The Board believes in the importance of effective communication. The Company seeks to improve investors’ and potential investors’ understanding of its objectives, strategy and performance. In the year to 31 March 2010, over 250 presentations were made by a combination of the Chief Executive, Portfolio and Finance Directors in order to explain the Group’s business and financial performance and to answer questions. All such meetings are conducted within the guidance provided by the UKLA Listing and Disclosure Rules on the dissemination of price sensitive information.

The Annual General Meeting provides the Board with an opportunity to communicate with, and answer questions from, private and institutional shareholders and the whole Board is available before the meeting, in particular, for shareholders to meet new directors. The Chairman of each of the Audit, Nomination and Remuneration Committees is available at the Annual General Meeting to answer questions. Details of the number of proxy votes for, against and withheld for each resolution are disclosed at the meeting.

The Company is a member of the FTSE4Good UK index, a benchmark index of companies which meets criteria set down by EIRIS (Ethical Investment Research Services) on environmental, social and corporate governance performance.

Download our progress against our 2009/10 objectives and targets

Download our 2009/10 investor objectives and targets pdf

Download our progress against our 2008/09 objectives and targets pdf

Download our 2008/09 investor objectives and targets pdf