IRONMONGERY AND SECURITY SEDEX SUPPLIERS: THE BENEFITS


Darren Bates, sales director, distribution at ERA, tells BMJ why partnering with suppliers that are part of Supplier Ethical Data Exchange is a must for merchants.


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s the building and construction industry evolves to incorporate more sustainable practices, it is crucial for merchants to adopt


practices that ‘do the right thing’ in terms of protecting the world around us. With 45% of the UK’s carbon emissions coming from the built environment, the construction industry is rapidly evolving to ensure it can reduce its impact on the environment and meet the country’s net-zero targets.


What is Sedex?


A solutions provider that describes itself as a ‘profit-for-purpose’ organisation, Sedex is a global technology company dedicated to improving social and environmental sustainability in supply chains. Sedex’s community of business customers now comprises over 85,000 businesses and 104,000 supply chains sites globally. Its platform, tools and services enable businesses to easily manage and improve their performance in areas that concern labour standards, health and safety, environment, and overall business ethics.


Companies, such as ERA, can provide data about their ethical practices through the Sedex Platform, which is then available to access by Sedex members that want to ensure their suppliers are acting responsibly. It also provides risk assessment tools that can help partners identify risks within their own supply chain.


While Sedex does not provide certification, it offers the Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audits (SMETA), which is a widely recognised on-site assessment in relation to ethics and sustainability. Businesses can voluntarily undergo this type of audit to demonstrate and improve their ethical compliance.


So, what is SMETA?


There are two types of SMETA audit, a two pillar and a four pillar, depending on the area of focus: • Two pillar – focuses mainly on labour standards and health and safety, with some aspects of environmental management • Four pillar – focuses on labour standards,


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efficiency, and provide customer satisfaction, especially given the increasing competition in the industry. That is why partnering with suppliers that are Sedex members can provide a competitive edge.


ERA and Sedex


health and safety, environmental management and business ethics


Should a company wish to undergo an audit, a third-party firm, which is approved by Sedex to carry out SMETAs, will conduct an audit that evaluates the company’s performance against SMETA standards in the areas relevant to the chosen scope. Supply-side companies are then able to share their audit and results (amongst other sustainability-related information) with multiple customers simultaneously via the Sedex platform.


Benefits to merchants It is crucial that merchants work with suppliers that boost their reputation, ensure operational


ERA, one of the UK’s leading home security and fenestration manufacturers and suppliers, is a member of Sedex, listed both as a buyer and supplier on the platform. The company also undergoes an annual SMETA four pillar audit.


Further demonstrating its commitment to sustainable and ethical practices, ERA is proud to confirm that its top five suppliers are also members of Sedex.


In an industry where trust, quality, and reputation are of paramount importance, merchants certainly have a lot to gain by working with partners that share their sustainability-related data on Sedex. Not only does this safeguard merchants in a world where sustainable and ethical practices are becoming more and more legislated, it also supports a more ethical and sustainable construction industry as a whole. BMJ


ULTION UPGRADES AWARD WINNING SMART LOCK


Security brand, ULTION, has announced an upgraded version of its multiple award- winning smart lock, which now comes with Matter support, making it easier to control (including via voice assistants) and integrate into a wider smart home set-up. Ultion Nuki Plus Matter Edition also features an even-more-secure new 3-star Euro Cylinder lock with LockDown Mode™, triggered when forced entry is detected. Ultion is so sure you won’t be broken into by burglars snapping the Police Preferred lock, it offers a unique £5,000 security guarantee.


Featuring built-in Wi-Fi for remote access and a rechargeable USB-C battery, the lock’s technologies are all self-contained meaning there is no requirement for a separate bridge or charging pack.


www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net December 2024


Ultion Nuki Plus Matter edition owners can also issue digital keys to friends, family or anyone that requires access to their home, and be notified when they open or close the door.


Available in black or white with a premium brushed steel control module, the lock is visible on the inside of the door only. RRP is £379. www.ultion-lock.co.uk


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