E. A. and H. M. Bull Ltd (trading as Harlequin) was established in 1968 and is a specialist manufacturer of bespoke garments and accessories to the haute couture, fashion and wedding trade; to the movie, theatre and performing arts industry; as well as to private clients.

The company is committed to ensuring its products are safe to use, responsibly made, and that we minimise the negative impact on the environment of all aspects of our operations. Whilst our supply chains are necessarily much smaller than more traditional manufacturing companies as we typically make our products from materials and fabrics supplied directly by our clients, we are nevertheless committed to ensuring that the suppliers we use maintain the same high standards and principles as we articulate in this policy in respect of the environment and sustainability.

By constantly reviewing and updating our environmental and sustainability policies, targets and goals we continuously strive to minimise the impact of our operations on the environment. This approach and our responsibility is achieved through the following statements and principles:

Harlequin is committed to

1. A continuous process of improvement and efficiency gains within every process, along with the prevention and reduction in waste streams. Optimisation of process and continuous review of the least impactful processing methods is part of the fundamental ethos of the company.
2. Ensuring our staff are well trained and adhere to best practice in all aspects of efficiency and environmental safeguards.
3. Ensuring our supply chains and parts and materials are sourced from reputable and responsible supply partners, who share our ethos and attitudes in respect of environmental safeguarding and sustainability.
4. Effective recycling of as much of our waste as is practicable.
5. The efficient use of energy, e.g., air source heat pumps for the heating of our buildings as well as the generation and storage of energy onsite by such means, e.g., solar photovoltaic cells and storage batteries as is most effective and practicable.
6. Minimising water usage and maximising efficiency of water consumption and waste.
7. Minimising travel and journeys and a commitment to a policy of “local is best”.

Our statement of general policy is:

• To lead from the top and set clear responsibilities for environmental duties
• To empower and engage all staff to take responsibility for their own areas to reduce waste and strive for environmental improvements
• To adopt a five-tier approach to waste management. To eliminate, reduce, reuse, recycle and make safe prior to disposal, using the safest and most responsible means available
• To conduct business activities in a way to minimise adverse effects on the
  environment
• To continuously improve environmental performance and prevent pollution.
• To assess the impact of our activities and adopt procedures, control measures and business practices, which protect the environment.
• To strive towards the highest possible energy efficiency in every area of operations
• To minimise the adverse impacts on the environment during research, design, purchasing, manufacture and the lifecycle of products and processes.
• To regard relevant environmental laws, regulations and industry codes of practice as the minimum standards of environmental performance
• To include environmental issues in training programs and continue to engage, enthuse and all employees to provide total compliance with the requirements contained within this policy at all times.

Neil Stock

Managing Director

Wednesday, 23 March 2022