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CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY2019

ELITE OFFICE FURNITURE UK LIMITED

Goole Office, Showroom & Factory

Elite RoadGooleEast YorkshireDN14 8BFUnited Kingdom

Tel. +44 (0)1405 746000

Email. sales@elite-furniture.co.ukwww.elite-furniture.co.uk

London Office & Showroom

81-87 St John StreetClerkenwellLondonEC1M 4NQUnited Kingdom

Tel. +44 (0)20 7490 4909

Email. londonshowroom@elite-furniture.co.uk

Registered in England No. 3365655

OUR STATEMENT

We’re on a mission

We care about the environment and not only recognise, but appreciate that our operations may have an impact locally and ultimately globally.

At Elite, we believe it is our obligation to consider all aspects of this impact throughout a products life cycle, from raw material selection through to sustainable production methods, as well as the reduction of waste and pollution in all manufacturing processes.

We address the latest environmental issues through our ISO14001 Environmental Management System and ISO50001 Energy Management System, which is under continual review and assessment to ensure that it evolves to suit the ever-changing needs of the environment we live in.

Our commitment to the environment is reflected in our aim to achieve the best possible environmental ratings for our product portfolio.

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STEEL RECYCLING 28

PAPER RECYCLING 29

PLASTIC RECYCLING 30

OUR PLASTIC AWARENESS POLICY 31-32

OUR RECYCLING POLICY 33-34

FURNITURE RECYCLING 35-36

CE100 (CIRCULAR ECONOMY 100) 37-38

GREEN PURCHASING 39-40

ETHICAL PROCUREMENT POLICY 41-42

ANTI BRIBERY AND CORRUPTION POLICY 43-46

SOFTWARE ANTI PIRACY POLICY 47

DATA AND SYSTEM PROTECTION 48

GDPR DATA PROTECTION PRIVACY NOTICE 49-50

BIM - BUILDING INFORMATION MODELLING 51-52

RETURNS POLICY 53-54

COMMUNITY 55-56

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OUR STATEMENT 1-2

CONTENTS 3-4

NEW MANUFACTURING PLANT 5-6

ACCREDITATIONS AND ACHIEVEMENTS 7-8

INVESTOR OF PEOPLE 9-10

EQUALITY 11-12

ANTI SLAVERY POLICY 13-14

HEALTH AND SAFETY POLICY 15-16

ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY 17-18

ENVIRONMENTAL AND MARKET RESPONSIBILITY 19 CLIENT AND SUPPLIER RESPONSIBILITY 20

OUR VEHICLES 21-22 ELECTRICITY USAGE 23

NATURAL GAS USAGE 24

WATER USAGE 25 WATER TREATMENT 26

ALUMINIUM RECYCLING 27

NEW MANUFACTURING PLANT

Elite have always applied a strong commitment to minimising the impact on the environment during the production and distribution of the furniture we manufacture.

When the decision was made to invest in a new manufacturing facility, it was made very clear to the architectural team that it should incorporate energy saving materials and technology within its structure. In addition, we have sourced materials and labour from the local area where possible, to minimise the carbon footprint during construction and to support the local economy and SME’s.

The new, advanced production facility is nearing completion and is located in Goole, East Yorkshire, within 400 yards of the M62 motorway. This location was selected for easy access to a major UK motorway, for efficient distribution and to reduce the volume of freight traffic within the town.

The total area of 244,254sq ft. incorporates offices, a showroom and production space.

It was designed with the objective to be one of the most sustainable manufacturing-based buildings, enabling us to manufacture furniture and seating more efficiently, minimising the operational running costs and environmental impact. Below are some examples of the sustainable measures introduced during the design of the building:

• The building fabric comprises of 100mm composite roof panels and 80mm composite wall panels, chosen for their superior flame retardancy and super insulation properties.

• The brickwork is 300mm standard cavity wall construction with 100mm Rockwool insulation giving a fabric u/value in line with the SBEM calculation.

• 10% of the roof area is to be triple glazed roof panels to allow the maximum daylight possible into the factory.

• LED lighting has been installed throughout the factory, offices and external area, which will reduce our power consumption by around 40%. These were sourced from a local manufacturing business in Goole, further substantiating Elite’s aim to support local SME’s. The lights are fitted with both PIR and light sensors, to reduce the need for any switches. Once programmed, the lights will only activate when movement is detected and the required lighting level is below the level demanded by the task and this programme can be altered to accommodate changing requirements in the factory.

• The glazing incorporates SN 70/35 Solar Controlled Units, allowing 70% of light and only 35% of solar heat through, which will minimise the boiler-generated power requirement.

• The HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) is designed to provide a continuous, controlled temperature and fresh air flow, with minimal power consumption.

• As well as the efficient building fabric, we have commissioned a 1Mw biomass boiler under the RHI (Renewable Heat Incentive), to heat the factory. We have coupled this with a large silo to store all offcuts, supplying feed to the boiler. This scheme will convert all wood offcuts into heat for the factory.

• In addition to our current cardboard, plastic and metalwork recycling activity, an offline chipper has been installed for all remaining offcuts, further reducing our municipal waste significantly.

Upon completion, we will carefully monitor our output using a model named the SBEM (Simplified Building Energy Model), calculating the monthly carbon dioxide emissions and energy used by the building. This takes into consideration factors such as the building’s construction, geometry, use, lighting equipment and HVAC.

The new facility will ensure sustainable, future production and allow us to develop within the industry, not only as a major competitor, but one with strong credentials to minimising the effect of manufacturing, on the environment.

BUILDING SPECIFICATIONS

Building Length 266mBuilding Width 85.3mArea 22,692 m² (244,254 ft²)Site Area 14.5 Acres

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ACCREDITATIONS AND ACHIEVEMENTS

COMPANY ACCREDITATIONS

BS EN ISO 9001:2015Quality Management Systems.

BS EN ISO 14001:2015Environmental Management Systems.

BS OHSAS 18001:2007Occupational Health & Safety Management System.

BS EN ISO 50001:2011Energy Management Systems.

FISP Furniture Industry Sustainability Programme.As part of our Environmental Policy.

PEFCProgramme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification. As part of our Environmental Policy.

FIRAFurniture Industry Research Association. Affiliated Member.

Club GreenFIRA’s Environmental Legislation update service.

BCFABritish Contract Furniture Association.Affiliated Member.

ValpakThe Producer Responsibility Obligations Regulations.(Packaging Waste).

FORS (Bronze Award)The Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme.

RHARoad Haulage AssociationAffiliated Member.

BS OHSAS 18001 is an internationally recognised occupational, health and safety management system series standard.

The BS OHSAS 18001 standard is based on the similar ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 Plan.

The BS EN ISO 14001 standard is the most important standard within the ISO 14000 series.

BS EN ISO 14001:2015 specifies the requirements of an environmental manage-ment system (EMS) for small to large organisations.

An EMS is a systemic approach to handling environmental issues within an organisation.

“BS EN ISO 9001 Certified” means an organisation has met the requirements in ISO 9001. It defines an BS EN ISO 9000 Quality Management System (QMS).

BS EN ISO 9001:2015 is focused on meeting customer expectations and delivering customer satisfaction so you must pay attention to the customer.

BS EN ISO 50001 stipulates the requirements for an energy management system. Designed to make the most from energy technology, this standard helps management to reduce their energy consumption, while boosting their overall energy conservation.

This includes reduced energy costs, carbon emissions and a more secure supply of energy. BS EN ISO 50001 helps to take on a systematic approach to continually improve energy performance and establish a credible, certified reputation.

Environmental legislation in the UK and Europe is becoming increasingly stringent and its complexity presents businesses with a significant challenge.

FIRA’s Club Green sets out current and forthcoming environmental legislation, including how to dispose of waste, minimise energy and handle hazardous substances.

Launched in 2006 to support and improve the furniture industry’s sustainability credentials.

FISP has rapidly become established as the industry forum on allenvironmental and sustainable issues.

Forests are critical for sustainable development providing a wealth of goods and services that are essential for a greener economy. Forest certification is crucial in providing evidence of sustainable forest management.

PEFC expands forest certification globally through its unique bottom-up approach to certification and is the certification system of choicefor family and community-ownedforests.

The UK Woodland Assurance Standard (UKWAS) is the national forest certification standard for the UK.

MEMBERSHIP BODIES

Leading provider of environmental compliance and data management services for waste and packaging in the UK and Internationally.

British Contract Furniture Association.Affiliated Member.

The BCFA is the British business association for the contract furnishing industry, covering the full spectrum of interior products and services in the UK and globally.

A company can only become a member of the BCFA when it satisfies the association’s standard of professionalism and makes a commitment to provide the market with the highest standards of service.

Furniture Industry ResearchAssociation. Affiliated Member

Established in 1949, the Furniture Industry Research Association is the UK's largest furniture association and the only organisation that provides support to the whole furniture supply chain, across all sectors.

FIRA are also the testing bodies for BS ISO standards.

REGULATORY BODIES

The Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme(FORS) Member.

The Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS) is an accreditation scheme encompassing all aspects of safety, fuel efficiency, vehicle emissions and improved operations.FORS helps fleet operators to measure and monitor performance and alter their operations in order to demonstrate best practice.

The Road Haulage Association (RHA) Member.

The Road Haulage Association (RHA) provides dedicated campaigning, advice, informa-tion and business services specially tailored for the haulage industry.

INVESTOR OF PEOPLE

LOCAL WORKFORCE

At Elite, we encourage the employment of school leavers and graduates. Employing young people can benefit the business in many ways as they often have an energic attitude with a natural thirst for knowledge, which can inspire existing employees and help reinforce the workplace.

Introducing a young person to a team gives staff the opportunity to develop their own skills through training and leadership. They offer fresh perspectives, contributing new ideas and solutions.

We look for people who share our passion and pride, people who show that they will care about our customers as much as we do. Employing school leavers and graduates means we are able to train in a way that is personal to Elite and build on that training whilst promoting ethics that are important to us.

PROMOTION

Each employee is regarded as an asset and it is in the company’s best interest to get the most return on investment possible from each employee. This often means developing and promoting individuals into positions that will offer more responsibility, so they can do more for the company.

We believe the longer an employee works for the company, the more they know about us and the more they have a passion for what they do and what the company stands for. For this reason, we aim to retain employees, allowing them to achieve their career goals. Investing in our employees, acknowledges their hard work and efforts and we continuously seek to promote internally as opposed to bringing in external candidates.

ON-SITE / OFF-SITE TRAINING COURSE

Elite’s approach to training is that it is not a cost, it is an investment and is vital to the progression of our business. We understand that the workplace continuously changes, therefore an annual appraisal scheme ensures any weaknesses identified within an employee’s skillset can be improved through a structured training program.

Training carried out with factory employees ensures equipment is used correctly and the appropriate health and safety practices are being applied in the workplace. It also gives employees the necessary skills and knowledge to carry out their work to the best of their ability, increasing productivity and quality of work.

Through training and development, our employees become more diverse and feel more comfortable taking on additional responsibilities, while achieving their own career goals.

In addition to external training, internal training is an essential way to share best practice within the organisation, developing common working procedures and strengthening internal relationships.

A number of roles within the organisation require specific training and qualifications by law and this is attained as our priority, meaning our employees have the right skills to operate effectively and legally.

As of 2019 Elite employs 151 Personnel

We are proud to have raised promotions within ourworkforce and staff infrastructure.

Investing in training for our personnelenables us to continue to improve

and maximise the potential of our staff.

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EQUALITY

At Elite, we know that a diverse workforce accomplishes great things. We look to provide an environment that challenges, develops and fosters new ideas, whilst being motivational at the same time. Each and every employee plays a critical role in the company with the support and guidance of their manager and strong team player skills are widely encouraged.

We do not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, religion, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation or any other characteristic and value each person as an individual. In a globalising environment, we are proud to employ workers from all over the world for various roles across our company.

According to statistics, nearly 7 million people of working age in the UK are disabled or have a health condition. Historically there has been a significant gap between the proportion of disabled people employed compared with non-disabled people. At Elite, we’re not interested in this gap, what we are interested in is employing people with the relevant skills and qualities to the job. One of our skilled CAD designers is of a military background and after sustaining injuries in the Army, is now wheelchair dependent but this doesn’t deter from what is actually important, the high quality of his work and his focus and drive.

People development is really important to us here at Elite. We understand that our people represent us, they represent our past, present and future as well as our values and aspirations. We see ourselves as a company that brings out the best in people, cultivating rich talents, inspiring innovation and encouraging strong teams. We strive to give our employees the opportunity to succeed and develop to their full potential.

Our vision for the future is to continue to ensure that every individual across the company has a chance to develop to their full potential this is the key to sustain-ing the growth of Elite. Promoting diversity creates a workforce that reflects the variety of customers we serve and the community in which we are based.A community that is very important to us and that we are proud to belong to.

• We offer a fair grievance procedure to all staff in accordance with employment law andgovernment advice.

• Wage rates and reviews are held annually.

• Suppliers are screened for human rights compliance.

ELITE’S EQUALITY STATEMENT

EQUALITY

• We offer equal employment opportunities to all. The people we recruit and promote are selected on merit and suitability and not discriminated against because of their gender, race, colour, religion, sexual orientation, disability or age.

• We comply with the relevant laws relating to employment and employment conditions in the UK. We remain committed, where such laws are currently lacking, by introducing our own guidelines. We are satisfied that we have policies in place to deal with physical and verbal abuse, or the threat of it, and any other form of intimidation within our workforce.

• Elite purchase from several EU Countries and recognise that labour standards and conditions may vary from country to country. In these cases, we ensure that our supplier’s employees have satisfactory wages and working conditions and that there is no exploitation of labour.

OUR ANTI SLAVERY POLICY

ANTI SLAVERY POLICY2019

SIGNED

JOHN HULLMANAGING DIRECTOR

Elite is dedicated to the encouragement of high standards in business behaviour, based on our own values. Modern slavery is an issue which is fundamentally unethical and is of significant concern to our business, given the industry we operate in.

As we pride ourselves on our commitment to values such as dignity, justice, fairness, equality, integrity, respect and responsibility, we remain committed to the prevention of modern slavery within and surrounding our business.

While slavery is illegal globally, it still occurs in every country, even within the UK. Certain industries are more exposed to slavery, including the electronics, steel, automobiles, agriculture, mining, textiles and shipping industries. Given that our production processes involve a number of these sectors, it is of utmost importance that we play our role in opposing the exploitation of labour.

Those subjected to modern slavery are considered ‘owned’ by their employers, usually through recruitment debts or threats. Victims are moved from one country to another in a practice known as ‘human trafficking’. It isn’t just adults that are affected, sadly it’s children that play victim to all sorts of corruption due to their vulnerability. As well as child labour, forced labour, extreme working hours, harassment and violence, discrimination and more occur behind the scenes of modern day slavery.

As a large business, we are aware of the reputational damage we would face if slavery was exposed within our supply chain. The use of exploitative labour, knowingly or unknowingly, could risk us losing consumer confidence and market share. This is why written commitment in the form of human rights policies or a code of ethics is not enough, sufficient checks must be made to detract any kind of slavery.

We are aiming for credentials that demonstrate our procurement decisions are based on ethical above commercial considerations. This yields numerous benefits such as improving employee morale, enhancing local and global communities, as well as exceeding legalrequirements. Beyond thereputational and legal risks, the overruling reason for us here, is to do the right thing.

Unfortunately, the ways in which we operate can affect the likelihood of slavery being a part of the final product and complex supply chains can allow forced labour to thrive. This is why we allocate sufficient time to our order and installation time, alleviating the pressure on the supplier’s capacity, recognising that if this were not done, suppliers may sub-contract urgent work to factories or workers that are not regulated to the same standards as the supplier.

Pricing can play a significant role too. Buyers may negotiate such low prices that suppliers are forced to push down the price it pays for the materials it needs, which can have a subsequent effect on those involved in the production of raw materials, increasing the likelihood of forced labour.

Companies, including Elite, have a responsibility of ensuring that no forced labour has been used in producing the products they sell. This should apply not only to goods produced in their own factories but also to their suppliers, and partners throughout the supply chain.

It is not always easy, or possible to prove that companies within the supply chain used forced labour at any stage of their production process however, we believe it should be a responsibility of the company to prove that it does not occur.

We believe we have the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of our own workers and those who wish to engage with us, by continuously monitoring and measuring not only our own standards, but those of our supply chain partners. This is governed and audited with continuous communication of our expectations as a business. Our approach is frequently improved and we actively work with our business partners to meet the unique challenges posed within this industry.

A WORD ABOUT COTTON...

At Elite, we are aware of the risks in sourcing cotton based products, due the vulnerability of workers in their place of origin. Because of this, we ensure any textiles are sourced from ethically sound suppliers. The three main suppliers that we use are Camira Fabrics, Gabriel and Bradbury Contract Fabric.

The production of cotton effects both the environment and people, typically involving the use of large quantities of water and chemicals, often taking place in regions facing water shortages and climate issues. The suppliers we partner with have made significant effort to contribute back into these communities and support programmes that aim to improve the conditions these communities live in.

In addition, cotton provides a livelihood for many people throughout the world and there is a need to protect their health and ensure that they work in safe, fair conditions.

“Slavery is theft - theft of a life, theft of work, theft of any property or

produce, theft even of the children a slave might have borne”

KEVIN BALESCo-founder and former president of

Free the Slaves, the US sister organization of Anti-Slavery International, the world’s oldest

human rights organization.

Lack of transparency increases the risk of undetected forced labour and SLAVERY somewhere in the supply chain.

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HEALTH AND SAFETY POLICY

GENERAL STATEMENT OF HEALTH AND SAFETY POLICY

Elite’s Health and Safety policy complies with the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and subsequent legislation, ensuring that we maintain a healthy and safe working environment for our employees and with an objective to minimise the number of occupational incidents and illnesses, ultimately aiming for an accident free workplace. All employees will be provided with adequate equipment, protective wear, information, training and supervision necessary to implement the policy.

Elite recognise and accept their duty to protect the health and safety of all visitors to the company including contractors and temporary workers, as well as any members of the public who might be affected by our operations.

While the management of Elite will do all that is possible to ensure the health and safety of its employees, it is recognised that is also the responsibility of each and every individual to take reasonable care of theirs and other peoples welfare and to immediately report any hazard or incident which may pose a threat to the wellbeing of any person(s).

The company shall provide every employee with the necessary training required to carry out tasks safely however, if an employee is unsure how to perform a certain task or feels it would be dangerous to perform a task, then it is the employees responsibility to report this to their supervisor or the Health & Safety Manager. An effective health and safety programme requires continuous communication between workers at all levels.

All injuries, however small, sustained by a person at work must be reported to the Health & Safety Manager or a delegated representative. Accident records are crucial to the effective monitoring and revision of the policy and must therefore be accurate and comprehensive.

The Health and Safety Policy is continually monitored and updated, particularly when changes in the scale and nature of our operations occur. The policy will be updated at least every 12 months.

The specific arrangements for the implementation of the policy and the personnel responsible are detailed in our Health and Safety Policy which is available on request.

HEALTH AND SAFETY POLICY 2019

SIGNED

JOHN HULLMANAGING DIRECTOR

ELITE ENSURES THE FOLLOWING ARE COVERED WITHIN OUR HEALTH & SAFETY PROCEDURES:

• Policy statement

• Employer's responsibilities

• Employee's responsibilities

• Roles

• Risk assessments

• Safe plant and equipment

• Hazardous substances

• Training

• Reporting

• Accidents and first aid

• Emergency procedures

• Consultation

• Information

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OUR ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ELITE ARE COMMITTED TO CONSIDERING ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS DURING ALLPRODUCTION ACTIVITIES AND FUTURE PLANS.

Elite believe that all businesses are responsible for achieving good environmental practices and ensuring they operate in a sustainable manner.

We are therefore committed to reducing our environmental impact and continually improving our environmental performance as an integral and fundamental part of our business strategy and operating methods.

It is our priority to encourage our customers, suppliers and all business associates to do the same. Not only is this sound commercial sense for all; it is also a matter of delivering on our duty of care towards future generations.

GENERAL STATEMENT

The Environmental Protection Act is a governed practice of protecting the natural environment on individual, organisation and government levels, for the benefit of both the environment and humans.

It is our aim to exceed the minimum legal requirements and provide a working environment that achieves the best possible environmental performance from our operations.

In order to achieve this, we have arrangements to continually assess the risks from our operations and provide, maintain and monitor appropriate control measures to minimise the risks identified. Responsibility for implementing this policy lies with the Managing Director who will delegate functions, as identified in our organisationalresponsibilities.

Employees are reminded that they have a legal obligation under the EPA, to inform their manager of risks that potentially affect our responsibilities to the environment.

• GLOBAL WARMING

• ACID RAIN

• DEFORESTATION

• LOSS OF BIODIVERSITY

• SOLVENT REDUCTION

• MINIMISING POLLUTION

• WASTE MINIMISATION

• ENERGY EFFICIENCY

• GREEN PURCHASING

• RECYCLING SCHEMES

• FLEET TRANSMISSION EMISSIONS

• MATERIAL CONSUMPTION

• ZERO LAND CONTAMINATION

• WASTEWATER DRAINAGE

It is our policy to:

• Comply with and aim to exceed the requirements of current environmental legislation and codes of practice.

• Minimise energy and water usage in our buildings and processes in order to conserve supplies, and minimise our consumption of natural resources, especially where they are non-renewable.

• Minimise our waste and reuse or recycle as much of it as possible.

• Purchase products and services that do the least damage to the environment and encourage others to do the same.

• Assess the environmental impact of any new processes or products we intend to introduce.

• Monitor and reduce the impact of air, water, noise and light pollution from our premises on the environment and local community.

• Ensure all employees understand our environmental policy and conform to the high standards it requires.

• Address complaints about any breach of our Environmental Policy promptly and to the satisfaction of all concerned.

• Review our Environmental Policy annually, in consultation with employees and customers.

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ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY2019

SIGNED

JOHN HULLMANAGING DIRECTOR

THIS INCLUDES THE CONSIDERATION OF:

CLIENT AND SUPPLIER RESPONSIBILITY

We work responsibly and closely with customers and suppliers. As a wholly-owned family business, we pride ourselves on our relationship with our suppliers and customers, maintaining our honest and traditional values whilst embracing modern and progressive attitudes.

OUR STATEMENT

‘Treat others as you wish to be treated’

Our responsible business practices treat customers openly and fairly.

In 2004 we conducted a survey with our main customers, giving them the opportunity to advise how we could improve the way in which we operate and present ourselves. The feedback highlighted issues that customers had experienced with other suppliers, not necessarily ourselves, however we used this feedback to ensure our own procedures and systems did not expose our risk of similar issues occurring.

Below are some results of the survey:• Brochures should be clearly written and truthful, without hiding vital information in the small print• Information about Products and Services should be honest and tell customers what they want to know, including what you do to be socially responsible• Avoid pressure selling techniques• If something goes wrong, the problem should be acknowledged and deal with quickly• Products from suppliers should not be bought solely on price. Quality and environmental issues are important too

In return for our honest and open approach, we have built excellent relationships with end users and dealers. This is rewarded by their loyalty to doing business with us.

SUPPLIERS

All suppliers are audited at initial engagement and then on a regular basis, to ensure that they follow responsible working practices. We are very fortunate that our major suppliers all work to similar standards as ourselves.

We aim to work with local suppliers, supporting the local economy and reducing our resource usage.

We hold an annual honesty meeting with our major suppliers, to establish the implications of price increases. We are aware thatsqueezing too hard might put our suppliers out of business, having negative impacts for both parties, so every effort is made at these meetings to fully understand the businesses.

THE BUSINESS BENEFITS OF CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

Corporate social responsibility isn't just about doing the right thing, it offers direct business benefits.Building a reputation as a responsible business sets us apart from our competition as most consumers prefer to buy from ethical businesses who demonstrate responsible policies, minimising the risk of any damage to their own reputation.

As consumer desire to purchase environmentally friendly products continues to grow, these products are often sold in the industry at a premium price. However, understanding the full requirements at the beginning of a project can result in price reductions as most products manufactured by Elite can be modified in terms of manufacturing specification. This can save time, money and environmental impact for all parties.

Being considered as a responsible business makes it easier for Elite when recruiting, as employees are more likely to apply for positions in companies with a good reputation than those who do not operate responsibly. These employees feel proud to be part of such a business, meaning they feel more motivated and productive and are less likely to leave, reducing the cost of retraining and disruption felt when someone leaves the business.

Companies with a well-managed Corporate Social Responsibility policy, harbour good relationships with local authorities including schools and councils. This increases our reputation within the local community, making us a valued employer.

2019

ENVIRONMENTAL AND MARKET RESPONSIBILITY

Our Corporate Responsibility is clear and defined; we are committed to reducing our impact on the environment and surrounding area. Not only do we monitor our own performance, we monitor the performance of our suppliers and customers.

We are committed to reducing any harmful impact on the environment and surrounding area. In order to ensure not only us, but our suppliers and customers have similar objectives, we monitor the performance including the business areas below:

MARKETPLACE

• Customer satisfaction levels• Customer complaints regarding products and services• Complaints concerning late payment of our supplier’s invoices

ENVIRONMENT

• Our overall energy consumption • Our overall water usage • Quantity of waste produced• Our CO2 greenhouse emissions • Other emissions produced through production• Use of recycled materials• % of cardboard recycled each year• Environmental impact over the supply chain

WORKPLACE

• Staff absenteeism• Number of staff grievances • Number of recordable incidents (including sub-contractors)• Staff turnover• Training and development offered to staff• Pay conditions compared to the local community standards• Workforce profile including gender, nationality, race, disability and age • Investment in local workforce

COMMUNITY

• Products donated to schools in the area• Cash value donations to local projects• Impact evaluations carried out on community programmes

OUR VEHICLES

Recognising that our commitment to safety and the environment is not only applicable to our manufacturing operations, we carried out several improvements to how we manage our distribution fleet during 2018. This led to Elite being awarded FORS (Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme) Bronze Status, reflecting our commitment to reducing the environmental impact of our transport activities.

In addition to environmental issues, the operation of company vehicles can directly impact road safety, performance and employee wellbeing. Because of this, it is vital that our vehicles maintain high quality standards and we must continue to invest in futureproof technology. This includes the reduction of our CO2 emission targets, investing in alternative-fuel vehicles and encouraging employees to opt for low emission vehicles and monitor their business travel.

Driving is considered one of the most dangerous work-related activities. At Elite, our distribution team are assessed to ensure they have adequate training to carry out operations, adhere to working time hours and maintain a healthy lifestyle, allowing them and other road users to travel in safer conditions.

7 x MAN 2 AXLE RIGID BODY 18 T TRUCKS 2015+10518cc Diesel Engine + Ad Blue technology.CO₂Emissions: No DVLA Data.Low fuel consumption.Economical gearbox.GPS Equipped.

2 x MAN 2 AXLE RIGID BODY 7.5 T TRUCK 20156871cc Diesel Engine + Ad Blue technology.CO₂Emissions: No DVLA Data.Low fuel consumption.Economical gearbox.GPS Equipped.

3 x SCANIA 2 AXLE RIGID BODY 18 T TRUCKS 2005+8970cc Diesel Engine.CO₂Emissions: No DVLA Data.GPS Equipped.

DELIVERY VEHICLES

1 x PEUGEOT BOXER 20161997cc Diesel Engine.CO₂Emissions: 168 g/km. GPS Equipped.

2 x PEUGEOT BOXER 2010 & 20162198cc Diesel Engine.CO₂Emissions: 195 g/km. GPS Equipped.

1 x MERCEDES BENZ VITO 113 CDI 20132143cc Diesel Engine.CO₂Emissions: 198 g/km.GPS Equipped.

1 x PEUGEOT PARTNER 20081560cc Diesel Engine.CO₂Emissions: DVLA not disclosed.GPS Equipped.

lite

SUPPORT VEHICLE

Goole Office, Showroom & Factory

t. +44 (0) 1405 746006

London Office & Showroom

t. +44 (0) 20 7490 4909

SUPPORT VEHICLES

Included in our future plans, we are looking to purchase further sustainable vehicles such as electric and hybrid cars, which are powered through connection to electrical charging points or designed to convert fuel to electricity.

On these pages, you are shown the details of our current fleet and credentials that provide insight as to why these particular vehicles have been chosen to represent Elite. All models run on diesel, as they are considered more efficient and use 15−20% less fuel. They feature lower CO2 emissions, meaning that we are rewarded with lower tax bands than we would be if we used petrol. The improved efficiency of diesel engines means that the CO2 emissions are 20% lower than petrol.

2221

The graph illustrates the annual reduction in CO2e used by our fleet.

DIESEL CO e t/£M2 DIESEL USAGE (LITRES / £M)

LITRES

The graph illustrates the annual reduction in diesel used by our fleet.

www.elite-furniture.co.uk

lite office furniture uk ltdmanufacturers of systems furniture & seating

lite

AD BLUE TECHNOLOGY

Efficiency makes the difference. In short-haul and distribution transport, clear-sighted cost management is important.With the advanced engine and exhaust-gas technology, the MAN distribution trucks deliver the best value when it comes to fuel consumption – with minimal AdBlue® consumption at the same time.

9101

9671

9998 10007

9657

2014 2015 2016 2017 2018

£20.9m £20.6m £18.8m £18.6m £19.7m

TURNOVER

TONNE 24.1

25.2

26.626.4

25.6

2014 2015 2016 2017 2018

£20.9m £20.6m £18.8m £18.6m £19.7m

TURNOVER

ELECTRICITY USAGE

At Elite, we remain committed to the introduction of strategies that continually reduce our carbon footprint. These strategies will reduce the use of fossil fuels and the amount of greenhouse gases produced by our processes. We monitor the amount of electricity that we are using as a company.

At our new factory we are using LED fittings, reducing the electricity used and therefore further supporting the reduction in our carbon footprint. We will continue to invest in state of the art equipment to make manufacturing more energy conservative and efficient. Also fitted at the new factory we are installing multiple electrical charge points into the car park, as we look to make the move to electric cars which, although consume more electricity, will reduce the need for diesel and therefore lower our carbon footprint further.

Graph: The graph shows a significant decrease in the amount of electricity used. We are now using less electricity than we were five years ago.

NATURAL GAS USAGE

Natural gases occur deep beneath the earth’s surface and can be used as fuel or to make materials and chemicals. Natural gases are considered a non-renewable energy source due to the fact that they cannot be replenished over a short period of time. These resources are running out and what’s essential to realise is that once they’re gone, they’re gone.

At Elite, we are committed to the reduction in usage of natural gases as a non-renewable fossil fuel. Burning these fossil fuels is highly unsustainable as they give off atmospheric pollutants and generate greenhouse gases.

There are several steps we are taking to address these issues. The introduction of a wood-fuelled biomass boiler at our new site eliminates the increasing need for natural gases to heat the building, as all heating will be coming from the burning of wood wastage.

The installation of a more efficient powder coating system will significantly reduce the intake of natural gases. It is twice as quick as the old system, but more importantly it uses a third of the gas supply.

Graph: From the graph you can see our natural gas usage and we hope to see this level drop in the coming years given the environmental considerations we are making at the new factory.

The graph illustrates the annual reduction in natural gas used by our factory and offices.

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The graph illustrates the annual reduction in electricity used by our factory and offices.

ELECTRICITY USAGE (CO e t/£M)2

CO e t/£M2

45.1642.34

40.11

23.83

2014 2015 2016 2017 2018

£20.9m £20.6m £18.8m £18.6m £19.7m

TURNOVER

39.81

NATURAL GAS USAGE (CO e t/£M)2

CO e t/£M2

17.2

16.9

16.0

17.4

2014 2015 2016 2017 2018

£20.9m £20.6m £18.8m £18.6m £19.7m

TURNOVER

18.3

WATER USAGE

Water is a fundamental element for families, communities and local economies. Efficient use of water is essential to the maintenance of a sustainable business and is actively promoted here. If we take into consideration that on average a person consumes 133 litres per day, we can see a clear opportunity to reduce consumption.

We are dedicated to using new and innovative technologies todramatically lower our water usage. The heating system at Elite is a prime example of this consideration whereby a closed system ensures that nounnecessary wastage occurs. Other machines within our factory such as our powder coating machine goes through a three-stage cleaning process so that the same water is used three times over in order to preserve water consumption.

Graph: The graph below shows our water usage over the last 5 years following the introduction of innovative new technology and consumption monitoring techniques.

WATER TREATMENT

Clean safe water is vital for everyday life. Water is essential for health, hygiene and the productivity of our community. Water treatment is the process that removes contaminants or reduces their concentration so that the water becomes safer to use for everyday tasks.

We are extremely attentive when it comes to the quality of the water which we pump back into the local water course. We use an on-site klargester septic tank, a solution that removes bacteria from our wastewater.It provides a reliable, efficient and environmentally safe solution to our sewage disposal needs.

Graph: The graph below shows 2017 as our best performing years for our water treatment efficiency.

The graph illustrates the water used by our factory and offices annually.

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The graph illustrates the Carbon Dioxide Emissions per Tonne per £million turnover.

WATERSEWERAGE

WATER USAGE (m /£M)3

m t/£M3

303

355

2014 2015 2016 2017 2018

£20.9m £20.6m £18.8m £18.6m £19.7m

TURNOVER

302

330

300

DEFRA GREENHOUSE CONVERSION FACTOR (SCOPE 3)

WATER TREATMENT (CO e t/£M)2

CO e t/£M2

4.257

2014 2015 2016 2017 2018

£20.9m £20.6m £18.8m £18.6m £19.7m

TURNOVER

4.185 4.1783.743

4.697

2.4021.9142.1372.1412.177

ALUMINIUM RECYCLING

Aluminium recycling is the process by which scrap aluminium is reused in products after its initial production. Benefitting current and future generations, the process involves melting the metal back down, reducing cost and using 95% less energy than when creating new aluminium, therefore avoiding corresponding emissions.

Handling bins are used to store any waste aluminium metal until it is collected by a registered waste management company for recycling.

STEEL RECYCLING

Steel is the most recycled material in the world, more than other materials combined, retaining an extremely high overall recycling rate. The metallurgical properties of steel allow it to be recycled continually with no degradation in performance, from one product to another.

The steel metal waste at Elite is placed into handling bins and collected for recycling by a registered waste management company, who appropriately reprocess the metal.

The graph illustrates the recycling tonnage per £M per year.We aim for zero waste on aluminium we purchase.

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ALUMINIUM RECYCLING (t/£M)

t/£M

0.11

0.15

0.10

2014 2015 2016 2017 2018

£20.9m £20.6m £18.8m £18.6m £19.7m

TURNOVER

0.03

0.05

The graph illustrates the recycling tonnage per £M per year.We aim for zero waste on steel we purchase.

STEEL RECYCLING (t/£M)

2.2

1.9

2.5

2014 2015 2016 2017 2018

£20.9m £20.6m £18.8m £18.6m £19.7m

TURNOVER

2.7

2.3

t/£M

PAPER RECYCLABILITY

Every tonne of recycled paper saves more than 2.5 cubic metres of landfill space. If measured by weight, more paper is recovered for recycling than plastic, aluminium and glass combined.

On an industrial scale, paper recycling allows us to save both energy and resources. By recycling one tonne of paper we save 17 trees, 7,000 gallons of water and 463 gallons of oil.

Our cardboard compactor allows high and low-density cardboard to be bailed for collection and delivery to a recycling centre with each pallet of packaging weighing approximately 0.5 tonnes. We recycle over 50% of cardboard on return to our factory.

PLASTIC RECYCLABILITY

Nearly all types of plastics can be recycled, however, the extent to which they are recyclable depends upon technical, economical and logistical factors.

As a valuable resource, the optimum recovery route for most plastic items at the ‘end of life’ is to be recycled, preferably back into a product that be recycled again and again. The UK uses over 5 million tonnes of plastic each year, of which an estimated 29% is currently being recovered or recycled.

At Elite, we aim to use as little plastic in the design and manufacture of our products as possible. Plastics that are used are then recycled and compacted using the Mil-tek pressure vault. This allows plastics to be compressed and bailed, ready for collection.

The graph illustrates the recycling tonnage per £M per year.We aim for a paperless office within the next 2 years.

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RECYCLED PAPER t/£M

45.1642.34

40.11

23.83

2014 2015 2016 2017 2018

£20.9m £20.6m £18.8m £18.6m £19.7m

TURNOVER

39.81

The graph illustrates the recycling tonnage per £M per year.

RECYCLED PLASTIC t/£M

t/£M

0.35

0.240.26

2014 2015 2016 2017 2018

£20.9m £20.6m £18.8m £18.6m £19.7m

TURNOVER

0.20 0.20

t/£M

OUR PLASTIC AWARENESS PROGRAM

The wide use of plastics across the globe stems from the fact that plastics have unbeaten properties and are one of the most versatile materials ever invented. At Elite, we use plastics for a wide range of uses; in our packaging materials and in our furniture and seating assembly. We are conscious of the need to combat this reliance and the need to look to new, innovative materials.

The problem with plastics, is that they are predominantly a single use material but are fundamental to our industry and everyday life. Because they are one of the most wasteful materials, steps must be taken to reduce their usage.

In order to radicalise the perception of plastic within the industrial network, there must be a collaboration between all members across the global chain. We are optimistic in our participation, but in order to see mass change, everyone must work together from the consumer goods companies, to plastic packaging producers, to collection companies and policy makers.

The World Economic Forum and the Ellen MacArthur Foundation partnered to produce ‘The New Plastics Economy: Rethinking the Future of Plastics’, a 3-year initiative to build momentum towards a plastics system that works, favouring the ‘Circular Economy’ model. The initiatives report denotes that applying circular economy principles to global plastic packaging flows, could transform the plastics economy and drastically reduce otherwise inevitable negative impacts such as leakage into oceans.

The new plastics economy looks at alternative end of life plans for plastics, in the hope to reduce the infiltration of plastics into natural systems, in particular oceans. Microbeads are particularly harmful to the planet whereby trillions of tiny pieces of plastic are accumulating in the world's oceans, lakes and estuaries, harming marine life and entering the food chain. Because of this, Elite are committed to using liquids that do not contain microbeads.

Other regulations followed by Elite are the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive, that ensures we dispose of our PC parts and factory machine parts correctly. It is estimated that 2 million tonnes of WEEE items are discarded in the UK every year.

An idealistic vision of global economy sees plastics never becoming waste but becoming a multiple use material, in particular a material that can be recycled to a high enough standard for reproduction. Plastic recycling is a relatively new initiative and currently it requires significantly more investment and focus for high quality reproduction. When paper was first recycled, it was discoloured and now, after improved technology advances, it’s hard to tell the difference between recycled and original paper.

When plastic recycling reaches industry standard, we will fully embrace it wherever possible. Currently we are able to recycle our banding tape and compact what plastic we do consume using the Mil-tek pressure vault which allows plastics to be reduced and bailed ready for collection. We will continue to reduce our usage and recycle, making every effort to embrace new technology.

RESIN IDENTIFICATION CODE

The ASTM International Resin Identification Coding System, often abbreviated as the RIC, is a set of symbols appearing on plastic products that identify the plastic resin out of which the product is made.

The Society of the Plastics Industry introduced the Resin Identification Code (RIC) system in 1988 as a growing number ofcommunities were implementing recycling programs.

In order to address the concerns of recyclers the RIC system was designed to make it easier for workers in materials recovery and recycling facilities to sort and separate items according to their resin type.

Plastics must be recycled separately, with like materials, in order to preserve the material’s value and enable its reuse in other products after being recycled.

WE DO NOT USE ANY PRODUCT CONTAINING MICROBEADS IN OUR COMPANY, WHETHER FOR CLEANING OR MANUFACTURING PURPOSES.

Microbeads are tiny pieces of plastic that are added to everyday products. They are most frequently made of polyethylene but can be of other petrochemical plastics such as polypropylene and polystyrene. Microbeadsare tiny, and may seem harmless, but 100,000 microbeads are washed down the sink with a single application of some products, ending up in the sea and the food chain.

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POLYETHYLENE TEREPHTHALATE (PETE)Picked up through most curbside recycling programs.

HIGH DENSITY POLYETHYLENE (HDPE)Extensively and easily recycled.HDPE is then shredded and melted down to further refine the Polymer. The plastic is then cooled into pellets which can be used in manufacturing.

POLYVINYL CHLORIDE (PVC)Extensively recycled in Europe, 481,000 tonnes in 2014 through Vinyl 2010 and VinylPlus initiatives.

LOW DENSITY POLYTHENE (LDPE)LDPE is not often recycled through curbside programs, but some communities will accept it.

POLYPROPYLENE (PP)Can be recycled through some curbside programs.

POLYSTYRENE (PS)Can be recycled through some curbside programs.

POLYURETHANE (PUR)At the end of its 3-50 year lifespan, can be reused, rebounded, chemically recycled or incinerated. The majority of foam is recycled for used as flooring underlay.

ACRYLONITRILE-BUTADIENE-STYRENE (ABS)ABS is recycled by first shredding used plastics to produce shredded plastics. After this step, metals and undesirable plastics are separated from the shredded plastics to produce separated plastics.

POLYAMIDE (PA)Polyamide is 100% mechanically and feedstock recyclable. Recycled content is made into new product formulations. This is mixed plastic made up of many polymers.

POLYACRYLONITRILE (PAN)Polyacrylonitrile (PAN), a synthetic resin prepared by the polymerisation of Acrylonitrile and is a precursor (by-product) in the making of Nylon fibre.

This material may be re-used to manufacture another product known as "Shoddy" or "Mungo" material.

PAN may also be used as a filler to make another product or possibly repurposed to make another product unrelated to plastic recycling.

WHAT WE USE RESIN TYPE RESIN ID CODE

PACKAGING MATERIALS:

Strapping Tape (Collected and Recycled) POLYPROPYLENE (PP) 5

Clear Adhesive Tape POLYPROPYLENE (PP) 5

Bubble Wrap POLYETHYLENE RESIN (LDPE) 4

Packaging Cling Film POLYVINYL CHLORIDE (PVC) 3

Bags LOW DENSITY POLYTHENE (LDPE) 4

Metalwork Protection Sleeves LOW DENSITY POLYTHENE (LDPE) 4

FURNITURE CONSTRUCTION

MFC Edging Tape ACRYLONITRILE-BUTADIENE-STYRENE (ABS) 9

Cable Ports ACRYLONITRILE-BUTADIENE-STYRENE (ABS) 9

Misc Furniture Components POLYSTYRENE (PS) 6

HIGH IMPACT POLYSTYRENE (HIPS) 6

HIGH DENSITY POLYETHYLENE (HDPE) 2

Height Adjustable Feet POLYPROPYLENE (PP) 6

Cable Clips POLYAMIDE (PA) PA

POLYPROPYLENE (PP) 5

Cable Access Grommets THERMOPLASTIC ELASTOMERS (TPE)

Leg Frame Support Ring POLYOXYMETHYLENE (POM)

Cable Risers THERMOPLASTIC VULCANIZATE ELASTOMER (TPV) 7

SEATING CONSTRUCTION

Chair Components POLYETHYLENE TEREPHTHALATE (PETE) 1

POLYPROPYLENE (PP) 5

POLYAMIDE (NYLON - TYPE 66, 30-33% GLASS FIBRE) (PA)

Chair Arm Pads and Foam POLYURETHANE (PUR) 7

Mesh Seat and Back POLYACRYLONITRILE (PAN)

ELECTRIC COMPONENTS

Motor Housing Box ACRYLONITRILE-BUTADIENE-STYRENE (ABS) 9

POLYOXYMETHYLENE (POM)

Digital Display Keypad Surround ACRYLONITRILE-BUTADIENE-STYRENE (ABS) 9

Digital Display Keypad Buttons LIQUID SILICONE RUBBER (LSR) 7

Digital Display Clear Display POLYCARBONATE (PC) 7

Cables POLYVINYL CHLORIDE (PVC) 3

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LIQUID SILICONE RUBBER (LSR)Silicone is not biodegradable, but it can be recycled easily through some curbside programs.

POLYOXYMETHYLENE (ACETAL) (POM)Polyoxymethylene is easily recycled due to its excellent molecular properties.

POLYCARBONATE (PC)Polycarbonate is fully recyclable and is made from a natural resource (oil) - it provides an excellent yield for plastic recycling facilities. The usual process for recycling polycarbonate is to sort, shred, wash, granulate and then compound ready for re-use.

THERMOPLASTIC ELASTOMERS /THEMOPLASTIC VULCANIZATE ELASTOMERS (TPV)Thermoplastic Elastomers can be recycled nearly up to 100%. Due to uncured molecular chains, it is possible to melt down the thermoplastic elastomers again and again. This characteristic turns the Thermoplastic Elastomers back into its manufacturing process.

OUR RECYCLING POLICY

We will remove all packaging materials from site.

The diagram illustrates our commitment to ensuring we recycle as many materials as possible in a correct manner. All cardboard, plastic and waste materials are either reused or bailed and collected by reputable recycling companies e.g. UK Waste.

It is our policy to recycle all materials throughout all stages of the manufacturing and distribution process.

Steel waste is placed into handling bins and collected

by a registered waste management company for

recycling.

STEEL

Each pallet of packaging weighs approximately

0.5tonnes. 50% of cardboard returned to our factory is sent to a recycling plant and the

remaining 50% is reused as packaging.

The plastic is bailed and stored ready for collection.

The cardboard compactor allows high and low-density cardboard to be bailed ready for collection and delivery to

a local recycling depot.

CARDBOARD

Plastics are compacted using the Mil-tek pressure vault.

This allows the plastics to be compressed and bailed ready

for collection.

PLASTICS

Our Dust Extraction system collects all lose dust particles and

off cuts generated by the woodworking machinery.

The material is then burned to generate heat for the factory.

This reduces the requirement for mains gas and electricity.

DUST CONTROL

Wood offcuts are placed in a recycling bin, ready for chipping. The processed waste

material is then stored in a silo and incinerated when required.

Well designed, modern wood burning heating systems provide environmentally

sound and cost-effective warmth for our factory.

CHIPBOARD/MFC

RECYCLE POLICY 2019 SIGNED

JOHN HULLMANAGING DIRECTOR

SUSTAINABLE ECONOMY

3433

We work in partnership with Greenlight Cartridge Recycling to ensure all our used

cartridges are recycled.

Greenlight donates all proceeds from recycled units to three UK charities,

Macmillan Cancer Support, The British Heart Foundation and

RSPCA Leeds & Wakefield trust.

INK CARTRIDGESFACT: According to the latest statistics, over 250 million printer cartridges have been thrown away in the last decade. At present only 5% of used cartridges are recycled, meaning 95% of all used cartridges end up in landfill sites where it can take over 1000 years to decompose.

FURNITURE RECYCLING

Elite understand the seriousness of the effects waste has on our environment with landfills becoming a substantial problem, but we are committed to refining our recycling efforts. Inappropriate disposal of goods wastes resources, wasting the raw materials and energy used in making the items. Reducing waste by recycling results in less environmental impact, less wasted resources and energy and saves money.

Landfills contaminate and pollute the local environment with the release of harmful greenhouse gases such as methane. The waste buried in landfill sites breaks down at a very slow rate and will remain a significant problem for future generations. Aside from theenvironmental costs of dumping waste in landfills, there is a rising financial cost too, which is increasing by around 10% a year. Although recycling furniture comes at a cost, it avoids the negative impacts associated with landfills. Furniture is typically made up of woods, metals, plastics, fabrics and foams. All of these materials can be recycled with a bit of effort. Our furniture recycling service ensures that furniture is diverted from landfill, whether this is through materials recycling or ethical reuse routes. Any furniture that is suitable for reuse will be donated to charities, schools and social enterprises. We have access to 120,000 square foot of storage space specifically for the task of recycling as a growing method of disposal. By recycling redundant office furniture, we are preventing it from becoming an environmental problem. Our duty to care for our environment is increasing and as a company we will continue our efforts in responsibly managing waste.

CHARITY

3635

INTRODUCED BACK INTOTHE ECONOMY

CHARITY SHOP SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES

REDUNDANT FURNITURE FROM PREMISES

REPAIRED AND RECYCLED

REPAIRED AND DONATED www.elite-furniture.co.uk

lite office furniture uk ltdmanufacturers of systems furniture & seating

lite

CE100 (CIRCULAR ECONOMY 100)

In order to produce products that have minimal negative impact on the environment, it is important that we understand ways that we consume materials and energy and the ways in which we dispose of our waste. Designing products that can be reused or remanufactured rather than being unsuitably disposed, remains our priority when selecting new products for our portfolio.

This approach is most known as following a ‘Circular Economy’ model, that favours replenishing resources wherever possible, using renewable energy sources and minimising wastage. The opposing model is known as ‘Linear Economy’, where products are made and then disposed of.

The Linear Economy is abbreviated as a ‘take, make, dispose’ method, that relies on large quantities of inexpensive, easily, accessible materials and energy as well as vast amounts of waste. Although the ‘Linear Economy’ works as an easy solution, it cannot be a long-term method if we are to support our economic industrial future. If we work collectively, we can protect our future resources.

Shifting from fossil fuels to renewable energy provides substantial benefits for our climate, our health and our economy. Our future aims to ensure we choose technologies and processes that use more efficient resources.

Waste and disposal cannot be completely avoided when producing such large quantities of products however, looking at the ways in which we accumulate and dispose of our waste as well as using efficient products, components and materials can have a significant impact.

We are aware of the heightened concern about plastic waste and therefore we continually focus on the reduction of this waste as a priority within our production processes. If we begin using more biological, non-toxic materials, we can simply compost our waste back into the environment.

Sustainable development aims to satisfy needs today, without compromising the needs of the future. A circular economy is a practical solution that is perfectly viable. Elite are looking at constantly adapting and aspiring towards alternative, greener operational models to benefit the economy.

ECO INTERESTS

Elite has a strong commitment to the environment. Because of this, we continuously review our approach and methods for reducing our impact on the environment.

Here we explain how we are exploring new procedures, preserving the economy.

GPP - GREEN PUBLIC PPROCUREMENT

Buying Green is a key priority for Elite. Given the fact that our product reach goes beyond the UK, we are aspiring to greater initiatives, giving consideration to the long-term effects on the environment. The Green Public Procurement looks at ways in which we can achieve a more resource-efficient economy within the EU, when businesses work collectively.

The EU GPP programme aims to control government spending power across the EU towards greener products and services, which can dramatically reduce environmental impact. In terms of Eco-innovation, the European Union GPP, although a voluntary initiative, is a strong stimulus. It can yield numerous benefits and address environmental issues including waste reduction, carbon emissions and consump-tion.

Keeping in line with the circular economy model, EU GPP can have wider benefits not always obvious at first glance. It can also help with demand for more sustainable goods on the market, eliminating cheap, unsustainable competition from the market.

It is important to note that, within the UK we currently follow the UK Government Buying Standards guidelines, which promotes similar priorities but there are on occasion differences, and work is taking place to ensure that these differences are closing and we are collectively working towards compliancy for a greener outlook.

Raw Materials Design

Production,Re-manufacturing

Distribution

Consumption,Use, Reuse, RepairCollection

Recycling

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Residual Waste

OURCIRCULAR ECONOMY

MODEL

GREEN PURCHASING

We operate a green purchasing scheme during procurement of materials and products, ensuring we use suppliers that are working to reduce their ‘Carbon Footprint’. WHAT IS GREEN PURCHASING?

Green purchasing considers both environmental and social factors when making a purchasing decision, aiming to minimise the impact that these items have on the environment and the community.

Traditionally, purchasing considerations went no further than the initial cost. Today, we know that this initial outlay may not be the best decision for a business, with operational and disposal costs of the product over its lifespan costing significantly more. The cost of energy and water are likely to rise faster than RPI over the coming decades, as resource scarcity and environmental controls on utility companies increase. Cost savings that might seem marginal at today's prices could well increase considerably as prices continue to rise.

Nearly every item purchased will have a greener alternative for our business, with the demand for 'green' market items increasing, following the realisation of what effort is needed from all companies to protect our environment. This document provides an overview of the information we consider when making informed buying decisions.

WHY DO WE DO IT?

There are a variety of economic, environmental and social reasons why any business should undertake green purchasing, including:

• Green alternatives can be more energy efficient. Initial outlay may be marginally more but the average payback periods for such initiatives are measured in months, not years.

• Many waste minimisation measures cost nothing, but yield big results.

• The conservation of natural resources is becoming increasingly important. If finite resources are not conserved now there will be major scarcity issues in years to come.

• Legislation, both in the UK and from Europe, is forcing us all to address the issue of waste. Non-compliance can mean fines or even prosecution.

• The presence of many schemes will ensure that reputational damage is avoided.

THE BASIC RULES OF GREEN PURCHASING AND DESKING / STORAGE

1. Is the product made in part or wholly from recycled material?2. Is the product made from material that came from a sustainable source?3. Is the product made from material that can be recycled after use?4. How energy and water efficient is the product?5. Does the product avoid excessive packaging? 6. Is the product easy to dismantle? (separating materials is essential for successful recycling)7. What are the disposal costs for the product?

PRODUCER AND PURCHASER RESPONSIBILITY

These green purchasing rules set out the basics of a green purchasing concept, but why do we need to worry about energy efficiency or whether or not it is easy to recycle? One consideration is purchaser responsibility. At the moment manufacturers are seeing a massive shift in our requirement towards producing goods that have been sourced sustainably, that are energy efficient during use and can be recycled at the end of their life. However, it is the purchaser's responsibility to procure these goods in the first place and make sure they are used and disposed of as they were intended. It takes both manufacturers and consumers to be responsible for a product's lifecycle.

WHOLE LIFE COSTING

When purchasing a product, it is important to consider all aspects of the lifecycle. The product that might be cheapest at the point of purchase may not be when running and disposal costs are taken into consideration. A whole life costing is now a viable money saving strategy with the continual rise in energy, water and disposal prices.

EXTRACTION OFRAW MATERIALS

DESIGN ANDPRODUCTION

PACKAGING AND DISTRIBUTION

USE ANDMAINTENANCE

REUSE AND RECYCLING

INCINERATION AND DISPOSAL

RECYCLINGMATERIALS

SUSTAINABILITY

The PEFC logo is an assurance that the product you are buying is from a sustainably managed forest. We are proud that all Elite MFC is purchased from PEFC approved suppliers.

During the manufacture of furniture, the use of resin glue, lacquers and wood dyes are common. It is important to be aware of the potential environmental risks that these products pose.

Toxic solvent based chemicals are sometimes used in wooden furniture manufacture. This includes formaldehyde - this is a compound used in resin glue in MFC furniture which can give rise to VOC emissions during production and initial use. Check with furniture manufacturers before you select items that emit low or no VOCs.

The materials Elite purchase are manufactured using the latest technology and compound. They are low in formaldehyde content that emitsno VOC’s.

PEFC - PROGRAMME FOR THE ENDORSEMENT OF FOREST CERTIFICATION SCHEMES.

PEFC is the world’s largest certification programme for sustainable forest management.

By buying products with the PEFC label you:• Demonstrate your support for the sustainable management of forests around the world.• Help to protect forests for present and future generations.• Help to promote the responsible sourcing of timber.• Help combat illegal logging.

PEFC is your assurance that wood, for paper and timber products, comes from forests that aresustainably managed. The following principles are part of PEFC certified forestry.

• No more wood is harvested than is regrown.• Trees are replanted or naturally regenerated after harvesting.• Worker’s rights and welfare are protected.• Local employment is encouraged.• Local people and owner’s rights are respected i.e. those who earn their livelihoods from and/or live in the forest.• Functions of forests for the protection of water, soil and climate are protected.• Biodiversity of forest ecosystems is conserved.• The origin of raw wood material is verified.

PEFC Council, Luxembourg

4039

PRODUCT LIFE CYCLE

This diagram shows the lifecycle of an Elite desk.

It is important to be aware that green purchasing has an effect on a product throughout its entire lifecycle.

ETHICAL PROCUREMENT POLICY

Elite has devoted considerable time and effort into develop-ing a policy that addresses social responsibility and explores effective and efficient ways of turning our vision into the reality during our daily operations.

We have discussed this approach with our suppliers, who already share many of our ethical values and beliefs, to gain their support to work with us as we incorporate our policy throughout our services.

Our fundamental approach has been to build ethical practices into our standard procurement process. This means that responsible procurement is embedded into our way of working.

Elements of our standard procedure that we have adapted include our supplier assessment and evaluation process in which we have introduced the following key considerations:

• Packaging - Consideration of the levels of packaging that comes with new products and whether an alternative can be used.

• Recycled content - Levels of recycled content are considered. Most products will state whether they contain recycled products or will have a symbol indicating this.

• Waste minimisation and recycling initiatives, in accordance with the waste hierarchy.

• PEFC Timber - Elite aim to source all wood products with PEFC Certification.

• Low energy - low energy options are chosen where possible. Larger electrical items contain energy labelling indicating energy efficiency rating.

• Longer Life - consideration of products that are more durable and do not need to be replaced as frequently. Consider spending more on a product if it will last three or four times longer.

• Less disposal impact - consideration is given to products that can be recycled or reused after they’ve been finished with.

• Locally produced - where possible products are chosen from local suppliers in order to help support the local community and reduce our carbon footprint by minimising the resources needed to transport the product.

• Low pollution - where possible products are chosen that have caused low levels of pollution, either through their manufacture, usage or disposal - relating to for example lower levels of raw materials used, lower levels of energy or water used, reduced transportation, reduction in chemical content or reduction in packaging.

• Embodied energy - encourage use of materials with a low embodied impact.

• Ethical trading initiative - encourage suppliers to join the ethical trading initiative.

• Environmental credentials - we will expect our suppliers to have an environmental policy in place and to operate in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations addressing environmental protection. If they don’t, we will encourage and work with them to implement a third party certified environmental management system within a reasonable time.

• Supplier Engagement - We will also expect suppliers to manage their own impacts and work with us to meet oursustainability goals.

We will continually expand our procurement team’s understanding of responsible procurement practices and continue to work with our suppliers and customers to raise their awareness of our commitment to sustainable development, encouraging them to adopt sustainable practices in the way that they do business with us.

We will ensure that all employees and suppliers are aware of our ethical procurement policy and this will be communicated externally and internally with supporting documents made available to colleagues.

This policy will be reviewed annually and updated as necessary.

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ETHICAL PROCUREMENT POLICY 2019

SIGNED

JOHN HULLMANAGING DIRECTOR

OUR ANTI BRIBERY AND CORRUPTION POLICY

ANTI BRIBERY AND CORRUPTION POLICY 2019

SIGNED

JOHN HULLMANAGING DIRECTOR

POLICY STATEMENT

It is our policy to conduct all of our business in an honest and ethical manner. We take a zero-tolerance approach to bribery and corruption and arecommitted to acting professionally, fairly and with integrity in all our business dealings and relationships wherever we operate, implementing and enforcing effective systems to counter bribery.

We will uphold all laws relevant to countering bribery and corruption in all the jurisdictions in which we operate. However, we remain bound by the laws of the UK, including the Bribery Act 2010, in respect of our conduct both at home and abroad.

The purpose of this policy is to:

(a) set out our responsibilities, and of those working for us, in observing and upholding our position on bribery and corruption; and

(b) provide information and guidance to those working for us on how to recognise and deal with bribery and corruption issues.

Bribery and corruption are punishable for individuals by up to ten years' imprisonment and if we are found to have taken part in corruption we could face an unlimited fine, be excluded from tendering for public contracts and face damage to our reputation. We therefore take our legal responsibilities very seriously.

We have identified that the following are particular risks for our business:

• Payments and gifts offered by subcontractors in order to secure jobs

• Requests from customers for payment to ensure that we secure contracts

To address these risks, we have issued all employees with a customer or subcontractor contact and a summarised copy of The Bribery Act 2010.

In this policy, third party means any individual or organisation you come into contact with during the course of your work for us and includes current or potential customers, suppliers, distributors, agents, advisers and government and public bodies, including their advisors, representatives and officials, politicians and political parties.

WHO IS COVERED BY THE POLICY?

This policy applies to all individuals working at all levels and grades, including senior managers, officers, directors, employees (whether perma-nent, fixed-term or temporary), consultants, contractors, trainees, seconded staff, casual workers and agency staff, interns, agents or any other person associated with us, or any employee within our subsidiaries (collectively referred to as Elite in this policy).

WHAT IS BRIBERY?

A bribe is an inducement or reward offered, promised or provided in order to gain any commercial, contractual, regulatory or personal advantage.

Examples:

Offering a bribe

You offer a client tickets to a major sporting event, but only if they agree to award the company a particular contract.

YOU have made an offence as you are making the offer to gain a commercial and contractual advantage. WE may also be found to have committed an offence because the offer has been made to obtain business for us. THE CLIENT may also have made an offence if the offer if accepted and not reported.

Receiving a bribe

A supplier gives your nephew a job, but makes it clear that in return they expect you to use your influence in our organisation to ensure we continue to do business with them.

The SUPPLIER has made an offence by offering a personal advantage in return for their commercial and contractual benefit. YOU would be also be found to commit an offence if you accepted the offer for personal advantage.

GIFTS AND HOSPITALITY

Elite accepts normal and appropriate gestures of hospitality and goodwill, whether given to or received from third parties, so long as the giving or receiving of gifts meets the following requirements:

(a) it is not made with the intention of influencing a third party to obtain or retain business or a business advantage, or to reward the provision or retention of business or a business advantage, or in explicit or implicit exchange for favours or benefits(b) it complies with local law;(c) it is given in our name, not in your name;(d) it does not include cash or a cash equivalent (such as gift certificates or vouchers);(e) it is appropriate in the circumstances. For example, in the UK it is customary for small gifts to be given at Christmas time;(f) taking into account the reason for the gift, it is of an appropriate type and value and given at an appropriate time;(g) it is given openly, not secretly; and(h) gifts should not be offered to, or accepted from, government officials or representatives, or politicians or political parties, without the prior approval of your manager.

The test to be applied is whether in all the circumstances the gift or hospitality is reasonable and justifiable. The intention behind the gift should always be considered.

WHAT IS NOT ACCEPTABLE?

It is not acceptable for you (or someone on your behalf) to:(a) give, promise to give, or offer, a payment, gift or hospitality with the expectation or hope that a business advantage will be received, or to reward a business advantage already given;(b) give, promise to give, or offer, a payment, gift or hospitality to a government official, agent or representative to "facilitate" or expedite a routine procedure;(c) accept payment from a third party that you know or suspect is offered with the expectation that it will obtain a business advantage for them;(d) accept a gift or hospitality from a third party if you know or suspect that it is offered or provided with an expectation that a business advantage will be provided by us in return;(e) threaten or retaliate against another employee who has refused to commit a bribery offence or who has raised concerns under this policy; or(f) engage in any activity that might lead to a breach of this policy.

continued overleaf

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FACILITATION PAYMENTS AND KICKBACKS

We do not make, and will not accept, facilitation payments or ‘kickbacks’ of any kind. Facilitation payments are typically small, unofficial payments made to secure or expedite a routine government action by a government official. They are not commonly paid in the UK, but are common in some other jurisdictions.

If you are asked to make a payment on our behalf, you should always be mindful of what the payment is for and whether the amount requested is proportionate to the goods or services provided. You should always ask for a receipt which details the reason for the payment. If you have any suspicions, concerns or queries regarding a payment, you should raise these with your line manager.

Kickbacks are typically payments made in return for a business favour or advantage. All Elite personnel must avoid any activity that might lead to, or suggest, that a facilitation payment or kickback will be made or accepted by us.

DONATIONS

We do not make contributions to political parties. Donations will only be made to registered charities that are legal and ethical under local laws and practices. No donation must be offered or made without the prior approval of the Managing Director, Finance Director, and/or Sales Director.

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES

You must ensure that you read, understand and comply with this policy.

The prevention, detection and reporting of bribery and other forms of corruption are the responsibility of all those working for us or under our control. All Elite Office Furniture Personnel are required to avoid any activity that might lead to, or suggest, a breach of this policy.

You must notify your line manager, as soon as possible, if you believe or suspect that a conflict with this policy has occurred, or may occur in the future. Our staff handbook indicates a number of ‘red flags’ that may indicate the possibility of being exposed to bribery or corruption.

Any employee who breaches this policy will face disciplinary action, which could result in dismissal for gross misconduct. We reserve our right to terminate our contractual relationship with other Elite Office Furniture Personnel if they breach this policy.

RECORD-KEEPING

We must keep financial records and have appropriate internal controls in place which will evidence the business reason for making payments to third parties.

You must declare and keep a written record of all hospitality or gifts accepted or offered, which will be subject to managerial review.

You must ensure all expenses claims relating to hospitality, gifts or expenses incurred to third parties are submitted in accordance with our expenses policy and specifically record the reason for the expenditure.

All accounts, invoices, memoranda and other documents and records relating to dealings with third parties, such as clients, suppliers and business contacts, should be prepared and maintained with strict accuracy and completeness. No accounts must be kept "off-book" to facilitate or conceal improper payments.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE A VICTIM OF BRIBERY OR CORRUPTION

You are encouraged to raise concerns about any issue or suspicion of malpractice at the earliest possible stage. If you are unsure whether a particular act constitutes bribery or corruption, or if you have any other queries, these should be raised with your line manager.

It is important that you tell your line manager as soon as possible if you are offered a bribe by a third party, asked to make one, suspect that this may happen in the future or believe that you are a victim of another form of unlawful activity.

PROTECTION

Elite personnel who refuse to accept or offer a bribe or those who raise concerns or report another's wrongdoing, are sometimes worried about possible repercussions. We aim to encourage openness and will support anyone who raises genuine concerns in good faith under this policy, even if they turn out to be mistaken.

We are committed to ensuring no one suffers any detrimental treatment as a result of refusing to take part in bribery or corruption. Detrimental treatment includes dismissal, disciplinary action, threats or other unfavourable treatment connected with raising a concern. If you believe that you have suffered any such treatment, you should inform the Managing Director immediately.

If the matter is not remedied, and you are an employee, you should raise it formally using our Grievance Procedure, which can be found within the staff handbook.

TRAINING AND COMMUNICATION

The communication of this policy is part of the induction process for all new staff. All existing personnel will receive regular, relevant training on how to implement and adhere to this policy.

Our zero-tolerance approach to bribery and corruption must be communicated to all suppliers, contractors and business partners at the outset of our business relationship with them and as appropriate thereafter.

WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE POLICY?

The board of directors has overall responsibility for ensuring this policy complies with our legal and ethical obligations, and that all those under our control comply with it. The Sales Director has primary and day-to-day responsibility for implementing this policy and for monitoring its use and effectiveness and dealing with any queries on its interpretation. Management at all levels are responsible for ensuring those reporting to them are made aware of and understand this policy.

MONITORING AND REVIEW

The Managing Director monitors the effectiveness and review the implementation of this policy, regularly considering its suitability, adequacy and effectiveness. Any improvements identified will be made as soon as possible. Internal control systems and procedures will be subject to regular audits to provide assurance that they are effective in countering bribery and corruption. Staff members are invited to comment on this policy and suggest ways in which it might be improved. Comments, suggestions and queries should be addressed to the Managing Director.

OUR ANTI BRIBERY AND CORRUPTION POLICYcontinued

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OUR ANTI PIRACY SOFTWARE POLICY

Many businesses and organizations are not aware that they may be using illegal software. Software piracy is the illegal distribution or reproduction of software. Purchasing software is actually purchasing a license to use the software. That license dictates how you may use that software within the law.

Anytime someone uses the software beyond the scope of the license, that person – or company – is violating the license and possible copyright law. Whether software piracy is deliberate or not, it is still illegal and punishable by law.

Elite ensure all software products are fully licensed and maintain the latest software throughout our offices and factory. We prohibit the execution of any of the following:

End User Piracy: This occurs when an individual reproduces copies of software without authorization.

Counterfeiting: This type of piracy is the illegal duplication, distribution and/or sale of copyrighted material with the intent of imitating the copyright-ed product.

Internet Piracy: This occurs when software is downloaded from the Internet.

Hard-Disk Loading: This occurs when a business sells new computers with illegal copies of software loaded onto the hard disks to make the purchase of the machines more attractive.

Client-Server Overuse: This type of piracy occurs when too many users on a network are using a central copy of a program at the same time. If you have a local-area network and install programs on the server for several people to use, you have to be sure your license entitles you to do so. If you have more users than allowed by the license, then it is regarded as overuse.

DATA AND SYSTEM PROTECTION

Data and system protection is a fundamental part of modern day business. It involves the administration of backup processes to ensure that tasks run on schedule, and that data is securely backed up and recoverable. It means having effective processes in place to maintain data integrity. Security is the most important aspect of our data management. Business data protection safeguards customer details, financial information, sales figures and other key business data. In order to secure company data, we adhere to a number of processes.

We maintain the latest operating systems on all computers and ensure regular security updates are installed. We employ a high level of anti-virus software which breaks down into three tiers Anti Malware, Anti Ransomware and Anti Exploit. This protects our machines and software from the latest security threats.

In our understanding of the complex and highly intelligent nature of modern day viruses, we use advanced firewall software which allows remote access to emails by encrypted passwords. Firewalls properly protect our network by controlling internet traffic coming into and flowing out of our business.

We choose not to use cloud systems for back up instead turning to manual methods backing up daily and storing in a fire and tamper proof safe.

We continually teach employees about safe online habits. Making sure that all employees understand how important the company data is the measures they can take to protect it. Keeping information safe, while complying with relevant data protection rules and legislation is fundamental for data and system protection in business.

We use the above licensed software within our corporation.

All software and their respective plug-ins are purchased directly fromthe developer or their authoriseddistribution partners.

All OEM software at Elite have genuine product keys and valid licences.

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ANTI PIRACY SOFTWAREPOLICY 2019

SIGNED

JOHN HULLMANAGING DIRECTOR

GDPR DATA PROTECTION PRIVACY NOTICE

GDPR DATA PROTECTION PRIVACY NOTICE 2019

SIGNED

JOHN HULLMANAGING DIRECTOR

Prior to the creation of this revised privacy notice, a full data assessment was carried out to analyse the areas of our business that collect, process and store

personal information. For the purpose of this privacy notice, personal information is any information relating to an identifiable person who can be directly

or indirectly identified.

FOR OUR CUSTOMERS AND SUPPLIERS

On doing business with Elite Office Furniture UK Ltd, you may be asked for the following information:

Name, Company Name, Address, Telephone Number, Email Address, Company Bank Details and any other information required to fulfil our contractual

obligation to you. The details are processed and stored using third-party software (Pegasus’ Opera 2 and Epicor’s EPP 10.1), for the purpose of processing

order quotations, sales orders, purchase orders, delivery notes and invoices. We have a legal obligation to store invoices for a period of 6 years. During this

period, hard copies are archived in a secure office, after which they are destroyed.

FOR OUR WEBSITE VISITORS

In general, you can visit https://www.elite-furniture.co.uk/ without telling us who you are or revealing any information about yourself. Our web servers only

collect the domain IP address. The information you provide when using the online LiveChat software, provided by LiveChat, Inc. and accessed through

https://www.elite-furniture.co.uk/ is disclosed voluntarily during communication with Elite Office Furniture UK Limited. The information entered on our

website is transmitted securely via a secure medium known as Secure Sockets Layer, or SSL. You will be asked to consent to submit your information, prior

to any information being recorded. Information supplied through LiveChat are collected and used for the purpose of resolving your enquiry only, and this

information remains on our systems for a period of 90 days, after which it is deleted.

FOR EMAIL MARKETING

If you sign up to receive marketing material including new product launches, product updates and special offers from Elite Office Furniture UK Limited, the

information we collect includes your Name, Email Address and Company Name. We will use this personal data for the purpose of this service only. Prior to

any data processing, we will ask for your consent to collect and process this information, in respect of this privacy notice. Anyone signed up prior to 25th

May 2018 will have already received an email to gain consent and continue receiving these emails. For the purpose of sending marketing information, we

use a software provided by The Rocket Science Group LLC d/b/a “Mailchimp” to send and store your data. Prior to the 25th May 2018, we signed a data

protection agreement with Mailchimp, whereby we understand how they store the information we process using cloud services, and the safe guards in

place to prevent any data breaches. You have the right to unsubscribe and withdraw your consent at any point by clicking the unsubscribe link found at the

bottom of all emails sent from info@elite-furniture.co.uk. We retain this information for as long as you are opted in to receive these emails.

YOUR RIGHT TO ACCESS

The personal data collected and processed through the above procedures is your own, and you have the right to access, retrieve, amend and delete this

information at any point, should there be no legal obligation not to. Requests should be made in writing using the address provided. When requesting

access to your personal information, please note that we may request specific information from you to enable us to confirm your identity and right to

access, as well as to search for and provide you with all the personal information that we hold about you. Elite will respond within 30 days of receiving your

written request.

HOW WE PROTECT YOUR INFORMATION

Elite Office Furniture UK Ltd will endeavour to protect the information provided through physical, technical and procedural precautions. These precautions

are designed to protect your personal information from loss and unauthorised access, copying, use, modification or disclosure. All personal information

stored electronically is kept on password protected servers and portals.

Our systems defend against cyber-attacks using rigorous anti malware, anti-ransomware and anti-exploit attack programs, protecting our PC’s and software

from the latest security threats and viruses.

Elite Office Furniture UK Limited may occasionally make changes to this privacy notice to reflect changes in its legal or regulatory obligations, or in the

manner in which we deal with your personal information. The most current revision of this document will be available at https://www.elite-furniture.-

co.uk/assets/elite---data-protection-notice.pdf

Any changes to this policy, made through revisions will be effective from the time they are published.

This privacy policy was last updated on 25th May 2019.

This privacy notice will outline the following information so that you, as an individual, understand the terms in which Elite Office Furniture UK Ltd [Registered in England. 03365655] collect, process, store, share and protect your personal information.

• What basis we process this information on.• How we use your information.• Who we share your information with.• Your right to access, amend or delete this data.• What steps we take to protect your information.

FAO INFORMATION OFFICER

ELITE OFFICE FURNITURE UK LIMITEDElite RoadGooleEast YorkshireDN14 8BFUnited Kingdom

ALL GDPR CORRESPONDENCE SHOULD BE ADDRESSED TO:

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BIM - LEVEL 2

BIM (Building Information Modelling) is an intelligent 3D model-based process, that equips architecture, engineering and construction professionals with the insight and tools to efficiently plan, design, construct and manage buildings and infrastructure better.

BIM was initially developed as a response to the Government requiring better control of information on its centrally funded construction schemes, following a number of successful case studies. Since April 2016, all government procured assets have to be compliant with BIM to at least level two. The levels of BIM refer to their maturity, level two involves developing building information in a collabora-tive 3D environment with data attached, but created in separate discipline models. The transition from CAD to BIM will be much more significant than when comput-ers replaced paper drawings, around 20 years ago as that transition merely automated the process, leaving it intact, while BIM is intended to transform how project teams work.

Traditional building designs were largely reliant upon two-dimensional technical drawings (plans, elevations, sections, etc.). BIM extends this beyond 3D, augment-ing the three primary spatial dimensions (width, height and depth) with time as the fourth dimension (4D) and cost as the fifth (5D). BIM therefore covers more than just geometry. It also covers spatial relationships, light analysis, geographic information, and quantities and properties of building components for example, manufacturers' details.

BIM involves representing a design as objects that carry their geometry, relations and attributes (vague and undefined, generic or product-specific, solid shapes or void-space oriented (like the shape of a room)). BIM design tools allow extraction of different views from a building model for drawing and other uses. These different views are automatically consistent, being based on a single definition of each object instance. BIM software also defines objects parametrically, so that if a related object is amended, dependent ones will automatically also change. Each model element can carry attributes for selecting and ordering them automatically, providing cost estimates as well as material tracking and ordering.

For those involved in a project, BIM enables a virtual information model to be handed from the design team, to the main contractor and subcontractors and then on to the owner/operator. Each professional adds discipline-specific data to the single shared model. This reduces information losses that traditionally occur when a new team takes 'ownership' of the project, and provides more extensive information to owners of complex structures.

Design, visualisation, simulation and collaboration enabled by Autodesk BIM, provides greater clarity for all stakeholders across the project lifecycle. BIM makes it easier to achieve project and business goals, creating and using an intelligent third model to inform and communicate project decisions. Fundamentally, the purpose of BIM is to ensure that appropriate information is created in a suitable format at the right time, so that better decisions can be made throughout the design, construction and operation of assets.

Currently we are using Revit for all of our BIM requirements. Revit is a single software application that supports a BIM workflow from concept to construction. Revit models design with precision, optimise performance and collaborates more effectively. Revit uses the aforementioned parametric modelling as it’s basis for designing and is 4D BIM capable with tools to plan and track various stages in the buildings lifecycle from concept to construction and later demolition.

BIM yields several benefits for industry. It can help save money and carbon by cutting out wasteful processes / activities and making more informed decisions at the right time. It gets people and information working together effectively and efficiently through defined processes and technology. The models offer a better visual representation of design/construction and can therefore be used to help inform decision making.

Our 3D CAD blocks are all produced using the latest Autodesk’s Revit software.

This software offers the best compatibility and uniformity for architects and designers wishing to use our Revit blocks.

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There are a number of 'levels of maturity' of BIM:

Level 0 describes unmanaged CAD (Computer Aided Design).

Level 1 describes managed CAD in 2D or 3D.

Level 2 involves developing building information in a collaborative 3D environment with data attached, but created in separate discipline models.

Level 3 has yet to be defined in detail, but it is thought that it will include a single, collaborative, online, project model including construction sequencing, cost and lifecycle management informa-tion.

All our BIM blocks are level 2 compliant.

RETURNS POLICY

Elite Office Furniture UK Limited aims to provide defect free products and services to its customers.

To ensure continued suitability, regular reviews of our Quality Management System are carried out and any necessary improvements are reflected in our policies and procedures.

Elite Office Furniture UK Limited offers a warranty period of 5 years from the date of delivery. That the Goods shall be fit for purpose, of satisfactory quality and conform in all material respects with the specification. (Within the meaning of the Sale Of Goods Act 1979 & Consumer Rights Act 2015).

The Customer should give notice in writing to Elite Office Furniture UK Limited upon discovery if an issue is identified within the warranty period and they must allow Elite Office Furniture UK Limited the opportunity to examine the goods. If asked to do so, the Customer shall return the goods to Elite Office Furniture UK Limited’s place of business at Elite’s cost. Elite shall then repair or replace the defective goods, or refund the price of the defective goods in full.

Further information on your rights can be found at www.gov.uk.

RETURNS POLICY 2019 SIGNED

JOHN HULLMANAGING DIRECTOR

Elite Office Furniture UK Limited warrants that on delivery, and for a period of 5 years from the date of delivery("Warranty Period"), the Goods shall:

• Conform in all material respects with their description and any applicable specification;

• Be free from material defects in design, material and workmanship; and

• Be of satisfactory quality (within the meaning of the Sale Of Goods Act & Consumer Rights Act 2015); and

• Be fit for any purpose held out by Elite Office Furniture UK Limited.

Subject to clause 24 if:

The Customer gives notice in writing to Elite Office Furniture UK Limited during the Warranty Period upon discovery that some or all of the Goods do not comply with the warranty set out in clause 22;

Elite Office Furniture UK Limited is given a reasonable opportunity of examining such Goods; and the Customer (if asked to do so by Elite Office Furniture UK Limited) returns such Goods to Elite Office Furniture UK Limited's place of business at Elite Office Furniture UK Limited's cost,

Elite Office Furniture UK Limited shall, at its option, repair or replace the defective Goods, or refund the price of the defective Goods in full.

Elite Office Furniture UK Limited shall not be liable for the Goods' failure to comply with the warranty set out in clause 22 in any of the following events:

• The Customer makes any further use of such Goods after giving notice in accordance with clause 22;

• The defect arises because the Customer failed to follow Elite Office Furniture UK Limited's oral or written instructions as to the storage, commissioning, installation, use and maintenance of the Goods or (if there are none) good trade practice regarding the same;

• The defect arises as a result of Elite Office Furniture UK Limited following any drawing, design or specification supplied bythe Customer;

• The Customer alters or repairs such Goods without Elite Office Furniture UK Limited's prior written consent;

• The defect arises as a result of fair wear and tear, wilful damage, negligence, or abnormal storage or working conditions; or

• The Goods differ from their description or, as the case may be, the specification as a result of changes made to ensure they comply with applicable statutory or regulatory requirements.

Wood veneers vary in grain and colour, Elite Office Furniture UK Limited do not book match veneers and work with pre-veneered boards limiting the matching of veneers on adjoining surfaces. Elite Office Furniture UK Limited will not be liable whatsoever for any variation and shall be under no obligation to accept return of Goods where a variation occurs. Veneer is a natural material and variations on pre-veneered board are inevitable. If the Customer requires book matching on veneers a specialist supplier should be identified and appointed.

Except as provided in clauses 22 to 28 (inclusive), Elite Office Furniture UK Limited shall have no liability to the Customer in respect of the Goods' failure to comply with the warranty set out in clause 22.

Except as set out in these Conditions, all warranties, conditions and other terms implied by statute or common law are, to the fullest extent permitted by law, excluded from the Contract.

These Conditions shall apply to any repaired or replacement Goods supplied by Elite Office Furniture UK Limited.

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COMMUNITY

With our achievements over the last 30 years, we remain proud of our beginning as a once small family firm that is powered by local people, which forms the foundation of our values.

By sourcing our materials locally where possible and employing local people, we support the community and boost the local economy.

Our new multi-million-pound factory is being built on a site just outside Goole. We chose this setting over other sites further away to help us maintain our local workforce and to continue to support the Goole area - ensuring that money is invested back into the local community and lowering the area’s unemployment rate.

With the strong emphasis on employee wellbeing within the modern workplace, we ensure a healthy lifestyle is supported at work by encouraging cycle to work initiatives and the new facility houses a gym and breakout patio.

Elite sponsored a junior football team - Matlock Town Juniors FC and purchased the players’ kits and training tops. Previously we sponsored British triathlon competitor Paul Clucas.

We are passionate not only about our own community, but communities further afield too and one of our biggest community projects to date was our involvement with the television programme BBC DIY SOS: The Big Build for Children in Need.

The programme called upon trade companies to pull together to provide an extension and refurbishment to the youth centre in an effort to provide better facilities to the community of Norris Green. The centre is in one of the most deprived areas of Liverpool, associated with high levels of crime, unemployment and gang violence. Elite donated Linnea bench desking, system storage units, boardroom tables and seating. Julian Jowett (Sales Director) and Dean Butler (National Account Manager) of Elite joined BBC's DIY SOS crew, managed by presenter Nick Knowles. The project ran for nine days in total and included a final unveiling to staff and young-sters on day ten. A typical size project would take eight months at a cost of around £1m.

Our employees are also keen and often receive sponsorship from us to take on many fundraising events throughout the year. Recently 3 of our London based employees completed the Tough Mudder challenge, raising £1,900 for Save the Children and most recently Sales Director, Julian Jowett and two friends embarked on a challenging 100 Mile Ultra Marathon for Prostate Cancer UK. Known as the Cotswold Way, the 4 day event saw runners take on the 102 mile national trail, running from Chipping Campden in the North to Bath in the South. Donations from employees and dealers helped the trio raise over £2,000 for Prostate Cancer UK. A fantastic achievement!

PROSTATE CANCER UK 2018

Over £2,000 donated when Sales Director, Julian Jowett and two friends took on the 100 Mile Run.

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DIY SOS

Presenter Nick Knowles with Julian Jowett, Elite Sales Director and Dean Butler, Elite Northern Sales Manager.

TOUGH MUDDER 2017

The course was completed by Paul, Claire and Mark, Elite Southern Sales Managers, who raised £1900 for the Save The Children charity.