The Company is pleased to advise that it has appointed Mr. James Cole as an independent non-executive director ( NED ) of the Company with immediate effect. Mr. Cole will replace Mr. David Swan on the Board, who is stepping down from his role. Mr Swan has served as a NED of the Company for nine years, a period which is encouraged as a maximum term under the UK Corporate Governance Code ( the Code ) to safeguard the independence of a NED. Whilst the Company follows the QCA Corporate Governance Code, which allows for a more pragmatic view on the independence of NEDs, the Company respects Mr Swan s decision to apply this part of the Code to his time in office.