Top Right Group Limited Annual Report 2012 · Annual Report 2012 Overview 5/ 33 % of 2012 revenues from international operations 47 MENA events in 2012 China Regional hub A wholly

Top Right Group LimitedAnnual Report 2012

Delivering global knowledge

Top R

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roup Lim

ited A

nnual Rep

ort 2012


www.topright-group.com

Overview

1 Who we are 2 At a glance 4 Global presence 6 Recent achievements 8 Chairman’s statement 10 CEO’s review

Business Review

14 i2i Events Group16 i2i Exhibitions18 i2i Large Scale Events20 Lions Festivals24 4C Group32 EMAP38 Our people40 Board of Directors

Governance

42 Directors’ report48 Statement of Directors’ responsibilities

Financial Statements

49 Independent auditor’s report to Top Right Group Limited

50 Consolidated income statement51 Consolidated balance sheet52 Consolidated statement of changes

in equity53 Consolidated cash flow statement54 Notes to the consolidated financial

statements83 Parent Company balance sheet84 Notes to the Parent Company

balance sheet90 Company informationTop Right Group

powers high value businesses within the knowledge economy to enable success for their customers.



Overview

1/

Who we areTop Right Group is a business-to-business multiplatform media group. It provides its customers with critical analysis, opportunities and fresh ideas that allow them to improve their top and bottom line business performance. It is a profitable, growing, private-equity backed business with a strong vision for the future.

The business comprises three segments: Events (including i2i Events Group, a leading exhibitions and large scale events business and Lions Festivals which organises international festivals of creativity), 4C Group (a portfolio of world class data and information service brands including WGSN, Planet Retail, Glenigan, GroundSure, Infrastructure Journal, MEED Projects, BRAD and DeHavilland) and EMAP, (including MEED, MEED Insight and Media Business Insight) a progressive, brand-led content, subscriptions and networking business.

Top Right Group’s businesses and brands provide actionable information, analysis and vital foresight to a wide range of industries, including the retail, infrastructure, design, media, fashion, architecture, home and gift, renewables, health, education, government and creative sectors.

Operating across different geographies, sectors and platforms, the common purpose of Top Right Group brands is to enable customers to improve performance and do business more effectively. Whether through providing exclusive access to key decision makers, end users and prospects, market leading subscription content, must-attend trading events and celebratory awards ceremonies, they are trusted to provide clear insights and valuable opportunities that really make a difference for their customers.


www.topright-group.com2/

OverviewTop Right Group LimitedAnnual Report 2012

At a glanceDelivering actionable content to our customers

Top Right Group powers a portfolio of businesses: Events (including i2i Events Group and Lions Festivals), 4C Group (including WGSN, Planet Retail, Glenigan, GroundSure, Infrastructure Journal, MEED Projects, BRAD and DeHavilland) and EMAP (including MEED, MEED Insight and Media Business Insight).

What Lions does:‘Inspiring Creativity’ is at the heart of Lions Festivals. Its festivals and awards are the world’s greatest celebrations of creative communications in all its forms. They are where the global creative industries come together to meet and find the inspiration to set new creative standards every year. World-class and with global reach, inside the six Lions Festivals you’ll find innovative ideas and the creative industry’s very brightest minds at work.

The flagship event, the Cannes Lions international festival of creativity, has been recognising communications excellence since 1954. It has grown to become the world’s biggest celebration of creativity in marketing, while Eurobest, Dubai Lynx, Spikes Asia, Festival of Asian Marketing Effectiveness and the Digital Asia Festival and Awards provide opportunities to network, learn and celebrate great creative work on a regional and local level.

How Lions does it:Registered delegates attend content sessions with inspiring senior speakers and view thousands of pieces of exceptional creative work. Juries, selected from amongst the industry’s greatest names and minds, review award entries and the best of the best are rewarded and celebrated. Young creatives are developed and encouraged. And Cannes Chimera, in partnership with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, aims to harness the best creative minds in the world to work together to solve a global challenge.

More about this on page 14


Lionsfestivals.comi2ieventsgroup.com

What i2i does:i2i Events Group is a global pure play events company which brings together over 250,000 customers every year to trade and network at some of the world’s leading business exhibitions and conference events. i2i’s events are hosted around the world, attracting representation from 129 countries.

Already serving the learning technology, waste management, fashion, health, energy, broadcasting and architecture markets, i2i Events Group launched two brand new events – The Jewellery Show and The Renewables Event – during the year, both on the foundation of existing large exhibitions. It also acquired the Coil Winding (CWIEME) portfolio of specialist exhibitions in Europe, the US, India and China, which significantly expanded the Company’s footprint in new territories.

How i2i does it:i2i produces more than 30 of the world’s leading trade shows and believes in content relevance and operational supremacy. It has invested in both areas of the business to deliver value to its visitors and exhibitors and attracts industry-leading, high profile speakers. i2i’s events are the barometer of the sectors they serve and billions of pounds worth of trade is transacted as a result of their events long after the doors close.

www.topright-group.com 3/

OverviewTop Right Group LimitedAnnual Report 2012

What Glenigan, GroundSure, MEED Projects, Infrastructure Journal, BRAD and DeHavilland do:Glenigan produces statistics, analysis and a monthly index report on UK planning applications and decisions. GroundSure provides highly accurate environmental risk data to the UK legal, financial and property markets. MEED Projects provide intelligence and analysis on the life-cycles of the major infrastructure, tourism, construction and oil and gas projects in the Middle East and North Africa region.

Infrastructure Journal’s news and data services support industry professionals in the development and financing of global infrastructure. BRAD provides clients with data on all advertising and marketing agencies, industry buyers and decision makers. DeHavilland is the leading provider of political intelligence, monitoring, research and consulting services in the UK and EU.

How Glenigan, GroundSure, MEED Projects, Infrastructure Journal, BRAD and DeHavilland do it:A combination of high-tech solutions, sought-after niche expertise and raw data, and deep industry knowledge delivers an expanding range of digital subscription or transactional products that meet the needs of its customers. Thousands of small enterprises as well as some of the world’s best-known brands rely on 4C services to minimise risk and make better business-critical decisions. The highly regarded, trusted nature of the information gives customers peace of mind and a real boost to their day-to-day operational effectiveness.

What WGSN and Planet Retail do:WGSN and Planet Retail each provide the retail, FMCG, apparel and fashion industries with insight, forecasting and analysis that enables them to understand the performance of their businesses today. Customers can also see what is ahead and plan smarter commercial decisions in the future.

Over the past 15 years, WGSN has built an enviable reputation for uncannily accurate trend forecasting. Deeply knowledgeable specialists work WGSN’s unique evidence-based methodology to deliver specific market, brand and product direction, up to five years ahead.

Planet Retail’s intelligence gives retailers, suppliers and investors a competitive advantage by informing their strategic decision-making and exposing opportunities for profitable international market growth. No other retail intelligence provider can match the extensive breadth of Planet Retail’s data, superior analysis or its specific expertise in retail technology, private label, grocery, e-commerce, apparel, food multi-nationals and discounting and macroeconomics.

How WGSN and Planet Retail do it:Through daily bulletins, webinars, custom research and retail analytics, global teams of analysts collate, interpret, infer and analyse information from around the world in order to produce written, interactive, image-led and data-driven reports that enable customers to make great business decisions, at just the right time.

What EMAP does:EMAP is a content, subscription and networking business. It provides a highly influential, professional subscriber base with timely and actionable content that informs and educates for their personal and professional advantage. It owns industry-leading brands that sit at the heart of the UK’s retail, health, construction, architecture, and fashion sectors.

MEED, EMAP’s international brand, is a leading subscription content service, serving 20 key countries in the Middle East and North Africa region. EMAP mixes original and curated material to deliver relevant, highly valuable subscription content, insight and analysis. Brands such as HSJ (Health Service Journal), Retail Week and MEED build deep relationships and unparalleled reach, to create real value for EMAP customers. As a result, EMAP is a successful, growth organisation.

How EMAP does it:EMAP offers its valuable, growing customer base access to its excellent subscription brand content through a range of platforms, including online, mobile, app, print, conferences, events, and awards.

A fast growing part of the business is live events. EMAP brands, utilising market insight and unrivalled access to sought-after senior industry opinion formers, host conferences and award events in selected industry sectors. In the Middle East and North Africa, EMAP organises conferences and networking summits which allow business customers, key trade organisations, financial investors and government agencies to connect across the region.

In all cases, EMAP uses proprietary customer intelligence to evolve existing content and offer innovative new products ahead of the market.



• Glenigan, GroundSure, MEED Projects, Infrastructure Journal, BRAD and DeHavilland

• WGSN and Planet Retail

WGSN.complanetretail.net

EMAP.comMEED.comMB-Insight.com

Glenigan.comGroundSure.comBRADinsight.comIJonline.comDeHavilland.comMEEDprojects.com


Overview


Global presenceServing global customer requirements

“ Expanding our operational footprint in Brazil and China to build a solid presence in the world’s fastest growing economies.” 30,000

Planet Retail users around the world

Offices

Hubs

21countries where we have offices

87countries where WGSN customers are

BrazilRegional hub

This is a key growth territory where two trading entities were established last year. i2i’s Bett Brazil in October 2013 will be a leadership summit for senior education technology practitioners. RWM (Resource Efficiency and Waste Management) – another leading i2i event, will also be staged in Brazil this year. WGSN and Planet Retail are expanding their customer base and developing additional local products for the region. With a newly opened regional office in Sao Paulo, Top Right Group is well positioned to better serve existing and new customers.

Businesses:i2i Events GroupWGSNPlanet Retail

6,000customers in Middle East and North Africa

Lara BoroCEO International

USARegional hub

New York is the commercial and customer service centre for WGSN and Planet Retail in the USA, providing insight into today’s fashion trends and product and design direction up to five years out. Housed in the offices are local content experts, sales, marketing and client services. With offices in Los Angeles and Chicago the businesses are well positioned to supply customer need. i2i hosted a Coil Winding event in Chicago in 2012.

Businesses:i2i Events Group WGSNPlanet Retail



Overview

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33%of 2012 revenues from international operations

47MENA events in 2012

China Regional hub

A wholly owned foreign entity set up in 2012 gives a local presence in this key market and will enable the development of a more effective business relationship with customers. WGSN, which produces locally a daily digest in Chinese, and Planet Retail are already active in China and looking to launch new products to serve the local market better and faster. Lions Festivals, with joint venture partner Haymarket, launched the Digital Asia Festival and Awards in Beijing last year. i2i will deliver a series of launch events in 2014 including Coil Winding and Bett. With a new regional hub in Shanghai and ambitious growth plans, China will be a major focus in 2013.

Businesses:i2i Events GroupWGSNPlanet RetailLions Festivals

Accelerating our reach:Driving sustainable top line growth

Building on existing Europe, Middle East and North Africa footprint and local office success

Global platform of network hubs established on which Group companies can grow

Acquisition of the portfolio of Coil Winding exhibitions took i2i into new market sectors and geographies. The portfolio includes the flagship annual event in Germany, and fast-growing events in Chicago and Bangalore

Driving partnerships in all key markets

Asia PacificRegional hub

Established in 2001, the offices in Hong Kong lead customer service, sales and marketing for the entire Asia Pacific region, outside r China. With separate offices in Japan, Australia and Singapore to serve more local clients, Top Right Group’s businesses are already well established across the region.

Businesses:i2i Events GroupWGSNPlanet RetailLions Festivals

Middle East and North AfricaRegional hub

For over 55 years MEED has been delivering trusted, data-rich premium business intelligence, breaking news, critical information, proprietary analytics and respected events that regional customers rely on. EMAP’s international brands MEED and MEED Insight are leading content subscription services delivering news and insight across 20 key countries. They also organise conferences and networking summits which allow business customers, key trade organisations, financial investors and government agencies to connect across the region. 4C’s MEED Projects provides intelligence and critical analysis on the life-cycles of all major projects in the region.

The annual Dubai Lynx festival of creativity showcases excellent marketing content and attracted 2,092 entries from 19 countries in 2013.

Businesses:EMAP4C GroupLions Festivals


Overview


Number one brands in sectors served.

“ Highly experienced in local markets.”

Recent achievementsNew events, brand extensions and services

- i2i Events launches Naidex South and Patient Safety Awards

- First WGSN Global Fashion Awards held in New York

- WGSN launches Home Build Life

- EMAP launches Retail Week Knowledge Bank

- EMAP launches CN Insight and Retail Jeweller Buyers Guide

- MEED launches Quality Awards for Projects

- MEED launches Iraq Energy Event and Saudi Green Building Forum

- EMAP introduces paywall on main sites

- EMAP launches Greenlight, Broadcast’s valuable commissioning database

2009

2010



Overview

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- i2i Events establishes The Jewellery Show from Spring Fair as a stand alone event

- i2i Events launches into adjacent sector of RWM with The Renewables Event

- WGSN partners with Mercedes-Benz for NY Fashion Week

- WGSN launches City Edit and WGSN 365 Apps

- Glenigan App wins Industry Award

- GroundSure achieves 50% market share in primary market

- Infrastructure Journal launches IJ Focus and IJ Alerts

- EMAP launches Etail Awards

- EMAP’s Drapers Job Board named best niche job board

- EMAP launches AJ Tablet App

- MEED launches Construction Cost Indices service

- i2i Events launches WRC Asia

- i2i Events launches BVE North

- WGSN launches Chinese subscription service

- WGSN partners with American Vogue to launch and sell access to entire Vogue archive

- EMAP launches 13 job boards and mobile sites

- EMAP launches HSJ Efficiency Awards and HSJ Local

- EMAP launches Student Nursing Times

- MEED.com knowledge bank launches

- MEED launches Insight Seminars and Oman Investment Forum

2012

2011


Overview


Chairman’s statement

Improving performanceI am delighted to report on a transformational year for Top Right Group.

The Group generated revenue of £251.7m, with organic, constant currency revenue growth of more than 7%, and exceptional growth rates in our Lions Festivals business and in GroundSure. In addition, I am particularly pleased to report that EMAP returned, after many years of declining advertising revenues, to growth, seeing a 4% uplift on a like for like basis.

Duncan Painter, Chief Executive, led a major £36m programme of transformation which he covers in more detail in his report. As a result of this, the companies that make up Top Right Group now have exceptional and empowered leadership, brand new products to sell, world-class sales and marketing systems and refreshed and invigorated brand identities and premises. The aim of the investment is to ensure that the right conditions exist for the Group’s strong businesses and brands to grow. This is an important measure of confidence in Top Right Group by its Board of Directors and one wholeheartedly supported by both Apax and Guardian Media Group as the Group’s ultimate owners.

Track record through economic cycles.

“ We see potential to transform businesses and take them to a whole new level. So publishing turns into knowledge networks. Trade events into unmissable show time. Data into insight into foresight.”

Tom HallExecutive Chairman

Events £101.7m4C Group £78.7m

EMAP £71.3m



Overview

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ActivityWe were delighted to welcome the Coil Winding portfolio of exhibitions to the Group during the year as part of an acquisition from its founder. Reflecting a $50bn worldwide market, it gathers coil winding, insulation and electrical manufacturing professionals and key buyers from a large cross section of the industry as well as related automotive, energy and consumer electronics industries. With exhibitions in the US and India to complement its flagship event in Germany, and plans to launch in Shanghai in 2014, Coil Winding is an exemplar of internal expansion which the Events segment plans to emulate in 2013.

We sold the automotive research business, CAP Motor Research, to Montague Private Equity for proceeds of £170.0m. We wish them well in their new ownership.

OutlookThroughout a year of great change, and with continuing external economic challenges, the underlying strength of the Group’s products and services enabled them to out-perform their respective markets. With the restructure of the Group into focused and independent lines of business complete, and new experienced management teams now in place, Top Right Group is well placed for future sustainable, top-line growth.

Board and senior managementDuring the year we were delighted to announce the appointment of Julie Harris and Mike Woolfrey to the positions of CEO of the two divisions of the 4C Group. Julie and Mike have worked for the Group for several years and we are delighted to recognise both their leadership and stature in their market place with their promotions.

Mandy Gradden joined the Board in January 2013 as Chief Financial Officer. Mandy has a track record of managing high growth companies and we welcome her to the board. John Gulliver, Interim CFO, moved into the role of CFO, i2i Events Group and we wish him every success in this critical position.

EmployeesUnderpinning everything and the primary ingredient of Top Right Group’s success is its people. On behalf of the Board, Apax and Guardian Media Group, I would like to thank every one of them for their efforts in the exceptional year that was 2012 and in the future.

£251.7m

Revenue by businesses:


Overview


We are now well positioned to successfully drive growth across our Group.

After my first full year as Chief Executive, I am pleased to report that 2012 was a year of strong revenue growth and of business transformation.

Operational and financial performanceRevenue for 2012 was £251.7m, with a 7.4% constant currency, organic growth on 2011, excluding the impact of CAP Motor Research which was sold in May 2012.

Our business comprises three segments: Events (including i2i Events Group and Lions Festivals), 4C Group (including WGSN, Planet Retail, Glenigan, GroundSure, Infrastructure Journal, MEED Projects, BRAD and DeHavilland) and EMAP (including MEED and Media Business Insight).

EventsThe Events segment generated revenues of £101.7m (2011: £93.1m).

i2i Events Group brings together over 250,000 customers from 129 countries every year to trade and network at some of the world’s leading business exhibitions and conference events. Already serving the learning technology, waste management, fashion, health, energy, broadcasting and architecture markets, during the year, i2i Events acquired the Coil Winding Insulations and Electrical Manufacturing Exhibition (CWIEME) portfolio. With an established portfolio of specialist exhibitions in Europe, the US, India and China, the Coil Winding exhibitions significantly expanded the Company’s footprint in new territories. In addition, two new events in the jewellery and renewable energy sectors were

CEO’s reviewDefining our strategy

Duncan PainterCEO

Achievements:

Implemented on time and on budget a significant investment programme in product, technology and capabilities across the organisation

Separated the business into independent units to foster the strategic clarity of each unit and accelerate single minded execution of that strategy

Through the above actions, as well as some key new senior hires, enhanced significantly the vitality and performance orientation of the Group’s culture, and catalysed the delivery of value to our customers and growth to our shareholders



Overview

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launched during the year, both spun out of existing large exhibitions. The business performed strongly in a challenging UK market environment, with the majority of events achieving year on year revenue growth, with particularly strong growth in the retail, education and waste sectors.

Lions Festivals organises and brings together the world’s greatest creative communicators from around the globe. The flagship, Cannes Lions, has been inspiring and celebrating creativity for the last 60 years and has grown to become the world’s biggest celebration of creativity in communications and marketing. Eurobest, Dubai Lynx, Spikes Asia, Digital Asia Festival and the Festival of Asian Marketing Effectiveness provide opportunities to network, learn and celebrate great creative work on a regional and local level. Lions Festivals revenue increased during 2012 from a strong 2011, witnessing steady growth in both entries and delegates.

4C Group4C Group generated like for like revenues (excluding the effect of CAP Motor Research) of £71.0m (2011: £66.1m), showing a growth of 7.4% on a like for like basis.

WGSN has built an enviable reputation for accurate trend forecasting in the design, fashion, apparel and interior trends markets over the last 15 years. Deeply knowledgeable specialists deliver specific market, brand and product direction to industry-leading customers. 2012 was a year of significant investment, strengthening core capability and positioning the business for high growth in the future, as well as continuing investment in maintaining the quality and relevance of its intelligence and expanding its global reach. The US was a key focus in 2012 where, under new leadership, the North America business grew with an increased sales and marketing effort and greatly expanded country-specific content. The focus and investment across the WGSN brand in 2012 yielded positive results, particularly in customer volume growth and retention levels.

Planet Retail provides business-critical retail insight to retailers, suppliers and investors. Planet Retail’s intelligence gives businesses advantage by informing their strategic decision-making and exposing opportunities for profitable growth. In 2012 Planet Retail developed two new product offerings; a module covering the global e-commerce market and a dedicated regional US service. These complement Planet Retail’s strategy of expanding its vertical and geographical coverage. Further expansion into geographies in Asia Pacific and the Americas is planned for 2013.

Beyond the starting line – 2013 objectives

1 Double digit growthDriven by rising customer volumes, operational excellence and improved effectiveness

2. Drive organic product growth Launch more innovative, quality products in 2013 to support global customers

3. Brazil and ChinaEstablish new regional hubs in these fast growth territories. Recruit talented management teams, internationalise existing products and launch new events and services

4. A high performance organisationContinue to create and reinforce a high performance organisation with appropriate link to reward. Increase focus on development, training and recognition

5. Balance sheet efficiencyEfficient and prioritised use of our balance sheet to further invest in launches and acquisitions to support our portfolio companies deliver sustainable top line growth

Getting to the starting line – 2012 focus

Prioritise sales and marketing

We rebuilt the company with customers at our heart and created a world-class sales and marketing team by investing in people and training

Professionalise the business

In 2012, we established agile, standalone operating companies. With embedded expertise and new, experienced management teams, each became accountable for their own P&L, growth and culture. Core business capability pillars underpin all operating plans

Invest for growth

£36m was approved to invest in building a platform from which we can grow in all our key territories around the world. A leading CRM platform was introduced, our technology was overhauled and we invested in strong product and content creation

A. B. C.


Overview


4C Group also houses a portfolio of specialist digital information services to businesses in a wide range of industries including the architecture, engineering, infrastructure, media, environment and political information sectors. Encompassing Glenigan, GroundSure, Infrastructure Journal, MEED Projects, BRAD and DeHavilland, its brands offer customers high quality, niche expertise and industry-specific data that enables businesses to make strategic commercial decisions.

EMAPEMAP generated revenues of £71.3m (2011: £71.0m), growing 4% on a like for like basis. EMAP is a brand-led content, subscription and networking division. It owns industry-leading brands that sit at the heart of the UK’s retail, health, construction, architecture, and fashion sectors. The segment also includes MEED, MEED Insight and Media Business Insight.

Subscription revenues were flat year on year with volumes stabilising in the second half of the year, indicating growth returning to a volatile market. Marketing solutions revenues grew year on year driven by digital revenues, seeing a reduced reliance on traditional print revenues. The awards business continued the strong growth of prior years, driven by increased sponsorship and table sales. Recruitment revenues stabilised across the business, posting year on year growth driven by a strong increase from digital revenues.

TransformationIn March 2012 Top Right Group unveiled a major change programme to transform the business and create a platform for sustainable growth. With renewed focus on our markets and the products and services we provide, the business was rebuilt around core capability pillars to put customers at the heart of everything we do.

- Great quality content - Exceptional customer service - World-class sales and marketing - Brilliant product innovation and - A high performance people culture

With the largest investment in the business for over six years, we completed a comprehensive upgrade of technology platforms and introduced new systems to enable us to manage our business more effectively. Previously outsourced arrangements were brought back in house, including credit control, IT, global payroll and our HR systems. A new CRM system was introduced, and a new marketing intelligence platform is improving our digital marketing and customer insight capabilities to ensure we intuitively respond to our customer needs.

CEO’s reviewDefining our strategy Continued

33%Group revenues from international activities in 2012

7.4%growth on a constant currency basis

£36minvestment to transform the business

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Overview

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These wholesale changes transformed our Group companies and improved services to our customers and our people – globally. We are now well positioned to successfully drive growth across our Group.

New trading entities We created standalone, agile operating companies with separate identities, business models and investment plans. With devolved responsibility and new, experienced management teams, they are now single-minded in pursuit of their objectives and accountable for their own P&L, fast organic growth and culture. They approach their markets with tailored propositions and unique products to serve customer need, with the aim of delivering better services and sustainable top-line growth.

Within the restructure, experts from the former central Group team were embedded into the standalone companies. The Group today acts as a catalyst for change and expansion, particularly internationally. It consists of a small, skilled corporate team providing central finance reporting and oversight, strategic input, legal expertise and people skills to the businesses.

Our customers Ensuring we attract and retain more customers remains the core focus. Delivering excellent service and innovative products and services that make a real difference to their business is a core goal for all Top Right Group companies and brands in 2013.

Growing our international footprintTop Right Group is an international business, with 33% of its revenues generated outside the UK and seeks to develop brands with a global footprint that can serve existing and new customers wherever they are located.

Top Right Group’s businesses, particularly i2i Events, WGSN and Planet Retail, have long-established offices around the world to support their international business plans. To accelerate sustainable growth ambitions we have identified additional international opportunities with a focus on emerging markets. To further support operating company efforts and focus on strategic and organic wins, the Group established regional hub operations in Shanghai, China and Sao Paulo, Brazil during 2012. Significant revenues are expected to be delivered from these international operations within 12 months.

Top Right Group values

EmpowerWe encourage ideas that allow our brands to grow and our people to succeed

TransformWe have the skill and will to help our executives turn the ordinary into the extraordinary

EnableWe have the power to build the structure and financial confidence to enable the businesses to succeed


Business Review


Business Review Eventsi2i Events Group

Excellence i2i Events Group owns more than 30 of the world’s leading trade events, each providing a conduit to tens of thousands of high-quality buyers from key industry sectors. i2i is proud to create operationally excellent trading events for all customers and exhibitors and is committed to outstanding event content.

IntroductionEvery year, i2i Events Group brings together over 250,000 buyers and sellers from 129 countries to trade and network. To deliver the most promising available business opportunities i2i has invested heavily in technical seminars, speakers’ platforms, workshops, summits and special in-show initiatives to ensure every event is forever relevant to the community it serves. With the opportunity to network with their industry’s most inspirational thought leaders, attendees gain a significant edge on their competitors.

Mark ShashouaCEO i2i Events Group

“ A fantastic show with a good international audience which matches our ambitions.” Promethean – exhibitor, Bett

“ The show was such a success for us that we’ve already booked to attend next year!” Steve Price, Sales Director, Specialist Fleet Services – exhibitor, Resource Efficiency and Waste Management



Business Review

15/

Our values

Operational supremacyEvery time, everywhere – logistical perfection. Through the rigour, utter dedication and unstoppable energy of our team.

A class actExceptional quality. No corners cut. Crafted, rehearsed and planned. If it’s not the best it can be, it’s not us.

Forever relevantBang on the trends, innovations, personalities.

i2i Events Group owns:Exhibitions - Autumn Fair

International - Bett - BVE (Broadcast Video

Expo), BVE North - CWIEME Berlin,

CWIEME Chicago, CWIEME Bangalore

- The Education Show - The Energy Event - The Jewellery Show,

The Jewellery Show London

- Glee - Naidex National, Naidex

Scotland, Naidex South - Pure London - RWM (Resource

Efficiency and Waste Management)

- Spring Fair International - The Renewables Event - The Water Event

Large Scale Events - World Architecture Festival - World Retail Congress,

World Retail Congress Asia Pacific - National Institute for Health

and Care Excellence (NICE) Conference

- Patient Safety Congress, Patient Safety and Quality Congress Middle East

International strength and focusi2i Events Group constantly improves the attractiveness and value of its events to new and existing customers. It now has a sales and marketing presence in 26 countries around the world, including newly opened offices in Germany, China, the USA, India and Brazil with strategic partners in Italy, France, Turkey and Spain. This network will further enhance the attractiveness of its award winning events within the local community and also explore opportunities in local markets.

i2i’s ambitious launch programme will deliver new events where its customers need them most and ensure industry-leading standards of high quality customer care, value and service delivery; whatever the location.

Strategic direction:As a pure play global events company, i2i Events Group is dedicated to enhancing customer value and exploring every available growth opportunity. To stay competitive and grow successfully, businesses need to attract new buyers, source fresh ideas and stay at the forefront of industry trends. For its customers, i2i Events Group is a fast track to the future.

Already the dominant player in the UK, i2i is active internationally, hosting global events including the World Architecture Festival and World Retail Congress. In 2013, several of the UK’s most popular and successful events will also be hosted around the world, including a Bett leadership summit in Brazil. i2i Events Group will also host Coil Winding events (CWIEME) in India and the USA.

Building on its international expertise is central to the i2i Events Group strategy.


Business Review


i2i’s Spring FairCase study

Business Review Eventsi2i Exhibitions

i2i Events Group creates some of the brightest and most inspiring exhibitions and events in the world. Its exhibitions are the leaders in their sectors, well attended and growing. Government ministers choose i2i events to announce policy and high-profile speakers launch initiatives, products and services.

Vital buying opportunities Among i2i’s leading exhibitions are Spring Fair’s seasonal equivalent Autumn Fair, seen by retailers as the most important opportunity to buy in time for Christmas and to preview the forthcoming Spring ranges.

Also serving retail are The Jewellery Show and Pure London, which gathers more than 13,000 UK and international buyers all keen to source from 1,000 plus trendsetting brands.

Each one of i2i’s major events is sited at the heart of its specific business community, delivering inspirational content and an unrivalled range of products.

Add to these a series of diverse, equally important and ever popular showcases such as the fast-expanding Resource Efficiency and Waste Management (RWM), Bett and Broadcast Video Expo (BVE), all delivering supremely organised, face to face opportunities.

Partnered with the Chartered Institute of Waste Management, RWM is one of the premier resource and waste management solutions events. It also hosts the industry’s largest collection of CPD-accredited content and six themed conference theatres. It attracts around 13,000 visitors a year, including senior public and private sector decision makers.

The UK’s largest event and Europe’s largest home and gift trade fair, covers 17 miles of aisles at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham. It is the must-attend retail buying event for gifts, homewares, jewellery and greeting products. The show’s visitors range from independents, major multiples and e-commerce specialists to supermarkets, garden centres and wholesalers. With over £2bn in orders from 13 key buying sectors, Spring Fair International each year attracts the greatest buying power of any UK event of its kind. Year round, Spring Fair champions the retail industry and is regularly asked to contribute to the retail debate on behalf of its exhibitors and visitors.

Speakers included: Delia Smith, Kirstie Alsopp and Lawrence Llewellyn-Bowen

126countries attend Spring Fair

“ The best exhibition in the UK... anyone who’s serious in this business has to be at Spring Fair.” Dave Willan, Coach House

65,000buyers attracted to Spring Fair in 2012



Business Review

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Bett is acknowledged as the pre-eminent global meeting place for education and training professionals to buy, exchange ideas and learn about the best in educational products and services. Bett saw an 18% increase in visitors and 28% rise in exhibitor floorspace as it moved to the larger ExCel venue in January 2013. In October, Bett will host a learning technology leadership summit in Sao Paulo.

Strategic acquisitionIn 2012, i2i Events Group bought the Coil Winding (CWIEME) portfolio of electronics exhibitions, immediately increasing the sectors it served and geographies reached. The flagship event in Berlin covers 13,000 net square metres and has a large international following. Reflecting a $50bn worldwide market, it gathers coil winding, insulation and electrical manufacturing professionals and key buyers from a large cross section of CWIEME and related automotive, energy and consumer electronics industries. CWIEME Chicago will be held annually from 2013 and a CWIEME show in India will also launch this year.

96%visitors attended BVE to find new ideas and inspiration

90+expert speakers at Resource Efficiency and Waste Management

500,000products each year at Autumn Fair International

106,000+visit purelondon.com each season

“ The calibre of fellow jewellers was extremely high and all our customers really enjoyed the experience.”Peter Andersen, Pandora

“ This event allows us to meet potential customers. Since 2007 we attend each year… thanks.” Powersys, Japan


Business Review


World Retail CongressCase study

World Retail Congress is the only event for international retail CEOs and business leaders. It brings together over 1,000 senior players from the global retail stage. The Congress provides an influential platform for keynote speakers and visionaries, with more than 40 interactive business streams and executive round tables. In 2012, the World Retail Congress was held in London, just after the London Olympics. 51 countries were represented and more than 70 associations and media partners ensured global coverage of the proceedings.

i2i’s large scale events are founded on compelling content, crafted to the audiences they serve. Through a relentless focus, they have become indispensable forums for the most influential business speakers and thought-leaders in their respective sectors. They are regularly chosen as the platforms to unveil exclusive, market-changing research and product initiatives to their industries and related media. In addition to exceptional content, each of i2i’s large scale events offers unrivalled access to networking sessions and workshops to deepen learning.

Business Review Eventsi2i Large Scale Events

Influential eventsThe sister event to the World Retail Congress – the World Retail Congress Asia Pacific, was founded in 2011 to recognise the fundamental importance of retail in the region.

In 2012, Beijing hosted the event, which provided ideas, insights and strategies for fuelling continued growth and prosperity in the region. With the pace of change across Asia moving ever faster, the World Retail Congress Asia Pacific is an important and highly informative gathering of retail thought leaders.

With keynote talks from world-famous, award-winning architects and clients, World Architecture Festival is the only annual forum to network and celebrate its global achievements while discussing major industry issues. Attended in 2012 by, among others, Zaha Hadid Architects, Foster and Partners, WOHA, Grant Associates and HASSELL, WAF is considered a superb opportunity to meet and speak with influential clients, keep up to date with the world’s most influential and exciting architecture and enjoy keynote speeches from renowned architects, commentators and clients.

77%attendees at executive level

36countries represented at WRC Asia Pacific 2012

“ A date in every retailer’s diary.”Philip Clarke, CEO, Tesco

“ After winning at WAF we received invitations for collaborations and future projects from Qatar, Kuwait, Turkey and Russia.” Mila Moskalenko, Cloud 9 Architects



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World Retail CongressCase study

World Architecture Festival attracts mix of attendees and entrants from 65 countriesWAF is the largest live, inclusive and interactive global awards programme for the architecture community. In 2012, the Festival was celebrated in Singapore, where almost 300 shortlisted architects presented their work before leading international juries and delegates – a unique aspect of WAF. Entries have increased 52% over the past two years.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) Annual Conference focuses on the strategic and daily issues facing the NHS and the wider healthcare industry. In 2012, the largest sections of delegate attendees were 46% from the NHS, 16% from the pharmaceutical industry and 13% were from the private healthcare industry.

40partners and sponsors

65countries from which World Architecture Festival attracts attendees and entrants

2,000architects attend WAF

120+thought leader speakers

700+national and international patient safety advocates

“ Great content, always ahead of the industry and not afraid to begin the debate.”

“ A great opportunity to take time out to hear from internationally renowned experts, focus and re-energise patient safety and quality improvement initiatives for my organisation.”Patient Safety and Quality Manager, Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Participating companies in 2012 included:

CarrefourTescoGoogleMacy’sWPPJohn LewisIKEA


Business Review


Business Review EventsLIONS

Global meeting places for the creative communications industry.

Cannes LionsThe flagship international Festival of Creativity continues to go from strength to strength. 2012 was another record year and the largest yet in terms of delegates, entries and sponsorship support.

With increasing numbers of award entries from all over the world for the coveted Lions trophy, a record 284 international jury members and 14 jury presidents were appointed in 2011. Robust and transparent judging is overseen by Lions Festivals’ representatives to ensure fairness. Neutrality is a core value of the business and external consultancy firm PWC is retained to sign off the process of the judging to ensure the very best work is rewarded.

More than 10,800 delegates from 94 countries attended Cannes Lions 2012 – the highest yet – with the USA, UK, Brazil, France and Japan the top five countries represented. 25% of attendees came from more than 950 marketing organisations, who are increasingly taking part in the conversation. Clients and brands understand that representing their brands in Cannes shows that they believe in creativity. Those willing to improve their creative output, expose their brand managers to the world’s best work and establish a clear vision, ensure they remain ahead of the curve.

Festival growth can be attributed to three key factors:

- An increasing participation by clients - The growing involvement of developing countries - Participation by a broader audience, including designers,

Hollywood and music.

Cannes Lions provides the most prestigious platform in the industry. As well as creative agency representatives from every corner of the globe, attendees and speakers in 2012 included Twitter’s co-founder Jack Dorsey and CEO Dick Costolo; Debbie Harry, singer and actress; Michael Patrick King, executive producer, Sex and the City; Peter Roth, worldwide president, Warner Brothers; and former US president Bill Clinton.

Philip ThomasCEO LIONS Festivals



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105entries shortlisted at Digital Asia Festival, from which ten won gold

Cannes Chimera Cannes Lions has partnered with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to launch a communications challenge in an effort to generate ideas that could help change the world.

The first challenge, ‘Aid is Working. Tell the World’ was a unique call for action to generate new and innovative ways of telling the real story behind global aid. 914 entries, from 85 countries, were received, with ten participants having the unique chance to be mentored by the Cannes Lions 2011 Grand Prix winners, known as the Cannes Chimera – possibly the greatest collection of creative talent ever assembled – and being granted $100,000 to help further develop their idea. Successful projects will have the chance to seek additional funding of up to $1m to bring their idea to fruition.

“ The best industry conference.”Sir Martin Sorrell, CEO WPP

8miles of Cannes Lions entries if laid end to end

34,000entries for Cannes Lions Awards in 2012

19countries attended Dubai Lynx 2013

2,092entries at Dubai Lynx 2013

“ Spikes Asia is an extremely effective platform to promote our business in the region.”Adam Ferrier, Founder, Naked Communications

Customers:The networking and learning opportunity of the year, the annual flagship Cannes Lions and our regional festivals are the must-attend events for anyone involved in creative communications. Delegates learn, meet colleagues and future collaborators and celebrate. They are inspired and informed by the most inspirational speakers – former presidents, industry leaders, agency heads, private sector creatives and founders of new media channels – and have fun. Lions Festivals are the only place to discover great work and learn everything that is exceptional in the creative communications world.

Strategic drivers:To globally celebrate and share the best creative work amongst the industry and change the world through charitable efforts. Lions Festivals aims to innovate and grow the core business by making its festivals more relevant to more people from more places than ever before.


Business Review


Business Review EventsLIONS Continued

1,693,988visits to canneslions.com

950marketing organisations at Cannes Lions

Regional excellenceOffered in association with our local regional partners, Lions Festivals inspires more than 5,000 advertising creatives at highly respected regional festivals each year. With three regional events in Asia, one in Europe and one in the Middle East, all establish the definitive standard for creative excellence within their local markets. Each offers an unbeatable line up of speakers, high profile seminars, workshops, thought provoking insights, forward thinking inspiration, exhibitions and screenings aimed at giving inspiration, learning and networking opportunities for the advertising and allied industries in each region.

With neutrality as a constant, new award categories are crafted to reflect the changing nature of the industry. As with Cannes Lions, all entries for the coveted awards are judged by high-profile international jurors, with the winners being presented at the much anticipated award ceremonies.

Eurobest celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2012, under the Chairmanship of BBH founder Sir John Hegarty, who was a jury member at the inaugural Eurobest event.



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Spikes Asia, which also celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2012, provides the APAC region’s growing creative and advertising industry with a platform to network, exchange ideas and showcase their best work.

The Festival of Asian Marketing Effectiveness is a celebration of the latest thinking in marketing strategies that deliver solid results to transform businesses and brands while the Digital Asia Festival recognises and celebrates the region’s achievements in the digital arena.

The Dubai Lynx Festival provides the Middle East and North Africa region’s growing creative and advertising industry with a platform to network and exchange ideas. As at all Lions events, young talent is actively nurtured and encouraged at Dubai Lynx through the Young Creative competition, the Leo Burnett Lynx Academy, the Student Creative Award for Print and the Future Leaders of Marketing programme.

Lions Festivals will continue to explore opportunities to launch new must-attend events and celebrate the very best creative work particularly in the creative, digital and entertainment industries.

914entries for Cannes Chimera 2012

85countries submitting Cannes Chimera entries

4,860submissions from 23 markets and 13 Grand Prix Winners at Spikes Asia

25thAnniversary Eurobest

61mTwitter impressions during the Cannes Lions Festival

Our valuesNeutralOnly one thing matters: merit. We are never for turning. Zero compromise. Success at Lions Festivals is always earned, never bought.

GlobalOur events are for the whole world – West, East, North and South.

PremiumAlways premium, always exceptional quality in everything we do.


Business Review


Business Review4C GroupGlenigan, GroundSure, MEED Projects, Infrastucture Journal, BRAD and DeHavilland

“ With data analytics, market analysis and company intelligence at their heart, the 4C businesses of Glenigan, GroundSure, MEED Projects, Infrastructure Journal, BRAD and DeHavilland have become trusted advisors to the construction, environmental, media, and political industries they serve.”

Mike WoolfreyCEO 4C Business Foresight



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During 2012 the monthly barometer of the construction industry The Glenigan Index strengthened its standing within the industry and has seen its data regularly quoted in the media. Glenigan delivered solid revenues and attracted many new customers throughout the year. It produces the construction industry key performance indicators survey for the Office of National Statistics and the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills. It has also formed a number of strategic partnerships including The Builders’ Conference, Building Research Establishment, UK Contractors Group, Constructing Excellence, Civil Engineering Construction Association and the Home Builders Federation.

In 2012 Glenigan signed a contract with the Department of Communities and Local Government to supply statistics and analysis on planning applications and decisions. The data is broken down by local authority and by development size and type. It is testament to Glenigan’s reputation for accuracy and precision that the data is being used by central government to analyse and monitor the impact of the reforms they are introducing to planning legislation and help formulate new policies to remove any barriers to UK GDP growth. The resultant statistics and analysis are often quoted by government ministers in Parliament.

Our valuesKnowledge, not dataThe world has plenty of information, but not enough foresight. That unique mix of data, inference, instinct and deep original insight about where the world is going. We analyse what is. And what will be.

No compromiseThis is science. We never veer from precision. Never compromise.

Future focusInterpret, infer, forecast and foretell. The past is data. The future is potential.

“ GroundSure secured a major contract with RBS to provide environmental risk intelligence to UK secured lending.”


Business Review


GroundSure had a very successful 2012, seeing revenue growth across the year and a 50% market share. The business has cemented itself as the clear market leader in providing environmental risk data to the UK legal, financial and property markets. Building on its success at powering property transactions across the UK over the last ten years, GroundSure has invested in providing raw data to clients via an API with integration to software widely used in the industry. Aiming to increase customer volumes within the environmental, architecture, engineering and property sectors GroundSure’s service will become even more deeply embedded in customer’s workflow. Through a wide range of smart reporting formats tailored to specific sectors, GroundSure’s environmental risk information ensures due diligence and peace of mind for clients.

44%increase in GroundSure revenues in 2012

Business Review4C GroupGlenigan, GroundSure, MEED Projects, Infrastucture Journal, BRAD and DeHavillandContinued

“ In 2012 Glenigan identified an opportunity to offer detailed information on change of occupancy in commercial space for property refitters and associated suppliers and contractors. The new service ‘Movers’ has been connected with very positive customer feedback.”

Strategic drivers:4C services are embedded deeply in the workflow of customers, equipping them with the information they need to do the best job possible and make the very best business decisions. To provide accurate data and interpret information into actionable insight, to support client’s strategic planning and help manage change more confidently and effectively.



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Infrastructure Journal’s information subscription service supports industry professionals in the development and financing of global infrastructure. The knowledgeable content team has continued to produce its gold standard, concise, accurate snapshot of the infrastructure landscape. Investment in 2012 focused on providing lead generation for infrastructure targeted at investors and suppliers seeking investment, an area with great potential and a key part of the future of infrastructure funding. Also in 2012, Infrastructure Journal formed a partnership with the IFC, a member of the World Bank, to identify the best Private Public Partnership (PPP) projects around the world. The report is a superb example of Infrastructure Journal’s ability to act as an independent champion of global excellence and innovation. Four independent regional judging panels of PPP experts selected the projects which demonstrated high levels of vision, replicability, and social impact. Infrastructure Journal ensures subscribers stay in tune with industry developments and potential new sources of work, while its bespoke reports offer in-depth analysis of key areas of interest for clients, and provide an additional high-value revenue stream for the business.

$400bnvalue of global infrastructure industry

4,850 loyal subscribers

9,376 Twitter followers

BRAD Insight puts a complete world of intelligence at the fingertips of the media and marketing industry. Through its two portfolios, ALF Business Development and BRAD Media Planning, we provide marketing clients with the opportunity to plan better campaigns and brand owners with the opportunity to be at the forefront of advertisers’ minds at the point of media buying and planning decision making.

DeHavilland is the definitive provider of political intelligence, monitoring, research and consulting services in the UK and EU. It delivers news, information and bespoke research via our online platform and team of political researchers, giving customers the inside track on the latest developments in Westminster, Parliament and Whitehall as well as the Scottish Parliament, the Welsh Assembly and the Northern Ireland Assembly.

GrowthThe businesses have built their customer base through their unique mix of data, inference, instinct and smart original imagination about where the world is going. They will continue to grow by ensuring their products remain relevant, accessible and actionable. They will continue to offer products via the clients’ preferred channel and look for opportunities to grow market share and build new products that address the needs of untapped markets.

Customers:Clients include companies of all sizes, whose business relies on the expertise and insight of 4C’s services. 4C businesses represent authority, reliability and confidence for clients. With detailed industry knowledge, clients can see beyond the horizon, supporting their forward planning and enabling them to make fully-informed business decisions.


Business Review


650,000pages of WGSN insight

Extremely powerful, global data services.

Business Review4C GroupWGSN and Planet Retail

Julie HarrisCEO WGSN and Planet Retail

WGSN and Planet Retail valuesNo compromiseThis is science. Never veer from precision. Never compromise. Be exact, yet…

…be smartCut through, stay sharp. Use your intuition. Be commercial. Imagine intelligently.

Future focusBe brave, interpret. Infer, forecast and foretell. The past is data. The future is potential. Think potential.



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26mWGSN Global Fashion Awards Twitter hits

87%WGSN global customers retained

“ Enabling brilliant product and design decisions.”

“ Every Fortune 500 apparel brand relies on WGSN.”Customers:Customers use WGSN’s powerful trend forecasting to increase sales, build brands, manage costs and reduce risk.

Planet Retail customers get up-to-the-minute global insight, analysis and reports on the grocery, electronic and food service industry to boost business performance.

Customers include:• BenettonGroup• Arcadia• Nickelodeon• Target• Guess• Marks&Spencer• GlaxoSmithKline• Tesco• Boots• Walmart

8 out of 10 global retailers use information from WGSN and Planet Retail.

WGSN and Planet Retail are global information businesses serving customers in over 120 countries worldwide. Services are provided in four broad areas:

- Trend forecasting - Retail insight - Retail analytics - Custom research

Today’s fast paced markets need effective, actionable business insight to provide a competitive edge. WGSN and Planet Retail’s deeply knowledgeable sector specialists and analysts provide a unique mix of data, inference, instinct and smart original thinking. They help customers understand where the market is today, and deliver specific market, brand and product direction up to five years ahead. Leading retailers in the USA, Europe and Asia, all reduce risk and protect their business through trusted, accurate insight from WGSN and Planet Retail.


Business Review


Business Review4C GroupWGSN and Planet RetailContinued

Strategic drivers

Planet Retail Planet Retail customers get up-to-the-minute insights from every perspective to give them the inside track on opportunities before their competitors. Increasingly they are looking to create a unique proposition ahead of the market that gives them an edge and positively impacts the bottom line. This need is served by custom research which is an even stronger core focus for the business in 2013.

Planet Retail analysts from offices in Chicago, Frankfurt, London, Qingdao and Tokyo, monitor over 10,000 retail operations as well as market developments in more than 200 countries worldwide to provide up-to-the-minute news, analysis and critical market research. Their insights help empower decisions that grow businesses and shape the retail landscape of today and tomorrow – globally.

A business restructure and additional investments in 2012 brought the skills and talent within Planet Retail closer to WGSN and is resulting in the launch of a new Retail Analytics product to support merchandisers and buyers.

Investment has also been made in additional sales and analyst teams within the regional and country offices to better serve its customers with locally produced reports. Planet Retail has also invested in technology to create a robust product roadmap to support new business acquisition and customer retention.

“ The categories, scope and reach of the GFAs is unlike any other fashion event, which in turn exposes our business to a vast target audience that we could not achieve elsewhere.”Courtney Blackman, Managing Director, The Industry (Partner, 2010, 2011, 2012)

Enabling brilliant product and design decisionsWGSN is an essential business partner for the world’s design, manufacturing and retail industries.

Primarily serving designers, developers, merchandisers, buyers and style leaders around the globe, its trusted insights enable informed decision making on real time and future trends. WGSN’s strategic difference has been trusted for over 15 years.

WGSN’s analysis – the science of fashion – allows customers to forecast trends, adapt to the fast changing and increasingly omni-channel market and stay ahead of the shifting buying habits of savvy shoppers. Customers use WGSN to increase sales, build brands, manage costs and reduce risk.

As consumer brands and retailers continue to face challenging market pressures, demand is growing for WGSN’s advisory services which provide businesses with valuable, accurate and actionable information.

High-growth organisations turn to WGSN daily to make good and profitable decisions and to design and produce brilliant products. It validates major commercial decisions and nurtures market-changing creativity. 2,000

Global Fashion Awards entries from 70 countries in 2012

“ WGSN helps minimise risk in range planning.”Nickelodeon

“ WGSN gives us confirmation of what’s going on in different markets and ensures that our products, sold in 120 countries, match the market need.”Benetton Group



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Strategic drivers

WGSNWGSN has built an enviable reputation for uncannily accurate trend forecasting over the last 15 years. The business introduced Home Build Life in 2010 to provide trend forecasting for the interiors markets and scale its capabilities across broader vertical market sectors. More recently it has extended its services to include custom research and catwalk analytics. Multi-million pound investments in 2012 have kept the business ahead of the market by further improving current services, to provide an increased focus on what is happening today as well as in the future. Real time retail analytics harnesses the strength of Planet Retail and WGSN data to analyse merchandise and on sale price points.

This has broadened the WGSN service relevance from mainly design to across the retail spectrum and will be increasingly important to WGSN in the future. Customers will increasingly include buyers and merchandisers for whom an accurate view of current shopping trends, balanced with trend predictions, is essential to gain an edge in the cutthroat environment that is today’s retail world.

WGSN daily bulletins are produced in six local languages, including Chinese. The company has ambitious plans to grow, and has focussed investment on increased content, e-commerce and new business opportunities in the USA, Brazil, China and Russia.

6WGSN daily bulletin languages including Chinese

100,000subscribers to WGSN tumblr blog

4.8mimages

During the last year, the business has invested in excess of £10m in global product and service development, including specialist talent, high quality client services and upgraded technology, to ensure WGSN continues to exceed customers’ exacting standards.

WGSN’s Global Fashion AwardsStaged each October, the WGSN Global Fashion Awards (GFAs) recognise and reward brilliance in fashion and retail design across the globe. Always hard fought, categories cover all disciplines of design from apparel to accessories, as well as retail and online store design. The WGSN GFAs honour the businesses and individuals that are moving the fashion industry forward on a global scale and their recognition is widely celebrated in the world’s media.

“ Planet Retail’s customers include the world’s leading retailers, suppliers, banks and consultancies, all of whom rely on Planet Retail’s expertise to understand market opportunities, identify risk, develop key relationships and power brilliant commercial decision making.”


Business Review


Business Review EMAP

150prestigious live events every year

ValuesMarket-changing contentWe exist to investigate, report, share and enhance an industry’s intelligence.

ConsequenceWhat we do matters.

InsidersWe know the market inside out, nothing and no-one escapes our attention.

EMAP is a growing content, subscription and networking business.

Natasha Christie-MillerCEO EMAP

“ EMAP exists to progress you and your business.”



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IntroductionEMAP is a growing content, subscription and networking business. It provides a highly influential, professional subscriber base with timely and actionable content that informs and educates for their personal and professional advantage. Its market-leading brands, including Retail Week, Health Service Journal, MEED, Construction News, Architects’ Journal and Drapers sit at the heart of major industry sectors.

EMAP provides original, valuable information, essential insight and analysis through a range of delivery channels. Its market-changing content enhances customer knowledge, offers vital opportunities and provides unparalleled access to decision-makers.

EMAP also leads the way in offering customers creative, effective ways to connect with their audiences and meet their business objectives. The rich assortment of marketing solutions offered to EMAP customers will continue to diversify in line with the business objectives of its customers.

Live events are a fast growing part of the business. With EMAP’s brands at their core and using market insight and relationships with sought-after senior industry opinion formers, EMAP’s leading conferences are the hot ticket and awards are the most coveted. The value of EMAP’s events lies in the opportunities they offer to connect, learn, network, access and celebrate excellent brand content face to face.

Strategic drivers: The engine of value behind the EMAP network is its large and growing customer community, engaging with the brands across many platforms. EMAP has a long-standing, resolute commitment to and reputation for delivering independent content excellence. This means that its brands are the ones that the highest performing companies choose first.

“ All the real decision makers are in this room.”HSJ Summit delegate


Business Review


Business ReviewEMAP Continued

A growing business2012 was an important year for EMAP, seeing revenues grow and customer numbers increase across recruitment, creative solutions and events. This growth was driven by investment in the events business with new, relevant content and formats; a huge shift in the marketing solutions offered to customers and a relentless focus on subscription growth. All three pillars put the customer at the heart of the business.

Subscriptions for EMAP brands grew and generated 23% of revenue, with customers choosing to access content across multiple channels. Digital saw considerable growth in 2012 with ever more customers choosing to consume their content online, via mobile or tablet.

EMAP’s world-class events represent more than 30% of revenue today. They have maintained a strong growth performance over the past decade and enjoy growing revenues and increasing numbers of delegates, sponsors, award entries and returning customers.

Content excellence, unrivalled access and good venues are all essential, while event apps, the best speakers, and networking opportunities give EMAP events their competitive edge. This focus resulted in, among others, an increased NPS score for Retail Week Live 2013, up around 40 points year on year.

EMAP is committed to reinvesting revenue growth back into the business. Examples of new products and services in 2012 include the development of a tablet edition of Architect’s Journal and the launch of Student Nursing Times.

2013 will see an accelerated road map of product launches including a range of new subscription packages designed to give customers ever more choice, and tablet app launches for Retail Week and Health Service Journal.

During the year, EMAP also invested in large scale infrastructure upgrades and technology changes. The sales and marketing customer relationship systems have been replaced, and a new subscription fulfilment system, marketing intelligence platform, HR and finance system introduced. EMAP has also invested in its people to ensure the best possible service to EMAP’s professional network. New training and award programmes have been introduced to encourage a high performance culture and nurture talent.

91,200customers

193,700Twitter followers

16highly respected brands:

The Architects’ JournalThe Architectural ReviewConstruction NewsDrapersGround EngineeringHeating & Ventilation NewsHealth Service JournalLightingLocal Government ChronicleMaterials Recycling WorldMEEDNew Civil EngineerNursing TimesRefrigeration and Air Conditioning Magazine Retail JewellerRetail Week



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Harnessing social mediaSocial media has become an important part of the relationship between the brands and the EMAP communities, with brands, editors and events all attracting followers, opening conversations and driving customer engagement. For example, the Nursing Times Awards finalists Facebook campaign saw a third of finalists post their photos, generating a viral following and new twitter followers. Social media also drives customer growth with subscription pages embedded within Facebook.

EMAP now has 193,700 Twitter followers and more than 27,000 Facebook fans.

Looking aheadFor more than a century, EMAP’s Local Government Chronicle and Drapers have served professional individuals and communities with the knowledge, analysis and connections they need to progress. These same values underpin every EMAP brand today.

Based on these core aims, EMAP looks forward to significantly growing both subscription customer numbers and paid attendees at their live events in 2013.

39,200delegates

EMAP’s strategy remains to focus content investment on brands that have a high growth potential, in scale industries where they are or can be the number one. This strategy ensures that EMAP’s customer community, including some of the most influential people driving the engine of UK economic growth, will continue to progress their careers, deepen their knowledge and make connections through EMAP content.

New subscription packages will be launched, offering individual customers more choice and flexibility in how they buy and consume EMAP products. The corporate subscription programme will double and double again as organisations invest to extend access to content that will advantage their business and employees. Corporate membership already enables EMAP content to be fed into the intranets and RSS feeds of organisations that subscribe. This is expected to accelerate exponentially with the launch of a variety of future initiatives and innovations.

EMAP will continue to invest in its events business to maintain relevance, freshness and growth.

EMAP is a successful, sustainable business and looks forward to continuing its transformation into a content-driven, subscriber-led multi-channel media business.

Customers:EMAP’s customer base is loyal and engaged. Members of the EMAP community rate the brands they interact with highly, giving EMAP power brands double digit scores for NPS. Thousands of individual professional paying customers engage with EMAP brands every day. They are the private sector C-suite and the decision-makers behind large public budgets. Over 90 of the top 100 CEOs in British retail were hosted at the most recent Retail Week Awards.

EMAP’s core sectors – healthcare, retail and construction – are high net worth industries, estimated to be worth in excess of £360bn to the UK economy.


Business Review


IntroductionMedia Business Insight manages Broadcast, Screen International and shots and was set up with a clear objective to give the brands the best possible chance of thriving and to secure new investor involvement. MBI is building its own separated operating structure and growth business plans.

On every platform, MBI’s brands are an essential news and information resource for the communities they serve.

Broadcast provides the most authoritative coverage of the TV, radio and digital sectors, providing the latest production news, analysis, data, comment and jobs. Across all its platforms, Broadcast offers the most efficient way of reaching the content production community. It provides insightful subscription content across a weekly print edition; on line and via app.

Broadcast hosts the successful Broadcast Awards and Broadcast Digital Awards celebrating the best content, channels and people in the business.

Broadcast also offers subscribers access to Greenlight, the industry’s most comprehensive commissioning database. MBI plans to reintroduce Broadcast’s seminar and conferences later this year.

Screen International is the leading international film industry resource, where expert writers, editors and a global network of correspondents provide in-depth analysis, opinion and commentary on the issues, people and products shaping the worldwide film industry. As well as in print, subscribers can access the Screen Base knowledge bank. The Screen International Awards continue to develop to celebrate the industry’s best work.

Business ReviewEMAP

Conor DignamCEO MBI

Customers: MBI connects with its customers through its leading print titles, across daily digital news services, through data and information products and at its world-renowned events.

MBI’s tight-knit creative communities rely on the brands’ expert opinion, breaking news, analysis and insight to achieve success both for organisations and individually.



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3,000people attend MBI events annually

11,000customers

65,000Twitter followers

Strategic drivers: Media Business Insight (MBI) publishes Broadcast, Screen International and shots, delivering unrivalled insight, access and reach to the communities they serve. Broadcast, Screen International and shots are the leading multi-platform media B2B brands that sit at the heart of the creative industries of television, film and advertising. They are each hugely respected for the knowledge they deliver.

MBI brands are proud to support the UK’s most exciting creative industries, playing an integral role in facilitating, communicating and celebrating the success of the sectors.

Seven must attend live events:The Broadcast AwardsThe Broadcast Digital AwardsThe Screen Awardsshots Cannes Beach PartyBroadcast Network 100UK Stars of TomorrowBrit Party at Cannes Film Festival

“ Broadcast is essential reading, the UK industry bible.”UK independent producer

shots is an essential inspiration tool for any professional in the advertising industry – from agencies and production companies to leading brands. Showcasing the best, most creative work, shots inspires, informs and analyses in equal measure. The brand is closely associated with the Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity and the recently launched shots Awards will continue to showcase the world’s best creative output.

Through breaking news and deep insight, Broadcast, Screen International and shots are the voice of the communications and entertainment industry. Increasingly digital and at live events, MBI delivers specialist news, structured information products and data services to inform and celebrate the film and TV industries.

GrowthWith outstanding leadership, a talented team and strong heritage the MBI brands are in a solid position to build on their recent performances, and look towards a bright and successful future. MBI’s growth will focus on developing core areas of the business such as events and data services, where there is potential to deepen existing customer relationships. Broadcast’s commissioning database, Greenlight and Screen International’s successful product, Screen Base are examples of services that will be developed to grow our subscriber base. Development of these data products and the anticipated launch of a broader portfolio of live events and awards, make the MBI brands essential tools for the leaders and key decision makers in the creative and media sectors.


Business Review


EliteBrand values

Elite, a quarterly and annual rewards programme linked to exceptional sales performance, was launched in 2012. With exclusive events and other rewards, the programme was key to the strong 2012 performance of the Group. At the beginning of 2013, Elite was extended beyond sales to welcome all high performers across the Group.

Top Right Group is founded on five core businesses competencies: great content, world class sales and marketing, product innovation, excellent customer service and underpinning them all, people. We work hard to attract, develop and retain the most talented people in the industry and provide them with training and development throughout their career.

The Group aims for timely, transparent communications with everyone across the business and consults with its people on a regular basis, ensuring a common awareness of the business objectives and performance of the brands they work on, their business and the overall Group.

The Group is committed to employing, developing and promoting individuals from diverse backgrounds and from all sections of society. The Group believes in treating all employees fairly and without discrimination throughout recruitment, induction and development.

Developing our staffAs a destination employer, Top Right Group aims to ensure that employees are given every opportunity to do the best job they can for the Company and to grow skills, gain experience and continually develop to meet their career and our business aspirations.

The Company operates a high performance culture. Everyone has a personal development plan and receives regular reviews with 360° feedback. Development help is proactively offered as people learn new ways of working to further improve results. Training is conducted across the Group by external experts as well as internal specialists.

Our people

High potential/high performance culture businesses.Tracey GrayPeople Director



Business Review

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Project DeadlineCase study

The EMAP business has evolved and progressed from a traditional print focused publishing business, to offering customers its excellent content across any platform they chose to access it. To support this strategy the learing and development team worked with the EMAP executive and editorial team to design a multi-channel development programme for 70 members of their content teams.

This has helped improve the quality and relevance of the content across EMAP’s different platforms, such as tablet and mobile, and positively contributed to the overall increase in customer subscription volumes.

252learning events in 2012

1,700+Top Right Group employees around the world

With a focus on growth, particularly internationally, the ‘Give an Hour’ initiative encourages the leaders of the businesses or geographic regions and other internal experts to share their knowledge through a ‘lunch and learn’ format. Since launch, this has included sessions on Doing Business in China and Brazil, Trademarks, Mergers and Acquisitions, Business Finance, Public Relations and Social Media.

Each year Top Right Group invests in bringing together over 500 members of the worldwide sales and marketing community at an annual conference and awards event, and also hosts a content conference for over 170 creative experts. With keynotes from inspirational external speakers, workshops and a customer panel, these events are designed to motivate, inspire and educate the teams to help them achieve their potential. Throughout 2012, Top Right Group allocated significant investment to improve core skills across our sales teams and will retain an ongoing focus on sales development in 2013 and beyond.

Sales graduatesTop Right Group hired more than 30 graduates in 2012, who collectively delivered more than £2.5m revenue to the Group. The graduate scheme will be further extended in 2013.

OpportunitiesAs a fast-growing global Group, the business offers opportunities to develop both sector and skill-specific expertise, and also international experience around the world. In 2012 we built senior management teams, including international transfers and recruiting new international leaders to further drive our emerging market success. In 2013 we will be focusing on developing a group of leaders within the business who have been identified as having the potential to organically grow businesses in the future through our Future Growth Champions Programme.

Rewarding excellenceThe aim at Top Right Group is for all employees to have elements of their reward linked to performance and give everyone who performs well the opportunity to earn a bonus. Part of staff remuneration is a range of flexible benefits, which employees can tailor to their own specific circumstances and requirements. The Group employs the best talent in their industries and strives to offer the widest opportunities for career succession and development to its people.


Business Review


IntroductionThe Group is jointly owned by Apax Partners and Guardian Media Group.

Apax is one of the world’s leading private equity investment gro

Documents

Top Right Group Limited Annual Report 2012 · Annual Report 2012 Overview 5/ 33 % of 2012 revenues from international operations 47 MENA events in 2012 China Regional hub A wholly