new financial reporting standards and interpretations

During the period the company adopted the following standards:

IFRS 9 - Financial instruments

The new standard addresses the classification, measurement and recognition of financial assets and financial liabilities. It simplifies the existing categories of financial instruments, redefines the criteria required for hedge effectiveness and introduces an expected credit loss model requiring expected credit loss to be recognised on all financial assets held at amortised cost. Adoption of IFRS 9 has not had a material impact on the financial statements of the company. The standard was applied using the modified retrospective approach.

IFRS 15 - Revenue from contracts with customers

The new standard sets out a five-step model for the recognition of revenue and establishes principles for reporting useful information to users of financial statements about the nature, timing and uncertainty of revenues and cash flows arising from an entity's contracts with customers. The new standard does not apply to rental income which is in the scope of IAS 17, but does apply to service charge income, management and performance fees and trading property disposals. Adoption of IFRS 15 has not had a material impact on the financial statements of the company. The standard was applied using the full retrospective approach.

Apart from the changes in the standards highlighted above, no other standards, interpretations and amendments effective for the first time from 1 April 2018 have had a material effect on the financial statements.

Going concern

The net liability position of the balance sheet at the year end is as a result of market swap rates being below the fixed rate payable on the company's interest rate swaps. This has had a detrimental effect on the fair value of the company's interest rate derivatives at the year end. The interest rate swaps fix the rate payable on the company's liabilities at a rate slightly below the interest on loans receivable. The change in mark to market is not envisaged to have an impact on the company's cash flow for the foreseeable future.

Having reviewed the company's forecast working capital and cash flow requirements, in addition to making enquiries and examining areas which could give risk to financial exposure, the directors have a reasonable expectation that the company has adequate resources to continue its operations for the foreseeable future. As a result they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the accounts.

All financing covenant requirements in place have been met and are forecast to continue to be met in the future.

Interest payable and receivable policy

Interest payable and receivable is recognised as incurred under the accruals concept. Interest payable includes financing charges which are spread over the period to redemption, using the effective interest method. Commitment fees on non-utilised facilities are also included within interest payable.

Taxation

Current tax

Current tax is the expected tax payable or receivable on the taxable income or loss for the year, using tax rates enacted or substantively enacted at the balance sheet date, and any adjustment to tax payable in respect of previous years.

Current tax is based on taxable profit for the year and is calculated using tax rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted at the balance sheet date. Taxable profit differs from net profit as reported in the profit and loss account because it excludes items of income or expense that are not taxable (or tax deductible).

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2019 (continued)

 
2  Accounting policies (continued) 
 

Deferred tax

Deferred tax is provided on items that may become taxable at a later date, on the difference between the balance sheet value and tax base value, on an undiscounted basis. The company recognises deferred tax assets on derivative revaluations to the extent that future matching taxable profits are expected to arise.

Financial assets and liabilities

Classification

Trade debtors and creditors are initially recognised at fair value and subsequently measured at amortised cost and discounted as appropriate.

Debt instruments and borrowings are stated at their net proceeds on issue. Finance charges including premiums payable on settlement or redemption of bonds and associated direct issue costs are spread over the period to redemption, using the effective interest method.

As defined by IFRS9, cash flow hedges are carried at fair value in the balance sheet. Changes in the fair value of derivatives that are designated and qualify as effective cash flow hedges are recognised directly in the hedging reserve. Any ineffective portion is recognised in the profit and loss account.

 
3  Significant accounting judgements and key sources of estimation 
    uncertainty 
 

Critical accounting judgements and estimation uncertainty

Determining the carrying amount of some assets requires estimation of the effect of uncertain future events. The major sources of estimation uncertainty that have a significant risk of resulting in a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets are noted below.

Hedge accounting

The key source of estimation uncertainty relates to the valuation of derivatives. The potential for management to make judgements or estimates relating to those items which would have a significant impact on the financial statements is considered, by the nature of the group's business to be limited. The derivatives have been valued by calculating the net present value of future cashflows, using appropriate market discount rates, by an independent treasury advisor.

 
4                                        Interest receivable and similar income 
                                                         2019                 2018 
                                                          GBP                  GBP 
Interest receivable on amounts owed by 
 group companies                                   31,837,392           33,304,534 
                                          -------------------  ------------------- 
                                                   31,837,392           33,304,534 
                                          ===================  =================== 
5                                        Interest payable and similar expenses 
                                                         2019                 2018 
                                                          GBP                  GBP 
Bonds and related facilities                       30,018,178           31,151,240 
Derivatives                                         1,815,726            2,149,861 
                                          -------------------  ------------------- 
                                                   31,833,904           33,301,101 
                                          ===================  =================== 
 
 

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2019 (continued)

 
6  Auditors' remuneration 
 

A notional charge of GBP14,302 (2018 : GBP14,841) is deemed payable to PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP in respect of the audit of the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2019. Actual amounts payable to PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP are paid at group level by MSC Property Intermediate Holdings Limited.

No non-audit fees (2018 : GBPnil) were paid to PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.

 
7  Staff costs 
 

No director (2018: GBPnil) received any remuneration for services to the company in either year. The remuneration of the directors was borne by another company, for which no apportionment or recharges were made. The value of this service was negligible.

Average number of employees, excluding directors, of the company during the year was nil (2018: nil)

 
8                                           Taxation 
                                             2019  2018 
                                              GBP   GBP 
Current taxation 
UK corporation tax                            663   652 
                                             ----  ---- 
Tax charge in the profit and loss account     663   652 
                                             ====  ==== 
 
 
 
                                                 2019   2018 
                                                  GBP    GBP 
Tax reconciliation 
Profit on ordinary activities before taxation   3,488  3,433 
                                                -----  ----- 
Tax on profit on ordinary activities at 
 UK corporation tax rate of 19% (2018: 19%)       663    652 
Effects of: 
Total tax charge                                  663    652 
                                                =====  ===== 
 

A reduction in the UK corporation tax rate from 19% to 17% (effective from 1 April 2020) was substantially enacted on 6 September 2016. This rate reduction has been reflected in the calculation of deferred tax on the Balance Sheet date, where relevant.

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2019 (continued)

 
9                                  Debtors 
                                      31 March    31 March 
                                          2019        2018 
                                           GBP         GBP 
Debtors due within one year 
Amounts due from related parties        12,998      13,640 
Loans to related parties            28,454,600  29,414,600 
Accrued income                       6,732,534   7,085,762 
                                    ----------  ---------- 
                                    35,200,132  36,514,002 
                                    ==========  ========== 
 
 
 
                                            31 March     31 March 
                                                2019         2018 
                                                 GBP          GBP 
Debtors due within more than one year 
Deferred tax assets - see note 12          2,634,020    2,612,611 
Amounts owed by group companies - Long 
 term loans                              584,676,610  613,131,210 
                                         -----------  ----------- 
                                         587,310,630  615,743,821 
                                         ===========  =========== 
 

The company's interest on outstanding debt is discussed in note 11 and applied to amounts owing from related parties in the same manner.

 
10                                    Creditors due within one year 
                                              31 March        31 March 
                                                  2019            2018 
                                                   GBP             GBP 
Accrued expenses                             6,368,285       6,648,994 
Amounts due to related parties                   1,825           1,825 
Social security and other taxes                  1,294           1,294 
Corporation tax liability                          337             317 
Secured bonds                               28,454,600      29,414,600 
Interest rate derivative liability*         15,494,231      15,368,296 
                                       ---------------  -------------- 
                                            50,320,572      51,435,326 
                                       ===============  ============== 
 
 

* Includes contracted cash flow with a maturity greater than one year at fair value

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2019 (continued)

 
11                                           Creditors due after more than one year 
                                                         31 March             31 March 
                                                             2019                 2018 
                                                              GBP                  GBP 
Secured bonds due within one to two years              32,763,480           28,454,600 
Secured bonds due within two to five years            107,246,920          102,708,680 
Secured bonds due after five years                    444,666,210          481,967,930 
                                              -------------------  ------------------- 
                                                      584,676,610          613,131,210 
                                              ===================  =================== 
 
 
 
                                             31 March     31 March 
                                                 2019         2018 
                                                  GBP          GBP 
Borrowings repayment analysis 
Repayments due: 
Within one year                            28,454,600   29,414,600 
Within one to two years                    32,763,480   28,454,600 
Within two to five years                  107,246,920  102,708,680 
                                          -----------  ----------- 
                                          168,465,000  160,577,880 
After five years                          444,666,210  481,967,930 
                                          -----------  ----------- 
Total borrowings                          613,131,210  642,545,810 
Fair value of interest rate derivatives    15,494,231   15,368,296 
                                          -----------  ----------- 
Net debt                                  628,625,441  657,914,106 
                                          ===========  =========== 
 
 
                                                 31 March     31 March 
                                                     2019         2018 
                                                      GBP          GBP 
Secured bonds on the assets of the Meadowhall Limited Partnership 
Class A1 4.986% Bonds due 2037                442,758,360  464,756,160 
Class A2 Floating Rate Bonds due 2037          46,140,000   48,780,000 
Class B 4.988% Bonds due 2037                 124,232,850  129,009,650 
                                             ------------  ----------- 
Total borrowings                              613,131,210  642,545,810 
Fair value of interest rate derivatives        15,494,231   15,368,296 
                                             ------------  ----------- 
Total secured borrowings                      628,625,441  657,914,106 
                                             ============  =========== 
 

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2019 (continued)

 
11  Creditors due after more than one year (continued) 
 

The GBP46m (2018: GBP49m) floating rate bonds are fully hedged by a swap to 2032. At 31 March 2019, taking into account the effect of derivatives, 100% of the bonds were fixed (2018: 100%) until expected maturity. The bonds amortise from 2007 to 2032, and are secured on the properties of group valued at GBP1,700m (2018: GBP1,850m). The weighted average interest rate of the bonds is 5.00% (2018: 5.00%). The weighted average maturity of the bonds is 8.6 years (2018: 9.1 years).

The secured bonds as detailed in this note are issued by Meadowhall Finance PLC ('Issuer') and the proceeds are on-lent to Meadowhall Limited Partnership ('Borrower') under the Issuer/Borrower Loan Agreement. Under this agreement Meadowhall Limited Partnership will grant security over its beneficial interest in Meadowhall Shopping Centre ('Mortgaged Property') and selected other interests and assets.

At 31 March 2019, the company was financed by GBP613.1m bonds (2018: GBP642.5m).

Except as detailed below, the carrying amounts of financial assets and financial liabilities recorded at amortised cost in the financial statements are approximately equal to their fair values.

 
                   31 March  31 March 
                       2019      2018 
                       GBPm      GBPm 
Bonds fair value        738       772 
                   ========  ======== 
 

Comparison of fair values and book values and fair value hierarchy

The table below provides a comparison of fair value and book value along with the classification per the fair value hierarchy. The different levels are defined:

Level 1: Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2: Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly (i.e. as prices) or indirectly (i.e. derived from prices).

Level 3: Inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data (unobservable inputs).

 
                                  Fair value  Book value  Fair value  Book value 
                                    31 March    31 March    31 March    31 March 
                                        2019        2019        2018        2018 
                           Level       GBP m       GBP m       GBP m       GBP m 
Secured bonds              2             738         613         772         643 
Interest rate derivative 
 liability                 2              15          15          15          15 
                                  ----------  ----------  ----------  ---------- 
                                         753         628         787         658 
                                  ==========  ==========  ==========  ========== 
 

The fair values of the bonds have been established by obtaining quoted market prices from brokers. The derivatives have been valued by calculating the present value of future cash flows, using appropriate market discount rates, by an independent treasury advisor.

The Class A1 and B Loan notes expose the entity to fair value interest rate risk while the Class A2 Loan notes expose the company to cash flow interest rate risk.

The ineffectiveness recognised in the income statement on cash flow hedges in the year ended 31 March 2019 was GBPnil (2018: GBPnil). The table below summarises variable rate debt hedged at 31 March 2019.

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2019 (continued)

 
11                             Creditors due after more than one year (continued) 
                                                 31 March                   31 March 
                                                     2019                       2018 
                                                      GBP                        GBP 
Outstanding after one year                     44,460,000                 46,140,000 
Outstanding after two years                    42,780,000                 44,460,000 
Outstanding after five years                   39,780,000                 40,500,000 
 
 

Hedge accounting

The company uses interest rate swaps to hedge exposure to the variability in cash flows on floating rate debt. At 31 March 2019, the fair value of these derivatives, which have been designated cash flow hedges under lFRS 9, is a liability of GBP15.5m (2018: GBP15.4m liability). The valuation movement reflects the increase in Sterling interest rates since the beginning of the year.

The derivatives have been valued by calculating the net present value of future cash flows, using appropriate market discount rates, by an independent treasury advisor. The effective portion of changes in fair value of the designated hedging instrument is recognised in other comprehensive income. The gain or loss relating to the ineffective portion is recognised immediately in the profit and loss. Amounts previously recognised in other comprehensive income and accumulated in equity are reclassified to the profit and loss in the periods in which the hedged item affects profit or loss or when the hedging relationship ends.

The Treasury Function

The company finances its operations through public debt issues. The company borrows in Sterling at both fixed and floating rates of interest, using interest rate derivatives where appropriate to generate a suitably prudent mixture of fixed and variable rate debt.

Risk Management

Capital risk management:

The company finances its operations through public debt issues to ensure that sufficient competitively priced finance is available to support the property strategy of the MSC Property Intermediate Holdings Limited group.

The approach adopted has been to engage in debt financing with long term maturity dates and as such the bonds issued are due in 2037, but are expected to be repaid in 2032. Including debt amortisation 72.5% (2018: 75.0%) of the total borrowings are due for payment after 5 years. There are no immediate debt refinancing requirements.

The company maintains undrawn revolving liquidity facilities which provide financial liquidity. These facilities are only available for the requirements of the Meadowhall securitisation. At 31 March 2019 this facility was GBP75.0m (2018: GBP75.0m).

Details of bond covenants are authorised in the bonds Offering Circular, accessible via:

http://www.britishland.com/investors/strategic-partnerships/meadowhall-finance-plc.aspx

Credit risk:

Credit risk is the risk that one party to a financial instrument will fail to discharge an obligation and cause the other party to incur a financial loss. The carrying amount of financial assets recorded in the financial statements represents the company's maximum exposure to credit risk without taking account of the value of any collateral obtained.

Cash and deposits at 31 March 2019 amounted to GBP38,423 (2018: GBP34,901) and are placed with European Financial institutions with A- or better credit ratings. At 31 March 2019, prior to taking account of any offset arrangements, the largest combined credit exposure to a single counterparty arising from money market deposits and interest rate swaps was GBPnil (2018: GBPnil). This represents 0% (2018: 0%) of gross assets.

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2019 (continued)

 
11  Creditors due after more than one year (continued) 
 

The company's principal credit risk relates to an intra-group loan to Meadowhall Limited Partnership. At 31 March 2019 this loan stood at GBP613.1m (2018: GBP642.5m). The purpose of this loan is to provide funding to fellow subsidiaries of the MSC Property Intermediate Holdings Limited group.

At 31 March 2019, the fair value of all interest rate derivatives which had a positive value was GBPnil (2018: GBPnil).

In order to manage this risk, management regularly monitors all amounts that are owed to the company to ensure that amounts are paid in full and on time.

Liquidity risk:

Liquidity risk is the risk that the entity will encounter difficulty in raising funds to meet commitments associated with financial liabilities. This risk is managed through day to day monitoring of future cash flow requirements to ensure that the company has enough resources to repay all future amounts outstanding.

Interest rate risk:

The company's activities expose it primarily to interest rate risk. The group uses interest rate swap contracts to hedge these exposures. The group does not use derivative financial instruments for speculative purposes.

 
12                                              Deferred tax asset 
                                                      2019       2018 
                                                       GBP        GBP 
1 April                                          2,612,611  3,061,172 
Credited/(debited) to hedging and translation 
 reserve                                            21,409  (448,561) 
                                                 ---------  --------- 
31 March                                         2,634,020  2,612,611 
                                                 =========  ========= 
 
 

The deferred tax balance arises on the fair value gain or loss on the revaluation of interest rate derivatives as described in note 11.

 
13  Share capital 
 

Allotted, called up and fully paid shares

 
                                 31 March        31 March 
                                     2019            2018 
                              No.     GBP   No.       GBP 
Ordinary shares of GBP1 
 each                           2       2       2       2 
Ordinary shares part 
 paid of GBP0.25 each      49,998  12,500  49,998  12,500 
                           50,000  12,502  50,000  12,502 
                           ======  ======  ======  ====== 
14                        Contingent liabilities 
 
 

The company is jointly and severally liable with MSC (Cash Management) Limited and fellow subsidiaries for all monies falling due under the group VAT registration.

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2019 (continued)

 
15  Subsequent events 
 

There have been no significant events since the year end.

 
16  Parent and ultimate parent undertaking 
 

The immediate controlling party is Meadowhall Limited Partnership.

The ultimate holding company is MSC Property Intermediate Holdings Limited, a joint venture between The British Land Company PLC and NBIM Victoria Partners LP.

MSC Property Intermediate Holdings Limited is the smallest and largest group for which group accounts are available and which include the company. The accounts of MSC Property Intermediate Holdings Limited are available on request from British Land, York House, 45 Seymour Street, London, W1H 7LX.

This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact rns@lseg.com or visit www.rns.com.

END

FR CKADDQBKDNOB

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