Annual reports. Operating plans. Board updates. White papers.
Reports are critical for businesses to meet their statutory and stakeholder obligations – but they’re also a great opportunity to create compelling messaging, demonstrate values and bring attention to important topics.
And of course, at the same time, they can be hard work. They have to fit in and around the broader communications calendar, they rely on input from lots of departments and people and let’s be honest, they can sometimes feel like a drag.
Let’s look at some key types of reports and why they matter – and how we can help you step them up without burning yourself out.
1. Annual reports
Annual reports are your business’s year in review. They provide a comprehensive summary of what happened in the past year, including financial statements, key achievements, challenges faced, and plans for the future. These reports are usually required for businesses with shareholders, but they also serve as an essential tool for transparency and accountability.
A strong annual report can help build trust with your audience and strengthen your company’s reputation by showcasing successes and demonstrating how you’re positioning yourself for future growth.
2. Strategic plans
While annual reports look back at the past year, strategic plans focus on the future. These reports lay out the long-term objectives of your business and outline the steps needed to achieve them. They often include market analysis, competitor assessments, and performance metrics aligned with your business goals.
A well-crafted strategic plan is essential for guiding your leadership team and stakeholders as they make data-driven decisions that are in line with your company’s vision. It’s a roadmap to help steer your business in the right direction.
3. Research-backed white papers, grant updates and funding reports
For many businesses, securing funding or establishing credibility is a top priority. That’s where research-backed white papers, grant reports, and funding proposals come into play. These reports typically include in-depth, data-driven insights into your business’s research, accomplishments, or funding needs.
White papers often tackle industry challenges or present research findings, while grant and funding reports help justify your need for financial support. These types of reports are crucial for building trust with investors, grant organisations, and potential partners by clearly demonstrating your business’s potential.
4. Project milestone reports
When you’re working on big projects, it’s important to track progress and stay on top of milestones. Project milestone reports keep you updated on key stages, deadlines, budgets, and potential issues. They provide a clear picture of how the project is progressing and whether adjustments are needed.
By sharing these reports with stakeholders, you ensure that everyone involved is aligned and can collaborate more effectively. These reports also offer transparency, which is key to building trust with clients and internal teams alike.
5. Board reports
For businesses with a board of directors, board reports are an essential tool for keeping everyone on the same page. These reports provide a snapshot of the company’s performance, key metrics, and strategic initiatives, helping board members make informed decisions about the company’s direction.
Board reports usually include financial performance, sales data, market trends, and any potential risks. They ensure that leadership is aligned with the company’s goals and objectives, allowing for more productive discussions and better decision-making.
Embrace the power of reporting
It’s easy to see why reporting is so important. It’s not just a way to communicate data, it’s an essential part of managing and growing your business. So, embrace the power of reporting and use it as a tool to drive your business toward greater success.
No matter what internal resources you have, we can help with:
- Project management – keeping track of approvals and content submissions, developing the flat plan, coordinating with other suppliers
- Copywriting – from scratch or to bring cohesion and clarity to drafts
- Strategic insight – to find the strong messaging that will help your reports work harder and deliver to your strategic goals
- Building case studies and project spotlights
- Identifying opportunities and topics for white papers
- Helping you get your reports in the right hands
Whether you need end-to-end delivery, a quick hand to help meet your deadlines, copy editing or strategic guidance, we’ve got you covered. We’ll work with you to ensure your reports are engaging, informative and aligned with your business objectives.
Shereen Cherrett
If you’re ready to take your reporting to the next level but don’t have the time or expertise to do it in-house, we’re here to help. At Hardman Communications, we specialise in creating clear, actionable reports that give you the insights you need to succeed. Want to improve your reporting and start making data-driven decisions? Get in touch with us today to learn how we can help you harness the power of reporting for your business.