By Michel van Rijmenant, CEO of Chimera Creative
For many B2B companies, annual reports are a staple of the business calendar, fulfilling necessary compliance requirements, summarising performance and updating stakeholders. Yet they can be much more than a simple box-ticking exercise. With thoughtful design, an annual report is a powerful narrative device that celebrates a company’s achievements, embodies its values and shares its vision in an impactful way. Whether in digital or print formats, annual reports offer an opportunity to go beyond the basics and craft content that informs, inspires and strengthens brand loyalty.
In today’s digital-first society, annual reports can reach audiences across devices and provide immersive and interactive experiences. Simultaneously, print formats retain a unique value, offering tactile experiences that many clients and stakeholders find more personal. The choice between digital and print — or a blend of both — depends on the audience and the company’s objectives. A creatively designed print report can leave a lasting impression on a board member’s desk; a responsive, interactive digital report ensures broader accessibility and engagement. Both offer companies the opportunity to rethink what a report can be, transforming a compliance-driven document into an interactive, visually compelling journey that brings the brand to life.
An annual report aims to share information and updates on financial performance and future goals with company stakeholders, from clients to investors and employees. Thanks to advances in design and technology, these documents have evolved into sophisticated storytelling tools. B2B companies can take advantage of this to create reports that go beyond information sharing to reflect the company’s ethos, build trust and keep stakeholders engaged.
This shift requires a strong design approach to convey a cohesive brand story that resonates with audiences. Engaging data visualisation, narrative-driven content and well-structured layouts are fundamental to creating a multi-dimensional experience. Whether in print or digital, an annual report should create a compelling journey through the brand’s year.