We have set out in this section the nature and quality of our key stakeholder relationships.

We have provided details of: how we engage with these groups; how we address the issues that affect them; and how each contributes to deliver value.

StakeholderWhy it is important to engageWays we engageStakeholders' key interests
CustomersUnderstanding our customers' needs and behaviours allows us to deliver relevant products and services, retain customers and also attract new ones. It also identifies opportunities for growth.
  • Satisfaction surveys
  • Rewards
  • Commercial website
  • Social media engagement
  • Availability of services
  • Customer service
  • Convenience
  • Ranges
ColleaguesInteractions with our colleagues are the main ways that customers experience the brand of the Company. Our colleagues are fundamental to the achievement of our customer experience ambitions and are the cornerstone of our service and services proposition.
  • '3-Gears' training programme
  • Listening: surveys and colleague groups
  • 'Aspire' store management development courses
  • Recognition and reward
  • Apprenticeship programme
  • Career opportunities
  • Wellbeing
  • Training and development
  • Pay and conditions
  • Colleague engagement
SuppliersEngaging with our supply chain means that we can ensure security of supply and speed to market. Our brand relies heavily on the high standards of our carefully selected suppliers, in order for us to deliver market-leading products and services.
  • Far East trading office developing mutually beneficial relationships
  • Logistics efficiencies and environmental management
  • Supplier conferences
  • Infrastructure
  • Quality management
  • Cost efficiency
  • Ethical Trading policy
  • Long-term relationships
InvestorsAs a publicly listed company we need to provide fair, balanced and understandable information to instil trust and confidence and allow informed investment decisions to be made.
  • Annual reports
  • RNS announcements
  • Annual General Meetings
  • Investor presentations
  • Corporate website
  • One-on-one meetings
  • Future-oriented information
  • Risk information
  • Operating and financial performance
  • Dividend
  • Access to Management
CommunitiesEnsures continued viability of the business into the long-term. We aim to contribute positively to the communities and environment in which we operate.
  • Community investment initiatives
  • Media channels
  • Re-cycle initiatives
  • Prison initiatives
  • Impact of Group activities on the wider community
  • CSR agenda
MediaEnsures transparency of information on the business. As a business-to-consumer company, we need strong multi-channel exposure to connect with customers and our wider stakeholder audience.
  • Product videos and peer reviews
  • TV and radio advertising campaign
  • Email and PR customer engagement
  • Improving Twitter, Facebook and Youtube content
  • Reliable range, product and pricing information
  • Transparency of reliable and timely Group information
GovernmentPolicies and regulatory changes may provide opportunities and pose risk to our operations. Working closely with the Government ensures that our products and services evolve.
  • Cycle to Work policy campaigning
  • DAB Radio working groups
  • Driver training and vehicle safety enhancements
  • Engaging with VOSA, DVLA, TSI, ASA and HSE
  • Transport policies and schemes
  • CO2 reduction strategies