CME is a family run company, founded in 1978. We aim to conduct our business in a manner which is honest and ethical. We have work with many suppliers from the UK and across the globe, most of whom have supplied us for many years. We expect all our Suppliers and Business Partners to adhere to the Responsible Business practice standards outlined below. We also expect that our Suppliers will communicate these requirements to all their Suppliers.
1. Business Practices
- Comply with all applicable laws and regulations relating to their activities in the countries in which they operate.
- Engage in responsible business and not engage in, or condone corrupt practices, which would include fraud, bribery, tax evasion and money laundering.
2. Human and Labour Rights
Ensure the following:
- No use of child labour under the age of 15 and no hazardous work for children under 18.
- No forced, compulsory, trafficked or bonded labour (including the retention of identity or travel documents).
- No discrimination based on race, caste, national origin, religion, age, disability, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, union membership or political affiliation.
- No harsh or inhumane treatment of workers.
- Ensure working conditions are safe and hygienic.
- Employees are compensated with a living wage.
- Working hours comply with national laws and collective agreements.
- Overtime is voluntary
- The rights of employees to freedom of association and collective bargaining are recognised and respected.
3. Anti-Corruption
Partners are strictly prohibited from engaging in any form of corrupt behavior, whether direct or indirect, that may pose a risk of corruption.
This includes, but is not limited to, acts such as bribery, accepting bribes, embezzlement, or improper use of incentives.
Partners are expected to work collaboratively with the company to uphold and implement anti-corruption practices in every aspect of their activities. The company and all employees must refrain from offering or accepting gifts or entertainment that could be deemed excessive or inappropriate when dealing with individuals who conduct business with the company.
Acceptable gifts must be modest in value and align with customary traditions for special occasions.
4. Respect for Intellectual Property Rights
We expect our business partners to uphold and safeguard all intellectual property owned by the company. They must refrain from violating the intellectual property rights of others and are required to operate in full compliance with applicable laws regarding such rights. This responsibility extends to implementing preventive measures to ensure that their employees or affiliated individuals do not engage in any infringement of intellectual property, including patents and trademarks belonging to the company or to any third party.
5. Confidentiality and Personal Data Protection
Partners are required to provide accurate and lawful disclosures of their information and handle personal data of customers, employees, and business associates responsibly and comply with relevant laws. They must protect the confidentiality of the company’s sensitive information, including business operations, financial records, strategic plans, and personal data. Such information must not be shared with any third party without obtaining the company’s prior written consent.
4. Environmental Protection
- Comply with all environmental laws and regulations relating to their activities in the countries in which they operate.
- Identify any environmental risks resulting from their activities and take steps to implement environmental protections, management systems and remediation procedures where needed (e.g. addressing water, waste and energy).
5. Sourcing
Diamond Suppliers
- Adhere to the Kimberly Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) and the World Diamond Council system for warranties.
- Purchase from legitimate sources and ensure purchases are not funding conflict and are in compliance with UN Resolutions.
- Confirm that all diamonds supplied have been sufficiently tested to be natural, not synthetic and untreated or free from enhancements unless otherwise stated.
Gold, Silver and Precious Gemstone Suppliers
Make best endeavours to ensure:
- The material is purchased from legitimate sources.
- The material is extracted from conflict-free regions.
- The trade of the material is not funding conflict.
- Recycled gold and silver are used wherever possible
Gold suppliers should apply the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals from Conflict-Affected and High-Risk Areas Supplement on Gold.
Please note CME Leicester Limited does not ban the use gold and silver that originate in conflict-affected and high-risk areas when they are sourced in accordance with existing international standards. Avoiding the sourcing of all gold and silver from these areas would cause a de facto embargo with serious adverse impact on the living conditions of local populations.
6. Product Disclosure
That all products offered for sale to CME are offered with a complete and accurate disclosure of all relevant information about jewellery products, including the types of treatments used to alter the products appearance. The information must be disclosed for gold, silver, diamonds, treated diamonds, synthetic diamonds and diamond simulants; coloured gemstones and synthetic, imitation, treated, artificial, reconstructed or composite-coloured gemstones. The information must be disclosed for the composition of semi-precious stones and natural substances such as amber, turquoise, etc.
We expect business partners who sell CME Leicester Limited’s jewellery retail to describe products accurately.
7. Grievance Mechanism/ Public Interest Disclosure (Whistleblowing)
Individuals are able bring to our attention any genuine concern in relation to any topic identified under this Responsible Business Statement. Please contact Debbie Hunt, Manager CME e-mail address assist@cmejewellery.co.uk or write to 549 Aylestone Road, Leicester LE2 8TD or telephone 0116 2832240. Concerns raised will be dealt with in confidence and without fear of reprisal.
8. Annual Audits
To ensure that partners comply with established business ethics, the company will conduct annual audits and request relevant supporting documentation. If a partner is found to be non-compliant with this Code of Conduct, the company reserves the right to terminate contracts and/or refuse to engage in any direct or indirect business with them.
Andrew Hunt
Howard Pessall
Directors
Updated 04/08/25