In 2008 Londis retailers achieved combined sales of £1.3 billion, up 0.7 per cent. This was a year in which we continued to work with our retail partners to take the Londis brand forward.

All you need for everyday living. That's the message at the heart of the revitilised Londis brand. And that was the message we kept in mind as we continued to focus on improvements in four main areas - store environment; products and services; the performance of retailers and their staff; and how the first three elements are communicated to shoppers.

Our aim is to ensure all Londis stores are compelling retail environments with a strong offer tailored to local communities.

We're also working hard to deliver even better value and quality to Londis customers. With more consumers turning to own brand products to get extra value for money, we're developing hundreds of own-label lines in 2009. We have also launched around 50 new lines under the 'Good Value' label, products that offer consumers good quality and great value for money.

As well as delivering value for money, many Londis stores also play a strong role in the local community. That's an emphasis we will encourage. In fact many of our retail partners have already been recognised for their work in the community. For example, Kim Cameron, Londis, Fort William, is always looking at innovative ways to sustain his local community and environment - sponsoring regeneration schemes and the local school teams, supporting local suppliers - offering meat from a local butcher in store, as well as working with local egg, fish and cake suppliers, all within a couple of miles of the store.

The trail has been blazed by retailers like Kim. Now other Londis retailers are queuing up to follow their example.