checkSURE Sponsers AccountancyAge Awards 2003
checkSURE Sponsers Excellence in Company Reports
checkSURE was pleased to sponsor two categories at the AccountancyAge Awards 2003, presented at the Battersea Park Arena, London, in November. The winners of these categories were:
- The Business Annual Report & Accounts: The British Land Company
- The Public and Voluntary Annual Report & Accounts: The UK Passport Service
checkSURE was represented at the awards by CEO Gary Ling and Managing Director, Rob Mason (pictured).
On reviewing the evening, Rob said: “Accuracy and accessibility are two of the three pillars that drive checkSURE’s business (the other is affordability). Clearly, as an information provider, checkSURE is highly dependent on the integrity and legibility of Annual Reports and Accounts. It is unrealistic for us for example to go looking under the desks of every major UK business to find out whether they are reporting properly. That’s why these awards are so important. Excellence in this area must be encouraged.”
Reinforcing this sentiment, Gary Ling added: “checkSURE users must be as astute at reading our reports as we are in delivering them. checkSURE has the best and most innovative online help of any provider of company reports. Yet the whole free enterprise system depends on honest and open reporting from companies themselves. Consequently, it is a pleasure to sponsor these two awards that promote excellence at the source of company information and reporting".
Business Annual Report: The British Land Company
According to the judges the level of commitment shown to informing investors of its environmental and social responsibilities certainly left its mark. However, it was the main report, with its fresh look and original approach, which the judges reserved the most praise for.
'It is difficult to be innovative and novel with an annual report without being gimmicky,' said one of the judges. 'British Land's report manages to pass this off with ease.' 'The report is well laid out with good facts and a nice at-a-glance section,' said another. 'It was well presented and the best that was on show.' Other candidates shortlisted were: Amersham, Geest Exel and Speedy Hire.
Public Sector Annual Report: UK Passport Office
The Passport Service also demonstrated to the judges the importance of corporate governance with details about strengthening its internal controls and risk management systems. In addition, the report provides information about its staff policies including the implementation of such things as a staff suggestion scheme, efforts made to improve the working environment and steps taken to reward, motivate and organise staff effectively. Again, all this is well illustrated with easy-to-read and colourful charts and graphs. Importantly, for a government office, the report contains details of green policies, an ever-important issue in a more environmentally conscious business community.
Lastly, the hard figures are presented at the back of the book, using large amounts of wide space to allow for improved readability. According to the judges, innovation extends all the way through the report, from the front page to the back. This is highlighted by a tear-out feedback form, which asks readers to share their feelings on the report, as well as make suggestions for improvement in next year's publication. Other shortlisted candidates were Companies House and HM Prison Service.
For more information on the AccountancyAge Awards 2003 click here
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