Skip to main content

Anti-Corruption & Bribery Policy

1. Policy statement

1.1 It is Olympia Events' policy to conduct all of our business in an honest and ethical manner. We take a zero-tolerance approach to bribery and corruption and are committed to acting professionally, fairly and with integrity in all our business dealings and relationships wherever we operate and implementing and enforcing effective systems to counter bribery.

1.2 We will uphold all laws relevant to countering bribery and corruption and we are bound by the laws of the UK, including the Bribery Act 2010, in respect of our conduct both at home and abroad.

1.3 The purpose of this policy is to:

a) set out our responsibilities, and of those working for us or associated with us, in observing and upholding our position on bribery and corruption; and

b) provide information and guidance to those working for us or associated with us on how to recognise and deal with bribery and corruption issues; and

c) communicate to third parties our approach to bribery and corruption.

1.4 Bribery and/or corruption are punishable for individuals by up to ten years' imprisonment and if Olympia Events is found to have taken part in corruption the Company could face an unlimited fine, be excluded from tendering for public contracts and face damage to our reputation. We therefore take our legal responsibilities very seriously. Any breach of this policy by an employee may lead to disciplinary action which may include dismissal.

1.5 In this policy, third party means any individual or organisation employees come into contact with during the course of their work for Olympia Events, and includes actual and potential clients, customers, partners, joint venture parties, suppliers, distributors, business contacts, agents, advisers, and government and public bodies, including their advisors, representatives and officials, politicians and political parties.

2. Who is covered by the policy?

This policy applies to all individuals working at all levels, including senior managers, officers, directors, employees (whether permanent, fixed-term or temporary), trainees, seconded staff, homeworkers, casual workers and agency staff, volunteers, interns, agents, sponsors, or any other person associated with us, or any of our subsidiaries or their employees, wherever located (collectively referred to as workers in this policy). This policy should be communicated to key consultants, contractors, suppliers, business partners and other similar third parties engaged by Olympia Events and a commitment obtained from them to comply with it.

3. Definitions

3.1 What is bribery?

A bribe is an inducement or reward offered, promised or provided in order to gain any commercial, contractual, regulatory or personal advantage. It is not restricted to monetary transactions. For example, it can be the offering, giving, receiving or soliciting of something 2 of value for the purpose of influencing the action of an official in the discharge of his or her public or legal duties.

3.2 What is corruption?

By its nature corruption can be difficult to detect as it usually involves two or more people entering into a secret agreement. For example, it can involve the payment of a financial inducement to a public official for securing favour of some description in return.

Examples

Offering a bribe You offer a potential contractor tickets to a major sporting event, but only if they agree to offer us preferential rates.

This would be an offence as you are making the offer to gain a commercial and contractual advantage. We may also be found to have committed an offence because the offer has been made to obtain preferential treatment for us. It may also be an offence for the potential contractor to accept your offer.

Receiving a bribe

A consultant gives your nephew a job, but makes it clear that in return they expect you to use your influence in our organisation to ensure we continue to do business with them.

It is an offence for a consultant to make such an offer. It would be an offence for you to accept the offer as you would be doing so to gain a personal advantage.

Bribing a foreign official

You arrange for the business to pay an additional payment to a foreign official to speed up an administrative process.

The offence of bribing a foreign public official has been committed as soon as the offer is made. This is because it is made to gain a business advantage for us. We may also be found to have committed an offence.

4. What is not acceptable?

It is not acceptable for a worker (or someone on their behalf) to:

(a) give, promise to give, or offer, a payment, gift or hospitality with the expectation or hope that a business or personal advantage will be received, or to reward a business or personal advantage already given;

(b) give, promise to give, or offer, a payment, gift or hospitality to a government official, agent or representative to "facilitate" or expedite a routine procedure;

(c) accept a gift, hospitality or payment from a third party that is known or suspected to be offered or provided with the expectation that it will obtain a business or personal advantage for them;

(d) threaten or retaliate against another worker who has refused to commit a bribery offence or who has raised concerns under this policy; or

(e) engage in any activity that might lead to a breach of this policy.

5. Facilitation payments and kickbacks

5.1 Olympia Events does not make, and will not accept, facilitation payments or "kickbacks" of any kind. Facilitation payments are typically small, unofficial payments made to secure or expedite a routine government action by a government official. Kickbacks are typically payments made in return for a business favour or advantage. In some overseas jurisdictions facilitation payments may be acceptable where they comply with local law (as opposed to being local custom or practice), but only in these circumstances may they be deemed appropriate.

5.2 If a worker is asked to make a payment on our behalf, they should always be mindful of what the payment is for and whether the amount requested is proportionate to the goods or services provided. The worker should always ask for a receipt which details the reason for the payment. If they have any suspicions, concerns or queries regarding a payment, they should raise these with their line manager (or, in the case of a third party, a senior Olympia Events contact) and the Head of Finance.

5.3 All workers must avoid any activity that might lead to, or suggest, that a facilitation payment or kickback will be made or accepted by us.

6. Donations Olympia Events does not make contributions to political parties. Olympia Events only makes charitable donations that are legal and ethical under local laws and practices. All donations must be made in accordance with Olympia Events' statement regarding its approach to charity (see schedule 3).

7. Your responsibilities

7.1 You must ensure that you have read, understand and comply with this policy, and you are required to provide written confirmation of receipt of this policy.

7.2 The prevention, detection and reporting of bribery and other forms of corruption are the responsibility of all those working for us or under our control. All workers are required to avoid any activity that might lead to, or suggest, a breach of this policy.

7.3 You must notify your line manager (or, in the case of a third party, a senior Olympia Events contact) and the Head of Finance as soon as possible if you believe or suspect that a conflict with this policy has occurred, or may occur in the future. In the event you are unable to notify your line manager or, in the case of a third party, a senior Olympia Events contact, you must notify the Head of Finance or the Head of Legal. Examples of "red flags" that may indicate bribery or corruption are set out in the attached Schedule 1.

7.4 You must apply appropriate due diligence procedures in accordance with Olympia Events' Procurement Policy in the selection of all key suppliers, business partners, agents or other service providers to mitigate any bribery risk in respect of third party intermediaries. Appropriate due diligence procedures will vary according to the nature of the supplier, for example a UK regulated professional services firm will require a different level of due 4 diligence to an overseas supplier. In the appointment of any supplier, business partner, agent or other service provider of Olympia Events, you must require compliance with Events’ Procurement Policy.

7.5 You must notify your line manager (or, in the case of a third party, a senior Olympia Events contact) and the Head of Finance if you become aware of any actual or potential conflict of interest between yourself and Olympia Events e.g. if a current or potential supplier provides or has previously provided services to you in a private capacity.

7.6 The use of suppliers (e.g. builders or carpet suppliers) and professionals (e.g. solicitors) to Olympia Events for private use is discouraged. Any such use must be preapproved in writing by the Head of Finance. The suppliers normal terms for the service might not be applied and any dispute could lead to conflict of interest.

7.7 Any Olympia Events employee who breaches this policy will face disciplinary action, which could result in dismissal for gross misconduct, and may also be personally liable under the UK Bribery Act. Any other worker breaching this policy may result in Olympia Events on ceasing to do business with any such third party.

8. Record-keeping

8.1 All Olympia Events employees must declare all hospitality or gifts accepted or offered using the procedure set out in Olympia Events' Gifts and Hospitality Policy (see schedule 4).

8.2 All Olympia Events employees must ensure all expenses claims relating to hospitality, gifts or expenses incurred to third parties are submitted in accordance with Olympia Events Expenses Policy and specifically record the reason for the expenditure.

8.3 All accounts, invoices, memoranda and other documents and records relating to dealings with third parties, such as clients, suppliers and business contacts, should be prepared and maintained with strict accuracy and completeness. No accounts must be kept "off-book" to facilitate or conceal improper payments.

8.4 You must ensure that adequate records are kept of the reason(s) for the selection of any tenant, contractor or key supplier.

9. How to raise a concern

9.1 You are encouraged to raise concerns about any issue or suspicion of malpractice at the earliest possible stage. If you are unsure whether a particular act constitutes bribery or corruption, or if you have any other queries, these should be raised with the Head of Finance. You may also report concerns using Olympia Events' whistleblowing helpline (020 7598 2731).

9.2 If an Olympia Events employee reports an act of bribery or corruption to you as their line manager or a third party reports an act of bribery or corruption to you as a senior Olympia Events contact, you must promptly report the act to your line manager, the Head of Finance or Head of Legal.

9.3 If any concerns are raised under the whistleblowing policy then the Head of Finance or the Head of Legal must immediately notify the Olympia Executive Board of Directors.

10. What to do if you are a victim of bribery or corruption

It is important that you tell your line manager (or, in the case of a third party, a senior Olympia Events contact) and the Head of Finance as soon as possible if you are offered a bribe by a third party, are asked to make one, suspect that this may happen in the future, or believe that you are a victim of another form of unlawful activity. You may also report concerns using Olympia Events' Whistleblowing helpline.

11. Protection

11.1 Our Whistleblowing Policy will apply to any Olympia Events staff (as defined in that policy) if you suspect wrongdoing and raise a concern.

11.2 Workers who refuse to accept or offer a bribe, or those who raise concerns or report another's wrongdoing, are sometimes worried about possible repercussions. We aim to encourage openness and will support anyone who raises genuine concerns in good faith under this policy, even if they turn out to be mistaken.

11.3 We are committed to ensuring no one suffers any detrimental treatment as a result of refusing to take part in bribery or corruption, or because of reporting in good faith their suspicion that an actual or potential bribery or other corruption offence has taken place, or may take place in the future. Detrimental treatment includes dismissal, disciplinary action, threats or other unfavourable treatment connected with raising a concern. If you believe that you have suffered any such treatment, you should inform your line manager (or, in the case of a third party, a senior Olympia Events contact) and the Head of Finance immediately. If the matter is not remedied, and you are an employee, you should raise it formally using our Grievance Procedure, other workers may raise concerns through the Whistleblowing helpline.

12. Training and communication

12.1 Training on this policy forms part of the induction process for all new workers. All existing workers will receive regular, relevant training on how to implement and adhere to this policy. You must participate in this training.

12.2 Our zero-tolerance approach to bribery and corruption must be communicated to all key consultants, contractors, suppliers, business partners and other similar third parties at the outset of our business relationship with them and as appropriate thereafter (e.g. if a supplier were to provide a product from overseas or use an overseas subsidiary, intermediary or agent). Such partners may raise concerns through the whistleblowing helpline.

12.3 The Head of Finance shall maintain a register of all consultants, contractors, suppliers, business partners and other similar third parties who have confirmed they have accepted the policy or equivalent terms.

13. Who is responsible for the policy?

13.1 The Olympia Executive Board of Directors has overall responsibility, and the Head of Finance has specific responsibility, for implementing the policy and ensuring it complies with our legal and ethical obligations, and that all those under our control comply with it.

13.2 The Olympia Executive Board of Directors has responsibility for monitoring its use and effectiveness. Any queries on its interpretation should be addressed to the Head of Finance. 6 Management at all levels are responsible for ensuring those reporting to them are made aware of and understand this policy and attend the provided training.

14. Monitoring and review

15.1 The Olympia Executive Board of Directors will monitor the effectiveness and review the implementation of this policy. A risk assessment of Olympia Events and a review of this policy will take place at least every five years and/or whenever there is a major development in Olympia Events' business (e.g. conducting business in a different country). Any improvements identified will be made as soon as possible. Internal control systems and procedures will be subject to regular audits to provide assurance that they are appropriately designed and effective in countering bribery and corruption.

15.2 All workers are responsible for the success of this policy and should ensure they use it to disclose any suspected danger or wrongdoing.

15.3 This policy does not form part of any employee's contract of employment and it may be amended at any time.

Schedule 1 - Potential risk scenarios: "red flags"

The following is a list of possible red flags that may arise during the course of you working for us and which may raise concerns under various anti-bribery and anti-corruption laws. The list is not intended to be exhaustive and is for illustrative purposes only.

If you encounter any of these red flags while working for us, you must report them promptly to your line manager or using the procedure set out in the Whistleblowing Policy:

(a) you become aware that a third party engages in, or has been accused of engaging in, improper business practices;

(b) you learn that a third party has a reputation for paying bribes, or requiring that bribes are paid to them, or has a reputation for having a "special relationship" with foreign government officials;

(c) a third party insists on receiving a commission or fee payment before committing to sign up to a contract with us, or carrying out a government function or process for us;

(d) a third party requests payment in cash and/or refuses to sign a formal commission or fee agreement, or to provide an invoice or receipt for a payment made;

(e) a third party requests that payment is made to a country or geographic location different from where the third party resides or conducts business;

(f) a third party requests an unexpected additional fee or commission to "facilitate" a service;

(g) a third party demands lavish entertainment or gifts before commencing or continuing contractual negotiations or provision of services;

(h) a third party requests that a payment is made to "overlook" potential legal violations;

(i) a third party requests that you provide employment or some other advantage to a friend or relative;

(j) you receive an invoice from a third party that appears to be non-standard or customised; (k) a third party insists on the use of side letters or refuses to put terms agreed in writing;

(l) you notice that we have been invoiced for a commission or fee payment that appears large given the service stated to have been provided;

(m) a third party requests or requires the use of an agent, intermediary, consultant, distributor or supplier that is not typically used by or known to us; or

(n) you are offered an unusually generous gift or offered lavish hospitality by a third party.

Schedule 2 – Chief Executive Officer’s Statement regarding Olympia Events' approach to Anti- Corruption & Bribery

“It is Olympia Events' policy to conduct all of our business in an honest and ethical manner. We take a zero-tolerance approach to bribery and corruption and are committed to acting professionally, fairly and with integrity in all our business dealings and relationships wherever we operate and implementing and enforcing effective systems to counter bribery.

Bribery and corruption are punishable for individuals by up to ten years' imprisonment and if Olympia Events is found to have taken part in corruption the Company could face an unlimited fine, be excluded from tendering for public contracts and face damage to our reputation.

We will uphold all laws relevant to countering bribery and corruption however we remain bound by the laws of the UK, including the Bribery Act 2010, in respect of our conduct both at home and abroad.

In light of this commitment, and following a risk review, the attached Anti-corruption and Bribery Policy has been adopted. The policy sets outs the responsibilities of Olympia Events and all those working for us in observing and upholding our position on bribery and corruption, and provides some information and guidance on how to recognise and deal with bribery and corruption issues. We have also taken the opportunity to update our Gifts and Hospitality Policy, and the two policies should be read together.

You are each required to act in accordance with these policies with immediate effect. Managers must also ensure that their teams understand the policies and their obligations under them, and must communicate our zero tolerance approach to bribery and corruption to all key suppliers, contractors and business partners.

Senior management and certain other employees have already received training on the Bribery Act 2010. Reading and understanding the Anti-corruption and Bribery Policy forms part of your training, and accordingly you must sign and return the attached form to confirm that you have done this. Annual refresher training will be arranged, and training will form part of each new employee’s induction.

If you wish to raise any concerns about any issue or suspicion of malpractice, you may use the Group’s whistleblowing helpline (020 7598 2731).

The effectiveness of this policy will be monitored by the Olympia Executive Board of Directors.

Schedule 3

Statement regarding Olympia Events' approach to charity 

The Company recognises the importance of supporting others and wants to achieve more as it grows. Charitable activity is both money and time. Our ambition is to prudently use company resources to:

1. Support initiatives in the communities in which we invest and encourage our people to devote time to such initiatives.

2. We will encourage individual fund raising activities of our people through a staff sponsorship fund.

Schedule 4

Gifts and Hospitality Policy This policy applies to all Olympia Events directors and staff and should be read in conjunction with the Group Anti-Corruption and Bribery Policy.

Any gifts or corporate entertainment, whether accepted from or being made to business associates, must be made in accordance with this policy. They are intended only as a token of goodwill, and must not be used in any way to influence decisions or business judgements. Any actual, potential or perceived conflict of interest should be considered beforehand and, if a concern, be discussed with the Head of Finance.

All gifts with a value in excess of £100, and corporate entertainment with a value greater than £100 per person must be reported in writing within 14 days to the Head of Finance. Regular reports of gifts and corporate entertainment will be reviewed by the Olympia Executive Board of Directors.

The acceptance or offer of any gift or corporate entertainment with a value greater than £2,000 must be pre-approved by the Olympia Executive Board of Directors.

Any gift must not be in the form of cash, tokens or vouchers. Examples of acceptable gifts include bottles of wine or spirits, or a ticket to a sporting event in the company of the business associate.

Breaches of this policy by employees will lead to disciplinary action and potentially carry the risk of personal liability under UK legislation.

If you have any queries in respect of this policy, please do not hesitate to contact the Head of Finance.

Last updated: February 2023