The archives serve as the corporate memory for the Company, as well as providing a wealth of historical sources for academic research. The conservation and preservation of, and access to, the records is professionally managed, and the records stored to British Standards specifications. Access to the archives is at the discretion of the Company. The records are available for consultation by bonafide researchers by prior appointment only, Monday to Friday 9.30am to 5.00pm.
Researchers can consult the archives catalogue, which is comprised of a mixture of finding aids.
In some cases a thirty year closure on Company documents will be in operation for reasons of confidentiality. An enquiry service is provided, and general information brochures regarding Company history are available. Complex research projects will necessitate the individual visiting to consult the records themselves. Potential researchers should contacted the Archivist in writing in the first instance, with details of the research interest, before telephoning or booking appointments. The office is a no smoking area.