All who create landscape have a great responsibility, for they form the space in which we live. Our function is to facilitate that task. For over 40 years, CED has developed and extended its range of natural stone products that has become the basis of good design with long-lasting results. We keep extensive stocks in all our depots, but we will arrange the manufacture of almost anything - as long as it is natural. Stone cannot be made - it exists. One designs in accordance with the qualities of a particular material. In CED, we have the responsibility of giving the right advice to assist all to achieve a good long term result. When it is beyond our capability, for we are not consultants, we will suggest where help may be found. Our desire and need is for stone to be used so successfully that good examples abound that can be followed. Looking at past practice, there is much excellent work that has survived in top condition for a hundred years or more. Delightfully for us all, these materials often look better the older they are and there exists still a lively market in reclaimed flags, setts and kerb. However, the same aim at best practice applies just as much to the choice of aggregate for precast concrete or pebbledash, footpath gravel or resin formulations for paths and drives.
Natural Stone paving is beautiful but to make a good choice much needs to be considered - we have to know if it is for private or public use, inside or out, traffic or pedestrians. Before even thinking about the colour, are there disabled requirements, problems of oil, fat, wine, coffee, skid resistance, frost and salt, deliverymen or skateboarders? And that is just a start. (Please ask for our checklist of such matters or see our article considerations in selecting stone.)
How is a stream or a beach to look? To create a natural appearance is an art in itself. We look for the materials to make it possible, bringing them from throughout Britain and from faraway places.
We are now reaping the benefits that come with greater volumes. Many prices are down, often astonishingly. Not only is stone the winner on a whole life comparison, but it is often simply cheaper in the first place. We supply much British and European material but we also have the pleasure of importing from some of the developing countries that have great craft skills. Thus we add to their wealth and aid an improvement in their lives.
It matters not whether our clients are specifiers, contractors or suppliers in the builders merchant, D.I.Y. or garden centre trades, we seek correct and effective use of the products we sell and will assist whenever we can.
We aim to be reliable and honest and have many staff with years of experience. But nothing stays still and the pace gets quicker. We keep adapting to new opportunities and it is most rewarding to see that natural stone is now the first choice.
We hope you enjoy this website and continue to encourage us to break new ground in every area of the business.
Civil Engineering Developments Limited was formed in 1959 to devise applications for calcined flint within resin technology, but it was soon clear that the venture was unfortunately beyond the resources of the family. It was in 1978 that Michael Heap recognised that the company had the basis to become a supplier of specialist aggregate and stone.
The family’s involvement with stone, specifically flint, dates back to the middle of the 19th century, supplying raw flint from France to the ceramic industry by ship and canal boat. When similar flint became available in Essex as a by-product from chalk extractions for cement manufacture, Michael’s grandfather A.L Walley installed a small processing unit at West Thurrock in 1931. When his death soon after was followed almost immediately by both sons, Nora Walley, then a 23 year old budding tennis player, bravely took over the management. Flint supplies from France were cut off by the war and West Thurrock production became vital to the ceramic industry. Many other applications for calcined (cooked) flint were developed in the 1950s and 1960s and the business prospered but after the closure in the late 1970s of the last local cement works, the calcined flint production business was sold.
From very small beginnings, CED has grown by fulfilling market needs within the field of natural materials ranging from technical uses for fine dried aggregates to beautiful pebbles and huge boulders. By making the relatively unusual readily available, CED has enabled landscape architects to effect exciting designs for lakes, rivers and specialist water features. In the field of paving, first by buying and holding in stock large quantities of reclaimed granite setts, kerbs and York flags, these materials became practical for specifiers to consider, and secondly, by actively marketing a whole variety of new stone. CED has prompted, encouraged and led the moves to improve the hard surfacing of public and private areas alike.Now with five depots spread nationwide, together with a broad exciting range of products, CED has the foundation prepared to deal with the growth in demand which it has itself done so much to foster and which is so welcome in the improvements being made to urban paving. At last it is again recognised that stone is not only aesthetically pleasing but it is often cheaper when compared on whole-life costing.
CED Stone are full and active members of the ETI (Ethical Trading Initiative), classed at Achiever level within their scoring structure. The ETI is a leading alliance of commercial companies, Trade Unions and NGOs, that promotes respect for workers’ rights around the globe. Their vision is a world where all workers are free from exploitation and discrimination, and enjoy conditions of freedom, security and equity.
Global supply chains are highly complex and challenging for companies committed to trading ethically. Workers rights issues are often deep-rooted and widespread and are best tackled through collaborative action. Through our involvement with ETI we are able to harness the expertise, skills and resources of their alliance members to identify these issues and help develop innovative, long-lasting solutions. Our measure of success is that workers can negotiate effectively for a better working life where their rights are respected.
We insist that all suppliers in our supply chain sign up to the ETI Base Code of labour practices. As well as our own Ethical Suppliers Guide and our Ethical Business Contract. The Base Code has been drawn up by The Ethical Trading Initiative, based upon the labour standards set out by the International Labour Organisation.
The key pillars of the Base Code are as follows:
Employment is freely chosen and there is no forced or bonded labour.
Workers are able to form and join trade unions and bargain collectively.
Working conditions must be safe and hygienic.
There shall be no use or recruitment of “child labour”.
Living wages are paid.
Working hours are not excessive.
No discrimination is practised.
Regular employment is provided.
No harsh or inhumane treatment is allowed.
Visit their website for more information on the work that ETI are involved with and to view a copy of their Base Code: www.ethicaltrade.org
CED Stone Group are a market leading UK based supplier of natural stone and hard landscaping products. Operating from six main sites and trading for over 40 years, we import finished materials from source factories based mainly in China, India, Portugal, Spain and Italy.
Through our trading relationships and collaboration with independent bodies, we have formed a deep understanding of the many ethical and social issues occurring in these countries and how they can impact negatively on workers in our supply chains.
As an organisation we are fully committed to trading in a responsible manner. It is our intention to constantly address the social concerns connected to our industry and continue to implement changes to ensure that we are fulfilling our obligations as an accountable and conscientious business. This policy identifies the criteria and general practices that we adopt and comply with in order to deliver ethical services and products that our customers can trust.
The Covid19 pandemic has heightened the risk factors at factory level across our supply chain and makes our commitment and proactive actions even more important than before. Health and Safety of the workers during this time is paramount and ensuring our trading partners optimise factory layout for practising social distancing is crucial. As well as providing sufficient facilities for hand washing and supplying ample cleaning and disinfecting products to help avoid transmission of the virus. Covid19 protocols are now prioritised across our ethical strategy.
CED Stone Group initially joined the ETI (Ethical Trading Initiative) in April 2012 and we are currently one of very few UK Natural Stone companies who are full and active members. Through our involvement with the ETI, we are able to harness the expertise, knowledge and resources of all the affiliate members to understand and identify ethical issues and concerns in our supply chain; helping us to develop innovative and sustainable solutions.
We build long-term relationships with our overseas trading partners, giving us a strong base to overcome cultural barriers and form partnerships built on mutual trust and respect. This builds a progressive platform for us to hold open ethical discussions. Increasing our ability to influence change when identifying potential issues with working conditions and allowing us to work in close conjunction with factories when implementing improvements. Supplier collaboration is key to establishing long-term sustainable ethical solutions.
Ethical Trade is at the core of our business practice and is a cornerstone of our Corporate Social Responsibility activities. We conduct a strong internal ethical training regime across all our departments, with regular meetings up to Board level, discussing our ethical strategy and practices. We ensure that all our staff are equipped to combine good business decisions with full and proper consideration for ethical impacts. We generate staff awareness so that fair pricing and manageable production times are always considered, ensuring that our orders will benefit and enrich rather than hinder and harm.
It is pre-requisite that all our Tier 1 suppliers commit fully to the ETI Base-Code of labour standards and sign up to say they will adopt the Code in full. They must also confirm that they will abide by local and national labour laws in their work place. We recognise that suppliers in some countries face significant, often deeply entrenched, challenges to meet all the standards. We support our suppliers to comply and collaborate on several projects; such as financing the distribution of good quality protection equipment and work-wear to factories in China and arranging training programmes on H&S and HR practices to production centres in India.
We respect labour rights in our supply chain and encourage the formation of Working Groups, at factories where there is no formal grievance procedure in place. We arrange Worker interviews to “hear their voice”; giving us enhanced knowledge, allowing us to focus on targeted improvements that align directly with the Workers specific priority concerns and needs.
We have a structured programme of SMETA based audits which we carry-out at factories in our supply chain. These inspections are audited on both the ETI Base-Code of labour standards and relevant local and Country specific employment laws.
We encourage transparency right down through our supply chain and conduct regular, (CED staff), factory inspections to assess working conditions first hand. On occasion these factory visits are client accompanied, allowing them, first-hand knowledge of the working conditions, Health and Safety practices and Human Resource standards in place at these sites.
We include Ethical topics in the CPD presentations that we run for Stone Industry professionals such as architects, garden designers, landscapers, contractors and commercial bodies. These are used to inform and build awareness; keeping Ethics and responsible behaviour at the forefront of all that we do.
All information regarding our ethical requirements from our trading partners and our commitment to responsible sourcing are communicated to supplier factories regularly by means of Buyers Guide documents, tagged information with orders, leaflets, posters as well as on this Ethical Policy statement.
We are committed to following a Due Diligence process in our ethical trade activities as well as in our engagement with workers, their representatives and any connected NGO or TU bodies.
We adopt a strict and detailed New Supplier Policy - “Crossing the Ethical Road”. This involves sharing the ethical standards that we expect and require if trading is to begin. We assess their abilities and the risk factors involved, taking action to fix any serious unethical practice. If we are unable to resolve then no commercial relationship will be established.
Our approach when dealing with and discussing issues that impact ethical trade within our supply chain is always to be open, honest and to act with integrity. Experience has taught us that this is the best way to affect positive change.
Rajasthan Sandstone Working Group (RSWG): In collaboration with the Ethical Trading Initiative, other Commercial bodies, NGOs and Trade Unions, we are actively working on a long standing project in the Kota region of Rajasthan in India. The main aims of the project are to improve the lives, livelihoods and health of workers in sandstone quarries, stocking units and factories in the region. Concentrating initially on H&S and HR issues we are now starting to advance the programme to look at the prevalence of Silicosis amongst quarry workers and ways to improve dialogue with the workers in the supply chain.
Iberian complete compliance: A series of audits and follow up audits within our complete supply chain in Portugal and Spain. This is an ongoing project which will mean continuous reassessment over the coming months and years. This project has already led to several improvements in working conditions for the workers in our Iberian supply chain.
Indian school charity sponsorship: Together with our key Indian supplier we are the largest contributors to a charity run by K. N. Maheshwari, which funds a school set up for poor Indian Children living in slums in Jaipur. Children aged from 5 to 16 who would otherwise be just wandering the streets or collecting rubbish are educated in an interactive, fun and safe environment. Teaching eventually to graduation level the volunteer teachers there do a fantastic job and personally collect and then take home the children each day. Without charities such as this one; The Shri Radhey Sewa Trust: these children would face a very bleak future.
Dust mask distribution – Shandong province, North China: We are undertaking a regular distribution of dust masks to the 4 main factory / production centres that we use in this region. Inhaling dust when cutting and working stone over sustained periods can lead to serious lung conditions such as silicosis. We intend to move forward soon with training initiatives to help educate the workers on the importance of wearing these masks whenever stone dust is present.
We have established this quality policy to be consistent with the purpose and context of our organisation. It provides a framework for the setting and review of objectives in addition to our commitment to satisfy applicable customers’, regulatory and legislative requirements as well as our commitment to continually improve our management system.
Customer focus: As an organisation we have made a commitment to understand our current and future customers’ needs; meet their requirements and strive to exceed their expectations.
Leadership: Our Top Management have committed to creating and maintaining a working environment in which people become fully involved in achieving our objectives.
Engagement of people: As an organisation we recognise that people are the essence of any good business and that their full involvement enables their abilities to be used for our benefit.
Process approach: As an organisation we understand that a desired result is achieved more efficiently when activities and related resources are managed as a process or series of interconnected processes.
Improvement: We have committed to achieving continual improvement across all aspects of our quality management system; it is one of our main annual objectives.
Evidence-based decision making: As an organisation we have committed to only make decisions relating to our QMS following an analysis of relevant data and information.
Relationship management: CED Ltd recognises that an organisation and the relationship it has with its external providers are interdependent and a mutually beneficial relationship enhances the ability of both to create value.
Our policy is also to meet the requirements of other interested parties and in meeting our social, environmental, charitable, regulatory and legislative responsibilities.
CED have produced this statement in line with and in recognition of Section 54 of the UK Modern Slavery Act 2015. It describes and links to our ethical strategy, targets and current actions in relation to prevention of Modern Day Slavery and forced labour, in our supply-chain. Forced labour includes the range of activities such as recruiting, concealing, transporting or obtaining workers where a person uses force or physical threats, psychological control or other deceptive means to compel someone to work. CED make it clear to all our supply chain partners that any form of Modern Day Slavery, forced labour, debt bondage, child labour or any other act of forcing workers to do something against their will and where they have no choice, is totally unacceptable and will not be tolerated under any circumstance. Other human rights abuses go “hand in hand” with Modern Day Slavery and our strategy is to monitor our supply-chain factories and watch for any warning signs or “red flags” that suggest there could be ethical trade issues present.
Natural Stone Industry background:
Natural stone production worldwide has some very complex supply chains. There can be some very good visibility at tier one factory level but much less further down the chain at sub-contract and quarry level. Due to the weight, awkwardness and cost of moving raw natural stone quarry blocks they are often processed into finished products at factories located beside the quarry source. In large countries such as China, this means that a lot of production occurs at partner factories to the actual suppliers, that importers are dealing directly with. Also as with other industries there can be a substantial amount of sub-contract work done, as jobs are shared by neighbouring factories to manage lead-times. There are seasonal “highs and lows” in our market place and this can mean that there is a substantial amount of labour who are temporary and not employed directly by the factory. These temporary workers are often in a much more vulnerable position than the permanent workers, being less likely to have formal contracts or insurance cover and are more at risk of suffering labour rights abuses. Often it is illegal and unchecked mines and quarries that can be responsible for bonding workers. Ultimately it will be the build up of pressure on local and national Government bodies, to ensure enforcement of local and International Labour Organisation laws, that will bring about the necessary changes. When you drill down into the whole concept and reasoning behind the Modern Day Slavery Act, it is to protect the workers that produce the goods that we consume here in the UK. When you buy something that costs very little it is probably the case that the workers who produced the product are being taken advantage of in some way. Low pay, long hours, physical and verbal abuse, forced and slave labour are all the more likely. It is a conundrum which is hard to solve. We all look for a bargain but do not always consider the cost. In our industry when the contractors have the orders to place, their buyers have the job of finding the cheapest price. Our investment in Ethical work and the fact that we will only trade with ethically supportive factories, means that there is an extra overhead to be considered. The more pressure that the UK consumers place on business and Government to demand evidence of ethical sourcing the better. This is the best way forward for sustainable change.
CED Ethical Supply Structure:
CED Stone Group always strives to lead by example in the way that we conduct ourselves and the fair way we interact and impact with our suppliers. We are conscious of the footprint that we leave and work hard to ensure that our purchasing and business practices have only positive effects on the workers in our supply-chain. It has been key that we map our supply-chain to the fullest extent to ensure that we know where our stone comes from and where it is being worked, so that we can assess the conditions that workers producing our goods work under. We source much of our imports from factories in both China and India. Through research and mapping we identified these as our highest risk areas and have targeted the majority of our ethical resources there. We also source stone products from across Europe and the UK. We continue to be vigilant and monitor these operations too, so that we can ensure that there is no forced or slave labour present and that workers have the freedom to leave their employer if they choose to do so. Company size is important when it comes to how much influence one can realistically exert on supplier factories. However CED Stone do not see this as an excuse for any acceptance of Modern Day Slavery.. We rigorously inspect and audit supplier sites to look for signs that human rights abuses are, or might be present. Experience has taught us that collaboration and multiple stake-holder programmes, are the best way to influence improvements in regions, where our business levels, methods and reach alone, cannot affect any positive ethical change.
ETI Membership:
The Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) is a leading alliance of Commercial Companies, Trade Unions and NGOs, that promotes respect for workers rights around the globe. Their vision is a world where all workers are free from exploitation and discrimination, and enjoy conditions of freedom, security and equity. Global supply chains are highly complex and challenging for companies committed to eradicating Modern Day Slavery. Workers rights issues are often deep-rooted and widespread and are best tackled through collaborative action. Through our involvement with ETI we are able to harness the expertise, skills and resources of their alliance members to identify these issues and help develop innovative, long-lasting solutions. We have been full and active members of ETI for several years and work on the collaborative project as part of the Rajasthan Sandstone Working Group. We believe that working with ETI and their Base Code of labour practices, is an essential for companies who are serious about Ethical Trade and eradicating Modern Day Slavery. The level of experience and knowledge that their tripartite of members bring and of which members have access to is vast and invaluable. They lead, guide and monitor their members and ensure that you are always thinking forward and working to resolve issues and improve conditions for workers.
Supplier Participation:
Many of our key suppliers have been working together with us for twenty and thirty years plus. These long-term supplier relationships are crucial to ensure year on year improvements for the workers. Building long term, open and honest relations with our suppliers has allowed us to be well informed and work with them to instigate positive change. This has allowed us greater access to workers for interviews and training, allowing us to better understand their situation and priorities. It is crucial that suppliers are fully on board, with regards to treating the workers with respect and encouraging them to exercise their right to have the freedom, to choose where they work. Following on from the success of the multi stake-holder collaboration in Rajasthan and working in conjunction with our Indian partner supplier, NNG Group, we have seen many significant ethical improvements at tier one factory levels in India. We found potential salient issues present here, based around discrimination of contract workers, no recording of contract worker hours, lack of safety gear distribution and uptake as well as poor HR documentation such as employment contracts and payment records. Some of the “step by step” improvements now in place, include new shaded garden areas for breaks and meal times. Safer working areas with more safety gear distribution to both permanent and contract workers. New HR systems including employment contracts and payments direct to bank accounts. H&S meetings and training. Worker grievance committee. Contract workers hours now recorded. This further increases the ethical transparency of our Indian production.
CED Business Ethical Principles:
Responsible business conduct and respect for human rights are at the heart of our operations. When identifying future business opportunities, we do so in partnership with others that are equally committed to respecting labour standards and advancing human rights. We strive for greater visibility and transparency within our company and communicate externally about the value of corporate responsibility. We offer sustainable work to our suppliers and encourage economic growth. Ensuring equal wages with no discrimination. Child labour and Modern Day Slavery are completely unacceptable and we will strive to eradicate these practices at every juncture. We champion labour rights and promote a safe working environment.
CED Business Ethical Process and Due Diligence:
Suppliers must sign up and agree to our Supplier Code of Ethical conduct. They must also sign our Ethical Business Contract. Supplier site must be fully mapped along with related quarry sources. Due diligence must be established for the relevant sector and an understanding of cultural and country-wide issues established. There then follows a time-bound process of questionnaires, site inspections, audits and continuous monitoring to ensure that no Modern Day Slavery is present in the factories that make our finished products. Our general method for information gathering and initial breach targeting and resolving takes the following shape: Formalise CED policy with regards to Modern Day Slavery. Ask ethical questions at time of first contact. Inspect site to look for any areas where issues might suggest a possibility of some kind of involuntary work or poor practice in this area. Discuss with factory management and get worker input. Conduct audit to establish any gaps in Base Code compliance, discuss gaps and work with supplier to resolve. We have not uncovered any Modern Day Slavery within our supply chain. However we remain vigilant and continue to implement small ethical “step by step” improvements to strengthen the workers position. These methods outline our business processes, built into our systems of supplier approval under our ISO 9001 – 2015 quality program. We help to encourage good practice at production sites which limits or eradicates the requirement for slave labour. Such as making sure the workers earn a living wage and all workers are given formal employment contracts. Over time SMETA audits are necessary at all factories we regularly use when purchasing from our over-seas supply-chain. These audits are assessed against the ETI Base Code and local laws. As the relationship develops we go beyond audit and capacity build with our supplier. This currently includes investment in training, financing H&S gear, supplying ethical tools and systems guidance.
Ethical Communication:
At all times we strive to keep ethical trade and the Ethical Base Code principles at the forefront of our business strategy. The more visible and vocal we are about Modern Day Slavery will encourage others to support our stance and prioritise systems to avoid. We keep the topic of Modern Day Slavery visible in meetings and on social media. We systematically remind suppliers of their responsibilities to the workers they employ. We regularly discuss the topic with suppliers and encourage them to think more about how they can improve the environment and situation for their workers.
Current work and strategy:
Workers priority is key to how we are developing our strategy and ensuring Modern Day Slavery is not present in our supply-chain. We have gained much better access to workers over the last few years: Workshops in India where priority worker issues have been discussed and actioned; CED staff talking directly to workers in India and China; Tier one supplier organised worker discussions; with factory workers at the factories they use for our orders. SMETA audits which include worker interviews. Surveys which include worker comments such as the Independent Evaluation of ETI Sandstone Programme in Rajasthan. We will continue to develop ways of understanding workers situation and concerns and adapt our process and strategy accordingly. Whilst we focus our resources in Asia, we also audit factories in Spain and Portugal to ensure there is no forced labour in place there. This forms part of our Iberian complete compliance programme. Beyond this we are vigilant here in the UK with regards to dealing with companies and people who provide services for us, such as maintenance and cleaning.
Targets to increase the effectiveness of our strategy to tackling Modern Day Slavery:
● Reach further factories in China with worker interviews to monitor their situation. ● Increase our activities of working with our trading partners to help them ensure that there are no contracted employees on their sites who are forced to work against their will. ● Review our inspection and audit programmes to monitor if they are effective and calculating what else we can do to support our “zero tolerance” approach to Modern Day Slavery. ● Ensure our supplier contracts fully cover our criteria and demands with regards to employment of workers. ● Ask how we can be more effective in collaborating with both customers and suppliers to support our approach to Modern Day Slavery. ● Increase transparency and visibility further down through our supply-chain. ● Seek further collaborative ethical partnerships with other stakeholders in the areas our goods are produced.
