Anti-Slavery Day: Why small businesses hold the key to change
- Friday, October 17, 2025
- Posted By The Growth Company
By Matt Richardson, Head of Leadership, Skills and Social Impact - GM Business Growth Hub
Every year on the 18th October, the UK marks Anti-Slavery Day, a moment to reflect on an aspect of society that’s uncomfortable but urgent. It’s here, woven into the fabric of everyday life and, sometimes, into the supply chains of businesses that would never dream of being complicit.
Globally, an estimated 50 million people live in conditions of modern slavery, and in the UK alone, there are thought to be over 122,000 potential victims. These aren’t distant figures and represent real people exploited in industries we all rely on: construction, hospitality and agriculture, amongst others. For small businesses, this isn’t just a moral issue… it’s a business one. Customers, suppliers, partners, communities and regulators increasingly expect transparency and ethical practices. Ignoring this could mean reputational damage, lost contracts, and even legal consequences.
The UK Government has strengthened guidance under the Modern Slavery Act 2015, urging businesses to go beyond box-ticking. While mandatory reporting applies to companies with turnover above £36m, SMEs are under growing pressure to show they’re taking action, especially if they supply medium/large businesses or bid for public sector contracts.
The message is clear that ethical business practices can’t be an opt in or out… you are either doing it or you aren’t. Updates include sharper expectations around supply chain mapping, risk disclosure, and staff training. Even small suppliers are being asked to demonstrate due diligence which may seem/feel like "another hoop" for your business to jump through, however, this isn’t about bureaucracy, it’s about building trust and resilience in your business and ultimately playing your part in actively supporting the wellbeing of your colleagues and residents in the areas you work.
From my own learning journey of understanding this topic and utilising the support and expertise of organisations such as StrongerTogether and others, I would offer you three practical steps to consider and implement from today:
Know where your goods and services come from. Identify high-risk areas and in particular, where labour is outsourced or sourced internationally.
Even if you’re not legally required (businesses with an annual turnover of £36m are), a clear modern slavery policy signals commitment. You can find free templates to get you started from Unseen UK.
Awareness is your first line of defence, and training your staff to spot signs of exploitation is a key part of that. There are free courses available, and I’ve highlighted one here that’s offered by Hope for Justice.
Finally, what if you see/hear something and your gut tells you it doesn’t feel right? Report it. I can’t stress this enough. The Modern Slavery Helpline (08000 121 700) and the National Referral Mechanism (NRM) are there to help.
Anti-Slavery Day isn’t just about awareness it’s about equipping you with the ability to take action. Every business, but particularly small businesses, has the power to make exploitation harder whilst making ethical trade easier. By taking simple steps such as the ones above, you protect your people, your reputation and your community.