Reg Pauffley - Communicator
world-class corporate reporting
Graphis 100 best annual reports 2011
The Graphis 100 best annual reports 2011 which was published recently
is well worth taking a look through, although it's only the Platinum winners
that you can actually link to from the site, unfortunately for the gold and silver
you will need to google the company to take a look at the report.
Don't forget that Graphis is the international bastion of excellence in
design and visual imagery, so this selection is made based on the
quality of the design and graphics.
http://www.graphis.com/latest/winners/annuals/reports/?book=70
Will online replace print?
It would seem that the Financial Reporting Council here in the
UK feels that it should. In fact, it's proposing permitting the publication
of the annual report in online format only, which I would imagine
is viewed by quite a number of people as fairly controversial.
Indeed, there has already been some anger expressed over the move.
In a recent article in the Financial Times the FRC was quoted as saying
that "by relieving companies of the burden of providing a printed annual
report on request it would enable them to focus on making their
web versions more user friendly and searchable."
I certainly agree with these ambitions, but I also feel that an online
only version could well create a real opportunity to provide the reader
with a much greater depth of content and information too.
It will be interesting to see what response the FRC gets to the proposal,
which is out to consultation until the end of March.
Do you think it's time to move to online only?
I don't normally ask what you feel, but on this occasion I think that
it would be really interesting if everybody shared their views.
Do you think online only would be better or worse, and why? Do you think
it doesn't matter in which format the annual report is presented?
Do you think it's inevitable, whatever anybody thinks?
If you want to take a look at the article, just click on the link below,
which will ask you to register first, but don't worry, it's free and
doesn't commit you to anything. It only takes a few seconds.
And let me know what you think about a topic that's set to provoke
strong reactions all over the world.
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/71dc17ba-19d5-11e0-b921-00144feab9a.htm1#axzz1AM7izmPj
Great covers, part 2
This is the second in the series of "Great Covers", which I started at the end of October.
This time, I've chosen SL Green Realty Corp 2009 (front and back), BBA Aviation 2006,
Logica 2009, and Vienna International Airport 2006 and 2007.
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Online first -The future of annual reports?
Take a look at my column on www.reportwatch.net
Judging a Book by its Cover
To me, the cover is such an important part of an annual report. It should
be compelling and instantly capture the reader's imagination.
It should set the tone of what's to come. It should have real 'pick me up
and read me appeal'.
With this in mind, I thought that it would be interesting to start a
series on 'Great Covers'.
For part one, I've chosen Harley Davidson 2007, BRAC 2009,
Novartis 2005, BAE Systems 2009, Xstrata 2006and LVMH 2009.
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A thoughtful Review, Nordic style
Finnair's Annual Review, titled 'Logbook', is made up of a collection of well written
articles divided into four chapters, each chapter providing an excellent insight into the
performance, activities, views and future of the airline. To me, the overall design and style
manages to not only capture the personality of the airline, but also to reflect the Finnish
culture very well.
The Review's somewhat understated style is attractive, and the charming illustrations
by Anton Yarkin are appealing. The combined effect is warm and user friendly,
and invites the reader to delve deeper into the various articles.
Apart from taking a look online, I would strongly recommend that you order a hard copy,
because part of the appeal of this Review is its feel when you pick it up and flick through
the pages. It's a tactile treat you won't get with an E-Book.
Go to www.finnairgroup.com/group/group_12_2.html to download and/or order.
An interesting look at turning data into information
Most annual reports use graphs and charts to communicate data,
but I've just discovered the work of New York based Nicholas Felton,
who specialises in infographics to turn data into information.
Nick produces an annual report of his own, using the data that he's
collected during the year.
Take a look at www.feltron.com, (don't forget to add the 'r'). His work
is fascinating and full of ideas about what can be done with data.
To watch Nick talking with great passion about the subject, there's
also a good video that's really worth taking a look at - click on
'SPEAKING' and then FSFK Conference.
Great Photography
It's always a pleasure to see great photography, but even more
so when it's on display in an annual report that is beautifully
designed and produced. Novartis have been using great photography
for many years now, and I strongly recommend that you take a look.
Go to www.novartis.com - click on 'Investors - download Annual Report
2009' - then click on 'image gallery' to view all the photographs
in the 2009 report.
To take a look at previous reports, click on 'visit our order
download centre', then click on 'Archive'.
I hope that you enjoy the view.
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Web first approach for Network Rail's CR Report 2010
An innovative piece of work from Network Rail, created and developed first and foremost from a web perspective. The report uses a number of interactive information graphics to introduce all of the key areas. Each image includes a number of pop-up text panels when you scroll over, which in turn provide you with an in-depth review of that particular section.
It’s been embedded into the main Network Rail website under the Community & Environment tab. A print version, which is available as a downloadable PDF, was designed by linearising the content and reusing the info graphics.
I feel that this web driven approach is one that we will see more and more during the next year or two, and is the way forward for the main annual report. It provides so much more opportunity to tell the company story.
I think Network Rail's CR report is compelling. Download the print version, to see just how well that works too:
http://www.networkrail.co.uk/aspx/114.aspx
