Relations with shareholders

The Company is committed to increasing shareholder value, and communicates its achievements and prospects to its shareholders in an accurate and timely manner. Apart from the annual general meeting, the Company communicates with its shareholders by way of the annual report and accounts and the interim report. Significant matters relating to the trading or development of the business are disseminated to the market by way of Stock Exchange announcements and by press release and appear on the Company's website. The Company also holds meetings with its major institutional shareholders to discuss the Company’s operations.

The senior independent director is available to shareholders in the event that communication with the Chairman, Chief Executive or Finance Director has failed to resolve concerns or where such contact is inappropriate.

The annual general meeting takes place in London. Formal notification is sent to shareholders approximately one month in advance and in any event at least 21 days before the meeting. Other general meetings may also be convened from time to time on at least 21 days’ notice or where certain requirements are met including prior approval by shareholders by way of special resolution, on 14 days’ notice. The annual general meeting gives shareholders an opportunity
to hear about the general development of the business and to ask questions of the Chairman and, through him, the chairmen of the key committees and other directors. The practice has been for a short film to be shown at the meeting explaining a particular area of the group’s business. Details of the meeting and the resolutions to be proposed together with explanatory notes are set out in the Notice of Meeting which is sent to shareholders. Any member attending the AGM has the right to ask questions. The Company must cause to be answered any such question relating to the business being dealt with at the meeting, except in certain circumstances including if it is undesirable in the interests of the Company or the good order of the meeting to do so or if to do so would involve the disclosure of confidential information. Shareholders attending the meeting are advised of the number of proxy votes lodged for each resolution. All resolutions are voted on by poll and the results announced to the London Stock Exchange and posted on the Company’s website.