As well as supporting the BBC itself, BBC Worldwide operates as
one of the engines of the whole UK creative economy. Programmes and
formats produced, not only by the BBC itself but also by more than
300 UK independent producers, were distributed by BBC Worldwide in
2010/11. By way of example, more than 540 buyers attended BBC
Showcase, our international sales fair, in Brighton in 2011. Even
more are expected in 2012 when the event shifts north to Liverpool,
helping to make BBC Worldwide the largest programme distributor in
the world, outside the mighty US majors, with whom, of course, we
compete in the marketplace.
The BBC Worldwide strategy was approved by the BBC Executive
Board in February 2011 and subsequently by the BBC Trust. It will
see BBC Worldwide increasing its international activity (especially
in the USA and in Australia), making more content and increasing
the penetration of our channels around the world. At the same time
it is intended to develop the digital aspect of the business to a
target of 10% of sales by 2012. This target seems achievable
including, as it does, new games and apps businesses and piloting
the global BBC iPlayer.
These strategic objectives will continue to be pursued according
to the highest standards of corporate governance. All the
activities of BBC Worldwide will, as they must, comply with the
specific Four Commercial Criteria governing our operations: that
is, they must fit and be consistent with the BBC's public purposes;
be commercially efficient; not harm the BBC brand; and, of course,
comply with the extensive letter and spirit of the rules on Fair
Trading, as well as with the law of every land where we broadcast
or distribute.
BBC Worldwide operates without any subsidy from the BBC. So
should it, but nonetheless we strive to, and succeed in, being
imbued with the same value sense as that of our public-service and
UK-based parent.
In the past year we have appointed Charlotte Hogg and Tim Weller
to the Board as Non-executive Directors and said farewell to Sharon
Baylay, Simon Clift and Thomas Geitner who leave with our sincere
thanks for their service.
Our Chief Financial Officer, Neil Chugani, resigned on 17 June
2010. His successor, Philip Vincent, was appointed on 1 December
2010. We are grateful for the contribution Neil made and welcome
Philip, whose prior experience in a number of our businesses will
be valuable.
The final element of this introduction is to thank our customers
for their loyalty, our staff for their hard work and resilience,
and our parent for its patient understanding of and confidence in
us.
BBC Worldwide is a company of which the BBC and its staff are
immensely proud. We hope to build on our current success in the
year to come.
Robert Webb QC