1996:
Young (ish…) copywriter Clive Lotter receives his first commission for corporate reporting. This proves an intriguing departure from the short form advertising and marketing content he usually wrote.
1997 – 2007:
Clive is increasingly sought after for annual and sustainability reporting, though he still writes website and marketing content for agencies. Finalist in four Loeries Awards. Does considerable government and public sector reporting.
2008 – 2009:
Existentialist shock as 2008 global financial crisis reveals widespread manipulation of corporate data and reporting. Considers leaving the industry. Withdraws from public sector reporting in South Africa.
2010:
Rescued by the emergence of integrated and GRI (sustainability) reporting. Sees the intrinsic value in working for truth in corporate reporting – though this will be a long road.
2011:
Clive decides to specialise in corporate reporting and set aside his writing in other commercial markets.
2013:
Bethany Bye joins the business to share the workload
2018:
We decide to formally brand our growing consultancy as The Corporate Reporters, recognising our quest to find and record the real stories in companies – large or small.
2019:
Develops a widening network of collaborations with sustainability experts, business specialists and other language practitioners.