Stakeholder relationships

Customers

We seek to be honest and fair in our relationships with our customers and above all to provide the standards of product and service that have been agreed whilst at the same time offering value for money. At all times we take all reasonable steps to ensure the safety and quality of the goods or services that we produce.

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Shareholders

ABF is committed to increasing shareholder value, and we will communicate our achievements and prospects to our shareholders in an accurate and timely manner. Apart from the annual general meeting the company communicates with its shareholders by way of the annual report and accounts, the half yearly interim report is available in the Download Centre of the company’s website. Significant matters relating to the trading or development of the business are disseminated to the market by way of Stock Exchange announcements. The company also holds meetings with its major institutional shareholders to discuss the company’s operations.

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Suppliers

We will carry out our business honestly, ethically and with respect for the rights and interests of our suppliers. We will settle our bills promptly being a signatory to the Better Payment Practice Code and we will co-operate with suppliers to improve quality and efficiency. We seek to develop relationships with supplier companies consistent with these basic principles, and specifically with respect to human rights and conditions of employment. Where supplier audits show shortcomings in any of these areas, we will strive to encourage a programme of improvement leading to compliance. Responsibility for specific supply codes and agreements rests with individual companies.

Example of Supplier Code of Conduct

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The wider community

We recognise our responsibilities as a member of the communities in which we operate and encourage our operating companies to engage with the local community in their areas of operation. Examples of this include cultural and community sponsorship in Australia through George Weston Foods and the community activities of British Sugar.

The Garfield Weston Foundation was set up by the late W. Garfield Weston in 1958. It is one of the UK’s foremost philanthropic organisations and derives a substantial proportion of its funds from its interests in ABF’s ultimate holding company, Wittington Investments Limited.

www.garfieldweston.org

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