GKN is committed to ongoing engagement with shareholders and has a well-established communication programme based on the Group’s financial reporting calendar. This programme enables the Directors to gain an understanding of the views and opinions of its shareholders.

In its communications with shareholders, GKN aims to present a balanced and understandable assessment of the Group.

Communication with major institutional shareholders is undertaken as part of GKN’s investor relations programme, in which non-executive Directors are encouraged to participate. This includes presentations of the full and half year results, and meetings between institutional investors (both in the UK and overseas) and the Chief Executive, Finance Director, Head of Investor Relations and External Communications and other executive Directors. Periodic meetings with representatives of major institutional shareholders, other fund managers and the financial press are also held. Feedback is sought by the Company’s brokers after meetings and presentations to ensure that the Group’s strategy and performance is being communicated effectively and to develop further an understanding of shareholder views. This feedback is included in twice-yearly reports to the Board on meetings with existing and potential investors. In addition, external brokers’ reports on GKN are circulated to all Directors.

The Chairman offers major shareholders the opportunity to meet with him to discuss matters relating to governance and strategy. Feedback to the Board is provided by the Chairman on any issues raised with him. The Senior Independent Director is also available to discuss issues with shareholders where concerns cannot be addressed through normal channels of communication.

Shareholders who attend the AGM are invited to ask questions during the meeting and to meet with Directors after the formal proceedings have ended. Details of the level of proxy votes received are advised to shareholders at the meeting and are published on GKN’s website.

Written responses are given to letters or emails received from shareholders and all shareholders receive, or can access electronically, copies of the annual and half year reports. The investor relations section of GKN’s website provides further detail about the Group, including share price information, webcasts and presentations of annual and half year results, other presentations made to the investment community, and copies of financial reports.