UK: Deloitte 2008 survey of narrative reporting

Deloitte has published the 2008 edition of its annual survey of narrative reporting. Titled "Write from the start - surveying narrative reporting in annual reports", the report explores the content of the narrative sections of listed companies' annual reports including, for the first time this year, corporate governance statements.

The authors surveyed 130 companies and examined reports published in the period between 1 August 2007 and 31 July 2008. With regard to corporate governance, it is reported that 30% of companies complied fully with the Combined Code on Corporate Governance. At 7% of companies the same person occupied the position of chairman and chief executive.