I am pleased to report a second successful year for the LI in financial terms, with a second year-end surplus and our bank loan paid off more than two years early.
This year, income was 99 per cent of budget and expenditure was 95 per cent of budget. Details of the year-end management accounts will be published on the website shortly. This result means that we can focus more on delivering what the profession needs more effectively in these difficult times.
Following the survey of members and discussions at Council and the Board last year, we have a clearer sense of the challenges facing the profession over the next few years, and how to respond as effectively as possible.
Our five-year strategic framework is on our website and the budget for 2011–12 sets out how we will go about tackling these priorities over the coming year.
Looking ahead to what is coming up, we have some great opportunities for students, with a student competition at Canary Wharf, a student conference in July, and the Futurevision awards.
We also have another competitive year in the Landscape Institute Awards with as many candidates registered as in 2010. Details of the first Jellicoe Lecture will also follow soon.
I’d also like to remind you that there are opportunities to make your views on design in the built environment known this month as part of the Bishop Review.
The LI is also seeking your views on trees and construction and BS 5837.
Finally – I’d like to wish the best of luck to the candidates who are taking their Chartership exams in a few days.
Many many quialty points there.