Looking ahead to 2004, I hope that our belief in our values of social and ecological responsibility, and in our strong customer relationships, will continue to help guide CIS through what are challenging times for our industry.
The development of Co-operative Financial Services, now in its second year, is already demonstrating how the shared heritage and commitment of CIS and The Co-operative Bank can ensure that a greater range of co-operative financial services is available to a broader group of people. In areas such as mortgages, we have seen growth beyond our initial expectations, and I am confident that this trend will continue throughout 2004. Most importantly, I look forward to bringing the benefits of better choice and more convenient access to all our customers, raising the service they receive from us to even higher levels.
Mervyn Pedelty
Chief Executive
Operational and Business Developments
