Code of Conduct
Introduction
Bror Göthe Persson started his business in 1934, and since its inception, the Be-Ge Group has continuously grown and developed. The foundation of the Group’s success lies in the corporate culture and the values that Bror Göthe implemented at the start, and which the owning family, the board, and employees have continued to uphold.
The way we live our values in our daily work means that our business partners choose to work with us, as we act responsibly and ethically, with respect for the needs of various stakeholders.
As the Group has expanded and established new operations both in Sweden and internationally, the Code of Conduct has played an important role in demonstrating and explaining our values and the expected behavior of employees within the Be-Ge Group.
How each of us acts is critical to how the outside world sees and evaluates us. Staying informed about and complying with our Code of Conduct is a shared responsibility for both the board and all employees. By respecting and living by our values and corporate culture, the Be-Ge Group will continue to grow and evolve.
Our values
Customer value
» By means of professional contact characterised by engagement, knowledge and a high level of availability, solutions are offered that are adapted to meet each customer’s needs.
» Deliveries are of high quality, with each employee assuming responsibility for his or her part of the delivery.
» Be-Ge’s business relationships are characterised by simplicity, honesty, and close collaboration with the customer.
Long-term view
» With its long history and stable ownership structure, Be-Ge stands for reassurance, tradition and reliability. The long-term view means that our employees feel a sense of pride in being part of the Be-Ge family.
» Be-Ge is characterised by a strong entrepreneurial approach that results in growth within existing businesses, curiosity about innovations and an interest in developing new business areas.
Collaboration
» Through openness and with consideration and respect for the individual, we develop both our employees and our customer relationships.
» We always see the big picture, and our guiding principle is to always resolve any loose ends that arise, both internally within the Group and externally with other stakeholders. “Collaboration brings success” is a motto that pervades the whole business.
Assuming responsibility
» We make sure we assume responsibility for the sustainable development of the environment, society and our employees.
» Be-Ge stands for quality at all levels, where every single employee feels responsible for doing the right thing.
» The business is characterised by an awareness of risk and cost, which creates the conditions for continued development of the Group.
Be-Ge and employees
Conflicts of Interest
All representatives of the Be-Ge Group must carry out private and/or other external activities and manage financial interests in a manner that does not conflict with, or appear to conflict with, the interests of the Group.
Employees’ private interests must not influence, or appear to influence, their judgment or effectiveness in carrying out their duties as representatives of the Group.
The Be-Ge Group has an invaluable reputation for corporate reliability, built on the consistent conduct of business with integrity and in accordance with the laws and regulations governing its operations.
Business success is founded on the ability to build and maintain trust from customers, suppliers, employees, public authorities, and the public.
What does this mean for me?
» Avoid and minimize conflicts of interest whenever possible.
» Inform your immediate manager if a conflict of interest arises.
» Examples of conflicts of interest include:
› Personal relationships with decision-makers at a customer or supplier.
› Financial interests that conflict with the Group’s business.
Political Engagement
The Be-Ge Group shall maintain neutrality regarding political parties and candidates for public office. Neither the Group’s name nor its assets shall be used to promote the interests of political parties.
What does this mean for me?
» Political engagement must not be conducted during working hours or using company resources.
» During national or EU parliamentary elections, visits to our facilities should be avoided.
Non-Discrimination
All employees shall have equal opportunities based on competence, experience, and performance, regardless of gender, race, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, nationality, political views, union affiliation, social background, or ethnic origin.
All employees shall be treated with respect. Discrimination, physical or verbal harassment, or unlawful threats will not be tolerated.
What does this mean for me?
» Speak up and do not accept discriminatory behavior, whether directed at yourself or others.
Trade union organisations
The Be-Ge Group respects the right of all employees to join an organisation that represents their interests as employees, whether through collective or individual negotiation.
The Be-Ge Group shall respect recognized trade unions. An employee’s right to refrain from joining a union is equally respected.
The Be-Ge Group shall notify employee representatives and relevant government authorities of any major operational changes, as required by law.
Working Hours and Compensation
The Be-Ge Group shall comply with applicable laws, agreements, and industry standards concerning working conditions, working hours, rest, compensation, and benefits.
What does this mean for me?
» You have the right to seek support regarding employment conditions from recognized trade unions.
» You are entitled to transparency and information in accordance with applicable labor laws.
What does this mean for me?
» Employment terms, including working hours and other conditions, shall be in accordance with labor legislation and applicable collective agreements.
Health, Safety, and Medical Care
It is our duty to our colleagues, their families, and their communities to protect the health and safety of every employee at work.
We believe that accidents, incidents, injuries, workrelated illnesses, and unsafe conditions can often be prevented. Through employee training, provision of safety equipment, and by prioritizing compliance with safety standards in planning and operations, we ensure that our work environment complies with applicable laws and health and safety regulations.
Company Property and Resources
Be-Ge Group’s property and resources shall be used for business purposes. Property and resources must not be used for personal gain, fraudulent purposes, or in any other inappropriate way.
What does this mean for me?
» Be informed about and follow current safety regulations, including the use of personal protective equipment.
» The use of drugs and alcohol in the workplace is not permitted. Nor is it allowed to work while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
What does this mean for me?
» Report any misuse of the company’s equipment, materials, or other assets.
» Protect the company’s assets from unauthorized access.
IT Security
Information technology and data processing have become an integral part of everyday operations. We respect security and comply with the applicable provisions in the Be-Ge Group’s IT policy.
Artificial Intelligence
We recognize the opportunities and benefits of using artificial intelligence (AI) in our operations. AI should be used with discretion and in consideration of employees’ rights.
What does this mean for me?
» Familiarize yourself with and follow the current IT policy.
» Participate in IT security training programs developed by the Group.
What does this mean for
me?
» Understand and comply with the current AI policy.
» Always evaluate AI-generated information before using it.
» Do not share sensitive information or personal data with external AI tools.
Be-Ge and relationships with customers, suppliers and other stakeholders
Requirements for Business Partners
The Be-Ge Group shall work with suppliers, consultants, distributors, and other business partners who share the principles expressed in this Code of Conduct.
The Be-Ge Group encourages its business partners to apply standards of business conduct consistent with the principles of this Code. Expectations for suppliers and subcontractors are detailed in the Group’s “ Supplier Code of Conduct”.
What does this mean for me?
» Before entering a business relationship, the counterpart’s relevance and integrity must be evaluated.
» When evaluating suppliers, ensure that they comply with the Be-Ge Group’s established “ Supplier Code of Conduct”.
Anti-Corruption
The Be-Ge Group shall not engage in or support any corrupt practices.
Representatives of the Be-Ge Group must not offer customers, potential customers, suppliers, consultants, governments, government departments, or their representatives, gifts or benefits that conflict with applicable laws or accepted business practices, for the purpose of securing or retaining business or gaining any other improper advantage.
Be-Ge Group employees must not accept payments, gifts, or any form of compensation from a third party that could influence their objectivity in business decisions.
What does this mean for me?
» Do not offer or accept anything of value from a third party with the intent of gaining an advantage or influencing a decision.
» Limit the use of gifts and entertainment, and if used, ensure they are reasonable and appropriate given the context.
Customer offers, marketing, and sales
The Be-Ge Group shall ensure that its products and services are presented accurately and comply with all applicable regulations.
The Be-Ge Group shall design its products in accordance with its core values: quality, safety, and sustainability.
The Be-Ge Group must not make false statements or provide misleading information about the company’s products or their performance.
Fair competitive practice
The Be-Ge Group shall compete fairly and with integrity.
The Be-Ge Group shall not exchange information or enter into agreements or arrangements with competitors, customers, or suppliers in ways that improperly affect the market or the outcome of a bidding process.
What does this mean for me?
» When designing new products or modifying existing ones, ensure they comply with regulatory and legal requirements as well as the Be-Ge Group’s internal core values.
» Do not provide misleading information regarding safety and sustainability-related features.
What does this mean for me?
» Exercise caution in dealings with competitors and avoid discussing matters that could influence competition between parties.
» Independent distributors of the Group’s products independently determine terms and prices.
Security and Protection of Information, Know-How,
and Intellectual Property
The Be-Ge Group is aware of the value of its proprietary knowledge and takes great care to protect it. We respect the intellectual property rights of competitors, business partners, and other third parties.
What does this mean for me?
» Use all information related to the Be-Ge Group responsibly and do not disclose it to unauthorized people.
» Do not use others’ intellectual property without permission from the third party.
Be-Ge and the Group’s Role in Society
Accounting and Reporting
All financial transactions shall be reported in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in each respective country. The company’s accounting must accurately reflect all transactions in a truthful and nonmisleading manner.
What does this mean for me?
» Ensure that procedures are in place for the accurate and timely reporting of both financial and non-financial data.
» If you suspect any irregularities, report them to your immediate manager or in accordance with the Group’s whistleblower policy
Money Laundering
The Be-Ge Group shall not accept, facilitate, or support money laundering.
What does this mean for me?
» Know your customer and be alert to unusual transactions, including large purchases paid in cash.
Environmental Responsibility
Be-Ge takes responsibility for the sustainability of our products, facilities, and services. We ensure that our business operations comply with applicable environmental and sustainability legislation, meet customer expectations, and align with the Group’s sustainability goals.
To reduce climate and environmental impact throughout the value chain, we conduct systematic environmental and climate work within our operations and develop product ranges to reduce impact from a life cycle perspective.
We are continuously improving our efficiency in terms of energy and materials, increasingly choosing materials and raw materials with lower environmental and climate impact, and phasing out environmentally and healthhazardous substances as well as fossil-based energy, raw materials, and materials.
To become more circular, our product range and business models are evolving.
Our employees shall possess relevant competence based on the environmental and climate impact of their job responsibilities.
Environmental data related to production, products, and transport must be available upon request in accordance with applicable legislation.
What does this mean for me?
» Stay informed about applicable legislation and the Group’s goals regarding sustainability.
» Look for opportunities to reduce environmental impact within your area of influence.
Human Rights
The Be-Ge Group shall support and respect the protection of internationally proclaimed human rights and ensure that the Group is not complicit in human rights violations.
Forced Labor
The Be-Ge Group shall not engage in or support forced or compulsory labor.
Each employee is free to leave their employment after giving reasonable notice, in accordance with national laws and regulations
Child Labor
We respect children’s rights to personal development and education and do not tolerate child labor. The minimum employment requirement is completion of primary school, and never younger than 16 years of age. Exceptions can be made for temporary summer jobs and school internships.
What does this mean for me?
» Ensure you have adequate knowledge of your business partner before initiating a relationship, and that new suppliers comply with the Group’s “ Supplier Code of Conduct”.
What does this mean for me?
» Ensure you have adequate knowledge of your business partner before initiating a relationship, and that new suppliers comply with the Group’s “ Supplier Code of Conduct”.
What does this mean for me?
» Ensure you have adequate knowledge of your business partner before initiating a relationship, and that new suppliers comply with the Group’s “ Supplier Code of Conduct”.
Data Protection and Privacy
When entrusted with personal data about individuals, we protect it and take appropriate measures to safeguard it from misuse. We comply with all applicable privacy laws when collecting, using, and sharing personal data.
The Be-Ge Group shall comply with GDPR regulations. We collect, process, use, and store personal data strictly in accordance with legal requirements.
What does this mean for me?
» Collect and use personal data only for the purpose for which it was gathered.
» Handle and store personal data securely.
