Notes
In summary, Group profits are lower this year largely as a result of expenditure to modernise BTC.
Despite the more challenging market conditions at the end of the year, Boots the Chemists has made good progress, particularly in Dispensing and Beauty, two of its fastest growing markets.
The BHI sale process is on track.
We remain committed to returning surplus cash to shareholders through both share buy backs and the dividend, which remains a key element of delivering shareholder returns.
The retail climate remains challenging and our guidance for the year is unchanged.
I should now like to hand over to Richard.
