As we embark on a new year and look forward to what lies ahead, we are also closing in on the end of financial year. It is a time when companies and organisations look back on the year that was, and for most this also means it is time to start preparing the…
Annual Report!
Yes, it’s the fun time of the year when we put together that thick document outlining key operations and financial details of the past financial year to be scrutinised by shareholders, investors and analysts.
Being tasked with writing your company’s Annual Report can be daunting, so we’ve put together our 4 top tips to simplify the process.
1. PLAN
Collating the content for your Annual Report is a long process that can be simplified if you establish an organised system from the beginning of each financial year. Be prepared by collecting and recording data, key achievements, photographs and media exposure throughout the year. That way you’re not left racking your brain at the end of each year trying to remember your company’s successes and highlights.
2. STREAMLINE
Determine a key message. What is the main thing you want stakeholders and investors to take from this document? Look at all of your content and consider how you can connect each activity, accomplishment and the mission statement to this key message. This helps to build trust in your brand and establish integrity.
3. STRUCTURE
One of the most difficult parts of compiling an Annual Report is deciding what information to put in and what to leave out. Remove content that doesn’t add any value or interest to your report and choose which facts you would like to highlight. You want your Annual Report to be as engaging as possible, so think about which convoluted facts and figures could be simplified with a graphic or table.
4. DESIGN
Creating an extensive document that captures an audience from start to finish is an art form in itself! It takes time, patience and creative design to establish a layout that flows effortlessly and an overall look that represents the brand well.
We can help you with that!
At Of Note, document design and structure is our jam! From annual reports to capability statements and internal reports, we integrate information with eye catching design that allows readers to easily digest content. We take time to establish an overall layout that is functional, aesthetically pleasing and brand consistent. Visual elements such as infographics, graphs, tables and images are placed throughout the document to add interest and visual cues.
Take a look at some of the work we have done.
Screenwest
Silk Hospitality
Here at Of Note, we design much more than reports and documents; view our gamut of design expertise here.
