S172 Statement – Companies Act 2006
The Companies Act 2006 requires directors to state how they have had regard to the matters set out in section 172(1)(a) to (f) of the Companies Act 2006 when performing their duties under section 172. These are as follows:
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the likely consequences of any decisions in the long term;
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the interests of the company's employees;
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the need to foster the company's business relationships with suppliers, customers and others;
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the impact of the company's operations on the community and the environment;
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the desirability of the company maintaining a reputation for high standards of business conduct; and
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the need to act fairly between members of the company.
The directors make decisions by taking their legal duty into account and also the priorities and requirements of the stakeholders.
(a) The likely consequences of any decisions in the long term
The directors have regard to the likely consequences of their decisions on the long term objectives and sustainability of the company, its stakeholders and the community as a whole.
We assess the profitability of each of our products on an individual basis and will make decisions effectiveness and efficiency if costs outweigh revenue or appropriate customer satisfaction levels are not maintained. We research new and emerging technologies and assess the impact of incorporating them in to our current products. These decisions would be made on a long term view with the intention of providing an overall positive impact on company profitability and customer experience.
When a dividend is proposed, it is important to confirm the availability of distributable reserves whilst considering the impact of the company's cash flow and future capital requirements, without any detrimental impact on the position of our creditors.
The company strongly believes that investing in employee training and skill development will result in long-term benefits and increased job satisfaction, despite the initial costs. We will encourage our employees to pursue training, further building our reputation as a company committed to the highest standards for our customers.
(b) The interest of the company's employees
Our employees are the heart of the company and a key selling point for our customers - from our Customer Success Consultants, providing coaching to optimise workflow efficiency - to our Support Desk, providing on hand assistance for customer inquiries - this is where our company excels.
The directors recognise that our employees are fundamental to the long-term success and sustainability of the business. The directors regularly consider the interests and well-being of employees when making strategic and operational decision.
Throughout the year, the company has continued to engage with employees across all levels of the business through a combination of regular communications, surveys and team briefings. This ensures that employee feedback is heard and considered in making financial and non-financial decisions.
We are committed to providing a safe, inclusive and supportive working environment. Investing in training and development remains a priority, enabling our people to grow skills and advance their careers within the business. Our amazing Human Resources team plays a key role in helping to facilitate this by providing a range of internal training and development opportunities. In addition to training, HR also keeps employees informed through regular internal communications, highlighting important business updates, company initiatives and employee achievements. This helps to foster a more transparent and engaged workplace culture.
As part of our ongoing commitment to our people, we invite all team members each year to participate in The Sunday Times Best Places to Work survey. This is a valuable opportunity for everyone to share their experiences, insights, and ideas for making Henry Schein One an even better place to work.
We’re proud to share that, for the second consecutive year, Henry Schein One has been officially accredited in The Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2024 programme — a reflection of the positive culture we’re building together.
c) The need to foster the company's business relationships with suppliers, customers and others
The directors recognise that strong, collaborative relationships with our suppliers, customers, and wider stakeholders are fundamental to the long-term success of the company. In line with their duties under Section 172(1) of the Companies Act 2006, the directors give due consideration to the interests and views of these key stakeholders in their decision-making processes.
We are committed to building and maintaining mutually beneficial partnerships with our suppliers, ensuring that they are treated fairly and paid promptly. We engage regularly with our supply chain to promote responsible business practices, manage risks, and improve efficiencies. By working closely with our suppliers, we are better able to ensure quality, continuity of supply, and alignment with our values and compliance standards.
Our customers are central to everything we do, and we actively seek feedback to improve the products, services, and experiences we deliver. This is achieved through user forums and direct engagement, enabling us to better understand their needs and respond to them effectively. Our customer relationships are built on trust, transparency, and consistently high service standards.
This year, we launched Dentally Community—our new online platform where customers can connect, share tips, ask questions, and learn from one another. It provides a space for users to get even more value from their Dentally experience, while also offering us valuable feedback to help improve our product.
(d) The impact of the company's operations on the community and the environment
We are dedicated to operating in a socially and environmentally responsible manner. The company has taken steps to support the transition to lower-emission transport. In the prior year, new electric vehicle charging points were installed in our car park to encourage the use of electric vehicles among employees and visitors. In addition, we introduced access to the Octopus Electric Vehicles salary sacrifice scheme, enabling employees to lease electric vehicles in a tax-efficient way. This supports greener commuting choices, reduces our overall carbon footprint, and reflects our dedication to promoting sustainable practices within and beyond the workplace.
In addition to environmental matters, the company is strongly focused on supporting the communities in which it operates. Employees are encouraged to participate in the Henry Schein Cares programme, which provides meaningful opportunities to engage in charitable, healthcare, and social outreach initiatives. This reflects the company's values of giving back and supporting equitable access to care and services.
As part of our commitment to inclusivity and community engagement, the company was proud to act as a sponsor of Medway Pride during the year. Supporting this event aligns with our values of diversity, equality, and respect, and provides a platform for promoting inclusion both within the workplace and across the wider community. Our involvement has also given our employees the opportunity to engage and support local LGBTQ+ initiatives, further reinforcing a culture of openness and belonging.
(e) The desirability of the company maintaining a reputation for high standards of business conduct
The directors are fully aware of the importance of maintaining a strong reputation for high standards of business conduct, and this principle underpins the company’s operations, governance, and relationships with stakeholders.
The company operates with integrity, transparency, and accountability, and these values are embedded into our policies, training, and day-to-day decision-making. Compliance with legal and regulatory requirements is treated as a minimum standard, with a wider focus on ethical practices across all areas of the business. Employees are provided with clear guidance on conduct expectations through codes of ethics and conduct, and regular training reinforces our commitment to responsible and professional behaviour. Maintaining high standards is seen as essential not only to preserving trust among customers, suppliers, and partners, but also to supporting long-term sustainability and stakeholder confidence in the business.
(f) The need to act fairly between members of the company
The company is part of the Henry Schein One group, with the parent company being Henry Schein One LLC. The company maintains clear and transparent communications with its members, providing timely and accurate information of financial performance, strategic development, and other matters of significance. Decisions made are guided by a commitment to fairness, and consideration is given to how such decisions may affect different stakeholder groups.