Cardiff University leads effort to tackle modern slavery in creative industry SMEs

Cardiff University researchers have taken a significant step forward to combat modern slavery risks in Wales' creative industry small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs.)

As part of the Modern Slavery and SMEs project, academics hosted a focus group and training session, bringing together industry, academia, and policymakers from the Cardiff Capital Region (CCR).

The event, funded by medyr and supported by CCR and Media Cymru, explored how small businesses can strengthen ethical business practices and tackle exploitation risks.

Led by Dr Maryam Lotfi and Dr Anna Skeels from Cardiff University's Modern Slavery and Social Sustainability (MSSS) Research Group, in collaboration with Dr Marian Buhociu from the University of South Wales, the session sparked open and solution-driven discussions on the challenges and opportunities SMEs face in mitigating modern slavery risks.

Key highlights included

• discussions on the ethical and legal responsibilities of creative industry SMEs.
• exploration of practical strategies to strengthen ethical business practices.
• engagement with key partners committed to tackling exploitation and improving social sustainability in the sector.

As the project moves forward, Cardiff University and its partners remain dedicated to translating these discussions into tangible impact, reinforcing the university’s role as a leader in social sustainability and anti-slavery initiatives.

Find out more about the Modern Slavery and Social Sustainability Research Group