A) Organisation

This statement applies to Enra Specialist Finance Ltd and its subsidiaries West One Loan Limited, West One Secured Loans Limited, West One Development Finance Limited and Aria Finance Limited (referred to in this statement as 'The Group').

B) Organisational Structure

The address of the principal office is: The Edward Hyde Building, 38 Clarendon Road, Watford, Herts, WD17 1JW. The Business Development Team are peripatetic. The Group consists of two operating divisions within the organisation; Broking & Lending, supported by centralised support services.

The organisation is controlled by a Board of Directors.

The main activity carried out by the organisation is specialist mortgage advice, packaging and lending services. The organisation performs the activities of the aforementioned via our offices based in Watford and business development teams. The demand for our services is relatively consistent throughout the year although can fluctuate over holiday periods.

The vast majority of the labour supplied to the Group is pursuance of its operation is carried out within the United Kingdom, with a small team of offshore IT resources employed in software development roles.

C) Definitions

The Group considers that modern slavery encompasses:

  • Human trafficking;
  • Forced work, through mental or physical threat;
  • Being owned or controlled by an employer through mental or physical abuse or the threat of abuse;
  • Being dehumanised, treated as a commodity or being bought or sold as property;
  • Being physically constrained or to have a restriction placed on freedom of movement.

D) Commitment

The Group acknowledges its responsibilities in relation to tackling modern slavery and commits to complying with the provisions in the Modern Slavery Act 2015. The Group understands that this requires an ongoing review of both its internal practices in relation to its labour force and, additionally, its supply chains.

The Group does not enter into business with any other organisation, in the United Kingdom or abroad, which knowingly supports or is found to involve itself in slavery, servitude and forced or compulsory labour.

No labour provided to the Group in the pursuance of the provision of its own services is obtained by means of slavery or human trafficking. The Group strictly adheres to the minimum standards required in relation to its responsibilities under relevant employment legislation.

E) Supply Chains

The Group’s key supply chains are provided by either professional service firms, based in the UK and Europe, or global technology platforms. Sub-contracting is only permitted where diligence is undertaken as part of contractual discussions.

Banking services are provided by UK mainstream banks which may use call centres operating outside of the UK.

F) Potential Exposure

The Group considers that it has minimal exposure to the risk of slavery and human trafficking due to the nature and location of its offices and key supply chains.

G) Steps

In accordance with section 54(4) of the Modern Slavery Act 2015, the Group undertakes due diligence on all suppliers to ensure that modern slavery is not taking place.

The due diligence processes on all suppliers includes a review of key policies and are subject to sign off in accordance with Group Policies. The level of diligence depends upon the nature of the service to be provided. Supplier arrangements and updated diligence are undertaken on a regular basis.

The Group has not, to its knowledge, conducted any business with another organisation which has been found to have involved itself with modern slavery. Where such an instance is found to have occurred the relationship will be terminated immediately.

The Group maintains a whistleblowing policy, corporate & social responsibility policy and diversity & equality policies. The remuneration policy and diversity & equality policies. The remuneration policy, which provides for fair and transparent methods for existing and prospective staff pay, is subject to oversight by a Board through a Remuneration Committee. The Group has embedded its culture and values through both a code of conduct and regular training and values are an integral part of the appraisal process.

H) Slavery Compliance Officer

The Group has appointed the Chief Operating Officer as the Slavery Compliance Officer, to whom all concerns regarding modern slavery should be addressed, and who will then undertake relevant action with regard to the Group obligations in this regard.

This statement is made pursuant to Section 54(1) of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 for the financial year ending 31st December 2023 and will be reviewed for each financial year.

This statement has been signed by Stephen Hogg, Chief Operating Officer, and approved by the Board of Directors on 4th September 2024.