Modern Slavery Statement for Man With a Van Swiss Cottage

This Modern Slavery Statement is made by Man With a Van Swiss Cottage in respect of our financial year and sets out the steps we take to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in our operations and supply chains. As a provider of moving and related services, we recognise our responsibility to uphold human rights and to ensure that people associated with our business are treated with dignity and respect.

Our Commitment and Zero-Tolerance Policy

Man With a Van Swiss Cottage has a zero-tolerance approach to all forms of modern slavery, forced labour, bonded labour, child labour, and human trafficking. We are committed to acting ethically and with integrity in all our business relationships and implementing effective systems and controls to ensure that modern slavery does not take place in our own business or in any part of our supply chains.

We expect the same high standards from all of our suppliers, contractors, and business partners. Our zero-tolerance policy is communicated clearly as part of our onboarding processes and is reinforced through ongoing dialogue and engagement with those who work with us or on our behalf.

Our Business and Supply Chains

Our services include local and regional moving, transport, and associated logistics. Our supply chain primarily consists of vehicle lease and purchase providers, fuel providers, equipment and materials suppliers, storage facilities, recruitment agencies, and other professional and maintenance services. While we consider our sector to be at relatively low risk of complex international supply chains, we acknowledge that certain areas such as vehicle manufacture, fuel production, and agency labour can carry elevated risks of labour exploitation.

Due Diligence and Supplier Audits

We carry out due diligence on new suppliers and review existing suppliers periodically to identify, evaluate, and address potential modern slavery risks. As part of this process we:

Assess whether suppliers have their own modern slavery or human rights policies and how they implement them in practice. Seek confirmation that suppliers comply with all relevant employment, labour, and health and safety laws in the jurisdictions where they operate. Consider country, sector, and product specific risk factors when engaging new suppliers or renewing contracts.

Where appropriate, we conduct supplier audits and reviews, which may include site visits, document checks, and discussions with management about workforce practices and labour conditions. If we identify any non-compliance or areas of concern, we will require corrective action within a defined timeframe. We reserve the right to suspend or terminate relationships with any supplier that fails to demonstrate adequate commitment to preventing modern slavery.

Policies, Training, and Awareness

Our zero-tolerance stance is supported by internal policies on ethical conduct, equality, and respect in the workplace. These policies set out expected standards for staff behaviour, recruitment, and treatment of all workers engaged in our operations.

We provide appropriate training and guidance to relevant team members so they can recognise signs of modern slavery, understand the risks associated with our sector and supply chains, and know how to escalate concerns. Training is refreshed periodically to keep awareness high and to ensure that lessons from any incidents or sector developments are incorporated.

Reporting Channels and Escalation

We encourage all employees, contractors, suppliers, and other stakeholders to report any concerns relating to modern slavery or unethical labour practices. Concerns can be raised in person with management or via internal reporting mechanisms established within the business. Reports can be made in good faith without fear of retaliation or detrimental treatment.

All reports are treated seriously and, where appropriate, investigated promptly and objectively. If a concern is substantiated, we will take fair and proportionate remedial action, which may include engaging with the supplier to secure improvements, notifying relevant authorities, or ending the business relationship.

Continuous Improvement and Annual Review

We recognise that tackling modern slavery is an ongoing responsibility that requires continuous improvement. We are committed to regularly reviewing our risk assessments, policies, and procedures to reflect emerging risks, best practice developments, and feedback from staff and stakeholders.

This Modern Slavery Statement is reviewed at least annually by senior management to ensure it remains accurate, effective, and aligned with our values. Following each review, we evaluate what further steps can be taken to strengthen our controls, deepen supplier engagement, and enhance staff awareness. The updated statement is then approved and communicated internally and made available externally.

By maintaining a clear zero-tolerance approach, conducting rigorous supplier audits, providing accessible reporting channels, and committing to an annual review, Man With a Van Swiss Cottage aims to play a responsible role in the prevention of modern slavery and the protection of human rights throughout our operations and supply chains.