Modern Slavery Statement

Services and supply

The services Mercia uses are office based and its supply chain in relation to services consists, on the whole, of other regulated professional services (Law Firms, Accountancy Firms, Banks and other intermediary functions). Mercia considers these to be very low risk in relation to slavery, child labour and human trafficking and so takes no specific action in respect to these relationships.

Mercia provides a range of services within the structure of investment and fund management within the UK. Investment is made directly into healthcare, B2B software, enabling technology, digital and mobile entertainment. Mercia invests, on behalf of its customers, in a range of different businesses and industries through its Ventures team which has four areas of focus: Software, Life Sciences, Consumer and Deep/Enabling Technology. Mercia also provides debt finance to a range of more traditional businesses ranging from, but not exclusively, manufacturing and professional services to retail and service-based businesses.

The majority of other services supplied to or on behalf of Mercia are associated with property leasing and information systems consultancy. Given what Mercia understands to be a low risk profile of anyone supplying us with services being involved in slavery and/or human trafficking, we believe our current procedures and ability to rely on regulatory oversight in relation to professional services are sufficient in this regard.

Goods

In terms of goods supplied to Mercia, the majority of goods are for use in an office environment. We do not tolerate any form of child labour, slavery, forced labour or human trafficking as part of our business or within our supply chain. Given what Mercia understands to be a low risk profile of suppliers of goods, no specific training is provided or undertaken by Mercia staff in relation to these matters.

Training of staff

Mercia provides employees and management with training on a range of compliance matters which, where relevant to their role, would include their obligations under the Modern Slavery Act 2015, particularly in relation to mitigating risks within supply chains.
This statement is made pursuant to the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and constitutes the Mercia Group slavery and human trafficking statement.