Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement

For the Financial Year Ending 30 June 2025

This statement is made pursuant to section 54(1) of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and sets out the steps  that Heartwood Collection has taken during the financial year from 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025 to prevent  modern slavery and human trafficking in our business operations and supply chains. 

Our Business and Structure 

Heartwood Collection encompasses two distinct trading brands: Heartwood Inns and Brasserie Blanc,  operating in 46 locations across the United Kingdom. We employ over 1,800 people across our brasseries  and pubs. 

This statement is prepared on behalf of Abriand Topco Limited – the ultimate parent company of the  Heartwood Collection group. It also covers all activities of Heartwood Inns Limited, Heartwood Propco  Limited and Blanc Brasseries Limited. 

Our group is committed to upholding human rights and ensuring that modern slavery, forced labour, and  human trafficking have no place within our business or our supply chains. 

Our Commitment and Policy Approach 

We are committed to: 

  • Acting ethically and with integrity in all business dealings. 
  • Implementing and enforcing effective systems and controls to ensure modern slavery is not  taking place in our own operations or those of our supply chains. 
  • Promoting a safe, inclusive, and supportive workplace that celebrates diversity and upholds the  rights of all individuals. 

This includes: 

  • Robust recruitment policies, including right-to-work checks and compliance with all relevant  employment laws, including National Minimum Wage and Working Time Regulations. 
  • A zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery, underpinned by safe reporting mechanisms. All  team members are encouraged to raise any concern in confidence, knowing they will be taken  seriously and without risk of reprisal. 
  • A Whistleblowing Policy, enabling employees and third parties to report any suspected  wrongdoing confidentially. 

Our Supply Chains 

We expect all our contractors, suppliers and other business partners to adopt the same high standards in  respect of modern slavery and human trafficking. 

We will respond quickly and decisively with any supplier activity that does not meet our own standards  in this area. 

Risk Assessment and Management 

While we have not identified any significant risks within our operations or supply chains, we remain alert  to potential issues. We maintain a proportionate, risk-based approach and review our practices annually  to ensure emerging risks are identified and addressed promptly. 

We recognise that modern slavery can occur at any stage of a supply chain, particularly where  sourcing is complex or multi-tiered. To manage this risk, we:

  • Review existing Tier 1 suppliers annually to confirm that appropriate policies and controls  remain in place. 
  • Investigate promptly any concerns raised through whistleblowing or supplier feedback channels. Within our own teams, wellbeing is a priority. All employees have access to a free, confidential  Employee Assistance Programme, and we actively communicate the wellbeing initiatives  available to support every team member. 

Key Performance Indicators 

To measure the effectiveness of our actions in preventing modern slavery and human trafficking, we  monitor the following indicators: 

  • All new employees complete right-to-work checks before starting employment. All new employees review and acknowledge company policies that set clear expectations for  conduct and workplace behaviour. 
  • All new Tier 1 suppliers undergo risk assessment before approval, with annual reviews for existing  suppliers. 
  • Both internal and external whistleblowing channels are monitored by the People Director and  reported quarterly to the ESG Steering Group. 

These measures help us to monitor progress and ensure our approach remains effective, proportionate,  and responsive to change. 

Training and Awareness 

Since our first modern slavery statement in 2019, we have delivered training and awareness programmes  to employees across our operations. In the last 12 months: 

  • We rolled out a series of Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) workshops, starting with the board  and senior leadership teams. 
  • New employees receive onboarding training to ensure an understanding of our stance on  ethical conduct. This includes reading and acknowledging the Heartwood Collection code of  conduct outlining our commitment to providing a workplace where there is genuine care and  respect. 

Monitoring Effectiveness 

We regularly review and update our policies and procedures to ensure they remain effective and aligned  with best practice. 

Board Approval 

This statement was approved by the Board of Directors of Heartwood Collection Limited on 23 September 2025, in accordance with section 54(1) of the Modern Slavery Act 2015. 

Signed,
Helen Melvin
People Director
Abriand Topco Limited & Heartwood Collection Limited
November 2025

Heartwood Collection Limited is registered in England and Wales with company number 5699494 and is the holding company of Heartwood Inns Limited, registered in England and Wales with company number 7118269 and Blanc Brasseries Limited, registered in England and Wales with company number 4782459 and. All three companies have their registered office at Cairns House, 10 Station Road Teddington, TW11 9AA.