Introduction
This statement is made pursuant to Section 54 of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and sets out the steps Bemuse Limited has taken, and will continue to take, to ensure that modern slavery and human trafficking are not occurring within our business operations or supply chain. Bemuse Limited is committed to acting ethically and with integrity in all our business dealings and to implementing effective systems and controls to prevent modern slavery.
About Bemuse Limited
Bemuse Limited is an innovative UK-based company specialising in non-alcoholic sparkling honey wine, re-imagining Britain’s oldest fermented beverage for contemporary consumers.
Our award-winning drinks, are crafted in small batches using natural ingredients like honey, water, yeast and botanicals. As a Certified B Corporation, we are dedicated to sustainability, ethical sourcing, and social responsibility. We source high-quality ingredients, primarily honey, from trusted beekeepers and suppliers in the UK and Europe.
Our supply chain encompasses ingredient suppliers, packaging providers, and logistics partners, and we prioritise transparency and fairness in all operations.
Our Commitment
Bemuse Limited has a zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery and human trafficking. We are committed to:
> Ensuring our operations and supply chains are free from slavery, forced labour, and human trafficking.
> Promoting fair working conditions and ethical treatment of all workers.
> Complying with all relevant laws and regulations, including the Modern Slavery Act 2015.
Our Policies
To support our commitment, we have implemented the following policies:
> Modern Slavery Policy: This outlines our commitment to preventing modern slavery and provides guidance for employees and suppliers on identifying and addressing risks.
> Supplier Code of Conduct: This sets out the ethical standards we expect from our suppliers, including compliance with anti-slavery and human trafficking laws.
> Whistleblowing Policy: This encourages employees and stakeholders to report any concerns, including those related to modern slavery, confidentially and without fear of retaliation.
> Recruitment Policy: We ensure fair and transparent recruitment practices, including verification of workers’ eligibility to work and protection against exploitation.
Risk Assessment and Due Diligence
We recognise that modern slavery risks may exist in certain areas of our operations or supply chain. To mitigate these risks, we:
> Conduct risk assessments to identify high-risk areas within our supply chain.
> Perform due diligence on new and existing suppliers, including supplier questionnaires and audits where appropriate.
> Require suppliers to confirm compliance with anti-slavery laws and provide evidence of their own policies and practices.
> Maintain ongoing monitoring of supplier performance to ensure adherence to our Supplier Code of Conduct.
Training and Awareness
To ensure our employees understand and can identify modern slavery risks, we:
> Provide training on modern slavery and human trafficking to all relevant staff, including those involved in procurement and supply chain management.
> Raise awareness of our Modern Slavery Policy and reporting mechanisms across the organization.
> Encourage a culture of vigilance and accountability to prevent exploitation.
Actions Taken in the Last Financial Year
In the last financial year, Bemuse Limited has:
> Reviewed and updated our Modern Slavery Policy and Supplier Code of Conduct.
> Conducted risk assessments on key suppliers to identify potential modern slavery risks.
> Provided training to 100% of our team on recognizing and addressing modern slavery.
Future Steps
In the coming year, we will continue to strengthen our approach by:
> Expanding supplier audits to cover additional high-risk suppliers.
> Enhancing employee training programs to include case studies and practical guidance.
> Collaborating with industry partners to share best practices in combating modern slavery.
> Reviewing and improving our due diligence processes to ensure they remain robust and effective.
Approval
This statement has been approved by the Board of Directors of Bemuse Limited and will be reviewed and updated annually. It applies to the financial year ending 31st March 2025.