A Result We're Proud Of
At UGroup, sustainability is woven into how we operate, how we treat our people, and how we think about our wider responsibilities. That's why we're pleased to share the results of the latest EcoVadis assessment for Hills Numberplates Ltd (Group): Silver, with an overall score of 75 out of 100.
That places Hills Numberplates Ltd (Group) in the 89th percentile of companies assessed by EcoVadis, placing us in the top 11%. For a business in the manufacturing sector, that's a result worth celebrating, and it reflects the commitment of everyone across the team.
What Is EcoVadis and Why Does It Matter?
EcoVadis is one of the world's most respected corporate sustainability rating platforms, independently assessing companies across four themes: Environment, Labour & Human Rights, Ethics, and Sustainable Procurement. Scores are based on documented evidence rather than self-declaration, giving our customers and partners genuine confidence in the results.
Sustainability credentials are increasingly a requirement in responsible procurement, and the Silver rating achieved by Hills Numberplates Ltd (Group) confirms that we meet those expectations.
Environment: 76/100
The environmental score of 76 out of 100 reflects the strength of the environmental management programme in place at Hills Numberplates Ltd (Group). Comprehensive policies cover energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, materials and chemicals, waste, air pollution, water, and customer health and safety, with quantitative targets set across all of these areas.
On the ground, measures include waste stream mapping and sorting, employee training on waste reduction and recycling, purchase and generation of renewable energy, and regular air quality monitoring. A climate risk assessment is in place for operations, alongside rigorous controls around the management of hazardous substances.
The environmental management system is certified to ISO 14001, for which EcoVadis awarded a perfect score of 100 out of 100 in the certifications sub-category.
Labour & Human Rights: 78/100
The highest individual score came in Labour & Human Rights at 78 out of 100, and it's the area we're most proud of. Looking after our people is central to how Hills Numberplates Ltd (Group) operates, not just something we report on.
Policies cover health and safety, working conditions, discrimination and harassment prevention, and modern slavery, with quantitative targets set across all key areas. In measures, EcoVadis awarded a perfect 100 out of 100, recognising programmes including:
- Formal career development discussions, skills training, and internal mobility support
- Health care coverage, regular health check-ups, and family-friendly policies
- Flexible working and fair management of working hours
- Comprehensive health and safety risk assessments, emergency planning, and equipment inspections
- Disability inclusion initiatives and harassment awareness training
- Modern slavery impact assessments and internal monitoring
Occupational health and safety practices are independently certified to ISO 45001.
Ethics: 72/100
The Ethics score of 72 out of 100 reflects a solid framework covering anti-corruption, fraud prevention, information security, and money laundering, with clear policies and disciplinary procedures in place. In practice, this includes corruption risk assessments, information security training, and processes for managing the handling and retention of confidential data. Doing business with integrity is something we take seriously at every level of the organisation.
Sustainable Procurement: 65/100
The Sustainable Procurement score of 65 out of 100 reflects the work done to extend sustainability standards into the supply chain. A supplier code of conduct is in place, and procurement teams receive training on social and environmental considerations. Hills Numberplates Ltd (Group) also reports on Scope 3 upstream greenhouse gas emissions and has confirmed that operations use no conflict minerals.
GHG Reporting Across All Three Scopes
EcoVadis recognised the commitment to greenhouse gas transparency, with confirmed reporting across Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3 emissions, alongside energy consumption, water usage, and non-hazardous waste. This level of disclosure is increasingly important to customers, investors, and regulators, and it's something we're committed to building on.
What This Means for Our Customers and Partners
Sitting in the top 15% of all companies assessed by EcoVadis, the Silver rating achieved by Hills Numberplates Ltd (Group) gives customers and supply chain partners independent, evidence-based assurance of our sustainability standards. For procurement teams with supplier requirements in this area, we're well placed to support you.
Looking Ahead
We're pleased with this result, but equally aware there is always more to do. The EcoVadis process is useful precisely because it helps identify where to focus next, and we're already working on further improvements across the business.
If you'd like to know more about our sustainability commitments or have specific supplier questionnaire requirements, please get in touch with our team.
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