Annual Report Design

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Andrew Pegler Media (APM) has designed 250+ annual reports for state and federal governments, local councils, and leading companies across Australia and Asia.

Our annual report design clients included Equip Super, Catholic Super, NSW Aboriginal Land Council, Geoscape Australia, Emergency Management Victoria, Closing the Gap Report and the Museum of Australian Democracy.

As our many repeat clients will confirm, we bring best practice to this unique corporate communication.

Our style of annual report design never says, ‘Look at me.’ It says, ‘Look at this’. The design elements on every page have a clear purpose – to inform and engage. Our crisp, well-defined, visually-appealing annual reports artfully meld design, typography and colour with images and graphic elements to reinforce your brand and build collateral for your ‘social licence’. We can also animate your results and statistics with easily-digestible infographics, charts, tables and icons.

  • Accurately represent your organisation
  • Intelligently combine authority, emotion and reason
  • Be on-brand and on-message
  • Be professionally project managed using our well-tested project management methodology
  • Be accessible
  • Have at least two cover page and layout options
  • Contain well-produced video/animation and infographics, if required

We can also help you with:

  • Selecting and sourcing imagery
  • Creating visual style guides
  • Developing your visual theme
  • Organising printing

New Wales Aboriginal Land Council (NSWALC)

Design philosophy: In the design of the annual report, APM chose an open layout to enhance visual appeal and legibility.

Visual elements and colour scheme: The design featured vibrant Aboriginal artwork, with a colour palette dominated by earthy tones such as oranges, greens, and blues. These colours symbolise the land, water, and sky.

Integration of design elements: This colour scheme and artwork were consistently applied across all visual components of the report, including graphs, charts, and typography. This approach not only reinforced the identity of NSWALC but also significantly improved the report’s readability and overall impact.

Task overview: For the sixth consecutive year, the NSW Aboriginal Land Council engaged APM to produce its annual report, emphasising high standards in writing, design, and project management.

Content development and editing: APM meticulously structured the report to ensure a logical and coherent presentation of information. The content provided was edited for clarity and brevity, removing redundancies to create clear and concise section introductions.

Original content creation: To authentically convey the voice of NSWALC, APM’s team conducted interviews with key figures, including the Chair and the CEO, developing original content that reflected the organisation’s perspectives and objectives.

Geoscape Australia

  • Design approach: The annual report was designed with a focus on precision, ensuring clear navigation and readability. Look and feel: The layout featured distinct sections, marked by crisp lines and generous white space, to facilitate easy understanding. The design incorporated a subtle yet strong, on-brand colour scheme.

  • Visual elements: Infographics, charts, maps, and data visualisations were strategically placed to augment the report’s informativeness and visual appeal. These visual aids interspersed the text, enhancing both engagement and communication with stakeholders.

  • Overall impact: Our design choices resulted in a report that was not only informative but also visually appealing, effectively engaging stakeholders and communicating the company’s message.

  • Project scope: APM has been responsible for writing and designing the past four annual reports for Geoscape Australia. This self-funded Federal Government owned company provides crucial spatial data.
  • Content refinement: The editorial team employed plain English to refine the provided copy, enhancing accessibility for a diverse audience. Harmonising Content: Various internal documents, including reports, press releases, and communications, were integrated to maintain a consistent narrative.
  • Narrative and style consistency: Efforts were made to create a clear, consistent narrative, fostering community engagement and appreciation for the organisation’s efforts. The text was polished to eliminate style disparities, ensuring a singular, coherent tone.

The Victorian Office of the Road Safety Camera Commissioner Annual report

Design Approach: We designed the report to be both informative and visually appealing. It effectively captured the attention of stakeholders and the community, clearly presenting the Council’s key messages and achievements.

Look and Feel: The report’s layout is clear and easy to follow, with sharp lines and plenty of space. We chose a color scheme that reflects the Council’s professionalism and its dedication to serving the community.

Visual Elements: We thoughtfully included infographics, charts, maps, and data visuals throughout the report. These elements were placed to engage readers and highlight the Council’s accomplishments.

Project background: APM has designed and written the past four annual reports for the Office of the Road Safety Camera Commissioner.

Content and communication goals: We’ve focused on creating four annual reports that accurately conveys critical road safety data and insights. Each one has been designed not just as an information repository but also as a testament to the Office’s dedication to transparency and accountability.

Museum of Australian Democracy

  • Design style: The Old Parliament House annual report was given a clean, contemporary design style, aimed at enhancing comprehension and navigation.
  • Layout and structure: The layout was carefully structured, with distinct sections highlighted by ample white space and crisp design elements.
  • Data presentation: Infographics and charts were used to make complex data more digestible and understandable.
  • Colour scheme and imagery: The colour scheme was chosen to be understated yet meaningful, reflecting the institution’s prestigious legacy. High-resolution images, illustrative maps, and data visualisations were strategically placed to punctuate the narrative and break up the text, adding visual interest and supporting the report’s content.
  • Content collation and editing: APM managed and edited various types of copy supplied by the Museum, including stakeholder reports, forms, press releases, and ongoing communications, employing plain English for clarity.
  • Stakeholder engagement: The team conducted interviews with key stakeholders and wrote the CEO’s letter, offering content advice and strategic communication guidance throughout the process.
  • Narrative: The final copy was logically organised, enhancing the clarity and engagement of the Museum’s annual story, elevating it to a new level.

Barcaldine Regional Council

Design philosophy: The design emphasises readability and accessibility, aiming to complement the Office’s authoritative voice.

Visual elements: Infographics, charts, and other visual aids are integrated to transform complex data into understandable and memorable graphics.

Design functionality and impact: Visually appealing and easy to navigate layout engages stakeholders. The design approach ensures that the report serves as a vital tool for informing and educating the public about the Office’s initiatives and achievements.

Compliance with standards: APM has consistently delivered high-quality graphic design services that meet the stringent standards of government reporting, demonstrating our ability to adhere to the specific needs of government entities.

Plain English: Our editorial team transformed complex information into simple language, broadening its appeal. This made the Council’s successes and key points understandable to everyone.

Harmonising Content: We created a seamless narrative that aligns with the Council’s strategic aims and meets community expectations.

Narrative and Style Consistency: Our team crafted a compelling, consistent voice throughout the report. We carefully checked the content to ensure it was uniform and reflective of the Council’s community-focused values and commitment.

How we’ll project manage your annual report design

Our first meeting will establish your needs, and a timeline for delivering everything you need and the agreed dates.

We’ll identify who’s responsible for what and when. APM’s rigorous project management methodology keeps the project on schedule. We’re always asking, ‘Where are we against where we should be?’ We’ll track timeframes and deliverables, and identify which tasks can be done concurrently and which sequentially. And we’ll stay as flexible as you need us to be, because the only constant in life is change.

Managing your Annual Report Design

So, if you’re managing your annual report design this year, get in touch today. Or review some of our recent work.

In the meantime, check out our blog, The 6 essentials of annual report design.

Did you know we also write annual reports?

We’ve written 250+ annual reports. Our high-quality annual report writing services create best-practice outcomes for all our clients across Australia and Asia. Our plain English copy is easy-to-read, but never ‘dumbed down’, and we won’t change your meaning or intent. We always stay on-brand, telling the story of your year, the way you want it told.

Our high-quality annual report writing services create best-practice outcomes for all our clients across Australia and Asia. Our plain English copy is easy-to-read, but never ‘dumbed down’, and we won’t change your meaning or intent. We always stay on-brand, telling the story of your year, the way you want it told.

  • Full Project Management
  • Advice On Content
  • Developing Your Theme/Narrative
  • Guidance Around Your Reporting Requirements
  • Creating a Timeline for Deliverables and chasing them up
  • Working out who’s doing what, and by when
  • Interviews, Editing, Writing, Proofing
  • A Well-tested Project Management Methodology

The 7 advantages of having one supplier to design, write and project manage your annual report

Andrew Pegler Media has designed, written and project managed over 250+ annual reports.

Our full 360° one-stop-shop service covers writing, editing and design. Having both content and design done by one supplier means one clean point of contact for you. Seamless communication between the writing and design elements results in a superior final product.

Plus, there is no need to pay for a final proof of the ultimate document.

We quality control your content along the way.

A single supplier, solely responsible for the entire process, cannot blame others for non-performance or delays. Our ‘buck-stops-here accountability’ ensures effective and efficient delivery of your annual report.

A single supplier who’s responsible for the project from start to finish will be across its many moving parts.

APM will always know where processes and procedures are at, ensuring a much smoother process for aspects like:

  • Interviews
  • Stakeholder copy
  • Copy feedback
  • Design feedback
  • Communication between editorial and design wings, so each learns about changes quickly and can react accordingly
  • When copy will be delivered to design
  • Image selection
  • Version management
  • Flagging potential issues

Having a single point of contact for the entire annual report is more efficient. No need to juggle different service providers — a sole contact ensures all parties involved in the process understand each other’s roles and responsibilities and are equipped to deal with unforeseen problems. You’ll waste no time:

  • Dealing with issues arising from one party misinterpreting instructions
  • Briefing separate parties
  • Coordinating two parties with the inherent risk that presents for mistakes
  • Double administering and project managing
  • Trying to sort out administrative complications – for example, payments
  • Double meetings

Additionally, the design and writing can be done in parallel. We show you samples as we go along. We can even drop in copy as it’s approved, so stakeholders can see their part of the report in its true design context and provide direct feedback. This gives you a longer lead time to gather stakeholder responses.

Being the sole supplier also provides APM with economies of scale – hence our ability to offer a more competitive price.

APM’s design wing knows it’s getting quality written content and can address most questions to our content staff.

Less bother for you. And design can already be working while you make last minute tweaks to copy – delays in finalising what you want to say don’t hold up ‘the big handover day’ between suppliers.

A single-source model means faster delivery. The same people in the same organisation working on the same product have instant communication on changes, requests and more – without compromising on quality.

We’ve done this many times before! Single-sourcing means a strong bond between the parties, resulting in a more productive, better working relationship.

A single provider will better protect your brand and reputation. Having all operations done under one umbrella, boosts the quality of work and guarantees uniform editorial style and design.

Happy Clients

“

Thanks for all your efforts in helping Togethr Trustees get four annual reports completed on time in a year that we all agree has been extremely challenging. I look forward to working with you and the team next year.

Five Stars

Awenna Williams, Head of Experience, Togethr Trustees

”

“

Andrew and his team delivered the clear, streamlined annual report we wanted on time. And their flexibility and efficiency made the process run smoothly for us. A pleasure to work with!

Five Stars

Geoscape Australia

”

“

Andrew and his team have been fantastic to work with. Responsive, professional, and able to edit and condense complex information into an accessible form - and within the deadlines every time.

Five Stars

Indigenous Business Australia

”

“

The APM team were wholly professional and responsive. They met all deadlines and expectations for the project. APM skilfully negotiated the many challenges associated with project managing to get the best outcome for the Museum. The final result took our annual reporting to the next level. Thanks to everyone on the team!

Five Stars

Museum of Australian Democracy

”

“

I have known of Andrew and his team's expertise as specialist legal copywriters for many years, and have been finally able them to the test. I am so very glad that I could. They quickly responded to the brief and captured my company's tone of voice so well, that there were virtually no changes needed to the copy before it was finalised. Highly recommended!

Five Stars

Andrew Spalding, Founder & Managing Director at Get There

”