Our suppliers are also our business partners and the company has a policy of maintaining a strong relationship with suppliers conducting business on fair and equitable treatment and in a transparent manner. Suppliers and potential suppliers are offered the opportunity to tender for business in a transparent and fair manner and are given equal access to information and are given equal opportunity in submission of tenders. Sufficiently experienced review committees are established and criteria for request for tender, information and consideration of tenders are set in advance. There are sufficient members on each selection committee representing the key disciplines in the company and the areas requiring the supply of products or services to ensure all relevant aspects are considered in appointing suppliers and that suppliers are selected on the merits of their product or services, pricing and quality. Our code of conduct incorporates strict rules in dealing with suppliers and these rules are aimed at ensuring independence, integrity and a decision making process free of bias. Suppliers’ complaints are investigated by the highest level of management and where necessary appropriate corrective and disciplinary action is taken.

Regulatory bodies are equally important to our business. We have a policy of making detailed and transparent disclosure to such bodies. We ensure that we regularly engage and report to key regulatory bodies overseeing our business and our reporting practices. Any instruction from regulatory bodies is carefully considered and acted on.