Modern slavery statement

Review: Section 54 of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 only requires a statement from organisations with turnover of £36 million or more. If Simporter is below that, this is a voluntary statement and should say so. Either way, a director must approve and sign it before it goes live.

Our business

Simporter Ltd is a UK sourcing and buying agent for trade customers. We find and check overseas suppliers, then buy goods for UK wholesalers and retailers, including sole traders. We focus on toys, electronics and household products from China, Hong Kong and the UAE.

Where the risk sits

Our team is based in the UK. The greater risk of modern slavery lies with the suppliers we buy from and recommend, and the factories behind them. Known risk points in our sector include:

• Migrant workers charged recruitment fees, which can lead to debt bondage.
• Orders moved to unapproved subcontractors during busy seasons.
• Excessive overtime to meet shipping deadlines.
• Raw materials from regions with known forced-labour concerns.

What we do about it

Our sourcing policy sets the standards we expect from suppliers and the checks we run before recommending one. Suppliers must tell us before any part of an order moves elsewhere.

We plan realistic lead times with clients. Tight deadlines drive excessive overtime.

Review: Describe the actual due-diligence steps in use (supplier questionnaire, audits, site visits) and how often they happen. Do not list any step that is not yet in place.

If we find a problem

We will act on any sign of forced labour, child labour or trafficking. Where it is safe to do so, we work with the supplier to fix the problem and to protect the workers affected. If the supplier refuses, or the abuse is severe, we stop working with them. Where a crime may have been committed, we report it to the authorities.

Anyone can raise a concern in confidence by emailing [email protected].

Training

Staff who deal with suppliers are trained to spot the warning signs.

Review: Confirm whether this training exists today, who delivers it and how often. Remove this section if it is not yet in place.

Approval

Review: A director must approve and sign this statement. Add their name and title. Add the approval date. Name the financial year it covers.