• Number of employees including franchised stores: 1 394 (2011: 1 283)  
• Employee turnover: 17% (2011: 19%) 

• Optimal recruitment processes, supported by relevant training designed to motivate and empower employees, are key to improved retention. In addition to these priorities, management’s goal is to develop a career path schematic for each individual career in the Group.  
• Quantifiable measures will also be developed to evaluate the link between training and improved sales and service, a key factor for store managers in their Training ROI calculations.  
• Employees are incentivised (via profit share and share schemes); in addition ownership models exist (including franchises and joint venture partnerships) and remain a key component of promoting an entrepreneurial culture in the Group.

• 919 (2011: 842) employees were trained in courses across the spectrum.  
• 73% (2011: 40%) of all employees have been trained at the Academy for tiling, plumbing and laminate flooring.

• Existing courses will be reviewed and consolidated if required. The newly introduced Stellenbosch University certificate courses will be integrated into the Group’s existing training framework.

• Employment equity targets were once again exceeded.  
• The Group’s status as a BBBEE contributor is Level 8.

• Continued achievement of employment equity targets will remain a priority.  
• The BBBEE contributor status target for the year is Level 6, which will be achieved via socio-economic development, skills and management development, and procurement and supplier development.

• Roll-out to all stores of rainwater harvesting tanks and water-wise gardens commenced.

• Water consumption meters will be installed in all stores to afford real-time reliable monitoring.

• Energy efficient technologies/lighting were implemented in all new, upgraded and relocated stores.  
• A 3,2% saving was achieved between February 2009 and January 2011.  
• The Group’s first fully energy-efficient Green store was completed and is anticipated to reduce energy consumption from 391 kWh/m² (standard store design) to 109 kWh/m².

• Retrofit of resource-saving devices and technology is targeted for existing stores.  
• A target of 20% saving has been set for January 2015. Electricity meters and online monitoring will be installed in all stores to afford real-time reliable monitoring.  
• Ongoing store audits will be conducted to deliver store-specific recommendations.

• 60% of stores have committed to the recycling programme (2011: 30%).

• The goal is to convert 70% of stores to the recycling programme by July 2013 and 90% by January 2015.

• The second carbon footprint study confirmed a decrease of 8,34% in direct CO₂ emissions per rand value of turnover.

• The third carbon footprint study has been commissioned and is expected to confirm a further reduction in direct CO₂ emissions.
• The impact of shipping, road and air freight activities are under review with regard to possible measurement.  
• Electricity and transport costs will be targeted for reduction.

Compliance with legislation  

• The Group recognises corporate governance as central to sustainability of the business, and accordingly is compliant with the Companies Act, JSE Listings Requirements, the King Code, BEE, EE and labour legislation, The Competition Act, the Consumer Protection Act and all relevant tax legislation.

• The Group regularly engages various professionals and advisers to ensure compliance with legislation. In addition, management will continue to attend workshops and training related to legislative and other updates, and will be supported by the external audit in ensuring compliance.