Modern Slavery Statement

- INTRODUCTION
This statement applies to StorIt Limited, its subsidiaries or affiliates, (hereafter referred to as ‘the Organisation’, “we”, “us”, or “our”) that are required to make statements in respect of eliminating slavery and human trafficking. The information included in the statement refers to the Organisation’s financial year ending 31st December 2021.
- ORGANISTIONAL STRUCTURE
The Organisation is the ultimate parent company of a group of companies supplying business and consumer technologies all over the world, employing over 500 people who work from our sites in the UK, Ireland, France, the Netherlands, Sweden, Germany, Australia, China and the US.
The Organisation is predominately trade only and has dealings with over 5,000 customers and more than 200 vendors. Our global vision is to be a sustainable ‘glocal’ business that connects people to innovative technologies and services, empowering our great people to exceed the expectations of customers and vendors.
- COMMITMENT
We acknowledge our responsibilities in relation to tackling modern slavery and commit to complying with the provisions in applicable legislation, such as the Modern Slavery Act 2015 in the UK, the Criminal Law (Human Trafficking) Act 2008 (an amended in 2013) for the Republic of Ireland, and the FAR anti-human trafficking provisions in the US, where we operate
We consider that modern slavery (“Modern Slavery”) encompasses:
- human trafficking into crime,
- forced work through financial, mental or physical threat,
- being owned or controlled by through mental or physical abuse of the threat of abuse,
- being dehumanised, treated as a commodity or being bought or sold as property,
- being physically constrained or to have restriction placed on freedom of movement.
We shall endeavour to never engage with external parties involved in or connected to Modern Slavery activities. Furthermore, we shall endeavour to align ourselves to the principles of the Ethical Trade Initiative (ETI) Base Code across our offices world-wide.
- SUPPLY CHAINS
Our main supply chains include those related to the supply of IT Data Storage products (including Software & Services), Digital Consumer products and relevant Accessories, the supply chain of which extends across the world, predominately operating within Europe and the Far East. The majority of the products are sourced directly from the brand owners.
Due to the nature and complexity of many of these products, we are cognisant our supply chain extends through primary suppliers to their suppliers and sub-contractors, where it might be difficult to verify compliance with our stated aims.
- POLICIES & DUE DILIGENCE
Our employees
The Organisations understands that our people are our biggest asset and as such shall treat all our employees in a fair, professional, lawful, and unbiased manner. We provide fair compensation & benefits including heath care, safe working conditions and holiday entitlements. In particular, our part-time or fixed-term employees generally enjoy the same pro-rata contractual benefits as full-time or permanent employees. Our salaries are market-related and salary review policies mean that pay can be reviewed at any stage of the year, or employee life cycle.
Our recruitment processes shall be robust and aligned to the relevant employment laws. This includes ‘right to work’ document checks; contracts of employment and checks to ensure everyone employed is aged 16 and above.
Our employment contracts shall be on a guaranteed hours basis only (no offers of employment are made on a zero-hour basis).
Training
The Organisation shall
- provide all employees with an Employee Handbook that states our four shared company values: People, Operational Excellence, Profitable Growth and Exceeding Expectations
- ensure employees are aware of our Anti-Bribery Policy, which reiterates the importance to act ethically and to comply with legal requirements at all times.
- ensure employees are aware of the Whistle Blowing policy outlined in our handbook which clearly outlines the procedure of communicating with a company Director in the first instance, and how to escalate if they feel concerns are not being addressed appropriately.
Supply Chains
The Organisation continues to seek confirmation from new vendors (who work for us by providing products) and suppliers (who work for us by providing services for our own business use), of their own commitment to having no Modern Slavery within their own organisation. Where possible this confirmation will be contractual in nature.
- RISK ASSESSMENT & MANAGEMENT
The Organisation considers its exposure to modern slavery to be limited and the main risks to be the working conditions and treatment of employees in the product supply chain, especially in higher risk countries.
When engaging with a new vendor/supplier we seek confirmation from the vendor/supplier that they are operating to the principles of Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) Base Code (or similar).
- PROPOSED ACTIONS FOR THE NEXT FINANCIAL YEAR
The Organisation has set the following key performance indicators for the next year to measure its effectiveness in tackling Modern Slavery in the Organisation or its supply chains.
- Drawing up a Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Policy (the “Policy”) for use within the Organisation’s business.
- Establish mandatory training for all new employees and refresher training for existing employees in the Policy.
- Seek re-commitment to tackling Modern Slavery from vendors who might be considered ‘high risk’.
- QUESTIONS AND CONTACT INFORMATION
If you have any questions or concerns about this Statement or the practices of the Organisation, please contact us at: compliance@cmsdistribution.com
This statement is made in pursuance of the various legislation covering the Organisation’s global activities and has been reviewed and approved by the Board.
Frank Salmon, Chief Executive Officer.
Date: May 2022