Annual Report Survival Guide.

Are you ready?

Follow our convenient Annual Report Survival Guide to make sure you’re ready to survive the annual reporting period. This guide will help you plan well in advance for this busy time.

 The timings below are based on producing a June year-end annual report

April

• Select a design studio with an in-depth understanding of the annual report process; with a high level of service; and will relish in the production of high-quality annual report across both print and digital platforms.
• Consider who will be responsible for the writing of the annual report – will you be working with an internal committee or utilising and external copywriter?
• What format will be best – print, pdf page-turner (ebook) or online annual report?

May/June

–  Brief the design studio for quoting and concept development – great to start this early!
–  So that we can provide a more accurate quote, let us know:

• type of annual report.
• the format of the annual report.
• the number of pages (base it on last year).
• paper stock preferences (coated, uncoated or environmental?).
• source of imagery (internal/external).

June/July

• Design studio to develop the concept for printed and online annual report (if required).
• Brief external copywriter if you are using one.
• Image search to begin – internal or external?
• Develop a concise production timeline with the studio to ensure all critical dates are met.
• Concept design approved.

August

• Start sending editorial/marketing sections to design studio for typesetting and layout (once approved).
• Ideally, all sections aside from financials should be with the designer for layout by end of August.

September

• Financials should be ready to send to the designer mid this month.
• Review of the first draft of annual report excluding financials for stakeholder feedback.
• The annual report will go back an forth with the designer as amends are made inline with the production timeline.
• Consider a proofreader to review the document for consistency and readability throughout.
• Establish delivery requirements – will they be sent to one destination or multiple?
• Do you have databases ready for mailout – print or online?

October

• A final round of changes back to the designer beginning of October.
• The full annual report including financials to you for final review and sign off.
• Commence online version of the annual report – once print version is signed off.
• Printing options – if you are printing more than 500 copies, litho printing is probably the most economical. Allow approx. 10-14 days.
• If printing less than 400 copies, digital printing is the best print method. Allow approx. 5 days.
• Ensure delivery is 3 days before lodgement to allow yourself time to deliver and lodge the annual reports before the deadline.

There you have it, our easy-to-follow Annual Report Survival Guide to help you manage this busy period.

Designing and producing an annual report requires enormous attention to detail. We have the experience and excellence to ensure quality and accuracy to deliver your annual report on time and within budget. As print managers, we get you the best price for the production of your report, source and select a range of paper stocks and manage the process from start to finish.