Code of Conduct - BLU agency network

Gender Disclaimer.

For the purpose of better readability, gender-specific spelling and multiple designations are not used. All personal designations should nevertheless be regarded as gender-neutral.

Introduction

The BLU agency network association e.V. is a Germany-wide agency network for sales promotion, marketing and distribution. As a registered association with its own statutes, we unite companies and agencies that are committed to common values, quality standards and partnership-based cooperation.

Why this code exists

At BLU, the focus is on people – whether in the office, in the field or on the road working for our customers. This Code of Conduct applies to all members of the BLU agency network – including permanent, freelance and project-based employees within the respective member companies.

It formulates the common principles of our actions and describes how we want to treat each other and our environment and what defines us as the BLU Family. We do not see this code as a rigid set of rules, but rather as a guide for our daily activities – characterized by responsibility, respect, professionalism and common sense.

Compliance with this Code of Conduct is binding for all members. It supplements the applicable statutory regulations, individual employment contracts, company regulations and internal company guidelines.

Our values

❤️ Appreciation

We listen and give timely feedback – whether praise, thanks or constructive criticism. We are honest, open and considerate of each other. We value every employee and invest in their professional future within the BLU Family.

✅ Reliability

Our customers and suppliers value us as a reliable and long-term partner. We set ourselves clear goals and achieve them: The quality is convincing and the timing is right. Self-motivation and discipline are a matter of course for us.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family

We are more than just a business – we are the BLU Family. We help and support each other and we don’t leave anyone on their own. We are proud of our past and look forward to a shared future.

💡 Innovation

We constantly question the status quo and try to improve in everything we do. We create an environment that tolerates mistakes and encourages creativity. We involve everyone in our innovation process and we integrate external expertise. We are pioneers in digitalization and use better systems than our competitors.

🎯Professionalism

We impress both internally and externally with our professional appearance and professional communication. Tailor-made training programs have given us all a strong professional know-how. We work in clear and structured processes and are well prepared for meetings.

🔥 Enthusiasm

We are an inspiring team. We grow by exemplifying our values to each other. We explain things to each other and try to motivate each individual in the team. We set inspiring impulses, share our results and celebrate our successes together.

How we behave in our day-to-day work

Our everyday life is as diverse as our team: office, field service, customer appointments, assignments at the point of sale or remotely in projects. This makes it all the more important to have a common understanding of how we work together – regardless of location or position.

🤝 Working together work

We treat each other as equals – with respect, openness and humor.

We give constructive feedback, address problems directly and look for solutions together.

We promote team spirit: No one is left to their own devices.

We show initiative and take responsibility – for our tasks and for each other.

🧑‍⚖️ Equal treatment and diversity

Discrimination, bullying and exclusion have no place at our company – neither openly nor subtly.

We treat all people equally, regardless of origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability or social background.

We value diversity as an enrichment and consciously design our teams to be inclusive.

🧠 Dealing with errors and development

Mistakes happen – the important thing is how we deal with them. We learn from them and talk about them openly.

We invest in further training and personal growth. Everyone can and should continue to develop.

We share knowledge so that we can improve as a team – not as individuals.

💻 Responsible use of technology and data

We handle work equipment with care – whether it’s a laptop, company cell phone or promoter material.

Data protection is not a nice-to-have: we consistently protect the personal data of customers, colleagues and partners.

We adhere to our internal guidelines on data protection and IT use.

🕒 Punctuality, commitment & working hours

We show up on time for appointments and assignments – whether digitally or on site.

We communicate when we are ill, absent or late.

We know our working hours and respect breaks and rest periods – for ourselves and for others.

🧼 Appearance & representation

We are the face of BLU – at the customer, in the store, at trade fairs or online.

We are well-groomed, friendly and professional.

We use social media consciously: internal remains internal. Our appearances should match our values.

How we behave towards customers, partners and competitors

We stand for a professional, fair and cooperative approach. Our customers, suppliers and business partners trust in our know-how – and in our conduct. We want to confirm this trust every day.

💼 In customer contact: competent, solution-oriented and loyal

We are not “just a service provider” for customer projects – we are co-thinkers, enablers and brand ambassadors.

We communicate clearly, friendly and honestly – even when the going gets tough.

We keep our promises – and speak up in good time if something does not go as planned.

We don’t badmouth our customers – neither internally nor externally.

🎁 Dealing with gifts, invitations & benefits

We will not be bribed – not even subtly.

Small gifts (e.g.(e.g. promotional gifts) are fine as long as they remain within the usual framework.

Invitations (e.g.We only accept invitations (e.g. to events or business meals) if they do not create any dependency or obligation.

When in doubt, we prefer to ask our superiors or the HR department.

⚖️ Fair competition & transparency

We respect our competitors and do not work with unfair means.

We comply with applicable competition law – even when pitching, submitting offers or approaching customers.

We do not make negative statements about competitors or other agencies – we prefer to convince through performance.

🔐 Confidentiality & information security

What happens in the project stays in the project: Confidential information from customers, partners or internal teams must not be leaked.

We do not share internal or sensitive content via WhatsApp, social media or private devices – unless expressly permitted.

We also maintain discretion about projects, processes and customer relationships in our private lives.

Integrity, law and responsibility

As part of the BLU agency network, we take responsibility – for our behavior, our decisions and our environment. We comply with applicable laws, internal guidelines and moral standards.

⚖️ Ethical behavior is non-negotiable

We act honestly, fairly and responsibly – even when no one is looking.

We stand for integrity and reject any form of bribery, manipulation or taking advantage.

We avoid situations in which private interests could conflict with those of the agency or our clients.

🔎 Look instead of looking away – in the event of misconduct and suspicious circumstances

Anyone who observes violations of this code should not remain silent.

Every report – whether anonymous or open – helps to improve our working environment.

Nobody has to fear disadvantages if he or she gives information in good faith.

📣 Whistleblower platform: report securely and confidentially

BLU operates an independent whistleblower platform that can be used to report violations.

The platform is confidential, GDPR-compliant and protects whistleblowers in accordance with applicable law.

You can find access to the platform internally on the intranet or request it via the HR department.

📄 Important guidelines you should know

Company regulations

IT and communication guidelines

Travel guidelines (if relevant for your area of application)

Please inform yourself regularly about the current regulations. If you have any questions, your line manager or the HR department can help.

Our common understanding – and how we work with it

This Code of Conduct is not a rigid set of rules, but a living document. It reflects how we at BLU think, act and want to treat each other – today and in the future.

It does not replace your own judgment, but is intended to strengthen it. Those who act with common sense, adhere to our values and prefer to ask more questions in difficult situations are usually right.

✅ Commitment for all

This code applies to all BLU agency network employees – regardless of function, contract or location.

Anyone working for or on behalf of BLU recognizes this code as a binding basis for conduct.

Violations of this Code may result in disciplinary action or exclusion from projects.

👥 Role model function of managers

Those who lead teams have a special responsibility: the code is not just read, but lived.

Managers are the first point of contact for questions, uncertainties or conflicts.

They promote an open feedback culture and ensure that this code remains tangible in everyday life.

📌 Questions? Uncertainties? Talk to us .

If you are unsure about something, you can contact your project manager, HR or the management at any time. We don’t just tolerate openness – we expect it.

💙 In conclusion: We are BLU

We are a strong team with clear values. When we take responsibility together, speak openly with each other and take our principles seriously, this is exactly what makes BLU special: an agency that inspires – through attitude, through performance, through humanity.