Modern Slavery Statement

 

Modern Slavery Statement

Colefax Group plc and its subsidiaries recognise their responsibility pursuant to section 54 of the Modern Slavery Act 2015.  The Group is 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.  Sales are made under the brand names Colefax and Fowler, Cowtan and Tout, Jane Churchill, Larsen and Manuel Canovas.  The Group also owns a leading international interior decorating company trading under the name Sibyl Colefax and John Fowler Ltd and a handmade sofa manufacturer, Kingcome Sofas Limited.  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 and sub-contractors understand their obligations and 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 are subject to assessment by ourselves before we place any orders with them.  We expect all our Suppliers to comply with our Modern Slavery Supplier Code of Conduct.

Monitoring

The Group’s Fabric Division works with approximately 140 suppliers around the world but mainly in the UK, Italy, Belgium and India.  Our designers are not able to visit all our suppliers every year but we do regularly visit our major suppliers including an annual trip to India.  Site visits enable us to evaluate and assess any potential risks of modern slavery and human trafficking.   We ask suppliers to formally agree to our Modern Slavery Code of Conduct.

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 the risk of 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 all undergo additional training to support the implementation of the Modern Slavery Supplier Code of Conduct. 

Looking Ahead

Our supplier base is stable and built on close long-term relationships and a deep understanding of the people and processes involved in manufacturing our goods.  We will continue to monitor and review our Modern Slavery Statement and Modern Slavery Supplier Code of Conduct and to work closely with our suppliers to ensure that they fully understand and comply with their obligations.

This statement is made pursuant to section 54(1) of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and constitutes our Modern Slavery and human trafficking statement for the financial year ending 30 April 2024.

Signed on behalf of the Board.

Robert M. Barker

Finance Director