Modern slavery
Introduction
The Great Merch Co Ltd is committed to the highest ethical standards and ensuring that modern slavery and human trafficking do not occur within our business operations or supply chain. While we are not legally required to publish this statement, we believe it is our responsibility to promote transparency and demonstrate our ongoing commitment to ethical business practices.
Our Business
The Great Merch Co Ltd is a UK-based wholesaler of branded promotional products. We work with carefully selected suppliers and factories that share our values and maintain the highest ethical standards. We are dedicated to providing quality merchandise while ensuring that human rights are respected throughout our supply chain.
Our Policies
We operate under a framework of policies designed to support ethical business practices, including:
- Supplier Code of Conduct – Outlining the ethical standards and legal compliance we expect from all our suppliers and partners.
- Ethical Sourcing Policy – Ensuring that products are sourced from suppliers committed to fair labour practices.
- Corporate Social Responsibility Policy – Promoting positive social and environmental impact.
- Anti-Slavery and Human Trafficking Policy – Reflecting our zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery.
Our Approach to Risk Assessment and Due Diligence
We take a proactive approach to managing and mitigating risks related to modern slavery and human trafficking by:
- Conducting thorough due diligence when onboarding new suppliers.
- Ensuring that all suppliers provide evidence of their commitment to ethical labour practices.
- Requiring suppliers to comply with relevant legislation and maintain ethical certification standards, including Sedex SMETA audits where applicable.
We only work with suppliers that meet our strict ethical standards, and we terminate relationships with any supplier found to be in breach of these standards.
Supplier Standards
We expect our suppliers to maintain:
- Safe working conditions for employees.
- Fair wages and legal working hours.
- Zero tolerance for forced labour, child labour, and human trafficking.
Our supplier contracts explicitly require compliance with all applicable labour laws and ethical standards. We regularly communicate these expectations and monitor compliance through ongoing supplier reviews.
Training and Awareness
We recognise the importance of awareness and education in combating modern slavery. All employees involved in supplier management and procurement receive annual training and policy updates on ethical sourcing and modern slavery. This training is refreshed annually during our company-wide policy review.
Monitoring and Accountability
To ensure transparency and accountability, we:
- Maintain a record of supplier performance and compliance.
- Conduct regular supplier reviews and performance assessments.
- Take corrective action if any supplier is found to be in violation of our ethical standards.
Our internal procurement and compliance teams are responsible for monitoring supplier performance and escalating concerns when needed.
Future Commitments
Looking ahead, we are committed to strengthening our efforts by:
- Implementing supplier scorecards that evaluate suppliers’ ethical and sustainability performance.
- Prioritising partnerships with suppliers that complete Sedex SMETA audits, ensuring compliance with industry-leading labour, safety, and environmental standards.
- Enhancing transparency and expanding the scope of our supplier assessments.
Approval
This statement has been approved by the Directors of The Great Merch Co Ltd and will be reviewed annually to ensure its continued effectiveness and relevance.
Closing Statement
The Great Merch Co Ltd is committed to taking steps to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in all aspects of our business. We will continue working closely with our suppliers and partners to ensure transparency, fairness, and ethical practices throughout our supply chain.
Version: The Great Merch Co Modern Slavery Policy_v1.0
Date of Issue: December 2024