Our Code of Business Conduct ensures that, in serving the interests of our shareholders, we also discharge our duties towards the individuals and businesses with whom we have contact. This includes investors, employees, customers, suppliers, competitors and the wider community. In addition, the code enshrines a commitment to the environment because we recognise that our responsibilities extend to the natural world.

We are committed to conducting business professionally, fairly and with honesty and integrity. As a result, we expect our colleagues, customers and suppliers to maintain high ethical standards in this regard and, in doing so, to achieve compliance with bribery and corruption laws.

We remain vigilant in our efforts to combat modern slavery and human trafficking, regularly reviewing the effectiveness of our procedures in the areas we consider to be of greatest risk. These include employee recruitment and on-boarding, contractor appointment and management, procurement and outsourcing, and by raising awareness of anti-slavery and human trafficking through widespread communication of policies and guidelines.

We actively support gender equality in the workplace and are committed to improving the balance of gender composition over time. More broadly, we are committed to an environment that provides fair reward for all and ensures each and every colleague has access to personal development opportunities with the necessary support and tools to progress their career.

Our colleagues are critical to our success, so it is vital that we create a workplace that is inclusive, where our differences are not only embraced but make us stronger.

Diversity and inclusion are embraced at all levels in Smiths News and reflected in the company’s culture and values that help deliver our strategic objectives.

In accordance with the requirements of paragraph 16(2) of Schedule 19 of the Finance Act 2016, Smiths News plc presents the UK Tax Strategy for Smiths News plc and its UK subsidiaries (“UK Group”). This tax strategy applies to all UK taxes applicable to the UK Group and has been approved by the Board of Directors of Smiths News plc (“the Board”). The policy will be reviewed annually.

The Articles of Association detail the provisions relating to the regulation of the Company in terms of the rights of its members and the authority of the directors.