Investor relations and partnerships
2007 Stakeholder Consultation
In our regular engagement with stakeholders, CR related matters form part of our discussions as appropriate. To this end, in 2007, we undertook a review of our current CR reporting system to determine whether it could be made more responsive to our stakeholders’ needs. The review gathered constructive input from a number of key internal and external stakeholders, including employees, local authorities, public interest groups, investors and retailers. We will use this information to inform the structure, content and communication of future reporting.
We have, as a consequence, revised the production of our CR Reports for 2007. They are now published and circulated according to the needs of interested groups, including shareholders, employees, local authorities, consultants and retailers. A more detailed report is posted to the corporate website, including data of special interest to stakeholders wanting a deeper understanding of our CR credentials. A printed summary is produced and distributed to shareholders, partners and other interested parties. This is also made available at our shopping centres for the general public.
Investors
A programme of constructive engagement with our shareholders and potential investors, bankers and other organisations is carried on throughout the year.
Presentations, one-to-one briefings and site visits are arranged and during 2007 our Executive Directors met with 84 investor groups 16 of which were overseas. We especially welcome representatives from groups who have a special interest in CR related matters and discuss our initiatives with them.
Partners
We share ownership of a number of our shopping centres and other investments with local authorities, institutions and other organisations. We value highly the relationships with our co-investors and work with them to deliver common goals and objectives.
In October 2006 Liberty International signed an agreement with Provogue (India) Limited in order to develop and manage prime regional shopping centres for the growing organised retail sector in India. The partnership, known as Prozone-Liberty, is working closely together to ensure that appropriate systems are put in place to promote and safeguard health & safety and welfare matters of relevance to all those working on the construction and subsequent operation of all sites under the control of the partnership.
Government and local authorities
As a leading UK property investor, we participate in the formulation and development of new planning policies and guidance at both national and local levels. We work closely with local authorities, who in some areas are co-investors in our shopping centres, on the development of Structure Plans and other initiatives.
As part of our development and planning process, we prepare Area Wide Development Briefs and undertake Environmental Impact Studies, Sustainability Reports and Traffic Assessments