Corporate governance

The Board is committed to high standards of corporate governance as outlined in the Combined Code ("the Code") on corporate governance appended to the UK Listing Authority Listing Rules.   

The Board, which meets at least eight times a year has a formal schedule of matters specifically reserved to it for decision.  It is primarily responsible for the strategy needed for the successful direction of an international company and currently comprises the Chairman, the Group Chief Executive, the Group Finance Director and two independent non-executive directors.  The Chairman is an independent (non-executive) director.  All members of the Board have full access to the advice and services of the Company Secretary.  Where necessary the directors may take independent professional advice at the Company’s expense.  Under the Company's Articles of Association all directors must offer themselves for re-election at least once every three years.    

Matters reserved for the approval of the Board