Dividend
The Group has a progressive dividend policy with a stated objective of achieving up to 2 times dividend cover over the business cycle. The Board has declared an interim dividend of 3.40 pence (June 2016: 2.90 pence) per share, an increase of 17 per cent, which reflects the Group's strong cash generation. This dividend will be paid on 6 December 2017 to shareholders on the register at the close of business on 20 October 2017. The ex-dividend date will be 19 October 2017.
