THE UNITE GROUP PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2024 13 How we engage We expanded coverage of our standardised procurement approach in both new and existing parts of our supply chain, focused on facilities management, estate management, technology and professional services. This approach ensures our buildings meet existing and emerging safety regulations, deliver our sustainability goals, and meet customers’ needs. As a key stakeholder group in the successful delivery of our strategic objectives, communicating with and listening to our key suppliers and partners is invaluable. We have continuously sought feedback as part of continuous improvement based on a combination of 1-1 meetings, our annual supplier conference, and supply chain focus groups. Value created in 2024 • Spent c.£260 million with suppliers through our procurement function. • Delivered higher quality service from suppliers, with a specific focus on specification and services during the summer maintenance period, supporting improved NPS scores from customers. • Reduced risk through an enhanced supplier vetting process and increased attention to managing supplier quality and performance. Priorities for 2025 We will further expand our procurement processes into capital planning and asset management, alongside other property maintenance activities. We remain focused on ethical and sustainable procurement throughout our supply chain, not just those we work with directly. Suppliers Key issues • Quality and sustainable solutions • Performance and efficiency • Risk management How we engage We engaged regularly with investors around our financial results as well as through ad hoc events, such as property tours, conferences and meetings. Key themes for engagement during the year were, changing university recruitment and international student numbers, policy changes under the new government and the supply of new student accommodation. These discussions informed our decision to raise capital to invest in new accommodation and acquire existing assets, with value-add potential, from USAF. We engaged with selected investors immediately prior to announcing the capital raise in July to discuss the proposed use of proceeds and gauge the level of shareholder support for the raise. In November, the Executive team and other senior leaders hosted a property tour in London, providing updates on student demand, customer trends and the outlook for new supply. Value created in 2024 • Delivered 97.5% occupancy and rental growth of 8.2%. • 5% growth in adjusted EPS. • Total accounting return of 9.6%. • Full year dividend per share of 37.3p. Priorities for 2025 Delivering growth in EPS, through rental growth and improvement in operating margins, while ensuring a robust capital structure. We aim to achieve this through a strong sales performance for 2025/26, successful delivery of two new developments and ongoing cost discipline and management of interest rate risk. Investors Key issues • Financial performance • Strategic direction • Sustainability and risk management