The Processes support our operating companies by ensuring that they have the products, infrastructure and expertise to provide consistently high service levels around the world. Process costs have remained stable as a percentage of sales.

Key developments in the year have included the creation of the new Electronics division to drive the expansion of our range, build stronger relationships with our strategic electronics suppliers and implement a consistent marketing approach. Information Systems have supported our cost reduction initiatives through the ongoing development of our Groupwide systems whilst the investment in our e‑Commerce platform has helped to drive competitive advantage. Supply Chain has developed a strategy to support an increased product offer while also exploiting the Group’s global infrastructure to generate cost savings. Recently this has led to the creation of a management team across Europe and the UK to optimise activities already leading to improved product availability. Product Management has focused on the Group’s global sourcing capability with a growing proportion of products sourced via the Group’s Asia sourcing operation.