Finances

Finances, reputation among financial interests

For us to be operating sustainably, in terms of our finance, means maintaining a robust balance sheet and long-term stable relationships with our shareholders and creditors, who share the company’s commitment to sustainability. This means:

• having stable finances – predictable turnover, profit and dividends – reflected in key financial indicators
• being in a position where risks are managed so that the cost of capital is maintained at a suitable level
• being considered prudent and well-managed by financial interests
• being open where possible about our operations, policy and strategy, without jeopardising commercial confidentiality
• having governance structures that reflect genuinely sustainable enterprise
• demonstrating to stakeholders that we add value to society, the environment and the economy.

We aim to work actively with the financial community and our regulator, to be open and to demonstrate added value to society and the environment through the use of sustainability accounting practices.

During 2008-9 we have been working to achieve this by:

• understanding our customers’ needs and by having appropriate tariffs which are affordable to all of our customers
• developing our business plan for the next five years
• continuing to produce our green accounts which put a monetary value to environmental impacts such as water use and greenhouse gas emissions
• working with charities such as WaterAid to contribute towards the lasting provision of safe, clean water and sanitation to those living without.

Explore this section to find out more about our work in these areas.