The directors present their strategic report for the year ended 31 March 2026.
Ethical Property’s strategy is to reduce debt and move towards refinancing. We have made progress on this by selling two buildings during the financial year and one shortly afterwards, reducing the bank loan from £21.2m to £17.7m (May 2026). This has reduced the interest paid on the loan but has also reduced the profit generated by the business.
The buildings sold during the year were Durham Road in North London, in August 2025, and Hastings House in Cardiff, in February 2026. In both cases the new owners retained the tenants, reducing disruption for building users. Thorn House in Edinburgh was sold in May 2026; again the new owners retained the tenants. It was difficult to say goodbye to these tenants and the staff who looked after them. We would like to thank them all for their many years of loyalty and wish them all the best in their future endeavours.
The two buildings that we sold in 2024 (Green Fish in Manchester and Brick Yard in London) we leased back and continue to operate. In financial terms, this reduces the gross profit because the cost of the lease is recognised in cost of sales. The benefit of lower interest payable from the loan repayment is reflected in the loss before taxation.
Our core market of non-profit organisations has faced increasing pressure over the past year. Reductions in international development funding, including the scaling back of USAID-supported programmes, combined with a more challenging economic environment and higher costs of employing staff, have led many organisations to tighten budgets and focus on cost control. This has affected demand for office space, with some occupiers reducing their space requirements, delaying relocation decisions, or seeking greater flexibility in their accommodation arrangements. Some are moving to a work-from-home model to reduce costs.
This has impacted occupancy in our spaces, particularly in London, Edinburgh and Cardiff. We have explored options such as widening our market to attract other types of tenants, and looking at other ways to generate profit from our buildings. We need to invest in the buildings and in marketing to improve profitability; however, access to cash has been restricted, which has limited the response we are able to make as a business.
We have provided staff and property management services to Resource for London since 2011. The owner of the building decided to sell, which resulted in the end of this contract in July 2025. This has reduced property management income for Ethical Property.
We continue to develop other income streams around our skills regarding property management and support for our tenants. We are also looking to develop partnerships with other organisations who have similar goals. This will take time to develop before it makes a positive impact to the profit.
The KPIs most relevant to our business are net lettable area in square feet, occupancy (% of maximum income), gross profit (profit generated by the core business) and return on book cost (profit generated by the buildings as a percentage of their cost).
| 2025/26 | 2024/25 |
Net lettable area (’000 square feet) | 168 | 171 |
Occupancy (average over financial period) | 74% | 78% |
Gross profit (£’000) (12-month average) | 2,069 | 2,802 |
Return on book cost (12-month average) | 3.9% | 4.1% |
Our net lettable area has reduced due to the sale of Durham Road and Hastings House. This will reduce further with the sale of Thorn House in May 2026, reducing overall net lettable area to 149 thousand square feet.
Average occupancy has reduced by 4 percentage points, from 78% to 74% due to tenant downsizing and move outs. Selling the buildings in Edinburgh and Cardiff will improve the average occupancy. We are exploring the most effective strategies to boost demand and enhancing our marketing efforts in order to drive more enquiries, viewings and occupancy.
The gross profit for the year was £2,069k, a reduction of £733k (26%) from last year. Lower occupancy over the year has reduced turnover. The higher cost of sales is from leasing the buildings that we sold last year.
The return on book cost has reduced from 4.1% to 3.9% due to the lower gross profit. This is mainly due to the impact of lower occupancy reducing the income generated by the buildings.
The total comprehensive loss for the year was £6,608k (2024/25: £1,039k total comprehensive income). The operating profit for the year was £288k (2024/25: £1,164k).
Turnover decreased by £410k (6%) compared to last year. Of this, £122k (2%) was due to sale of properties and £226k (3%) was due to the ending of the Resource for London property management contract. Cost of sales increased by £323k (8%) due the lease costs of the two leased-back buildings, partially offset by lower costs relating to Resource for London and lower spend on building maintenance.
Administrative expenses increased by £73k (4%) compared to last year. This is mainly due to spend on legal and professional services to progress the claim for the building works at The Green House. We also incurred additional professional costs for activities relating to the lending agreement and higher costs to employ staff due to National Insurance increases.
Other operating income comprises dividends from the Social Justice and Human Rights Centre, consultancy revenue, and proceeds from a successful claim recovering income lost due to the fire in Bath.
Interest payable for the year was £1,368k (2024/25: £1,752k). The decrease is due to the reduced loan balance. The interest payable on the lending is based on the three-month SONIA rate plus 2.4%.
The value of properties decreased by £4,070k, mainly due to a lower valuation of The Green House, taking into account the building works required. The properties with the highest growth are in Edinburgh, Bristol and Oxford. The valuations were assessed by Allsop LLP and produced for the balance sheet dated 31 March 2026. Where property has been marketed, the valuations have been adjusted to reflect offers received.
Loss on disposal of investments is the net proceeds of selling the investments below the value held on the balance sheet. The loss relates to the partial sale of investment in the Social Justice and Human Rights Centre, reducing our holding from 41.9% to 33.2%. The shares were held on the balance sheet at net asset value and were sold at lower than net asset value, but higher than the original cost per share.
Profit on disposal of assets is the net proceeds achieved above the valuation held on the balance sheet. The profit on disposal of assets is £221k and mainly relates to the sale of the properties.
No dividends were paid during the reporting period (2025: nil).
Movements relating to revaluation of investment properties and investments do not impact cash flows.
Balance sheet
Net assets decreased by £6,607k, mainly due to lower profits and the downward revaluation of the property portfolio. Net asset value per share is £1.04 which is £0.44 lower than last year.
Investment properties decreased by £6m due to the sale of two properties (£2m) and the decrease in value of the remaining portfolio (£4m). Investments decreased by £2,422k due to the partial sale of the Social Justice and Human Rights Centre shares £1,132k, and the valuation changes of £1,393k offset by foreign exchange movements of £103k.
Debtors have increased by £396k due to an increase in funds held by the bank and higher level of prepayments due to timing of rates invoices.
In creditors, the loan with Lloyds Bank has reduced from £21.2m to £19.7m. Tax has reduced by £497k, which relates to a VAT balance which has now been paid. Accruals has increased by £296k due to the accounting for the rent on the leased properties.
The revaluation reserve has decreased by £2,797k due to sale of, and the reduction in value of, assets. The profit and loss reserve has decreased by £3,810k due to the loss made excluding adjustments to the revaluation reserve. The revaluation reserve is gains made by assets above the cost of those assets.
Cash absorbed by operating activities was £199k; this was lower than last year due to lower levels of profit and the repayment of the VAT creditor. The net cash outflow from operating activities totalled £1,610k after interest of £1,368k was paid.
The sale of two properties this year resulted in £2,347k cash inflow. Sale of part of the investments resulted in a cash inflow of £753k. Bank loans were repaid by £1,550k using these funds.
The cash balance as of 31 March 2026 was £676k. Cashflow modelling and testing have been applied to review the resilience of this balance in relation to the longer-term effects of higher interest rates.
Ethical Property continues to hold a portfolio of quality property backed assets and retains an underlying business that the Directors believe has long-term value and future prospects. The Directors regularly assess the principal risks facing the company and take appropriate actions to manage and mitigate those risks where possible.
Ethical Property is currently engaged in addressing its financing arrangements and funding requirements. The Directors recognise that these matters give rise to material uncertainty, as described in Note 1.2 (Going Concern) to the financial statements. The successful resolution of these financing matters remains a key factor in the company’s future liquidity position.
The cost of funding our bank debt remains challenging and the main priority is to sell assets to reduce the loan. Ethical Property continues to evaluate a number of funding and liquidity management options. These include ongoing cost management initiatives, careful control of capital expenditure, potential equity fundraising, selective asset realisations and sale-and-leaseback arrangements, together with the refinancing of existing debt facilities where appropriate.
In assessing the appropriateness of the going concern basis of preparation, the Directors have rigorously evaluated the company’s current asset base, forecast cash flows, available mitigation measures and overall business viability. Following the successful resolution of its financing challenges, the Directors are confident that Ethical Property possesses the necessary assets, operational strength and ongoing business activity to continue trading and to realise value from its assets in the normal course of business.
During a prior financial period the company breached the financial covenants of its bank facility agreement with Lloyds Bank, although all interest has been paid when falling due. As a result the loan outstanding became payable.
As the company was unable to repay the outstanding loans on 31 January 2024, under the terms of the facility agreement it entered into a standstill agreement with the bank. This agreement was originally for the period ended 31 May 2024, but was subsequently extended until 30 September 2027. This agreement allows the company time to progress sales of properties to repay the loan.
During the year ending 31 March 2026 two properties were sold and the bank loan balance has been reduced to £19,659k as at the balance sheet date. Post year end a further property has been sold and the bank loan has been reduced by a further two million.
As at the date of approval of the financial statements the sale of other properties are in progress and planned.
Accordingly, notwithstanding the material uncertainties described in Note 1.2 and the audit opinion in respect of those uncertainties, the Directors have concluded that it remains appropriate to prepare the financial statements on a going concern basis, as they have a reasonable expectation that the company will continue in operational existence and meet its obligations as they fall due for a period of at least 12 months from the date of approval of the financial statements.
Principal risks and uncertainties
Assessing and managing risk is a fundamental part of the company’s business strategy and a core competency for its staff and Directors. With the oversight of the Audit and Risk Committee, we regularly monitor and manage our risks to ensure we are aware of any key concerns. The Directors are responsible for overall risk management and determine the level of risk the business can take to meet its strategic objectives.
Risk | Mitigation |
Reducing debt and refinancing the remaining loan balance. | Continue with plan to sell assets and repay the loan. Review refinancing options available. |
High interest rates impacting the business model and ability to return to profit. | Review portfolio and strive for better financial performance. Increase rent and improve cost recovery where appropriate. Investigate business opportunities with lower capital outlays. |
Major health and safety incident at a building. | Maintain updated risk assessments for each building and take prompt action on all identified key risks. Continuous review of policies and procedures. |
Failure to properly maintain and improve properties leads to slow decline in rents, occupancy and capital values. | Regular maintenance reviews carried out, budget to improve standards increased. Annual tenant survey completed, and regular tenant meetings held where concerns are raised and addressed. |
Staff wellbeing, health and retention. Rising inflation costs increase the risk of staff needing to find better-paid jobs or take on second jobs. | Governance & HR Committee providing oversight of newly developed and approved People Strategy. New Wellbeing Programme running since February 2025. Enhanced Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) launched giving all staff greater access to external advice and support, and mental wellbeing tools. New regular webinars targeting line managers are designed to raise awareness of the tools and advice now available. |
Failure of IT support for staff and tenants. | Cloud computing implemented, firewalls and protection installed. Two-factor authentication is enabled. Penetration testing performed by external company. Staff are advised on data protection compliance. |
MEES (minimum energy efficiency standards) regulations will make it difficult to let properties which have an EPC rating below C from 2027, and below B from 2030. | Portfolio Investment Committee review strategy for each property to include plans to invest in energy efficiency or to sell the property before values are negatively impacted by the deadline. |
Failure to meet investor requirements. | Improved communication with investors, including regular reporting. All shareholder enquiries addressed as a high priority. |
Skill mix for the Board and senior management team insufficient for changing business environment; risk of skill gaps during retirement and recruitment of Directors. | Recruitment of new non-executive Directors and independents ahead of anticipated Board retirements. Annual skills review conducted by the Chair. |
Economic slowdown leading to a fall in property values nationally, labour and material supply issues, and rising costs. | Regular monitoring of property values. Careful monitoring and control of budgets, passing costs on to tenants where appropriate. No significant construction projects planned in the short term. |
Changes in workspace needs in the longer term, such as a drop in customer base or reduction in supply of cheap space. | Conduct regular reviews of tenants’ needs and requirements, e.g. annual Tenants Survey, and ensuring that the staff are able to give feedback on changes in the space needs of potential and existing tenants. Enhance the benefits of office working such as synergy and tenant networks. |
Section 172(1) statement
The Ethical Property Company is committed to operating as a responsible and sustainable business, recognising our obligations to various stakeholders: tenants and building users, shareholders, suppliers, the environment and the local community. We understand that our success is intrinsically linked to the wellbeing and interests of these groups, and as such, we aim to fulfil our statutory duties in accordance with Section 172 of the Companies Act 2006.
Our obligations to stakeholders
Tenants and building users:
Providing a safe, comfortable and healthy work environment which encourages collaborative working and networking to increase impact in the sector.
Ensuring fair and transparent leasing agreements, with flexible lease terms.
Addressing any concerns or issues promptly through the centre management team on site and the centre management group.
Promoting community and tenant engagement with activities suitable for both groups.
Shareholders:
Delivering sustainable financial performance.
Regular reporting and updates, and timely responses to queries.
Transparent communication of company objectives and performance.
Maintaining a strong corporate governance framework.
Suppliers:
Encouraging ethical and responsible supply chain practices, including paying staff at least the Living Wage.
Paying suppliers fairly and on time.
The environment:
Reducing the environmental impact of our operations.
Implementing sustainable practices to minimise energy and resource consumption.
Sourcing renewable energy and biogas to reduce carbon emissions.
Maximising recycling of waste for tenants and building users.
Local community:
Engaging with the local community through outreach programmes and events.
Contributing to the local economy and job creation.
Minimising any negative impacts of our business on the community.
Our approach
We uphold the following key principles and actions to demonstrate our commitment to Section 172:
Informed decision making: We consider the interests of all stakeholders when making strategic decisions, taking into account their unique needs and priorities.
Sustainability and responsibility: We are committed to environmental sustainability, ethical business practices and positive social impact. This includes reducing our carbon footprint, improving energy efficiency and promoting social impact activities.
Communication and engagement: We actively engage with our stakeholders through open and transparent communication. We listen to their feedback and concerns, and we seek to address these appropriately.
Financial performance: We aim to provide long-term value to our shareholders by maintaining a strong financial performance, while balancing this with the interests of other stakeholders.
Compliance: We adhere to all relevant legal and regulatory requirements, ensuring that our actions are in compliance with the law.
The Board meets quarterly in person to assess the progress of the business against our long-term goals, and then holds additional online meetings when necessary to deal with urgent matters. Members of the Senior Management Team regularly attend Board meetings to provide information and insight that support the Board’s decision making. This year, the main focus of the Board’s work has been the oversight of several property disposals, and providing support to the Senior Management Team in their dealings with the bank.
The Board has three committees that meet regularly during the year. Each committee has at least two Board Directors as members, and is also able to draw on expert advice from independent committee members as required. The three committees are:
1. Audit and Risk Committee, chaired by Arti Bareja.
2. Governance and Human Resources Committee, chaired by Jenny Ekelund.
3. Portfolio Investment Committee, chaired by Abena Fairweather.
During this financial year, Conrad Peberdy, Juliet Can, and Anne-Marie O’Hara stepped down from the Board. All have provided many years of service to the Company and the Board would like to extend its thanks for their energy, commitment, and expertise.
Following Conrad’s departure, on 1 July 2025 Jonathan Davies became Interim Managing Director. He has reshaped the Senior Management Team, promoting from with the wider leadership group, to provide the company with strong focus on the delivery of our priorities.
The Ethical Property Company will continue to work towards its key goals:
1. Returning to profitability:
a. Improve income generated by the portfolio with higher occupancy and better cost recovery.
b. Implement further cost reductions.
c. Dispose of assets and investments which are not core to our future strategy.
d. Investigate new income streams using our existing skill sets.
2. Reducing debt and securing new lending:
a. Complete further asset sales and reduce debt levels.
b. Refinance debt at a more sustainable cost.
3. Gradually implement our new strategy:
a. Build networks with partners that have similar goals.
b. Develop consultancy services around using buildings for impact.
4. Improving our investor performance:
a. When resources allow, offer a share buy-back.
b. Chart a path to return to regular dividend payments.
The Directors and the Senior Management Team are committed to achieving these goals, however our ability to follow our preferred course remains constrained by shortage of funds, and by loan-covenant restrictions that allow the bank significant influence over our decisions.
Approved by the Board and signed on its behalf by:
The Directors present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2026.
The results for the year are set out on page 15.
No ordinary dividends were paid. The directors do not recommend payment of a final dividend.
The directors who held office during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were as follows:
The directors’ who served during the period and their beneficial interests in the company are stated below:
Ordinary shares of 50p each | ||
| 2026 | 2025 |
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J Can | 5,000 | 5,000 |
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M Hannam | 5,500 | 5,500 |
In accordance with the company's articles, a resolution proposing that Moore Kingston Smith LLP be reappointed as auditor of the company will be put at a General Meeting.
Company law requires the directors to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under that law the directors have elected to prepare the financial statements in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (United Kingdom Accounting Standards 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 then apply them consistently;
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. They 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.
We have audited the financial statements of The Ethical Property Company Plc for the year ended 31 March 2026 which comprise the Profit and Loss Account, the Statement of Comprehensive Income, the Balance Sheet, the Statement of Changes in Equity, the Statement of Cash Flows and notes to the financial statements, including significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including FRS 102 ‘The Financial Reporting Standard Applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland’ (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
Basis for opinion
Material uncertainty relating to going concern
We draw attention to note 1.2 in the financial statements which explains that the company has entered into a standstill agreement with its bank as it has breached the terms of its facility agreement. The standstill agreement currently expires on 30 September 2027, or earlier where there has been a breach of the terms of the agreement. The terms of the standstill agreement require the company to use its reasonable endeavours to sell properties and investments in order to repay bank loans totalling £17,658,781 as soon as possible. Whilst the sale of properties is progressing, the timing of the completion of the transactions are uncertain. The terms of the standstill agreement require the company to meet minimum liquidity conditions throughout the period to 30 September 2027. The company has prepared cash flow forecasts that indicate the minimum liquidity conditions can be met. However, the forecasts include assumptions regarding cash inflows and cash outflows which are inherently uncertain.
As stated in note 1.2 these events and conditions, along with the other matters as detailed in note 1.2 indicate that a material uncertainty exists that may cast significant doubt on the company’s ability to continue as a going concern. Our opinion is not modified in respect of this matter.
In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the directors’ use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.
Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the directors with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.
Other information
Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006
In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of our audit:
the information given in the Strategic Report and the Directors' Report for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and
the Strategic Report and the Directors' Report have been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements.
Explanation as to what extent the audit was considered capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud
Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below.
The objectives of our audit in respect of fraud, are; to identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements due to fraud; to obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence regarding the assessed risks of material misstatement due to fraud, through designing and implementing appropriate responses to those assessed risks; and to respond appropriately to instances of fraud or suspected fraud identified during the audit. However, the primary responsibility for the prevention and detection of fraud rests with both management and those charged with governance of the company.
Our approach was as follows:
We obtained an understanding of the legal and regulatory requirements applicable to the company and considered that the most significant are the Companies Act 2006, UK financial reporting standards as issued by the Financial Reporting Council, and UK taxation legislation.
We obtained an understanding of how the company complies with these requirements by discussions with management and those charged with governance.
We assessed the risk of material misstatement of the financial statements, including the risk of material misstatement due to fraud and how it might occur, by holding discussions with management and those charged with governance.
We inquired of management and those charged with governance as to any known instances of non-compliance or suspected non-compliance with laws and regulations.
Based on this understanding, we designed specific appropriate audit procedures to identify instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. This included making enquiries of management and those charged with governance and obtaining additional corroborative evidence as required.
There are inherent limitations in the audit procedures described above. We are less likely to become aware of instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations that are not closely related to events and transactions reflected in the financial statements. 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.
Use of our report
This report is made solely to the company’s members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken for no purpose other than to draw to the attention of the company’s members those matters which we are required to include in an auditor’s report addressed to them. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to any party other than the company and company’s members as a body, for our work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.
The Profit and Loss Account has been prepared on the basis that all operations are continuing operations.
The Ethical Property Company PLC is a public company limited by shares incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is The Old Music Hall, Oxford, United Kingdom, OX4 1JE.
The financial statements are prepared in pounds sterling, which is the functional currency of the company. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest thousand pounds.
Ethical Property continues to hold a portfolio of quality property backed assets and retains an underlying business that the Directors believe has long-term value and future prospects. The Directors regularly assess the principal risks facing the company and take appropriate actions to manage and mitigate those risks where possible.
Ethical Property is currently engaged in addressing its financing arrangements and funding requirements. The Directors recognise that these matters give rise to a material uncertainty to going concern in the financial statements. The successful resolution of these financing matters remains a key factor in the company’s future liquidity position.
The cost of funding our bank debt remains challenging and the main priority is to sell assets to reduce the loan. Ethical Property continues to evaluate a number of funding and liquidity management options. These include ongoing cost management initiatives, careful control of capital expenditure, potential equity fundraising, selective asset realisations and sale-and-leaseback arrangements, together with the refinancing of existing debt facilities where appropriate.
In assessing the appropriateness of the going concern basis of preparation, the Directors have rigorously evaluated the company’s current asset base, forecast cash flows, available mitigation measures and overall business viability. Following the successful resolution of its financing challenges, the Directors are confident that Ethical Property possesses the necessary assets, operational strength and ongoing business activity to continue trading and to realise value from its assets in the normal course of business.
During a prior financial period the company breached the financial covenants of its bank facility agreement with Lloyds Bank, although all interest has been paid when falling due. As a result the loan outstanding became payable.
As the company was unable to repay the outstanding loans on 31 January 2024, under the terms of the facility agreement it entered into a standstill agreement with the bank. This agreement was originally for the period ended 31 May 2024, but was subsequently extended until 30 September 2027. The agreement provides further time for the company to use its reasonable endeavours to progress the sale of properties and investments to reduce the bank indebtedness as soon as possible. This agreement terminates on 30 September 2027, subject to the banks entitlement to terminate the agreement earlier in the event of a breach of any terms or event of default of the agreement.
The standstill agreement provides additional bank support but contains a minimum liquidity requirement for the company over the period to 30 September 2027. The company has prepared cash flow forecasts that indicate the minimum liquidity requirement can be met. However, the cash flow forecasts make assumptions regarding cash inflows and cash outflows that are inherently uncertain. Should the minimum liquidity requirements not be met by the company this would constitute a default event under the standstill agreement and the bank will be entitled to terminate the standstill agreement.
During the year end 31 March 2026 two properties were sold and the bank loan balance has been reduced to £19,659k as at the balance sheet date. Post year end a further property has been sold and the bank loan has been reduced by a further £2,000k.
As at the date of approval of the financial statements the sale of other properties are in progress and planned.
Accordingly, notwithstanding the material uncertainties described and the audit opinion in respect of those uncertainties, the Directors have concluded that it remains appropriate to prepare the financial statements on a going concern basis, as they have a reasonable expectation that the company will continue in operational existence and meet its obligations as they fall due for a period of at least 12 months from the date of approval of the financial statements.
The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is credited or charged to profit or loss.
Capitalisation of finance costs
Interest is capitalised on investment properties where refurbishment/redevelopment expenditure is required before the asset can be brought into use. Borrowing costs capitalised are calculated by reference to the actual interest rate payable on property-specific borrowings, or if financed out of general borrowings by reference to the average rate payable on funding the assets employed by the Company and applied to the expenditure on the property undergoing redevelopment.
Interest is capitalised from the date of acquisition of the property under refurbishment or redevelopment until the date when substantially all the activities necessary to prepare the asset for its intended use are complete. For a phased completion, capitalisation of interest costs is reduced by the proportion of Net Lettable Area of the whole building made available at each stage.
If the total amounts calculated to be capitalised exceed total interest costs then only an amount equal to actual interest costs incurred is capitalised, and general borrowing costs are allocated to multiple projects pro-rata to their use of general borrowings.
Other financial assets, including investments in equity instruments which are not subsidiaries, associates or joint ventures, are initially measured at fair value, which is normally the transaction price. Such assets are subsequently carried at fair value and the changes in fair value are recognised in profit or loss, except that investments in equity instruments that are not publicly traded and whose fair values cannot be measured reliably are measured at cost less impairment.
Financial assets are derecognised only when the contractual rights to the cash flows from the asset expire or are settled, or when the company transfers the financial asset and substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership to another entity, or if some significant risks and rewards of ownership are retained but control of the asset has transferred to another party that is able to sell the asset in its entirety to an unrelated third party.
Derivatives, including interest rate swaps and forward foreign exchange contracts, are not basic financial instruments. Derivatives are initially recognised at fair value on the date a derivative contract is entered into and are subsequently re-measured at their fair value. Changes in the fair value of derivatives are recognised in profit or loss in finance costs or finance income as appropriate, unless hedge accounting is applied and the hedge is a cash flow hedge.
Debt instruments that do not meet the conditions in FRS 102 paragraph 11.9 are subsequently measured at fair value through profit or loss. Debt instruments may be designated as being measured at fair value through profit or loss to eliminate or reduce an accounting mismatch or if the instruments are measured and their performance evaluated on a fair value basis in accordance with a documented risk management or investment strategy.
Financial liabilities are derecognised when the company’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.
Share capital issued by the company is recorded at the proceeds received, net of direct issue costs. Dividends payable on share capital are recognised as liabilities once they are no longer at the discretion of the company.
Revenue grants are recognised in the profit and loss account on a systematic basis over the period in which the company recognises expenses for the related costs for which the grants are intended to compensate.
In the application of the company's accounting policies, the Directors are required to make judgments, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
The measurement of fair value and carrying investments at fair value through profit and loss, together with the assessment of going concern, constitute the principal areas of estimates and judgement exercised by the Directors in the preparation of these financial statements.
Investment property valuations
The valuations of properties are carried out by the Directors with reference to external advisers who the Directors consider to be suitably qualified to carry out such valuations. The primary source of evidence for the property valuations is recent, comparable market transactions on arm's length terms. However, the valuation of properties is inherently subjective, and may not prove to be accurate, particularly where there are few comparable transactions for the nature of the properties held. Key assumptions, which are also the major sources of uncertainty used in the valuation, include the value of future rental income, rental yields, the outcome of rent reviews and the rate and length of voids.
Joint venture and associate valuations
Investments in joint ventures and associates are valued with reference to the company's share of net assets, translated to sterling for foreign currency amounts. The carrying values are reviewed for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable.
Going concern
In preparing the financial statements, the Directors have exercised significant judgement in concluding that the going concern basis of preparation remains appropriate. This judgement takes into account the company’s asset base, forecast cash flows, available mitigation measures, planned asset disposals, the standstill agreement with the bank, and the company’s ability to meet minimum liquidity requirements during the forecast period. The cash flow forecasts include assumptions regarding cash inflows and cash outflows which are inherently uncertain. Further details, including the material uncertainty relating to going concern, are disclosed in Note 1.2.
The average monthly number of persons (including Directors) employed by the company during the year was:
Their aggregate remuneration comprised:
During the period, retirement benefits in respect of a money purchase scheme were accruing to two (2025: one) directors.
Fees of £38k (2025: £40k) were paid to Non-Executive Directors. Key management compensation during the period totalled £372k (2025: £324k). Key management includes the Executive Director and the senior managers.
The actual charge for the year can be reconciled to the expected (credit)/charge for the year based on the profit or loss and the standard rate of tax as follows:
As at 31 March 2026 the company had estimated property tax losses of £3,434k (2025: £3,434k) and non-trade loan relationship deficit of £7,135k (2025: £5,069k) available to carry forward against income arising in future years.
Deferred tax timing differences mainly arise from temporary differences between the carrying amount and tax base of investment properties, investments, computer equipment and fixtures.
Ethical Property tax policy
Ethical Property is committed to paying all the taxes owed in accordance with the spirit of all tax laws that apply to our operations. Paying our taxes in this way is the clearest indication the company can give of being responsible participants in society. The company will fulfil the commitment to paying the appropriate taxes owed by seeking to pay the right amount of tax, in the right place, and at the right time. Doing this by ensuring that our tax affairs are reported in ways that reflect the economic reality of the transactions that are undertaken during the course of our business.
The company is committed to not seek out options made available in tax law, or the allowances and reliefs that it provides, in ways that are contrary to the spirit of the law. Nor undertake specific transactions with the sole or main aim of securing tax advantages that would otherwise not be available to us based on the reality of the trade that is undertaken. Transactions will never be undertaken that would require notification to HM Revenue & Customs under the Disclosure of Tax Avoidance Schemes Regulations or participate in any arrangement to which it might be reasonably anticipated that the UK’s General Anti-Abuse Rule might apply.
The company believes tax havens undermine the UK’s tax system. We aim not to trade with customers and suppliers located in places considered to be tax havens, but if some customers and suppliers are genuinely located in places considered to be tax havens, no attempt will be made to use of those places to secure a tax advantage, and nor take advantage of the secrecy that many such jurisdictions provide for transactions recorded within them. The company's accounts will be prepared in compliance with this policy and will seek to provide all the information that users, including HM Revenue & Customs, might need to properly appraise our tax position.
The company's freehold properties and long leasehold properties comprising of office spaces were valued on 31 March 2026 by Allsop LLP, an independent valuer with experience in the location and class of the investment properties being valued. Where property has been marketed during the period, valuations have been based on offers received less cost of sale.
The valuation of the properties was on the basis of Market Value and that any investment properties would be sold subject to any existing leases and tenancies.
The Market Value of the properties as at 31 March 2026 was £29,890k (2025: £36,085k). In the directors opinion, the fair value of the investment properties undertaken by the independent valuer does not materially differ from the carrying value as at the balance sheet date.
The original cost of the investment properties was £52,763k (2025: £54,727k). The value of long leasehold properties included within investment properties was £5,345k (2025: £5,505k).
During the year nil (2025: £Nil) of interest costs directly attributable to the financing of freehold property developments were capitalised at the weighted average cost of the related borrowings. The total capitalised interest at 31 March 2026 was £1,380k (2025: £1,380k).
At the year end the directors reviewed the valuation of the investments and impaired their value by £1,393k based on their assessment of the recoverable amount of the investments.
Details of the company's associates and fixed asset investments 31 March 2026 are as follows:
Debt instruments comprise trade debtors, derivative financial instruments and other debtors (note 15).
Financial liabilities measured at amortised cost comprise trade creditors, other creditors, accruals, deferred income and bank loans (note 16).
During 2024, the existing loans were refinanced into a new loan facility and the loan became repayable on demand by 30 September 2024. This is covered by an existing standstill agreement which ends on the 30 September 2027.
The rate of interest applicable on the loans as at the year- end is as follows:
Loan facility 2.4% above 3-month SONIA
The bank loan is sustainability linked with a reduction on the margin linked with the achievement of environmental KPIs. The loan is secured under a fixed charge over the properties.
The company operates two defined contribution pension schemes for all qualifying employees. The assets of the schemes are held separately from those of the company in independently administered funds.
The calculations of basic and diluted earnings per share are based on earnings as set out below and on 14,910,708 (2025: 14,910,708) ordinary shares, being the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the year.
Loss on ordinary activities before exceptional items, taxation, fair value interest swap and investment movements was £1,145k (2025: £610k).
The calculations of basic and diluted earnings per share after accounting for exceptional items, taxation and investment movements is based on a total comprehensive loss of £6,608k (2025: total comprehensive income of £1,039k)) and on 14,910,708 (2025: 14,910,708) ordinary shares, being the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the year.
In the opinion of the Directors the earnings per share excluding exceptional items, taxation and investment movements is a more suitable measure of the underlying performance of the Company.
At the reporting end date the company had outstanding commitments for future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases, which fall due as follows:
At the reporting end date the company had contracted with tenants for the following minimum lease payments:
During the year the company made the following related party transactions:
Social Justice and Human Rights Centre Limited
(joint venture with Trust for London, Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust, The Barrow Cadbury Trust and Lankelly Chase Foundation).
The Ethical Property Company manages the company and all of its transactions, including payment of management fees. At the period end the value of the company's investment in the share capital of Social Justice and Human Rights Centre Limited was £4,310k (2025: £5,354k). The company raised invoices to Social Justice and Human Rights Centre Limited during the period amounting to £635k (2025: £506k) for management fees. At the balance sheet date included within debtors, the amount due from Social Justice and Humans Rights Centre Limited was £54k (2025: £nil). At the balance sheet date included within creditors, the amount due to Social Justice and Human Rights Centre Limited was £nil (2025: £nil). Also during the period, The Ethical Property Company purchased services totalling £nil (2025: £2k). All transactions were carried out in the normal course of business. The company paid a dividend of £43k (2025: £22k) to The Ethical Property Company in the period.
On 4 May 2026, a property was sold for £2.7m. On 7 August 2026 a standstill agreement was signed by the bank as referred to in note 1.2 to the financial statements.