Modern Slavery Statement

Our commitment to Ethical Trading

Introduction

The Modern Slavery Act (2015) provides law enforcement with the tools to combat modern slavery and ensure offenders receive suitable severe punishments for these wrongdoings, as well as enhancing both protection and support for victims.

Our Organisation

John Nicholls is a privately owned, family managed business, established in 1965. We take pride for being recognised as the largest independent merchant for plumbing, heating and landscaping needs in the Oxfordshire, Warwickshire and Buckinghamshire area. The company welcomes both trade and retail customers to its branches, aiming to provide quality brands at the most competitive prices. The core organisation operates via a network of ten building and plumbing branches based in Banbury, Bicester, Kidlington, Rugby, Witney and Buckingham, as well as a cluster of trade and retail kitchen and bathroom showrooms across Oxfordshire.

We also own a subsidiary company called J&Bs, which is based in Bournemouth and has a plumber’s merchant and adjoining showroom in Wimborne and New Milton and a plumbing branch in Branksome, Moordown and Upton.

Our People

The John Nicholls Group employs approximately 112 staff throughout its branch network and head offices. We are committed to our people and ensuring we continually abide by the UK regulations concerning our employees. We have robust policies and procedures in place to protect our people and we devote significant time to developing them through our training initiatives. Our remuneration and benefit structures comply with the UK employment legislation currently in force.

We have strict controls in place to make sure our employees are adequately assessed with regard to their right to work in the UK, as well as policies and procedures ensuring we actively promote equality and diversity in the workplace. All our policies and procedures are continually assessed and updated where applicable to ensure both legal and ethical compliance.

Our Supply Chains

Our entire supply chain has been validated and we are positive there is no evidence of slave labour. Our buying group also has a requirement to go through this process during supplier negotiations.

We continually seek assurance with our suppliers, that they have the same high standards of ethical responsibility that we have.

Steps we have taken in relation to modern slavery and human trafficking

All our Branch Managers and Department Heads have been given specific training regarding modern slavery and human trafficking, to enhance their knowledge and appreciation of the subject and help them to identify when and where this could occur and what action they should take.