eStar Truck and Van

Modern Slavery Statement

Modern Slavery Act 2015: Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement

Introduction

This statement is made pursuant to the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and sets out what steps eStar Truck and Van Limited has taken and continues to take to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking from taking place within our business and our supply chain.

The Company is committed to running its business responsibly, striving to maintain high ethical principles and having respect for human rights. One of our core values is to behave with integrity. We are aware of our legal and moral obligations towards combatting forced, bonded or compulsory labour, human trafficking and other kinds of slavery.

We do not knowingly conduct business with individuals, agencies, or companies that conduct, support, condone or facilitate human trafficking or slavery.

Our business

eStar Truck and Van Limited (“eStar”) is a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer across the North-West and North Wales with dealerships at Knowsley, Deeside, Stoke-on-Trent and Trafford Park, offering the sale of Mercedes-Benz Trucks and Vans, their service, maintenance and supply of Mercedes-Benz parts. We also operate out of two new sites in Uttoxeter and Knowsley.

We employ around 340 staff across our operation, working predominantly in North-West England and North Wales.

Our supply chain

With regards to national or international supply chains, our main points of contact are with Mercedes Benz UK Companies which include Mercedes-Benz Trucks UK Ltd, Mercedes-Benz Vans UK Ltd, Mercedes-Benz Parts Logistics UK Ltd and Mercedes-Benz Financial Services UK Ltd.

The Mercedes-Benz UK Companies are proud of the integrity measures they take in this regard.

The Mercedes-Benz UK Companies’ efforts to eradicate slavery and human trafficking in their supply chains and own businesses include publication of their brochure entitled “Ethical Business – Our Shared Responsibility” in which they communicate their ethical principles and associated expectations to their supply chain. Their supplier code of conduct requires all suppliers to the Mercedes-Benz UK Companies to sign up to a sustainability clause which details all requirements around forced labour, slavery and human trafficking. As part of our initiative to identify and mitigate risk, where possible, we build long standing relationships with local suppliers and customers. We ask all new suppliers to confirm to us that they have a fair worker policy.

In general, eStar considers its exposure to slavery/human trafficking to be relatively limited.

Written policies and procedures

We operate several internal policies to ensure that we are conducting business in an ethical and transparent manner. These include Modern Day Slavery, Recruitment and Selection, Whistle Blowing, Ethics, Dignity at Work, and Criminal Offences Committed by Staff. These were reissued to staff in 2023 and are available on our HR database.

Employees and training

All new employees are subject to pre-employment checks to confirm their identity and eligibility to work in the UK prior to their starting work within the Group. Information is provided to all employees on their statutory rights including sick pay, holiday pay and any other benefits they may be entitled to by virtue of their employment. We pay all directly employed labour at least the living or minimum wage, as relevant. Where recruitment agencies are used, we ensure they comply with all legal requirements. These procedures collectively help to address our on-going commitment to protect our employees’ human rights and the elimination of all forms of forced and compulsory labour.

To ensure a high level of understanding of the risks of modern slavery and human trafficking in our supply chains and our business, we have mandatory online training for ALL staff. They are encouraged to identify and report any potential or actual wrongdoing that they consider to be negligent, improper or illegal to a manager, in line with our Whistleblowing procedure.

The Company has not, to its knowledge, conducted any business with another organisation which has been found to have involved itself with modern slavery.

Approval by the Directors

This statement is made pursuant to section 54(1) of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and was approved by the eStar Board of Directors and signed on its behalf by:

Steve Bridge

Managing Director

eStar Truck and Van Limited


09 February 2024

OurValues

Promise 1

Partnership

We work in partnership with the Truck, Van, and Bus community, consultatively and sustainably

Promise 2

Commitment

We are committed to providing an outstanding service to all our customers, all of the time

Promise 3

Understanding

We understand the vital part we play in helping to keep businesses and people moving

What do our customers say

“eStar's service was excellent."

eStar's service was excellent. The Sales Consultant was really attentive, paid attention to everything I was looking for, and found the perfect vehicle. They delivered the vehicle in person and took the time to provide a comprehensive overview of all its features and functions. I couldn't be happier.

Andy MillicanRetail customer

"If ever I need them... they’ll always bend over backwards"

Flexible, customer-focused aftersales back-up is, therefore, more crucial than ever to the smooth running of our business. I’ve built up a very good relationship with General After Sales Manager Gareth Williams and his team at eStar Stoke, and know that if ever I need them to juggle things around they’ll always bend over backwards to accommodate us.

The service provided by the Dealer’s Truck Sales Consultant was also first-class. He’s a great guy and clearly understands what we need from a chassis.

Paul MullingtonTransport Manager

"I’ve been really impressed with everything I’ve seen so far of the Dealer"

We’re an environmentally conscious business so I’m hoping that this is just the start of an ongoing relationship with eStar as we transition away from diesel and into more electric vehicles.

Certainly, I’ve been really impressed with everything I’ve seen so far of the Dealer. Its Van Sales Consultant clearly knows what he’s talking about when it comes to the technology. He’s been very informative and helpful throughout, while our eVito Tourer was delivered right on time.

Drew CampbellGroup Operations Director

"eStar understands our business"

eStar understands our business and what we need in terms of back-up. Inspections and routine services are carried out at times that suit us, and if ever we have an issue we know the Dealer will do everything it can to get the vehicle back on the road as quickly as possible. Communication is all-important at such times and eStar’s is excellent.

Phil BateTransport Operations Manager

"I've given them 5 stars as that's what they deserve."

The service was very friendly and professional. Nothing was too much trouble for them. I found the staff very kind and helpful. All the work carried out was excellent, I've given them 5 stars as that's what they deserve and I would not hesitate to recommend them.

Also the building was super nice and clean which just makes the whole experience as pleasant as possible.

Dom BennettGoogle review

"HIGH STANDARD OF CUSTOMER SERVICE WHICH IS GRETLY APPRECIATED "

THE JOB WAS COMPLETED ON A FAST TURN AROUND, PROFESSIONALLY AND TO A HIGH STANDARD OF CUSTOMER SERVICE WHICH IS GRETLY APPRECIATED AS HAVING A TRUCK OFF THE ROAD FOR A LONG PERIOD OF TIME CAN HINDER MY OPERATION.

John BairdResponse Logistics

"They understand the impact on when our vehicles breakdown and the downtime this has on our fleet"

eStar always deliver a excellent service. They understand the impact on when our vehicles breakdown and the downtime this has on our fleet. The pre planned maintenance is always delivered to a very high standard from the moment the booking is made to Vehicle arriving on site . A 5 star service to the service Department , Parts and workshop they are a good team who will always deliver the best . Well done!

Stephen HallRecovery North West

"what wonderful, sweet kind helpful people"

We were stranded with the motorhome and found this mercedes star garage what wonderful, sweet kind helpful people helped us get back on tract. Thankyou very much. The Brown Family. The Netherlands

The Brown FamilyThe Netherlands

" Can only recommend these as a company"

Excellent service from these, had my van in for service and warranty work and they where spot on, Lauren was great on reception as there was a part back order and kept me updated throughout the whole process.
Can only but recommend these as a company.
Many thanks

GeeGoogle Review

"Worth driving nearly 200 mile"

Excellent service, friendly and knowledgable staff, worth driving nearly 200 miles. Will be back

Garry DaviedGoogle Review

"Now thats what I call service"

Excellent service, very friendly and helpful parts department,thankyou eStar you got me back on the road... I would just like to add...part ordered on Friday despatched from Germany. I received a phone call to say my part was available for collection on Tuesday...Now thats what I call service.

Gavin SmithGoogle Review