It is important that we listen and engage with our stakeholders. They are often able to provide us with views and opinions that help us to define the right strategy. Some stakeholder groups have a direct impact on how we operate, particularly when dealing with planning approvals or anticipating regulatory change. In these cases, it is crucial that we develop close relationships so that we are able to provide the best solutions.

However, it is also the case that some of these groups have conflicting and competing views. For example, our shareholders want us to increase profit margins on the homes we build, whilst local planning authorities ask us to include additional features that may increase our costs. As a responsible housebuilder, it is our job to take into consideration all these views. This means that we will not act on every view put forward, but try to take a balanced decision that takes into account these opinions when we formulate our approach.

We have identified our key stakeholders through consultation with the local operating businesses and formal evaluation by the CR Committee. These key groups are set out below.