FLOWTECH FLUIDPOWER PLC ANTI-SLAVERY AND HUMAN TRAFFICKING STATEMENT
1. Introduction from the Board
- 1.1This statement sets out Flowtech Fluidpower Plc and its subsidiaries' (together "Flowtech") actions to understand all potential modern slavery risks in relation to its business and to put in place steps aimed at ensuring that there is no slavery or human trafficking in its business and supply chains. This statement relates to actions and activities during the financial year ending 31 December 2019.
- 1.2Flowtech has fostered and continues to foster an organisational culture that respects dignity and human rights. We believe that conducting business with high ethical standards is fundamental to this culture.
- 1.3Flowtech recognises that the respect for human rights is an integral part of its social responsibility and Flowtech recognises that it has a responsibility to take a robust approach to slavery and human trafficking. Flowtech is subject to the requirements of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and we are committed to ensuring that no modern slavery takes place within our organisation. We are committed to preventing workers from being subjected to modern slavery in our supply chains and within the businesses of our partners and affiliates.
- 1.4We are committed to continuous improvement in relation to our practices to combat slavery and human trafficking.
- 1.5Our respect for human rights is implicit in our employment practices; the rights of every employee is treated with dignity and consideration. We do not use child labour, nor do we use forced labour. We make regular supplier visits to ensure our supply chain maintains the same standards of integrity and is free from modern slavery.
2. Organisation's Structure
- 2.1We are a leading specialist in fluid power products and solutions. Through hydraulics, pneumatics and associated industrial products, we focus on moving liquid, gas or air to generate power which keeps industry moving. Flowtech provides total fluid power solutions, delivering technical products, design, manufacturing services, maintenance and support to distributors, equipment manufacturers and industrial users across the UK and overseas.
- 2.2Flowtech has over 600 employees worldwide and with sites across the UK, ROI, Benelux and China, we have a market presence internationally.
- 2.3There are currently twenty two profit centres within the Flowtech Group and the Group is continuing to expand. The Flowtech Group has an annual turnover of £112 million.
- 2.4OUR BUSINESS
- Our business is currently organised into two divisions
- 2.4.1Components - Supply of hydraulic and pneumatic consumables, predominantly through distribution for urgent maintenance and repair operations across all industry sectors. Additionally, support a broad range of original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) supplying off-the-shelf and tailored components and assemblies.
- 2.4.2Services - Bespoke design, manufacturing, commissioning, installation and servicing of systems to manufacturers of specialised industrial and mobile hydraulic OEMs and additionally a wide range of industrial end users.
3. Our Supply Chains
- 3.1Our supply chains are concentrated in the Far East and Europe. We make regular supplier visits to ensure our supply chain maintains the same standards of integrity and is free from modern slavery. Our Chinese suppliers are visited on a regular basis by a dedicated team based in Shanghai.
4. Our policies on slavery and human trafficking
- 4.1Our approach to tackling the issue of modern slavery will inevitably evolve over time. However, we are committed to ensuring that there is no modern slavery or human trafficking in our supply chains or in any part of our business. The on-going review of policies and procedures will include in its remit, Anti-slavery and Human Trafficking Policies, that enshrines our commitment to acting ethically and with integrity in all our business relationships and to implementing and enforcing effective systems and controls to ensure slavery and human trafficking is not taking place anywhere in out supply chains.
5. Risk assessment and due diligence processes for slavery and human trafficking
- 5.1Flowtech also makes regular visits to suppliers in our supply chain to ensure that our supply chain adheres to the same principles and standards as Flowtech. This will lead to an ongoing program which will ensure our systems:
- 5.1.1Identify and assess potential risk areas in our supply chains;
- 5.1.2Mitigate the risk of slavery and human trafficking occurring in our supply chains;
- 5.1.3Monitor potential risk areas in our supply chains; and
- 5.1.4Protect whistle blowers.
5.2 Going forwards, we intend to work with our suppliers and our partners and affiliates to assist them in identifying any areas of risk in their own supply chains and to mitigate the risk of modern slavery occurring.
6. Responsibility
- 6.1Responsibility for Flowtech's anti-slavery and human trafficking initiatives lies with the following individuals/functions:
- 6.1.1The initiative is led by the Corporate Governance department for implementation by the Group Procurement & Supplier Development Manager in conjunction with Profit Centre Directors.
7. Training
- 7.1In order to ensure that our key staff understand and are aware of the risks of modern slavery and human trafficking and can assist us in preventing this, both in our business and in our supply chain and the businesses of our partners and affiliates, we will be providing training to representatives from our Board of Directors, Management teams, and Procurement team.
- 7.2Flowtech remains committed to upholding human rights and safety in our supply chain and we will be reviewing our progress and effectiveness in combating slavery and human trafficking on an annual basis.
- 7.3This statement is made pursuant to section 54(1) of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and constitutes our group's slavery and human trafficking statement for the financial year ending 31 December 2019.
Signed
Russell Cash
Chief Financial Officer
November 2019