Code of Business Conduct

This Code sets out the behaviours expected of Soletec employees, suppliers, contractors, agents, and partners. It guides the way we work with each other and with customers, suppliers, vendors, competitors, government bodies, shareholders, and the public.

The Need for a Code of Business Conduct

Soletec is committed to complying with all applicable legal requirements and working to the highest ethical standards. This Code provides practical advice for day-to-day work and is not a substitute for individual responsibility or seeking advice when in doubt.

Those who supervise others have additional responsibilities. They must lead by example and provide the support needed to understand and follow the Code's requirements.

The Company regards failure to observe this Code as serious misconduct, which may lead to dismissal.

Our ambition

Our vision is for Soletec to be admired by customers and employees for consistently delivering and rewarding excellence. Achieving this demands that we work to world-class standards, focus on customer satisfaction, respect the environment and communities where we work, and promote and reward on merit.

Soletec people are safe, ethical, innovative, cost-conscious, responsive, and always focused relentlessly.

Speaking Up

Employees who know of, or have genuine suspicions about, breaches of this Code or any legal, regulatory, or work-related violation should report the matter promptly to their manager or another senior manager.

Concerns may also be raised by email at Info@soletec.com. Reports will be handled in confidence. Soletec will protect the confidentiality of employees who raise concerns and keep them informed of developments where appropriate.

Any attempt to deter employees from raising concerns will be treated as a serious disciplinary matter.

If you believe that any aspect of this Code is being or may be breached, you should speak up in complete confidence.

Political Contributions and Activities

Soletec will not engage in party political activity or make political contributions in cash or in kind. Lobbying activity may only be conducted through the group communications function.

Employees may participate in the political process in a personal capacity, provided this does not conflict with their work. Employees should notify their manager if they stand for or accept public office.

Compliance with Laws and Competition Rules

Each individual is responsible for knowing and following the laws that apply in the place or country where they work. Where local customs, norms, laws, or regulations differ, the highest standard of behaviour must be applied.

Soletec strives to comply with applicable laws, rules, regulations, export controls, and sanctions, and to cooperate with routine government and regulatory enquiries and investigations. Business records must be accurate, complete, and retained for at least ten years or longer where required.

Anti-competitive behaviour

Competition laws prohibit anti-competitive behaviour and penalties can be severe. Employees must never talk to or exchange information with competitors to fix prices, divide markets or customers, limit production, or rig competitive bidding processes.

Competitor intelligence must be obtained legally and fairly. Theft, illegal entry, bribery, misrepresentation, or electronic interception are never acceptable.

Bribery and Corruption

Most countries have laws that prohibit corruption. Breaching these laws is a serious offence that can result in fines for the Company and imprisonment for individuals.

Soletec prohibits employees, agents, subcontractors, and suppliers from making or offering any payment or inducement to secure an improper commercial advantage. Accepting gifts, kickbacks, improper payments, or favourable treatment from suppliers, customers, or competitors is strictly prohibited.

Customary and appropriate business entertainment may be offered or accepted only in accordance with relevant business policies and procedures. Employees must be diligent in selecting and monitoring suppliers, contractors, agents, and partners and must report suspected improper payments immediately.

Do not make, accept, or permit improper gifts or payments in connection with Soletec activities.

Interaction with Local Communities

Soletec respects local customs and culture and seeks to develop lasting relationships in the communities in which it works. Through corporate social responsibility activities, employees are encouraged to become involved in appropriate community projects and, where possible, suitably qualified personnel are recruited locally.

Conflicts of Interest

A conflict may arise where personal interests are at odds with those of the business. If there is any doubt about whether a potential conflict exists, employees should disclose it immediately to their manager.

Potential conflicts include accepting excessive gifts or hospitality, benefiting from Company property, failing to offer the group a relevant business opportunity, deriving personal benefit from a contract entered into by a group company, or working for a competitor.

Outside directorships and financial interests

Employees must obtain written consent before accepting external board appointments. Prior written approval is also required for certain share transactions involving competitors, customers, partners, or suppliers of the group.

Approval process

Directors, officers, and employees must obtain the required written approvals before entering into transactions covered by the Code. Failure to follow this policy will be treated as serious misconduct.

Do not engage in activities which may be perceived as conflicting with your duties as a Soletec employee.

Workplace Conduct

Bullying and harassment

Soletec is committed to providing a working environment free from harassment and intimidation. Harassment includes unwelcome or offensive conduct that adversely affects an employee's dignity. Complaints will be investigated under the relevant grievance procedure.

Victimising or retaliating against someone who makes or assists with a harassment complaint is a disciplinary offence.

Equal opportunities

Soletec is a multicultural organisation that recruits, rewards, and trains the best candidates based on merit, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, marital status, race, colour, age, religious belief, national or ethnic origin, or disability.

Drugs and alcohol

Excessive alcohol consumption or use of controlled drugs is incompatible with proper performance and may compromise safety. Employees are required to comply with applicable guidelines and procedures, and Soletec is committed to helping employees who voluntarily disclose dependency concerns in confidence.

Always treat your colleagues with respect and do not tolerate unwelcome or offensive treatment.

Health, Safety, Environment, and Security

Soletec is fully committed to achieving a target of zero accidents and transparent reporting of health and safety performance.

The Company conducts operations in accordance with legal and other requirements to minimise negative environmental impact and maintains a target of zero environmental incidents.

Soletec aims to provide a safe working environment for all those who work with us and protects its assets against fraud, misuse, and illegal activities.

Company Assets and External Communications

Physical assets, intellectual property rights, and information must be handled with care to avoid loss, theft, or damage. Company assets should be used for business purposes, with limited personal use permitted only where it does not conflict with Company interests, the Code, or Company policies.

Confidential business information and intellectual property must not be disclosed unless required for proper duties or at the Company's request. This obligation continues after employment ends.

Only employees specifically authorised to do so may respond to media, investor, or analyst enquiries. Employees should not enter into off-the-record discussions with third parties.

You must take every care with Company property and should never disclose or misuse intellectual property or confidential information.