The company’s auditor attends board meetings as required, and is always present when the annual accounts are under consideration. The auditor provides the board with a review of work on the annual accounts, and explains changes in the accounting principles and other significant aspects. Should either side find it appropriate, the board can meet the auditor without the executive management being present.

The auditor’s fee, broken down by audit work and other consultancy services, is specified in note 2 to the parent company accounts. See page 62.