Annual Report specialist Copyline turns 20; upbeat on more biz

The annual reports specialist with a promise “publishing on time” and now evolved into a full service design, print and publishing company, Copyline recently celebrated 20 years of persevering operations and success which have inspired it to be upbeat of more business on to the future.

Established in 1991 as part of the Copyline Group, the Company has since come a long way in design and production and is currently a much sought after service provider in the industry. As part of celebrations to mark two decades of success, Copyline unveiled a revamped logo and tagline ‘A great equation,’ which the company said sums up the strength and philosophy behind the venture – a perfect mix of creativity, hard work and great personalities.

Copyline was founded by Tilak Conrad, who has great passion for annual reports in partnership with Ceylon Theatres Group.

About 10 years later, Mano Tittawella, a highly qualified professional who has over 25 years experience in senior positions in private and public sector institutions came in as a private investor to Copyline and subsequently increased his stake as a result of recapitalisation. Tilak took a break from the company after serving for 15 years and his number two Keith Blom was appointed as Group CEO and Head of the then Business Development Anjum Cader was made Chief Operating Officer. Whilst Mano is Chairman, Lasantha Peiris is the Deputy Chairman. The senior team includes Hemamala Ratwatte as Director Research and Development.

The Group has Copyline Ltd., which undertakes local business and Copyline International Ltd., which handles global assignments.  “We haven’t gone after the biggest market share but focused on delivering top class quality and delivering on the ‘on time’ promise. We had grown the business at a sustainable level ensuring value to all stakeholders. This, along with highly personalised service, has been instrumental in a good dose of repeat business and loyalty from corporates,” recalls Mano.

Copyline had just completed its best-ever year having produced over 40 annual reports as opposed to 35 in the previous year. Given the rebound in the economy post-war, Mano expects Copyline’s business volume to grow by 20%.  “With the rebound in the economy and corporate earnings as well as pick up in stock market drawing more investors/shareholders companies have increased their reliance as well as emphasis on annual reports.

This is a very positive development,” added Mano, who was the first Chairman and CEO of the Strategic Enterprise Management Agency (SEMA), a past Chairman of People’s Bank and Senior Presidential Advisor on Economic Affairs and Senior Director General of President’s Office during President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga’s tenure.

New growth is also expected to come from a change in strategy from being a production oriented entity to a business development focus with innovation and aggressive marketing. The company will also further harness on cost efficiency with improved processes and pass on the benefits to clients and other partners such as suppliers. The premise is that for a long term relationship such a value adding approach is critical. Whilst noting that the annual report market is well serviced by three specialist companies, several clients of Copyline and its creative annual reports have Copyline won local awards as well. However, Mano points out that there is no preoccupation to win accolades.  “Awards are a good thing as the criterions raises the bar for best practices and excellence,” he added. Copyline’s client base also uses annual reports more as a communication tool with different stakeholders whilst the emphasis is also on timely production and distribution, a key facet of good corporate governance practices.

Among the client base of Copyline are leading diversified blue chips, top financial services, manufacturing, motor, food and beverage trading and service companies. Anjum Cader suggests that companies must ideally prepare six months in advance prior to the release of an Annual Report. “The key words when it comes to production of Annual Reports are ‘clarity’ and ‘innovation,’” Anjum adds. According to her, companies need to provide precise and accurate information to shareholders and other stakeholders while maintaining their interest.

She said that at Copyline the dynamic and creative team undertakes any concept and work to reduce the demands placed on busy clients through efficient management and friendly and reliable service.

Offering a total solutions package from brief to production, with careful attention paid to every aspect of the publishing process, research, writing and design are all provided by Copyline. “We have a comprehensive client service team that ensures timely and effective logistics, every step of the way,” Anjum added. Copyline also produces a vast range of printed material, from year end products such as calendars and diaries to coffee table books and corporate profiles. Anjum says each project is given individual attention to ensure that they are of high quality with maximum impact.