boohoo Group plc (LON:BOO) has announced today the publication of its UK supplier list, meeting its transparency pledge to publish it within six months of the Independent Review produced by Alison Levitt QC.
The Group’s consolidated UK supply chain list is the result of extensive mapping and auditing work, introducing changes to the way it works with its suppliers in order to create stronger partnerships and more sustainable business practices. The Group has been working with independent auditors Verisio and Bureau Veritas to carry out unannounced visits to suppliers and over the last eight months the majority of suppliers have been audited twice. Suppliers will continue to have their operations and standards monitored frequently to drive long-term positive change.
Alongside this, boohoo is pleased to announce the launch of its new Sustainability Strategy; UP.FRONT Fashion Ready for the Future. UP.FRONT establishes bold targets against priority issues in three key areas; smarter manufacturing of clothes; better terms for suppliers; and action in responsible business practices to reduce our carbon footprint.
Sir Brian Leveson PC, who is providing independent oversight of the Agenda for Change programme, has submitted his second report to the Board and, in line with the Group’s ongoing commitment to transparency, this has today been published on the Group’s website. Sir Brian notes that the depth and detail of supplier audits have dramatically changed the way the industry is run in Leicester and the determination of boohoo to embed a new way of working which, despite a number of acquisitions in recent months, remains its top priority.
The Group will provide a further update on its Sustainability Strategy at its full year results on 5 May 2021, with the publication of its Sustainability Report to follow alongside its Annual Report and Accounts in May 2021. boohoo intends to publish its global supplier list by 25 September 2021.
John Lyttle, boohoo Group CEO, commented:
“This is the not the end of a project for us at boohoo but the beginning of a new way of working with our suppliers. We are driving positive change in the industry and want to play our part in rebuilding a vibrant manufacturing base in Leicester, one that offers good employment and great prospects for the workers and the industry in Leicester as a whole.
The publication of our UK Supply Chain List marks another step on our journey towards greater transparency and embedding positive change, not only in our own organisation, but through the wider network of businesses that make up our supply chain. Through our Sustainability Strategy we are committing to ambitious targets across production, supply and governance to ensure the business is ready for the future.”
