CHAIRMAN'S MESSAGE

Swire's motto is 'Esse Quam Videri' meaning 'To be, rather than to seem to be'.

In 2016, the Swire group is celebrating its 200th Anniversary. By any standard, this is an extraordinary milestone and it is one of which we are extremely proud.

As the group enters its third century, however, new challenges will inevitably arise; alongside an abiding focus on nurturing and developing their own staff, on practical innovation and of course on commercial viability, our existing businesses must adapt to a world in which, quite rightly, everything that they do will be judged by its impact upon the environment and the community.

Such an atmosphere will lead to change. Beyond such change, however, we are also committed to invest in new industries which are themselves part of the coming environmental revolution - indeed, we have already taken our first few steps along this path.

Of course, none of this would be possible were it not for the dedication and professionalism of the Swire group's staff, and it is on account of them that the group can face the future with such optimism.

Barnaby Swire