Modern Slavery Statement
1. INTRODUCTION
This statement sets out Stockton Kia Ltd’s actions to understand all potential modern slavery risks related to its business and to put in place steps that are aimed at ensuring that there is no slavery or human trafficking in its own business and its supply chains. This statement covers the activities of Stockton Kia Ltd operating as an authorised Kia automotive retailer in the United Kingdom.
Our business primarily involves the sale and servicing of vehicles, parts, and accessories. This statement is made pursuant to section 54(1) of the ModernSlavery Act 2015 and relates to actions and activities during the financial year 1 January 2026to 31 December 2026.
2. COMPANY PRINCIPLES
At Stockton Kia Ltd, we recognise that we have a responsibility to take a robust approach to eliminating slavery and human trafficking. Our organisation is absolutely committed to preventing slavery and human trafficking in its corporate activities, and to ensuring that its supply chains are free from slavery and human trafficking.
In line with our company’s stance on eliminating modern slavery, our Supplier Code of Conduct sets out the principles and standards expected of all suppliers to enable our business to grow responsibly and sustainably. We expect our suppliers to conduct business based on integrity, honesty, openness, and fairness towards all stakeholders, including its employees, sub-suppliers, business partners, shareholders, and any person who is involved or affected by the business activities of the supplier. This links intrinsically with our core values, which we expect all members of staff and suppliers to abide by.
3. DUE DILIGENCE PROCESS FOR SLAVERY
As part of our initiative to identify and mitigate risk, we have systems in place to:
Identify and assess potential risk areas in our supply chains.
Mitigate the risk of slavery occurring in our supply chains.
Monitor potential risk areas in our supply chains.
Provide protection for Whistleblowers through the Company’s Whistleblowing Policy.
4. OTHER ONGOING COMMITMENTS
Provisions in Supplier Agreements
We require our suppliers to comply with the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and report any incidents or suspected incidents of modern slavery to us. All our suppliers must comply with our Supplier Code of Conduct. We reserve the right to terminate our relationship with suppliers if they do not adhere to the Modern Slavery Act 2015, or if they breach our Supplier Code.
Relevant Policies
We operate the following policies that describe our approach to the identification of modern slavery risks and steps to be taken to prevent slavery and human trafficking in its operations:
Whistleblowing Policy: We encourage all our workers, customers, and other business partners to report any concerns related to the direct activities, or the supply chains of, our organisation. Our procedure is designed to make it easy for workers to make disclosures without fear of retaliation.
Compliance & Integrity Code: Our code makes clear to employees the actions and behaviour expected of them when representing Stockton Kia Ltd. We strive to maintain the highest standards of employee conduct and ethical behaviour.
Recruitment/Agency Workers: We use only specified, reputable employment agencies to source labour and always verify the practices of any new agencies used before accepting workers.
Supplier Code of Conduct: We are committed to ensuring that suppliers adhere to the highest standards of ethics, treat workers with dignity and respect, and act ethically and within the law.
5. TRAINING
We are reviewing our training on modern slavery to ensure a high level of understanding of the risks across our business. We also encourage our business partners to provide training to their staff, suppliers, and providers.
Training is provided on compliance to all employees. It is the responsibility of all members of staff, or those under our control, to ensure the prevention, detection, and reporting of modern slavery. Members of staff are encouraged to raise any concerns at the earliest opportunity.
6. KIA'S WORLDWIDE COMMITMENTS
As an authorised retailer, Stockton Kia Ltd supports the global standards set by the manufacturer. All Kia officers and employees worldwide must perform their duties in accordance with the Kia Human Rights Charter.
Kia respects and supports a wide range of recognized human rights and labour-related international standards, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. This charter actively implements human rights management across all group companies, mitigating the risk of modern slavery across global supply chains.
More information on Kia’s worldwide Ethical Management commitments is available at: https://worldwide.kia.com/int/company/sustainability/trust/ethical