This statement is made pursuant to the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and constitutes Harlequin’s slavery and human trafficking statement for the financial year ending 28 February 2023.

Introduction

At Harlequin we are committed to preventing slavery and human trafficking in our corporate activities, and to ensuring that our supply chains are free from slavery and human trafficking.

Our Business

E. A. and H. M. Bull Ltd (trading as Harlequin) was established in 1968 and is a specialist manufacturer of bespoke garments and accessories to the haute couture, fashion and wedding trade; to the movie, theatre and performing arts industry; as well as to private clients.

Our Employees

Harlequin employs a small workforce, all of whom currently have been with the company for very many years. We have thorough recruitment practices in place whereby we check any new employees’ eligibility to work, and we are confident that there is zero risk of slavery and human trafficking within our organisation.

Our Supply Chains

Whilst our supply chains are necessarily much smaller than more traditional manufacturing companies as we typically make all our products from materials and fabrics supplied directly by our clients, we are nevertheless committed to ensuring that any suppliers we do use maintain the same high standards and principles as we articulate in this policy in respect of slavery and human trafficking.

Most of our external suppliers are based in the UK, with a regular supplier in Germany and one in Spain, both of which are well-established and highly reputable firms.

Indirect Suppliers
We also contract with suppliers for a broad spectrum of goods and services which are important to our business operations, but which do not feed into our product production, such as information technology, building maintenance, energy supply and logistics.

Our Policies

Harlequin is committed to ensuring that there is no modern slavery or human trafficking in any part of our operation, our supply chains or in any part of our business and we have zero tolerance to any such practices.
All suppliers we work with are required to have in place and adhere to ethical working practices, which include but are not limited to complying with key principles of ensuring that: employment is freely chosen and that freedom of association and other workers’ rights are respected; the required standards of working conditions are met and the conditions will be safe and hygienic; workers’ hours are not excessive and that regular employment is provided; there is no use of child labour; and that no discrimination or harsh or inhumane treatment will be practiced or allowed in their organisation.

Going Forward

We will continue to monitor the processes and procedures we have put in place to date to evaluate their effectiveness.

Any new contracts, or the renewal of any existing contracts with 3rd parties will include, if appropriate, requirements to comply with the Modern Slavery Act 2015.

Neil Stock

Managing Director

Wednesday, 23 March 2022