By Steve Campbell, Managing Director, Nexus Dental Laboratory
There are topics that rarely enter industry discussions, not because they lack importance, but because they require us to look beyond our immediate concerns. Modern slavery is one of these topics. It exists in the background of global trade, unseen by many and unspoken by most. Yet the choices we make every day depend on international suppliers, materials, and processes that extend well beyond the UK.
This is why we are choosing to address this now.
Our industry is evolving rapidly, and Nexus is growing along with it. As our laboratory broadens its capabilities and undertakes more complex projects, the size of our supply chain naturally expands. With growth comes responsibility. If we want our standards to improve, every part of our chain must keep up, including those that are thousands of miles from our premises. Recognising this evolution underscores the importance of stakeholder awareness and collective responsibility.
This is not a seasonal announcement or an opportunistic statement. It is a deliberate step in a direction we believe the industry needs to follow.
Over the years, my role has taken me to manufacturing centres across numerous countries. I have observed production lines in operation, spoken with the teams working there, and gained insights into how materials flow from raw components to finished products. These experiences have shaped our executive outlook in a way that no document or report ever could.
When you stand on the floor of a busy production site, you observe the scale and complexity behind something that ultimately becomes part of a patient's treatment. You see the people whose skill, attention, and labour enable the work we do in our lab. It is impossible to walk away from that perspective unaffected.
Face-to-face engagement with our partners is essential. Building strong relationships based on genuine understanding helps us foster trust and demonstrates our commitment to responsible sourcing.
Boots on the ground matter. They demonstrate that we genuinely see reality, not just assumptions.
There is a tendency in any industry to believe that ethical problems lie elsewhere, in different sectors or regions. But the reality is simpler. Modern slavery flourishes where systems go unchallenged. If we want to create a supply chain that deserves trust, silence cannot be an option.
Strength in leadership is not judged by comfort. It is measured by responsibility, and we encourage our partners to share this commitment to creating a trustworthy supply chain.
Our modern slavery statement details the measures we have in place across recruitment, supplier oversight, and internal reporting. These frameworks are important, but they are only effective when supported by intention. Policies are tools. Leadership is the behaviour behind them.
As Nexus expands, the expectations we hold ourselves to grow alongside it. We aim for our development to demonstrate integrity at every level, from the work created in Ripon to the conditions under which our materials are sourced. The way we choose to operate must reflect the respect we have for the people involved at each stage.
We are committed to transparency, accountability, and acting responsibly to build confidence in our supply chain.
This is why we have decided to publish our modern slavery policy now. It aligns with the industry's direction, our team's values, and the standards we believe should underpin the future, demonstrating our commitment to transparency and accountability.
You can read the full Nexus Modern Slavery & Human Trafficking Statement here to understand our commitments and actions in detail.
