WHSMITH HIGH STREET

At WHSmith, ‘Customer Focus’ is central to our business. It is important to us that we understand our customers’ needs so that we can meet their expectations in our service, product offer and operations. As a leading retailer of books and stationery products, paper constitutes a significant part of our business. We are committed to minimising the environmental impact of the paper used in own-brand products, and to do so we work to a continuing objective that all virgin (i.e. non-recycled) material used in our products is from known, legal, well-managed and credibly certified forests.

In the coming year, L&D will continue to be a priority in our workplace programme. L&D opportunities will grow to include more specific programmes for stores and staff in our distribution centres. We will also refresh our approach to employee engagement. Lastly, our diversity programme will expand to promote better training for line managers. WHSmith is a valued member of communities across the UK, and we are committed to making a positive impact wherever we operate our stores. Through our work to champion literacy and support good causes, our community programme enables us to contribute to local areas. We also encourage our employees to support their favourite charities and participate in fundraising activities. WHSmith has a store on 399 of the top 400 high streets in the UK. As a result, we recognise the role of our business to local communities. Over the course of the year we opened eight new stores in High Street and 28 new stores in Travel, including nine new stores in hospitals. Our work in these areas supports the vibrancy of high streets and local communities.