Supplier Code of Conduct

At La Mare Wine Estate, we are committed to conducting business responsibly, ethically, and sustainably. We value partnerships with suppliers who share our principles and demonstrate the same dedication to integrity, respect, and environmental stewardship.

We expect all suppliers and their employees to align with the following commitments as a condition of doing business with us:

• Act with honesty, fairness, and integrity in all business dealings
• Provide a safe, respectful, and inclusive working environment
• Protect and uphold human rights across the supply chain
• Minimise environmental impact through responsible practices
• Ensure transparency in sourcing and traceability of goods and services
• Comply with all relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards
• Identify and address risks, and take accountability for actions

This Code of Conduct applies to all businesses that supply products or services to La Mare Wine Estate and its operations.

Labour Standards

Employment

• Employment must always be freely chosen. No worker shall be forced, bonded, or coerced into labour.
• No deposits, identity papers, or personal documents may be retained by employers.
• Suppliers must comply fully with the Modern Slavery Act 2015, Immigration Act 2016, and all relevant labour legislation.

Working Conditions

• A safe and hygienic workplace must be provided, taking into account industry standards and risks.
• Suppliers must provide appropriate health and safety training for employees, with regular refreshers.
• Workers must have access to clean drinking water, sanitary facilities, and safe accommodation if provided.

Wages and Benefits

• All workers must be paid at least the national legal minimum or industry benchmark rate, whichever is higher.
• Workers must be informed of their employment terms and wage details in writing.
• Unauthorised deductions are not permitted.

Working Hours

• Hours of work must comply with legal and industry standards, whichever affords greater protection.
• Overtime must be voluntary, fairly compensated, and not excessive.
• Workers must be entitled to reasonable annual leave.

Child Labour

• No worker under 16 may be employed in any capacity that is hazardous, exploitative, or interferes with education.
• Young workers (16–18) must not be employed at night or in unsafe conditions.

Freedom of Association

• Workers have the right to join or form trade unions and to bargain collectively.
• Worker representatives must not be discriminated against.

Equality and Non-Discrimination

• No discrimination is permitted in hiring, pay, training, promotion, or termination on the basis of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, political affiliation, or any other protected characteristic.

Regular Employment

• Work must be based on recognised employment relationships.
• Use of excessive temporary contracts, sub-contracting, or sham apprenticeships to avoid legal obligations is prohibited.

Humane Treatment

• Physical or verbal abuse, harassment, intimidation, or degrading treatment will not be tolerated.

Modern Slavery Statement

La Mare Wine Estate is committed to preventing all forms of slavery, servitude, forced labour, and human trafficking within our business and supply chains. We require our suppliers to:

• Ensure they are not engaged in or linked to modern slavery practices
• Maintain policies and procedures to prevent forced labour and trafficking
• Identify, assess, and mitigate risks in their supply chains
• Be transparent about their own suppliers and sourcing locations
• Allow reasonable inspections by La Mare representatives or third-party auditors

Environment

Suppliers must:

• Comply with environmental laws and regulations
• Take steps to minimise their environmental footprint
• Implement practices for waste reduction, recycling, and sustainable energy use
• Strive for continuous improvement in sustainable sourcing

Confidentiality & Business Integrity

• Confidential information must be respected and never misused.
• Suppliers must operate with integrity, honesty, and transparency.
• Corruption, bribery, and anti-competitive behaviour will not be tolerated.
• Suppliers must comply with the UK Bribery Act 2010.
• Gifts, hospitality, or favours that could influence decision-making must be avoided.

Intellectual Property & Quality

• Intellectual property rights must be respected at all times.
• Goods supplied must be of the highest quality, fit for purpose, and in line with agreed specifications.
• Services must be delivered with skill, care, and due diligence.

Audit & Compliance

La Mare Wine Estate reserves the right to audit supplier practices and request evidence of compliance. Non-compliance may result in corrective actions, suspension, or termination of contracts.