We’ve been writing annual reviews (annual reports) for more than 15 years. In that time, we’ve gained a great deal of experience across financial services, as well as a range of other sectors. However, beyond the vast experience of our 25 senior-level writers, it’s our tried-and-tested methodology that guarantees an outcome both we and our clients can be proud of.
We’ve refined our annual review writing process over many years, and we know it works because it has proven reliable, time and again. It’s the reason our writers have worked with some of the world’s biggest brands and why clients come back to us, year after year.
We’ve set our process here, so you can see exactly how we work, and you know what to expect from us as a partner.
Our process
1. Initial consultation: We start as we mean to go on, in close collaboration with your team. That means an in-depth discussion to understand what you want to achieve with the report. This gets us off on the right foot, quickly building rapport between your people and our writer. Most importantly, it helps your annual review copywriter understand your requirements and objectives in detail.
2. Collecting and understanding data: The writer will then gather all relevant pre-existing information and analyse it to ensure accuracy and relevance. What do we need? Usually, the last annual review, analysts’ overviews, key press releases, the brand’s most recent investor presentation, exec speeches and communications.
3. Interview process: Following this, your copywriter will organise and undertake a series of interviews with the company’s senior executives to gather their views. Our writer will discuss questions with your team before the interview and provide a questionnaire if necessary. This is a crucial foundation for annual review writing.
4. Core message and theme development: In close collaboration with your people, we’ll define and develop the central theme (core message) of the report. We’ll set out, with a short explanation, the key idea the brand would like readers to take away from reading the report. This core message will be used to guide theme development. This will be done in collaboration with the design agency. We’ll work together to create written elements (such as headlines) and visual ideas – with clear rationales – that work with the central theme.
5. Writing and feedback: Once the core message and theme are agreed, we’ll commence the annual review writing. To make sure we’re on track from the start, we’ll deliver sections incrementally, so you can feedback, ensuring your expectations are met. Following your feedback the writer will redraft as necessary.
6. Shareholder letter: For this vital part of the process, we’ll re-interview the Chief Exec, before drafting the letter and addressing any feedback.
7. Delivery: Your annual review copywriter will re-visit the initial data and interviews, sense-checking all of this against the final document. This ensures the final report is polished and professional, and conforms to your corporate tone of voice.
8. Finalisation: Once the annual review has been designed, our eagle-eyed proofreader will perform a deep-dive check, to ensure there are no errors before you publish. Proofreading is a multi-stage process, covering text, numerical data and design elements. This is followed by a second-stage proofing to check for any errors, post-redesign.
By implementing this proven methodology, we can guarantee gold-standard annual review writing that fulfils your legal obligations, works hard for your brand and leaves readers with a rich sense of what matters to the business.
Get in touch today to discuss your next annual review.
Annual review FAQs
What is annual review writing?
Annual review writing involves creating a clear, engaging and accurate summary of a company’s performance over the past year. It typically includes financial highlights, strategic updates and future outlooks, all written in a tone that reflects the brand.
Why should I outsource my annual review writing?
Outsourcing ensures your review is professionally written, on-brand and easy to understand. We bring an external perspective, editorial expertise and the ability to translate complex information into compelling narratives.
Do you work with in-house teams and stakeholders?
Yes. We regularly collaborate with internal teams — including marketing, finance, and leadership — to gather input, align messaging and ensure every voice is heard.
Can you handle sensitive or regulated content?
Absolutely. We’re experienced in writing for regulated industries and understand the importance of accuracy, compliance, and tone. We work closely with legal and compliance teams when needed.
What’s your process for writing an annual review?
We start with a discovery session, followed by interviews, content planning, drafting and revisions. Our process is collaborative, transparent and designed to reduce stress for your team.
How long does it take to write an annual review?
Timelines vary depending on scope, but most reviews take 4–8 weeks from briefing to final sign-off. We build in time for stakeholder feedback and approvals.
Can you help with design or layout?
While we focus on writing, we’re happy to collaborate with your design team or recommend trusted partners to ensure the final document looks as good as it reads.
Do you write for listed companies and SMEs?
Yes. We’ve written annual reviews for FTSE-listed companies, global brands, and ambitious SMEs. The principles are the same: clarity, consistency, and compelling storytelling.