Insights

We answer the question; how can organisations maintain narrative control by embedding a single strategic story across every channel, optimising content for machine-readability and designing a communications ecosystem?

AI tools now scan disclosures, generate summaries and surface insights before a human reader ever opens a report.

This blog tackles the widening gap between aspiration and evidence, exploring the urgent need for robust sustainability data, and answering what it truly takes to close it.

Discover how to move beyond static PDFs and adopt digital‑first, interactive experiences that engage stakeholders, meet AI‑driven expectations, and differentiate your organisation in 2026.

This blog explores how credible governance reporting can foster trust, clarify board oversight, and meet investor expectations.

From 1 January 2027, a new accounting standard, IFRS 18, comes into force. While it is formally a change to the financial statements, its implications reach far beyond the back end of the annual report.

Increasingly, investors are bypassing traditional navigation paths and asking generative AI tools direct questions about company performance, strategy, risk and sustainability.

The landscape keeps changing, but the fundamentals stay the same: clarity, craft and storytelling will always cut through the noise.

On 3 December 2025 the Financial Reporting Council (FRC) published its first official “Reporting Insights” on how large private companies are applying and reporting against the Wates Corporate Governance Principles.

What was once the preserve of technology companies is now shaping business models, risk management frameworks and governance disclosures across many sectors.

Corporate reporting has become more complex than ever. Investors, employees, customers and wider stakeholders all want clear, consistent and accessible information but they do not always seek it from the same place.

The rise of AI in corporate life is reshaping how organisations operate, from automating repetitive tasks to transforming decision-making processes.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) might feel like it appeared overnight, but in reality, it’s been part of our daily lives for years, from recommendation engines on shopping sites to voice assistants like Alexa.

In today’s digital landscape, cyber incidents are not a question of if, but when. For listed companies – especially those with investor relations (IR) obligations – the stakes are even higher.

Years ago we adapted our logo for Pride Month, joining a wider movement of visible support for LGBTQ+ rights. It was a time marked by growing inclusivity in both society and the workplace.

We’re proud to have signed up to the Mental Health Charter – a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to raising awareness, improving training, and embedding best practice around mental health in the workplace.

We’re incredibly proud to announce that Design Portfolio has been named one of The Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2025.

On 15 November 2023, Design Portfolio won the prestigious “Small agency of the year award” at Communicate Magazine's Corporate & Financial Awards 2023!

At Design Portfolio, we’re always open to new perspectives – especially when they help us sharpen our thinking and challenge the status quo.

Our latest joint report between Ever Sustainable and Design Portfolio delves into the transformation of sustainability reporting, offering actionable insights for Sustainability Consultants, Finance Directors, Heads of ESG, and Investor Relations leaders.

As stakeholder expectations evolve and regulatory requirements tighten, the shift towards digital-first reporting is no longer just an option – it’s an imperative.

To understand how the next generation views corporate reporting, we asked undergraduate finance students at Warwick Business School what they expect from an annual report of the future.

Sustainability is no longer just a “nice to have” – it has become a critical de-risking factor in investment decision making.

Predictive analytics and advanced algorithms – the same tools shaping the future of strategic forecasting – will empower reports to be sharper, smarter and more insightful than ever before.

The most common question we hear as corporate communication consultants is: “How can we reduce the page count of the annual report?”

A new phase of more sophisticated investment case reporting can be observed across the FTSE 350 and AIM 50 as corporates mature from a focus on creation to communication.

An investment case is an integral part of a company’s corporate communications. It can help demonstrate the purpose of the business, the market position and any future plans for development.

Businesses face the challenge of balancing investor expectations, societal demands for positive impact and meaningful employee engagement.

An increasing number of companies have adopted the Workiva platform to bring their financial reporting data together in a controlled, secure, audit-ready platform.

The FRC introduced updates to the UK Corporate Governance Code for 2024 which are designed to improve accountability, transparency, and effectiveness in governance across companies.

In this blog we look at the new UK anti-greenwashing rule and its impact, as well as the effect this will have on corporate websites.

We are incredibly excited to welcome Kalago into our group. This acquisition builds on our recent MBO and represents another significant milestone in our growth strategy and aligns perfectly with our vision for the future.

Is AI going to revolutionise the creative process or is it just too iterative to offer bespoke solutions?

At Design Portfolio, we're committed to staying ahead of the curve in corporate communications, that's why we recently partnered with a group of talented students from Imperial College London.

Effective capital allocation isn't just a financial strategy – it's fundamental to creating sustainable long-term value.

In today's rapidly evolving business landscape, effective management and disclosure of emerging risks are critical for ensuring the company is forward-looking and considers all aspects of risk.

DP’s consultancy team has been closely monitoring how companies are reporting on AI in their most recent accounts.

We focus on tailoring communication strategies to what matters most to your company and bringing these elements to life in the annual report or any other communication channel.

There has been a notable shift in the corporate reporting landscape, with an increasing number of companies adopting landscape format for their annual and sustainability reports.

The FRC released a thematic review of large private companies’ corporate reporting addressing the quality of reporting by large private companies with significant accountability in the market.

The UK will become the first country in the world to make TCFD aligned disclosures fully mandatory for publicly listed companies by the end of 2022.

The FTSE Women Leaders Review, a voluntary, independent and business-led initiative supported by the Government, released its latest report, Achieving Gender Balance.

2023 saw uncertainty with governance reporting amends as the UK Corporate Governance Code was revised and then questioned in Parliament, and proposed audit reforms were left out of the King's Speech.

It’s fair to say that a lot has happened in the regulatory space during 2023, most notably when the DBT’s draft corporate reporting regulations were withdrawn.

In the current climate, the consumption of annual reports by machine reading software is growing year on year and is set to possibly be the core driver of report consumption in the future.

The average annual report grows by nearly eight pages every year. And with even more regulations in the pipeline, this trend is only expected to increase.

Corporate reporting is not just about compliance but a strategic tool that can significantly impact a company's reputation and investment prospects.

For many stakeholders, digital, and more so the corporate website, is becoming the default source of information on a company.

In recent years, investment management firms have been challenged to find the best way to incorporate sustainability data into their investment process.

In 2022, we saw the establishment ISSB at COP26, plans to replace the NFRD and the UK’s Greening Finance plans begin to take shape.

It is increasingly essential for companies to enhance and communicate their internal control and risk frameworks given current political and social uncertainties.

Despite increased expectations for companies to disclose their ESG data, there is still growing confusion surrounding sustainability reporting.

Like all regulatory changes, ESEF caused a degree of trepidation among corporate reporters as it made its way into UK disclosure and transparency rules.

Government, business, civil society and the private sector no longer doubt the reality of climate change. The question now is, how do we respond without creating chaos across the economy?

To really succeed as a business in the 21st century, it’s not about reporting, or sustainability as a sideshow to business activity; it’s about sustainability by design.

Climate change is a defining problem of our time that we all have a responsibility to prioritise.

The goal is always to move a company on in their ESG journey whilst helping them navigate a complicated reporting landscape.

It has been one of the biggest reporting headaches for companies in recent years – where, how and what to report for their sustainability disclosures.

Tackling climate change and establishing net-zero emissions is no longer a debate, it’s a necessity. The WEF has addressed how companies must take responsibility.

The Fourth Industrial Revolution is underway, Greta is Time’s Person of the Year and the tragic effects of climate change in Australia are front-page news around the world.

It’s been a week since Theresa May declared that the UK will be the first G7 country to become net zero carbon by 2050.

Now more than ever, it is important for companies to clearly understand how regulations and reporting requirements feed into each other and how best to convey a strong company story.

The FRC published a new discussion paper and the message is clear – responsible capitalism is the way forward, and the world of corporate communications must recalibrate.

2020 saw that ESG funds can outperform traditional investment funds and a boom in ESG investment products being built into portfolios was evident. Demand is rising dramatically.

Our internal impact consultancy, Ever Sustainable, offers training on key sustainability reporting trends to get your team ready to strategise, report and communicate in 2023.

The FCA has published important new rules to reflect the authority’s focus on speeding up the pace of change towards increased diversity and inclusion.

We take a look at the IA’s four Shareholder Priorities, drawing on key takeaways from the Association’s findings and where we expect to see developments in reporting moving forward.

2023 will mark just over four years since companies began reporting more clearly on Section 172 requirements and almost three years since our first Section 172 research report.

Mandatory Section 172 statements are now being published for the first time and no one could have imagined them arriving under more turbulent circumstances.

Julie Wilford, CEO of DP was invited by Rebecca Padgett at the Leeds University Business School to talk to some of their students about my own journey in business and to discuss how we can do more to #embraceequity.

A recent review of modern slavery reporting by the Financial Reporting Council (FRC) raised questions as to how much this issue is considered in boardrooms.

As we now enter the second quarter of the year, we have identified six key areas for those responsible for corporate communication to consider.

From Larry Fink’s annual letter to CEOs, to the mass shift of retail investors and consumers into the sustainability space, ESG issues have hit the mainstream.

What happens in nature affects what happens in the economic system. Businesses are dependent on the natural world and are more closely connected to it than they might think.

Improving data quality and transparency is vital because, simply put, the use of misleading data leads to a mispricing of assets and a misallocation of capital.

Through our partnership with Green Alliance, Design Portfolio is hosting a public panel event on the next big policy changes and market trends in green finance, investment and climate reporting.

Calls to ensure that ESG information is prepared with the same rigour as the financial statements frame the conversation around how to develop an effective reporting framework.

As sustainability reporting continues to gain traction, the spectre of greenwashing looms over the corporate reporting community.

Nature and biodiversity is a fascinating and urgent topic which will require companies to be up to speed on the rapidly changing policy world.

Design Portfolio co-hosted a webinar with the London Stock Exchange, inviting professionals from Reality Check Systems and Inspired ESG to share their latest thinking.

COVID-19 just might be the catalyst that pushes corporates in the direction that the FRC has been championing all along.

We take pride in working with a range of different AIM listed companies, supporting them on their unique journey with corporate communications.

At a time when so many of us are working from home, or potentially unable to work, more of us have been inspired to explore nature in our own neighbourhoods as we refocus on our immediate surroundings.

Companies who maintained their investment in marketing and communication during a down-turn tended to rebound much quicker than those that cut back.

It is important that businesses base their communication strategies on the principles of simplicity, clarity and brevity, while dedicating the resources needed to get their message across.

Technological advancements can be a lifeline in a time of crisis like this. With stakeholders in mind, try to meet these groups where they are – online, on their phones and on social media.

Our latest report summarises these changes and provides some top tips for reporting during this crisis.

In this “post-truth” world, it is important, now more than ever, that you are able to clearly define and articulate what it is you want to say about your organisation, its purpose and its culture.

As companies aspire to achieve stakeholder trust and greater societal impact, clear and impactful ESG reporting is becoming more relevant than ever.

The stretched timetable is critical for companies to take stock and provide the most decision-useful information as possible to investors

Investors are continuing to put pressure on companies to address ESG issues despite the fallout from coronavirus.

In these troubling times we are focused on helping our clients maintain and amplify key messages, communicate their story to every one of their stakeholders, through the right channel, in the right way.

The world’s richest man has made one of the largest single endowments in history – £10 billion of his personal fortune to combat climate change.

Preparing for and executing an Initial Public Offer (IPO) is an intense and high-stakes process.

The Labour Party revealed that it experienced a “sophisticated and large-scale cyber-attack” on its digital systems from an unknown source.

Why did the computer sneeze? It had a virus, of course!

Whatever stage you are at in your growth journey, you cannot take your corporate comms for granted.

A few things resonated with me whilst reading the transcript of Sir Win Bischoff’s final speech before stepping down as Chairman of the Financial Reporting Council (FRC).

The explosion of channels that we have to communicate through has meant that the pressure on corporate communicators to be consistent and transparent has increased with it.

The times they are a-changin’. So sang Bob Dylan in 1964, but who could have realised just how prescient those words would be?

With increasing interest from investors, Executives are now beginning to see company culture as an asset that contributes to long-term value and success.

We recently had the chance to attend the ICSA Conference 2019, the theme of which was the “Future of the Board”.

Even after only a couple of months, the culture within Design Portfolio is one of warmth, support and teamwork.

Representation matters and a diverse workforce is beneficial to us all, but this is one area where the design industry has serious problems to solve.

Over the majority of April and the beginning of May our Consultancy Director, Daniel Redman, has been trying to go to as many industry events as possible.

The research cites that 79% of FTSE 350 companies regard technology and cyber security as principal risks, yet half do not disclose technology expertise on their boards.

An authentic voice provides you with the chance to showcase who you are and what you stand for without the filter of third-party sources, such as news aggregators, forums or social channels.

Thursday 21 March 2019 marked the 33rd annual PLC Awards and Design Portfolio were once again proud to sponsor and attend this prestigious event.

We stand by using awareness as the ultimate way to reduce bias and celebrate women’s achievements.

These days, culture, purpose and stakeholder engagement are words seemingly mentioned in the corporate world as much as Brexit!

The Financial Reporting Council (FRC) this week published its proposed revisions to the UK Stewardship Code.

On 12 December 2018, we had the pleasure of attending the launch of the Wates Corporate Governance Principles for Large Private Companies, hosted by the FRC.

On Friday 7 December, the corporate community gathered at The Queens Hotel in Leeds for the annual Yorkshire Business Awards, which was organised by Variety, the Children’s Charity.

Tuesday 27 November saw over 700 guests gather at the Hilton on Park Lane for the annual Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators (ICSA) Awards.

Why is your corporate website important during an Initial Public Offering (IPO) and how can you make it work harder for you?

The Financial Reporting Council’s (FRC’s) new report published earlier this week highlights how smaller companies can improve their reporting.

Thursday 1 November marked the 18th annual UK tech awards and Design Portfolio was once again proud to be a sponsor at this prestigious event celebrating the best in the UK technology sector.

On 18 October we had the pleasure of attending the launch of Grant Thornton’s 2018 Corporate Governance Review.

Thursday 11 October marked the 23rd annual AIM Awards and Design Portfolio was once again proud to be a sponsor at this prestigious event.

In September, we had the pleasure of attending the launch of the FRC’s board diversity reporting paper, in collaboration with the University of Exeter.

Last Friday 28 September, the AIM Rule 26 changes officially came into action, requiring all AIM companies to choose a recognised Code to comply with.

Thursday 13 September saw CEOs, FDs, COOs and management teams from a diverse range of industries, gather at the Brewery in London for the annual Private Business Awards.

In the world of report and accounts production, R&A could just as well stand for ‘reliable and accurate’ as that’s exactly what printers who operate in this space need to be.

For all newly listed companies, creating that first annual report following an initial public offering (IPO) presents a significant opportunity.

We live in a fragile world, where it feels like there isn’t a week that goes by without some apocalyptic-like event that affects different countries, industries or communities.

On the 31 July, the FRC published its revised Guidance on the Strategic Report.

The new 2018 UK Corporate Governance Code, which has been described as a “new shorter, sharper Code”, will apply to accounting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2019.

Blockchain and the digital currencies that are powered by it have been headline news for quite some time now, but one thing that has not yet been widely considered is the potential use of blockchain within corporate reporting.

Good governance and its effect on corporate performance is an area that has gathered a lot of attention from investors lately.

Remuneration reporting continues to evolve, from the disclosure of the gender pay gap to the upcoming obligation to reveal CEO pay ratio.

You are cordially invited to join Design Portfolio and Edison Investment Research for our second MiFID II event – The Communication Opportunity, in association with the IR Society.

Governance reporting continues to develop and as the AIM Rules change and the FRC provides an updated Code.

When the CEO of the world’s largest institutional investor says “Society is demanding that companies…serve a social purpose."

There is no doubt that the future of society lies in the hands of the people that live in it.

Having recently attended the very insightful IR Society Forum, it got us thinking about the importance of corporate communications, particularly when companies are faced with a crisis.

The deadline to report on the gender pay gap is fast approaching, with businesses required to publish their results by the 4 April 2018.

Due to the intrinsic nature of global businesses, it should not come as a surprise that complex supply chains may face the risk of modern slavery and human trafficking.

As market conditions become more favourable and companies’ long-term strategies are developed, it might be considered natural for companies to move from AIM to the Main Market.

The MiFID was amended with the goal of strengthening the transparency framework for the regulation of markets in financial instruments, including where trading in such markets takes place OTC.

Following the success of regional events in Leeds and Manchester, we hosted a successful event in Cambridge in collaboration with the QCA, on the theme of corporate reporting.

Rather crudely, Evan Davis, host of the Investor Relations (IR) Society Annual Conference, described the current social and political climate as a period of “post-truth and peak bullshit”.

It has been a dramatic weekend in the world of cyber security. Microsoft has termed this a wake-up call for all governments around the world.

Following recent initiatives and inquiries from the government, the BEIS, FRC and countless others, it is no secret that the importance of good corporate governance is rising on the agenda.

As the reporting landscape changes we are constantly reminded that digital is increasingly important to many companies.

On Thursday 14 July 2022, our Sustainability Director Martha McPherson shared her reflections and experiences on a panel with representatives.

Through our partnership with Green Alliance, Design Portfolio hosted a public panel event on the next big policy changes and market trends in green finance, investment and climate reporting.

What do small and mid-cap Section 172 statements look like? What’s the key to effective disclosure? And does it still matter under the new normal of COVID-19?

It’s that time of year again, and we are lucky enough to introduce you to the newest members of the Design Portfolio (DP) family!

A number of agreed internships across the UK were slashed, leaving few development opportunities for students, professionals and those looking to learn more from new industries.

We all know that 2020 was a challenging year, but here at Design Portfolio, we have high hopes that 2021 will bring us a fresh new start.

We couldn’t be more proud of our people, partners and clients for how they’ve adapted and looked after one another these past few weeks.

It’s the new year and our teams are back in the office after a very fulfilling and indulgent break, already busy cracking on with several exciting projects and ready for all that 2019 has in store.

For many, the social highlight of the working year is the highly anticipated Christmas party, an opportunity for co-workers from all over the UK to get together and celebrate another fantastic year.

On Sunday 2 December 2018, the Skullfades Foundation held its annual winter homeless event in Manchester. Our Marketing Director, Rochelle O’Hagan, was one of the many volunteers.

Christmas certainly came early for the Design Portfolio team last week as the offices gathered to celebrate the festive season at the annual Chairman’s lunch.

On 14 November 2018 our Senior Typesetter and Artworker, Sandeep Assi, was interviewed by BBC Look North in a report.

For the third year running, we also wanted to spread some Christmas joy outside of our offices and have once again participated in Operation Christmas Child, run by Samaritan’s Purse.

This October Abbie Baker, our Marketing Account Executive, completed the 10k Race for Life in aid of Cancer Research UK.

At 11:00am on the 11 November 2018, millions of people across the country fell silent in respect for the fallen soldiers of WW1 and WW2.

Today, we have joined in the festivities and celebrations of Diwali!

With various styles of the event being hosted all over the country, the Design Portfolio team chose to return to its firm favourite, the Bavarian Beerhouse in London Tower Hill.

On 15 September our Client Services and Quality Control Director, Jessica Coles, took part in the York Pretty Muddy obstacle race to raise money for Cancer Research UK.

Last Saturday, adventurous members of the Design Portfolio team returned to the canals of Broxbourne for the annual boat trip social.

As 1 August rolls around again, so does the annual Yorkshire Day – a celebration of all things… well, Yorkshire!

Football-mania is sweeping the country and like the rest of England we at Design Portfolio are very much enjoying the World Cup 2018.

On Saturday 7 July, our Chairman, Ian Restall, and his family once again welcomed Design Portfolio into their home for the annual summer party.

With ever-increasing university fees and a demand for relevant work experience, there are great opportunities for companies to run apprentice schemes and for students to take part.

This month’s DP Leeds night out saw the team descend on Mecca Bingo.

The last two weeks have seen two climate-related “watershed” moments in North America, building on the experience of mandatory reporting to the TCFD in the UK.

Martha McPherson has joined the growing Sustainability practice at DP to help service the growing requirements of global listed companies to report strategically around ESG strategy and targets.

The pandemic has forced investors to rethink how companies treat their employees, customers, and suppliers in the long term.

When Larry Fink, BlackRock’s CEO and the world’s largest fund manager, says "we are on the edge of a fundamental reshaping of finance" due to risks from changes in the climate, investors listen.

Better business has been a key theme throughout Davos 2020. This, of course, refers to the role of companies in shaping their industries and being at the forefront of technological and social change.

The way people perceive and think about sustainability has shifted dramatically in the last decade.

With sustainability, the environment and climate change currently at the forefront of people’s minds, the need to have an eco-friendly Christmas is more important than ever.

At Design Portfolio, we strongly believe that the strategic focus on sustainability is only going to grow, and we’re looking forward to supporting our clients on their sustainability journey.

The government has made it clear that it expects the finance sector to be at the heart of efforts to tackle climate change and reduce emissions to net zero.

Until recently, environmental agendas have been playing in the background whilst the world evolves.

The IR meets CR event saw a meeting of two worlds, investor relations and corporate responsibility.

With over 68% of investors saying non-financial information plays a pivotal role in investment decisions, it should come as no surprise that investors are taking matters into their own hands.

Top performers in certain ESG issues had margins that were up to 12.4%, all else being equal, than those of the median performers in those topics.

Strong charity annual reports have evolved far beyond static documents. Today, they are engaging, visually compelling, and deeply narrative-driven.