Statement - Modern Slavery

1. Our Commitment

ABC Service is committed to preventing modern slavery and human trafficking in our business and throughout our supply chains. Although ABC Service is well below the annual turnover threshold for mandatory publication under Section 54 of the Modern Slavery Act 2015, we take a proactive approach and publish this voluntary statement as part of our commitment to ethical business practices, transparency, and the protection of human rights.

We take a zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery and human trafficking. We are committed to acting professionally, fairly, and with integrity in all our business dealings and relationships, wherever we operate.

This statement is informed by the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and the latest UK Government guidance on transparency in supply chains (updated 2025) and is intended to reflect good practice for the 2025/2026 period.

2. Our Business and Structure

ABC Service is a provider of IT Support and Business Services based in Tavistock, Devon. We serve a diverse range of clients, from local households to businesses across the UK. Our core services include:

IT Support & Computer Repairs: Managed IT services and hardware maintenance.
Graphic Design & Web Hosting: Creative services and UK-based digital infrastructure.
Printing Services: In-house digital and wide-format printing.
Business Phone & Broadband: VoIP systems and connectivity solutions.

Our operations are primarily conducted from our premises at 69 West Street, Tavistock, Devon, PL19 8AJ.

3. Supply Chain Overview

As a multi-service provider, our supply chains are varied and can include both UK-based and international manufacturers and distributors. Key supply categories include:

IT hardware and parts: computers, laptops, components, peripherals, networking equipment and other electronics sourced through manufacturers, distributors and wholesalers.
Printing consumables and substrates: paper, inks/toners, wide-format media, finishing materials and packaging.
Local business services and infrastructure: software and cloud/hosting suppliers, data centre providers, telecoms/VoIP and connectivity partners, and other third-party service providers needed to deliver our services.

We recognise that global supply chains for electronics and certain manufactured goods can present a heightened risk of exploitation. We aim to work with reputable suppliers (often via established UK distributors) who share our expectations for fair labour practices and lawful conduct.

4. Policies on Modern Slavery

We operate several internal policies to ensure that we are conducting business in an ethical and transparent manner. These include:

Recruitment Policy: We operate a robust recruitment process, including conducting "right to work" checks for all employees to safeguard against human trafficking or individuals being forced to work against their will.
Whistleblowing Policy: We encourage all employees, customers, and business partners to report any concerns related to the direct activities, or the supply chains of, ABC Service.
Code of Conduct: Our internal standards ensure that employees understand the importance of integrity and the ethical standards expected of them.

5. Due Diligence and Risk Assessment

We consider the overall risk of modern slavery within our own business to be low, given our local workforce and regulated operating environment. However, we recognise that risk can arise through supply chains, particularly where goods are manufactured overseas or where subcontracted labour is used.

We take a proactive approach to due diligence, including:

Vetting suppliers: using reputable suppliers and distributors, carrying out proportionate checks where appropriate (for example, reviewing supplier policies/standards, statements, and available compliance information) and taking account of any relevant red flags.
Clear internal reporting (whistleblowing): encouraging staff to report concerns promptly and without fear of retaliation. Reports can be raised to management and will be taken seriously, investigated appropriately, and handled as confidentially as possible.
Zero tolerance for non-compliance: where credible concerns are identified, we will engage with the supplier to understand and address the issue and may suspend or terminate the relationship if appropriate (including where remediation is not possible or cooperation is not forthcoming).

We keep our approach under review and aim to align this statement with evolving best practice and the latest Home Office guidance for the 2025/2026 period.

6. Training and Awareness

We ensure staff are aware of modern slavery and human trafficking risks relevant to our business and supply chains. This includes providing appropriate guidance and reminders so team members understand: