Modern Slavery Statement

1. About Our Business

ABL Risk Management Limited is a specialist due diligence and risk management consultancy headquartered in Warrington, United Kingdom. We were established in 2016 and are registered in England and Wales (Company Number: 09964239).

Our Services

• Due Diligence: Pre-lend and existing client reviews for invoice finance, asset-based lending, and trade finance facilities
• Risk Management: Portfolio risk review for investors and lenders across secured and unsecured lending
• Insurance Solutions: Credit risk mitigation and capital relief optimisation advisory

Our Workforce

We operate with a core team of directors and employees, supplemented by a network of experienced freelance auditors and consultants across the United Kingdom. All personnel are engaged directly by us or through our approved contractor processes.

2. Our Supply Chain

As a professional services business, our supply chain is relatively straightforward and primarily UK-based. Our main categories of suppliers are:

• Professional Services: Accountants, legal advisers, IT consultants
• Technology: Software providers, cloud hosting services, IT equipment suppliers
• Office Services: Office supplies, utilities, telecommunications
• Travel: Hotels, transport providers
• Contracted Personnel: Freelance auditors and specialist consultants

The majority of our suppliers are established UK businesses operating in regulated or professional sectors. We do not have complex international supply chains or suppliers in high-risk sectors such as agriculture, construction, or manufacturing.

3. Risk Assessment

We have assessed the risk of modern slavery occurring within our business and supply chain. Given the nature of our operations, we consider our overall risk to be low. However, we remain vigilant and have identified the following areas for ongoing attention:

While our assessed risk is low, we recognise that modern slavery can be hidden and that ongoing vigilance is essential. We review our risk assessment annually and whenever we engage new categories of suppliers.

4. Our Policies

We have established policies that support our commitment to combating modern slavery:

4.1 Anti-Slavery & Human Trafficking Policy

Sets out our zero-tolerance approach and the responsibilities of all personnel in preventing modern slavery. This policy is reviewed annually and communicated to all staff.

4.2 Recruitment & Employment Policy

• We verify the identity and right to work of all employees and contractors
• We use only reputable employment agencies that comply with relevant legislation
• We pay at least the National Living Wage to all workers, regardless of age
• We do not require workers to pay recruitment fees
• We ensure all employment is voluntary with clear, written terms

4.3 Supplier Code of Conduct

We expect our suppliers to share our commitment to ethical business practices, including:

• Compliance with all applicable laws, including the Modern Slavery Act
• No use of forced, bonded, or involuntary labour
• Verification of workers' age and right to work
• Fair wages and working conditions
• Cascade of these requirements to their own suppliers

4.4 Whistleblowing Policy

We encourage all workers, contractors, and business partners to report any concerns about modern slavery without fear of retaliation. Reports can be made confidentially to the Managing Director or via the external Modern Slavery Helpline.

5. Due Diligence

We undertake due diligence to identify and mitigate modern slavery risks:

5.1 New Suppliers

• We assess potential suppliers before entering into contracts
• We review suppliers' modern slavery statements where available
• For significant contracts, we include specific anti-slavery provisions
• We give preference to suppliers with demonstrable ethical practices

5.2 New Personnel

• We verify the identity and right to work of all employees and contractors
• We check professional qualifications and references
• We ensure all engagements are documented with clear terms
• We conduct face-to-face or video interviews to assess for any signs of coercion

5.3 Ongoing Monitoring

• We maintain open communication with contractors about their working conditions
• We review supplier relationships annually
• We remain alert to any indicators of modern slavery in our business dealings

6. Training & Awareness

We ensure that all relevant personnel understand modern slavery and their role in preventing it:

6.1 Staff Training

• All new employees receive modern slavery awareness briefing during induction
• Annual refresher training for all staff
• Senior management receive enhanced training on legal obligations and risk indicators
• Training records are maintained

6.2 Awareness of Indicators

Our team is trained to recognise potential indicators of modern slavery, including:

• Workers appearing to be under the control of others
• Workers unfamiliar with their local area or workplace
• Workers without control of their own identity documents
• Workers appearing malnourished, fearful, or withdrawn
• Signs of physical abuse or poor living conditions
• Workers being paid below minimum wage or having wages withheld

7. Key Performance Indicators

We measure the effectiveness of our modern slavery prevention efforts through the following KPIs:

8. Steps Taken This Year

During the 2024/2025 financial year, we have taken the following actions:

• Reviewed and updated our Anti-Slavery Policy to reflect current best practice
• Delivered annual modern slavery awareness training to all staff and contractors
• Conducted our annual risk assessment of the business and supply chain
• Verified right to work documentation for all new personnel engaged during the year
• Reviewed key supplier relationships for compliance with our ethical standards
• Updated our Supplier Code of Conduct and communicated to key suppliers

9. Future Commitments

In the coming year, we commit to:

• Continuing annual training for all personnel
• Maintaining our due diligence processes for new suppliers and personnel
• Reviewing and updating this statement annually
• Incorporating anti-slavery provisions into new supplier contracts
• Remaining vigilant for any indicators of modern slavery
• Responding promptly and appropriately to any concerns raised

10. Reporting Concerns

We encourage anyone who has concerns about modern slavery within our business or supply chain to report them. All reports will be taken seriously and investigated appropriately.

How to Report

• Internal: Contact Paul Murphy, Managing Director, at paul@ablrisk.co.uk or 07554 584451
• External: Modern Slavery Helpline: 08000 121 700 (free, confidential, 24/7)
• Police: In an emergency, call 999. For non-emergencies, call 101

11. Governance & Approval

This statement has been approved by the Board of Directors of ABL Risk Management Limited. The Managing Director has overall responsibility for ensuring compliance with this statement and our anti-slavery policies.

This statement is reviewed and updated annually. It will be published on our website and is available to anyone upon request.