Modern Slavery Statement – Stratford Florist

Our Commitment to Combating Modern Slavery

At Stratford Florist, we uphold the highest standards of ethics and integrity in all aspects of our business operations. We recognise our responsibility to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking within our own activities and through our trusted supply chains. We are dedicated to ensuring that our flowers, arrangements, and related products are sourced and delivered in a manner that respects human rights and promotes fair, decent working conditions for all. This statement sets out the actions we have taken and continue to take to prevent modern slavery, reflecting our role as a trusted Stratford florist serving local households and businesses.

Zero Tolerance Policy

Stratford Florist has a strict zero tolerance policy towards modern slavery and human trafficking in any form. We are unequivocally opposed to any act of slavery, servitude, forced labor, or human trafficking, whether occurring within our own activities or within our supply chains. This principle is reflected in our company values, business processes, and the standards we expect from everyone with whom we do business.

Supplier Due Diligence and Risk Assessment

We recognise the importance of working only with suppliers and business partners who share our commitment to eradicating modern slavery. We have implemented a due diligence process to assess and monitor potential risks in our supply chain. Our approach involves:

• Evaluating new suppliers through background checks and requiring confirmation of their compliance with modern slavery laws.
• Regularly reviewing our existing suppliers to ensure ongoing alignment with our ethical standards.
• Prioritising partnerships with suppliers who demonstrate transparency and ethical sourcing practices.
• Taking immediate steps to investigate and, if necessary, terminate relationships with suppliers if evidence of modern slavery is discovered.

Staff Training and Awareness

We provide training and resources to all our employees to help them identify and understand the signs of modern slavery, both within our business and our supply chain. This training ensures that our team is equipped to act if they have any concerns and reinforces our zero tolerance approach across the business. Additionally, managers are provided with guidance on how to support team members who suspect or report incidents of modern slavery.

Reporting Concerns and Responding to Incidents

We encourage all employees, suppliers, and business partners to speak up about any concerns related to modern slavery or human trafficking. We have clear channels for reporting, ensuring that all concerns are documented, reviewed, and investigated in line with our procedures. Any report of actual or suspected modern slavery receives immediate attention and is managed with sensitivity, confidentiality, and in accordance with our zero tolerance policy. We proactively support any investigations and take remedial action where necessary.

Annual Review and Ongoing Improvement

This Modern Slavery Statement is reviewed annually by Stratford Florist’s management team, taking into account feedback from staff, suppliers, and customers, as well as changes to legislation and best practices. We strive to continuously improve our efforts, adapting our processes and policies to enhance the effectiveness of our anti-slavery measures.

Our Responsibility as a Local Florist

As a florist deeply rooted in the Stratford community, we take our responsibility seriously to lead by example and promote ethical behavior at every level of our business. Our commitment to preventing modern slavery is integral to our values, reputation, and the trust placed in us by local households and businesses. We will continue to work diligently to ensure that our operations are free from modern slavery and that we contribute to the broader movement for fairness, safety, and respect within the flower industry.