Modern Slavery Statement

Colefax Group plc and its subsidiaries recognise their responsibility pursuant to section 54 of the Modern Slavery Act 2015. The group are committed to ensuring that no acts of modern slavery encompassing slavery, servitude and forced or compulsory labour or human trafficking are taking place within our business or supply chain.

Our Business

Colefax Group Plc is an international designer and distributor of luxury furnishing fabrics and wallpapers; a leading international decorating company (Sibyl Colefax and John Fowler) and a handmade sofa company. Sales are made under the brand names Colefax and Fowler, Cowtan and Tout, Jane Churchill, Larsen, Manuel Canovas and Kingcome Sofas. The Group has offices and showrooms in the UK, USA, France, Germany and Italy.

Our Suppliers

We continue to work with a number of established and reputable suppliers around the world and have developed good long-term relationships with them.  All suppliers are required to operate in accordance with the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and we have developed a Modern Slavery Supplier Code of Conduct to ensure that all suppliers understand what is required of them, and to ensure that their suppliers and sub-contractors also comply with the act.

We will not knowingly support or deal with any business involved in slavery or human trafficking. 

Due Diligence

All new suppliers will be subject to assessment by ourselves before we place any orders with them.  We have continued to work on our Modern Slavery Supplier Code of Conduct which will form part of our contract with all suppliers.

Monitoring

Our designers have been unable to visit suppliers during the current year.  However we continue to monitor suppliers and have begun to request they formally agree to our Supplier Code of Conduct.   Future site visits will enable us to evaluate and assess any potential risks of modern slavery and human trafficking. 

Recruitment Policy

We employ approximately 350 staff throughout the UK, Europe and USA.  Our recruitment policy includes confirming eligibility to work in the country of employment to safeguard against human trafficking or individuals being forced to work against their will.

Staff Training

A copy of this policy has been added to our intranet site and distributed to all staff and they are encouraged to report any suspicion of slavery or human trafficking.  Purchasing staff will all undergo additional training to support the implementation of the Modern Slavery Supplier Code of Conduct throughout the coming year. 

Looking Ahead

Over the course of the next financial year we will continue to monitor and review our Modern Slavery Statement and Modern Slavery Supplier Code of Conduct

This statement is made pursuant to section 54(1) of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and constitutes our slavery and human trafficking statement for the financial year ending 30 April 2021.

 

Signed on behalf of the Board.

Robert M. Barker

Finance Director