Premier.
Supplier Code of Conduct & Sustainability Expectations – May 2025
Introduction
This Supplier Code of Conduct & Sustainability Expectations is applicable to all suppliers who provide goods or services to Premier Print & Promotions Ltd ("Premier") or any of its subsidiaries, subcontractors, affiliates, or agents. Premier’s suppliers are also expected to advocate the principles of this Code in their own supply chains. Suppliers must operate within all applicable laws, rules, and regulations and are expected to maintain their own policies and procedures to ensure compliance. Recognising the diversity of legal and cultural environments in which suppliers operate, this Code outlines the core requirements to which suppliers must comply in order to do business with Premier.
Ethical Business Practice
Integrity, honesty, and ethical conduct of the highest standards are expected in all business activities. Suppliers must have policies, procedures, and systems in place to prevent unethical business practices, including, but not limited to, human rights abuses, money laundering, fraud, bribery, corruption, and other improper payments, benefits, gifts, or inducements. Suppliers should have a confidential mechanism in place for employees to report unethical behaviour without fear of retaliation.
Fair Treatment, Equal Opportunity, and Diversity
Suppliers shall provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees regardless of race, colour, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, citizenship status, veteran status, marital status, or any other protected class or characteristic under applicable law. Suppliers are also encouraged to actively foster diversity and inclusion within their workforces and leadership.
Wages and Hours
Suppliers shall ensure that their staff’s working hours, wages, and overtime pay comply with all applicable laws, such as the Employment Rights Act 1996. Workers shall be paid at least the minimum legal wage or a wage that meets industry standards, whichever is higher. While overtime may sometimes be required, suppliers must operate in ways that limit overtime to a level that supports humane and productive working conditions.
Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking (including Forced and Child Labour)
Suppliers shall not use child, slave, forced, or obligatory labour, and must never engage in or support human trafficking. Suppliers must comply with all relevant laws regarding the minimum age of employees and all applicable child labour regulations. They must also conduct regular risk assessments and due diligence to ensure compliance with the Modern Slavery Act 2015 throughout their supply chains.
Health, Safety, and Wellbeing
Suppliers must provide a clean, safe, and healthy working environment to protect the occupational safety and mental wellbeing of all employees. They must comply with the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and other applicable laws and regulations. Appropriate measures, training, and procedures must be in place to prevent accidents, injuries, and occupational illness.
Discipline and Grievance Procedures
Suppliers shall not subject employees to physical abuse or discipline, threats, sexual or other harassment, verbal abuse, or other forms of intimidation. Suppliers must ensure that disciplinary, grievance, and whistleblowing procedures are clearly communicated and accessible to all employees.
Sustainability and the Environment
Premier is committed to reducing its environmental impact and expects its suppliers to do the same. Suppliers must:
· Comply with all relevant environmental laws and regulations, including those concerning waste disposal, pollution, discharges, and air emissions.
· Reduce environmental impact by employing best practices for sustainability.
· Demonstrate commitment to environmental protection, such as through ISO 14001 certification or equivalent standards.
· Actively measure and reduce carbon emissions and pursue sustainable sourcing practices.
Anti-bribery, Corruption, and Antitrust (Competition)
Suppliers must comply with all laws and best practices relating to anti-corruption and competition. This includes prohibitions on extortion, bribery, facilitation payments, improper inducements, price fixing, and market sharing. Suppliers should take appropriate measures to ensure their practices and those of their partners are compliant.
Facilitation of Tax Evasion
Suppliers must fully comply with tax obligations in all jurisdictions where they operate or supply goods/services. They must not engage in or facilitate tax evasion. Suppliers are also responsible for ensuring that all persons acting on their behalf comply with these obligations.
Conflicts of Interest
Suppliers must act in a way that mitigates any potential conflicts of interest when working with Premier. Any actual or perceived conflicts must be reported immediately to Premier.
Confidentiality and Information Security
Suppliers must comply with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) 2018 and any contractual data protection requirements. Suppliers must:
· Protect all Premier-related sensitive and personal data.
· Have robust information security processes and IT controls.
· Train staff in data protection and information security practices.
· Promptly notify Premier in the event of any data breach involving Premier data.
Third Parties and Subcontractors
Suppliers must ensure that all subcontractors or third parties with whom they work comply with applicable laws, including those related to human rights, employment, health and safety, food safety, and ethical business practices. For example, food suppliers must adhere to Natasha’s Law (UK Food Information Amendment, 2021) by properly labelling ingredients and allergens on prepacked foods for direct sale.
Responsible Sourcing
Suppliers are encouraged to ensure that all materials, including those used in manufacturing or packaging, are responsibly and ethically sourced. Where possible, suppliers should use certified materials (e.g., FSC-certified paper, Fairtrade, or Sedex-member suppliers).
Supplier Compliance Responsibilities
Suppliers are responsible for monitoring and documenting their compliance with this Code. Premier reserves the right to audit and investigate any non-compliance. Suspected or actual violations must be reported to Premier procurement. Breaches of this Code may lead to contract termination.
Purchase Order Requirements
Invoices must include a valid purchase order (PO) number. Purchase orders will be emailed once approved and can also be obtained from the person who raised the order. Suppliers must not accept orders without a valid PO number. Goods or services provided without an approved purchase order are supplied at the supplier’s own risk.
