Addtech's Sustainability Report 2014/2015
Purpose and objective of the report
The purpose of this sustainability report is to describe the Addtech Group's objectives, strategies and governance, as well as accountability, risks and opportunities from a sustainability perspective. Its purpose is also to show the Group's results from an economic, environmental and social perspective. The objective of the sustainability report is to provide customers, employees and shareholders with understanding and knowledge of Addtech's CSR work.
We add value
Addtech has been working according to the same business concept since 1906 - representing international suppliers on the Nordic market. The business concept has proven successful for over a hundred years, which is testimony to the fact that, despite the industrial trend and varying state of the economy, a link is needed between manufacturers and users, as long as it adds value. The value is created in our subsidiaries, which feature an endeavour to be the market leader in well-defined niches. Our sales people are business professionals with technical expertise who work closely with our customers and suppliers to cater to various customer requirements. The product range spans standard components to bespoke holistic solutions, all of which have a high expertise and technology content.
Addtech adds value by being an active owner of independent subsidiaries. We constantly grow through acquisitions and are proud today of being a group with more than 140 active subsidiaries. Because our subsidiaries have a high degree of freedom and are themselves responsible for their operations, while forming part of a greater group at the same time, we combine the financial strength, experience and extensive network of a large, listed corporation with the personal commitment and business acumen of the subsidiaries. With our size and strength naturally comes great responsibility with respect to our owners, employees, society and the environment. Our ambition is for Addtech's operations to have a positive effect on our surroundings and to promote long-term sustainable development through economic and technological value creation.
key events in 2014/2015
- Suppliers are an important group of stakeholders that affect Addtech’s ability to pursue value-adding sustainability work. Both time and effort have been invested in finding and verifying a reasonable survey method. The method was established at the start of the financial year, and Addtech launched the work by mapping suppliers’ sustainability and approach to Addtech’s Code of Conduct. During the year 30 of the Group’s companies worked on supplier surveys, and 15 of them have received responses from their suppliers. The intention is to gradually expand the circle of companies that survey their suppliers. This status review is designed to ensure that the suppliers meet a sound level of requirements in relation to their employees and the environment. It is hoped that the dialogue with suppliers will boost their sustainability work and motivate them to integrate it into their business models so that we can add value together in the same direction.
- Addtech conducted its third employee survey. The questionnaire follows up Addtech’s long-term and strategic HR development work, and the survey identifies the Group’s strengths and weaknesses as an employer as well as mapping areas for improvement. Addtech has consistently achieved good results and in general has very satisfied employees. This year’s survey demonstrated additional improvement in the work environment – largely thanks to the introduction of more structured performance appraisals with employees.
About this sustainability report
Addtech has published a sustainability report since 2011. The report is a key part of sustainability work as it highlights these issues in the Group so that employees, owners and other stakeholders receive the opportunity to learn about how the sustainability work is being developed. Reported topics include the Group’s use of energy, climate impact, employee turnover and employees’ occupational health and safety.
The report complies with application level C of the Global Reporting Initiatives (GRI) and pertains to the 2014/2015 financial year, with comparative data from the 2013/2014 financial year. Unless otherwise indicated, the sustainability report encompasses the operations of the Group as a whole. This sustainability report has not been reviewed by the Company's auditors.
about Addtech
Addtech is a technology trading group that provides technological and economic value added in the link between manufacturers and customers. Addtech operates in selected niches in the market for advanced technology products and solutions. Its customers primarily operate in the manufacturing industry and public sector.
Addtech has just over 2,200 employees in more than 140 subsidiaries that operate under their own brands. The majority of Addtech's operations is concentrated to the Nordic countries. The Group also operates in 14 countries outside the Nordic region, and also exports to a further 20 or so countries. Group sales are around SEK 6,8 billion and the Addtech shares are listed on the Nasdaq OMX in Stockholm.
Our operating companies endeavour to be the market leader in their niches. The companies are bound together by Addtech's corporate culture where business acumen and technological expertise are key, and where the flexibility, personal approach and efficiency of small companies is combined with the Group's extensive network, resources and financial strength. Addtech pursues long-term developmental work in the area of sustainability, comprising all subsidiaries in the Group. Sustainability is about taking long-term responsibility for the sustainable development of employees, the environment and profitability. The aim is to strengthen the subsidiaries in this area, thus making them a better choice than competitors. This is an important part of the work to realise our vision of being the leader in value-creating technology trading at both subsidiary and Group level.