Diversified quarrying and building group Hills has committed to conducting its business in a more transparent and ethical manner with the introduction of a responsible purchasing policy.
The move also provides the framework for the Swindon-based group to comply with the recently introduced Modern Slavery Act 2015.
Privately owned Hills, whose activities span recycling and waste management, aggregate quarrying ready-mixed concrete production and housebuilding, has sent details of its new policy to all its suppliers.
They are being requested in turn to confirm their compliance with the Modern Slavery Act along with supporting Hills’ principles.
Contractors and business partners wishing to work with Hills or to supply goods and services will be asked to comply with its new responsible purchasing policy.
Chief executive Mike Hill said: “We believe that working with suppliers, contractors and business partners who hold the same attitude to business as ourselves enables us to maintain the current high standards we operate to.
“This new policy ensures that social, ethical and environmental considerations are incorporated into Hills’ future business decisions.
“It also commits us to minimising any negative impacts which may arise from our operations, and maximises benefits for the environment and local communities.”
Established in 1900, Hills has grown into a dynamic regional business. It has a turnover of £86m and employs more than 400 people across its 28 sites.
The Modern Slavery Act 2015, one of the first of its kind in the world, was created to specifically address slavery and human trafficking issues of the modern day.
It gives greater powers to law enforcement to punish slave-drivers and human traffickers, and also includes a provision to encourage businesses to make sure all their suppliers are slavery-free.
