during this financial year, operating a company-funded furlough scheme for colleagues to whom we could not provide work when our stores were closed. We have also committed to repay the local Covid relief grants that we received. In making decisions around government Covid support, the Board has carefully considered both the respective interests of all of our stakeholders and a range of other factors, includingthe strong recovery of the business, the fact that ourCustomer 1st stores were closed to customers for a third of the Truly feeling at home is one of the financial year and the competitive imbalances greatest joys in life. Our plan is to arising from the boundaries between essential become our customers’ 1st choice and non-essential retail. for home – however, wherever and whenever they choose to shop Our plans and ambitions for sustainability have taken with us. a big leap forward. Our Net Zero Pathway commitment is now integrated into our wider thinking and is developing at pace. Our Chief Executive Officer talks in more detail in his review about the targets we have set ourselves. There is much to do. As a Board, we are united and determined to ensure we play our part in reducing carbon emissions and making our environment a better and more sustainable place. DIVIDENDSReflecting our strong performance in the year and our Looking confidence in future growth, the Board has proposed a ahead final dividend of 23 pence per share. This takes the full year ordinary dividend to 35 pence per share. We did not pay any dividends in respect of FY20. Additionally, reflecting our stated intention to return to our published capital policies, the Board has announced a special dividend of 65 pence per share. We remain committed to our published policies. This total dividend of 100 pence in respect of FY21 returns us to the bottom of our published target leverage range, reflecting a prudent approach given the current macro-outlook. BOARD Paula Vennells stepped down from the Board in April 2021 and we thank her for her contributions. During the year, we welcomed Arja Taaveniku as a new Non-Executive Director and were pleased to announce that Vijay Talwar will join the Board as Non- Executive Director on 1st October 2021. Arja and Vijay’s experiences in international and digital retail businesses make them great additions to our Board. FORWARD TOGETHER Fuure confidence Dunelm has a long history of profitable growth and market share gains, based on great products, great service and excellent value for money. We are Reflecting our strong performance in the year continuing to invest in our existing strengths and the and our confidence in future growth, the Board new capabilities needed to be a digital first retailer. has proposed a final dividend payment of We look to the future with ambition, a commitment 23 pence (interim 12 pence) and has announced to learning and developing new capabilities, and a special dividend of 65 pence per share. are determined to deliver ever higher standards of performance for our customers, our colleagues, our communities, the environment, and of course for our shareholders. Andy Harrison Chairman 8 September 2021 DUNELM GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2021 13 STRATEGIC REPORT GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATION T10f eh0eeldip iejn ovngiycdP aeet f n lta ohdtntgauon rml o yiw e ngthf or