CEO'S REPORT
"Driven by the strong demand for our services around the globe, GHD achieved outstanding operational results and record financial performance in the 2008 financial year. Our annual turnover grew by a robust 39 percent to AUD939 million compared with AUD675 million in 2007."
Des Whybird
Chief Executive Officer
Driven by the strong demand for our services around the globe, GHD achieved outstanding operational results and record financia performance in the 2008 financial year. Our annual turnover grew by a robust 39 percent to AUD939 million compared with AUD675 million in 2007. GHD’s consistent strategy, focused on Clients, People and Performance, continues to deliver significant benefits that differentiate us in the marketplace and define us as an enduring force.
Some of the highlights of 2008 include:
- The refinement and improvement of our GHD Safe program, increasing awareness of Health and Safety amongst our people and resulted in a 36 percent reduction in the Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate.
- Company-wide rollout of our Innovations program resulting in improved collaboration among our people and generation of ideas with commercial potential.
- Development of major building design capability, particularly on huge urban development projects in the Middle East, with work being undertaken globally across GHD.
- Successful mergers/acquisitions including Cameron Chisholm & Nicol (NSW), Devecon, Hassall and Associates, Johnson Design Services, R J Hall (New Zealand) and most recently RoseWater Engineering (USA).
- Growth of our International Development Assistance business with AusAid and other agencies, as a result of Hassall and Associates joining GHD.
- Enhancement of the GHD Business School through its Advisory Group, in particular our program for leadership development.
- Further emphasis on the development of our service lines that form the basis of our value proposition for clients, with eight new service lines created.
Throughout 2008, we have successfully continued the development of our business in accordance with our Strategy - Realising Opportunities. After three years, we have achieved and even exceeded most of our strategic objectives, including the GHD Business School, the Innovations program and the continued global development of our business in key markets.
The outlook for 2009 remains optimistic. We enter the next financial year in excellent operational and financial shape with a proactive growth strategy, quality opportunities and dynamic client relationships underpinned by our enduring values of Teamwork, Respect and Integrity.
Des Whybird
Chief Executive Officer
