Responsible Procurement

Following a review of our sustainability strategy in 2007 involving the identification of sustainability issues material to our business, responsible procurement was identified as an emerging issue and a potential risk to our business. Through a materiality process embarked upon by senior managers and the sustainability committee a high level commitment was identified and developed to help combat this risk:

High Level Commitment

We will work with our suppliers to ensure environmental and social good practice, and we will help and encourage them to adopt sustainable solutions.

This is underpinned by a statement of belief which gives the business rationale for the commitment.

Statement of Belief

We believe that we should take some responsibility for the environmental and social impacts of our suppliers, which also pose reputational risks to our business.