Annual report FAQs: A design guide for brands and organisations

Annual reports and other formal business reports are vital communication tools for businesses in Australia, where transparency and accountability are required by regulators and valued by the public. A polished report that provides a compelling reading experience will not only satisfy your legal obligations, but also lift your brand profile and foster stakeholder trust.  

In this blog, we answer the most common questions we receive about business report design to help you captivate your audience and get your achievements heard.  

Why are annual reports important?

Annual reports are compulsory for many Australian organisations, usually large companies and charities. They summarise the year’s activities, share financial results, and lay out future goals. These reports are submitted to regulators and shareholders, and published online for public access.  

From a marketing perspective, annual reports are a chance to articulate your organisation’s vision, values and impact, with the aim of appealing to shareholders, employees and the community. Many smaller organisations and businesses prepare annual reports voluntarily as a means to stand out.  

What are the ASX annual report requirements?  

Publicly listed businesses are required to provide their annual report to the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) and to shareholders. The report needs to contain key documents such as financial statements and a corporate governance statement.  

What is a sustainability report?

Sustainability reports have become a highly sought-after corporate document in Australia due to rising interest in corporate social responsibility.

As of January 2025, they are a compulsory part of annual reports (for certain businesses), and must contain details of climate strategies, risks and opportunities.    

Which business reports need design treatment?

In line with regulations and consumer demand, Australian businesses are publishing the following business reports online as part of their digital marketing strategy:  

• Annual report  

• Corporate governance statement 

• Code of conduct  

• Sustainability report 

• Modern slavery statement  

This list continues to grow as expectations for responsible business practice increase. Staying across regulatory changes and market trends will help with deciding which reports your business should develop and share.  

What is the best business report structure?

The structure of a contemporary business report can vary depending on the type of report and audience. But most follow this basic flow:  

• Title page – The who, what and when of your report 

• Table of contents – Helps readers navigate the document easily 

• Executive summary – A quick snapshot of key takeaways 

• Introduction – The purpose and background of your report 

• Main body – The nitty-gritty, which might include: 
  • Corporate governance statement
  • Operational insights
  • Sustainability report
  • Financial statements

• Conclusion – Summarises the main sentiments and takeaways 

• Appendices – Extra data, charts and supporting documents 

• Contact information – For follow-ups and leads 

Annual reports have unique rules around formatting and content, so it’s important to understand your legal obligations before diving in.  

What makes a great annual report design?

For an annual report that blows readers away, try these tips:  

• Optimise for digital – Interactive PDFs, microsites and social media posts can make reports more accessible and engaging for online audiences 

• Include high-quality visuals – Charts, infographics and images can break up dense text and make your data pop 

• Apply consistent branding – The colours, fonts and overall style should be unmistakably yours  

• Write with purpose – Use plain English, a strong tone of voice, and messaging that aligns with your brand  

• Leverage professional expertise – A reputable marketing agency can transform your report into a memorable, influential brand asset  

Annual report design services in Tasmania

Designing an annual report is tricky business, fraught with tight deadlines, strict compliance rules, along with the pressure to impress. That’s why many organisations partner with a local full-service marketing agency to get the job done.  

Our Launceston-based AT+M Marketing team has a long history of creating captivating business reports that tick all the boxes when it comes to compliance and marketing. 

Our comprehensive creative design services provide support with copywriting, editing, design, and print for a dynamic result that translates beautifully across digital and print.  

Let’s make something great together. Contact us today.